Dome Pondering

3 Up 1. Nampa High School Football Team - This is the kind of stories I wish we heard of more in the mainstream news. An Autistic kid, Christian, only had one RSVP to his birthday party. After a bit of communication, the Nampa High School Football team arrived to make it a memorable one. Awesome, awesome stuff. 2. Puerto Rico Democracy - Democracy was at work in Puerto Rico over the past few days as natives of the country rallied and protested until Governor Ricardo Rossello resigned. Government should work for the people. This was a great example of that happening. 3. Erica Wheeler - In a truly inspirational story, Wheeler won the WNBA All-Star Game MVP. After going undrafted, bouncing around the league, and experiencing the death of her mother via cancer, Wheeler had her moment on of the game's biggest stages. Sports can often be draining because of where narratives have gone, but it's these type of stories that will always make it worth it. 3 Down 1. Garlic Fes...

3 Up 1. Mariano Rivera HOF - So yeah, this is completely biased. I'm still doing it because Mo's my guy. It was great seeing my favorite athlete of all-time give his induction speech, and of course, reminisce on an amazing career. I do miss Mo. 2. Dan LeBetard - I'm not a huge fan of the guy, but what he said about the President's words and actions were dead on. Especially, in how it plays out to ESPN. I'm not so sure if it was worth the risk for him in doing so, but he's dead on that the actions of the President were based on race, not politics, and there needs to be a stand taken. 3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic Goal vs. LAFC - If you missed this rivalry match in the MLS, you missed quite a bit. But THIS goal from Zlatan was everything you need to know about this rivalry - physical, yet, amazing. 3 Down 1. "Send Her Back" - Utter shameful. Completely disgusting. I held Charlottesville and his refusal to denounce white nationalism in an unfortunat...

3 Up 1. Angels Combined No-Hitter - This was absolutely awesome, and really, one of the greatest games and moments to occur in sports for 2019. The tribute to Tyler Skaggs, all of the little quirky results from the game, and of course, the touching moment in the end of all the players laying out their Tyler Skaggs' jerseys on the mound - all of it just came together so divine. #RIP45 2. New Zealand Gun Buy-Back - New Zealand continues the clean up following the horrific Christchurch terrorist shootings. The Buy-Back looks to help eliminate most of the guns that were recently banned by the country - a ban that was swift and significant. 3. Pizzeria All-Deaf Employee - I came across this story and it's definitely a feel good story, especially considering the inclusiveness involved. She turned a disability - one in which she was not given a job for - into an opportunity to prove many wrong. Great stuff. 3 Down 1. Trump Tweet - Do we really need a tweet from Trump to...

It's been awhile since I've thrown myself into something fun like doing a Pondering 10 post. And after tonight's Home Run Derby, why not continue the fun? While watching Vladmir Guerrero Jr. smash ball after ball with that violent hack of his, it took me back to Josh Hamilton's performance at Yankee Stadium. I also thought about Giancarlo Stanton's performance in Miami. And then the wheels started going: what would be my dream Home Run Derby - you know, if all guys were in their prime? So with that said, here is my latest Pondering 10, my dream home run derby.

3 Up 1. USWNT World Cup Champions - What can I say? This team was absolutely dominant in it's run to a historic victory. Even better, was the flair, swag, and stance the members on the team took in regards to the White House, Equal Pay, double standard in sports, and so many other issues that carried alongside their place in time and the moment. Just a remarkable game played today, and such a beautiful transition of United States Women's soccer from the current roster to the next generation. Just like 2015. Oh an BTW, can we pay these ladies equally to men? You know, the same squad that lost the Gold Cup final to Mexico (again!). US Soccer, we need to do better. 2. Coco Gauff - Women in sports ruled the week and I loved it! Everything that is Coco Gauff has been absolutely mind boggling. A 15 year old has won two Wimbledon matches. And speaking of the transitions in the US Soccer, how cool is it to see Venus and Serena Williams inspiring a whole new generation of tenni...

3 Up 1. Brooklyn Nets - It's safe to say the Nets had a tremendous week. They landed pretty much a great haul to put them in position to make a deep playoff run next season, but they managed to do something they've been trying to do since arriving in Brooklyn, put the Knicks on the ropes, and the City on notice. 2. Adrian Wojnarowski - I honestly don't trust anything else from any other basketball "reporter". Everything leading up to NBA free agency was simply rumors and random dribble that began with "Sources tell me" from everyone else. Woj stayed quiet and then dropped countless Woj Bombs on us on Sunday evening. Kudos to him who works tirelessly. 3. Meghan Rapinoe - Rapinoe is so bad ass. Not only did she defy the White House with a pretty cool fashion, she dropped two big goals on France to get the United States into the World Cup semi-finals. 3 Down 1. Dems 2020 - What a disaster these debates were. Absolute disaster. Why are some of t...

Well, here we are... It's been quite the long time since I've jabbed the keyboard regarding the New York Knicks. Maybe I've become absolutely numb to the pain they cause. But tonight feels just right to jump back into this old-favorite of ranting about my beloved New York Knicks. Quite frankly, a wound has been ripped back open. So let's just jump back into it.

3 Up 1. NBA Draft and Black Fathers - I love the NBA Draft. I do. Of all the "extra-ness" in sports, this is my guilty pleasure. And this year's was special. Not only was it great to see a group of newly drafted young men accomplish their dream (as always), but we saw a change from the typical ego or attempted cover-up of insecurity as players broke down crying upon hearing their name called by the commissioner. Also, it definitely was awesome to see the amount of fathers (especially that of black fathers) who were present at the draft for their son's big day. That made it that much special this year. 2. Albert Pujols - Sure, Pujols' return to St. Louis was awesome (kudos to Yadi Molina for allowing the moment to breathe and offering that hug!). But truly, it was THIS moment in Toronto that made you realize how great a person Pujols is. 3. Toddler Dap - My son's birthday is today.  THIS short, but absolutely tremendous, video that went viral is the ...

-- 1 Year Old --- Dear Son,  Happy Birthday! Your first!  It's quite crazy to think that you're now a one year old - a FULL year!  That's a FULL year of growing, adjusting, developing, and offering up love right before your mother and I. And honestly, it's a FULL year of having you change our lives for the utmost best since that very moment nearing midnight in a Brooklyn hospital, just a mere 365 days ago.  While we're completely in awe of the journey that is your life - sidebar: we're anxiously awaiting your first steps! Seriously, can you walk already? - I find your presence already to be dynamic and omnipresent of everyone who is aware of you. It's been quite interesting to truly grasp.

3 Up 1. Father's Day - I'm a father now, well, have been for a year, but this is my first Father's Day...and it was weird, but rewarding. Happy Father's Day to all the men out there who sacrifice and offer up so much love daily for their sons and daughters everyday. 2. Jon Stewart - Look, celebrities and politics usually illicit an eyeroll. But Jon Stewart's speech before (a rather empty) Congress was one of those rare moments where it felt less about the celebrity getting a few cameras, likes, and trends of their own name, but rather someone who really and genuinely cared. And you know what, good for Stewart! He ended up getting some much needed attention and help for those first responders to 9/11. Shame on our government, by the way. 3. Kawhi Leonard - Everything about the Raptors championship win is so refreshing. The country involved. The fact that the roster is made up of NO LOTTERY PICKS (still blows my mind). But more so, the unassuming superstar (e...