Dome Pondering

3 Up 1. Medical Professionals - Yup, continuing to give the top spot to these folks who continue to risk their lives in the midst of this pandemic. They are and continue to be the heroes. 2. Javitz Center and Park Hospitals - Everyone who is connected to the set-up of the Javitz Center here in NYC and the number of tent-set-ups geared toward helping the overflow of hospitals deserve so much props. The Javitz Center, with an expected turnover of three weeks, was done so in one week with beds for 1,000 patients. Many of the tents around NYC have followed suit in rapid time. 3. Companies Making Stuff - I don't want to list the companies, as I'm sure I'll miss many who are doing awesome stuff as well - however, many props to the many companies and organizations who are offering free services, using their resources to produce needed supplies, and providing various help in making this time an easier one for those suffering from the virus, and those of us doing our part a

It sure has been some weird times, huh? Unprecedented is the word of 2020, and thus far, 2020 has indeed been one of a kind. Even as we get through these times together, I hope that all of you reading this are staying safe and being well - including loved ones. Wash your hands. Don't touch your face. Stay away from others.  Despite being several weeks into this quarantine-time that is now the new norm, life still feels all sorts of chaotic, unpredictable, and quite frankly, like a huge WTF. I myself have not been tested for the virus. Neither has anyone that I know (that I know of). However, for the past week, I've had flu-like symptoms that very much make me wonder if, in fact, I've been dealing with it. The biggest symptom of them all have been intense headaches and dizziness that have made routine living much more challenging, even in a quarantined-at-home-lifestyle. At first, I thought the headaches were migraines coming off a pretty stressful and sleep-lacking

3 Up 1. Medical Professionals - The obvious. While many of us, in essence, have become utterly non-essential, it is those who continue to go to work, making themselves vulnerable to the times, in the name of keeping others well and alive. 2. Human Spirit Moments - We've seen the videos of people singing from apartment windows all over the world, working out on balconies, and even one of my favorites, which included a man playing the piano on his balcony suddenly being joined by another playing his saxophone. All such powerful pieces, truly, on the strength and resolve of the human spirit. 3. NY Governor Cuomo - I'll admit it - I didn't really care much for Governor Cuomo. However, over the past days and weeks, he really has proven his leadership. In fact, he's been go-to in this unprecedented time. Much props (and apologies) to the Gov. 3 Down 1. Coronavirus - Again, the obvious. Nothing else needed here. 2. Virus Testing Fairness - Look, I understand tha

One of the many challenging tasks this week has been finding several ways to express who my dad was in a mere limitation of words. As part of a piece constructed for his acknowledgment cards was the poem below:

3 Up 1. Medical Officials and Practitioners - In the midst of this crazy time, we should give props to many of the healthcare professionals still doing work in hospitals, studies on the current outbreak, and the many currently in labs working on ways to stop this thing. There are a lot of brave people going unnoticed in all of the hysteria. 2. Mark Cuban - As sporting leagues across the world shut down this week, it was Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, who on the night the NBA announced it's suspension, didn't worry about his team, or even his bottom dollar. Cuban instead placed focus on the hundreds of hourly workers who would be affected by the shutdown in his organization and let it be known that he would be taking care of them. That was awesome - and it also placed so much pressure on all of the owners within the NBA, and eventually, throughout the other leagues. Class act move by Cuban. 3. WWE - It is times like this where the WWE, and really, pro wrestl

It's the hardest decision I've ever had to make. "...no, no, that's it", I softly said into my phone. "No more, just let him go...no more." My heart felt like it suddenly contracted, beating ever more quickly as it attempted to force it's way out of my body, getting stuck in my throat. I hung up the phone in a clear daze of disbelief - wide-eyed and affixed on absolutely nothing that was before me in the conference room in which I sat. That was it, I thought. That was it for the life of my father. That was the phone call I knew I would get, and that was it - the hardest decision I've ever made in my life. --- I started this blog in 2002 - I was sixteen at the time, a mere few weeks from turning seventeen. This place has always been my refuge to pen just about anything that was my truth. A small site to bear my thoughts, expose my soul, and even have a little fun in between. Over the years, many of the 2,000+ posts that have appeare

3 Up 1. Healthcare Professionals - We're giving the top nod to healthcare professionals this week. While what they do during normalcy is appreciated, the efforts and measures they are going to during this Coronavirus crisis have gone unnoticed. Stay safe out there. 2. LeBron's Performance - Yo, the dude is 35 and this week, put on a show vs. Zion and the Pelicans; Giannis and the Bucks; and, Kawhi and the Clippers. He's 35! No-load management. No rest days. Just ballin'. IF you can't appreciate the guy at this point, you really need to have your sports fandom appreciated. 3. Warren's "Flip The Switch Challenge" - Her politics aside, Senator Elizabeth Warren engaging in the "Flip The Switch Challenge" with Kate McKinnon is absolute gold. 3 Down 1. Coronavirus - We've been seeing this develop over the past few weeks. While the virus itself is sort of scary, it is the hysteria and worry that has really made society uncomfortabl

The art of the promo is once again becoming a prominent factor within pro wrestling in 2020. In a world in which we are witnessing pro wrestling offer and deliver various products, styles, and presentations for the fan to choose, what we are seeing is indeed a slow return and focus on promo delivery, effectiveness, and overall, character and storyline progression. This of course, is a sudden change after years of the trend being on in-ring work. Many companies, such as NJPW, became en vogue, and the internet and it's anti-establishment narrative, placed a focus on in-ring performance, great matches, and overall skill above everything else. Over the last decade, the era of flips, dives, athleticism, and dramatic false finishes pushed the industry away from the pomp and circumstance of characters and mic talent. Fans, wrapped up in the nuance of website ranking; match of the year lists; and star ratings - ushered in what eventually became the norm throughout the industry in

What is it about? Under the tutelage of Rocky Balboa, Creed faces the biggest challenge of his career when he meets Viktor Drago, son of Ivan Drago. Who is in it?  Michael B. Jordan - Adonis Creed Sylvester Stallone - Rocky Balboa Tessa Thompson - Bianca Favorite Scene:  [spoiler alert] Creed goes to the home of Rocky to get his blessing on the fight against Viktor Drago. After going back and forth, Creed eventually hits him with a crushing comeback referring to Balboa never throwing in the towel in the fight that saw Apollo Creed, his father, die. Favorite Quote:  "I was afraid of not being able to do what he couldn't do." Review:  I have to admit, when Creed II was announced, I rolled my eyes. I just thought the plot was one that was too cheesy, too obvious, and really, something that wouldn't allow the Creed series to separate itself from that of the famed Rocky franchise. I was wrong. I was so, so wrong. Creed II was VERY enjoyable.

3 Up 1. Vanessa Bryant - The tribute for Kobe Bryant was absolutely moving. Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, Sabrina Ionescu, and others - were so great with their words and in the moment. But none were that of Vanessa Bryant's speech. How she managed to get through her beautiful words was the kind of strength only God can give. Her courage, tenacity, and poise - in all that she has experienced, and continues to go through - was and continues to be, incredible. 2. Sabrina Ionescu - She is the best-kept secret in all of sports, and quite frankly, it is a shame. However, the word is beginning to leak of Ionescu's greatness as she finished her senior season at Oregon as the only player - Male or Female - to have recorded 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 1000 assists. Naturally, she also finished with the most triple-doubles in NCAA history as well. The New York Liberty, playing right down the road here in Brooklyn this season, has the first pick in the upcoming WNBA D