Dome Pondering

"Off Days" (Supposedly). The small pattering  of feet Unbalanced Unconcerned Offbeat in cadence Grunting Screaming Complaining Screeching Inaudible noises Intermittent deafening alarming silence. Harsh on the head Soft on the soul Unconditional Love for the heart. Off Days. Forever.

Tiger Woods, Again In the news again is Tiger Woods, who crashed his car, injured himself, and once again finds himself in the public eye for a DUI charge.  I am not a huge fan of golf, so my Woods' perspective isn't clouded by his remarkable golf career. It's felt like a very long time since that was relevant in such a mainstream way.  What has gripped me in this latest unfortunate chapter of Woods' life is that shortly after crashing his vehicle and being detained for a DUI, Woods called President Trump.   Yes, my guy got pulled over by the cops and said, " Ayyoo, all good here, officer. I know the President! "  Privilege aside, it's this kind of story that allows a small lens into the world of the ultra-powerful and elite. And just how different the rules are based on your socioeconomic status and social capital. Even more so, it's an example of how wacky things are today, where the President of the United States is being called on a local traffic s...

We are very different beyond the differences, And that's okay. Like the stars  with contrast yet seamlessly  compliments our stripes And they, too, wrap themselves wavingly, passionately and comfortably, around our stars We are very different beyond the differences, And that's okay. Not through the ways of race, color, creed sexual orientation, faith, and class of which all  line the window of our divide and hides the beauty behind it. Beyond the differences, it is  each America of where we gather to break bread, grab our local cups of coffee, or find ourselves weekly for comfort. It is our expression in the local sports teams, how it makes sense to us, the colors,  the time allocated, the memories shared and its effects on our common bond. It is the common locations civically upheld for tourism, but more so, for pride and identity as the representation, of who we are. It is the architecture and landscape that grips our streets and roads flowing easily, whizzing...

What is it about?   An impromptu sing-off erupts on a normal night to decide the best singer.  Who is in it? Chris Smither - Singer (Man with Tubes) Will Harrington - Singer (Piano Player) Judah Kelly - Singer (Shy Man) Matt Corcoran - Singer (Last singer) Favorite Scene:  It's a short film that runs eighteen minutes, however... The bartender who sang "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers.  Favorite Quote: "You just don't feel like a person anymore. And you just want to feel like a person, again." Review:  The Singers is beautiful. It's art.  It's tough to review short films, and I've seen a few that have had a lasting impact. The Singers is one of them. And that is evident by its award resume.  The singing is amazing, and the characters are brought to life through those bouts with song.  The big winner here is director Sam Davis, who delivered this gem. From the focus on each man's face, where it spoke volumes on some prior experience...

What is it about?  A series of events together finally cause a struggling mom to go down an unfamiliar path.  Who is in it?  Taraji P. Henson - Janiyah Wiltkinson Sherrri Shepherd - Nicole Teyana Taylor - Detective Kay Raymond Favorite Scene:   [spoiler alert] It was early in the movie, however, the scene where Janiyah feels trapped in a decision at her job when her boss wouldn't let her off work, but she needed to go to school to attend to her sick daughter.  Favorite Quote: "People don't know how expensive it is to be poor." Review:   Straw is a film that is a lightning rod. Tyler Perry certainly crushed it with this one.  I'm not saying it deserves an Oscar, as the film has its rough edges, but the overall good of the film is great enough to carry it. That includes acting, plot, and the overall profound message it leaves with the viewer.  The obvious first and foremost, Taraji P. Henson was absolutely magnificent in her role as Janiyah. I felt ...

Empty Times Square. 

Presence is the goal. Always. 

LaGuardia Crash It's moments like this in life that are hard to understand, difficult to make sense of. The collision at Laguardia Airport has so many angles, so many questions, and lots of "what ifs" that only make the head ache and the soul hurt.  So thankful that no major fatalities occurred. However, devastated to learn of Mackenzie Gunther and Antoine Forest, who perished, and, outright, kept the plane from overturning, essentially bracing themselves for impact and giving their lives to protect others.  This life we live isn't guaranteed. Enjoy it. Express gratitude for it.  Social Media Accountability Has Arrived The groundbreaking case this week out of California found Meta and YouTube to be negligent and to blame for the depression and anxiety of a woman. The case is one to certainly watch as the door is now wide open for further lawsuits, and more so, for true accountability in the social media space.  Many are hailing it as Big Tech's "Big Tobacco...

