Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 10/29/23

3 Up

1. Released Hostages in Gaza - In the midst of everything that is going on in Israel, it's paramount to have the people of Gaza escape, and be allowed to retreat for safety. This week, a few more hostages were released. In a horrific situation, we'll take this as a positive (as much as a positive can be). 

2. U.S. Economy - Remember when inflation and the economy dominated the U.S. mainstream news cycle? As of this week, the economy grew 4.9% in the third quarter, showing substantial job growth. 

3. Taylor Swift - I know...aren't we tired of Taylor? While Taylor disrupts your NFL season, she also re-released her 1989 album which has dominated the charts and streams, once again proving what we already know in regards to her star power. Who else can release albums with even more anticipation?

3 Down

1. Maine Mass Shooting - Another mass shooting...(cue, "this is America" song, by Childish Gambino). I feel for the families who simply went about their business and were gunned down. 

1a. Maine Manhunt - I can't even imagine the areas of Maine that were on a literal lockdown due to the mass shooter being on the loose. That is insanely scary. 

2. NYPD Tow Truck Kills Boy - The story that broke my heart this weekend. 

3. Matthew Perry Death - I was never a Friends enthusiast, but I understood Perry's comedic cadence that actually set a tone for so many others. His death is also just another reminder of the vulnerability of life...no matter how much money you have. 

Cover Photo

A woman holding a girl reacts after Israeli airstrikes hit the neighborhood of Ridwan in Gaza City

Ali Jadallah/Anadolu Agency/Anadolu/Getty Images

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...

The Pondering 10 - Most Fascinating Things of 2025

2025 sure did ebb and flow.  Is it just me, or did August through December zoom by? Nonetheless, we are at that time of the year again, which brings about some common traditions around these parts - the Pondering 10 Most Fascinating Things of the Year, and then the Dome Pondering Year in Review .  (Most Fascinating Things: 2015 , 2016 , 2017 , 2018 , 2019 , 2020 , 2021 ,  2022 , 2023 , & 2024 ) Life really presented itself in unique ways this year, with a sense of a deeper layer of belonging and purpose, more so than what society has reflected since the pandemic. 2025 brought a deeper understanding of life through war, disaster, politics, the human spirit, and appreciation, among other things.  We'll get into that in the Year in Review.  For now, let's run it! Here is my Most Fascinating Things list for 2025: --- 10. Marjorie Taylor Greene Oh yeah, we're going there. MJT makes the very end of the list with a recent change in political positioning. I find it ...

Dome Pondering - 2025 Year in Review

2025 brought depth and growth.  In many ways, 2025 provided so many challenges and opportunities, allowing for a deeper, more layered approach to the world we live in. Our world is changing, and often, not for the better. Over the last 365 days, life has been more complex, more exhausting, and is asking so much more of us through these transitions and nuances than it did 365 days ago.  No big deal, right?  But hey, you're here. We're here. And we're going into 2026 much stronger, whether we realize it or not. But before we do, let's bid adieu to 2025.  As always, I'm incredibly gratefu l to those of you who still visit this little speck of the internet that houses my thoughts, rambles, and learnings. Thank you for taking a break from instant dopamine hits and videos, and likely the much cooler options of prepared content and indulging my humbled words. It is much appreciated.  It's the 20th annual - TWENTY YEARS of doing this! - Dome Pondering Year in Review. Le...