Dome Pondering

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. The Cornell 7...and More There is quite a bit to unpack in this entire Cornell 7 ordeal.  The situation stayed on my mind all week, most notably watching and absorbing how many react or express their reactions to the situation. Needless to say, part of that unpacking has been the social reaction, the political interference around it (because, isn't there always?), and overall, how someone like myself who works in higher education and has had my fair share of experiences with students and these kinds of reports is dealing with it.  So yeah, there is lots to unpack.  Ultimately, in reducing it all to succinct thoughts for this Rundown post, it's this: collectively, we're all raising terrible men, and higher education institutions need to be better. And so does society at large. Special...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. Verlander's Finale There's something beautiful about baseball retirements. The curtain call, the last game scenario, and even the final walk off the mound. The game is beautiful like that in many ways.  Justin Verlander finally decided to call it a career in 2026. This weekend he made his final start in a Detroit Tigers uniform that defined his career. A sure first-ballot Hall of Famer, Verlander stood atop a mound and broke down into tears as his daughter ran out of the dugout toward her dad with a huge hug.  In that moment, his career, while amazing, felt like the background to this amazing moment, which felt bigger than just a celebration of Justin Verlander, the Hall of Fame pitcher.  In that moment, I think every dad identified not so much with throwing 100mph and having electric st...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. Gas Prices Up and Up and Up.  It feels like these prices just continue to make life expensive and worrisome in so many ways. If it's not the price of our usual weekly trip, it's the sky-high cost of diesel that is affecting the cost of goods.  Yeah, I'm complaining. Aren't you as well? White House Press Ban Is it me, or is this as random as it comes from this administration?  Look, there are not a lot of things going well, especially as midterms approach. Maybe you might differ. I really value the insight and opinions of those enjoying the current landscape shaped by our political leaders.  But suddenly banning networks feels not only unconstitutional; it just feels like a misdirection.  Hey, look over here at this...not this, and this, and maybe that!  Also, it feels tiring. ...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. 25th Anniversary of 9/11 It is sort of hard to imagine that it has been twenty-five years since that awful day. It's been fifteen years since I've shared my experience as a High Schooler in Brooklyn, NY , and everything that came with that day (and the many to follow afterwards).  The world changed, and to this day, it still feels hard to grasp what happened (and what transpired with the health of so many afterwards). The lives lost, and the damage done. My son learned about 9/11, and his questions around it ignite some of that struggle with thought around it.  Daddy, how did they get the planes?  Did the building just, like, fall over?  On this 25th anniversary, it is even more concerning to see how the day is also politicized and sometimes weaponized in culture wars. I remember Americ...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. Chandika Shrestha I found so much of this story this week to be fascinating. Chandika Shrestha, a 64-year-old woman, was found alive - ALIVE! - after ten days below a collapsed house among the Nepal flood wreckage. The human spirit element and the sheer will to survive, combined with what can only be divine intervention. So much there to the spirit of life and an unexplainable reasoning.  Western Michigan vs. Michigan Ending Look, I'm as casual as they come when it comes to the college football space, culture, and fandom.  Nonetheless, somehow, I found myself (with my wife - who has about 3,485 things she would rather do before watching football) watching the final five minutes of this game on Saturday night. Little did we realize what we would witness.  I have no dog in the fight. But I fe...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. Nepal Floods The videos were incredible. It almost seemed too impressive to be real. A.I. maybe?  Nonetheless, everything we saw was legit. And in wrapping my mind around the authenticity of the scenes in those videos of the waves just crashing over towns...my mind knows those people had no shot. And my heart simply breaks for the country and people of Nepal.  I simply cannot fathom the devastation, despair, and emotions for those in Nepal.  Dolly Parton I wouldn't consider myself the biggest Parton fan. I appreciated her music, and my kids are beneficiaries of the amazing program, Imagination Library . However, in all of her tributes and reflections on her life this week, a continued and true selfless theme resonated. Dolly cared, contributed, and served. And it genuinely feels, even in lea...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. Tariffs, Eh? Look, I'm not an economist. However, from every reliable and credible economist I've sought reactions from, it seems that these tariffs aren't exactly the kind of policy that provides a foundation for a stable economy. Again, that's non-partisan, unbiased stuff.  