Dome Pondering

Brotherhood. Togetherness. Unity. Three words that exemplify the meaning of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the purpose of his mission 40-50 years ago. It's a mission that we all have embraced, honored, and lived by, creating a sense of all three words and their meaning in our relationships, communities and regions. Dr. King's mission is one that stands for character and credibility over race, religion, and any other significant prejudice that can seperate us from love and joy. It is important for us all to seek the teachings of one of the most fascinating persons to yours truly, as well as remember one of the most significant men in American history. In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the ina...

"It's about time we have a (Fill in the blank) president." With the new year, not only comes an extra day in February, but the full court press of campaigning and candidate awareness, on the road to the White House. Every presidential election is important due to its ability to transcend a nation into a new era, however, none has been of such importance during this generation. President Bush's popularity, image and support has dwindled as he comes into the final stretch of his presidency. In a term that has seen many actions and incomplete performances, the nation has become ready for a new era, a new leader, and a new direction. With the opening to run this country, and a lot of issues (economy, real estate market, war on terrorism etc.) to not only address, but resolve, choosing Bush's successor has intrigued many, even critics who have declined to vote in recent years. Clinton. Edwards. Gravel. Kucinich. Obama. Guliani. Huckabee. Hunter. Keyes. McCain. Paul...

2007. A year that has brought us so much with its variety of stories, tragedies, and triumphs. As 2008 rings the doorbell, like last year ( 2006 Year in Review ), let's delve into the year that was 2007 before showing it the back door.

20 games. 6 wins. 14 losses. The 2007 New York Knicks season so far can be wrapped up into one word - embarrassing. It has been embarrassing to be a New Yorker. It has been embarrassing to be a Knicks fan. In a matter of twenty games, the 2007 New York Knicks have been able to drum up enough drama to keep everyone busy through the writer's guild strike. Embarrassing. As the tide between the faithful New York Knicks fans and the product that has been presented to us as thus, "The New York Knicks" there has been an outcry of many different solutions, finger pointing and proposals thrown around on how to solve this mess. Long gone are the days of Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley, John Starks, Anthony Mason and others that left it all on the court every night. Gone are the days of the Red Holtzmans, Walt Fraziers, Earl Monroe, Bill Bradleys, and Willis Reeds. Gone are the days of the Garden being an intimidating place for opponents, the excitement of playoff basketball...

In life, multiple opportunities are as rare as a true ace in baseball or a great big man in basketball. It is a rarity which causes every individual to seek every option in order to capture it. A second chance. Another opportunity. Another attempt to do it differently. We've all made mistakes. Mistakes are a surplus. Second chances are always at a premium. As rewarding, grateful, and relieving second chances may and can be, they tend to be ironic in their lessons and assuring of their mysteries. It is no secret that Stephon Marbury has had a season filled with drama and controversy. From testifying in a court case, to being vilified for a lack of leadership, Marbury's image, courage, and heart has been questioned. The New York fan base recently turned their back on the hometown legend as the Knicks struggle out of the gate, and chastised him for leaving the team on a West Coast trip (Though details on his hiatus are still unconfirmed). Through all of that, Marbury is jeered unc...

Thanksgiving - complete. The season of giving, sharing and everything else that feels good has begun. However, before heading out to the malls, before making plans for the holidays and before hanging the garlands and opening my heart to the carols, one has to take a moment to slow down before moving forward. After all, this is a time when all moments tend to enter a warped vortex that fast forwards the remaining days of the year. And with just that, a mere few days, giving thanks before the end of the year is essential. Now you may say, aren't I a bit too late? Possibly. However, one day to give thanks cannot capture how much you have appreciated 2007. Yes, as we turn the corner on the final stretch of the new year, this weekend has opened my eyes to give thanks for a few things. Yankees 1st Round Exit in 2007 Playoffs - One has to be thankful for the early exit as it allowed us to realize the greatness of an era, the class of a manager, and the sudden need to change the philosop...

"From now on, it can never be the same as before. Cause the place I'm from doesn't exist anymore." Life can seem hard as you look forward, plotting and calculating a future of potential moves. Improving and motivating yourself to reach that potential is an everyday grind that is rigorous and demanding. The ins and outs, the yes and no's, the options, the commitments, the failures, the triumphs and the tragedies, all can make life as complicated as we have already known it to be. However, it all seems so easy sometimes, when we "try" to reduce life down to a simple formula. We recognize life for it's ability to change, alter, and form into different forms. Times change. People grow. Eras come to an end. We've come to grips with our current reality so much so, that we embrace our new adventure whole heartedly- and a half, in order to blanket our feelings for the past. With each chapter, we bring a piece of us (or at least attempt to) into our new ...

Kobe Bryant. Alex Rodriguez. Much has been made and analyzed about these two athletes regarding their constant pursue of excellence, championships and their own happiness. For Kobe, its about wanting to be on a team that has a chance to contend for a championship. A team that is not rebuilding and is committed to winning. Bryant has made his demands clear through the media and his own actions. He wants to win. Can you blame him? However, Kobe had that opportunity. It wasn't too long ago Kobe had a seven-foot monster named Shaquille O'Neal. Following a crushing defeat in the NBA Finals to the Detroit Pistons, Kobe wanted the spotlight. Kobe wanted the Lakers to be his. His team, and his only, like a spoiled child that wanted his toys back. He ruined what could've been a long run of dominance by the two superstars over the NBA scene. Kobe had what he wanted. What Kobe is seeking is the power to dictate the terms of his own trade, while ending up on a contending team...

"What is your biggest fear?" I was once asked this question about four years ago. As always, when asked a question of such personal magnitude, I wanted to take a moment to select a proper answer that truly captures and accentuates my absolute greatest fear. So, I brainstormed for several seconds, going over the many things that lock up my nerves and paralyze my mental ability. After honestly reviewing it in my mind twice, I came up with the answer of... "The Boston Red Sox winning the World Series." It was the most logical answer for my feelings, as prior to 2004, the thought of the Red Sox winning was truly frightening. It was the fear of every Yankee fan. Imagining what it would feel like, the annoyance of Red Sox fans, the feeling of defeat for New Yorkers, and most of all, the end of our greatest edge over the Red Sox- a psychological advantage. However, the Red Sox are cursed, right? That could never happen our my lifetime. No worries. Then 2004 happened. A ye...

City of Champions. It is a term for which New Yorkers wish can be associated with their city. For a place so demanding, so goal-oriented, so ego-driven, New Yorkers consider it almost a birthright that the term is given to them. After all, it is the biggest city in the world. The number one market in the nation. The city of dreams. The biggest Stage. The Big Apple. Yup, this is the show. New York City should be the "City of Champions." After all, New Yorkers lose enough time, sleep and not to mention money, over their favorite teams. There should not be a reason why they are not. However, they aren't. In actuality, they aren't even close. With the Yanks pondering their future, the Jets a lost cause, and the Giants giving the city its last bit of hope, the city does not have a favorite. What about the New York Rangers, you say? Well, maybe, if you're into that sort of thing, but we are talking about sports that capture the masses. Sports that actually matter...