Dome Pondering

--- 3 Years, 9 Months --- Dear Son,  It's been a while since I've dropped a note to you - actually I haven't done so since your last birthday. The last nine months since then have been trying, tremendous, and of course, VERY interesting. We've been able to witness your personality come to be, your talents begin to blossom, and overall, you begin to establish yourself very early in this world.  After all, COVID continues and really has been a dominant presence in your life. While masks as of this writing are no longer required in school, over the past few months your mother and I have had you home again, a lot - much like the start of the pandemic - after variants of COVID closed your school repeatedly (and frequently), and for a brief moment had society on edge.  Regardless, we made it. And during those stints of 8 days, 10 days, or whatever the state mandate was at the time for the latest recent closure, I learned not how much you missed school, but truly, how much you...

3 Up 1. Ketanji Brown Jackson - I didn't know much about Jackson until she was nominated by the President - probably, much like every other nominee in my lifetime. However, watching a black woman on that stage, there was something so incredible to the poise and emotional control she showed this week. In responding to embarrassing questions (some just outrageous), she had such powerful energy, an incredible disposition, and enviable poise.  Yes, it was also a mirror of just how much more people have to give (and take) just to reach specific heights. And also yes, that photo of her daughter smiling over at her mom was my favorite thing this week.  1A. Cory Booker - He gets this for not missing the moment. For a moment, I didn't care about his politics, his words, and that moment was just awesome. Good job by Booker.  2. Innocent DeJesus Brothers - This is a WILD story that I took the time to read this week. I can't even begin to fathom being locked away for over twenty-five...

Today,  I push to leave on time, to place my ambition on rewind,  to conquer a list,  to feed the drive, to escape amiss Someday,  I'll work to return home soon, with purpose in tune,  to pursue the extent,  to feed my heart, for Today, I repent. 

3 Up 1. Bismack Biyombo - I admit it, it's one week too late from when it really happened (and I forgot it last week), but the news somehow made the rounds this week as well, so I'm making it work. Nonetheless, Biyombo donated his entire $1.3M salary toward rebuilding a hospital in his hometown in Congo. That's the kind of action that is more than lip service - love it.  2. The Batman - I haven't seen it yet. Nonetheless, the new film on the favorite caped-crusader past $300M at the box office. That's pretty awesome.

3 Up 1. Paralympics - The courage of the athletes competing in the Paralympics is amazing! However, have you watched some of the competitions? Some of these athletes - regardless of disability or ability - are just outright phenomenal at what they do. Shout out to all of the individuals who competed for the past two weeks.  2. MLB Returns - Well, well, well...look who finally got their act together! So, we're going to get a full 162-game season after all, and the next few weeks are going to be interesting in regards to roster moves.  For what it's worth - I'm not a huge fan at all of the new 12-team playoff format.

3 Up 1. State of the Union Address - I really liked the speech - I really did. I wasn't expecting much as I've become "eh" on the Biden Presidency, but his address really pulled me back in - not completely, but just enough to have me sort of believing. I especially enjoyed the clarification of certain talking points which did unify and clarify mistruths from the election, and of course, put an end to party rhetoric (i.e. position on defunding the police, COVID mandates, etc...) for now. Good stuff all around - props to President Biden.  2. Houses Passes Bill for Lynching as Hate Crime - It took over 100 years to happen, but we finally were able to get it done in making lynching a hate crime. Makes you wonder why it took so long...Nonetheless, the naming of it after Emmett Till is a nice nod not just for the bill, but so that we don't forget the past.