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Showing posts from January, 2011

A Look at The State of the Union Address - 2011

Now in year two of his presidency, President Obama delivered an interesting State of the Union address. Going in, President Obama had the tough task of addressing the United States current status while attempting to shape the nation’s future philosophy and direction. With a rebounding economy, our troops on schedule to return home, and various international matters being cleared up, the President took aim at directing focus back to domestic matters. With a chamber in solace over the recent wounding of Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford, the chamber decided to mix things up by avoiding the split room that has always been the norm during such speeches. In an attempt to show solidarity, and to rebuff the growing theme of separation which triggered the Gifford shooting, Republicans and Democrats sat next to one another during the speech. While it was a nice gesture, yes, the standing up and applauding for certain topics by specific members still reared up and showed separation. Anyhow, with

The Pondering 10 – Inspirational Speeches

What motivates you? What inspires you? There are a variety of things that pushes us to aspire for greatness, to reach for more, or to just downright get off our couch and get something done. Regardless of whether the goal is tangible or a status of well being, over the years there have been various ways individuals have motivated themselves to want more and to do better. One of those ways have always been through rhetoric. Whether for athletic, political, or social reasons, the art of speech has inspired human beings for generations. In the following Pondering 10 , I will rank my favorite inspirational speeches that always – always – get me going.

Dome Pondering Celebrates 300

On January 18th, 2011, Dome Pondering has reached another milestone – 300 posts. Blogspot has been a great site, server, and host as Dome Pondering has grown leaps and bounds since it’s first post. As the DP moves toward 400 posts and beyond, I would like to thank you, the reader, and all of those DP devotees, for your constant loyalty and interest in keeping the power of debate, and the pursuit of figuring out this race that we call life. Top Five Favorite Posts Over Last 100 1. New Beginnings – 5/26/10 2. Dome Pondering – Year In Review 2010 – 12/30/10 3. New Beginnings (1A) – 6/2/10 4. Life Happens – 5/17/10 5. Until Five – 9/24/10

Celebrating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - 2011

Dome Pondering Movie Review: The Fighter (2010)

What is it about? The true story of boxer, “Irish” Micky Ward and his family, as he ascends to the top of the boxing world. Who is in it? Mark Wahlberg – Micky Ward Christian Bale – Dickie Eklund Amy Adams – Charlene Fleming Melissa Leo – Alice Ward

First Time Ever (In a lifetime), Jets Are Soarin’

Such is the headline for tomorrow’s NY Daily News after tonight's 28-21 win over the New England Patriots. As tweeted, tonight’s win is the biggest win for the New York Jets I have ever witnessed in my lifetime. And while that may sound a bit far fetched, let’s remember there hasn’t been many “big wins” at all in the history of this franchise. Not only is it exciting to once again get back to the AFC Championship where we are now one win away from the super Bowl, but defeating the New England Patriots as well as silencing Boston and all of New England is especially sweet for this New Yorker. Here is hoping that this post won’t just become a mere memorial for yours truly to look back on, but just one of a few headlines that will make the DP marking a great, and possible, historic season. Also, below is a video of Jets linebacker, Bart Scott, who expressed a specific type of emotion that describes the feelings of all Jets’ fans who have not only dealt with their own demons wi

A Synopsis of Where Our Nation Is Headed

Recently, a federal appeals court ruled that a cross erected on public (federal) property atop 822-foot Mount Soledad in San Diego, California was unconstitutional. The statue which has stood at the site since 1954 in honor and memorial of the Korean War veterans has been under debate and controversy since 1989 when two Vietnam War veterans filed suit against the city of San Diego stating it violated California’s “No Preference” clause. The following statements were made by the court in its decision: "The use of such a distinctively Christian symbol to honor all veterans sends a strong message of endorsement and exclusion. It suggests that the government is so connected to a particular religion that it treats that religion's symbolism as its own, as universal. To many non-Christian veterans, this claim of universality is alienating.” Now, I’m not sure of how this ruling has played out in the court of public opinion, whether most Americans agree or disagree. From the

