Skip to main content

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.

Recently Read

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...

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...

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?