Dome Pondering

Going into July 4th, a day that is meant to celebrate our nation, or at the very least, help us reflect on our relationship to and with it, we get the inevitable passing of the "Big Beautiful Bill Act".  Everyone has thoughts. Many have strong feelings. Few seem to be in favor of the bill.  But here we are.  Just a few quick thoughts and ponderings on the latest big move under the President Trump administration:  There doesn't seem to be much feedback out there that champions this bill. I know we're very divided, and those who align themselves unconditionally with the President will find a way, but the few experts in economics (and many Republicans themselves) aren't crazy about it. That in itself gives me angst.  Weren't we JUST exercising massive cuts, layoffs, and decisions to balance Federal spending?  Now we're adding to it? More tax breaks for the rich continue to be a current trend that...well, doesn't feel like it works.  200K-550K household in...

O say, can you see? first generation dream-chasing foundation  maybe it wasn’t for me? But still, an opportunity. socio-mobility Hey kid, “Be the best you can be” For you, and a future be  Or two or three Don’t mind the history. It’s broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight Within by class, age, political party Or the mere color of skin. Embrace those (societal) ramparts so gallantly streaming over-Patriotic expression,  Ever redeeming I’ll use my boot straps, for sure! “We got money for wars, but can’t feed the poor?!” Keep ya head up… Straps up, too! Yet, still the bombs burst in air where democracy can be unfair Legacy pipelines everywhere School shootings here…and there, No care. Why is this us? just us? ‘Merica!!!  Send up thoughts and a prayer. But don’t tread on me… Whatever, our flag is still there. Praise God! For I still rather be here It’s Dr. King. Freedom to pursue. unappreciated blessings My pledge of allegiance is internally fiery, Tho...

191. Would you rather have the ability to see minutes into the future or years into the future? This is interesting...I think minutes in the future would be too much at some point. However, years in the future can be really daunting. Especially so for the psyche. I'll go with minutes into the future, especially in moments of angst or danger. Can there be a limit per year? Maybe, like replay challenges in sports?  I'd like to use my challenge, please - can I see what will happen in the next few minutes? 192. Would you rather have telekinesis (the ability to move things with your mind) or telepathy (the ability to read minds)? I want no part of reading other people's minds. Nah uh! Nope! While I often ponder what exactly happens in the minds of others, it's likely one of those thoughts that needs to be left to the imagination.  Moving things with my mind can be pretty cool. The remote control immediately comes to mind.  193. Would you rather be forced to sing along or dan...

Didn't realize how much I missed independent wrestling.

Many, are willing to die for their kids. Few, are committed to live for their kids.

---7 Years Old --- Dear Son,  It’s been a while since I’ve dropped a few thoughts. Forgive me, I’ve just been watching. Just observing. Taking it all in. Trying to be a good dad. I’m punching the keys today from one of your martial arts practices. It’s your second with “the big kids” and also the second time I’ve found myself watching from the sidelines with anxiety, with pride, and with likely my biggest fandom for you yet in this space. My feelings are much more than you playing baseball or coaching you in basketball. Your disposition is different. Your excellence is different in this space. With martial arts, you stay diligent with the process. Respectful. Working hard. Getting better. In competition with and respecting the older kids you are training with. That’s what I’ve enjoyed. It encapsulates everything you’ve grown into thus far. Still empathetic as ever, but adding an element of self-ambition and drive - something I’ve prided myself on - and to see you mature into this m...

Trying to... Belong to a Community.  Belong to Someone.  Belong to Some.  Belong.  Be. 

"Working in higher education must be interesting these days, huh?" That question was posed to me by several people who recently learned that I worked in higher education. The recent discourse around the industry and field has certainly shifted in narrative and the overall feel within it. I recently wrapped up my fourteenth (!!) academic year. It's remarkable to think that I've been serving students and following a passion for this long. This is especially the case considering the rising turnover, the documented yearly burnout, and the increasing exodus from the field.  And, yup, there is that whole enrollment cliff combined with the politics that are more present than ever on college campuses.  So yeah, higher education is weird right now. Very weird.  Some quick thoughts : IS IT TIME?  Yes, I have thought about leaving the field several times. Especially, over the last few years. COVID didn't really bother me, but it's safe to say that the world of higher edu...

They're gonna talk.  What if you just. let. them. talk.  

