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 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...

What is it about?  Luke and Kate are coworkers who are close friends, flirt heavily, and have their relationship tested during a weekend away with their significant others.  Who is in it? Olivia Wilde - Kate Jake Johnson - Luke Anna Kendrick - Jill Ron Livingston - Chris Favorite Scene:  [spoiler alert] While attempting to help Kate move, Luke suffers a very bad cut. In that moment, Kate is struck with panic and doesn't help Luke, who needs the assistance.  Favorite Quote:  "You are not allowed to make me feel bad...because I am single and you are not." Review:  Drinking Buddies is not cliché. However, it's also a film that could have used a more resolute or definitive ending.  The relationship of Luke and Kate carries the film, and at times, you think it'll go the obvious way of them finding romance. However, as the film continues, especially near the end, I found myself very much hoping they never do get together. Luke and Kate are exactly that - dri...

Ivy at the Ivy (Princeton University) 

We've made our decisions.  And tomorrow... We'll make our decisions.

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...

We all try to "fly over" jury duty. Until you see it from the ground. 

It's hard to believe we're already at mid-season for the 2026 MLB season.  With a potential looming lockout next season, there's some added incentive to appreciate all things baseball right now. With that said, I soaked up all of what the MLB All-Star break was this week.  For what it was, it was a nice ode to the game. I enjoyed it, and lots to love about where baseball is going...except for the pending labor talks. Regardless, here is the latest Pondering 10 - my favorite things for the 2026 All-Star Break. --- 10. Uniforms It's a small thing. However, Nike's attempt to invoke what we've seen in the takeover in the NBA with the MLB backfired. The previous All-Star jerseys were a disaster. Getting back to the fellas representing their teams is a visual that should always remain. Welcome back.  PS - They tried to do something different with the hats...wasn't a fan.  9. Netflix Presentation I don't know what the overall viewership will be for Netflix. Net...

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 expense of maturity, is the pain in realizing how much of yourself was given to others who did not deserve it. 

What is it about?  The story of Nike's pursuit of a then-unknown Michael Jordan by a struggling Nike Basketball division.  Who is in it?  Matt Damon - Sonny Vaccaro Jason Bateman - Rob Strasser Ben Affleck - Phil Knight Favorite Scene:  Sonny heads to Wilmington, North Carolina, and ends up with a face-to-face meeting with Deloris Jordan Favorite Quote:  I believe the saying that if you say what you want, that's fine and good, but doing something about it is what really counts. Review:  Air is as good as expected. In many ways, it was better than expected. After all, how riveting could this story have been, especially when we're aware of some parts? It's tough to make this an entertaining vehicle when a documentary could do it, right?  That was the tough part, and this film crushed it. Kudos to Affleck for doing so in the director's role as well as in portraying a quirky Phil Knight. Could it have used MJ's perspective? Of course. But staying focused o...