Dome Pondering

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...