Dome Pondering

Memorial Day It's a day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy so much of the good stuff that is America, like the summer (since it also doubles as the unofficial start of summer). It goes unappreciated, at least I feel it is, and it can sometimes feel cliché - but truly, take a moment to think about those who gave it all for some of the most silly of freedoms we take for granted. It offers so much perspective and gratitude in a time when it's needed in our society.  Kyle Busch This rocked me this week. I'm not a NASCAR fan (or will pretend to be), but I'm aware of Bush. Most notably, I'm aware of the humanity of the tragic passing. I, too, turn 41 (tomorrow) and have kids. A sudden illness, and just like that, gone. This life is so short.  Be sure to keep the Busch family, particularly those kids who lost their dad so early, in your thoughts and prayers.  Political Power I just don't know how to digest some of the recent actions this ...

What is it about?  The true story of the legendary Von Erich brothers in pro wrestling in the 1980s.  Who is in it? Zac Efron - Kevin Von Erich Jeremy Allen White - Kerry Von Erich Holt McCallany - Fritz Von Erich Favorite Scene: Kevin smiles at Ric Flair after realizing the values of the World Champion didn't align with what he really wanted.  Favorite Quote:  "I used to be a brother." Review:  I've always been fascinated with the Von Erichs, being a pro wrestling fan. The entire story is worthy of such a tell-all outlet, luckily we got this gem of a medium.  The Iron Claw is a fantastic film. The plot and storylines have already been taking place in what is an astounding tragedy within the Von Erich family. However, where The Iron Claw truly shines is the beauty of the cinematography combined with the amazing performances/portrayals throughout the film.  Again, as a pro wrestling fan, everything was shot well and believable, right down to the details...

Admiration And damn, that’s cool! for those who reinvent themselves in the seasons of life.

It feels like forever since we've played.  But we've got our opponent, and it's go time!  Review Thoughts from Round 1 Review Thoughts from Round 2 Like every other Knick fan, I too hoped for a seven-game series between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and that's what we got. The long series added time for our squad to rest up (get healthy, OG!) and more time to scout exactly what we'll have to deal with in the Eastern Conference Finals.  We've been here before, and a trip to the NBA Finals once again feels all too close. All too real!  The Cavaliers present some interesting dynamics with their electric backcourt and the size up front with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. There are also two players on the roster, Dennis Schroder and Max Strus, who often find ways to stick it to the Knicks. Sam Merrill seems like the kind of guy who would join that group in this series.  Nonetheless, the Knicks are on a historic run. The Cavs have been knocking on t...

Iceman Drake dropped not one, but three - yes, three! - albums this week, and the entire music world is a buzz! I haven't listened to all three (who has time for that? Also, that's wayyyy too much Drake for me), but I have listened to Iceman . Here goes my take - it's a good album. I enjoyed it. It's the usual Drake stuff, which is controversial in itself. I'm no Drake stan, but I appreciate how he just came out swinging at everyone and the entire music industry following his feud with Kendrick Lamar, likely his biggest career setback.  Most notably, Iceman (and the other two albums) has brought about more thoughts, debates, and discussions regarding the career of Drake, his music, hip hop roots, and his vying to become an independent artist.  He's likely to break streaming records this week. Again, the usual Drake stuff.  College Commencement Speeches So many college commencements occurred this week, with more to come in the coming weeks. The messaging from spe...

Well,  alright.  It likely will take longer to write (and read) this reaction to Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano last night on Netflix (17 seconds), but it is what it is.  I don't fancy myself a hardcore MMA fan. I'll watch the bigger fights (or more marquee fights) - like this one was - whenever they do happen. Just putting that out there... No kidding, dude. Your last post on a fight was over a decade ago, ironically, also a Ronda Rousey fight.  I watched last night's event with the same intrigue I had for Most Valuable Promotions jumping into the boxing scene with Netflix. We're in an era where sports ventures are happening, and traditional outlets are finding "competition" in these new visions.  The overall event was, well, an interesting first swing.  The arena looked great, and the production was amazing. The Intuit Dome will likely help with that vibe. However, as an admitted casual, the fights were meh. I genuinely enjoyed some of the prelims, with Mi...

251. Would you rather have a perfect memory or be able to forget anything you wanted at will? There are certainly some things I would rather forget. However, it's the cliche (but real) response - those forgettable memories are what got me here. Perfect memory would certainly be advantageous.  On some Mike Ross from Suits wavelength... 252. Would you rather always feel understood or always appreciated? Understood. Respect is greater than everything. Appreciation without that understanding is rather empty.  253. Would you rather time-travel to the past or the future? This is a tough one. I think I would like to time-travel back to the past (not too distant past). It would be fun to relive some moments, and maybe even notice some things I didn't before. Going towards the future would ruin the beauty of life by knowing what is to come.  Most importantly, does the butterfly effect apply here? 254. Would you rather be loved for everything you're not or liked for everything you...

