Dome Pondering

2008. Another year, another chapter. 2008 has shown us all many things about ourselves, our society, our country, and most of all, about our world. As we jump into 2009, like last year ( 2007 Year In Review ), let's give out some awards, predict the future, and look back on the roller coaster of a ride that was 2008.

This past month, the sports world lost many significant individuals as they decided to hang up the jersey or clipboard, and ride off into the sunset. After years of service in their sport, which included masterpiece seasons, unmatched dedication, and tremendous competitive spirits; many memories, mere trivial answers, and for some, immortality into the Hall of Fame is now their destiny. A path they willingly chose. Except For one individual. On December 11, 2008, Cuttino Mobley was forced to retire due to a condition known as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, or HCM. According to medical definition, HCM is a genetic heart disease that creates a thickening of the heart wall muscle and accounts for over 40% of all deaths on athletic fields across the country. One in every 500 North Americans are diagnosed with HCM. HCM can be detected and treated to allow normal and productive lives. However, if got unprotected, HCM can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, and most cases, death. Cuttino Mobley, a p...

At the conclusion of the 2008 baseball season, two of the greatest pitchers of this generation have decided to retire, Greg Maddux and Mike Mussina. For most of the last three decades, both men have performed above all else, rising to the top of the league's best, despite pitching during what has now become known as the "steroid era." Chicks might dig the long ball, but these two had more substance than substances to win over baseball purists as well as the casual fan. We were very much privelaged to witness the careers of two greats. Mussina, better know as "Moose", began his career with the Baltimore Orioles and spent nine years with them after rapidly blazing through Stanford University and rising through the minors. After his stint with the Orioles, Moose later joined the Yankees we all had the opportunity to watch him flourish from his prime years into an elder that reinvented himself to finally achieve winning twenty games in his final season. Moose has a...

So when the image of the professional athlete could not get any worse, Plaxico Burress happens. In the wake of a fallen economy, and tough times, the nation looks toward sports, their teams, and their athletes to take them away from their lives. Their reality. It's a position that brings athletes fame, fortune, and wealth at the expense of their fan base. All in exchange for removing them from reality. However, Plaxico Burress had reality brought to him several days ago when he shot himself in New York. Plaxico Burress pulled the trigger on his career in more ways than one. After several days of this situation unraveling, questions have been raised about the safety of professional athletes. Are they in danger? Have they ever felt threatened? Are they justified in carrying firearms? All of these questions can be debated due to the tragic incidents regarding, Eddy Curry, Steve Smith, and the late Sean Taylor. However, Burress' situation is less sympathetic due to harming himself ...

So it seems Stephon Marbury cannot keep himself out of controversy. Marbury stated camp in October that, "he refuses to come off the bench in New York." In an ironic twist of events. Marbury was granted his wish. No matter how much Marbury has claimed to become a new man, there seems to be flashes of the old Starbury lingering. Marbury, who has stated that he refuses to accept, "a penny less" than the $21 million he is owed, has been relegated to Jerome James Universe, otherwise known as the inactive list. The Knicks refuse to jeopardize their growth and development for Marbury, who will not be wearing orange and blue after the 2008-09 campaign anyway. With the second highest salary in the NBA, Marbury is untradable, unmovable, and basically stuck. As long as this "stalemate" of a standoff between Marbury and New York Knicks management continues, he will continue to be an issue, and a dark cloud (with a Starbury logo stamped in ofcourse) over the Knicks or...

Here comes the pain! It's a reference many fans of Brock Lesnar have heard throughout his career. Whether it be professional wrestling, professional football, or mixed martial arts, Lesnar has always done just that - brought the pain. Standing six foot two inches and weighing two hundred and sixty five pounds, and boasting a freakishly massive frame combined with his remarkable athletic background, Lesnar had few doubters regarding the potential of a bright future. Following his historic collegiate career, Lesnar joined the WWE in pursuit of fulfilling his career. Lesnar wasted no time capturing World titles, the main event, and even headlining Wrestlemania XIX. However, the grueling life and travel of a professional wrestler (340 days per year) began to grow and wear Lesnar down mentally and physically. In a decision he was highly criticized for, he soon opted to quit, giving up fame and millions of dollars in return for his happiness. Crtitics jumped all over the decision. ...

