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Showing posts from May, 2012

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Juno (2007)

What is it about?  After an unplanned pregnancy, a teenager makes several decisions regarding her unborn child that changes the lives of many.  Who is in it? Ellen Page - Juno MacGuff Michael Cera - Paulie Bleeker Jennifer Garner - Vanessa Loring Jason Bateman - Mark Loring

2012 Bucket List - #1 Visit Baseball Hall of Fame

#1 Visit Baseball Hall of Fame Have you never been to a place everyone expected you to have already been multiple times?  For me, that place was the National Baseball Hall of Fame.  As a big baseball fan, I've always been met with faces of shock, confusion and skepticism when I answer negatively to visiting the self-explanatory Cooperstown, NY question.  What? Huh? Are you kidding? Why not? Are you serious? With a summer of more availability than last year with such tasks as wedding planning behind me, attending and visiting Cooperstown, NY and National Baseball Hall of Fame was placed on the 2012 Bucket List (See: lower right end of blog). On May 26th, 2012, yours truly put those shocked responses to rest as my parents, the tag team partner, and myself made the four hour trip to Cooperstown.

What Does 27 Mean?

Two years ago on this very day, May 25th, I sat outside punching the keys on what was thought to be a new beginning ( New Beginnings ). It was a big time for me as yours truly finally completed Graduate School, and it was also the day I received the job offer from my current employer. It was a big change that incorporated a fresh start moving forward.  And then there was last year ( What Does 26 Mean? ). Turning 26 felt as odd as the milestone would seem. It was a celebration of being in between milestone birthdays, and one where I wasn't exactly sure how I should feel. As I stated in that post, at the time: And life will change.  Turning 26, is just another change. So here we are, on May 25th, 2012 and I am officially 27 years old. Twenty-Seven!  Today marks more change, but I wouldn't be true to myself if I didn't say I know exactly what twenty-seven means.

2012 Bucket List - #25 Attend A Soccer Game

#25 - Attend A Soccer Game Since about 2010, I've been loyal to this other New York (although in New Jersey) Franchise, and have seen the club improve year after year, including the construction of a new soccer-only stadium.  They are the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer.  And let's be honest, with the heartache the Knicks, Jets, and the once dependent-now problematic Yankees have given me, having another franchise to get behind might help alleviate some of the aggravation. Nonetheless, since I've never been able to attend a professional soccer game in my life, I figured I was over due, and decided to attend my first Red Bulls Game this year.  And to be honest, Red Bull Arena is awesome!

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Win Win (2011)

What is it about?  A struggling lawyer and High School wrestling coach's decision to double-cross a client for some additional needed income comes back to change his life when the grandson of the client comes into his life.  Who is in it?  Paul Giamatti - Mike Flaherty Amy Ryan - Jackie Flaherty Bobby Cannavale - Terry Delfino

365 Though Provoking Questions. Answered: #210-225

210. When was the last time you lost your temper?  About what? Oddly, the last time I truly lost my temper was at a friend's get together. Another friend had too much to drink and while I was hanging on to my wife's SLR camera while she mingled, he jumped on me and began throwing my in a headlock in an attempt to choke me. While doing this, he incidentally hit my wife's new (and very expensive) camera several times. Out of the nowhere without any rhyme or reason.  I went from zero to sixty in a few seconds (something very rare for me), got him off of me and let him have it. Nonetheless, I was over it in five minutes, as I saw his condition and simply let the situation pass. 211. What will you never give up on? I will never give up on life. It sounds pretty cliche and a bit of a cheap answer, but it is true. All of the miracles, love, peaks, valleys, possibilities, experiences, and dreams this race offers is not something that should be given up on. Everyday the

2012 DP All-Star Clash - 2nd Round (Hollywood and Star World Bracket)

2012 DP All-Star Clash - 2nd Round (MSG and Infinity and Beyond Brackets)

Well, here we are for the second round of more DP Clash action, and yes, nonsensical foolishness. Without further adieu, Let's jump into the match-ups to decide who moves on.

Obama's Hope And Change Seeming Like Same Ol' Politics

It was a bold statement by the current leader of the free world. A statement that no other President has even made - ever. A statement that was sure to spark debate and controversy - and has. And with President Obama’s recent endorsement for same-sex marriage, it signifies (at least its supposed to) a growing change in our society on so many fronts. And most importantly, it has really changed the outlook of the 2012 Presidential election. As I’ve stated several times here on the DP, I’m not a fan of politics. I don’t get wrapped up in parties, sides, teams, colors, or any other way or boundary the political process seems to have. I’m registered as an Independent. I don’t vote strictly Republican because it’s what is deemed as the “Christian’s party” (which is complete garbage). Nor do I vote Democratic because it is viewed as the “working class” party (Also, lots of garbage). I also don't "vote Obama" because of the color of his skin. In fact, you’re

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Columbiana (2011)

What is it about?  A woman, now a professional assassin, who had her parents killed in front of her as a child seek revenge on the killers. Who is in it?  Zoe Saldana - Cataleyna Jordi Molla - Marco Lennie James - Ross

