Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 1/17/22

3 Up

1. Dr. King Weekend - I love this weekend, because, I'm just a big fan of Dr. King. Sure, this is the weekend of many who will ill-use his quotes, water down his message and purpose, and hold up his work in such a way to accommodate and support their message - at times, it's comical. 

However, it's a weekend to be reminded, to reflect, and to celebrate his life. Don't ever forget, Dr. King was hated during his time. He was killed for fear of what he would bring to America. Let's not forget that as we reflect this weekend. 

2. Maya Angelou on US Quarter - An amazing writer. And now, the first black woman to appear on a US Quarter. That's some really dope stuff. 

3. Yankees/Rachel Balkovec - This is sort of last week's news that made its way into this past week, but it should be recognized every day - Rachel Balkovec having the opportunity to manage the Single-A ball club for the Yankees is really cool. Even cooler is her approach and sentiment to wanting to be a role model for girls who love baseball. Let's go Balkovec! 

3 Down

1. Murder of Michelle Alyssa Go - An utterly heartbreaking story. New York City is struggling after the pandemic started, and it's senseless violence like this that is plaguing its existence right now. My heart goes out to her family and loved ones. It's just not fair...

2. American Inflation - Well, inflation is at 7%, the highest its been since 1982. Things are expensive, shipments are slow, and living is just a bit harder - you know, besides all of that COVID stuff. Not good at all. 

3. Novak Djokovic Situation - This has been some situation this past week with the #1 Tennis player in the world, Djokovic, trying to get into Australia unvaccinated. Now, Djokovic is also facing a similar fate as France looks to adopt similar policies to enter their country. No French Open as well it seems. 

This gets the "down" for simply being an all-around bad situation. Djokovic lied about his travels, Australian immigration messed up his application status, we as a world are still unable to navigate this new pandemic world effectively, and tennis fans lose out on the biggest draw in multiple major tournaments. 

Ugh...absolute mess. 

Cover Photo

People look out of their window at the apartment building on East 181st Street that was the scene of a fire in the Bronx borough of New York City. Seventeen people were killed and 13 were in critical condition following the fire, which was reportedly started by a faulty heater.

Photograph: Justin Lane/EPA

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...

TNA Slammiversary 2025 Review: "One of the best TNA shows that I've ever attended"

One of the best TNA shows that I've ever attended.  That has been the bottom line regarding my immediate my thoughts on TNA Slammiversary 2025 since it my son and I walked away from UBS Arena. I attended the - the - record-breaking show for the company this past weekend in Long Island, NY, and it brought back so many feelings that I had for this company in the past, as well as created new ones in the process.  I've been fortunate enough to attend many TNA shows throughout the company's existence, including all the turbulent years. From barns, small theaters, convention halls, and historic, but smaller, venues like the Manhattan Center, there was a very surreal aura about sitting in an area for a TNA show.  In the words of Real1 (who made an appearance on the Countdown to Slammiversary)... Well, well, well...whatta we got here!  For this long-time fan, the aura and environment were pretty cool. Being part of a record-breaking night was pretty cool. Sharing that momen...

Remembering Hulkamania

What a complicated mess this news leaves me in. Hulk Hogan. Dead. At 71. I was never a fan of Hogan (in the world of pro wrestling)…I was a Macho Man Randy Savage guy, and later on, a Bret Hart guy (and still am). But like every other wrestling fan from the ’80s through now, Hulk Hogan’s presence and legend are undeniable.  Terry Bolea transcended wrestling as Hulk Hogan and helped the art form take its first step into the mainstream of pop culture.  He later reinvented the business once again with the greatest heel turn ever at Bash at the Beach 1996. Many have changed the business once, but twice? Significantly?! Hogan’s run as Hulkamania and as Hollywood makes a case for the best to ever do it - I can't think of anyone on such a high level on both sides of the pro wrestling coin as a babyface and heel. Every pro wrestling Mount Rushmore (as dumb as these lists have become) includes Hulk Hogan, period. But Hogan is also so instrumental in my ever-evolving ability to separate...