President Elect Barack Obama. There is so much emotion, thought, and recollect that emanates from that statement. For the first time in the history of this glorious nation, the highest office in the land is held by a man of color. There isn't much that can be seen, written, read, or said that hasn't been already. It was a historic moment for people of color. The issue hits the heart with many people who are just generations away from segregation and Jim Crow laws, children who are constantly battling stereotypes and lasting racism, and those today who are trying to shake the gorilla, and move forward toward a better America - a better day. That all culminated on November 4th, 2008 - that better day. Yours truly has experienced the awkward aura and almost disappointing look on an educator's face faking emotion and fabricating a positive vibe when a young ten year old child claimed he wanted to become President of the United States of America. It's a look seen too often b...

Every Sunday, about 85,000 people fill FedEx Field in the nation's capital to support the Washington Redskins. Million more cheer on from local bars, pubs, and from the confines of their home for one of the wealthiest and most valuable franchises in the National Football League. However, with so many looking to support the Redskins on every, and any given Sunday, there are many more that are against the Redskins, their management, and even FedEx. If you guessed its the Dallas Cowboys and their fans, you are incorrect. It is not the Giants, Eagles or any other NFC East divisional rival. In fact, this large assembly of people and their issue with the Washington Redskins has no ties to football at all. Give up? Well, the answer is Indian Country. "What, and who is Indian Country", you may say? Indian Country is comprised of all Native Americans from every tribe within the borders of our great nation. Indian Country for many years have fought for rights, freedom, and equaliti...

Joba Chamberlain made the biggest mistake of his life. No, it was not a hanging slider to blow a save or a hold. No, it wasn't a pitch up and over the head of Kevin Youkilis (again). In fact, his mistake did not even take place on the baseball diamond. Joba Chamberlain's biggest mistake this week revolved around his recent DUI back in his hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska. After being well over the legal limit, speeding, and having an open container in his car, Joba's judgment lacked the sharpness usually displayed in his blazing fastball and wicked slider. And there lies the problem. The problem being that Joba's recent mishap is directly tied with his on-the-field talent. Joba's recent DUI was met with mere passes and excuses such as, "he deserves a second chance." Or, "He's only twenty three, he's young, he will make mistakes." Although everyone does deserve a second chance (and a third as suggested by Hank Steinbrenner), lets not forget ...

$700 Billion Rescue Plan. Passed. On October 6th, 2008, the global market took yet another huge hit as the Dow plunged below 10,000 points, with effects looming to spread beyond Wall street to what most politicians and financial economist coined as, "Main Street." It seems the "Rescue Plan" which lends financial firms over $700 billion of American tax dollars is not stabilizing the market, or even fooling investors into committing to it. In fact, most are beginning to repel from the market, due to its unpredictability, as the bottom of the global economy continues to fall out. $700 billion dollars. A Rescue Plan is what the government has tried to spin it. However, lets be honest and call it what it is - a bailout. A simple, "Uncle Sam, we messed up badly, now fix it." It's very much understandable for the reason for this bailout. If several more financial firms fall under- mortgages, 401k's, loans, and employment go with them. And attempting to fa...

With the change of the calendar to the tenth month of the year comes October. Playoff baseball. It is the time of the year where each pitch is as important as the next to come. Where lineups and today's starting pitcher are reviewed as the tale of the tape before a big fight. It is where each call, each bounce, and each inch can change an inning, a game, and a series. It is a month where baseball reigns supreme. A month where goats become heroes, and heroes can become legends. It is also a month where Bartman and Buckner happens. It is unpredictable, unfathomable, and downright the best sporting month of the year. It's October. It's playoff baseball. And it cannot be scripted. Nonetheless, part of the fun is attempting to do so, so here goes... ALDS - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim defeat Boston Red Sox in four games. Anaheim takes care of business out west before dropping game three in Fenway. Game 4 will see John Lackey take the hill and dominate the sox for eight innings ...

After the lights were shut off for the last time on September 21st, 2008 in Yankee Stadium, many have reported and reminisced on the history of the historic stadium. It's been written and talked about everywhere. The perfect games. The legendary players. The Papal visits. The football games. The big fights. The world series games. Yankee stadium was the stadium. And like many, yours truly will be sad to see the stadium at 161st and River Avenue go. It was a place that I too grew up with. There were many, many games in the early nineties watching a putrid Yankee team, yet rooting for my favorites in Mike Stanley, Jimmy Key and my main man, Don Mattingly. There were many arguments of how much the Yankees were going to miss Roberto Kelly (Only to be replaced by some guy named Paul O'neil). Getting excited about Kevin Maas. Experiencing Derek Jeter replacing Tony Fernandez...and watching him grow over the years. Accepting that Kevin Maas was not the guy. The surprise of the 1995 s...

