Dome Pondering

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. WNBA It's been a tumultuous season for the "W". While the on-the-court competition has been enjoyable - normal pro sports stuff - the WNBA has begun to carry a lot of baggage around its league. From the obvious Caitlan Clark saga (ahhhh yes, Caitlan Clark drama), to the Sophie Cunnigham stardom, to the villainization of Alyssa Thomas, and the constant complaining about the officiating by everyone, the league has felt...exhausting in some ways.  Mainly, because so much of what makes the WNBA is its purity in basketball and its physical nature. You know, the style we always ask of the NBA all the time... In the WNBA, as of late, there is just always drama. Always... Jay-Z Weekend With Drake's last album, the hip-hop world was once again ignited in GOAT conversations. In this, Jay...

The expense of maturity, is the pain in realizing how much of yourself was given to others who did not deserve it. 

What is it about?  The story of Nike's pursuit of a then-unknown Michael Jordan by a struggling Nike Basketball division.  Who is in it?  Matt Damon - Sonny Vaccaro Jason Bateman - Rob Strasser Ben Affleck - Phil Knight Favorite Scene:  Sonny heads to Wilmington, North Carolina, and ends up with a face-to-face meeting with Deloris Jordan Favorite Quote:  I believe the saying that if you say what you want, that's fine and good, but doing something about it is what really counts. Review:  Air is as good as expected. In many ways, it was better than expected. After all, how riveting could this story have been, especially when we're aware of some parts? It's tough to make this an entertaining vehicle when a documentary could do it, right?  That was the tough part, and this film crushed it. Kudos to Affleck for doing so in the director's role as well as in portraying a quirky Phil Knight. Could it have used MJ's perspective? Of course. But staying focused o...

Well, the run is over.  However, we took a step forward...right? Right?  Well, something felt all too different about this World Cup for the United States Men's National Team until...well, it didn't. There was a lot of juju brewing, a lot of national pride bubbling, and a lot of casuals suddenly invested...and then, just like that, it was back to normal.  Eh, it's just soccer.  With the US falling short to Belgium, 4-1, in the Round of 16 in a disastrous manner (and some high-level politics involved), it's quite difficult for me to gauge what was accomplished for United States soccer during this World Cup. Quite plainly, it felt like the United States was one win away from not only their first trip to the round of eight since 2002, but from setting the entire world ablaze with the unthinkable, and outright pushing the United States into full-fledged soccer frenzy.  But it wasn't meant to be. And while a lot of good came from this tournament for USMT - more on th...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. Storylines and Sports  It certainly was a week to feel much deeper than attachment for your favorite team. Sports gave us deeper storylines and occurrences where we felt, we appreciated, and we found the unexplainable in life. From that magical cinematic match that was Serena Williams' comeback match versus Maya Joint in the 2nd Round at Wimbledon, to everything that was Cape Verde's run and challenge against the defending World Cup Champions in Argentina, sports provided some amazing feels this week.  Making Sense of ALS I'm not a huge football fan, but this story really shook me when it made mainstream headlines. Former NFL superstar Chris Johnson announced his ALS diagnosis. As shocking as the announcement was, the reality settled in as you saw the image of a once powerful and a...

American Dreams (and some Nightmares).  Happy Birthday, America. 

What is it about?  A young couple's relationship develops quickly when one of them is diagnosed with cancer.  Who is in it?  Jeremy Allen White - Elliot Maika Monroe - Mia Favorite Scene:  [spoiler alert] After confronting Elliot during a strain in their relationship, both finally come to the conversation they've been avoiding. Favorite Quote:  "It's not that I don't love you. I do love you. You're my first love. I... I just don't... I just don't know you're my only love." Review:  After Everything has been on my targeted Netflix list for some time. The Trailer once hooked me enough to engage with the story.  I finally pulled the trigger over this July 4th Weekend, and I was glad that I did. I'm a sucker for a good coming-of-age film, and this one was right in my wheelhouse. Especially, in tackling the concept of illnesses, how they can alter a couple's relationship and overall growth.  The film does a good job of outlining the backgrou...

Strength for the self-audit, Freedom by the reset, Grateful for the mercy.

