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Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/17/16

3 Up

1. Georgetown 272 - Many do not hold some of our "esteemed" Universities around the country accountable for it, but this New York Times piece on Georgetown University, and it's history of selling 272 slaves to keep the institution afloat is VERY thought-provoking. A very interesting question also is evoked - what do these institutions owe descendants? 

2. NBA Week - Could the NBA ask for a better week than this last one? First, there was the unbelievable story of the Golden State Warriors breaking the vaunted 95-96 Bulls' single-game season wins record with a 73rd win (still unfathomable). And then there was the absolutely fun game that was watching Kobe Bryant go for 60 points on his final game. Oh yeah, playoffs began this weekend as well. Great stuff for the league all around. 

3. Removing Andrew Jackson - There are sooooo many aspects that still evoke reminders of slavery and the dark parts of our nation's history in this country. Honoring Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill has been one of them, and now, it seems that will be no more. 

3 Down

1. Ecuador Earthquake - A devastating earthquake occurred in the country killing almost 300 civilians and causing mass damage, including many collapsed buildings. Such an unfortunate situation. 

2. Saudi Arabia Threat - Having the Saudi Arabian government threaten to pull $750B in U.S. investments if they are brought up on investigation for their role in 9/11 just reeks of guilt. Here is to hoping our government does the right thing in not letting threats dictate what is right for the 3000 families who lost loved ones on that day. 

3. Johnny Manziel Support - A second time this makes the "down" list just this year. Where are the same people that rode this poor kid's tails to the NFL and his national success? Now when he needs it the most, Manziel is on his way to not only permanently killing his football career, but much worse. Again, where the heck is this guy's support system and loved ones? 

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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 week...

Quick Ponder: Man Love

"A man is only loved under the condition that he provide something"  - Chris Rock  Feeling that these days,  with the understanding  of privilege,  and responsibility. 

Trump Wins.

I can't say that I'm surprised.  This week, I purposely took some time to take in the moment, the time in history, and even those around me - strangers and known individuals - to understand it all. The hours and days after I awoke from going to bed purposefully (I was under the weather) to awake to an alert on my phone - DONALD TRUMP ELECTED 47th PRESIDENT - not once did I feel shocked. In fact, I'm not sure that I felt anything at all.  I said to my wife heading into election day, I very much don't blame anyone for voting for him in this election. I'm not a big Trump guy. I gave him a chance in 2016, and well, I'll do so again in 2025. I have no choice. However, after watching Kamala's run toward the election, granted, it was short and abbreviated (somewhat forced), it was hard to understand. The celebrities. The counter-rallys. For a party that said the right lost themselves, how could it be, that the party of the working class was trying to persuade my vo...