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 Madness Welp, the WNBA has found itself in the middle of a culture war after the satirical (hopefully?) video of Enes Freedom (fka Kanter) declaring for the upcoming WNBA Draft. The WNBA continues to be a super fascinating entity. As likely this country's premier women's league, it has been the root of so many discussions - this one being the "protection of women in sports".  Here are ten super quick ponderings on this:  The WNBA has made its identity over the years as being extremely vocal in the political space. Regardless of your opinion, that positioning puts them at risk for these kinds of stunts.  I've long thought the commissioner, league, someone - anyone? - should have had players, coaches, and all tone down the continued politics. Not to suppress freedom of s...

In their quiet thought or by stray song, or by random reminder, Am I chosen? 

What is it about? A close-knit group of Miami cops discovers a stash of millions in cash that creates distrust among themselves and outsiders.  Who is in it? Matt Damon - Lieutenant Dane Dumars Ben Affleck - Detective Sergeant J.D. Byrne Steven Yeun - Detective Mike Ro Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Byrne realizes something isn't right and confronts Dane about the protocol in play.  Favorite Quote: "Don't trust anyone." Review: The Rip is amazing.  Apparently it's based on a true story, which makes it even more compelling for me. Nonetheless, the absolute beauty in this film is that it keeps you guessing whether the characters are protagonists or antagonists, and in moments, as a viewer, you think through making a case for each.  I wish we had a bit more on some of the characters who became key contributors to the closing of the plot. There is a lot that goes into this film, as it is shot very well, as expected from a big-budget Netflix vehicle. The film has its ...

What is it about? A Navy SEAL set out to avenge his wife's murder, only to find himself amidst a much larger international conspiracy.  Who is in it? Michael B. Jordan - John Kelly Jodie Turner-Smith - Karen Greer Jamie Bell - Robert Ritter Favorite Scene:  [spoiler alert] After finally confronting Rykov, the team engages in an all-out confrontation with snipers and local police in an attempt to escape alive.  Favorite Quote: "I'll show them what a pawn can do to a king." Review: I finally watched Without Remorse. Because it's an Amazon original film, I may have taken its availability for granted. During a week I had some time off from the World, I finally watched it, and I wasn't disappointed.  For starters, I'm not a huge Tom Clancy aficionado, so my review is coming from a casual. But I do love a good thriller, especially from that of a rogue government official turned independent spy. Long live Jason Bourne.  Without Remorse, should there be a sequel, ...

What is it about?  A young woman, stumped by laziness, unaccountability, and a lack of guidance, comes of age through an encounter with a closed-off writer.  Who is in it? Grace Van Patten - Lillian Emily Mortimer - Julia Price Favorite Scene: Julia runs into Nate and his new girlfriend.  Favorite Quote: "Lillian, desperate for affirmation, how deep does it go? Review: Good Posture was an impulse add to my "Watch List" on Amazon Prime, and I finally got around to watching.  The film is a mixed bag, ripe for a deep connection through so many opportunities, yet shallow in other areas of character development and plot. Don't get me wrong, Good Posture is a decent film; for the nerds, you'll get "Finding Forrester" vibes but not quite the same impact. Good Posture leaves it up to the imagination regarding the characters, and in some aspects, how they truly connect. There are a lot of subtleties that are unexplained (intentional or not) that do make you wond...

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. COVID Rehashing Obviously, Dr. Anthony Fauci was a huge talking point this week. With that, was the rehashing of COVID and everything that came with it... or something like that.  Look, I'm not getting particularly political on Fauci, as it is very easy to fall into one of the dueling political sides on this. My truth is, I'm not educated enough on the reasons why Fauci was called before Congress. And much of the rhetoric and narratives that are out there - on both sides - don't make sense to me. Not the political kind of sense where the narrative fits the talking point of the party, but more so just truth. All of the narratives from every article and opinion section that I've reviewed make no sense in factual and logical terms.  If I had to take a political stance and respond, i...

I can't say I was excited about SummerSlam heading into the event. Some storylines have moved me, but, much like pro wrestling in 2026, it feels like yet another incomplete creative vehicle (some good, some bad), with the hope that the event itself will overcome the shortcomings of the hype.  Admittedly, WWE could pull this off this weekend with some memorable moments (and outcomes), specifically from the two main title matches and from Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar. Maybe a return or two as well. Chances are, they likely will.  Personally, I have Penta vs. Chad Gable circled. I might be the only one, I know.  Nonetheless, happy SummerSlam weekend, everyone.  --- Random Tidbits Is it me, or were the overall vibes going into this year's SummerSlam just...well, off? I've already cited build, but there was just something else...ah well.  I know attendance is always a discussion point, but 30K+ is still pretty dam impressive for each night.  The stage was VERY impr...