Now, we're in a trade war with our neighbor, which sounds as ridiculous as it probably is. We once had free trade - FREEEEEEEE! - and here we are, bartering and retaliating with tariff sanctions against Canada. Huh? Someone help me? Seriously. How does this help us?! WNBA Smackdown? I'm a fan of the WNBA. Have been for a long time. I love hoops. However, the recent landscape of the WNBA has gone bonkers. And much of it is the league's responsibility. From the incredibly unprofessional press confe...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. Russell Westbrook It's amazing to me that Westbrook's career is now over. Especially after a summer where we all reacted to LeBron James making yet another decision. LeBron outplaying everyone, man. Westbrook's last few years felt rather disappointing, especially considering the dynamic player that he was in his prime, and what he was still able to bring this late in his career. Nonetheless, I always found Westbrook to be more...because the dude was special! Westbrook averaged a triple-double- read that again! - four times! FOUR TIMES!  2016–17 (Oklahoma City Thunder): 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, 10.4 assists per game 2017–18 (Oklahoma City Thunder): 25.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, 10.3 assists per game 2018–19 (Oklahoma City Thunder): 22.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, 10.7 assists per game 20...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. WNBA Madness Welp, the WNBA has found itself in the middle of a culture war after the satirical (hopefully?) video of Enes Freedom (fka Kanter) declaring for the upcoming WNBA Draft. The WNBA continues to be a super fascinating entity. As likely this country's premier women's league, it has been the root of so many discussions - this one being the "protection of women in sports".  Here are ten super quick ponderings on this:  The WNBA has made its identity over the years as being extremely vocal in the political space. Regardless of your opinion, that positioning puts them at risk for these kinds of stunts.  I've long thought the commissioner, league, someone - anyone? - should have had players, coaches, and all tone down the continued politics. Not to suppress freedom of s...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. COVID Rehashing Obviously, Dr. Anthony Fauci was a huge talking point this week. With that, was the rehashing of COVID and everything that came with it... or something like that.  Look, I'm not getting particularly political on Fauci, as it is very easy to fall into one of the dueling political sides on this. My truth is, I'm not educated enough on the reasons why Fauci was called before Congress. And much of the rhetoric and narratives that are out there - on both sides - don't make sense to me. Not the political kind of sense where the narrative fits the talking point of the party, but more so just truth. All of the narratives from every article and opinion section that I've reviewed make no sense in factual and logical terms.  If I had to take a political stance and respond, i...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. The Last Decision Just when you think the discussion for "a new face of the NBA" has some legs, LeBron James - at 41 years old - drops a post on X and sends the sports world into chaos. Even at this stage, it's rather amazing to see how many talking pundits and heads make their career off of James, or the James vs. Jordan (tired) debate.  From a basketball standpoint, it's fun. He can still play! Which is widely missed in so many ridiculous takes, for the sake of taking a position on LeBron. I don't blame him at all for trying to win. Isn't that what everyone is trying to do? What's he supposed to do, sign with Sacramento?  Tornado Warnings It feels like we've seen more and more tornadoes as of late around the country, and in rare parts of the United States. I l...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. World Cup Drama What a World Cup Final. So much drama. So much emotion. So many storylines! The game ultimately felt like it would be Spain's to win for the entire duration of the match. Yet, despite the focus on Messi, naturally, it was Emiliano Martinez who stole the show with a record-setting effort of 11 saves. Yet, in the end, it was Spain who triumphed. Teenagers in the final; Messi's last dance and emotional stance at the end of the match; the halftime show performances; Enzo Fernenadez's red card; and even our President (because, of course) making headlines by refusing to get out of the final team picture - all of the drama...best sporting event of the 2026...thus far.  And for what it's worth, I have an eight-year-old playing soccer this fall because of the World Cup. Th...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. WNBA It's been a tumultuous season for the "W". While the on-the-court competition has been enjoyable - normal pro sports stuff - the WNBA has begun to carry a lot of baggage around its league. From the obvious Caitlan Clark saga (ahhhh yes, Caitlan Clark drama), to the Sophie Cunnigham stardom, to the villainization of Alyssa Thomas, and the constant complaining about the officiating by everyone, the league has felt...exhausting in some ways.  