With all the problems that face this great nation moving forward into a new presidency, Monday, September 15th, 2008, added yet another to the growing list. Lehman Brothers. Meryll Lynch. Never before have financial and investment banks become as popular as they have in the last 48 hours with the United States market and fiscal atmosphere continuing to crumble. An atmosphere that includes a wacked housing market, a shattered credit market, an unemployment rate nearing six percent, a Meryll Lynch buyout, AIG borrowing over forty billion, and The Lehman Brothers becoming another paragraph in Chapter 11, the next presidential regime has as big of a financial problem since President Roosevelt on the heels of the depression. Oh yeah, lest we not forget Hurricane Ike, the damage that it has done, the cost of relief, and the impact on the American oil and energy refineries. However, in this race for the White House, we continue to see the typical political "strategies" played out b...

Don Haskins. 38 Seasons with the University of Texas-El Paso. 719-353 record. Seven Western Athletic Conference Titles. 1 National Title. With all those accolades, many still know him as the coach from the Disney movie and his biography, Glory Road as well as his famous decision to start five blacks against Kentucky University in the 1966 NCAA Championship game. The title, very fitting for the biography and movie, as Don Haskins led a life of glory: One of simplicity and truth. Haskins was a man of respect, honor, and integrity as he represented and expected the same qualities in and from others that he held for himself. He did so without discrimination of gender, color, race, creed, nationality or anything else society attempts to divide itself with. In a time when discrimination and segregation was as thick as the Texas heat he enjoyed, Haskins turned a small school in south Texas into an NCAA powerhouse through hard work, sacrifice, and what was then considered, controversial recru...

In what may be the biggest transaction of the year in the professional wrestling industry, Gail Kim has decided to "jump ship" from Total Nonstop Action Wrestling to the larger World Wrestling Entertainment. Kim, regarded as one of the best female wrestlers in the world today decided not to extend her contract with TNA wrestling after receiving what was describe as a "large financial offer" from rival, WWE. The signing has solidified the market demand for not only talent, but top female talent in the professional wrestling industry. Yes, you read correctly...demand for female talent.

B-R-E-T-T. Brett, Brett, Brett!! For the time being, that chant is falling on deaf ears as Brett Favre has been pushed off the main pages and out of the headlines. And with the coverage Favre has been drawing for his momentous change in uniform (shade of green), it would take a special event and person to do so. Especially, in the world of ESPN. Right now, everyone wants to be like Mike. Michael Phelps that is. What Michael Phelps has accomplished in Beijing in the 2008 Olympics far exceeds the standard of special. Phelps' accomplishments were historic, impressive and downright transcending. If you had the opportunity to witness one of Phelps' races in the Olympics you understand the magnitude of his feat. Phelps' ability to not only defeat the best in the world, but dominate them by body lengths is immeasurable. He possesses the type of God-given ability that causes you to shake your head in disbelief of his athleticism, poise, and dominance. Simply put, Michael ...

So who needs a 401k plan when employers are now offering millions to former employees? NFL players might, especially with their latest issues regarding retired players. Brett Favre, well informed about that issue, defintely looked into his own retirement plan. After the Green Bay Packers offered the legendary quarterback up to twenty million dollars to stay retired, NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, has now reinstated the quarterback for the 2008 season. Favre declined the twenty million dollar package and will report to Packers camp. Can it become anymore ridiculous? Of course it can! The Green Bay Packers have now stated that the starting quarterback position will now be a competition between the now un-retired Brett Favre and, who now might be the "World's most ticked off athlete", Aaron "Just Go Away Brett" Rogers. Favre, the NFL, the Green Bay Packers, and yes, even you ESPN, have mishandled this situation from the beginning. What began as a rumor, morphed i...

