Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 9/12/21


3 Up

1. September 11th Reflections - The time of the year always brings about a bundle of emotions. This year, the nice round number of 20 brings a milestone of remembrance and reflection. Here is to everyone who shared their thoughts, performed ceremonies, and honored the victims and heroes who should forever deserve it. 

Just a quick note, here were some of my thoughts on 20 Years After 9/11

2. Robert E. Lee Statue Removal - Well, there was something quite unique and empowering of Robert E. Lee's statue in Virginia be scrawled and spray painted with all sorts of words and meanings that make Confederate supports all types of big mad. But truly, it's long overdue to rip these things down. Starting with the biggest traitor and loser of them all. 

3. Maia Chaka - The first black female referee in the NFL. The first! That's super cool. 

3 Down

1. Unidentified 9/11 Victims - During a week we look back, it's often forgotten the number of families who have yet to receive closure. Over 1100 victims have not been identified or have had their remains found. 20 years later, and in many ways, 9/11 is still not resolved. So incredibly sad. 

2. Ex-Prosecutor from Ahmaud Arbery Case - SMH. Everything that has been the Ahmaud Arbery situation is such an example of the American justice system. I just hope there is some slight bit of justice. Unbeleivable. 

3. Michael K. Williams - Shout out to a Brooklyn legend and a tremendous actor. Gone too soon. 

1 Interesting

Tik Tok passes YouTube - Tik Tok has now surpassed YouTube for average watch time in the US and UK. I know I'm getting old when I not only don't care about new social media, but honestly, I don't understand the appeal. But eh, rock on Tik Tokers. Lots of creative minds making their way in the world. 

Cover Photo

The statue of former Confederate General Robert E. Lee is removed from Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia, on September 8, 2021. The statue was lowered to the ground and cut into pieces, then brought to a secure location, where it will be stored until its final place is determined. The statue, one of the largest monuments to the Confederacy in the U.S., was taken down after years of resistance and a long court battle.

Ryan M. Kelly / AFP / Getty

Recently Read

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 11/15/15

3 Up 1. Paris Stadium Security Guard - Not much has been revealed, and we don't even know if this security guard is still alive, but whomever this person is/was, they helped save a lot of lives. LOTS! Just by doing their job well and finding the vest of the bomber, they prevented what could have been a much larger catastrophe. Too often we mock security guards, especially those who approach their jobs with lackadaisical effort. This person is a hero. A huge, huge, big time hero.  2. Facebook - I'm not a huge fan of Facebook as I find Twitter and Instagram to be more interesting. That's just me. However, Facebook's "Safe alert" feature is a new concept that is just brilliant. Knowing a former student who worked for me and who now lives in Paris, it was nice to see her check in as "safe" in the midst of the chaos. I can't even imagine how convenient it was for those with closer friends and family.  3. Holly Holm - As gloomy as the week...

Trump Wins.

I can't say that I'm surprised.  This week, I purposely took some time to take in the moment, the time in history, and even those around me - strangers and known individuals - to understand it all. The hours and days after I awoke from going to bed purposefully (I was under the weather) to awake to an alert on my phone - DONALD TRUMP ELECTED 47th PRESIDENT - not once did I feel shocked. In fact, I'm not sure that I felt anything at all.  I said to my wife heading into election day, I very much don't blame anyone for voting for him in this election. I'm not a big Trump guy. I gave him a chance in 2016, and well, I'll do so again in 2025. I have no choice. However, after watching Kamala's run toward the election, granted, it was short and abbreviated (somewhat forced), it was hard to understand. The celebrities. The counter-rallys. For a party that said the right lost themselves, how could it be, that the party of the working class was trying to persuade my vo...

Quick Ponder: Man Love

"A man is only loved under the condition that he provide something"  - Chris Rock  Feeling that these days,  with the understanding  of privilege,  and responsibility.