Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 11/29/15

3 Up

1. Dehumanizing Athletes - I'm not one to play daily fantasy sports, or one who really cares to do so. If you do, that's great. More power to you. However, this piece in the New York Times was a great read on how many like myself feel about it. As a former athlete, I thoroughly agree. 

2. Thanksgiving - Despite the origin of the holiday, Thanksgiving is a great time to get together with loved ones and family to spend some much needed time to kick off the Holiday season. And of course, the food is always so good. 

3. Kobe Bryant Retirement - Announced tonight on the Players Tribune (which is a fantastic website by the way), The Black Mamba announced that this season will be his last. A great from-the-heart write-up, and a much needed announcement so we can acknowledge one of the best athletes of this generation on his way out of the game. 

3 Down

1. Boko Hiram - I'm not sure why the media is not discussing the threat of Boko Hiram in Africa. Not only are they responsible for the most fatalities through terrorism this year, but they continue to destroy regions in Northern Africa, specifically the country of Cameroon this week. Is it because they haven't threatened the West? Is it because we just don't value the lives of those in Africa? Whatever. These goons need to be stopped as well. Such a sad world...

2. Laquan McDonald's Death - I watched the released video of McDonald's death in the street by police officers and could not watch it again. How in the world can another human being shoot down a young man and then fire away on his lifeless body in the streets like that? The video is telling of many things wrong in our country right now. 

3. Colorado Planned Parenthood Shooting - What an ugly week in the world for "Downs", huh? Nonetheless, let's call this what no one is - terrorism. This is indeed terrorism, folks. Ugh. So sick of this week's news...

1 Crazy

1. Black Friday Shoppers - These people are crazy and ridiculous. Just me bloggin, but I find it fascinating how we are willing to make efforts to give up precious time to wait on line outside of a store with others for items we probably don't really need, but we can't even go out and vote when we have a chance to make a difference. Whatevs. Again, so over this week's news. 

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?

Turning 40 - Grateful and Renewed

I became a forty-year-old individual yesterday.  The milestone is very significant for many and has its societal measures and benchmarks that carry some fear for those approaching its gates. Regardless of approach, turning 40 is filled with reflection, pondering (of course), and preparation for what should be a "new" stage of life. A life stage centered around "transitioning" into a stage seen as the "pre-senior" years.  Sure. Whatever.  I won't disagree that the new "4" digit that sits in front of your age feels encompassing even without understanding completely. Yet, as I stated last year when I turned 39 (going into my 40th year on this earth), I was ready for it. Ready for 40. Today, oddly enough, I am not filled with profound life lessons, ponderings, or reflections.  I sit here, punching the keys, filled with gratitude. I am 40, and I love it.   I carry my baggage of life and bear scars from it at 40. I am grateful for so many experien...

Knicks Trauma - Ugh Not Again

Well, that was a kick in the stomach.  Coming off a week where the word "catharsis" was used as the description for the euphoria and release of joy from two and a half decades of suffering, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers brought about another word - trauma.  Watching the Knicks collapse was the kind of moments that come with these deep runs and moments. NBA Playoff basketball will do that. Yet, this loss - this one - feels about as bad as the 2004 ALCS when the Yankees collapsed in the series to the Boston Red Sox.  That one carries some serious trauma. Luckily, the series isn't over.  Some other quick thoughts from this awful, awful night, New York Knicks Basketball.  - Not to conjure up hyperbole, or even contribute to "hot take" sports reaction culture - but this might have been the worst loss in Knicks franchise history. I cannot think of another in my lifetime, or historically.  - Tyrese Haliburton's "choke"...