The upcoming baseball season is bringing with it something bittersweet. I'm excited for baseball to return, especially after an amazing World Baseball Classic. Also, there is a work stoppage on the other side of this season that feels too real, too certain, and in many ways, too necessary to fix some of the game's continued issues.  We can only hope for the best.  For now, let's throw out some predictions and wild guesses for the upcoming MLB 2026 season.  --- STANDINGS (WINS) AL EAST Yankees - 93 Blue Jays - 91 Red Sox - 88 Rays - 85 Orioles - 80 AL CENTRAL Royals - 89 Tigers - 88 Guardians - 82 Twins - 75 White Sox - 69 AL WEST Mariners - 92 Astros - 89 Athletics - 85 Rangers - 80 Angels - 74  NL EAST Phillies - 93 Braves - 89 Mets - 88 Marlins - 77 Nationals - 71 NL CENTRAL Cubs - 91 Brewers - 88 Pirates - 81 Reds - 81 Cardinals - 69 NL WEST Dodgers - 101 Padres - 90 Giants - 84 Diamondbacks - 82 Rockies - 68 GOALS/AWARDS/LEADERS AMERICAN LEAGUE Batting Champion: ...

There is beauty in consistency. 

Airports, TSA, and Safety We all get frustrated with work. Whatever your work environment is, or whatever it is you do for a living, there is always a time or something that bothers you.  This week I'm thinking about TSA agents. They deal with people - come on now, they deal with the same people we people watch and shake our heads to at the airport - every single day. And for the last couple of weeks, they haven't been paid. How's that for frustrated and unfair?  And if the situation wasn't weird enough, ICE agents will begin working at airports tomorrow as part of their enforcement duties.  Travel just got more weird. My heart is with so many of the working TSA agents - be kind to them, ya'll. And airports have just become the most politicized places in the country.  What a time... "I Believe in You" My favorite part about March Madness (and, sports, really) is the stories behind the moments. Call me a sucker, but I still love those moments where an indiv...

What is it about?  Agnes is envious of her older sister, Julia, but must learn not only to reinvent herself but also to come to grips with reality when tragedy strikes.  Who is in it?  Felicia Maxime - Agnes Edva Ryding - Noel Zara Larsson - Julia Favorite Scene:  [spoiler alert] Agnes joins Julia's friends at a nightclub, and lots of truths come forward. While Agnes continues to wear Julia's clothes and attempts to live her life, Agnes is hit with a lot of truth prior to a climactic encounter with Noel about the tragic night.  Favorite Quote:  "I don't know how to be me without you." Review:  A Part of You turned out to be a very layered film. I wasn't sure what to expect as it began. The most pivotal scene of the film is certainly a hook that grips you for the rest of the film.  What enfolds is a mix of a film bordering on beauty and thoughtfulness, some lack of development, ut overall, an interesting story of tragedy, truth, and how it affects ...

Welp, four more years until we get another crack at winning the World Baseball Classic. Are we now a hockey country?! In all seriousness, the WBC was awesome! I've been a fan of the concept since its installation in 2006, and every version has continued to improve.  This one was especially good, and I'm so ready for baseball season! Before we get there, here are a few quick thoughts from the 2026 World Baseball Classic: It's Fine As Is I'm jumping right into this - keep the World Baseball Classic as is! It's especially frustrating to listen to those in the media, who are now discovering the beauty of the WBC, chime in with ways to "fix it," find "the right time for it," or to "improve the tournament".  Here is the truth - The WBC is fine!  Please don't have it replace the All-Star Game (one of the more ludicrous ideas being thrown out there). Keep it special by having it every four years and not watering it down with gimmicks and ov...

You must answer to get help. 

Hoop Moments We saw a lot of amazing feats in the world of hoops this week. The first was that of Bam Adebayo going off for 83 Points against the Washington Wizards. While many had their say ( so did I ), the night brought about a shockwave of comparing eras and the overall integrity of the game.  And there was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who set a new record and extended the streak to 128 games of 20+ points this week. The record smashes Wilt Chamberlain's former record, which in itself is not easy.  The NBA currently struggles with intertwining the eras of its product together, with respect and honor - there's a lot of comparing and downplaying of eras, as we all know.  This week added depth to all of the conversations surrounding these comparisons and appreciation within the game.  Affordability and Politics It was weird watching Vice President JD Vance this week blame the rising cost of gas prices on former President Joe Biden.  Without getting heavy into polit...