Welp, it's over.  Is it possible for something to be so enjoyable yet hurt so bad now that it's over?  That's the only way to describe the end of this New York Knicks season. Even after giving it a few days, ironically on the night that the NBA Finals begin - the Finals I thought we really could have gotten to - I still find myself reeling.  Everytime that damn clip of Haliburton's shot bouncing into the air and dropping in...bruh... But, I needed the time to gather my thoughts and feelings, reject the crazy hot takes and absurd opinions, and adjust to some of the immediate changes the Knicks made.  So here we go:  Immediate Thoughts This was easily! - my favorite Knicks season and team since 1998-1999. I know I said that last year, but this era of Knicks basketball has provided me with such luxury to move the goal posts and update these personal lists.  I genuinely loved this run despite its ending.  Jalen Brunson's shot in the Detroit Pistons series ...

I became a forty-year-old individual yesterday.  The milestone is very significant for many and has its societal measures and benchmarks that carry some fear for those approaching its gates. Regardless of approach, turning 40 is filled with reflection, pondering (of course), and preparation for what should be a "new" stage of life. A life stage centered around "transitioning" into a stage seen as the "pre-senior" years.  Sure. Whatever.  I won't disagree that the new "4" digit that sits in front of your age feels encompassing even without understanding completely. Yet, as I stated last year when I turned 39 (going into my 40th year on this earth), I was ready for it. Ready for 40. Today, oddly enough, I am not filled with profound life lessons, ponderings, or reflections.  I sit here, punching the keys, filled with gratitude. I am 40, and I love it.   I carry my baggage of life and bear scars from it at 40. I am grateful for so many experien...

Twenty years ago with concepts and a degree, They said,  "You're ready to take on the world" Twenty years later,  with experience and scars,  I say,  "Am I not capable of changing the world?"

Well, that was a kick in the stomach.  Coming off a week where the word "catharsis" was used as the description for the euphoria and release of joy from two and a half decades of suffering, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers brought about another word - trauma.  Watching the Knicks collapse was the kind of moments that come with these deep runs and moments. NBA Playoff basketball will do that. Yet, this loss - this one - feels about as bad as the 2004 ALCS when the Yankees collapsed in the series to the Boston Red Sox.  That one carries some serious trauma. Luckily, the series isn't over.  Some other quick thoughts from this awful, awful night, New York Knicks Basketball.  - Not to conjure up hyperbole, or even contribute to "hot take" sports reaction culture - but this might have been the worst loss in Knicks franchise history. I cannot think of another in my lifetime, or historically.  - Tyrese Haliburton's "choke"...

I've certainly shared my emotions and thoughts regarding the New York Knicks on this site over the years. There have been plenty of those to sort through - most of them are rants. Tonight, the New York Knicks ultimately destroyed the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, 119-81. I sat on my couch, afraid to allow myself to feel joy until that final buzzer. As a Knicks fan, I've been through too much to allow myself to do anything else, to make any assumption, until it was final. Until it was confirmed. Until something couldn't fall through...the way we're used to.  Once it was final, it was unreal.  The New York Knicks are in the Eastern Conference Finals. For the first time since 2000.  I was 15 years old the last time that happened. And that was a run with a squad that I consider (still) to be my favorite Knicks team of all-time.  I sat on my couch with all sorts of feelings. My wife was likely trying to understand the moment. My son, exci...

What is it about? Based on a true story of an eventual BMX Champion who overcame an abusive childhood, a white supremacist upbringing, the elements of the foster care system, and the nuances of an interracial foster family.  Who is in it? Christopher "Ludacris" Bridges - Eldridge Buultjens Shane Graham - John Buultjens Sasha Alexander - Marianna Buultjens Favorite Scene:  Embarrassed to be seen by his new foster parents, specifically Eldridge, who is black, John ducks into his back seat upon being dropped off at school. Eldridge makes light of the situation by mentioning what he packed for lunch before putting the window down and asking out loud to students about PTA opportunities.  Favorite Quote:  None. Review: The Ride was surely a welcome surprise. Upon seeing the trailer, I figured to get a formulaic film about troubled youth, intersect some social norms being challenged, the youth overcomes and changes, happy they live - the end. Well, we got that, but it's th...

3 Up 1. Mother's Day - A glorious day to honor the mothers and women who make so much happen. Hoping you and yours had a terrific Mother's Day.  2. Teacher Appreciation Week - Another period for appreciation, we gave praise to teachers all week. This group deserves it - but even more so, should be celebrated all year.  3. New York Knicks - My boys in orange and blue took TWO in Boston in dramatic fashion. Yes, they dropped Game 3 this weekend, but the aura and overall vibes were the kinds we haven't felt in years (maybe, decades!).  3 Down 1. Pakistan and India - Soooo, yeah...just what the world needs is yet ANOTHER rising escalation of conflict and possible war. Our government negotiated a ceasefire , so let's hope this is resolved, somewhat . 2. South Afrikaans Asylum - I don't understand the logic here. We've pushed and pushed for immigration control and making America first. Butttttttt, we are now granting Asylum to Afrikaans in South Africa? There's an...

