Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/14/24


3 Up

1. Gun Control? - Wow. We have somewhat new gun legislation - so it is possible?! Of course, I'm being a bit cheeky in regards to the recent new plan to offer background checks for gun purchases, which really is a big part of the gun control debate. No? 

2. Solar Eclipse - I didn't get a chance to experience it, but the idea of it is rather cool. Our world - and universe - is a remarkable experience and thought. 

3. Women's Basketball Ratings - The boost continues as women's hoops continue its surge in ratings, interest, and overall star power. It will likely continue next week with the WNBA Draft. 

3 Down 

1. Iran Missiles on Israel - The entire saga in Gaza continues to get more complex. Throwing Iran into the mix, and now the US intercepting drones and missiles, the entire thing is super sad as innocent people continue to be killed. 

2. Tennessee Teachers Carry - Well, just when we thought the gun debate was moving toward a reasonable decision, we get the state of Tennessee that will give teachers the ability to carry in schools. Yeah, this can't end terribly...and of course that is sarcasm. 

3. A.I. Photos Deep Fakes - I'm so incredibly afraid for my boys in this new world. I also feel for those with daughters to can be subject to this disgusting trend. Fake nude photos through AI? We have to be better - especially in raising respectable men. 

3 Interesting

1. OJ Simpson - OJ passed away this week and it's so difficult NOT to think about his controversial life. I still remember 1994, and even the day the verdict was announced. Such crazy times...

2. Ohtani Interpreter - This entire story still feels off to me. Maybe it's just me, but something doesn't feel right. 

3. Arizona Abortion Ban - Arizona will now have the most restrictive ban on abortion in the country because it reverted back to the law it previously had on the books over 100 years ago. Insane. Makes you wonder how fragile parts of our democracy really are. 

Cover Photo

The ethereal spectacle of the total solar eclipse swept across North America and Mexico on Monday, giving tens of millions of people the chance to witness the celestial show

Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images
Labels:

Recently Read

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...
Read more

Working in Higher Ed, Lately

"Working in higher education must be interesting these days, huh?" That question was posed to me by several people who recently learned that I worked in higher education. The recent discourse around the industry and field has certainly shifted in narrative and the overall feel within it. I recently wrapped up my fourteenth (!!) academic year. It's remarkable to think that I've been serving students and following a passion for this long. This is especially the case considering the rising turnover, the documented yearly burnout, and the increasing exodus from the field.  And, yup, there is that whole enrollment cliff combined with the politics that are more present than ever on college campuses.  So yeah, higher education is weird right now. Very weird.  Some quick thoughts : IS IT TIME?  Yes, I have thought about leaving the field several times. Especially, over the last few years. COVID didn't really bother me, but it's safe to say that the world of higher edu...
Read more

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?
Read more