Cinema.  It's a phrase too often used, but that is exactly what the opening round match of Serena Williams vs. Maya Joint at Wimbledon was - must-see.  It was the kind of drama we all love about sports in its purest form - storylines galore, the unexplainable, and the unimaginable before you. A contest so rich and gripped with fascinating qualities and intangibles that it is uncapturable in words and photos, other than - you had to see it live.  Cinema.  I sat there for the duration of this match, in pure awe of the comeback of Serena Williams. At 44, returning to the court on the game's biggest stage after four years of retirement. A mom, before her kids, husband, and family, but more so her fans, all willing her on for yet another win.  At 44 years of age, what do we expect? The truth is, not much, but the essence of the beauty lies in the effort. The triumph is not in the matter of victory, but in the level of competitiveness. She still got it.  And ther...

TNA certainly came into Slammiversary 2026 carrying some public relations (or perception?) baggage which affected the excitement for this event. For me, Slammiversary has become one of those wrestling events on the calendar that moves the needle for me. This is especially the case after attending last year's historic event.   This year, the hype was not there. And ultimately, the overall creative process for the product for most of 2026 was well...plain. It wasn't terrible. But yeeaaaaaahhhhhhh, nothing felt overly exciting. The company had no major storyline driver. And thus, we saw the removal of Tommy Dreamer as head of creative at TNA after being with the company for almost ten years. Much of Slammiversary 2026 felt like it was pulled together two weeks out. And even heading into the show, with the added drama of Dreamer's release, TNA once again felt unstable.  Fortunately, what we got was a great show that feels like - again, there is that perception thing! - TNA is ...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. Helpless to Mother Nature From the extreme heat in Europe to the earthquake in Venezuela , the Earth has responded with some heartbreaking tragedies that are often hard to understand. Lots of love and prayers to the many affected by both incidents. More so for the families dealing with missing loved ones in Venezuela.  World Cup Like many, I watched a lot of World Cup games this week. The excitement has matched the hype, and it's been enjoyable to tune into just about any game. The Cape Verde storyline has been enjoyable. And of course, there is the intrigue around the United States. If the men can make the final eight, we could experience some serious vibes for soccer in this country.  Mamdani Rent Freeze Controversial for sure . The latest rent freeze in New York City has sparked a lot of ...

--- 8 Years --- Dear Son,  On this day, eight years ago, you changed my life forever.  Today, as your mother and I celebrate your eighth birthday, it's hard not to take notice of the person you're becoming, most notably, the personality that is forming. Ace, you're super cool, bro. You really are. At this point in your life - and I hope you continue with this - you have an innate ability to find a sense of security in your interests, yet still be driven by your empathy.  For me, you turning eight on this day is represented by something that happened this weekend. We were attending a quinceañera for your cousin. At the reception, you discovered a Shirley Temple drink, and you liked it. A rarity since your palette for food and drink is well...very selective. You enjoyed temples all night. Confidently walking up to this open bar among adults, waiting in line, hoisting yourself to the ledge, and asking for your drink.  At the end of the night, after finishing your third ...

What is it about? Two families are connected by their sons' budding friendship after the sons return from World War II to a farm in Jim Crow rural Mississippi.  Who is in it? Jason Mitchell - Ronsel Jackson Carey Mulligan - Laura McAllan Jason Clarke - Henry McAllan Garry Hedlund - Jamie McAllan Rob Morgan - Hap Jackson Mary J. Blige - Florence Jackson Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] After hearing about Henry's lien toward the Jackson family, Laura uses money from the family safe to pay for a doctor for Hap. Florence nods to Laura in the distance, and Laura acknowledges it before driving off.  Favorite Quote: "Coon, spade, darky, nigger"... Went off to fight for my country to come back to find it hadn't changed a bit. and... "What good is a deed? My grandfathers and great uncles, grandmothers and great aunts, father and mother, broke, tilled, thawed, planted, plucked, raised, burned, broke again. Worked this land all they life, this land that never would be t...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. Knicks Parade  I'm sure you can tell from the recent posts on this here site, I am still in the Knicks Championship thought.  NBA Champs, babbyyyyyyyyyyyy!! Nonetheless, the parade was everything any Knicks fan (new, old, and long-time suffering) could have imagined. Memorable scenes. Emotional. And unforgettable.  For me, it was Mayor Mahdani's speech that jogged us down memory lane, and more so, the visual of the NBA Cup Trophy, the Eastern Conference Trophy (Bob Cousy Trophy), and dear (elusive) Larry O'Brien sitting on a table in the NYC sun. We ran the table.  Beauftiful. UK Social Media Ban This is interesting to me. The recent ban in the UK on social media use for individuals under 16 is well...yeah, interesting. There are continued heaps of data that show the dangers of soci...

tiny arms with great power they reach for the skies with plea, to be above sharing the world with me they reach outward with scheme fail, success, fail exploring the world in between yet, their greatest power they hug around my world fully extended, head to my shoulder heart to heart at rest. 

