Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 6/9/19


3 Up

1. "When They See Us" - After much acclaim, I finally got around to watching the four-part series by Ava Duvernay this weekend. Very similar to when my parents made me watch Roots (and then the remake on my own as an adult), this was a tough, but needed watch. For so long I knew about the injustice that was the Central Park Five - especially growing up as a man of color in NYC - but, never did I understand the people behind the injustice and the ramifications on not just the men but those around them. Such a tremendous watch that is really needed. I'll probably have a reaction up soon.

2. NYC Terror Plot Foiled - It barely made headline news this week, and well...that's a good thing. Throwing grenades at people? What the...! I'll never understand the level of hate some human beings are capable of holding in order to drum up these sort of plans. So much props - and not enough of it - to our local and federal authorities for grabbing up this clown before he executed his demonic plans.

3. Jamaican Women's Soccer Team - The Reggae Girlz are underdogs, but they've already beaten super power house, Brazil. How can you NOT root for these ladies going forward?

3 Down

1. Sudan - The absolute unrest going down in the Sudan is beyond what the human heart can take. A country is torn and struggling for it's independence while government officials are gunning down protesters seeking a fair and just democracy. It's 2019, but really, our world hasn't evolved that much from matters like this . So sad.

2. Big Papi Shot - This came across as I begin putting together my list for this post. Just unbelievable. Why? That's all I could drum up right now. So much prayers to Papi, his family, and friends. This world is so wicked.

3. USMNT - A 3-0 loss to Venezuela in a friendly. How bad is the state of the United States Men's National Team right now?

Recently Read

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"...