Dome Pondering

What is it about?  A couple in their sixth year of being together, deals with the pressures of not being married, what they each desire, and the conflict of love, as they realize who they love may not align with what they want out of life. Who is in it?  Olivia Thirlby - Dianne Ben Feldman - Henry Favorite Scene:  After pressure from friends, the two just lay at home on their couch shooting down the societal pressures, before both just dancing and singing in a wacky way - something that was just them. Favorite Quote:  "You wanna be beautiful, but respected as a woman. And then you... you wanna be sexy and skinny but smart and desired and rich and eventually a mother and it's... maybe you just want too much." Review:  Between Us is a very, very interesting and authentic film in pulling out emotion anyone in a relationship has had, or has. The film, though not complex in any way, dives right into the issue of how we each have dreams and desi...

3 Up 1. USA Soccer - From the men's win of the Gold Cup, to the women pulling out a gutsy (and entertaining) performance tonight against Brazil, it was a tremendous week for US Soccer and the game within these borders. Oh, and MLS had quite the week, too!  2. Los Angeles Dodgers - These dudes keep rolling. It's time we start saying it, this is feeling like a special year for the Dodgers. A bunch of come-from-behind wins, forty games above .500. It's been a fun year for the Dodgers.  3. Adrian Beltre 3,000 Hits - Well, he didn't need to move any on-deck circles this week. Regardless, 3,000 hits in this game is still special, and Beltre joined the club this week. The Hall of Fame is definitely awaiting him when his career is said and done. He has my support in that.  3 Down 1. President Trump - Look, I dislike this, but such is society. The transgender ban was ridiculous, and his irresponsible and idiotic speech endorsing police officers to "not ...

3 Up 1. Boy w/Double Hand Transplant - This is an amazing story! Not only is the young man the first to receive a double hand transplant, but he has functioning mobility in both hands. Better yet - he can now swing a bat! How cool is that?! And even better, what does this mean for others in the future? So cool.  2. Aaron Judge's Blast - Judge has been giving Yankee fans - and baseball fans - thrills all year long with the blasts he's been sending into orbit. His latest home run in Seattle, which broke STATCAST, was epic, and will surely be one that will have mythical proportions in the future.  3. What is America To Me - I love the opinion section of the New York Times - naturally as a blogger, why wouldn't I, right? Regardless, give this one a read regarding immigration, and the real life results of an issue we think of in just politics.  3 Down 1. John McCain - It's tough hearing that the senator has been diagnosed with brain cancer. Here is to ...

I admit it. At one point, this Brooklyn-born-and-raised guy who narrated his growth to the tunes of one Jay-Z, believed that those days were gone. Over the last two or three albums, I sort of gave up on Jay-z being that voice that I can identify with. That voice that always speaks and holds truth to what I can relate to. Upon growing into a possible billionaire, and rapping about having money and whatever it was, I was one of those fans who decided, you know, will just listen to the hits.  Partly, I was disappointed. He went from reaching in and representing the inner city heart of anyone who understood the words and sounds beyond just the catchy hooks and killer beats of what mainstream (and white) America heard.

3 Up  1. Surprised Mother/Bride - I'm not one for sappy stories, but I am a sucker for a good story that reflects the circle of life, and the meaning of everything happening for a reason. Give this story a quick read - a mother who recently lost her son, has the recipient of her son's heart in a transplant show up at her wedding. Good stuff. Just good stuff.  2. MLB All-Star Break - The MLB hit it out of the park earlier this week with an amazing time that included an awesome Home Run Derby, and some shenanigans that made for a good All-Star Game. 2A. Aaron Judge - Kudos to the big man for not only going along with the budding hype, but adding some legitimacy to it with that Home Run Derby performance.  3. Roger Federer - Another Wimbledon Championship for the vet as he continues to hold off the young flock on the rise, yet continuing to add to an already super impressive legacy.  3 Down 1. Donald Trump Jr. Situation - And...politics is back ...

You knew I had to post on everything aesthetic during the MLB All-Star Break festivities. I just had to! Yes, I am a nerd for this stuff - always have been, always will be. And unlike some baseball fans, the All-Star Break is still must-see for me. I enjoy the Home Run Derby. I enjoy the All-Star Game. I appreciate seeing the guys enjoy the game that I love as well. I'll leave my continued feelings (and rants) for fans who continue to push back against the progression of the game of baseball. For now, I'll just leave it be. I'm sure the rest of this post may drive them nuts too. Oh well. Here are some things that caught my eye this week:

3 Up  1. Dierdre Larkin - Obviously, as an advocate of physical activity, I find this story amazing. Larkin has run over 65 race since turning 79, and also owns the half-marathon world record with a time of 2 hours and five minutes. Amazing. I can only wish to be Larkin when I get older.  2. Kyle Freeland - The young pitcher was undressed in front of the home crowd by his own manager, Bud Black, in his last start. This time, Freeland went out and nearly threw a no-hitter. Damn you Melky Cabrera. Melky is so loveable, and honestly, one of those dudes in the league who is primed to do something like break up a no-no in the ninth. Nonetheless, great effort by Freeland.  3. WWE Great Balls of Fire - Despite the ridiculous event name (like, really, really ridiculous), the event was a good show, and actually took a leap in offering so compelling TV with the Stroman/Roman angle. It was just sooo pro wrestling. When it was fun. good stuff.  3 Down 1. Mi...

It's been awhile, but I am back with another Dope Sports Threads piece. I've been caught up in the highs and lows of this Yankee baseball season which has been a whirlwind of emotions. We're actually good! Maybe we weren't THAT good! Ah well - Yay Judge!  Nonetheless, as baseball has now done - and in my opinion, better than the NBA - they've taken advantage of the Holidays and opportunities on the calendars to offer different trends, looks, and gear. People like me love this stuff!  Of course, there is the week to come in September where the players will be allowed to wherever whatever - YES! - whatever they want. We're talking nicknames on jerseys and such. Cue to the "baseball is a holy grail" section. Can't wait to hear and read all of the complaints, because we know they're coming.

I love summer nights. It's been a trying summer, and one of immense growth. But as always, sitting on my rooftop and watching the many fireworks displays across the city leaves the mind and imagination in awe. Happy July 4th everyone.

It might be safe to assume now that what longtime TNA fans (or Impact, or...umm, GFW?) have longed for was a return to simpler times. A time when the company had a unique vision, felt different from the other mega-company up in Stamford, and overwhelmingly put on pay-per-views like a renegade company on the rise.  That's what Slammiversary felt like to me. From the opening video package narration, to the car crash of an opening match, right down to Shark Boy and James Mitchell, this event gave a fan like me hope - an element long gone in regards to this company - that things may in fact be turning around.  Heck, dare I say? This pay-per-view felt like old times. I'm not ready to go crazy about this company again, but it feels that way, and honestly, I'm into it. All of it.

What is it about?  A spin off from the Batman character in the Lego movie, Batman learns to deal with his past and embrace those around him willing to help him. Who is in it?  Will Arnett - Batman/Bruce Wayne Michael Cera - Robin Rosario Dawson - Batgirl/Barbara Gordon

Heaven turning two.