Dome Pondering

  3 Up 1. Memorial Day Weekend - There are a lot of people who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation to be where it is today. Yes, there is still plenty for us to work on and we're far from perfect. However, our history is rich with people - all kinds - who fought for what is right. In the midst of a long weekend, I hope you took a moment to remember that.  2. Education of Black Excellence Areas - It's amazing the number of things left out of our history books in High School. This week alone I learned so much about the Tulsa Race Massacre as well as the fact that there were many black areas that were thriving. The continued uncovering and discovery of these untold stories is so essential to us as a nation. 

I absolutely love these! I love them! With the bickering beginning to boil with the rumor spreading that the intention from Nike is to bring City Connect uniforms to ALL 30 MLB teams over the next few seasons, these White sox uniforms quelled those discussions for a bit. Because quite frankly, Nike did something that wasn't expected as of yet - they developed a look that is better than the team's everyday look.  Thus far, these Nike releases have gotten better and better and have given me hope for some of the franchises where we expect some serious "tradition vs. new school" conflict. And to be honest, "easing" into an eventual City Connect jersey for the Yankees, Giants, Cardinals, and others aren't going to make the backlash any better. Whenever that happens, there will be an eruption.  I can already hear those longtime-first time Yankee fans on sports radio - If George were alive, this would NEVER happen!!!!  Regardless, let's talk about these uni

He curled up in my arms, laying there on my lap, then randomly uttered, "I wuv you." It's a moment like that where I continued to learn, at this stage, that's all I needed. And really, that's all I wanted.  --- I often write these birthday posts for myself as a reflection on where I am in life - a mere examination of what one year older feels like. For so long I've titled them as "What [enter age here] Means" or some other catchiness to match the age number (kind of like this post), and for many of those years, the thoughts and words that came to me reflected growth, external desires, and some sort of assessment of where my life currently was at each milestone.  Today, I decided to look back and read them, and of course, I find them interesting. Not wrong, embarrassing, or naive in any way - the posts do and did what they should - reflect where I was at that point in my life. Heck, the post reflecting on turning 27 back in 2012 ( What Does 17 Mean? )

Blooming from (and out of) a Global Pandemic. 

3 Up 1. Israel-Hamas Cease-Fire - It's certainly messed up what is happening over at the Gaza Strip. It has a deep-rooted history, and really, long-lasting effects that need to be ironed out - beyond the measure of what any one of us can begin to unpack without complexity. Regardless of it all, it's just nice to see some sort of cease-fire hold up for the sake of innocent lives, especially that of children.  2. Madison Square Garden 15K - For me, the day the NBA suspended the season is when the pandemic felt as super serious as it became. It was just unfathomable to imagine what was to come, so when the NBA packed up shop, you knew this was more than the seasonal flu. More than a year later, for me, the NBA once again creates the milestone with MSG hosting 15,000 fans for Game 1 of the Knicks vs. Hawks - an indoor event record since the pandemic began. 

The Miami Marlins have such a unique opportunity whenever it comes to uniform aesthetics. They have a blank canvas, a ton of demographic connection and opportunity, and very little history that is cemented that ties them to any particular look, feel, or aura. Obviously, the franchise has its share of identity chapters, with the most success coming under those black and teal threads that bore pinstripes and captured two World Series Championships. Isn't it still weird to think that the Marlins have not one, but TWO, titles?  Nonetheless, Nike selecting Derek Jeter's Miami Marlins for inclusion in its Nike MLB City Connect just seemed so organic, I would be surprised if the idea didn't just begin with a framework for this opportunity. And with that said, I think they crushed it. 

