Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 11/15/20

 


3 Up


1. Coronavirus Vaccine? - It's here...sort of. Regardless of the semantics, the announcement of a vaccine produced by Phizer that is 90% effective - Flu Shots are 40-60% effective!! - has some serious promise. As the virus hits a second wave here in the Fall, the news coming from big Pharma is starting to make this pandemic feel like it's in the 4th quarter. Regardless, don't be stupid - wear your mask. 

2. Michelle Ng - THE first female General Manager in baseball! I just love it. Let's forget that Ng has tons of experience and success throughout her career and has only been given this opportunity at 52 when farrrrrrrrrr more white males with less have been given GM opportunities as early as in their late twenties. No, no, I won't remind you of the inequalities that are at play here. I'm just happy Ng is given her opportunity, and that baseball is progressing forward - something it always struggles with. 

3. Chris Nikic - You want an inspiring story? How about Chris Nikic, a Special Olympics athlete who became the first person with down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon competition. Yeahhhhhh, that's awesome. 

3 Down

1. Coronavirus Record Cases - It is getting awful again. Especially so, in the Midwest. Please, please, please continue to wash your hands and wear a mask. It's so simple. Please. 

2. Army Helicopter Crash - Such a heartbreaking story of the five servicemen who perished this week due to a technical issue. Such a horrific story, and of course, so many thoughts with their families right now. It's a sobering story as while we're over here challenging the status of an election, there are many overseas still fighting for such a concept to be available. 

3. US Presidential Transition - Look, I won't go into President Trump's recent challenge of the US election. However, the idea that this President is playing golf more frequently and getting legal teams together while the nation continues to suffer under the crushing heel of a national pandemic is head-scratching. I'm not even talking about his transition or post-election pandemic, but his urgency that mirrors a child in school in the month of June is so worrisome and disappointing. 

2 Amazing

1. Pushup Punishments - Major kudos to authorities in Indonesia who have been using pushups (and other forms for the disabled persons) as a form of punishment for those caught not wearing masks. Such a win-win for curbing practices of not wearing masks, keeping everyone fit, and of course, taking money out of the situation. 

2. Hail Mary Catch - Even this non-to-casual-football fan could appreciate that hail mary pass from Kyle Murray to Deandre Hopkins.

1 Needed

1. Veterans Day - Post-Veterans Day wishes to all who have served this nation. 

Recently Read

Dear Son, Big Fan of the Kid Turning Seven

---7 Years Old --- Dear Son,  It’s been a while since I’ve dropped a few thoughts. Forgive me, I’ve just been watching. Just observing. Taking it all in. Trying to be a good dad. I’m punching the keys today from one of your martial arts practices. It’s your second with “the big kids” and also the second time I’ve found myself watching from the sidelines with anxiety, with pride, and with likely my biggest fandom for you yet in this space. My feelings are much more than you playing baseball or coaching you in basketball. Your disposition is different. Your excellence is different in this space. With martial arts, you stay diligent with the process. Respectful. Working hard. Getting better. In competition with and respecting the older kids you are training with. That’s what I’ve enjoyed. It encapsulates everything you’ve grown into thus far. Still empathetic as ever, but adding an element of self-ambition and drive - something I’ve prided myself on - and to see you mature into this m...

Working in Higher Ed, Lately

"Working in higher education must be interesting these days, huh?" That question was posed to me by several people who recently learned that I worked in higher education. The recent discourse around the industry and field has certainly shifted in narrative and the overall feel within it. I recently wrapped up my fourteenth (!!) academic year. It's remarkable to think that I've been serving students and following a passion for this long. This is especially the case considering the rising turnover, the documented yearly burnout, and the increasing exodus from the field.  And, yup, there is that whole enrollment cliff combined with the politics that are more present than ever on college campuses.  So yeah, higher education is weird right now. Very weird.  Some quick thoughts : IS IT TIME?  Yes, I have thought about leaving the field several times. Especially, over the last few years. COVID didn't really bother me, but it's safe to say that the world of higher edu...

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?