Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 1/14/23

3 Up

1. Ralph Yarl - What a tremendous story for Ralph Yarl. A nightmare for any parent (especially for parents of children of color), Yarl bounces back from a horrific shooting to earn a spot on an all-state band. So glad to learn of this story! 

2. 20 Million Gets Healthcare - Look, healthcare in this country is weird (yeah, it sucks). I know "Obamacare" really bothers some people due to the political ties, but the Affordable Care Act has recently seen a surge of 20 million individuals acquiring the coverage. Again, for me, politics aside - that's a big deal. 

3. TNA Wrestling - A personal appointment here at #3 is TNA Wrestling returning to this name and offering what was an amazing show in Hard to Kill. Pro Wrestling is in such a boom period, and it's been great.  

3 Down

1. Gaza Death Toll - The death toll is now 22,800. Take in that number. Absurd. Sad. So unfortunate. Incomprehensible, to be quite frank. 

2. School Absenteeism - A rise in absenteeism continues across schools nationwide. The problem goes well beyond education and is directly connected to other issues such as wages, standard of living, and so much more. Not good at all. 

3. Secret Tunnels in Brooklyn - What is going on? We've got secret tunnels? What if the buildings that were deemed dangerously unstable due to these tunnels collapsed? Again, what is going on?! 

Cover Photo 

Dancer Skye Madison Murphy poses for a photographer as snow falls in New York City on January 6, 2024. 

Andrew Kelly / Reuters

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?

Dear Son, Big Fan of the Kid Turning Seven

---7 Years Old --- Dear Son,  It’s been a while since I’ve dropped a few thoughts. Forgive me, I’ve just been watching. Just observing. Taking it all in. Trying to be a good dad. I’m punching the keys today from one of your martial arts practices. It’s your second with “the big kids” and also the second time I’ve found myself watching from the sidelines with anxiety, with pride, and with likely my biggest fandom for you yet in this space. My feelings are much more than you playing baseball or coaching you in basketball. Your disposition is different. Your excellence is different in this space. With martial arts, you stay diligent with the process. Respectful. Working hard. Getting better. In competition with and respecting the older kids you are training with. That’s what I’ve enjoyed. It encapsulates everything you’ve grown into thus far. Still empathetic as ever, but adding an element of self-ambition and drive - something I’ve prided myself on - and to see you mature into this m...

Quick Ponder: Living for Your Kids

Many, are willing to die for their kids. Few, are committed to live for their kids.