Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 5/31/20


3 Up

1. Black Lives Matters Movement - I feel like, for the first time, BLM is being understood for its mission and purpose. In the past, it was constantly placed a position of opposition or rivaling two other "moments" by the result of its existence in "Blue Lives Matter" and "All Lives Matter", which was a bit unfair, and very annoying. While in some ways that is still the case, the movement has moved forward this week what surely is an interesting time in our nation's history.

2. (White) Privilege - In all of my years of studying education inequality and for the most part, directing the mess that is equality in America, I would have never thought that "White Privilege" would be in the "Up" section of the SSR. But here we are. Kudos to the many white people out there who have taken the time to show empathy, to understand the privilege their skin gives them, and the insight into the life that happens for those who don't have that skin. Education and empathy help us all - keep educating yourselves, and each other.

3. Killer Mike Speech - For an impromptu speech, especially among the many given by famous celebrities and figures this week, Killer Mike's shines through. He knows his stuff, and his call to strategize and mobilize is that that is needed to be heard. For me, what was even more awesome is that Mike carries the stigma all rappers do, yet, you learn of his law enforcement family, and of course, his power and passion for social change.

3A. Denzel Washington -  Speaking of famous figures, give it up to Denzel Washington for his actions this week of decelerating what could have been another situation, and really, just being a good person - an overall good dude. When talking about privilege, he has it and used it for good.

3 Down

1. Death of George Floyd - Obvious, no?

2. BLM Posers - This may sound crazy, but it's not the looting and rioting that bothers me. We act horrified by these actions as a society, yet don does not bat an eye when the same is done after sports championships in a city. Nonetheless, what bothers me is the underlying groups that are ripping the narrative away from this movement for change, and of course, those who get their angle to hold onto in order to remain in opposition (for personal or political reasons). Beware of the individual focused on looting and rioting and not the issue at hand - an unjust system that works only for a few.

3. Presidential Leadership -  In no means am I trying to be biased or push political agenda here - but where is our President? If there is any time the nation needs to hear from our leadership, it is now. And no, Tweets do not count.

1 Uhhh...What?!

1. COVID-19 - Is it me, or did last week feel like the Coronavirus wasn't a thing anymore? Continue to be safe, everyone. It's not over.

Recently Read Posts

A Product of Us: Thoughts on Durant Trade

I said back in July when Kevin Durant rocked the NBA world with his trade request, that he "showed us who he was".  It wasn't a negative comment, but one that encompasses his entire career being a product of our current sport climate - success and focus on legacy. We emphasize the value of a career on rings, and thus, Durant has too. Why wouldn't he?!  Upon waking up and realizing that Durant will don the purple and orange for the Phoenix Suns in what is clearly now a team to watch come the NBA Playoffs, I find myself further pondering if Kevin Durant is the prime result of what we - yes, us! - have done to the modern athlete.  Today, Durant is one of the greatest basketball players I've ever seen. EVER. The dude is rare. He's a seven-foot magician which makes defending him even more difficult based on how damn efficient he is on the basketball court. It's downright poetic and beautiful to watch Durant play. And yes, I'm romanticizing his game. I belie

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 2/19/23

3 Up 1. India's Tap Water Access - This is a rather remarkable story. It's a story that offers humility wrapped in the extraordinary. India's Jal Jeevan Mission provided almost 79 million - 79 MILLION! - households with tap water. Just tap water!  2. Jordan Make-A-Wish Record - MJ is often loved through nostalgia, narrative, and remembrance for being politically neutral - even in giving. MJ these days has made some influential contributions, including this latest $10M donation to the Make-A-Wish foundation.  3. WWE Elimination Chamber - A tremendously entertaining pay-per-view on the road to Wrestlemania. The best storyline in pro wrestling continues to evolve between Sami Zayn and the Bloodline.  3A. City of Montreal - Give it up to the city of Montreal for what made a few nights of pro wrestling an awesome experience. Can we get this city more events?  3 Down 1. Michigan State Shooting - We're broken. Very broken. My thoughts and prayers are with those friends and fam

Impact No Surrender 2023 Review: "Interested in where the Product is Going"

I've fallen behind on my Impact Wrestling viewing, but honestly, that's okay. For viewership and enjoyment, yes. Not so well for posting a review for readership long after it's noteworthy or relevant. But whatevs, that's just where I am in life. Wrestling is much more fun removed from the restraints and influence of the criticism and impact (no pun intended) of the current time. That's just me. You can probably thank social media. Moving on, No Surrender 2023 continues Impact's progress into the new year. The product is still solid and consistent with a nice blend of characters and wrestlers moving in and out of the main event scene, along with a fresh batch of a resurgence of characters and occurrences. Nothing says that more than Rich Swann vs. Josh Alexander.  No Surrender was a solid event, but it does leave me extremely interested in where the product is going, or should I say planning, for 2023. I don't want to say that Alexander's title reign has

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 1/8/22

3 Up 1. New Year - Happy New Year to you all! I've written it in a bunch of emails, mainly to be courteous, but I really do wish you the best for you. I hope 2023 is a great one for all of you DP readers.  2. Buffalo Athletic Trainers - Let's give it up for the Athletic Trainers of the Buffalo Bills who performed with courage, steadfastness, and urgency in regard to Damar Hamlin. We should be celebrating those trainers more.  2A. Athletic Trainers - And because I'm always around them, let's give it up for Athletic Trainers in general. They do so much and very much go unnoticed in the space of sports, athletics, and performance.  2B. Damar Hamlin - Praying for Hamlin and his family... 3. Broadway Bounceback - We all like to believe we're back from COVID, but we're not. But it's news like Broadway having its biggest week of sales since the pandemic began is some nice news. Everyone in the theatre industry deserves it.  3 Down 1. Damar Hamlin Situation - Horri