Dome Pondering

American Dreams (and Nightmares). 

What is it about?  A young couple's relationship develops quickly when one of them is diagnosed with cancer.  Who is in it?  Jeremy Allen White - Elliot Maika Monroe - Mia Favorite Scene:  [spoiler alert] After confronting Elliot during a strain in their relationship, both finally come to the conversation they've been avoiding. Favorite Quote:  "It's not that I don't love you. I do love you. You're my first love. I... I just don't... I just don't know you're my only love." Review:  After Everything has been on my targeted Netflix list for some time. The Trailer once hooked me enough to engage with the story.  I finally pulled the trigger over this July 4th Weekend, and I was glad that I did. I'm a sucker for a good coming-of-age film, and this one was right in my wheelhouse. Especially, in tackling the concept of illnesses, how they can alter a couple's relationship and overall growth.  The film does a good job of outlining the backgrou...

Strength for the self-audit, Freedom by the reset, Grateful for the mercy.

Cinema.  It's a phrase too often used, but that is exactly what the opening round match of Serena Williams vs. Maya Joint at Wimbledon was - must-see.  It was the kind of drama we all love about sports in its purest form - storylines galore, the unexplainable, and the unimaginable before you. A contest so rich and gripped with fascinating qualities and intangibles that it is uncapturable in words and photos, other than - you had to see it live.  Cinema.  I sat there for the duration of this match, in pure awe of the comeback of Serena Williams. At 44, returning to the court on the game's biggest stage after four years of retirement. A mom, before her kids, husband, and family, but more so her fans, all willing her on for yet another win.  At 44 years of age, what do we expect? The truth is, not much, but the essence of the beauty lies in the effort. The triumph is not in the matter of victory, but in the level of competitiveness. She still got it.  And ther...

TNA certainly came into Slammiversary 2026 carrying some public relations (or perception?) baggage which affected the excitement for this event. For me, Slammiversary has become one of those wrestling events on the calendar that moves the needle for me. This is especially the case after attending last year's historic event.   This year, the hype was not there. And ultimately, the overall creative process for the product for most of 2026 was well...plain. It wasn't terrible. But yeeaaaaaahhhhhhh, nothing felt overly exciting. The company had no major storyline driver. And thus, we saw the removal of Tommy Dreamer as head of creative at TNA after being with the company for almost ten years. Much of Slammiversary 2026 felt like it was pulled together two weeks out. And even heading into the show, with the added drama of Dreamer's release, TNA once again felt unstable.  Fortunately, what we got was a great show that feels like - again, there is that perception thing! - TNA is ...

Sunday Sunday 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...

--- 8 Years --- Dear Son,  On this day, eight years ago, you changed my life forever.  Today, as your mother and I celebrate your eighth birthday, it's hard not to take notice of the person you're becoming, most notably, the personality that is forming. Ace, you're super cool, bro. You really are. At this point in your life - and I hope you continue with this - you have an innate ability to find a sense of security in your interests, yet still be driven by your empathy.  For me, you turning eight on this day is represented by something that happened this weekend. We were attending a quinceañera for your cousin. At the reception, you discovered a Shirley Temple drink, and you liked it. A rarity since your palette for food and drink is well...very selective. You enjoyed temples all night. Confidently walking up to this open bar among adults, waiting in line, hoisting yourself to the ledge, and asking for your drink.  At the end of the night, after finishing your third ...

What is it about? Two families are connected by their sons' budding friendship after the sons return from World War II to a farm in Jim Crow rural Mississippi.  Who is in it? Jason Mitchell - Ronsel Jackson Carey Mulligan - Laura McAllan Jason Clarke - Henry McAllan Garry Hedlund - Jamie McAllan Rob Morgan - Hap Jackson Mary J. Blige - Florence Jackson Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] After hearing about Henry's lien toward the Jackson family, Laura uses money from the family safe to pay for a doctor for Hap. Florence nods to Laura in the distance, and Laura acknowledges it before driving off.  Favorite Quote: "Coon, spade, darky, nigger"... Went off to fight for my country to come back to find it hadn't changed a bit. and... "What good is a deed? My grandfathers and great uncles, grandmothers and great aunts, father and mother, broke, tilled, thawed, planted, plucked, raised, burned, broke again. Worked this land all they life, this land that never would be t...

Sunday Sunday 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 social...