Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 8/13/23


3 Up

1. Alix Dorsainvil - An ongoing story that reminded us even the nicest of people who are genuinely trying to do good in this world have to navigate the enormous evil within it. Dorsanvil, an American nurse in Haiti to help, along with her daughter were held captive for almost two weeks. This week, we all received the good news that she was released. 

2. 50 Years of Hip Hop - Ahhhh what a year of buildup to the celebration that has been 50 years of hip hop. Thanks so much to a style of music that evolved into a way of live and culture that has influenced so much within our society. 

3. Eras Tour Impact - Taylor Swift's Eras tour has been assessed has having the same amount of economic impact as the Olympics. Absolutely insane. Swift reaches new heights in her stardom, and the tour isn't over! 

3 Down

1. Hawaii Wildfires - Absolutely heartbreaking to see the images and the fallout from Hawaii regarding these wildfires. So many have lost their homes, livelihood, and loved ones. Absolutely devastating...

1a. Extreme Weather - This topics has been in the "down" spot too often this summer, but we can't ignore it. Beyond the chaos in Hawaii, it feels like wildfires are ALL over the world right now. 

2. Foiled Assasination of Zelensky - In a story that made headlines but quickly slipped through our awareness, Ukraine foiled a plot to assassinate their leader. Everything in the Ukraine and Russia feels like we've become desensitized due to the length of this conflict. Yet, still, so many suffer. 

3. Baltimore Orioles - In a more less-serious "down", The Orioles found a way to embarrass themselves in a successful year by suspending their announcer, Brown, for well...offering facts. SMH. Shame on the Orioles organization. More specifically, their leadership. 

Cover Photo 

Honolulu Fire Department responders work in Lahaina. 

Go Nakamura/The New York Times/Redux

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