Dome Pondering

"I want to win pennants and we need ballplayers! I've stretched my efforts in this two-year search for players of promise. Do you think you can do it? Make good in organized baseball?" Robinson shifted to relieve his mounting tension. "If...if I got the chance." This was the brief dialog between Branch Rickey, Brooklyn Dodger boss, and a young Jackie Robinson in 1946. Robinson made it clear to Rickey that he was able to conquer all of the obstacles ahead of him to make the game of baseball better for all people. Robinson met and hurdled all of the obstacles. Robinson opened the eyes to many that baseball was anyone's game, and enlightened a nation stuck in its ignorant ways. Because of Robinson, there was an opportunity provided for African-Americans to participate in America's game. Fast-Forward sixty-years later. Coming off the heels of celebrating Robinson's 60th anniversary of breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball, the sport...

New York City is often regarded as a city that is complex in its existence and its operation. It is a city that is often in overdrive, slowing up for no one, nor showing any regression or compassion for those that are swamped by the pace. It's a demanding and peculiar culture. However, despite the pressure that is laid upon every individual in this city, New York City begs to be sought after to every New Yorker. No matter where you are going, have gone, or will go, New York City possesses qualities and characteristics that can't be duplicated or replicated anywhere else. I missed this City. I forgot how unforgiving this town can be. Only a place like New York City, where a man can be vilified and be the center of attention the way that Alex Rodriguez has been this season. Whether it is his on-the-field performance, or his personal life, A-Rod cannot escape the madness, the intrigue, and the controversy. I forgot how passionate this town can be. Where else will fans use the word...

Every college senior class experiences a time of rejoice, reminiscence, and repose. It is a time when change is imminent, and every graduate prepares to walk through the tunnel into that big stadium that is life. Commencement speeches are usually an attempt to wrap up all the feelings that a collegiate senior is experiencing. As a graduating member of the 2007 class at Cazenovia College, I was selected to give a speech to the class of 07' at the Awards Banquet. After reviewing and reading many commencement and awards speeches given to graduates by students, faculty and celebrities across the nation, I found many of them to be cliche' and monotonous in their meaning and personalization to the graduates. Although they were rich in humor and inspiration, I felt that most missed the true opportunity to get across a message that is often overlooked. That message was the importance and rarity of a college graduate. In preparing my speech, I wanted to stay true to that message. I...