Dome Pondering

3 Up 1. World Series - And just when you thought baseball couldn't follow up last year's gem with a repeat performance, they do just that. The Fall Classic has been great, and quite frankly, I don't want it to end.  2. Saudi Arabia Women - Well, Saudi Arabia is now following their recent legislation to allow women the ability to drive with access at sporting stadiums. Again, we can be cynical, but it's just another reminder of the vast social justice issues still being fought for across the globe.  3. Women Saved at Sea - After being adrift at sea for several months - Yes, months! - two women were finally rescued this week. I can't even begin to imagine the story they have. That kind of resolve is downright impressive.  3 Down 1. Opiod Epidemic - So apparently our country has a huge problem with prescription drugs as declared this week by many places. The Pharmaceutical industry should be ashamed. I don't blame users, as much as I do t...

Joe Girardi's run as New York Yankees manager has come to an end. I found it fitting that Girardi was the first one to confirm the news with his letter proclaiming "The Yankees have decided not to bring me back." That statement itself says so much in terms of emotion, want, and overall, who pulled the trigger on this divorce. Regardless, there are several thoughts this Yankees fan has after this hammer came down:

3 Up 1. #MeToo - Kudos and so much props to all of the women who shared their stories of being abused. I personally read the stories of former students I am connected with on social media, and the stories abound are a wake up call to all of us men. We need to be better. 2. Los Angeles Dodgers - Just one loss all postseason, and the best team in baseball all year long now find themselves on the big stage in the World Series. They'll have their workout cutout against a tough Astros team. 3. AJ Styles - One of my favorite pro wrestlers of all-time performed in Chile, received a phone call to cover a match not happening, then appeared at WWE TLC against Finn Balor in a memorable night. The life of pro wrestlers are so, so, so rough. Kudos to Styles on delivering - like he always does. 3 Down 1. Somalia Attack - First, the story of the Somalia bombing is horrific. The thought that it wasn't covered as much as other terrorist attacks says so much about the Western world....

Well, it finally came to an end, and yes, I am disappointed. I know I said "whatever happens in the ALCS" in my previous post following the ALDS clincher over the Indians, but this one still hurts. Yes, the Yankees were in an unfamiliar role as underdog being in their "rebuilding" year and that's seems to be the medicine everyone is taking for this pain, but you know what? ALCS appearances don't come around too often - even if you're the New York Yankees - and going this far shouldn't ever - EVER - be taken for granted. I wanted this series. I wanted the World Series. I wanted the Dodgers in the Fall Classic. But instead, Houston, the better, more deserving team in the series, gets the nod for the American League. Despite all of the emotions and adrenaline settling now that the 2017 season is over, I am in fact excited for April. There are a lot of pieces in play, plenty of money off the books (officially saying goodbye to A-Rod), and of cou...

What is it about? When a mysterious woman corners Dominic Torretto into aiding her in a life of terrorism and into turning on his crew, they all must overcome new challenges they've never had to deal with. Who is in it? Vin Diesel - Dominic Torretto Dwayne Johnson - Hobbs Jason Statham - Deckard

3 Up 1. Hollywood Victims - Much props to the many men and women who have taken the step in telling their story about sexual assault and being the victim of displays of power for sexual gain within Hollywood. It's tough, especially in such an unforgiving business like show business, but it takes guts to tell the truth - much respect to you all who did so. 2. Joe Girardi - Have you ever seen a more brutally honest manager or head coach during a playoff stretch? Girardi has been letting his soul bare on mistakes, feelings, lineups, results, decisions, his family, his time in New York, and anything and everything else. I have a feeling Girardi is walking away, after this season, and if he is, I'm glad he's doing it by just being him.  3. Eminem - I've seen some new school fans insult Eminem and downplaying his ability. I'm still a fan. After all, no one - NO ONE - captures anger in their music like Em. No one. Still so captivating. And yes, his freestyl...