What is it about?  A girl navigates her youth with two intellectually disabled parents and an assorted family of characters trying to help.  Who is in it?  Kiernan Shipka - Bea Johnson Ryan Kiera Armstrong - Young Bea Samantha Hyde - Sharon  Favorite Scene:  Bea awakes from her coma while Sharon is combing her hair. As Bea meets the family and everyone rejoices, the camera focuses on Sharon, who stares at Bea for several seconds with an array of emotions, leaving it to the viewer to determine what exactly her state was.  Favorite Quote: "I really never saw myself in my parents. All I saw was what they couldn't do. But those things never stopped them from living the life they wanted. They just kept going. They were determined to live the life they wanted. Even when everyone told them, they couldn't. I see that now." Review:  I really liked Wildflower.  The film is a great example of the essence of life, the privileges we have that we aren't aware o...

231. Would you rather have to wear sweatpants everywhere for the rest of your life or never wear sweatpants again? Wear sweatpants everywhere, every day. The summers would be an issue, but I'm not sure about the downside of comfort here. If I lived in the Caribbean or somewhere with a warm climate, I would choose a pair of shorts. Sweatpants and shorts - easily, top-tier clothing.  232. Would you rather have 10,000 spoons when all you need is a knife, or always have a knife but never be able to use spoons? Knife. It's the ultimate tool. I guess I'll just use my hands for the scooping. What does 10,000 spoons do for me if I need to cut something?! 233. Would you rather detect every lie you hear or get away with every lie you tell? Detect every lie. I believe humans have a great BS meter, but confirming lies would be tremendous.  234. Would you rather be the funniest person in a room or the smartest person in a room? Intelligent people with a sense of humor - doesn't have...

The NBA alerts on my phone were heavy. Bam Scorhing Hot in 1st Half. Scores 41! Bam Goes for 60!  70 for Adebayo!  83 Points for Bam on Historic Night!  It all felt, well, surreal. My immediate thoughts were, "Who are they playing? The Wizards? The Nets? Ahhh, the Wizards.  But, 83? What?! I didn't see the game. I won't pretend to have. Often lost in sports is the context and overall feel for the night. If  Bam were a Knick, and I was watching, in the building, or following along, I too would want him to go for every bit he could have.  I still remember Melo's 62. Everything about that night, right down to the triggering thought of Ellie Goulding's "Burn" , which was the featured song on Friday Night Knicks. January 24, 2014.  If I even hear that song in the waiting room at the Dentist's office, I'm thinking of Melo's bender for 62.  You're weird, man.  There were others as well - Randle's 57 before he burned out, and Jalen Brunson...

It's so loud within my head with the words I've never said Should have said Would have said It's so silent around me as I resist the many forces I've never met Should have met Will never meet

War The obvious is on my mind because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, unlike last week, my thoughts were less about the idea of the world burning before us as we all fight within it, and more about the real-life consequences of our decisions.  Just this week, we've learned of innocent little girls dying in the attacks. The images of children playing among missiles and other war-torn damage. The many soldiers, including now a few of our own here in America, who served and won't return home. And yet, the threats continue from all sides. I thought about human life a lot this week. I think about how we've become desensitized, so drastically, to the fragility, or even the specialness, that it is.  War! Huuuhh! Yeahh...What is it good for... The Beauty of Baseball The World Baseball Classic started this week, and it continues to be a favorite sporting event of mine. It's so wacky. It's so pure. It captures the beauty of baseball that isn't express...

I don't believe my own hype. But I trust my own worth. 

War It's been a week.  Yet here we are in the middle of a potential war with Iran. This is in addition to the many world conflicts around the globe - The Democratic Republic of Congo, The Gaza Strip, Pakistan v. Afghanistan, Ukraine, and more.  I won't attempt to understand it all the way our society has become known to do through the many voices amplified on social media and news cycles. What I do know is the feeling that this millennial remembers when "War" became active following 9/11. Unrest. Uneasiness. The world right now feels like it's burning. We pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen. Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That’s the way it is. Those were the words from President Trump as three United States soldiers died today.  Again, unrest. Uneasiness.  2026 State of the Union Address I didn't have my usual post in review because, well, the SOTU felt little...

