Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 2/14/21


 
3 Up

1. Law Enforcement at the Capitol - The footage we saw during the impeachment hearings, especially that of the newly never-before-seen footage, was tough to watch. At the same time, it provided even more appreciation for the efforts taken by the law enforcement presence during the riots, as well as lengths of their injuries and mental challenges since January 6th. 

Some of the footage of Eugene Goodman was downright heroic and pivotal to what could have escalated to another level of tragedy. The video of him running by Senator Mitt Romney is one that continues to prove that. 

2. JJ Watt - I don't know what is going on in Houston - it seems all of their household sports names are leaving town. Add JJ Watt to the list who released a video via Twitter this week explaining to the world his request for a release from the Texans, and of course, his appreciation for the city of Houston. Watt is a class act, and the kind of athlete you want in a franchise representative. 

3. NASCAR Daytona Diversity - The Daytona 500 was this week. Michael McDowell won this year's race in a fiery final lap. However, getting the "up" is the debut of 23XI Racing, owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. Jordan becomes the first black owner of a NASCAR team, and we also saw Bubba Wallace become the first black driver to lead a lap at the race. It's a small step (and shocking considering the firsts happening in 2021), but diversity only helps the sport move forward. 

3 Down

1. Cuomo Numbers - A huge egregious act by Cuomo and his administration. A recent New York Times article reports that Cuomo's administration downplayed the amount of COVID numbers (and deaths) during the beginning of the pandemic. Cuomo's office responded with the defense of being in fear of Trump's administration, which is rather ridiculous for a leader who claimed to "not be playing politics" on the issue. Not to mention, the writing and cashing in of a book. 

Again, not good. At all. 

2. Myanmar Protests - Protests continue in Myanmar as the world watches their military attempt a coup by removing elected leaders. The situation continues to be fragile to the state of democracy for the country and provides unrest through the region. The people of Myanmar have undergone internet blackouts, curfews, and other measures to control the people from rising up against the coup. It remains an interesting story, especially considering the few parallels to what we've experienced in America. 

3. Impeachment Acquittal - It's tough to maintain faith in our government leaders when "politics" and positional power is more important than accountability for what happened at the Capitol. Unfortunately, it's not surprising. 

Recent Favorites

Wanting the Alternate Route For Bronny James

Welcome to the NBA, Bronny James!  In what was the worst-kept novelty of a storyline in the sports world in LeBron and Bronny one day gracing the NBA together, we're finally here!  First, congrats to Bronny! Entering the NBA is incredibly difficult, especially more than ever considering its global reach. Regardless, he is now part of the fraternity and amongst the elite in the game. Haters will say what they want, but he's there.  And second, congratulations to LeBron and Savannah James. What will be lost in all of this is that they raised a strong young man who yes, took advantage of his access and genetics, and is now at this point in his life - his ultimate goal. Bronny at the core, had no reason to want this - none. He easily could have rested, relaxed, and enjoyed the spoils of this birth lottery. Instead, he wanted what h knew would be the shadow of a massive legacy - and still did the work. That takes guts.  I commend the kid for not resting on Dad's name and wealth.

Thoughts on First 2024 Presidential Debate

It’s the most unwanted rematch likely in history. Biden vs. Trump What we saw tonight was exactly what many moderates expected and solidified what we didn’t want to say out loud - we have to have better options than these two, no? There isn’t much to say about this debate, especially from this debate nerd. This was the absolute shits in regards to inspiring a nation for an upcoming election season, which in many ways, still resonates with political fatigue from 2020. But you know that, already. You knew that ten minutes into the debate. The two best quotes I’ve come across to wrap up my overall feeling are the following: On one side it’s hell no, and on the other, it’s oh no. It’s who we shouldn’t have be President vs. who we can’t let be President A few more quick thoughts on last night 1st Presidential Debate:  - For me, this format was the biggest positive of the night and a very good baseline for where future political debates need to go. In a world of “takes” and who shouts the lo

2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs Keeps Me Casual on Hockey

It's been a long time since I've talked hockey on this.  Wait! Huh? Come again? Yes, hockey. In fact, the last time I posted anything, I was mesmerized by the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals between the Los Angeles Kings and the New York Rangers.  Fast forward to 2024, and my hockey fandom took another step forward. For years I've been the admitted casual. And you know what, I'm okay with that. Unfortunately, my unconditional love fandom for my New York Knicks presents a conflict that will forever curtail anything serious from happening between hockey and myself.  Nonetheless, I felt like this post-season heightened my hockey fandom to another level. Hockey is amazingly awesome. I very much enjoyed the Stanley Cup Playoffs, caught myself choosing Rangers games over early April Yankees baseball, and overall, found myself playing NHL 24 on the ol' Playstation 4.  Yeah, I fell hard. But before I shelf my spring fling with hockey until April 2025, here are just a few quick pon