Dome Pondering

3 Up 1. Bill Russell - It amazes me how much we overlook Russell whenever we get into these talking head debates of "Best Ever". If "ring culture" is going to run the day of arguments, it should start and stop with Russell.  Yet, beyond that, Russell was a better person than he was a baller. Our country lost a super impactful person today, and truthfully, one of the remaining originals of the civil rights era.  Thank You, Mr. Russell.  2. Aaron Judge - My guy is on pace for 69 home runs this season. That's just video game-like. I don't think I've ever witnessed a season like this from a Yankee since Alex Rodriguez's 2007 campaign. And dare I say, Judge is beginning to approach a Bonds-like level in how opposing teams are pitching to him.  Open up the checkbook, Steinbrenners.  3. Mega Millions Winner - Apparently there is a ticket sold in Illinois that is the winning ticket for the Mega Millions Jackpot of $1B. Congrats to the holder(s) of that winni...

I never thought the day would come that Vine McMahon would NOT be a part of the WWE. Not that I didn't believe he didn't age, but because that's all wrestling fans know. And everything about him and his past has overcome periods of doubt that we thought a change - of any kind - would occur.  In many ways, McMahon is synonymous with the term "wrestling", as is the WWE.  But here we are. Change of the guard.  It's hard for me to understand or capture everything that is Vincent Kennedy McMahon (and yes, I announced his name in my head in that classic Mr. McMahon character voice). As a pro wrestling fan, I owe so much to him for providing moments, emotions, and memories that bond my relationships with my father and closest friends; have narrated the chapters of my own life; and yes, have shaped my own life with sayings, reactions, and thoughts conditioned by my fandom.  He's the brains behind it all. He's the man that deserves so much of the credit for it....

3 Up 1. Codifying Same-Sex Marriages - In a world where things feel like we're headed backward, or at the very least, are aiming at stripping the fundamental freedoms and rights of many, this felt like a small win. I'm giving it an "up" for the sole reason that there is resistance to what feels like a movement that benefits some - we've seen this before in our history. Also, it gets an "up" for realizing the Dems could do something - anything. Because they haven't... 2. Hall of Fame Inductees - It's always cool to see baseball honor its greatest of the greatest. Yes, we complain about it every January, but by July it's legit a celebration session. I just wished they wrapped these ceremonies into the All-Star break. Why does it compete with actual games?  3. Marvel Announcements - SOOOOO many announcements of anticipated movies, shows, and outright goodnight from the Marvel world. The next five years look great if you're a fan. And that Bl...

3 Up 1. NASA Webb Telescope Pictures - It's definitely a nerdy thing, but it is also a tremendous wonder to see the photos that came back from NASA's Webb Telescope. The photos, super crisp like we've never seen before, are images that make you wonder how big the Universe is, and truly, how small we are. Just a fantastic image.  2. Buffalo 'Tops' Reopens - After the hateful shooting that rocked its community, that very Tops Supermarket has reopened in Buffalo. The store serves as an epicenter for that very community, and while it'll be difficult, it's just good to know they are moving forward, rebuilding, and reconnecting.  3. Bartender Left $4,000 Tip - I'm a sucker for stories of the human spirit and just outright goodwill. Imagine the heart of a single mother bartender when a patron leaves a $4,000 tip on a $176 bill. That's cool stuff.  3 Down 1. Uvalde Shooting Details - The details and video coming out of the Uvalde Shooting investigation is d...

After last year's overwhelming debacle of a design, Nike was forced to go back to the drawing board in creating a concept that would create an exclusive All-Star Game look for Major League Baseball while getting players back in their own uniforms - one of the few it's-always-been-this-way traditions that the majority of baseball fans can agree on.  Unlike other sports and their All-Star Games, having players in their uniforms reppin' their team is super important. As long as baseball is a regional sport - and that's not going away anytime soon - this will remain important for the fan. Especially for the league that invented the All-Star Game concept - and the league with probably the best competitive game.  Soooooooo, Nike blended both concepts. It kept the players in the design concepts of its everyday squads while finding a way to give uniqueness and a "team" feel to the All-Star Game. Count me in on the crowd that prefers to see the traditional uniforms wit...

3 Up 1. Father/Daughter Heary Surgeon Tandem - We often praise the rarity of these "team-ups" in sports. Look no further than the slow burn just that is the potential scenario of Lebron and Bronny James in the NBA. However, THIS story was easily the coolest thing I came across all week. Imagine not only still on top of your "game" long enough to continue performing surgeries, but having your daughter make it inorder to share an operating room? That's generational talent in a big way! 2. Sandra Douglass - We're still seeing so many firsts in the world regardless of where we are in our quest for equality, and this is yet another one. First Black Female in NFL history. That's really cool. Especially, in the world of the NFL. Good stuff.  3. Wimbledon Winners - Congrats to (back-to-back) Men's Champion Novak Djokovic and Elena Rybakina on taking home the victory at Wimbledon. Especially for Rybakina who wins it at 23 - twenty-three-years of age! Wow. ...

3 Up 1. July 4th Weekend - The holiday is a myriad of emotions and perspectives. From appreciation for what we do have, to the frustration of what we don't - an internal battle of this great worldly experiment that is the United States of America. And of course, there are those who completely miss the moment of the holiday. Regardless, it's special, and there really isn't anything wrong with how you embrace your thoughts, feelings, and connection on the day. Celebrate the best, and mourn the worst.  2. Ketanji Brown Jackson - The first black woman as a Supreme Court Justice is pretty cool.  3. NBA Free Agency - I was glued in all week. Of course, filled with nerves about what my New York Knicks would do, but also, all the drama that is NBA-free agency. And then, of course, Kevin Durant said, "oh yeah, hold my beer".  BTW - Here are my quick thoughts on Kevin Durant shaking up the Sports World .  3 Down 1. 46 Immigrants Found Dead - Such a sad and horrific story, ...

When people show you who they are, believe them.  That's what my thought process is reduced to regarding Kevin Durant, his trade request from the Brooklyn Nets, and well, everything else that surrounds the latest drama that has taken over the NBA (and in many ways, the sports world).  Kevin Durant is immensely talented. Superhuman in so many ways. If you see him in person (as I have many times at the Barclays Center as a Brooklyn Net, and once at the Staples Center as a young member of the Oklahoma City Thunder), you're simply in awe of his stature, his ability, and his grace on the court. It's the kind of aura that keeps you believing in the aura of pro sports, and the sheer exclusiveness of these human beings. It's in the same realm as LeBron James and Steph Curry, physical and ability marvels that go just beyond remarkable, existing in a realm of specialness that cannot be described other than comprehension with the eyes.  Kevin Durant is one of my favorite athletes ...

When I saw these threads, I immediately fell for them. They nailed it! These are dope!  San Diego was one of those teams that I pinpointed as the opportunity to be something special because of everything they encompass and represent, as well as the few ties to tradition that Nike would have to incorporate (a big hurdle in these designs, for sure) - Nike didn't disappoint here.