Mother's Day On this Mother's Day, I found myself thinking not just about the women in my life who are mothers, but more so, how we collectively as a society honor moms. The work is unconditional and incomparable. However, do we have a culture of supporting moms, like truly giving mothers opportunities to feel valued and supported? Again, just a thought... Nonetheless, Happy Mother's Day to the various definitions of moms out there. I hope you had a tremendous day.  Cloud Knicks I would be remiss if I didn't drop some Knicks love on this week's Sunday Sundown Rundown. Complete domination of the 76ers for a sweep en route to our second Eastern Conference Finals appearance. These are the times I likely will look back on, like the 90's Knicks. #LGK Here We Go Again There is a Hantavirus scare, and some similar (and triggering) concepts, words, and treatment are coming up once again. It's international. There is quarantining and all sorts of contact tracing. And...

Well, it's the Sixers in Round 2.  Review Thoughts from Round 1 The Celtics messed around and found out. And now, we have the red-hot Sixers in a very intriguing second-round matchup. Before even diving into the series, I immediately think about that 2023-2024 1st Round match-up that I often refer to as the series that took years off of my life.  Then again, there was Divo's shot that will forever bring a smile . There is also this dunk from OG Anunoby on Embiid (certified, real Garden villain): The 76ers are super talented on paper. And they have an incredibly high ceiling if healthy and playing together. The Celtics just found that out. That is my biggest fear for this round! When I boil all the stats, actions, sets, and the simple eye-test assessment down to a simple thing, what's left is this: can the Knicks stop contain Tyrese Maxey? Can the 76ers defend a Karl-Anthony Towns pick-and-roll (or pick-and-pop)? That's it.  My Key Matchup: Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Joel ...

Nike dropped new "Rebel" uniforms for the WNBA earlier this week. I can get on my soapbox and rant about how some teams in sports are losing their identities, but I'll save that for another post.  The following are some of my favorite design concepts for the "Rebel" line.  WNBA Rebel Edition Uniforms - Dallas Wings There is a simplicity to these that is extraordinary. These are my favorites in the entire concept for that very reason.  WNBA Rebel Edition Uniforms - Golden State Valkyries The Valkyries have something special in their design. In the current landscape of sports, it's difficult to own something truly unique - they have that. In this "Rebel" line, these designs further (and protect) that concept.  Portland Fire Rebel Edition Personally I find the [enter alternate name for city] usage to entering a space of being overdone. However, in this concept, it still feels authentic and unforced. Most importantly, the rose sublimation pattern is so...

Super, super, rare.

There's a lot that can be said about John Sterling. So much of it has already been said this week after his passing.  For me, as a Yankee fan, who, like millions of others, can recall his voice filling the space and void of Yankee baseball throughout the years, it's the end of constant privilege. Whether it was in your car, your backyard, on a walk, or wherever, it was Sterling (with Michael Kay, and then Suzyn Waldman) whose unique voice and cadence ebbed and flowed through so many games.  He had a style and flair that was so signature. One of a kind. Like many of the greats, Sterling provided stories and narration for moments in a game that seamlessly gave the game itself life and lent eloquence to a game we were simply imagining being played out while we listened.  There were stories, flair, and the often-happening and unexplainable that were wrapped into one amazing phrase: "Well, that's baseball, Suzyn." I'll miss the home run calls...obviously.  My favor...

Lies Ruin Lives This story went from a tabloid story to a viral story, to a lesson in just how awful our world is. I got wrapped up in this story this week, not for the sensationalism, but for the hook in how easy it is for someone's reputation - and life! - to come crashing down. It's awful. And I feel tremendously for the executive falsely accused, as well as the many true stories of unlawful workplace practices now placed under doubtful attention.  Spirit Airlines Shuts Down I've never taken a flight on Spirit Airlines. However, I do know some who have, and of course, all of the memes and jokes regarding the budget-friendly airline. It's absolutely fascinating to me that a major airline can just close - suddenly. Customers finding out their flights were canceled, workers learning they're suddenly out of a job - just wild.  Banana Baseball I just attended a Savannah Bananas game last weekend, as the group recently toured Yankee Stadium. My son also watches their...

Deep in understanding that… It’s not my time. I’m needed in this season. I can’t miss this purpose.  It’s not my time.