Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 6/21/20


3 Up

1. Happy Father's Day - Happy Father's Day to many of the strong and powerful men out there who do so much for the next generation. The world needs more of you, especially in today's climate, to raise responsible human beings and to help lead strong families with a strong conviction for what is right.

2. Dream Act - I was never in favor of dismantling DACA. All around, the removal of the act just seemed wrong on so many levels. If it didn't work (or you don't agree with the legislation), I understand not looking for repeatable initiatives in the future, but stripping it all for many who have made life decisions on it was just outright cruel. Especially, those who have never experienced life elsewhere. I'm happy it was held up.

3. Albert Pujols - Big Albert may not crush the way he used to anymore, but he continues to show the type of human being he is by paying the salaries of all the Angels staff who work in the Dominican Republic. Say what you want about the latter part of his career and the contract he signed with the Angels, but the dude puts that money to extremely good use. So charitable. It's hard NOT to like him.

3 Down

 1. Modern Day Hangings - The recent hangings of black men across the country are all too coincidental. I just don't buy the sudden "suicides" of black men by way of hanging from trees across the nation. Our climate is all too surreal, and to be honest, it's highly indicative of how embedded racism is in our country.

1A. Hanging Noose - This shit is infuriating. I don't think I've ever wanted a NASCAR driver to win as badly as I want Bubba Wallace to win.

2. #SpeakingOut - This was absolutely heartbreaking to read, but it was definitely necessary. The wrestling business saw many within it, mostly female workers, speak out this week of their stories of sexual abuse within the industry - some while they were minors (so crazy - smh). The stories were outright horrific, and have taken down the entire UK wrestling scene, and a few notable talents here in the states. I love wrestling, but it too needs to be completely turned on its head to shake much of a business is rooted in misogyny and racism. Check out the hashtag on Twitter if you dare.

3. Voter Suppression - The story out of Kentucky is absolutely infuriating. Cutting 3700 polling sites to just 200, with the majority of them leaving black communities with absurd ratios, is the height of voter suppression, and really, of a democracy that has failed in its basic concepts.

1 Progress Made

1. Juneteenth - Maybe it was me, but it was surreal to see Juneteenth really become a part of everyone's radar and awareness as a celebration. Many just learned about it and seeing it as a part of everything we do for other holidays is an ode to the progress made for acknowledging ALL history.

1 Could it Be...

1. Undertaker Retirement - Speaking of wrestling...the Undertaker apparently has finally hung it up. Like for real this time. I'm not ready to believe it, but if it's true this time - what a hell of a run. In any entertainment business. That's a legendary run.
Labels:

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?
Read more

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"...
Read more

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...
Read more