Damn. I love this team.  I don't know what it is, or what spurred this immediate attachment in Spring Training, but I just do. Maybe it was the idea of hope and all of the wonders and excitement it brings. You know, when your squad finally ditches the old expensive brigade and gives the keys to the prospects we've been hearing about.  Maybe that was it.  Or, maybe it was the excitement produced by Gary Sanchez just the year before. And the near-miss of the playoffs the team teased the year prior.  Or...maybe it was just the idea of dancing around the word "rebuilding" and having no (not low) expectations for the 2017 season. Quite frankly, we were playing with house cards, and that's a fun position to be in as a fan.  Of course, Judge happened (Sooooooo much fun). And it happened 52 times - really 53 if we count that one home run that didn't get counted and was ruled a triple. But whose counting?  And one of my favorites in Davi...

What is it about? When a pilot crashes into her world, Diana, an Amazonian Warrior, leaves home to help fight a war and fulfill her true destiny.  Who is in it?  Gal Gadot - Diana Chris Pine - Steve Trevor

3 Up 1. Heroes in Las Vegas - Among the heartbreak in Las Vegas are the many heroes who helped shield and save lives during the gun fire, as well as the many in hospitals who did some serious work in aiding the hundreds who flooded the hospitals in the area. Please, please, please be sure to read a story or two of the many who saved so many lives on that horrific night.  2. Jimmy Kimmel - Kudos to the Kimmel on his opening monologue following the Las Vegas terrorist attack (let's call it what it is). In fact, many of the late show hosts delivered rhetoric that the talking heads on 24 hour networks couldn't, and in many ways, were the words reflective of so many.  3. MLB Playoffs - Man oh man. How great have the MLB Playoffs been? I've been a nervous wreck with every moment of my New York Yankees. I still stand by it - best playoffs in sports.  3 Down 1. Las Vegas Shooting Terrorist Attack - Shake. My. Head. Just unbelievable.  2. Cam Newt...

What is it about? The true story of Pakistani-born, Kumail Nanjiani who falls in love with Emily. After she becomes ill with a mysterious illness, Kumail must come to grips with various truths and culture clashes he's been avoiding.  Who is in it?  Kumail Nunjiani - Kumail Emily - Zoe Kazan Holly Hunter - Beth Ray Romano - Terry

It's easy to say, "Pray for Vegas". Despite the actuality of doing so, it's also become so common place in rhetoric. Soooooo...you know, the thing to say to encapsulate our feelings, or even, to fill the void of what we're afraid to acknowledge - we CAN  could have stopped this.  There is a part of me that sits and writes this very post, finding myself in a mental daze, almost a somber state of mental over-paralysis by way of the evil doings and human shortcomings in the world.  As of late, it's been Harvey. Irma. Maria. Houston. Florida. Puerto Rico.  There are protests. Taking a knee. Injustice. White privilege. And "patriotism". Not to be forgotten is Chicago. Immigrants. Charlottesville. And of course, Flint.  They have YET to receive water. Clean water.  Can we just get Flint some damn, clean water? 

3 Up 1. Saudi Arabia - So women were just cleared to drive in the country of Saudia Arabia. It's easy to pile on this story with cynicism, but it is a stark reminder the level of social justice issues still being fought around the world. Kudos for the women of Saudi Arabia for a step in the right direction.  2. Deshaun Watson - Athletes in America have been on a roll as of late, and Deshaun Watson continues the trend by donating his first paycheck to the victims of Harvey. Well done.  3. Toronto FC - Kudos to Toronto FC who won the MLS Supporters Shield (over my Red Bulls, nonetheless). Toronto will be a tough out come the MLS Playoffs.  3 Down 1. Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief - The relief effort for Puerto Rico has been poor, and well, let's just say, negligent in many ways. Ahem...Mr. President.  2. NCAA Scandal - It's incredibly ridiculous to see the lengths grown men will go to assure the allegiance of talented teenagers who can play so...