Dome Pondering

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...