Dome Pondering

Similar to what I did last year with Hurricane Irene ( Part 1 Part 2 and Part 3 ), I took some notes or at least punched the keys recording a few words during my time experiencing this hurricane that I can at least look back on in the future, or possibly help shed some light to someone outside of this devastation. The following are what I composed over the last three days.

What is it about?  A career driven family man and his best friend who is a carefree bachelor, end up switching bodies during a crucial time in both of their lives.  Who is in it?  Jason Bateman - Dave Lockwood Ryan Reynolds - Mitch Planko Leslie Mann - Jamie Lockwood Olivia Wilde - Sabrina McArdle

What is it about? After a woman's goldigging ways are revealed and her engagement is broken off, a junior high school teacher returns to teaching to kill time until she is able to catch the next sugar daddy. Who is in it? Cameron Diaz - Elizabeth Halsey Lucy Punch - Amy Squirrel Jason Segel - Russell Gettis

41. If you were to drown in a liquid other than water, what would you want it to be?  Wouldn't I drown anyway? So it's not like I would enjoy it or it would make for a less painful experience. But what the heck, I'll entertain the question and go with white grape juice. Tasty, and still transparent enough to see if an escape were possible.  42. If you could reverse one sports call in history, which one would it be?  Oh wow, I'd probably go with that push off by Reggie Miller against Greg Anthony in the 1995 Eastern Conference Semi-finals. It was a no-call, but I would obviously change it to a foul and save Knicks fans from the embarrassment of having Miller score eight points in 8.9 seconds to win the game.

It was the final go around for both candidates before November 6th decides the next four years of our nation's leadership. After splitting the first two debates, with things becoming intense during the second debate, it was very important for both candidates to not only win the rubber match, but also stay calm, respectful, and poised, without losing their aggression. After the arrogance and rudeness displayed in the second debate, not to mention the bickering of inaccuracies and non-factual statements on both sides, it was crucial for both sides to not alienate the audience before going to the polls.  And both sides did just that. This debate was moderated very well, and for the first time during their series of debates, both candidates respected the timed response, and also did not talk over one another. However, in the end, after a few weird agreements, it seemed that President Obama won this debate.  Nonetheless, here are the things we can take away from the...

Note: I used to work for a park slowly in continued development in Manhattan that is five miles along the waterfront of the Hudson River. As a Public Programs Coordinator, yours truly handled anything public related in regards to permitting (athletic facilities, film shoots, photo shoots, weddings, and other small gatherings), and of course, dealing with any questions or inquiries from the public. The following series will present stories, e-mails, phone calls, conversations, interactions, and sights I've seen from the people of New York City in regards to a public park. And yes, these are all real! And are all true! Welcome to another little snippet of Parks and Recreation.

Brooklyn's New Pride and Joy...The Barclays Center

And we're back at it! The President and his opponent for the 2012 bid were back in full swing at Hofstra University for the second of their three debates. The second debate shifted to the town hall format of fielding questions from an audience, and one which places the candidate outside the confines (and comfort) of a podium.  As a viewer, the second debate was much more informative as we were able to hear the candidates opinions, plans, and even witness some of their short comings. We saw Romney incorrectly accuse the President of not calling the attack on Libya an act of terrorism, and we also saw President Obama evade a few questions.  However, as a debate geek, the current format forced the issued for the candidates, but at the same time created an invasive, machismo culture that created some moments of sheer disregard for your opponent, and for the rules of engagement in formal debate.  With that said, here are the things we can t...

Since changing the creative staff and the overall long-term planning of the company, TNA's rebuilding of it's brand has been progressive, and has been truly entertaining. From the switch back to it's roots of a more traditional, wrestling-focused brand, to the new concepts such as "Gut Check" and new production elements, the product has been the best in the pro wrestling industry over the past six months. Something that is quite the 180 from the last time we reviewed the company's biggest show of the year ( Bound For Glory is Bound by the Past ).

Recently, Detroit Tiger's outfielder Quentin Berry had the following statement regarding the atmosphere at Yankee Stadium, "This is a very easy place to play now. Coming from Oakland where the fans were so rowdy, it's easier to come here."  As a Yankees fan, I have been downright embarrassed by the atmosphere and the actions of other fellow Yankees fans, and yes, you know, those fraudbags that come out this time of the year.  I have been downright embarrassed from the empty seats in the stadium, to the blatant unintelligent remarks and blame being thrown in the direction of A-Rod as if the Yankees struggles are solely on him, and I'm embarrassed by the overall cynicism and entitlement occurring within our fan base - Yankee Universe as it is sometimes called. 

Despite already being a debate geek, I was really anticipating this year's Vice-Presidential Debate for one reason - Joe Biden. I'm not sure what it is about Biden, but the guy has a certain type of charisma that is entertaining. Whether that equates to  actual votes or simply, entertained viewers is another subject. However, Biden has a unique and distinct way of making his points. His choice of words and how he gets his points across are quite the adventure, an aspect opponent Congressman Paul Ryan touched upon that incited laughter among many during the debate. And speaking of Ryan, his intellect and anti-Biden style provided the clash that made the VP debate must see.