Adjust your volume. Is fear   louder in your ear,  than the voice of the spirit ,  in your heart?

Let me just start this post by saying this: I still love watching college basketball. I love hoops in general. It gets me through the winter. However, I'll be telling non-truths if I said I watch it, and most importantly, feel towards it, the way I used to. The product connects and hits in a different way for me because of the lack of essence of what I believe the level should be about.  Again, repeating for the quick, can't wait to troll or react individuals out there - WHAT I BELIEVE the level should be about.  Nonetheless, as we gear up for tournament time, here is the latest Pondering 10 on my takes regarding College Hoops.  --- 10. Gambling and Credibility The basketball tournaments - men and women - are a great concept, and have always been. It makes a ton of money and also helps institution members within the NCAA. However, we've been down the road of shaving scandals in college athletics before. With the landscape about money, more so than ever, it's not easy to...

Olympic Hockey Teams Hockey took the nation by storm this week as both the men's and women's teams brought home gold medals. I echoed last year with the run the United States Men's and Women's basketball teams had, but there really is a unifying front for these teams on the Olympic stage. As divided as we currently are, it's these kinds of moments, these kinds of runs, where we all feel, even for just a few moments, American.  Really cool stuff, and really cool vibes this week.  Congrats to the many other United States athletes who performed on the Winter Games' big stage.  I'm going to miss the odd effects of watching curling... Laila Edwards I know we're supposed to live in this society where we're now suppressing race, or various identities, in how we perceive or recognize people, moments, and history.  Even from that lens, today's non-DEI scope, it was difficult for me not to feel the moment Laila Edwards became the first Black woman to win a...

There can be a lot of pointless discussion in sports today. I find the one spearheaded by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on the league's "tanking" issue intriguing.  Every league somewhat deals with "rebuilding" strategies of its teams, often, which can be drastic enough that it is obvious winning isn't a priority within said strategy.  This discussion isn't new.  This problem isn't new.  It certainly has evolved over the years. And in a time where each league and its overall product are competing with other entertainment entities and devices for engagement, in addition to the constant discourse, criticism, and oversight that is social media, sports discussion, and fandom, we've reached this point.  In the old days, it was just sort of an understanding among partners in terms of behavior. I think what we're seeing is modern analytics where it's so clear that the incentives are misaligned. Are we seeing behavior that is worse this year than ...

Sunday Sundown Rundown returns! Going forward, I'll be sharing thoughts and ponderings in a format of three simple thoughts, opposed to the former "3 Up, 3 Down" of the past.   Mother of Savannah Guthrie I haven't been closely following the developments. I've checked in here and there, mostly hoping that this horrific story comes to an end. I simply continue to sympathize with concern, as not only are the emotions of having one's mother kidnapped for ransom more than enough to bear, but to have it played out publicly, before the nation, helplessly, is an unfathomable reality to understand. And of course, as all things in this culture, the story has been manipulated, pulled apart, and coerced into political representations that are not true, or at the very worst, worthy of discussion considering that someone's life - a person's mother - is at stake.  Winter Olympics It's not my favorite. Summer Olympics are my jam. Nonetheless, this Winter Olympics...

Contrary to the discourse that always surrounds the NBA All-Star Weekend, I genuinely enjoyed the weekend, and even more so, the All-Star Game. No, for real. All love here.  Although the Dunk Contest really is on its last legs. That was tough to watch.  Nonetheless, I'm keeping it all good vibes on this one as a fan. Just a quick Pondering 10 on my favorite things from the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend.  --- View this post on Instagram A post shared by New York Knicks 🏀 (@nyknicks) 10. JB vs. KAT Moment Big Knicks homer moment here. If you frequent these parts, you already know that. Watching the Captain go at KAT brought a moment of joy for all of us in Knicks fandom. Neither one came away with anything. I'm just glad they're in perfect health as we head toward the second half of the season with the Playoffs looming.  9. VJ Edgecomb Wins Rising Stars MVP It's a tough admit for me. Because, I already enjoy Tyrese Maxey's game so much. Now, another ...