Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 11/15/15

3 Up

1. Paris Stadium Security Guard - Not much has been revealed, and we don't even know if this security guard is still alive, but whomever this person is/was, they helped save a lot of lives. LOTS! Just by doing their job well and finding the vest of the bomber, they prevented what could have been a much larger catastrophe. Too often we mock security guards, especially those who approach their jobs with lackadaisical effort. This person is a hero. A huge, huge, big time hero. 

2. Facebook - I'm not a huge fan of Facebook as I find Twitter and Instagram to be more interesting. That's just me. However, Facebook's "Safe alert" feature is a new concept that is just brilliant. Knowing a former student who worked for me and who now lives in Paris, it was nice to see her check in as "safe" in the midst of the chaos. I can't even imagine how convenient it was for those with closer friends and family. 

3. Holly Holm - As gloomy as the weekend was and has been, UFC 193 provided some entertainment to remove us all from reality. Watching Holm shock the world by taking down Ronda Rousey was exciting and just awesome. Kudos to Holm who stayed true to herself, wasn't intimidated, and outright destroyed Rousey. 

3 Down

1. Paris Terrorist Attacks - The obvious. No explanation needed. I'll be honest, I spent my entire Saturday glued to coverage and of course, completely in sorrow for what was happening in our world. 

2. "Social Media Activists" - The world has many, many issues - I get it. However, nothing made me angrier than those using these attacks to either further their political views on immigration, or others who were comparing the awareness of terrorist attacks (to those in Kenya back in April) to make it a racial issue. Can we not just feel for a second? Maybe a moment? And to be honest, some of the social media postings like this have been idiotic. Chill out. Absorb the moment. Don't we value life anymore? 

3. Entitled Protesters - I think what students are doing on campuses around the country in bringing attention to an important issue in marginalized racism is fantastic. However, much like the "social media activists" mentioned above, there are instances where the protests have gone too far and have made this generation seem entitled. See here what's going on at Columbia University as an example. 

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?

Quick Ponder: Talk

They're gonna talk.  What if you just. let. them. talk.  

Now That It's Over - Enjoyable and Pain All At Once

Welp, it's over.  Is it possible for something to be so enjoyable yet hurt so bad now that it's over?  That's the only way to describe the end of this New York Knicks season. Even after giving it a few days, ironically on the night that the NBA Finals begin - the Finals I thought we really could have gotten to - I still find myself reeling.  Everytime that damn clip of Haliburton's shot bouncing into the air and dropping in...bruh... But, I needed the time to gather my thoughts and feelings, reject the crazy hot takes and absurd opinions, and adjust to some of the immediate changes the Knicks made.  So here we go:  Immediate Thoughts This was easily! - my favorite Knicks season and team since 1998-1999. I know I said that last year, but this era of Knicks basketball has provided me with such luxury to move the goal posts and update these personal lists.  I genuinely loved this run despite its ending.  Jalen Brunson's shot in the Detroit Pistons series ...