Dome Pondering

Five dollars a gallon. In some parts of Alaska, that has become the norm for gas. Soon, those prices will make their way toward the mainland, hurting many Americans along its path. Rising food and the luxuries of life will follow, sending many into caution during this "recession". It seems not too long ago that the world seemed much more on axis. It wasn't perfect, but things were much more aligned, almost serene, compared to the here and now. It was a mere decade ago when the world's biggest issue surrounded Y2K, and the future of technology. In today's world of YouTube, Blackberrys and the high speed internet, post September 11th has brought us... Darfur. Dead soldiers. South Iraq. Katrina. The War on Terrorism. Earthquakes. Cease of International Relations. 100,000 dead. Cancer. Myanmar. 10,000 dead. Israel. Diabetes. Global Warming. Continent-wide hunger. And yes, unforgiving rising oil prices. No longer is expanding our quality of life an issue, but the sheer...

The New York Knicks are on the road to recovery. Stephon Marbury's career is on life-support. The franchise which has been slowly dying in the past years, and which was bludgeoned severely by a weapon with the hand prints of Isiah Thomas, has begun its slow climb back to respectability. Hopefully, one day amongst the elite again. Nonetheless, as fast as they have become credible, the organization has presented several crossroads for many within the organization, especially Stephon Marbury. Upon hearing of new head coach Mike D'Antoni's hiring, Marbury immediately called the newly hired coach to welcome him to Gotham. After all, Marbury more than anyone else is excited for a replacement for the friend gone foe, Isiah Thomas. That is because, Marbury more than anyone else knows that this might be his final shot to not only save his name and career, but himself. With Mr. "Seven seconds a possession" planning to inject his philosophy into the Knicks mentally los...

22,000 people dead and counting... That is the bottom line after a vicious cyclone whipped through Myanmar. In what seems to be one of the greatest natural disasters in world history, has also seen a change in people - a change in heart. In a country often ruled by a repressive military regime, citizens of Myanmar, soldiers, Buddhist monks, and Catholic nuns all have come together to clear away trees and damage from Cyclone Nargis. However, even though the cyclone's unmeasurable damage seems to be completed, the struggle has just begun as survivors face greater challenges than finding the bodies of those who remain missing. Such struggles include loss of electricity, spreading disease in the world's worst health systems, and a lack of food, water, and shelter for over 6 million people.

"Louis Farrakhan is one of the most influential people of the last 20 years." That comment alone is evident of the absurd tirade that Jeremiah Wright has indulged in for the past few weeks. His latest outburst which consist of praise for Louis Farrakhan, claiming United States conspiracy regarding AIDS and blacks, "God damning America", and being a consistent nuisance to Sen. Obama's campaign reek of a man seeking attention. It's unbelievably sad when a man who through his distorted and twisted views along with his various degrees and accomplishments has the urge to voice such vulgar, detrimental, and outrageous comments that affect everyone. Comments which vehemently contradict those of Americans and the constant pursuit of Dr. King's Dream . Nonetheless, however sad it may be, Jeremiah believes he is right.

It has occurred so often, one would think that it is scripted. It has to be scripted. Another dead minority due to excessive police force. Another acquitted verdict. It almost seems so regular, that it no longer is surprising. The verdict in the Sean Bell case has caused an uproar over justice for citizens, and justice for minorities. In a case where three police officers fired a total of fifty one bullets at Sean Bell and his friends upon exiting a night club, a "trial" found them innocent of any excessive, cruel, or intentional behavior. In a trial where the prosecution tried about as hard as the New York Knicks did in the month of March, how can one blame the minority's lack of faith in the judicial system? The evidence was there. Plain and clear. This was supposed to be the one. This case was supposed to be different. This time there would be justice. Nope. Innocent. Instead, we got another cheap verdict. Now the Rev. Al Sharpton will run his parade for coverage and n...

After a week in which we celebrate the life, achievements and most of all, courage of great Jackie Robinson, the results of a poll on foxsports.com reflect thoughts that are downright disturbing. The question read, "Is the dwindling number of black players in Major League Baseball a serious concern?" As of today, after 17,332 votes, 12% agree, while 88% do not. Are we really serious? While the reasons for the lack of black ball players in Major League Baseball is attributed to many things from economics to lack of interest, to say such a matter is not important, or vital to the total growth of the game is ignorant. While I agree with many that Jackie Robinson's efforts were more about brotherhood than the elevation of one race, Jackie's remarkable career did indeed emanate a sense of opportunity. The argument however is the opportunity for children to choose. If black children across the nation rather toss a football, or shoot a jump-shot rather than drive in an RBI, ...

On the night of the 2008 National Championship, there are rumors that NBA Commissioner, David Stern, and NCAA President, Myles Brand are in agreement to require players to stay in college for at least two years of college. Immediately, many are quick to say the idea proposed by the top two dogs is brilliant. After all, it enhances the NBA game with more seasoned players, and it keeps the NCAA from one and done wonders such as Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, and Greg Oden. How can it be wrong? It's a no brainer, right? Well, yeah. However, one has to question this pact as it reeks of alternative motives. The agreement itself is grounded in none other than cash. An ability for the NCAA to develop and keep these top-notch stars that will be playing in a basketball arena near you soon, and a chance for the NCAA to become a sufficient breeding ground for the NBA. Both parties win, and will allow for a stronger product. Never mind the fact that you can be sent off to war, but n...

36 years. 36 years of setting the bar. 36 years of being, "The Man."

Wrestlemania . It is the biggest event of the year in the wrestling business. The crown jewel, the Super Bowl, the "grand daddy of them all" - the event. It's an event that gathers the entire industry, blurring company and organization borders, in a celebration of the most important date in the industry. Except for this year. With a legit number two and three organization in North America (albeit very far behind) Wrestlemania for the first time, has become a larger weekend event. With all three major promotions running huge shows in Orlando, the new "Wrestlemania weekend" (March 26th-30th) can potentially create a form of legit competition in the industry again. Orlando, Florida will be the capital of the wrestling world for this one week with four huge shows and neither company wanting the title of "worst show of the week", especially between TNA and ROH.

Following what has been a media circus regarding the Eliot Spitzer scandal, the whirlwind that was the media, seemed to have eased up on its proverbial "full-court press" on Ashley Alexandra Dupre. For now, that is. After all, Dupre's story, which is tailored for a future New York Times best seller, is one that follows a troubled, lost and aspiring singer that gave new meaning to "do whatever it takes", and her journey to super stardom. The catch - besides her two downloaded songs, her dream of becoming a singer hasn't become reality, but the one of being rich and famous have surpassed her imagination. Dupre, the young 22 year old that has captured the interest of America with her pictures, stories and aspirations, has become a house hold name by way of drugs, prostitution and the moral failure and fall of another individual. Her journey of choices, anchored by raw motivation from the heart, led her down a path that reaped short rewards. It was a mere short...