Another "double bang!" and I found myself standing - STANDING! - on the edge of my couch, clutching a blanket in front of me with little regard to the awkward position my emotions forced my body into.  This was another playoff first-round series that likely took take years off my life. Much like the Philadelphia 76ers series last year and everything that was Dante Divencenzo's late-game heroic three-pointer , this Detroit Pistons series gave me a serious case of agita, but of course, the Jalen Brunson shot.  I'm sure I had very few doubts about this before, but that shot solidified Jalen Brunson for a lot of Knicks fans, including this one.  That shot, that moment, everything poetic and beautiful about it - the way it evoked Jordan-Game-6 vibes - filled something Knicks fans have awaited - that guy.  I appreciate Carmelo Anthony. Heck, even Ama're Stoudemire. And I've already established my appreciation for Julius Randle.  But Brunson, he's now on a new fl...

Hoops with the son in the driveway just hits different.

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?

Spring does bring eternal hope. 

I would love to have an island, of all the people,  who brought great vibes to my life - past and present.  My island would be amazing. 

Well, after that off-season where the Dodgers deferred enough money to build the Athletics a new ballpark, it's time for the remaining fanbases who don't have Guggenheim money to hope for the best. Even with Opening Day finally here, it's the only time of the year we can actually pretend everyone has a chance, and hope feels, well, somewhat authentic.  White Sox fans, how are we feeling?  As we do every year around these parts, I'm throwing out some predictions and wild guesses for the upcoming MLB 2025 season.  Good luck, White Sox.  --- STANDINGS (WIN) AL EAST  Yankees - 92 Red Sox - 90 Orioles - 88 Rays - 85 Blue Jays - 82 AL CENTRAL Royals - 90 Tigers - 90 Guardians - 88 Twins - 87 White Sox - 65 AL WEST Rangers - 92 Astros - 92 Athletics - 86 Mariners - 85 Angels - 77 NL EAST Phillies - 94 Mets - 92 Braves - 88 Nationals - 78 Marlins - 75 NL CENTRAL Cubs - 88 Brewers - 88 Reds - 87 Pirates - 83 Cardinals - 80 NL WEST Dodgers - 96 Diamondbacks - 90 Padres - ...

There is a lot that can be said about the state of college athletics, particularly basketball. NIL has surely shaken the foundation that once grounded college sports for the product that we see today. There is a lot that can be said, and lots of conversations that can be extended for hours of thoughtful dialogue (by the right people).  The current March Madness playing out - on both sides - has plenty of thoughts (and mostly feelings) bouncing around in my mind (and heart).  Just a few:  I really do love how much the Women's game has grown and improved. In various ways, the pureness of the game itself is often more enjoyable than the current men's game.  Despite the growth, the lopsided scores in the first two rounds are evident of a still top-end talent pool. Overall, there is room for growth in talent around the country. The "student-athlete" in this space is on life support. In many ways it's dead.  It's outright sad to see programs that have zero continuit...

Does time change me? Or, did I evolve through experience? How many signals did I miss? Or, did I choose this fate? Do I understand the wrongs and regrets? Or, did I act with the best interest in the moment? What did they say about me? And, what will they say about me today? Was I appreciated? Or, did I imagine that? What were the opinions in the shadows? And, what were the feelings expressed before me? Is it a misunderstanding?  Or, a matter of not confirming?  Why didn’t it last? Or, was it never meant to? …ever able to? Was it ever real? Some of it? Part of it?

I can't say I didn't think about it being a possibility - after all, didn't we all imagine it? - but I didn't think it would become a reality. John Cena, heel? Maybe a few years ago, but certainly not in his final farewell run?! On top of that, we probably had one of the most executed and memorable moments in pro wrestling history. I loved it. And for me, it ensures this fan that when pro wrestling is done right, very little compares to the art form.  Some other quick thoughts on Cena's turning heel:  Cody Rhodes dropping the F-bomb, intentionally and without a bleep, might have been the second most shocking thing of the night for me.  And yes, my wife quickly had to turn to my son and enforce what every parent probably did - "don't repeat that!!". Yeah, the last thing teachers needed were their students who are WWE fans coming in to class and telling each other, "Hey, go F--- yourself". We've come a long way from crotch chops. Cena is ge...