“Love Me Back” is Exactly How Music Fans Feel

It is safe to say that over the last couple of years, there hasn’t been a lot of music that truly speaks to me the way music used to. If you’re a DP devotee, you are well aware that I feel that music isn’t the way it once was. Not that it is entirely bad, because there is still plenty of great talent and music out there, however, it seems there is too much “bad stuff” out there. So much that it almost drowns out the good stuff. Bad stuff that is out in the mainstream that influences other bad stuff. Just my honest opinion. Feel free to disagree. And while I have been especially critical lately of hip hop in general, there is one person, more so an album, that has really forced not just me, but many to take notice – Jazmine Sullivan’s Love Me Back Album. I’ve always enjoyed Sullivan’s work, dating back to her debut album, Fearless . Although, it went under the radar by most, the potential of Sullivan was noticed. Her ability to sing and write, a rarity in today’s industry, wa

Broadening the Spotlight on the “Man With The Golden Voice”

In the post, A Golden Heart Trumps A Golden Voice , yours truly discussed the great story of Ted Williams, and the remarkable second chance at life he is receiving. While things have cooled regarding the buzz of Ted Williams, we have recently seen some negative stories pop up including the new born star. First, there was the “disturbance” issue regarding Williams and his daughter, and now recently, while not entirely negative (more so necessity) that Williams will be checking himself into rehab to continue the reformation of his life. It is great to see Williams take his second chance seriously by truly attempting to rid himself of his personal demons. However, while Ted Williams continues to be the star, this “man with the golden voice” story is much deeper than a man with a golden voice. Yes, previously, I touched base that this story is about a golden heart. And while Ted Williams is looked at as the focus, this story is much more than Ted Williams. The other part of this grea

The Pondering 10 – All-Time Play-By-Play Announcers

By the amount of stories written and touched on here at the DP regarding sports, I’m sure there is no doubt by you DP devotees that I love sports. And of course, after reading the 2010 Year in Review , you’re all aware of my appreciation and fascination with announcers. Whether they are PA announcers, play-by-play announcers, color commentators, or even sometimes, the sideline reporters (though most of them are annoying or useless), I respect their ability to entertain, and most of all, add to the story that we all see at home. Often times, us fans take their abilities for granted, yet, the form of communication they portray game in and game out is highly difficult. For this Pondering 10 list, I will list my favorite play-by-play announcers of all-time. For you sport fans, I’m sure the agreement, and disagreement, will be high. But hey, that’s the beauty of sports.

A Golden Heart Trumps A Golden Voice

It is a story that has gripped the nation like non other I have seen in my lifetime.  The story of Ted Williams and his rise to fame and prosperity overnight is one that is a true rags to riches journey. The sheer thought of standing on a street corner, homeless, and continuing to dream a dream, hoping, praying, clinging not only to survive another day, but to keep that very dream alive is one that is inspiring, miraculous, and heartwarming. [Blog Side Note: And before we forget, how about some credit to Columbus Dispatch photographer, Doral Chenowith, for discovering and bringing this story to life? Just as remarkable as this story has been, is the person who saw a homeless guy, entertained him, and discovered what might be in front of our faces every time we roll our eyes, or thumb our noses at a homeless person.] Upon viewing this video for the first time and hearing the voice of Ted Williams, I had the same reaction that I’m sure many of you had – wow! The title of the video

Dome Pondering Import - “How To Let ‘Er Rip in 2011” By: Lian Dolan

Here is an article that I came across today on CNN.com (Originally posted on Oprah.com). The article, written by Lian Dolan, is a very, very good piece on how Dolan’s new philosophy for the year of 2010 changed her life, and how she plans on carrying it over into the new year. The piece reminded me much of the 2009 and 2010 Year in Reviews, and how her philosophy of “Let ‘Er Rip” and my personal call for “finding desire, passion, and drive” are very similar. An interesting read that I felt was a good way to begin the 2011 year. 

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Invictus (2009)

What is it about? The story of Nelson Mandella’s first term as President of South Africa, and how he used a unique avenue of encouraging the national rugby towards the 1995 Rugby World Cup to unite the apartheid-torn land. Who is in it? Morgan Freeman – Nelson Mandella Matt Damon – Francois Pienaar