Dome Pondering

What is it about?  A young girl struggles with the idea of her best friend and her brother dating, all while dealing with the issues of being a teenager.  Who is in it?  Hailee Steinfeld - Nadine Haley Lu Richardson - Krista Blake Jenner - Darian Woody Harrelson - Mr. Bruner

3 Up 1. USA Baseball - I'm selfishly putting this at the very top. The World Baseball Classic as a whole was superb entertainment. However, with the USA (finally) winning it all, it was a nice story, especially for those who chose to represent the country in the tournament.  2. NCAA Tournament - As stated last week, it's nice to have such an eclectic mix of teams in the tournament. This is especially a great change from the "usual suspects" we have become used to in college basketball. The Final Four should be fun.  3. Ted Koppel - Kudos to Koppel for saying it like it is - especially to Sean Hannity (of all people). Unfortunately, many have become desensitized into accepting political rhetoric rather than deciphering facts. And for the record, Hannity claiming he's not part of the "media" is insanely laughable.   3 Down 1. British Parliament Attack - I'm so over terrorism. So over it. My heart goes out to those who lost loved ...

As you probably know already, I LOVE the World Baseball Classic. I love everything about it. The tournament. The culture. And especially, the early access to competitive baseball. And of course, with it comes an opportunity for some dope threads we don't typically see - cleats, uniforms, catcher's gear, accesories, etc... Unlike Major League Baseball and some of the rules from it's clubs, the WBC provided an opportunity for some fun new stuff, including some customization and personalization from players. With that said, here are a few of the things that I really liked from the 2017 World Baseball Classic:  Uniforms were interesting. Most of the uniforms in this tournament had a template-like feel, especially the road jerseys which featured a dark gray and colored sleeves. Part of this change was Team Japan, whose uniforms were unlike everyone else in the tournament, and easily in my opinion, the best.  The wide stripes are so dope and the font compliments it ...

What is it about?  The following of a young black gay man from youth, through adolescents, and into adulthood inMiami, Florida.  Who is in it?  Mahershala Ali - Juan Trevante Rhodes - Adult Chiron Ashton Sanders - Teen Chiron

3 Up 1. Adam Jones - Can we give it up for Adam Jones and the way he has been the leader for this USA team during the World Baseball Classic? And that catch! THAT CATCH! Move over David Wright, we have a new Captain America.  2. Spring Breakers Doing Good - I was in Miami last week, and I saw how crazy Spring Break can get. Kudos to those students who went without the debauchery and opted to serve those in need.  3. NCAA Tournament - I've been enjoying this year's NCAA Tournament thus far. Honestly, the college game is wide open, and there doesn't seem to be a clear and top heavy few teams. Plus, with my Knicks destined for another lottery pick (ugh!), I'm interested in the talent to be available.  3 Down 1. Confederate Flag in South Carolina - I still can't believe that there are people still defending this symbolism of the worst event in our nation's history. I just don't get it. America is just crazy, man.  2. Budget Cuts - I...

Credit: Getty Images I'm not sure how far we'll go, but this catch to help get us to this point is unforgettable. USA! USA! USA!

I found myself in a mix of emotions. Disbelief. Frustrated. Excited. And overall, in awe. The World Baseball Classic and my experience over this past weekend spanned the realm of each of these feelings, and much more.  I have to admit, I had no idea what to expect. Filled stadiums? Lack of energy? Constant Vuvuzuelas? Ironically, my time in Miami at Marlins Park provided, much like the emotions, all of it. The two games I attended, USA vs. Dominican Republic and USA vs. Canada, were tremendous games to attend, and quite frankly, an experience I would recommend for any baseball fan.  Of course, if you follow this blog, or the Twitter account, you know that I am a huge fan of the World Baseball Classic. I love the culture of the tournament. I love the passion it produces. I throughly enjoy the styles it produces. And honestly, I'm all for competitive baseball as early as possible. Especially when my New York Knicks are doing typical New York Knicks things.

As tradition goes, here is the official Dome Pondering March Madness bracket. I'll be honest, I kind of tuned completely out of the college basketball season once Spring Training began, and even more so once the World Baseball Classic began. Truthfully, I forgot it was Selection Sunday this past weekend. Ah well.  Regardless, like the millions of sudden know-nothing-pretend-experts on college basketball, here is my bracket. Part of me believes (maybe even slightly hopes) Lonzo Ball and his dad becomes an even bigger figure during this stretch. That would make for some extra fun to the sometimes boring finale to the college tournament. I guess we'll see. 

I am about to turn thirty-two years old in several weeks, and I will be enjoying my first Spring Break starting today. Yes, that's right. That opening sentence was correct. I'm thirty-two. Spring Break.  This is indeed happening. Ironically enough, I work in higher education, so my life has perpetually become segmented by semesters, and driven by things such as "J-term" and "summer vacation". It's a far cry from the missed opportunities during my undergraduate career which was committed to college baseball, and my graduate career which included me simply trying to finish in order to start my career.  And of course, as a professional, Spring Break just means no students are around, and it's an opportunity to take a breather before the stretch towards commencement. 

3 Up  1. Mets Prospect Bat Catch - This was just flat out absolutely awesome. Give it a look .  2. Snap Chat Investment - With Snap Chat going public this week, it was announced that one High School who invested $15,000 in the social media company, now owns stock in the company that is worth millions. Not a bad investment. And of course, not bad innovation from Snap Chat.  3. MLS Soccer - So happy to have the league back. Soccer Sundays have returned, and week one has been so much fun.  3 Down 1. Jeff Sessions - I'm so tired of politics dominating the "down" section thus far this year. The whole entire Sessions ordeal has been a disaster.  2. North Korea Missile Launch - Anytime North Korea does anything of this kind, it's cause for concern. Four ballistic missiles landing in Japanese waters - yes, cause for concern.  3. VOICE - This program outlined by the President during this past Tuesday night's address in my opinion is s...

What is it about?  An uncle is asked to take care of his nephew after his brother's death, while coming to grips with his own issues.  Who is in it?  Casey Affleck - Lee Chandler  Kyle Chandler - Joe Chandler  Michelle Williams - Randi Chandler