Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/15/19


3 Up

1. Kyle Korver's Note - Korver earned himself a spot at the cookout this week with his note on the Player Tribune. Seriously speaking, I loved everything about Korver's piece. It's not everyday you get the all-too-important perspective from the white male acknowledging their privilege and need to active as an ally.

2. Tiger Woods Master's Win - I caught the very last moments of it in my office with a few co-workers as we wrapped up Accepted Students Weekend. I'm not a big golf fan, but I understand Tiger's significance, and yes, it makes for a tremendous redemption story. I'm always in for that.

3. Game of Thrones - I have never seen a GoT episode. Nor am I really into it. But you know what? Kudos to Game of Thrones for providing a product that has engulfed so many. Maybe one day I'll give it a watch. Maybe...

3 Down

1. Louisiana Church Fires - So we're still burning down historically black churches in this country, huh? SMH.

2. Laura Ingraham Nipsey Segment - Speaking of SMH moments this week, shame on FOX News and Laura Ingraham for trying to spin the love and death of Nipsey Hussle into some kind of political fuel for Trump.

3. Magic Bailing - I don't ever feel bad for Lakers fans. And I actually still don't - go cry me river with your basketball woes. Us Knicks fans don't want to hear it. Nonetheless, Magic stepping down is the ultimate example of today's sports fandom and how we equate names to positions, rather than self-efficacy and long-term rationale. Magic was just a name, and seemingly wasted a year of LeBron's career.

2 Goodbyes

1. D-Wade - D-Wade's story is interesting. The amount of charity and goodwill he did that went unnoticed really is the example of someone who used their fame and fortune for good - even when the odds were against him. I won't miss him pump faking my Knicks into foul trouble while dropping 50 on us, though.

2. Nowitzki - Honestly, one of my favorite NBA players of all-time. The big German reinvented the game, but more specifically, stayed with one franchise for 21 years. While he did take pay cuts in the latter part of his career, some of that kudos should go to Mark Cuban and the Mavs for taking care of his star player at all times.

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...

Remembering Hulkamania

What a complicated mess this news leaves me in. Hulk Hogan. Dead. At 71. I was never a fan of Hogan (in the world of pro wrestling)…I was a Macho Man Randy Savage guy, and later on, a Bret Hart guy (and still am). But like every other wrestling fan from the ’80s through now, Hulk Hogan’s presence and legend are undeniable.  Terry Bolea transcended wrestling as Hulk Hogan and helped the art form take its first step into the mainstream of pop culture.  He later reinvented the business once again with the greatest heel turn ever at Bash at the Beach 1996. Many have changed the business once, but twice? Significantly?! Hogan’s run as Hulkamania and as Hollywood makes a case for the best to ever do it - I can't think of anyone on such a high level on both sides of the pro wrestling coin as a babyface and heel. Every pro wrestling Mount Rushmore (as dumb as these lists have become) includes Hulk Hogan, period. But Hogan is also so instrumental in my ever-evolving ability to separate...

TNA Slammiversary 2025 Review: "One of the best TNA shows that I've ever attended"

One of the best TNA shows that I've ever attended.  That has been the bottom line regarding my immediate my thoughts on TNA Slammiversary 2025 since it my son and I walked away from UBS Arena. I attended the - the - record-breaking show for the company this past weekend in Long Island, NY, and it brought back so many feelings that I had for this company in the past, as well as created new ones in the process.  I've been fortunate enough to attend many TNA shows throughout the company's existence, including all the turbulent years. From barns, small theaters, convention halls, and historic, but smaller, venues like the Manhattan Center, there was a very surreal aura about sitting in an area for a TNA show.  In the words of Real1 (who made an appearance on the Countdown to Slammiversary)... Well, well, well...whatta we got here!  For this long-time fan, the aura and environment were pretty cool. Being part of a record-breaking night was pretty cool. Sharing that momen...