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Sunday Sundown Rundown - 7/31/16

3 Up

1. Syria's Secret Library - This article is an awesome read. In the middle of a civil war, which has affected the world, some in Syria have collected books from destroyed buildings in an underground location for many to further and continue their education. The library also helps local medics treat those remaining in the territory. 

2. Khan Family - Kudos to the Khan family who shared with the world the story of their son, a fallen United States solider, during the Democratic Republic Convention. A touching story, and one that puts many political issues at stake into perspective. 

3. New York Yankees - Forget their play on the field, kudos to the front office for finally - FINALLY - building toward the future in trading away assets for top prospects. They now have some really big time pieces for the future that has this fan excited. To those complaining about the move, you need to get a clue. 

3 Down

1. Kabul, Afghanistan - Another terrorist attack in an area that seems to be in absolute peril. It's been such a tough summer in this aspect...

2. Donald Trump - Man, I'm trying not to get on this guy. But the remarks he made following the DNC speech toward the Khan family, especially, Mrs. Khan, lacked integrity. 

3. Bow Wow & Civil Rights - So, Shad "Bow Wow" Moss claims he cannot understand civil rights because he's of mixed heritage. Really? You don't have to be black to understand it. Whatever you are, you just have to understand oppression. 

1 Unsure

1. Michael Jordan Stance - So Michael Jordan finally decided to take a social justice stand. FINALLY! He donated one million in helps of bridging the gap between communities and local police enforcement. However, for me, there is just something "too-little-too-late" about this. Just my take right now.

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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"...