Dome Pondering

130. Why do you matter? I matter because there are people that love, care, and value me for who I am. From my wife, my parents, my friends, those who I've come across in my life, and kids who I have coached. 131. How have you changed in the last five years? How have I not changed? Sorry for the rhetorical question-answer, but it is pretty obvious. I've graduated from college and grad school and have gotten engaged and married for starters. The most important change has been my maturity and growth as an adult. Also, I'm a little less naive in believing in others, and overall, much more confident in myself as a person. 132. What are you sure of in your life? I'm sure that I am not afraid of death. I'm sure of my home for eternity. Everything else, I'm learning and realizing on the fly.

What is it about? The life changing process, struggles, and humor a young man goes through in his battle with a cancer diagnosis. Who is in it? Joseph Gordon-Levitt - Adam Seth Rogan - Kyle Anna Kendrick - Katherine

There are very few musical albums that I find myself anticipating these days. Gone are the days when I counted down the days, searched the internet for leaks, or simply would grasp every hearsay and rumor about impending releases, or as us urban kids would say, "when that album dropped". Now, I seem to take album releases in stride. No anticipation. No frenzy. No child-like excitement.  I'm not sure if this is due to the new age of iTunes and downloads or simply just a growing disinterest in today's music. I have found a significant changed in my listening from the days of intense hip-hop, to now finding artists like Coldplay, Adele, and Kings of Leon racking up hits on my playlists. Hip-hop, this urban kid's once go-to choice for expression, is now a river run dry. And I blame it much on today's artists that lack the creativity, originality, and heart hip-hop had in years past. Yes, I sound old, but part of me feel this is more fact than opinion.

Sadly, it seems like these stories raise their ugly heads more often these days. Another young, black male dead. And the killer, off the hook without an investigation or any sort of stiff interrogation.  The story of Trayvon Martin is just another example of how racial injustice still exists in our communities, in our society, and even more worrisome, in our judicial system. In a nation where we strive every day to close the gaps between not just blacks and whites, but all racial groups, our government continues to send messages of our strides being insignificant.  The relationship between minorities and our law officials are a testament to this message. A relationship that is marred with disservice, betrayal, crookedness, injustice, and oversight for as long as we can remember has given and has entrenched a lack of trust between the two sides. And as a black male, I'd be the first person to admit several factors such as drugs in black neighborhoods and our failu...

I still don't get the trade for Tim Tebow.  As news broke yesterday morning that the New York Jets acquired the popular athlete, my first thought was, "why?" Now, twenty four hours removed, which included a minor setback, the announcement still leaves a question of intrigue, peculiarity, curiosity, and much head-scratching. After hearing Jets General Manager, Mike Tannenbaum, explain the expected role for Tebow - which involves several wildcat packages, and his reasoning for acquiring Tebow - to make it difficult for defenses to prepare for their varied offensive attack, I'm still left with a certain bewilderment.  Why?

114. How do you define success? I define success as being content with the person you are, your contribution to society, and your overall life. In no way does money, material things, status, and reputation define success. In some way, success and peace is relative. 115. If someone could tell you the exact day and time you are going to die, would you want them to tell you? I have a feeling the general consensus would be no from most people. However, part of me would indeed like to know. If I knew, I would cut through the fodder that we participate and endure in life, and truly live with the ones I love before my expiration date. Once again, we should live every day like our last, but sadly, we take it for granted. 116. If I could grant you one wish what would you wish for? I would wish that our society and human relations became more selfless and understanding.

What is it about?  The journey of a married couple, their present, and how their past ultimately formed their relationship's future. Who is in it?  Ryan Gosling - Dean Michelle Williams - Cindy

Credit: Ben Solomon; New York Times So here we go again. Another year. Another dilemma. More reasons to rant.  This time, my beloved New York Knicks have decided to part ways (I know you don't believe D'Antoni resigned) with Mike D'Antoni as their head coach. Following D'Antoni out the Garden door are his close friends and assistant coaches, Dan D'Antoni (his brother) and Phil Weber.  Now of course, this all follows the recent news this morning of Carmelo Anthony claiming to want a trade, and then pushing for the removal of D'Antoni and his infamous offensive system.  It is no secret that the Knicks have been playing atrociously as of late. 

What is it about?  After his wife asks him for a divorce, a middle-aged man looks to rediscover himself and pick up women with the help of a womanizing younger man.  Who is in it?  Steve Carrell - Cal Weaver Ryan Gosling - Jacob Palmer Julianne Moore - Emily Weaver Emma Stone - Hannah

What is it about?  In an attempt to provide a better life for his son, an illegal immigrant in East L.A. struggles amidst issues of immigration, neighborhood gang life, and financial woes.  Who is in it?  Demian Bichir - Carlos Galindo Jose Julian - Luis Galindo