Dome Pondering

What is it about? One veteran conductor, and a conductor in training work together and risk their lives to stop an unmanned runaway train from causing a major catastrophe in Pennsylvania. Who is in it? Denzel Washington - Frank Chris Pine - Will Rosario Dawson - Connie

"Michael Jordan is overrated." An old co-worker and myself used have a running game where we would attempt to come up with opinions that people may have that are so crazy, the opposite should otherwise be deemed as fact. After all, there is no way the above statement can be taken seriously, right?  However, after the recent futility of the Michael Jordan-owned Bobcats, overrated may no longer an impossible word in describing his "Airness."  Before some of you are quick to pull the trigger on closing your mind on such a thought, I simply ask that you remove Michael Jordan the basketball player from this evaluation. We all know, MJ is the greatest of all time. There is, and possibly never will be any debate in that regard.  However, as for MJ the executive, the word "overrated" is very much in play.

It's the final leg of the first round of DP Clash weirdness. This time, we delve into the Star World bracket. With second-round match-ups taking shape, let's finalize it all by completing the first round of the Clash.

A new bracket. More DP-All-stars. And of course, more unique clashes. Welcome to the first round of the Hollywood Blvd. Bracket. Why Hollywood? Well, just like the Toy Story Series and Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Hills and Hollywood Blvd. are one of the coolest places I've ever been to. So why not? And yes, the next bracket is named, Star World, after the wonderful cheat board in Super Mario Bros. that allows you to defeat the game much quicker. Star World was awesome! Anyhow, with that said, let's continue on with the first round.

I know - I know what you are thinking? Infinity and Beyond Bracket? Well, yes. I like the Toy Story series a whole lot. Shoot me. Anyhow, as the title says, let's get to another round of the DP Clash. Once again, this is all for fun people. Don't take it too seriously as some did the initial post. If you missed the first post, check it out  - DP Clash - 1st Round (MSG Bracket) .

Of the 168 hours in a week, 49 hours are spent sleeping, which leaves 119 hours of awakened experience. Of the 119 hours, 40 are spent working, or 33% - one third - of your time is spent at work. And that's if you don't work overtime. Unlike grammar school or college, we spend that 33% with others who we cannot escape. We must work with them, be around them, and see them everyday, for eight hours. These co-workers consist of those we enjoy working with, those who we don't mind, and those who just downright annoy us. The following Pondering 10 list is dedicated to those annoying co-workers that simply make our work environment tougher than it should be.

Introducing: The DP All-Star Clash, where we take a break from the ongoing search for answers in this race called life, and have a little fun. Every other genre has it's mid-season or year classic, and why not the DP. With the Dome Pondering: Year in Review being the signature post of this blog, why not have some fun mid-way through? With that said, we've taken thirty-two characters, celebrities, athletes, and some other DP favorites, and placed them in a tournament-style bracket. And because The Clash is simply for fun, there is no rhyme or reason in determining this, other than going with the flow, and punching the keys without heart, and mores so with the imagination. With all of that said and an concept introduction out of the way, let's punch the keys on some creative writing, and take a look toward the upcoming match-ups.

178. What is your favorite song and why? I have two. The first one is "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me. The song's lyrics are powerful, and always leave me wondering about my encounter with the creator after death.  The second is a song called Metalingus, by Alter Bridge. A song that makes for a great song on the iPod when running, and a song that always - always - gets me ready for the day. I especially love the following lyrics:  On this day its so real to me Everything has come to life Another chance to chase a dream Another chance to feel Chance to feel alive

What is it about? A mysterious and introverted stuntman, mechanic, and professional getaway driver must work him self out of trouble in attempt to help a neighbor and her kid, whom he has become fond of. Who is in it? Ryan Gosling - Driver Carey Mulligan - Irene Bryan Cranston - Shannon

On Saturday, April 21st, 2012, Phillip Humber became the 21st player in Major League Baseball history to pitch a perfect game. Humber, a former New York Mets prospect that has bounced around the league since his "sure thing" reputation, is a clear example of not only how funny and enigmatic the beautiful game of baseball can be, but what perseverance and hard work can do for an individual. Humber added nine strikeouts in an effort in that was similar to now fellow perfect game pitcher, Dallas Braden, surely, unexpected.

I often get verbally jumped by a few DP devotees about my views on college athletics - especially recently, with the latest Pondering 10 list ( Issues/Annoyances With College Basketball Product ). Ant to be honest, much of the criticsim and feedback is justified as I admittedly am not engulfed into the world of college athletics as some are. I'm in the group that thinks paying $50-plus bucks to watch amateur basketball, or to even attend a scrimmage/intra-squad game in April along with 70,000 other fans, is simply crazy.  I do like college sports. Just not that much. And my reasoning lies in the poor ethics and morals exhibited. This reason was magnified recently with the story of Wisconsin Head Coach Bo Ryan and the university's utter distaste in placing restrictions on student-athlete Jarrod Uthoff.

