Dome Pondering

3 Up 1. Efforts for Maria - Maria has been horrific for many of the Caribbean islands. Barbuda continues to get pummeled, and of course (and most notably), we've seen the images of devastation in Puerto Rico. But much kudos to people like Tim Duncan, Jorge Posada, Yadier Molina, Jenifer Lopez, and so many more who are leading the aid for some of these areas.  2. LeBron James - Yo, LeBron James went from being one of my favorite athletes to one of my favorite celebrities in responding the President Trump's outlandish speech. Love the "u bum" part too. But seriously, everything about it was great, especially so because he's a public figure.  3. Athletes and Politics - It was interesting to see the two mix heavily this weekend after our President decided to take the country to these intersection of life. Regardless, kudos to so many athletes (NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLS, MLB, and more) who handled the situation correctly, and even furthered the movement.  ...

I've wanted this for the Knicks, and today I got it. Carmelo Anthony is no longer a New York Knick heading into the 17-18 NBA Season. No, I don't dislike Melo. In fact, if you go through previous posts you'll know, I find Melo to be a very, very good player. However, I just thought it was time for the Knicks to move past this era, and truly - like, really - rebuild. Most importantly, build around Kristaps Porzingis. But, again, for me, I've always - ALWAYS - believed that Carmelo Anthony needed to be the #2 (or #3) guy on a team. Watching him night in and night out as a Knick, he just never seemed to be the type of guy who lifts those around him. Again, he's a tremendous player but the track record is there. I don't buy into the "he's never had much around him" argument. Have you seen the Knicks roster in comparison to the rest of the Eastern Conference the last few years?

3 Up 1. JJ Wyatt - Not only has the man raised over $37M for Hurricane Harvey relief, but unlike many of the various charities we have become accustomed to, Wyatt is very transparent in how he will spend the money, and what he plans to do. Still in such awe of this.  2. Tim Duncan - In the same spectrum as Wyatt is one of my favorite athletes, Tim Duncan. A native from the US Virgin Islands, Tim Duncan has been instrumental in Hurricane Irma relief by donating 20,000 pounds of food to the area. Such awesome stories in the midst of all these Natural disasters. The power of the human spirit is so great.  3. Cleveland Indians - 22 Baseball games in a row. The Indians record winning-streak came to an end  this week, but it is damn impressive. Are they NOT the choice to make it back to the World Series from the American League?  3 Down 1. London Attacks - SMH on these terrorists attacks. My heart goes out to those affected by more senselessness i...

When Nike was announced as the new provider of the NBA uniforms, formerly designed by Adidas, I was very intrigued on what the super creative company would do. The team of Adidas and the NBA always felt a little...well, off. Nothing wrong with either brand, they just don't seem like a good fit for one another. Hence, we got jerseys with sleeves and such under their term.  Go back to soccer, Adidas. It's where you shine.  Enter, Nike. And this is the perfect fit for the NBA. And thus far, the designs, names of uniforms, and feel for the upcoming aesthetics within the NBA is awesome. Again, Nike just doing Nike things.  With the the new uniforms, as always, here are a few notes on the latest:

Forgive me, but I just don't understand. I don't understand how a President can repeal an act he deems unconstitutional, but believe in this action so much that he sends his Attorney General to make the announcement - then hours later, attempt a backtrack by "giving Congress 6 Months" to legalize it.  I don't understand how a President, who ran under the oath of Christianity and God, can somehow find it in himself to continue to regulate and deregulate policy that is offensive, bias, and a clear message to people of color, that they are not of importance to him. I don't understand how a government can work for only some of the people for as long as it's existed without repose.  I don't understand how some within the Christian community continue to rally behind this in the name of faith.

3 Up 1. J.J. Watt - What started out as a mere fundraiser for Houston with a goal of a few hundred thousand dollars has turned into a mega-story with Watt raising over $18M for Harvey relief in Houston. Watt deserves so much credit. An athlete truly in-tune with his city and community. And really, one that just does good for others.  2. Frances Tiafoe - Monday night's 1st round opener against Roger Federer was absolutely classic. The 19 year-old American took the great Federer into the final moments of a fifth set with some serious swag. Tiafoe surely made a name for himself, and I'll definitely be looking for him in the future.  3. Yale University - Look, I'm all for changing names and tearing down statues of people who don't deserve it - like, those who really don't deserve it. Not because of our distorted version of history. Kudos to Yale taking a step in this direction removing Calhoun, a big time slavery advocate, as a name from one of their buildi...

It's very rare in today's world of wrestling to see or experience something that is different, that is must-see, that is unbelievably different from everything in it, and entertainment around it. That's not a knock on the wrestling business, which is as strong and diverse as it's been a very long time - some may say, ever, but it's true. Wrestling today lacks unique personalities.  But for this fan, what once felt special in watching an episode of Monday Night Raw, or witnessing a world championship title change, or that excitement when your favorite wrestler's theme song hits and blares across the building and through your television, is few and far between.  We can get into criticizing booking, or decision making regarding wrestlers, or brand awareness, but the truth (again for this fan) is that with so many options of wrestling, it all just feels, well, the same.  I very much dislike being that fan who tries to play both sides of the coin. Yo...