Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 7/23/17

3 Up

1. Boy w/Double Hand Transplant - This is an amazing story! Not only is the young man the first to receive a double hand transplant, but he has functioning mobility in both hands. Better yet - he can now swing a bat! How cool is that?! And even better, what does this mean for others in the future? So cool. 

2. Aaron Judge's Blast - Judge has been giving Yankee fans - and baseball fans - thrills all year long with the blasts he's been sending into orbit. His latest home run in Seattle, which broke STATCAST, was epic, and will surely be one that will have mythical proportions in the future. 

3. What is America To Me - I love the opinion section of the New York Times - naturally as a blogger, why wouldn't I, right? Regardless, give this one a read regarding immigration, and the real life results of an issue we think of in just politics. 

3 Down

1. John McCain - It's tough hearing that the senator has been diagnosed with brain cancer. Here is to hoping he battles, and defeats this nasty, ugly disease. 

2. San Antonio Smuggling - The story coming out of San Antonio Texas is troubling, and disheartening. It sheds light on another perspective on immigration as many are smuggled here against their will, and that US Citizens are behind it. I can't even imagine the many other trucks, or various other ways, of others with similar results. So incredibly sad. 

3. Chester Bennington - Linkin Park definitely broke many barriers and even crossed cultural lines. RIP Bennington, your music will live on. 

2 SMH

1. OJ Simpson Parole - Was I the only one who couldn't believe the world once again surrounded OJ Simpson? And likewise, was I the only who couldn't believe that OJ had not changed over the past nine year? "Never been in conflict?" "Everyone loves me". Wow. October should be another media storm. God bless the Goldman family. I can only imagine the emotions his Mr. Goldman is going through.

2. Kyrie Irving - Talk about blowing up the NBA scene. Kyrie shocked the world, and now so many questions are up in the air, and so many domino effects are in place. On thing is for sure, the gap between Golden State and everyone else just got bigger. 
Labels:

Recently Read

Working in Higher Ed, Lately

"Working in higher education must be interesting these days, huh?" That question was posed to me by several people who recently learned that I worked in higher education. The recent discourse around the industry and field has certainly shifted in narrative and the overall feel within it. I recently wrapped up my fourteenth (!!) academic year. It's remarkable to think that I've been serving students and following a passion for this long. This is especially the case considering the rising turnover, the documented yearly burnout, and the increasing exodus from the field.  And, yup, there is that whole enrollment cliff combined with the politics that are more present than ever on college campuses.  So yeah, higher education is weird right now. Very weird.  Some quick thoughts : IS IT TIME?  Yes, I have thought about leaving the field several times. Especially, over the last few years. COVID didn't really bother me, but it's safe to say that the world of higher edu...
Read more

Dear Son, Big Fan of the Kid Turning Seven

---7 Years Old --- Dear Son,  It’s been a while since I’ve dropped a few thoughts. Forgive me, I’ve just been watching. Just observing. Taking it all in. Trying to be a good dad. I’m punching the keys today from one of your martial arts practices. It’s your second with “the big kids” and also the second time I’ve found myself watching from the sidelines with anxiety, with pride, and with likely my biggest fandom for you yet in this space. My feelings are much more than you playing baseball or coaching you in basketball. Your disposition is different. Your excellence is different in this space. With martial arts, you stay diligent with the process. Respectful. Working hard. Getting better. In competition with and respecting the older kids you are training with. That’s what I’ve enjoyed. It encapsulates everything you’ve grown into thus far. Still empathetic as ever, but adding an element of self-ambition and drive - something I’ve prided myself on - and to see you mature into this m...
Read more

Still...American

O say, can you see? first generation dream-chasing foundation  maybe it wasn’t for me? But still, an opportunity. socio-mobility Hey kid, “Be the best you can be” For you, and a future be  Or two or three Don’t mind the history. It’s broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight Within by class, age, political party Or the mere color of skin. Embrace those (societal) ramparts so gallantly streaming over-Patriotic expression,  Ever redeeming I’ll use my boot straps, for sure! “We got money for wars, but can’t feed the poor?!” Keep ya head up… Straps up, too! Yet, still the bombs burst in air where democracy can be unfair Legacy pipelines everywhere School shootings here…and there, No care. Why is this us? just us? ‘Merica!!!  Send up thoughts and a prayer. But don’t tread on me… Whatever, our flag is still there. Praise God! For I still rather be here It’s Dr. King. Freedom to pursue. unappreciated blessings My pledge of allegiance is internally fiery, Tho...
Read more