Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 9/15/24

3 Up

1. James Earl Jones - The voice GOAT. But I'll always remember him in one of my favorite movies, Coming to America, in the absolute epic role of King Joffe Joffer. "Where is my son, Akeem!". A great gift to us.  

2. A'ja Wilson - The WNBA has entered our mainstream sports landscape because of Caitlin Clark. Yes, that is very true. But there is an amazing talent in A'ja Wilson who continues to dominate, and this week, she set the single-season scoring record and likely will do the same in smashing the single-season rebound record. 

3. Inflation Lowest in 3 Years - I know it's a hot-button issue during this election season. BUT! It is the lowest it's been in three years. I'm not crediting or blaming anyone! Just saying! Enjoy the change, y'all. 

3 Down

1. Trump Shooting at Golf Course - Look, this is crazy. No matter how you feel about Trump, your thoughts on him as a Presidential candidate, or anything else regarding politics, this should NOT be the norm. It's the second attempt, and safety measures ought to be increased. 

Also, what is wrong with us as a nation!? 

2. Vietnam Typhoon - Abroad, the world feels like it is falling apart. The devastation in Vietnam from the recent typhoon is unfortunate and feels like the beginning of some extreme weather during this period. 

3. Immigrant Narrative - Okay, the "cat-eating" nonsense was just sad to watch unfold. Even worse, the many who follow or uphold it. But at a deeper root is how "immigration" and "immigrants" have become this dirty word in a country built on it. Yes, I know there are so many more layers to the coding and phrasing, however, it's telling how our society has weaponized it for political positioning - both parties. 

3 Interesting

1. Presidential Debate - It was better than the first! It was interesting, to say the least. I'm not sure it will do much to move the needle in any direction. But at the very core, since I think it'll be the only one, it presented some strengths and weaknesses of both candidates. 

2. Taylor Swift Endorses Kamala - Taylor Swift has some insane social power. After endorsing Kamala Harris for President, the voter registration website saw an increase of thirteen times the normal engagement. And oh yeah, Trump put out on social media, "I hate Taylor Swift". Trump says a lot of dumb things, but this is one of those that I truly thought wasn't serious and more tongue-in-cheek. But eh...whatevs.

3. Tyreek Hill - It was disappointing to see this story unfold. Even worse, watch it go through the wringer of today's sports talk. The bottom line for me, is when do we hold our sports celebrities accountable? 

Cover Photo

Coming to America, 1988

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