Dome Pondering

Last year, baseball fans were extremely lucky. We were treated to baseball as early as the beginning of March with the World Baseball Classic. This, of course, was right off the heels of the always interesting MLB Hot Stove rumors, innuendo, and discussions.   This year? The hot stove was frozen, and spring training just felt like it lasted forever. But finally - FINALLY!!! - we are here and the it is time for baseball. I can't wait! I'm so pumped up! And this year I have the MLB Package allowing me all the games, all year round. Besides catching more Dodger games like I've become accustomed to (thanks MLB Network!), I might just end up stalking Mike Trout at-bats.  Regardless, take it all in baseball fans! We survived. It's time... As tradition goes, here are my annual beginning of the year predictions and wild guesses for the upcoming season. As you can review in the archives, I've been way off on most of these, so take it as such. However, in tru

What is it about?  The tumultuous relationship between a coming-of-age girl and her mother during 2002 in Sacramento, California.  Who is in it?  Saoirse Ronan - "Lady Bird" McPherson Laurie Metcalf - Marion McPherson Tracy Letts - Larry McPherson

3 Up  1. March For Our Lives - I honestly wonder what side of history many of those who are skeptical about these kids and this generation will be on? Saturday's turnout was unbelievable, and of course, so empowering. Also, so much respect to the youth of today who are leading this charge. I defend the current and next generation all the time, and it's days like yesterday which are evident of such defense.  1A. Emma Gonzalez - This girl is so bad ass. Her handle on speech rhetoric is amazing for such a young age. Her poise and fearlessness is even more admirable. As stated on Twitter by yours truly - so in awe.  2. Loyola Chicago - I refuse to use the term "Cinderella" or "underdog" here. Because quite honestly, it's only so when a handful of programs are constantly on National Television or even discussed by the so-called "experts". Regardless, glad to see programs that do it the right way get rewarded, and of course, who can

--26 Weeks Old (Before Birth) -- Dear Son,  I write this notice in the midst of a thoughtful conundrum. See, this weekend, your mom and I watched thousands of people rally in Washington D.C. and around the world against gun violence and the fight for a change in how guns affect our lives in this country.  I know, you're only 26 weeks into existence, and here I am punching the keys on my laptop to you about something you probably won't understand until ten years from now. But I have to - the way I've always looked at the world has always been different, and of course, with you on the way - that lens is shifting again.  I can't help but think of the world your mother and I are bringing you into. The world can often be so beautiful as we both know it to be from our travels, and the people we've met abroad, and of course, the various cultures and ethnicities we continue to want to throw ourselves into here in New York City. Yet, it can be a vile, di

Just fell in love with this "AWSUM" piece of street art from my visit to Denver, Colorado. 

This post has been coming for awhile, and it now seems like the best time to do so... So, here goes... Division I Basketball is getting more and more difficult for me to watch and support.  Just like I once laid out regarding my ethical feelings towards the NFL (and really, football, overall), thus is the same credence and feelings I have developing for Division I Basketball - mainly the NCAA's approach to it. Now of course, my feelings aren't something new as many share my thoughts and opinions on this - the NCAA is corrupt and college basketball is a sham . But for me, it goes even deeper - certain programs, coaches, and communities enable this exploitation of young men. And yes, many shy away from that word, but that's exactly what college basketball has become, an exploitation of services.

I took this photo of a banner hanging in the display of the Skirball Center at NYU. I just absolutely loved everything about the words "We Have Never Paid Enough Attention Yet" So improper in it's grammar, yet, incredibly empowering in it's message. Again, loved it.

What is it about?   An unusual but driven and idealistic lawyer finds himself in a series of events that forces him to his extremes, and ultimately, to make a decision on what he stands for.  Who is in it?  Denzel Washington - Roman J. Israel Esq.  Colin Farrell - George Pierce  Carmen Ejogo - Maya Alston

3 Up  1. UMBC - I'm really struggling to watch these tournament games. The games have been entertaining, but morally, I can't stomach the exploitation of these young men (more on that some other time). Regardless, kudos to the young men of UMBC who made history this week. I'm thrilled to see such a program make headlines, and of course, for a coach from the DII and DIII ranks who did it the right way.  2. UMBC Social Media Team - Yo, whoever is running the UMBC Twitter following their defeat of Virginia deserves a raise. There was some serious shade being thrown, and to be honest, everyone who was in their way in some ways, deserves it.  3. 2018 Paralympics - Oddly, I watched a tremendous amount of these games and was totally in awe of the athletes. Shockingly, the hockey games were super entertaining to me. So much love and credit to those who participated, and even more importantly, continue to persevere despite disabilities.  3 Down 1. Florida Br

--25 Weeks Old (Before Birth)-- Dear Son,  The word is now spreading to more and more people about your existence, or eventual arrival - however, you prefer to look at it - and it feels like a fire that is now out of our control. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but as mentioned in prior letters to you, your mother and I are pretty methodical in how we divulge news about our private lives.  Truthfully, your mother is definitely more willing to share news than I am, and you'll eventually see that one day. Maybe I'll change, who knows? But the truth is, because of the nature in how I grew up, in the neighborhood that I did, and really, the independence that I had to attain early on, I've always been late to share things with others. That's just who I am. It's probably why I have had this very blog since I was sixteen - to let those thoughts out somewhere. 

What is it about?  A little boy aspiring to be a musician is baffled by his family's ban on the art form, thus, enters the land of the dead to find his great-great grandfather to get his blessing.  Who is in it?  Anthony Gonzalez - Miguel Gael Garcia Bernal - Hector  Benjamin Bratt - Ernesto De La Cruz

3 Up 1. Basketball Student-Athletes - I'm not talking the programs, or the fans that support these programs. I'm giving the "Up" to those student-athletes who sacrifice and give their all for an experience they are about to embark on. Good luck to all of those who competed up onto this point, and those moving on in the NCAA Tournament.  2. Unsolved - This weekend, the wife and I started this latest series on the USA Network about the Murders of Biggie Smalls and Tupac. So far, it has been especially good. Well done, well detailed, and very dramatic. Giving a personal recommendation on this one.  3. MLS Soccer Sundays - Good to have Soccer Sundays back. And the first weekend, the MLS provided some very entertaining games, including Atlanta FC setting a new record for single-game attendance at over 72,000. Who said soccer isn't big in this country?  3 Down 1. White House School Safety Plan - I CAN NOT believe our leaders believe gun training

--24 Weeks Old (Before Birth)-- Dear Son,  The thought of you is beginning to feel a bit more real. As noted in my last letter you, it's very difficult to feel the way your mother does about you right now. After all, she's feeling flutters and movement from you now, and I'm just left trying (and dying...really, stretching) to be a part of that experience. I can't wait for you to start making movements in which I can lay my hand on your mother's belly and truly feel that interaction.  For now, I'll wait... Though, we both noticed this weekend that you might enjoy the sounds of the Notorious B.I.G. For me, that's exciting. While bumping some tunes in the car yesterday, your mom noticed those significant flutters whenever his songs came on. After all, you will be a Brooklyn baby/kid, and I'm excited about that. That's a pretty exclusive club that many may not understand. And truth be told, I can't wait to share those moments of