Dome Pondering

--3 Days Old--- Dear Son, You're here! Oh my gosh - you are here! We are super happy to have you arrive in this world, and so incredibly excited to get to know you; hug you; kiss you; bathe you; even change you. We are just so incredibly excited to learn about you and grow with you. As I sit here punching the keys on this latest post, you lay beside me, fussing, making sporadic movements, occasionally and suddenly whaling, and even giving me a quick smirk just long enough to let me know you can turn on the attention siren whenever you feel - but it's all still awesome. Because everything about you - your impressive amount of hair, your long limbs, your obsession with having your hands in your face - really, this crazy blend of your mother and me - is incredible. I said it to your mother after you were born, and I truly mean it, I'm not sure how anyone can have kids and deny there is a God. I honestly don't get it. The experience really is devine, miraculo...

3 Up  1. World Cup - You know, overall interest in America might be drastically down this time around for the World Cup, but I'm glad I live in a city that embodies that international flair. The World Cup has been absolutely outstanding thus far, and really, so unpredictable. And if you're in an area that is World Cup crazed, it's been so much fun to pop in anywhere and talk World Cup.  2. Alaska Airlines In-Flight Kindness - This story is fantastic. Really, we need more news like this in the mainstream coverage, and not just something we settle for going "viral". Someday, someone - anyone? - will start a news station featuring GOOD and POSITIVE news ONLY. The world isn't as bad as news cycles portray.  3. "Not on My Block" - I'm a few episodes into this Netflix Original and I'm absolutely loving it. The touching on life - real life - in inner cities as a person of color and how we grow up navigating our way in that life is ...

The SOUL behind The CITY.

They use the Bible. For any Christian, or any person that believes in the Good Book and trusts in Jesus for faith, for life, for eternity, it always is a point of contention, a source of struggle, and a subject that truly tears the heart apart - using the Bible to justify action. And in this case, specifically cruel and inhumane action.  By that statement, you already know where I stand. And if you read and follow this blog, you already know where I did. Yet, after Jeff Sessions used Romans 13:1 as a means to justify the removal of immigrant children from their parents at the Southern Border, as a Christian, as someone who believes heavily in that book and in the faith of Christ, I'm left utterly appalled, angry, upset, and disappointed.  Shockingly enough, much like what was promised in "Making America Great Again", we are seeing this country reverse into some dark times and questionable actions that reflect those specific times. Times that may have been...

3 Up 1. Father's Day - Always a special day of the year, kudos to all of the men who are engaged and active fathers around the world. I had several wishes of "Happy Father's Day" today, and yes, it was weird. Hoping to officially join the club with my initiation year coming up.  2. The Incredibles 2 - Honestly, it was was one of the movies I would have picked to end my now decade long-movie-theater-free streak. Yes folks, it's been over ten years now. I should probably put up a countdown on the site. Nonetheless, kudos to I2 for raking in over $180 Million over the weekend. And yes, this sequel is so long overdue.  3. The World Cup - It's been absolutely incredible since the start. With many upsets and poor outings from some powerhouses, the tournament is already flipped upside down. We saw an epic Ronaldo performance, and a Messi letdown continuing that epic debate. Also, it's pretty interesting to watch those who fancy themselves "B...

What is it about?  For a group of friends, a game night goes horribly wrong leaving them in the throws of the most intense real-life mystery.  Who is in it?  Jason Bateman - Max Rachel McAdams - Annie Kyle Chandler - Brooks

--38 Weeks (Before Birth)-- Dear Son,  This is going to sound absolutely absurd, especially considering the series of posts to you at this juncture, but here it goes: your mother and I had our first jaw-dropping moment in this entire experience called pregnancy.  We sat there in a doctor's office going through the usual Q&A to close out a typical visit, to which we then heard the following statement, "...with that said, we're looking at next weekend."  My reaction was exactly as described in my opener - jaw dropped, eyes wide open, thought process halted, with a part of me wondering where the time had gone, and another hoping there was a moment to follow where the doctor said, "just kidding."  But she was dead serious. Your arrival is indeed next weekend as those guiding your mother's pregnancy have all recommend that you meet us after 39 weeks, instead of the usual 40. 

3 Up 1. Washington Capitals - For the third year in a row, the Stanley Cup playoffs has captured the keen interest of this super casual hockey fan. The Caps win was awesome, and from what I know (and have read) about Alexander Ovechkin (including his epic celebration on social media), this has been a long time coming. 1b. Golden State Warriors - Another year, another dominating win for the Warriors. It's business as usual as this monster of a dynasty continues to run all over the NBA. Three titles in four years. Dynasty. 2. TJ Oshie - His post game comments were touching. So incredibly touching. And for this guy who has a father who suffers from dementia, it was something I could relate to. I became a fan of this guy after that. 3. Jessica Jones - I FINALLY got around to watching season two of Jessica Jones, and yes, it's even better than the amazing first season. Give it a watch if you haven't yet. 3 Down 1. Deported Pizza Delivery Man - This story is hear...

What is it about?  The King of Wakanda, T'Challa, rises to the throne of King, but runs into a challenge and inner dilemma when he is faced by an outsider and product of his father's mistake. Who is in it?  Chadwick Boseman - T'Challa Michael B. Jordan - Erik Killmonger Lupita Nyong'o - Nakia

So the Golden State Warriors win again. And water is wet, death and taxes are still definite, and yes, us Knicks fans will wait another year for any kind of basketball relevance. The Warriors winning once again is about as common as everyday coffee and routine. Expected and done. It's not a bad thing. It really isn't, as I'm not one of those people who complains about "competitive balance" or "predictability" in the NBA. This has always been the NBA. However, I do think what the Golden State Warriors have done should be celebrated. It really should. They built a dynasty the right way - drafting and developing. Sure, they added a big time free agent. But really, can you blame them? If your favorite basketball team had a chance to do the same, would you in your fandom stop and say, "but what about the rest of the league?"!

3 Up  1. Mamadou Gassama - Gassama thrilled us all this week by scaling a building to save a child in Paris. No words can truly explain he feat, you simply have to watch the video. However, props to France for giving this guy citizenship. However, it is quite interesting that it takes such efforts for some to look upon immigration in a different light.  2. LeBron James - Is it me, or are you also torn watching LeBron in these NBA Playoffs. Amazed every step of the way by his greatness. However, sort of sad to watch how much he has to do just keep his team competitive.  3. Karthik Nammani - I've done a few spelling bees in my early education career and they're incredibly hard. Kudos to the 2018 Scrippts Spelling Bee champ!  3 Down 1. Puerto Rico - If the reports are true that over 4,000 fatalities happened, that is very awakening. However, it's still unbelievably sad how little our country has done for the people in Puerto Rico.  2. ...