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Sunday Sundown Rundown - 9/4/22


3 Up

1. Serena Williams - Well, the GOAT finally ran out of steam this weekend in her US Open loss to Ajila Tomljanovic. Williams made that last set all kinds of dramatic with her refusal to be put away. Not sure what else there is to say - she's one of the greatest athletes of all time. And if you've followed this blog, you know that she's been one of mine. 

If this is it, thanks for the memories, Serena. 

1A. Ajla Tomljanovic - I'm also giving Tomljanovic some MAJOR props as she handled being a part of this moment perfectly. From not giving into the moment and remaining competitive, to displaying amazing poise while being asked tough questions about Serena following a victory - her victory! How can you not be impressed by her?

2. Labor Day Weekend- While summer is unofficially over (why does summer have unofficial beginnings and end in Memorial Day?), I just felt like this Labor Day was needed for everyone. Summer, and the intense heat, provided a summer unlike any other. It certainly was for me. 

3. Aaron Judge - Ah mean, Judge is having a historic season, and is on pace to break 61 (however, it is you feel about that number and its legitimacy as the Home Run record). Even more impressive? I don't think I've ever seen a more true definition of MVP than I've seen this year with Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees. 

3 Down

1. Jackson, Mississippi - We've got all sorts of money for everything, yet we can't fix water for marginalized communities in need of it. 

2. Somalia Famine - It's quite surreal to hear of famines around the world - like legit famines where people are dying because of a shortage of food. We've got to be better, no? We are talking about an entire nation projected to face threats of famine and emergency concerns. It's mind-boggling...

3. Reading and Math Scores - I live it every day. The effects of development seen in our youth because of the pandemic are so stark and obvious. This week, we now have early data that shows reading and math scores fell sharply. 

3 Interesting 

1. DOJ's Photo Top Secret Documents - Trying to keep political bias out of this as much as possible - we all know the climate we're in. However, I'm asking - genuinely asking - can the former President reasonably answer why he has these documents in his personal establishment? For me, that's my biggest concern - why does he have possession of this information? 

2. Uvalde Goes Back to School - I can't even imagine how tough it must be for parents to drop their child off at that same elementary school. 

Cover Photo

Serena Williams walks off court possibly for the last time after US Open loss to Ajla Tomljanovic.

Michelle V. Agins/The New York Times

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