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Sunday Sundown Rundown - 12/16/18


3 Up

1. Charles Barkley Unlikely Friend - I can't do this story justice. Just give it a read. Such a heartfelt story that restores your faith in humanity, especially during this time of the year. Again, please read.

2. Walmart Layways - Pay it Forward - It started with a few people, then Tyler Perry took it over the top, and now many are paying off items on layaway at Walmarts across the country. Again, great stories like this is what we all need during the Holidays, no?

3. Winter Meetings - After a last year's ice cold freeze out, this year we're off to a great start with names being thrown about, trades going down, and some of the biggest names in the game linked to the most unlikeliest of suitors. And yes, like you, I'm eager to see where Machado and Harper land.

3 Down

1. Death of Jaeklin Caal - Heartbreaking. Headscratching. Politics aside - and even the quick (and of ten too easy trigger) of blaming Trump - this is unspeakable. How this happens on US soil is unconscionable.

2. China Religion Suppression - China has now detained over 100 Christians and has also made efforts to quiet many Muslims within the country as the country continues to suppress religion and faith. It's probably something that will be glossed over here in our headlines, but really should be look at much closer.

3. White House Turmoil - Man, am I the only one worn out on politics in 2018?

1 Wow

1. Gun Violence - Hey America, we did it! 2018 has the highest gun deaths in the country in 40 years. 'Merica! SMH.

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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?

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"...

Knicks Back in ECF Causing Catharsis

I've certainly shared my emotions and thoughts regarding the New York Knicks on this site over the years. There have been plenty of those to sort through - most of them are rants. Tonight, the New York Knicks ultimately destroyed the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, 119-81. I sat on my couch, afraid to allow myself to feel joy until that final buzzer. As a Knicks fan, I've been through too much to allow myself to do anything else, to make any assumption, until it was final. Until it was confirmed. Until something couldn't fall through...the way we're used to.  Once it was final, it was unreal.  The New York Knicks are in the Eastern Conference Finals. For the first time since 2000.  I was 15 years old the last time that happened. And that was a run with a squad that I consider (still) to be my favorite Knicks team of all-time.  I sat on my couch with all sorts of feelings. My wife was likely trying to understand the moment. My son, exci...