So what if Lisa Leslie was thrown to the ground? Yeah, I said it. Not quite the introduction your were looking for, huh? Well, neither was the coverage the WNBA has received as of late for its version of the "Brawl at the Palace". Despite the irony of the location of the WNBA's first throwdown, everyone has seemed to approach this situation as if it is a huge black eye on the league in its entirety. From all of the WNBA analysts to the sport beat writers that cover basketball as whole, all look upon this situation as marring the game. Now yes, it is totally agreeable that disagreements, fights, and brawls occur in professional sports. It happens all the time. And yes, it is definitely unacceptable behavior for professional athletes, the game, and the many youngsters that idolize them to partake in such a manner. It should not be condoned, and is totally unacceptable. After all, the WNBA's motto is "Expect Great." On the other hand, treating this si...

So when did sports become so serious? So unforgiving to the fan? Sports and the world that it makes its home in, has always been one of escape. Escape from our jobs. Escape from our politics. Escape from controversy. Escape from our lives. Escape from ourselves. A world where a fan can throw his or her heart into and forget about all the wrong doings of the world. A world where there is only victory and defeat. It's a love for the game. A love for your city. However, as of late it seems that sports have become as real as your 9-to-5. Scratch the love. Sports now involve all the quirks, perks, and legality that you might see in an episode of Law and Order. Everyone has heard the cliche so many times that, "Sports is a business", however, it seems the line between the two has been blurred, and that shade of gray has been replaced with politics. Ultimately, leaving fans out of the equation. Need an example? Look no further than the situation with the Seattle Superson...

With the sixth pick in the NBA Draft, the New York Knicks select...Danilo Gallinari. Booooo! A familiar sound heard on draft night in the MSG Theater regarding the selection of the Knicks. Nonetheless, in what is deemed as the most crucial selection in New York Knickerbocker history, the Knicks selected the young Italian nicknamed "The Rooster". After initial doubt, Gallanari has grown on many including yours truly. After being heralded by Fran Fraschilla on draft night as having the potential to be amongst "the untouchables" of New York City such as Derek Jeter and Michael Strahan, Gallanari has shown in a short amount of span that Fraschilla might have been on to something. However, "The Rooster" has yet to play a game, or even lace up a pair of kicks under the Garden lights. So he may be far away from the Jeters and Strahans, but compared to the trash most New Yorkers see on the Knicks roster, Gallinari's looks like a gem. After all, what ...

Is it possible for A-Rod to make more money? And isn't that thought scary? After all, he is potentially the greatest player to ever don a Baseball uniform, and according to the latest results, one of "The Greatest Athletes in the World." So you would think that he would (and should) be fairly marketable, right? Currently, A-Rod is the ninth highest paid athlete in the world behind the likes of Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Flloyd Mayweather, and some guy named Tiger Woods. Rodriguez's base salary is in actuality the highest at a whopping $29 million dollars per year. However, he only (and let's use that term loosely) makes an additional $6 million in endorsements, an area others obviously thrive in. It is hard to believe, a guy like Rodriguez who is the best in his sport, similar to the likes of Woods, James, Mayweather, and Bryant, cannot step to the foray of the mainstream media. Rodriguez, who has turned down endorsements in the past (commercials & photo shoot...

Terry "Hulk Hogan" Bollea has had quite a rough stretch lately. This has not been a secret as the "Hulkster" has seen his life crumble before him as if he were in the fist of the late great, Andre The Giant. Hogan has experienced the canceling of his TV show, Hogan Knows Best , a messy and public divorce, various scandals regarding his newest lady Hulkamaniac, witnessing his son being sent to jail, and a potential life altering lawsuit. It's been very rough to say the least. Many have sympathized with Hogan, and have shown their support for him in many ways. Although, any individual experiencing such a downward spiral deserves sympathy and support, this situation has been coming for a long time. It was as obvious as the finish to any of Hogan's matches or any major wrestling event in the late 80's-early 90's. Except this time, the finish was very different. This time, Hogan is the one that has been defeated. As the old saying goes, what ...

So Kimbo Slice is the next great fighter? According to Elite XC he is. The street fighting legend who became a household name because of his fights on YouTube and his rags-to-riches story was victorious in his third MMA fight for Elite XC. In the main event role, Slice was a sure lock for interest and ratings for the struggling MMA company as it not only broke through on the national stage for the first time, but represented the entire sport on it's quest for mainstream recognition. In a fight which seemed right out of the book from Don King's manual, the entire night was built around Slice's fight, his background, and his merits. From the pre-fight interviews and introduction, to the announcers excitement for every Slice haymaker and jab, the night almost seemed disrespectful to the fighters that have learned honed the MMA honor and discipline for years. In what was MMA's breakthrough night, the entire sport laid rest on the back of a two fight, internet sensation.

