Dome Pondering

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...

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...

3 Up 1. Costco Pay Increase - Costco is doubling down on DEI policies. Now, it's offering its workers a liveable wage? We're in a weird world where this is the company receiving strong threats of boycotts and investor backlash. Kudos to Costco. 2. Kidney Transplant - We've got transplants now from pigs - PIGS! It's really cool to read about. But really, much like the above "Up" - we're in some weird times right now.  3. Beyonce - It's amazing to think that Beyonce is the first black woman to win a Grammy for Best Country Album. There are two things there for me - 1) Did it really take this long for a black artist to win? 2) When it's all said and done, Beyonce's legacy will need layers and time to be broken down and appreciated.  3 Down 1. Aviation - Why are planes crashing, falling out of the sky, and all sorts of other things? What. Is. Going. On?  2. Government Layoffs - Soooooooo, anyone else sort of worried about the job market getting fl...

3 Up 1. Inauguration Day - It's kind of nice when the transition of power happens peacefully, right? Without any drama? The county needs less drama right now. I'm not sure what the next administration will bring, but the inauguration didn't feel all that abnormal - which is good.  2. Baseball Hall of Fame Class 2025 - It's a tremendous class full of very deserving players. Much love for Ichiro and Sabathia - loved watching them both.  3. Higher Education Enrollment - Welp, when we expected the big enrollment cliff to happen, we get this news?! Higher Ed on the rise?! What?! I'm excited about this, but with expected changes in education to come, it's going to be interesting to see how long this lasts.  3 Down 1. January 6th Pardons - Come on. I'm trying to give this Trump administration a chance. I really am. But this move is not it for me. Not. At. All.  2. DEI Term - Add DEI to the other buzzwords that elicit outrage and strong feelings without a complete ...

3 Up 1. Israel and Hamas Ceasefire Agreement - This seems like a pretty big deal considering all of the layers that come with this conflict. Ending this peacefully is of the utmost importance.  2. Bob Uecker - Legend. I'll forever remember Uecker for his role in the Major League movies. In some ways, baseball would be awesome if we had more announcers like him. Except, you realize the dude was one of a kind.  3. MLK Weekend - The weekend is always reflective of how far we've come. It has a different vibe this year, but is still salient for us all to realize.   3 Down 1. Home Insurance - It's a shame how insurance companies are finding their way out of coverage for floods, fires, and other natural disasters. Especially after the recent fires in LA, home insurance coverage has to be examined further 2. Extreme Weather - Some crazy things are happening all over the Globe. Have been for a while.  3. Meta Changes - Well, as the Presidential administration changes, w...

Are these the moments of hard work and sacrifice, in front of my kids, that I hold my parents in reverence for? 

3 Up 1. California Fire Fighters - From nearby and even across international borders (some even imprisoned), a lot has to be offered to the firefighters who made their way to Southern California this week to help control this massive natural disaster.  2. Human Spirit - People who opened their homes to others. Businesses that provided free services and assistance. The outpouring of donations and so much more. People can be awesome at times.  3. Medical Debt - This seems like a pretty big deal, no?! Why should your health and the needs for your care affect your credit score?  3 Down 1. California Wildfires - Awful. There's not much you can place into words here that would capture so many people losing their homes, their lives, and everything. 2. Politicized Wildfires - As much as the human spirit took center stage, of course, we gotta make things political in this nation. Because, you know, there's an opportunity to do so.  3. Extreme Weather - There's just a whole l...

What is it about?  Two sons of a Caribbean immigrant in Canada face questions and obstacles regarding masculinity, identity, racism, family, community, and personal dreams.  Who is in it? Lamar Johnson - Michael Aaron Pierce - Francis Marsha Stephanie Blake - Ruth Kiana Madeira - Aisha Favorite Scene:  [spoiler alert] After a failed audition, and before the police once again, Francis emotionally says to all of his loved ones, "we dreamin, that's all, we're just dreamin" Favorite Quote:   "Our immigrant parents cleaned toilets, took care of other people's f----ing kids, took shit all day, struggled with rent, were chronically tired...all for us." Review:  Brother sat on my trusty "My List" on my NetFlix account for two years. The overall description of the film, of Caribbean immigrants and a family, intrigued me due to my similar background. After finally giving myself the green light to engage in this film, I'm upset it took me this long. B...

3 Up 1. Happy New Year - We made it around the sun one more time! Wishing all of you the very best in 2025.  2. Minimum Wage Hike - 21 States are increasing their minimum wage mandates. That's good! Our wage vs. cost of living issue remains a salient topic, especially with a new Presidency beginning in a few weeks. Here's to hoping this is a step in the right direction.  3. Hilde Dosogne - This is absolutely incredible. It's the first I've learned of this feat - never knew this was a thing in 2024. 366 marathons! Someone get this lady a month of free recovery care! 3 Down 1. New Orleans Terrorist Attack - It absolutely sucks to start the new year with such a tragedy. Just bad vibes overall. So heartbreaking for the victims and the city. There are a lot of weird ideologies happening in the world right now.  2. Puerto Rico Power Outage - PR always seems to suffer from these outages. What made this one so terrible was the timing and the duration of the outage. Here's ...

What is it about? A teenage boy finds love and life experience in a troubled girl who transfers to his high school.  Who is in it? Lili Reinhart - Grace Town Austin Abrams - Henry Page Favorite Scene:  [spoiler alert] Austin figures out the first piece in Grace's story with a Google search.  Favorite Quote:  "Adults are just scarred kids who were lucky enough to make it out of limbo alive" Review: Chemical Hearts got me. It really did. Another in my series of random picks and this one slowly went from background happenings to having me deep in thought and some feelings.  Chemical Hearts came out of nowhere on the expectations spectrum (I had no knowledge of it before) and delivered in a big way. The film is highly profound and leaves you - at least it did for me - thinking about the person I used to be during that time, the person I forgot about. The person figuring out how to prepare myself for adulthood and carrying all of the baggage along the way.  My f...

2025.  Discipline.  Consistency. Concerned about  foundation,  not about destination. 

What is it about?  Jack Cunningham, a high school phenomenon, reluctantly accepts a high school coaching job providing a redemption for the school, the students, and most importantly, himself.  Who is in it?  Ben Affleck - Jack Cunningham Al Madrigal - Dan  Janina Gavankar - Angela  Michaela Watkins - Beth Favorite Scene:  [spoiler alert] After getting thrown out of a game, Jack explains to Brandon why didn't pursue his full ride to Kansas after being a high school star.  Favorite Quote:   "You're nervous. I get it. The truth is, they're more talented than you. Probably got a better coach. But I promise you, they are not a better team. Because they haven't been through what we've been through. They don't know adversity. They don't know what it's like to get knocked down and have to get back up again. They don't know what it is to fight."A lot of times hurting myself trying to hurt my father." Review:  The Way Back can feel cliche. We...