Dome Pondering

Well, here we are... It's been quite the long time since I've jabbed the keyboard regarding the New York Knicks. Maybe I've become absolutely numb to the pain they cause. But tonight feels just right to jump back into this old-favorite of ranting about my beloved New York Knicks. Quite frankly, a wound has been ripped back open. So let's just jump back into it.

3 Up 1. NBA Draft and Black Fathers - I love the NBA Draft. I do. Of all the "extra-ness" in sports, this is my guilty pleasure. And this year's was special. Not only was it great to see a group of newly drafted young men accomplish their dream (as always), but we saw a change from the typical ego or attempted cover-up of insecurity as players broke down crying upon hearing their name called by the commissioner. Also, it definitely was awesome to see the amount of fathers (especially that of black fathers) who were present at the draft for their son's big day. That made it that much special this year. 2. Albert Pujols - Sure, Pujols' return to St. Louis was awesome (kudos to Yadi Molina for allowing the moment to breathe and offering that hug!). But truly, it was THIS moment in Toronto that made you realize how great a person Pujols is. 3. Toddler Dap - My son's birthday is today.  THIS short, but absolutely tremendous, video that went viral is the

-- 1 Year Old --- Dear Son,  Happy Birthday! Your first!  It's quite crazy to think that you're now a one year old - a FULL year!  That's a FULL year of growing, adjusting, developing, and offering up love right before your mother and I. And honestly, it's a FULL year of having you change our lives for the utmost best since that very moment nearing midnight in a Brooklyn hospital, just a mere 365 days ago.  While we're completely in awe of the journey that is your life - sidebar: we're anxiously awaiting your first steps! Seriously, can you walk already? - I find your presence already to be dynamic and omnipresent of everyone who is aware of you. It's been quite interesting to truly grasp.

3 Up 1. Father's Day - I'm a father now, well, have been for a year, but this is my first Father's Day...and it was weird, but rewarding. Happy Father's Day to all the men out there who sacrifice and offer up so much love daily for their sons and daughters everyday. 2. Jon Stewart - Look, celebrities and politics usually illicit an eyeroll. But Jon Stewart's speech before (a rather empty) Congress was one of those rare moments where it felt less about the celebrity getting a few cameras, likes, and trends of their own name, but rather someone who really and genuinely cared. And you know what, good for Stewart! He ended up getting some much needed attention and help for those first responders to 9/11. Shame on our government, by the way. 3. Kawhi Leonard - Everything about the Raptors championship win is so refreshing. The country involved. The fact that the roster is made up of NO LOTTERY PICKS (still blows my mind). But more so, the unassuming superstar (e

3 Up 1. "When They See Us" - After much acclaim, I finally got around to watching the four-part series by Ava Duvernay this weekend. Very similar to when my parents made me watch Roots (and then the remake on my own as an adult), this was a tough, but needed watch. For so long I knew about the injustice that was the Central Park Five - especially growing up as a man of color in NYC - but, never did I understand the people behind the injustice and the ramifications on not just the men but those around them. Such a tremendous watch that is really needed. I'll probably have a reaction up soon. 2. NYC Terror Plot Foiled - It barely made headline news this week, and well...that's a good thing. Throwing grenades at people? What the...! I'll never understand the level of hate some human beings are capable of holding in order to drum up these sort of plans. So much props - and not enough of it - to our local and federal authorities for grabbing up this clown befo

3 Up 1. Loyola High School (Detroit) - In a nation where education inequality is something rarely found in inner city environments, Loyola High School in Detroit, Michigan not only boasts a graduating class that will ALL being accepted to college - Yes, 100% of the graduating class - but, the school emphasizes community work and strong character. Much props to the staff and administration at Loyola H.S. 2. Toronto Raptors - Sure, the squad is in the NBA Finals. But most impressive is the fact that the entire Toronto Raptors roster has NO lottery picks. None. Not one. That's damn impressive. 3. Women's College World Series - I love the College World Series, but there is something special going on in the world of softball and everything that has been the women's College World Series. So much drama, and so much fun to witness thus far. 3 Down 1. Virgina Beach Mass Shooting - Awful. Just, awful. When is enough, well...enough? 2. Midwest Tornadoes - Not much has b