Alex Rodriguez continues to be the most fascinating story and topic I've ever seen covered in pro sports in my lifetime. More complex than steroids, instant replay, the designated hitter, the salary cap, and yes, even Tim Tebow. In a past post ( There Should Be More To 'A-Rod' For Alex Rodriguez) , I've let it be known how much I believe A-Rod could have been much more than what he is, and has been.  In 2009 we saw what seemed to have been a redemption story for Rodriguez after years of speculation, ridicule, debate, and skepticism. We witnessed the ego, the money, and the fraudness that surrounded him, until the stars aligned in 2009. We saw a new person. A focused player. And a clutch player that buried the criticism of not being clutch and unable to step up when it counted.

31. If you could have chosen your own first name, other than your current one, what would it be? That's an interesting question. I'd probably go with something wacky like Kobar. Or maybe something more traditional and strong like Noah. This question simply makes me appreciate my name. Glad this part of life was taken care of in my first moments of life. 32. If you were instantly able to play one musical instrument perfectly that you never have played before, what would it be? Saxophone. It's smooth, and honestly, comes with tons of respect. C'mon, who doesn't dig the sound of the sax when it's played well?

Note: I used to work for a park slowly in continued development in Manhattan that is five miles along the waterfront of the Hudson River. As a Public Programs Coordinator, yours truly handled anything public related in regards to permitting (athletic facilities, film shoots, photo shoots, weddings, and other small gatherings), and of course, dealing with any questions or inquiries from the public. The following series will present stories, e-mails, phone calls, conversations, interactions, and sights I've seen from the people of New York City in regards to a public park. And yes, these are all real! And are all true! Welcome to another little snippet of Parks and Recreation.

Growth has been the mantra for yours truly in 2012. I mentioned about it in the 2011 DP Year in Review, and have done so several times in posts over the past ten months. I've tried to improve myself daily and attempted to mature as I have begun my years of the late-twenties. In doing so I have broken some habits, started new ones, and have ultimately been searching for that special something - that next step as I always called it - in my life. I wasn't sure what it was, or what it entailed, but I knew it was something there that needed to be explored.  Well, after months and months of consistent prayer and asking the good Lord to not only make that next step aware to me, but give me courage to pursue it without fear, as faithful as he is, it was granted. After seeing a job posting online one night, I applied, and even worked some contacts I already had to learn more about the position. After a site visit, a job interview, and yes, more prayer, I was offered the position of...

21. If you had to select the one thing in life you feel the most guilty about, what would it be?  I think it would be the standard of living we have all become used to enjoying here in the United States. We enjoy running water at the whim of a faucet, indoor plumbing with our toilets, plenty of options for food, and technology that is the essence of luxury. It's a rather guilty feeling I have when I think about other countries and the problems and hardships others have within their lives when it comes to these basic essentials we take for granted. How can you not feel guilty when you see children with no shoes or clothes struggling to simply survive, and we complain about things such as dropped calls or having no service on our cell phones?  22. If you could rid the earth of one thing, what would it be?  Selfishness. The world could use some more people that care about more things other than themselves.

The first leg of the presidential debates came and went, and honestly, it left me wanting more from both candidates. As a former College debater, a lover of the art form, and a total geek for political debates, last tonight's debates left me completely underwhelmed and disappointed.  From the ridiculously phrased questions (You have two minutes to explain why you are different? How does that force debate, or facts?), the poor moderation of the panel, the insanely lack of respect for the code of a timed debate, and the overall poor structure, this debate was a complete and utter disaster.  With such a poor structure, we received poorly structured arguments, tons of fluff because of the lack of the time limit, and constant pitter-patter that made both candidates look like children instead of the intelligent officials that they are.  However, the first debate wasn't a total waste, as there were several things we can take away from the first debate.

I recently read a story that got me so worked up I had to make my way to a blank page here on the DP to begin punching the keys to vent. The story is in regards to a bisexual Queens student who was sent home from school for wearing a "I enjoy vagina" T-Shirt. Yes, you read that correctly.  The story can be found here .  What really drives me up a wall is the fact that after being sent home for refusing to change the shirt, her mother has now come to her defense and has claimed that her daughter's first amendment rights were violated.  Yes, I hope you are rolling your eyes. Because I just did after typing that, even after reading it once before.

Note: I work for a park slowly in continuing development in Manhattan that is five miles along the waterfront of the Hudson River. As a Public Programs Coordinator, yours truly handles anything public related in regards to permitting (athletic facilities, film shoots, photo shoots, weddings, and other small gatherings), and of course, dealing with any questions or inquiries from the public. The following series will present stories, e-mails, phone calls, conversations, interactions, and sights I've seen from the people of New York City in regards to a public park. And yes, these are all real! And are all true! Welcome to another little snippet of Parks and Recreation.