I (Still) Miss The Old House

What is it about?  A middle-aged, divorced, fiction-writer returns home to rekindle a very old romance with her now happily married ex-boyfriend.  Who is in it?  Carlize Theron - Mavis Gary Patton Oswalt - Matt Freehauf Patrick Wilson - Buddy Slade

It's been almost seven years since I last saw or heard from my oldest brother. No phone calls. No text messages. Not even a Facebook friend request. So as I sit here contemplating the words in which I will place on a note that he will eventually read, I am torn, emotional, confused, and even a bit reluctant to go through with this process. However, I know I have to do this. It is an act that will eventually close a chapter that is still open, though it has been cold for this long. And whether he accepts this initiative on my part in this tangled web, or whether he decides to throw those anticipated and hopeful words out with the trash, one way or another, this chapter of silence comes to an end.  I've never really mentioned my oldest brother here at the DP. In fact, until my wedding, I've never mentioned any of my brothers. Like many of you reading this, I have quite the unorthodox family. And for those of you who don't, count your blessings, and do not take it for

What is it about?  A battalion chief is tired of being mislead due to politics and hidden schemes and goes rogue to uncover the real truth about WMDs and the war in Iraq. Who is in it?  Matt Damon - Roy Miller Greg Kinnear - Clark Poundstone Khalid Abdalla - Freddie

162. If today was the last day of your life, who would you call and what would you tell them? I would call my wife, tell her how much I love her, and that she needs to trust Jesus the rest of the way without me. Oh, and I'd urge her to not feel guilty to find someone after I am gone. In fact, I encourage it! I would call my parents, thank them for the years of effort into making me the man that I am today. Also for showing me the greatest quality a human being can have in life is being giving and unselfish. I would call a couple of my close friends, and tell them thanks for sticking by my side, and to continue being foolish without me. To everyone else, I'd drop a nice long letter as my final DP post.

Courtesy: Harry How/Getty Images Is there no pride in the United States anymore? Is there no pride in representing your country? Those are questions I believe are hot topics as our society changes. Whether because social networking, technology, growing knowledge or the world beyond, or a sheer lack of respect by upcoming generations, pride in this nation seems to have become, dare I say, casual. Almost fashionable. It is to a point where we only have pride in the red, white, and blue when some major catastrophe happens, a dictator is captured, or when it is the Olympic games. However, I will say, we do come together pretty strong during those moments. Still, the growing lack of pride and integrity in everything that is whole and right with the land of the free and the home of the brave is alarming. Which is why when I came across the news blurb on stating that  Dwyane Wade and Ray Allen believe Olympic athletes should get paid, it ignited a fire to punch t

What is it about? A young music company intern comes is summoned to accompany an out-of-control rock star from London to the Greek Theater in Los Angeles in time for a concert that can help turn around the company.  Who is in it?  Jonah Hill - Aaron Green Russell Brand - Aldous Snow Sean "Diddy" Combs - Sergio Roma

What is it about?  Seeking revenge on the death of his love, Bond chases a mastermind environmentalist that is also looking to take control of South America's water resource.  Who is in it?  Daniel Craig - James Bond Olga Kurylenko - Camille Mathieu Amalric - Dominic Greene

Baseball is back! And it is safe to safe to say I haven't been this excited for a season in a long time. The Yankees season (of course) is always the focus of my spring/summer and if all goes well, fall (and my life pretty much), but with the addition of the extra wild card, the infusion of young talent in the game, the increasing competitive balance, and the movement of several big names, the league as a whole is intriguing. And after one of the greatest World Series in years, there is an added interest from casual fans. In typical DP fashion, we're going to take a look into the crystal ball and attempt to predict, of course with some wild guesses, the 2012 MLB Season.

146. How short would your life have to be before you would start living differently today? I'm not quite sure of the length, but I think once you become aware of the finish line - any finish line -  and where and when it will be, you begin living life differently. We live life without that finish line in sight, therefore, we believe it is far away. 147. Is it better to have loved and lost or to have never loved at all? Loved and lost. At least you have experienced it, and know what it truly entails. To not have loved at all, is missing out on one of the greatest qualities and feelings in life.  148. What would you do if you made a mistake and somebody died? Oh gosh, this one completely threw me off track. I'm not quite sure how I would handle it. I would probably be an emotional and mental wreck, especially considering my tendency to strive for perfection (if though nothing good ever comes of it). I'm a huge believer that all things happen for a reason,

Following the month of March and all of the madness that comes with it during the NCAA Tournament, the product that is college basketball has been an issue. It is no secret to most, and to the very denial of die hard college basketball fans, the overall quality has taken a step back. Recently, College basketball ambassador and analyst, Jay Bilas, gave his honest opinion on the state of college basketball, and believes it has been poor the last three seasons. As a fan of the overall sport, I do watch college basketball, but am more invested and interested in the NBA. After receiving much backlash on twitter and here at the DP, I've decided to turn my reasoning for not being interested in the college product into the latest Pondering 10 list.

courtesy: wwe.com Wrestlemania. The name alone evokes so many memories, and elicits so much excitement for me. It is the biggest event of the year for any pro wrestling fan. It is - in my eyes - one of the biggest events of the year. In fact, if given the chance, I would attend 'Mania over the Super Bowl. Every. Single. Time.  So you can imagine the high regard in which I hold the event. For those who don't view it the same way I do or the way most pro wrestling fans do, I make every attempt to let them in on what they are missing. I believe it is every pro wrestling fans duty. You can't miss Wrestlemania! It's just not right! So with that said, how much of a hypocrite will I seem like when I state the following sentence: my wife has never seen or experienced Wrestlemania.  What?!