Dome Pondering

3 Up 1. Volodymyr Zelensky - The President of Ukraine delivered a speech this week that certainly went viral not just for his take as the current war on Ukraine ensues, but for his honesty and courage throughout it.  2. Kentaji Brown Jackson - In a world on fire, here at home President Biden nominated Jackson, who becomes the first black woman to serve on the highest court in the nation. That's so cool. I'm happier for the tons of little girls of color who can dream of being a Supreme Court Judge, and now believe it. 

Bernadett Szabo / Reuters Anna Semyuk hugs her children at the Beregsurany border crossing in Hungary on February 26, 2022. The children were handed off on the Ukrainian side of the border by the father—who was not allowed to cross—to Nataliya Ableyeva, a stranger to the family, who brought the children across the border and kept them safe. It's been tough lately to watch what has been unfolding at the Ukrainian border. It's been tough from the standpoint that the images of people fleeing West, many hunkered down in bomb shelters with kids, and outright images of casual common apartment buildings with missile holes in the side of them, all have evoked the biggest reaction from me to this ongoing crisis.   Yes, on the surface, there is the anger and the want to wish bad things upon the Russian government. After all, we are here because of them, and of course, Vladimir Putin's need to offer a flex that no one else but he and his inner circle wants or finds even necessary.  Bu

What is it about? The recruiting and exploitation of a teenage basketball phenom expose the immoral undercurrent world of amateur sports and business.  Who is in it?  Michael Rainey Jr. - Terron Forte Jr.  Brian White - Vince Josh Charles - Coach Gaines

3 Up 1. Adonis Lattimore - Winning a state championship in any sport is difficult. How about winning a state championship in wrestling? Oh! And how about doing so with no legs?! Yeah, that happened. The story of Adonis Lattimore is tremendous - I really can't give it justice. Please seek it out and of course, check out the video of him competing. I love these stories to remind us of the power of the human spirit.  2. NBA All-Star Weekend - Yeah, that dunk contest was bad (but hey, kudos to the sole representative of my Knicks, Obi Toppin, on the win - go figure). However, the NBA put on a super entertaining weekend highlighted by the NBA 75 Players ceremony. And oh yeah! -  there was everything that was Steph Curry doing unreal things in shooting a basketball during the All-Star Game.

3 Up 1. Erin Jackson - Jackson is the first black female athlete to ever - EVER! - win any kind of speedskating medal at the US Winter Olympics. There's no need to get into the background of specifics sports and why firsts like this are still happening in 2022, but more so, just living in the moment and appreciating everything Erin Jackson just pulled off. Much props!  2. Super Bowl Staff and Crew - Everyone talks about the game and the halftime show, and thus, they should. The sport manager and athletics professional in me appreciates everything else that goes into it. Yes, I'm the nerd that loves the planning, logistics, execution, coordinating, and more - kudos to the planning committee, to the crew that executed a flawless stage set-up and demo in minutes, to clean up crews, well...you get the point.  By the way, I very much want to visit SoFi stadium - the place looks awesome.

What is it about?  A young black boy with a bright future experiences his world thrown upside down as he is put on trial for murder. We follow his journey through the complex trial.  Who is in it?  Kelvin Harrison Jr. - Steve Harmon  ASAP Rocky - James King John David Washington - Richard "Bobo" Evans

What is it about?  Two individuals navigate the complex process of growing apart, breaking a marriage, while attempting to keep a family together.  Who is in it?  Adam Driver - Charlie Barber Scarlett Johansson - Nicole Barber  Azhy Robertson - Henry Barber

3 Up 1. Funeral for Det. Wilbert Mora - Still incredibly sad. Yet, incredibly cool to see the NYPD and the surrounding police departments come together to honor the fallen.  2. Brian Flores - Flores gets the "Up" here for the simple act of courage that is his lawsuit filed against the NFL. He likely will not get another coaching gig again in the league (see: Colin Kaepernick) but his action has already drawn attention to some questionable hiring practices throughout the league, the lack of historical representation throughout it, and the ineffectiveness of the "Rooney" rule. It's also brought about diversity and inclusion policies in the common workplace as well.  Whatever your thoughts are on Flores or his lawsuit, you have to admire the man for putting it all on the line for a change he believes is necessary.