Looking Death In The Face (Again)

Didn't think such a post would have a sequel, huh?  Well neither did I, but here we are. For the second time in under two weeks, it seems the topic of death - sudden death - has caused a lot of shakeup in my mind. I'd be lying if I didn't say my experience from Looking Death In The Face wasn't one that put me on edge over the pass few days. It rattled me. It forced me to do a lot of soul searching on how I prioritize my life. It put a lot of floating pieces in perspective. As I slowly make adjustments and attempt to add habits in my life that are beneficial and most importantly, maximizes my time here on earth, I suddenly ran into a story and an experience today that once again caused a mental hurricane, whipping all of these thoughts on the delicacy of life from an understanding into a mess.  As part of my job, I not only permit recreational fields, athletic competitions, film and photo shoots, but smaller permits such as picnics, gatherings, school celeb

365 Thought Provoking Questions. Answered: #194-209

194. What three questions do you wish you knew the answers to? Why are annoying oblivious to their level of annoyance? Same for conceited individuals. How does a person that steals from or murders an individual,  live with such guilt on their conscious? How good is Jesus at baseball? I know this one is silly, but it is always something I wondered. He'd probably be the best hitter/pitcher we've ever seen. Imagine how nasty his curve ball would be? Would he throw perfect games all the time?! 195. What is the greatest peer pressure you’ve ever felt? The typical try marijuana routine I think everyone eventually experiences.  There was also a time when we were a bit older, lifelong friends I grew up wanted me to go with them to confront this other kid who apparently did something to offend someone on our block. Needless to say, at this stage, I was moving (which was their focus in the peer pressure), and well, I've seen Boyz N' the Hood, and I knew t

The New (Should Be) Faces of Major League Baseball

It's no secret here at the DP that I've been looking for baseball's next big ticket for a long time. My biggest gripe over the years when it comes to the game that I love so much is it's inability to market their stars. I understand the sport is driven by it's teams, however, the game is flooded with great talent that ought to be displayed and made known to even the casual fan. Unlike the National Football League and National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball is a regional sport. Yet, with a push in marketing, the game and all of it's teams can become of interest nationally, and some of baseball's best talent can indeed become household names. I've always believed baseball's biggest cross-over and mass-appeal talent in my lifetime was Ken Griffey Jr. While Derek Jeter is the face of the game today, Griffey had a certain swag that made him that guy growing up.

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Date Night (2010)

What is it about? A married couple afraid of becoming boring and routine, attempt to have a spontaneous and romantic evening. Instead, they end up in a case of mistaken identity that turn their date night into a thrill. Who is in it? Steve Carrell - Phil Foster Tina Fey - Claire Foster Mark Wahlberg - Holbrooke Grant Taraji Henson - Detective Arroyo

Knicks First Playoff Win In Eleven Years - Finalllly!!!

Here we go again. Another thrill in this roller coaster of a 2011-2012 New York Knickerbocker season. After three games of being outmatched on the court as well as having our spirit crushed by the Miami Heat, the Knicks overcame obstacles again to provide another peak - even if it maybe the last - for all of us fans. Game four seemed like it had the usual scenario playing out as the previous three games - terrible officiating, a struggle for us to maintain, and lots (and lots) of LeBron James. The curse seemed in full effect as Tyson Chandler (who has become my favorite Knick) was in foul trouble and Baron Davis going down with a dislocated right patella. And for the record, as much of a shame as it is to see Davis go down for good after battling injuries all year, did he not seem at peace with a smile on his face as he was carried out. Perhaps he knew, this was the end? 

Looking Death in the Face

It's nights like last night that bring it all together. That flush all of your worries, annoyances, complications, and goals down the toilet. It is the kind of night that truly puts everything into perspective, and forces you to enjoy the simple things in life - the very minute enjoyments that gets overlooked.  Yes, it is a night like last night... It was the usual and typical evening on a weekday. Return home, undress, and lay on the couch unwinding with the tag team partner for a little while. Lately, this process has been a bit more therapeutic as I've found myself in a mental rut. Completely and utterly frustrated by work, I've mentally been flat-lined throughout the work week. And so has the tag-team partner with her work environment. We all go through it. But lately, its been more of a struggle than the past. After a thirty-minute session of dishing back and forth about the crazy people we work with and the silly processes that occur within government job

Pondering Picture #22

Sure are a lot of Miami Heat "fans" these days

Cursed? A Quick Knicks Rant Following Game 2

Disclaimer: The following post is another rant on the headache in my existence known as the New York Knicks. All thoughts, comments, and statements are completely in response to the recent 2012 NBA Playoff situation. All happy, enthused, and overly satisfied individuals with their sports teams are hereby forewarned, this emotional pain is not comprehensible to you. Unbelievable.   After Game 2 of the first round of the playoffs, that is the only dry emotion I can have. That is until somewhere in this post the authentic, raw, and true ones come rushing out. But here we are, after two games, down two games to nada, with less hope of winning a game than if the Washington Generals played.