3 Up 1. John Cena Heel Turn - It. Was. Memorable. I apologize if you aren't a wrestling fan, but everything that happened on Saturday night won the week for me. Loved it.  1a. Elimination Chamber - Following up on the Cena heel turn, Elimination Chamber was also an overall event all-time. From top to bottom. Just great stuff. 2. Black History Month - Can we still appreciate this month? Sort of joking. But seriously.  3. Spring Training - Ah, yes, baseball is around the corner. Can't wait.  3 Down 1. Oval Office Drama - Mannnnn, we're living in some wild times. What unfolded in the Oval Office was something out of what we see in a reality TV show. At the same time, the whole thing felt so orchestrated. Ah, well, this is the new norm. I guess?  2. Epstein Files Release - A nothing burger. We got nothing. And at this point, I doubt we ever will.  3. Angie Stone - Life is short. So incredibly short. Thanks for the great music, Ms. Stone. :(  Cover Photo Preside...

3 Up   1. New Old Cookbook - I thought this was really cool. The oldest published cookbook just got a remake and is now available. The cookbook, by Malinda Russell, is 160 years old. There has to be some really good (clean) stuff in that book. It's also Black History Month (are we still allowed to push that?), and there's a lot of history and significance that can be found through food.  2. Frankie Munoz - This dude went from Malcolm in the Middle and decided, I'm gonna be a race car driver! Munoz finished 10th recently in his debut as a NASCAR driver.  3. Yankees Policy - It's about time. The Yankees really were eventually going to find themselves in something MUCH uglier than a narrative surrounding "would George have done this?!" or "Why, this is the Yankee way!". Kudos to Hal Steinbrenner for the move.  3 Down 1. Another Plane Crash - This one in Toronto. A place landed on its roof. What is going on out there? Doesn't help when you read and ...

There's no other way to put this, the NBA has a serious problem on their agenda going forward regarding All-Star Weekend. What was once the standard for All-Star presentations and must-watch television has quickly turned into social criticism and an entity that undoubtedly reminds fans of what used to be.  Simply put, NBA All-Star Weekend is broken.  I don't want to pile on like we expect the talking heads and personalities to do. This is fixable. Like everything else in sports. However, this...what we experienced tonight, is not it.  Other quick thoughts on the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend:  The Skills Challenge was cool when it was first introduced. Now, it's become over-produced. The map of the floor, the gadgets involved, and even the rules...just ask Chris Paul and poor Victor Wembanyama.  By the way, the constant camera focus on both of them following the "disqualification" had such "Principal Office" vibes.  The Three-Point content remains the purest...

3 Up 1. Mac McClung - He saved the NBA Dunk Contest. Before the hot topic was the All-Star Game, the Dunk Contest found itself in the crosshairs of random discussion. McClung's weekend performance kept the event entertaining and helped a struggling concept through a trying time.  2. Jacob Kiplomo - Mr. Kiplomo ran a half-marathon in 57 minutes. A mile every 4 minutes and 26 seconds. Outstanding. Amazing.  3. NHL - You have to give it up to the NHL. On the other side of the All-Star discussion is what the NHL tried - 4 Nations Face-Off. It was entertaining. It was fun. And the players played hard. Now, we've got all sorts of sports discussions to be had. 3 Down 1. Measles Outbreak - Like, what are we even talking about? How is measles a thing, still? Am I the only one?  2. Pardon of Rod Blajogevich - I just don't understand the pardons. First, it was the January 6ers, and now, a former governor who tried to sell - SELL - a Senate seat. I don't get it.  3. NBA All-Star...

3 Up 1. Eagles Defensive Live - I'm no football aficionado or even a huge fan - but what the Eagles front four on defense did was dominating.  1a. Philadelphia Eagles - Congratulations to Eagles fans and the city of Philadelphia on the Super Bowl win.  2. Kendrick Lamar - I'm sure it'll be controversial - we all knew it would be going in. Throwing my two cents into the arena of public opinion, I thoroughly enjoyed Kendrick's performance. I'm a fan, so that's easy. Tough night to be Drake though. Yikes!  3. Human-Like Teeth in Pigs - Science can be cool. But stories like this are absolutely amazing.  3 Down 1. Plan for Education? - Look, I'm all for cutting wasteful spending from the government. However, I also want to know the plan to replace or support the areas that are being cut. Eliminating the Department of Education? Ok, cool. What's the plan after that? 2. USAID - We live in a VERY blessed country. My heart is with the countries and people who re...