Is it the complexity of the stripes? Or, the remarkableness of the total blend?

LeBron finally made his last decision, and yet, at 41 years old, in the year of our lord, 2026 - here we all are with our own opinion on his next chapter. It's quite amazing. The run. The career. The longevity of relevance. All of it. Sooooooooo, he's headed to the Philadelphia 76ers. [commence rant and hot takes] Not really. I gave the "Last Decision," as dubbed by James, some time to breathe, to take in the reality of it, the basketball side, and of course, the sports discourse, and I find myself with the following reaction:  LeBron James is amazing.  That's it?! Come on, bro! Really, that is it. That's it!  At first, I thought the Knicks' championship still had me delirious (Knicks in five, babayyy!). But as time went on and the discussions roared, annoyed, and carried on into some tired themes and rhetoric, I kept finding myself back in a place of awe and amazement at the entire thing. This dude is 41 years old, and he is still dictating so much of 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. The Last Decision Just when you think the discussion for "a new face of the NBA" has some legs, LeBron James - at 41 years old - drops a post on X and sends the sports world into chaos. Even at this stage, it's rather amazing to see how many talking pundits and heads make their career off of James, or the James vs. Jordan (tired) debate.  From a basketball standpoint, it's fun. He can still play! Which is widely missed in so many ridiculous takes, for the sake of taking a position on LeBron. I don't blame him at all for trying to win. Isn't that what everyone is trying to do? What's he supposed to do, sign with Sacramento?  Tornado Warnings It feels like we've seen more and more tornadoes as of late around the country, and in rare parts of the United States. I l...

What is it about?  Luke and Kate are coworkers who are close friends, flirt heavily, and have their relationship tested during a weekend away with their significant others.  Who is in it? Olivia Wilde - Kate Jake Johnson - Luke Anna Kendrick - Jill Ron Livingston - Chris Favorite Scene:  [spoiler alert] While attempting to help Kate move, Luke suffers a very bad cut. In that moment, Kate is struck with panic and doesn't help Luke, who needs the assistance.  Favorite Quote:  "You are not allowed to make me feel bad...because I am single and you are not." Review:  Drinking Buddies is not cliché. However, it's also a film that could have used a more resolute or definitive ending.  The relationship of Luke and Kate carries the film, and at times, you think it'll go the obvious way of them finding romance. However, as the film continues, especially near the end, I found myself very much hoping they never do get together. Luke and Kate are exactly that - dri...

Ivy at the Ivy (Princeton University) 

We've made our decisions.  And tomorrow... We'll make our decisions.

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. World Cup Drama What a World Cup Final. So much drama. So much emotion. So many storylines! The game ultimately felt like it would be Spain's to win for the entire duration of the match. Yet, despite the focus on Messi, naturally, it was Emiliano Martinez who stole the show with a record-setting effort of 11 saves. Yet, in the end, it was Spain who triumphed. Teenagers in the final; Messi's last dance and emotional stance at the end of the match; the halftime show performances; Enzo Fernenadez's red card; and even our President (because, of course) making headlines by refusing to get out of the final team picture - all of the drama...best sporting event of the 2026...thus far.  And for what it's worth, I have an eight-year-old playing soccer this fall because of the World Cup. Th...

We all try to "fly over" jury duty. Until you see it from the ground. 

It's hard to believe we're already at mid-season for the 2026 MLB season.  With a potential looming lockout next season, there's some added incentive to appreciate all things baseball right now. With that said, I soaked up all of what the MLB All-Star break was this week.  For what it was, it was a nice ode to the game. I enjoyed it, and lots to love about where baseball is going...except for the pending labor talks. Regardless, here is the latest Pondering 10 - my favorite things for the 2026 All-Star Break. --- 10. Uniforms It's a small thing. However, Nike's attempt to invoke what we've seen in the takeover in the NBA with the MLB backfired. The previous All-Star jerseys were a disaster. Getting back to the fellas representing their teams is a visual that should always remain. Welcome back.  PS - They tried to do something different with the hats...wasn't a fan.  9. Netflix Presentation I don't know what the overall viewership will be for Netflix. Net...

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...