Five dollars a gallon. In some parts of Alaska, that has become the norm for gas. Soon, those prices will make their way toward the mainland, hurting many Americans along its path. Rising food and the luxuries of life will follow, sending many into caution during this "recession". It seems not too long ago that the world seemed much more on axis. It wasn't perfect, but things were much more aligned, almost serene, compared to the here and now. It was a mere decade ago when the world's biggest issue surrounded Y2K, and the future of technology. In today's world of YouTube, Blackberrys and the high speed internet, post September 11th has brought us... Darfur. Dead soldiers. South Iraq. Katrina. The War on Terrorism. Earthquakes. Cease of International Relations. 100,000 dead. Cancer. Myanmar. 10,000 dead. Israel. Diabetes. Global Warming. Continent-wide hunger. And yes, unforgiving rising oil prices. No longer is expanding our quality of life an issue, but the sheer...

The New York Knicks are on the road to recovery. Stephon Marbury's career is on life-support. The franchise which has been slowly dying in the past years, and which was bludgeoned severely by a weapon with the hand prints of Isiah Thomas, has begun its slow climb back to respectability. Hopefully, one day amongst the elite again. Nonetheless, as fast as they have become credible, the organization has presented several crossroads for many within the organization, especially Stephon Marbury. Upon hearing of new head coach Mike D'Antoni's hiring, Marbury immediately called the newly hired coach to welcome him to Gotham. After all, Marbury more than anyone else is excited for a replacement for the friend gone foe, Isiah Thomas. That is because, Marbury more than anyone else knows that this might be his final shot to not only save his name and career, but himself. With Mr. "Seven seconds a possession" planning to inject his philosophy into the Knicks mentally los...

22,000 people dead and counting... That is the bottom line after a vicious cyclone whipped through Myanmar. In what seems to be one of the greatest natural disasters in world history, has also seen a change in people - a change in heart. In a country often ruled by a repressive military regime, citizens of Myanmar, soldiers, Buddhist monks, and Catholic nuns all have come together to clear away trees and damage from Cyclone Nargis. However, even though the cyclone's unmeasurable damage seems to be completed, the struggle has just begun as survivors face greater challenges than finding the bodies of those who remain missing. Such struggles include loss of electricity, spreading disease in the world's worst health systems, and a lack of food, water, and shelter for over 6 million people.

"Louis Farrakhan is one of the most influential people of the last 20 years." That comment alone is evident of the absurd tirade that Jeremiah Wright has indulged in for the past few weeks. His latest outburst which consist of praise for Louis Farrakhan, claiming United States conspiracy regarding AIDS and blacks, "God damning America", and being a consistent nuisance to Sen. Obama's campaign reek of a man seeking attention. It's unbelievably sad when a man who through his distorted and twisted views along with his various degrees and accomplishments has the urge to voice such vulgar, detrimental, and outrageous comments that affect everyone. Comments which vehemently contradict those of Americans and the constant pursuit of Dr. King's Dream . Nonetheless, however sad it may be, Jeremiah believes he is right.

It has occurred so often, one would think that it is scripted. It has to be scripted. Another dead minority due to excessive police force. Another acquitted verdict. It almost seems so regular, that it no longer is surprising. The verdict in the Sean Bell case has caused an uproar over justice for citizens, and justice for minorities. In a case where three police officers fired a total of fifty one bullets at Sean Bell and his friends upon exiting a night club, a "trial" found them innocent of any excessive, cruel, or intentional behavior. In a trial where the prosecution tried about as hard as the New York Knicks did in the month of March, how can one blame the minority's lack of faith in the judicial system? The evidence was there. Plain and clear. This was supposed to be the one. This case was supposed to be different. This time there would be justice. Nope. Innocent. Instead, we got another cheap verdict. Now the Rev. Al Sharpton will run his parade for coverage and n...

After a week in which we celebrate the life, achievements and most of all, courage of great Jackie Robinson, the results of a poll on foxsports.com reflect thoughts that are downright disturbing. The question read, "Is the dwindling number of black players in Major League Baseball a serious concern?" As of today, after 17,332 votes, 12% agree, while 88% do not. Are we really serious? While the reasons for the lack of black ball players in Major League Baseball is attributed to many things from economics to lack of interest, to say such a matter is not important, or vital to the total growth of the game is ignorant. While I agree with many that Jackie Robinson's efforts were more about brotherhood than the elevation of one race, Jackie's remarkable career did indeed emanate a sense of opportunity. The argument however is the opportunity for children to choose. If black children across the nation rather toss a football, or shoot a jump-shot rather than drive in an RBI, ...

