Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 2/4/24

3 Up

1. Tracy Chapman - It was pretty damn cool to see Chapman grace the stage - seemingly coming out of wherever she's been to lay down some tunes on her smash hit. Sorry, Luke Combs version is okay (not overly a fan of the cover), but having Chapman at the Grammys to sing alongside was an awesome moment. I'm a sucker for those collab moments in music. 

1a. Taylor Swift - Sticking with the Grammys, Taylor won best album of the year - as expected. Of course, Swift caps off an amazing 2023 by announcing she's dropping a new album in 2024 - thus crushing the hopes of every artist out there. Did you see faces when she announced that?! 

2. Neo Hutiri - Innovation in the healthcare field is needed, and Hutiri is doing in a space where it is very much needed in Africa. It's a great story where he is changing the game via a smart locker dispenser system, getting meds and prescriptions to patients at a much quicker pace. 

3. Carl Weathers - My guy. From Rocky, to Predator, to Action Jackson, and so much more - Weathers was a staple for so many of us growing up. Long live Apolo Creed. And yes, despite the tragedy that is forever notorious in Rocky IV, I still think Sly killed off the character too soon. 

3 Down

1. Eplicit AI Images - We've entered a new low regarding technology. Call me whatever you want, but it's about time we begin to reign in and heavily legislate some of these actions. Society has lost itself...

2. Hate Crimes in Schools/Colleges - Hate crimes in educational spaces have doubled since 2019. And it only feels like it's getting worse with parents and adults adding to the mess with their own political influence and lack of communal values. Just my two cents...

3. Taylor Swift Conspiracy - Folks really believe the NFL is rigged to get Swift to the Super Bowl to influence her audience to vote for Joe Biden, thus, impacting (or manipulating?) the 2024 Presidential election. SMH.

It hasn't been dialed up yet, and I already despise the upcoming Presidential election period.

Cover Photo

Carl Weathers (L), as Apollo Creed, in action vs Sylvester Stallone (L), as Rocky Balboa, during a fight sequence in filming on the set of "Rocky II" movie. 

 Neil Leifer/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

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?

Knicks Trauma - Ugh Not Again

Well, that was a kick in the stomach.  Coming off a week where the word "catharsis" was used as the description for the euphoria and release of joy from two and a half decades of suffering, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers brought about another word - trauma.  Watching the Knicks collapse was the kind of moments that come with these deep runs and moments. NBA Playoff basketball will do that. Yet, this loss - this one - feels about as bad as the 2004 ALCS when the Yankees collapsed in the series to the Boston Red Sox.  That one carries some serious trauma. Luckily, the series isn't over.  Some other quick thoughts from this awful, awful night, New York Knicks Basketball.  - Not to conjure up hyperbole, or even contribute to "hot take" sports reaction culture - but this might have been the worst loss in Knicks franchise history. I cannot think of another in my lifetime, or historically.  - Tyrese Haliburton's "choke"...

Knicks Back in ECF Causing Catharsis

I've certainly shared my emotions and thoughts regarding the New York Knicks on this site over the years. There have been plenty of those to sort through - most of them are rants. Tonight, the New York Knicks ultimately destroyed the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, 119-81. I sat on my couch, afraid to allow myself to feel joy until that final buzzer. As a Knicks fan, I've been through too much to allow myself to do anything else, to make any assumption, until it was final. Until it was confirmed. Until something couldn't fall through...the way we're used to.  Once it was final, it was unreal.  The New York Knicks are in the Eastern Conference Finals. For the first time since 2000.  I was 15 years old the last time that happened. And that was a run with a squad that I consider (still) to be my favorite Knicks team of all-time.  I sat on my couch with all sorts of feelings. My wife was likely trying to understand the moment. My son, exci...