Dome Pondering

courtesy: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images 3 Up 1. Jason Seaman - You know what's crazy? Another school shooting happened this week and it barely made a blip in the national news and in our conscience. Is it because there were no fatalities?  That's sad. Regardless, Jason, a teacher at Noblesville West Middle School - yes, folks, middle school - tackled the gun man and pinned him before he was able to do much more damage. This dude deserves so much more than he's receiving right now.  2. LeBron James - Damn. What else can be said about this dude? Carrying this team to the Finals should definitely be on the list of footnotes many discuss when talking about LeBron. Absolute greatness.  3. Gareth Bale Bicycle Kick - THIS bicycle kick is easily one of my favorite plays of 2018. Amazing goal. Just tremendous. And yes, Real Madrid wins Champions League once again.  3 Down 1. Noblesville Shooting - As stated above, it's absolutely sickening we're at

There is a part of me that didn't even want to EVER touch this topic again. I said what I said in the past on the highly controversial topic, and then followed up a year later, and vowed there was no point. After all, no matter how many times issues of clear social injustice is brought up, there will be those who will look to thwart it, especially by draping themselves in a false sense of "patriotism".  But, here we are. Another post on the this entire ordeal. I'm at a point where I simply laugh at callers on sports radio, political pundits on air, or even the casual individual who voices their opinion against the situation - thank you random guy at the gym, your commentary and viewpoints keep my grounded in America's pulse.  And now, the NFL, emboldened it all of it's arrogance, in it's lack of understanding, in it's negligence of player understanding or safety, and yes, it's fear of President Trump and it's supporters has manag

--36 Weeks (Before Birth)-- Dear Son,  You've been acting up as of late, and really, something tells me that it won't be the last time I have to say that to or about you in the upcoming years. That's parenting, I guess. But you've become quite the active guy inside your mother's belly - kicking, shifting, spinning, and making her uncomfortable in the most random of moments.  I'll never forget you intentionally blocking your face during the recent sonogram photo. Or even, when they attempted to shift your body, you bending over and showing your butt to the monitor.  Already, such a proud father. That's my kid. But yeah, you're an active fella.

What is it about?  A mother challenges the authorities in town to capture the suspect responsible for her daughter's murder with three controversial billboards that stir up many feelings and a series of events in town.  Who is in it?  Frances McDormand - Mildred Woody Harrelson - Willoughby Sam Rockwell - Dixon Favorite Scene:  After the billboards stir up much controversy in town, the local priest stops by to also attempt to use faith to get Mildred to take down the billboards. She then erupts in an awesome monologue comparing the Catholic church and it's authorities to the Crips and Blood gangs.

3 Up 1. JJ Watt - Watt is just a stand-up guy. No other way to say it. An athlete that embraces the city he plays in, in times of good, and when he is needed. Paying for the funerals of all of the victims in the latest school shooting is just another example of the kind of dude Watt really is. So much props.  2. Sante Fe Admins - So many times in these shootings, the efforts and bravery of the many who help to keep students safe, calm, and diffuse the situation often goes without praise and notice. Once again, much love and praise to those who did so once again. And yes, to those who lost their lives doing so as well.  3. Las Vegas Golden Knights - In their inaugural season, the Golden Knights are in the Stanley Cup Finals, and quite frankly, could possibly win the whole damn thing. It's so impressive, and speaks to the parity of the NHL. But really, if you're a fan of a team currently in a drought (say, like my New York Knicks?), this run is absolutely remarka

It was too similar to Columbine for me. I still remember as a 13 year old staying home from school sick, then suddenly finding my being sobering up on all illnesses watching in horror that unfolded in Colorado.  Yesterday, I was home from work, and thus did the same thing. Glued to the couch. Flipping between channels. Refreshing my Twitter feed. Trying to find out details in horror. Once again shocked, angered, frustrated, and saddened.  We now live in an America where 22 school shootings have occurred in 2018 - a calendar year still young in it's existence. Seriously, let that sink in. And if it take a moment to wrap your head around it, that's because its absurd, and it's also so engrained in our culture, in our everyday realm of societal possibility. School shootings? Wow - unbelievable.

3 Up 1. Mother's Day - Happy Mother's Day to all of the Moms and women out there that do so much. Oddly, next year's Mother's Day shall be a bit more personal.  2. James Paxton - ANOTHER no-no in the young MLB season. Paxton, a promising lefty for the Mariners put it all together a dominant effort shutting down the Blue Jays offense.  3. Avengers: Infinity War - Of course, I haven't seen it yet, but kudos to those involved with the film as it is now one of the Top 5 grossing movies of all-time. I got to work with Disney this past semester in promoting the film, so I feel a bit connected. Though, I haven't seen any of the preceding films. I have some time this summer... 3 Down 1. White People Calling Cops - It amazes me the number of stories in the news, or those that simply went viral, of white people calling the cops on black people for well, doing absolutely nothing. Do a simple Google search this week and take a look at some of those

3 Up 1. Philadelphia Starbucks Men - Kudos to these two men were clear examples of what it's like to be black in America. Yet, instead of taking advantage and exploiting the situation for themselves, they used it for good by having the settlement invest in the youth. My hats off to these men. Bravo.  2. "This is America" Video - This was incredibly deep. Every time I watch the video, I hear something new, and see something new in the video that exemplifies today's America. Such a great film.  3. MLB Records and Feats - So much happened this week. Ichiro's "retirement". Pujols collecting his 3,000th hit. No-hitters. 15+ strikeout games. Baseball was full of crazy feats and moments this week. The season is just getting better.  3 Down 1. Kanye Slavery Comment - Choice, huh? What kills me is not this coming from Kanye, but many who are now using his words are firepower to diminish the impact of slavery on this nation, and offer leg

--32 Weeks (Before Birth)-- Dear Son,  I think we connected for the first time. Yes, after weeks of anticipation, you kicked, threw a head butt, drove your knee - quite frankly, you did something in there! - and my hand was on your mother's belly to feel it. I'm not sure what you were doing, but you've begun to make your presence known every night, or occasionally throughout the day.  And yes, it's awesome. Absolutely, awesome.  As we enter the late innings of this pregnancy - I'm sure by the time you're reading this you'll be used to the baseball analogies and metaphors - plenty is beginning to take shape. The academic year is winding down, work is easing up, my pursuit of a second-master's degree is on hiatus for the summer, and all the focus - all of it - is now on you.