On the night of the 2008 National Championship, there are rumors that NBA Commissioner, David Stern, and NCAA President, Myles Brand are in agreement to require players to stay in college for at least two years of college. Immediately, many are quick to say the idea proposed by the top two dogs is brilliant. After all, it enhances the NBA game with more seasoned players, and it keeps the NCAA from one and done wonders such as Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, and Greg Oden. How can it be wrong? It's a no brainer, right? Well, yeah. However, one has to question this pact as it reeks of alternative motives. The agreement itself is grounded in none other than cash. An ability for the NCAA to develop and keep these top-notch stars that will be playing in a basketball arena near you soon, and a chance for the NCAA to become a sufficient breeding ground for the NBA. Both parties win, and will allow for a stronger product. Never mind the fact that you can be sent off to war, but n...

36 years. 36 years of setting the bar. 36 years of being, "The Man."

Wrestlemania . It is the biggest event of the year in the wrestling business. The crown jewel, the Super Bowl, the "grand daddy of them all" - the event. It's an event that gathers the entire industry, blurring company and organization borders, in a celebration of the most important date in the industry. Except for this year. With a legit number two and three organization in North America (albeit very far behind) Wrestlemania for the first time, has become a larger weekend event. With all three major promotions running huge shows in Orlando, the new "Wrestlemania weekend" (March 26th-30th) can potentially create a form of legit competition in the industry again. Orlando, Florida will be the capital of the wrestling world for this one week with four huge shows and neither company wanting the title of "worst show of the week", especially between TNA and ROH.

Following what has been a media circus regarding the Eliot Spitzer scandal, the whirlwind that was the media, seemed to have eased up on its proverbial "full-court press" on Ashley Alexandra Dupre. For now, that is. After all, Dupre's story, which is tailored for a future New York Times best seller, is one that follows a troubled, lost and aspiring singer that gave new meaning to "do whatever it takes", and her journey to super stardom. The catch - besides her two downloaded songs, her dream of becoming a singer hasn't become reality, but the one of being rich and famous have surpassed her imagination. Dupre, the young 22 year old that has captured the interest of America with her pictures, stories and aspirations, has become a house hold name by way of drugs, prostitution and the moral failure and fall of another individual. Her journey of choices, anchored by raw motivation from the heart, led her down a path that reaped short rewards. It was a mere short...

Brett Favre's run in the National Football League is finally over. After 17 seasons, what else can you say about Favre that has not been said already by reporters, newscasts, documentaries, sport columns, talk radio and passionate fans of all sports? There is one - humility . Favre was a man that exemplified a true essence of sports. A nakedness without the contracts, the endorsements, the commercials, the glitz, the glamor and all the baggage that accompanies professional sports today. Favre embodied a charismatic persona that involved class, hard work, dedication, toughness, imagination, and heart. However, it was his humility that poured through his passion for the sport over everything else. He had an uncanny ability to live in the moment. Never once did he take any situation or any moment for granted or out of its proportions for self promotion or self-indulgence. His ability to understand failures to overcoming adversity, Favre remained calm and cool through it all. Unscathed...

As I Grow Older It was a long time ago. I have almost forgotten my dream. But it was there then, In front of me, Bright like a sun— My dream. And then the wall rose, Rose slowly, Slowly, Between me and my dream. Rose slowly, slowly, Dimming, Hiding, The light of my dream. Rose until it touched the sky— The wall. Shadow. I am black. I lie down in the shadow. No longer the light of my dream before me, Above me. Only the thick wall. Only the shadow. My hands! My dark hands! Break through the wall! Find my dream! Help me to shatter this darkness, To smash this night, To break this shadow Into a thousand lights of sun, Into a thousand whirling dreams Of sun! -Langston Hughes As the year of two thousand and eight begins to find its comfort, establishing our goals, our habits, and ourselves become a focus. A flashback of 2007, presents the aspects that we excelled at, along with the challenges in which we failed miserably. All which come to mind with one common understanding - to improve. As ...