3 Up 1. CDC Masks Mandates - One day we're going to look back on this time and wonder - why the heck were masks - face masks! - such a controversial thing?! Regardless, we got another very significant hurdle in this pandemic as the CDC announced this week that individuals who are vaccinated are no longer required to wear face masks going forward.  I don't expect all to ditch the masks, but for the sake of this pandemic, the continued thawing of this pandemic into a new normal provides hope.  2. Hall of Fame Inductions - From the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to the Basketball Hall of Fame, there were plenty of talented individuals who either received their informal nominations (Rock and Roll) or took the stage and received their induction moment.  BTW - Watching the Bryant family induct Kobe Bryant was special. It's still so weird to think he's no longer with us.  3. J. Cole - It's rather remarkable to think about an individual dropping an album then chasing another dr

3 Up 1. Mother's Day - Always a special day! Happy Mother's Day to the many mothers out there - those who are here, those who are gone, those who have lost, and those who stepped in and serve in the role.  Mother's truly are incredible - I'm lucky now to witness my wife in it every day.  2. Russell Westbrook - Can we please stop hating on Westbrook? Enjoy the talent and what we are experiencing every time he plays. Triple-Doubles aren't easy - I'm so tired of that false narrative trying to become a thing in "evaluating" hoops. Westbrook is special. 181 career triple-doubles, tying Oscar Robertson, that's really cool. 

What is it about?  A man trying to get home to his dog after spending the night with a woman he likes is stuck in a loop forced to re-live instances and scenarios where he is killed by a police officer.  Who is in it?  Joey Bada$$ - Carter Andrew Howard - Merk Zaria - Perri 

It's been a while since I've punched the keys about my beloved New York Knicks. Over the span of this blog, most of the time those posts have been rants, complaints, and other forms of literary frustration and anger with the franchise. Really, who could blame me? The reputation, history, and record speak for themselves.  But this year is different. Off the heels of yet another regime change - one that seemed like the smart move rather than the flashy kind - my guys are positioned to play competitive basketball through the end of the season and likely, in the playoffs.  PLAYOFFS???!!! Yes, insert your Jim Mora voice at this point.  While I can go on and on about the individual improvements, surprises, and amazing stories that have been this 20-21 campaign of New York Knicks basketball (maybe another day), this team, this time, and this moment in history has me looking at the NBA - and sports, in general - with a different perspective. 

This edition of "Would You Rather" is another posted with questions credited to the NBA Would You Rather NBA Account on Instagram ( See Here ). Adding to the fun, this edition (and possibly future ones) are all NBA basketball questions. 161. Would you rather watch LeBron in the 90s or Jordan in the 10s?  So we're kicking this thing off with a toughy. Because Jordan and LeBron debates/discussions usually go off the rails rather quickly, I'll just say I would love to see both switch eras, that would be tremendously interesting. However, for me, seeing Jordan play in this era of open floor, less tolerance for rough play, and protection of the "superstars", would be verrrrrrrry exciting. MJ might average 40 points a game. His mid-range game in today's three or paint play would also be refreshing. 

3 Up 1. Indicted Federal Hate Charges - The three men who killed Ahmaud Arbery have officially been indicted on federal hate charges meaning, it alleges that the defendants used force and threat to intimidate Arbery because he was a black man. The indictment opens up a new set of charges, outlook, punishments, and arguments for the trial. It's surely a case to keep an eye on once a trial date is set. I have a feeling this one will grip the nation as well.  2. NYC Rebounds - I no longer live in NYC, but I still work there and live relatively close to it. The demise of NYC is sooooo exaggerated. In fact, we're now learning more people have moved into the city than out of it during the Pandemic! With that said, it's great to hear further stories of over 80K people returning to offices in a few days as well as the plans to fully open in July. March - June of 2020 in NYC will forever remain with me as trying times. I'm glad the city is rebounding. 

I've consistently stated that the product of Impact Wrestling has been the most enjoyable one for me since the pandemic tilted the business in March 2020. Again, for me ( just my opinion as I know how wrestling fans can be ) that still remains true. Impact is a product that is easy to watch, easy to follow, easy to get through, and easy to let your imagination grab a hold of - something very much missing in the WWE's product.  I find myself always falling behind (since I don't get AXS TV on my cable provider), yet, due to IMPACT+, I binge-watch shows to get caught up to speed. With the HUGE Omega vs. Swann main event, I found myself about five episodes behind and frantically getting caught up because I wanted to be in on the craziness for this pay-per-view.  As we've come to appreciate as of late with Impact PPV's, this event was enjoyable. Impact Wrestling really has found a weird and unique way to present their product without fans in attendance (as best as can be