It's been almost a week since the New York Knicks climbed the mountain and became NBA Champions. In no way am I turning the page, because as stated before, I'm basking in this alllllllllllllll the way until banner night. However, before looking to the future next week in one of my favorite sporting events of the year - the NBA Draft - I'm letting it loose. I'm letting it all out in this post.  It's a digital bonfire, and I'm airing some last grievances, tossing things in, and letting it go.  I'm exercising all of the stuff that comes with this fandom.  STILL PETTY Indiana Pacers Ahh, yes, forever no love for the Indiana Pacers, their fans, and everything that is them. I'll forever dislike them, and the mere fact that we now have a championship before them is wonderful.  Reggie Miller I'm over the supposed MSG villain who makes his mark off of one catastrophe in the Garden. Some "Knick Killer" at 44-58 all-time. I'm now released from the...

I'm still on a championship high (probably until Banner night in October to be honest), so I'm dropping more Pondering 10s as my brain (and heart) works through all of the emotions and reflection from my beloved New York Knicks - 2025-2026 NBA Champions!  Let's talk coaches.  We've been through so many. My fellow Knicks fans, we've seen so many coaches walk the sidelines of Madison Square Garden, and the recent championship is so amazing to think about - Mike Brown, one year, title.  With that said, here is a list of my favorite Knicks Coaches (in my lifetime, so no Red Holtzman). It's tougher than you think, but we're doing it.  To begin, here are those banned from this list. On the sheer qualifier that these coaches - by fault of their own, or maybe not - will always resonate with disdain and the lowest of the lows.  Derek Fisher Oh, the Phil Jackson era. When we were given a coach who had never done so before, implementing the triangle offense was more im...

I'm still in the mode of celebrating the 2025-2026 NBA Champions, the New York Knicks. It's still surreal to say that.  With that said, I find myself in deep reflection on the years, teams, and players that have gone by that have filled me with emotions. Part of that was the hope in specific Knicks players I thought would be THE guy.  Before there was Jalen Brunson - THE now confirmed guy - in looking back, I held out so much hope for the players on this list. Especially over the last few years.  For the sake of the list, this does not include Carmelo Anthony, Julius Randle, and Amar'e Stoudemire. In my opinion, these guys were clearly solid picks and reliable Knicks. All-Stars. All-NBA players.  With that disclaimer, here is my Pondering 10: Honorable Mention: Jeremy Lin Because yes, he didn't quite make the list because Linsanity was all but two weeks that lasted forever. I don't think I ever thought Lin would be the guy, but it was easy to fall into the idea of ...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. New York Knicks Of course, my beloved New York Knicks are at the top of things this week on my mind.  From a memorable Game 4 comeback for the ages, to finally - FINALLY! - ending the decades-long drought at 53 years and bringing home the NBA Championship, there is a lot to ponder in reflection on what happened this week.  I'm so happy I decided to chronicle thoughts for the duration of the run .  I think I'll have more to come on this.  Trillionaire on Earth Elon Musk is now officially the world's first trillionaire. I don't think any of us can fathom that kind of money. And honestly, I'm not sure he could even spend it all in his lifetime. But, congrats ot him, I guess? Nonetheless, it seems odd that one person holds so much wealth on earth. And that such wealth could serve...

Part of me is in disbelief that we are here...the other part is raging and ready to go. Four more wins! Let's. GO! So much of this NBA Finals feels poetic, historical, and dream-worthy, for so many reasons, to so many different parties. This includes the NBA office. I'm sure they are loving this matchup for their biggest stage.  While defeating the Spurs does exercise some demons from 1999, I'm not sure I care about that at all. As noted from my thoughts in the Eastern Conference Finals, at this point, just win. Review Thoughts from Round 1 Review Thoughts from Round 2 Review Thoughts from Eastern Conference Finals Just. Win.  I don't care who the opponent is. The narrative that comes with it, or how we do it.  Just. Win. The NBA Cup win seems like whiteboard material for them, yet a serving example for us to match up with them. Again, it doesn't matter. Both teams are completely different beasts since November, through growth and experience.  This all comes down to...