Mainly, because so much of what makes the WNBA is its purity in basketball and its physical nature. You know, the style we always ask of the NBA all the time... In the WNBA, as of late, there is just always drama. Always... Jay-Z Weekend With Drake's last album, the hip-hop world was once again ignited in GOAT conversations. In this, Jay...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. Storylines and Sports  It certainly was a week to feel much deeper than attachment for your favorite team. Sports gave us deeper storylines and occurrences where we felt, we appreciated, and we found the unexplainable in life. From that magical cinematic match that was Serena Williams' comeback match versus Maya Joint in the 2nd Round at Wimbledon, to everything that was Cape Verde's run and challenge against the defending World Cup Champions in Argentina, sports provided some amazing feels this week.  Making Sense of ALS I'm not a huge football fan, but this story really shook me when it made mainstream headlines. Former NFL superstar Chris Johnson announced his ALS diagnosis. As shocking as the announcement was, the reality settled in as you saw the image of a once powerful and a...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. Helpless to Mother Nature From the extreme heat in Europe to the earthquake in Venezuela , the Earth has responded with some heartbreaking tragedies that are often hard to understand. Lots of love and prayers to the many affected by both incidents. More so for the families dealing with missing loved ones in Venezuela.  World Cup Like many, I watched a lot of World Cup games this week. The excitement has matched the hype, and it's been enjoyable to tune into just about any game. The Cape Verde storyline has been enjoyable. And of course, there is the intrigue around the United States. If the men can make the final eight, we could experience some serious vibes for soccer in this country.  Mamdani Rent Freeze Controversial for sure . The latest rent freeze in New York City has sparked a lot of ...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. Knicks Parade  I'm sure you can tell from the recent posts on this here site, I am still in the Knicks Championship thought.  NBA Champs, babbyyyyyyyyyyyy!! Nonetheless, the parade was everything any Knicks fan (new, old, and long-time suffering) could have imagined. Memorable scenes. Emotional. And unforgettable.  For me, it was Mayor Mahdani's speech that jogged us down memory lane, and more so, the visual of the NBA Cup Trophy, the Eastern Conference Trophy (Bob Cousy Trophy), and dear (elusive) Larry O'Brien sitting on a table in the NYC sun. We ran the table.  Beauftiful. UK Social Media Ban This is interesting to me. The recent ban in the UK on social media use for individuals under 16 is well...yeah, interesting. There are continued heaps of data that show the dangers of soci...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. New York Knicks Of course, my beloved New York Knicks are at the top of things this week on my mind.  From a memorable Game 4 comeback for the ages, to finally - FINALLY! - ending the decades-long drought at 53 years and bringing home the NBA Championship, there is a lot to ponder in reflection on what happened this week.  I'm so happy I decided to chronicle thoughts for the duration of the run .  I think I'll have more to come on this.  Trillionaire on Earth Elon Musk is now officially the world's first trillionaire. I don't think any of us can fathom that kind of money. And honestly, I'm not sure he could even spend it all in his lifetime. But, congrats ot him, I guess? Nonetheless, it seems odd that one person holds so much wealth on earth. And that such wealth could serve...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. Artificial Intelligence in K-12 This week, I had the opportunity to talk to two dads who work in K-12 education. One is a teacher, and the other is a tech engineer who provides the digital infrastructure for a school district. What I came away with was that artificial intelligence was being slowly integrated into teachers' everyday lives, with some restrictions. However, the tech engineer gave me real insight (with real-time laptop evidence) of some of the tools being built to automate everything from bus schedules and communications to medical visits and disciplinary processes.  All of that to say, just when you think you understand the power of A.I., there are so many levels to it all .  So many... Sports Media Space With the recent run of my New York Knicks (you can see my comments after ...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. NBA Finals The NBA Finals are set. And sure, I am very biased ( in a strong way ) with a rooting interest towards my New York Knicks. However, the matchup is intriguing because it gives the NBA a guaranteed different NBA Champion for the eighth consecutive year.  But mostly, the match-up is such a dream for the NBA with stars, basketball-loving markets, and an NBA Cup rematch from this season.  So much for the early-season narratives that the NBA is unwatchable - the season and playoffs up to this point have been tremendous .  #LGK American 250 America turning 250 years old should be special. It's a nice round number that is worthy of a huge celebration. Plus, the country can use something - really, anything! - to bring it closer together. Regardless of the distance, the gap is closed. ...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. 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 ...