Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 1/12/20


3 Up

1. Firefighters in Australia - The job of a firefighter is a courageous one already as is within your local communities and city. Yet, in tackling the massive catastrophe that has been the Australian fire - not to mention those who have boarded planes and traveled to the ravaged continent - has raised my respect for the profession and those who do so everyday. So much respect to those of you who serve.

2. 6 Year-old Standing Ovation - This is such a heartwarming story. In the midst of a tough week (more on that below), it is gems like this that are hidden in our news cycle that serve as a reminder that there are plenty of great things happening everday.

3. Harry and Meghan - This is pretty cool in an interesting sort of way. I've never understood the fascination with the "royal" family, especially in that of their weddings and children announcements. This exit is interesting, and is just a reminder of the perils of fame. I wish them all the best.

3 Down

1. Ukrainian Passenger Jet - Senseless and Sad. Opposite of the good above, the destruction of this airliner killing 167 people for senseless political purposes is head shaking and heartbreaking. Downed by a mistake of a missile is not acceptable in any way.

2. Australian Fires - Already touched upon, the fires continuing to rage in Australia are shocking in the amount of devastation. 17.9 million acres have already been burnt - larger that area of countries such as Denmark and Belgium combined. Some of the stories of wildlife being destroyed is just tough to read - just an all around crazy situation.

3. Puerto Rico Earthquake - If the world hadn't seen enough this week, Puerto Rico, still recovering from hurricane Maria, suffered an earthquake once again, suffering massive damage, loss of life, and power outage on the island.

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?

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...