Dome Pondering

Adversity is an issue that most individuals face several, if not, many times throughout their lives. It's a mere issue, almost a dignified rite of passage in certain situations that form the people we are, and have become, while creating the history and recording the journey we have traveled. Adversity is a double-edged sword that tears us down, strips us of our pride, our arrogance, and our false pillars in life, while sculpting a new individual, and uncovering new wonders never known by yourself. "Adversity introduces a man to himself", is how the quote so often is told. And while that is often very true, adversity can also introduce a man to life. In a world today when adversity has become the universal adjective to describe the current times due to economic strife, the word almost becomes diluted. Weak. Ineffective in describing the difficulty. An uphill battle begins to control our lives. The urgency settles in, causing chaos. Disrupting dreams. Making a home for fea...

Just do it. And in a culture during the late 90's and the turn of the century, that is what Alex Rodriguez did. He succumbed to the culture of Major League Baseball and engaged in performance enhancing drugs (PED) from 2001-2003. Alex Rodriguez? Steroids? For many that notion may still not resonate so soundly and smoothly, as it is another example of the wide-use of PED's in the sport. It is also important to recognize the inability to predict or select who was guilty of using, and who was not. In so many cases, Major League Baseball and the public has been unjustified in lashing out against athletes, trainers, teams and others without clear evidence, justification, or reasoning. In A-Rod's case, allegations of steroid use was the free fall that many in the public have waited for, and have so eagerly anticipating. "A-Rod's Legacy is gone" "A-Roid" "A-Fraud" It seems that the headlines, catchphrases and stories do not cease when it comes to ...

Almost ten years ago, the wrestling scene witnessed a third company go national in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), as it began airing a weekly program on Friday nights on TNN (Now Spike TV). It was then, when the wrestling business reached its climax, and was as profitable, and popular as any other industry. However, the wave, and ultimate aura of having a wrestling program being aired six days a week ended when ECW finally folded, and number two company, World Championship Wrestling (WCW) became property of Vince McMahon.  Since then McMahon has thrown a headlock on the industry, forcing the WWE brand on those that seek the art form. In recent years, that headlock has begun to loosen with the likes of Total Nonstop Wrestling (TNA) entering the national market. And now, it seems Ring of Honor (ROH) will begin its quest to remove McMahons grip. Both companies, maybe far away in popularity, production, brand awareness, and funds from McMahon and the WWE, however, ROH's lat...

January 20th, 2009. A momentous, and historic day for all of us that make up this great nation, and for those that honor and stand for freedom and democracy. It has been said by so many, from political experts to young adults, of the importance of President Obama's inauguration, its meaning to each individual, and its place in history. President Obama's inauguration has touched us all deeply in many ways, and has created a sense of hope, dignity, and pride in the United States, as well as in the true essence of humanity. Through it all, the thoughts and reflections we share, feel, and hear cannot compare to those that have lived this journey. For many of us, we are reaping the rewards of struggles and battles fought before our time. History books, written documents, personal testimonies and vivid footage create much of what we are seeing the result of today. Historical, and still meaningful, one must wonder the raw emotion of those that stood at the Lincoln Memorial just 40 yea...

As we approach another celebration of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King's accomplishments and dedication to humanity, we all pause to reflect on the times - the here and now. Dr. King's dream is the closest it has ever been to becoming a reality in 2009, and that is evident with the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. For years American history has been linked with Major League Baseball, as our national past time has mirrored the changes, accomplishments, and perseverance of our nation. However, as we march toward inauguration day for President Obama, and closer to Dr. King's dream, the state of Major League Baseball and it's ties to American history have never been as far apart as they are today. As the nation prepares to celebrate and welcome the first African-American president of the United States, baseball continues to watch the diversity of it's game suffer. The past presidential election reaped a new record high in votes f...

The professional wrestling industry has been an enigmatic industry as far as mainstream America, and it's society. It's a multi-billion dollar business that sells out the biggest stadiums and arena's worldwide, and garners the highest television ratings on television. It's an industry that many are entertained by, yet thrown under the bus at any opportunity. Unlike every other country in the world that respects the hard work, honor, tradition, and history that comes with the business, American society continues to neglect the industry until a scandal or death occurs, where it is then publicized and open for ridicule and judgment beyond comparable conviction. Professional wrestling is bastardized in America, period. If only we were appreciative of the sacrifices made by the professional wrestler. If only the ignorant had a glimpse into their lives. Would it be as easy to judge? As easy to bastardize their craft, and their love? This past year, two great resources ...

2008. Another year, another chapter. 2008 has shown us all many things about ourselves, our society, our country, and most of all, about our world. As we jump into 2009, like last year ( 2007 Year In Review ), let's give out some awards, predict the future, and look back on the roller coaster of a ride that was 2008.

This past month, the sports world lost many significant individuals as they decided to hang up the jersey or clipboard, and ride off into the sunset. After years of service in their sport, which included masterpiece seasons, unmatched dedication, and tremendous competitive spirits; many memories, mere trivial answers, and for some, immortality into the Hall of Fame is now their destiny. A path they willingly chose. Except For one individual. On December 11, 2008, Cuttino Mobley was forced to retire due to a condition known as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, or HCM. According to medical definition, HCM is a genetic heart disease that creates a thickening of the heart wall muscle and accounts for over 40% of all deaths on athletic fields across the country. One in every 500 North Americans are diagnosed with HCM. HCM can be detected and treated to allow normal and productive lives. However, if got unprotected, HCM can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, and most cases, death. Cuttino Mobley, a p...

At the conclusion of the 2008 baseball season, two of the greatest pitchers of this generation have decided to retire, Greg Maddux and Mike Mussina. For most of the last three decades, both men have performed above all else, rising to the top of the league's best, despite pitching during what has now become known as the "steroid era." Chicks might dig the long ball, but these two had more substance than substances to win over baseball purists as well as the casual fan. We were very much privelaged to witness the careers of two greats. Mussina, better know as "Moose", began his career with the Baltimore Orioles and spent nine years with them after rapidly blazing through Stanford University and rising through the minors. After his stint with the Orioles, Moose later joined the Yankees we all had the opportunity to watch him flourish from his prime years into an elder that reinvented himself to finally achieve winning twenty games in his final season. Moose has a...

So when the image of the professional athlete could not get any worse, Plaxico Burress happens. In the wake of a fallen economy, and tough times, the nation looks toward sports, their teams, and their athletes to take them away from their lives. Their reality. It's a position that brings athletes fame, fortune, and wealth at the expense of their fan base. All in exchange for removing them from reality. However, Plaxico Burress had reality brought to him several days ago when he shot himself in New York. Plaxico Burress pulled the trigger on his career in more ways than one. After several days of this situation unraveling, questions have been raised about the safety of professional athletes. Are they in danger? Have they ever felt threatened? Are they justified in carrying firearms? All of these questions can be debated due to the tragic incidents regarding, Eddy Curry, Steve Smith, and the late Sean Taylor. However, Burress' situation is less sympathetic due to harming himself ...