Dome Pondering

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. Nepal Floods The videos were incredible. It almost seemed too impressive to be real. A.I. maybe?  Nonetheless, everything we saw was legit. And in wrapping my mind around the authenticity of the scenes in those videos of the waves just crashing over towns...my mind knows those people had no shot. And my heart simply breaks for the country and people of Nepal.  I simply cannot fathom the devastation, despair, and emotions for those in Nepal.  Dolly Parton I wouldn't consider myself the biggest Parton fan. I appreciated her music, and my kids are beneficiaries of the amazing program, Imagination Library . However, in all of her tributes and reflections on her life this week, a continued and true selfless theme resonated. Dolly cared, contributed, and served. And it genuinely feels, even in lea...

How much time do you give away, meaninglessly? How much time do you steal, with clarity? 

Lay it on thick. 

Lockdown turned into a really fun show for me. And that always was the case when the event was a normal thing. It's had its historic clunkiness (electric cage match anyone?), but that's pro wrestling, baby! But seriously, Lockdown didn't feel like much until the last few weeks. Maybe it was the creative change, but the show came about with a strong undercard over several weeks carried (in my opinion) by Mustafa Ali vs. Jason Hotch and Cedric Alexander vs. Leon Slater. The main event felt more so on name value than storyline, but that didn't carry too much through the night.  For me, the main event of this was always Mustafa Ali vs. Jason Hotch, and that did not disappoint.   --- Random Tidbits Lots of "cage" talk going into this one, and quite honestly, it was warranted. TNA went years - YEARS! - without a cage match, likely for budgeting and logistical reasons. We saw a really rough-looking cage before TNA gave us an updated version that also served as a nod ...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. Tariffs, Eh? Look, I'm not an economist. However, from every reliable and credible economist I've sought reactions from, it seems that these tariffs aren't exactly the kind of policy that provides a foundation for a stable economy. Again, that's non-partisan, unbiased stuff.  Now, we're in a trade war with our neighbor, which sounds as ridiculous as it probably is. We once had free trade - FREEEEEEEE! - and here we are, bartering and retaliating with tariff sanctions against Canada. Huh? Someone help me? Seriously. How does this help us?! WNBA Smackdown? I'm a fan of the WNBA. Have been for a long time. I love hoops. However, the recent landscape of the WNBA has gone bonkers. And much of it is the league's responsibility. From the incredibly unprofessional press confe...

Slowing down, to recognize the burden of others not visibly clear.  Take my pace, as peace and hope, for your  win. 

What is it about? The dramatic story of Emmett Till's murder in 1955, more so from the perspective of his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley. Who is in it? Danielle Deadwyler - Mamie Till-Mobley Sean Patrick Thomas - Gene Mobley Favorite Scene: Mamie finally confronts Moses about that fateful night and the choices he had to make.  Favorite Quote: "I know what the verdict is." Review: Till is a remarkable film.  Films like this aren't easy to make, easy to consume, nor easy to provide entertaining and historical insight that we didn't have before. In the case of Till, it nailed all three.  The story of Emmett Till will always be a difficult one for this nation to relive, yet it must be done. What makes this film so incredibly special is that it provided the perspective of Mamie Till-Mobley. As much as you learn about Emmett Till in your High School history class, or research on your own, this perspective was not one that I've ever encountered. I'm so incredibly grat...

Here are a few aesthetic inspos that caught my eye and intrigued me this month.  --- Caitlin 1 Basketball Shoes Caitlin Clark and Nike finally dropped her signature shoe, and it was a great debut. I love the little Cs in the texture of the shoe. The original blue colorway was a great drop, but the "Purple" (creative title, huh?) colorways are awesome. Every great signature shoe line is all about how you follow up the initial version; Caitlin 2s should be interesting.  Philadelphia Phillies Field of Dreams Uniform I've grown fond of the annual game. The uniforms have also become a part of that experience. This year's Phillies threads have to be up there if we're ranking all six teams to have participated. These were dope.  Josh Naylor's Diamond Studded Space Jam Jordan 11s Josh Naylor can annoy a lot of opposing fan bases, but you have to respect the dude's shoe game. These right here? On the baseball field? Fire.  New York Jets White-Helmets The Jets lose ...

What is it about? Following his college experience, Will navigates the transition to the real world by landing a job, as are his roommates, girlfriend, and eventually, his dad.  Who is in it? Miles Teller - Will Davis Anna Kendrick - Jillian Stewart Bryan Cranston - Roger Davis Favorite Scene:  Will confronts his internship supervisor, expecting a job; he is told he no longer has one due to downsizing.  Favorite Quote: Will Davis: Charlie got a job today. Jillian Stewart: McDonald's or Taco Bell? Charlie: Middle school chemistry teacher. Jillian Stewart: I weep for our future. Review: This one was rough.  Get a Job is a film that boasts a star-studded cast and has a slam-dunk plot in a period and generation where the college-to-"real" world transition is a growing gap across many phases.  Outright, this film misses that opportunity greatly, amongst the other misses in its plot, characters, and overall entertainment. The film has a decent start but quickly goes o...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. Russell Westbrook It's amazing to me that Westbrook's career is now over. Especially after a summer where we all reacted to LeBron James making yet another decision. LeBron outplaying everyone, man. Westbrook's last few years felt rather disappointing, especially considering the dynamic player that he was in his prime, and what he was still able to bring this late in his career. Nonetheless, I always found Westbrook to be more...because the dude was special! Westbrook averaged a triple-double- read that again! - four times! FOUR TIMES!  2016–17 (Oklahoma City Thunder): 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, 10.4 assists per game 2017–18 (Oklahoma City Thunder): 25.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, 10.3 assists per game 2018–19 (Oklahoma City Thunder): 22.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, 10.7 assists per game 20...

What if, each version of you, from each season of your life, met for dinner?

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. WNBA Madness Welp, the WNBA has found itself in the middle of a culture war after the satirical (hopefully?) video of Enes Freedom (fka Kanter) declaring for the upcoming WNBA Draft. The WNBA continues to be a super fascinating entity. As likely this country's premier women's league, it has been the root of so many discussions - this one being the "protection of women in sports".  Here are ten super quick ponderings on this:  The WNBA has made its identity over the years as being extremely vocal in the political space. Regardless of your opinion, that positioning puts them at risk for these kinds of stunts.  I've long thought the commissioner, league, someone - anyone? - should have had players, coaches, and all tone down the continued politics. Not to suppress freedom of s...

In their quiet thought or by stray song, or by random reminder, Am I chosen? 

What is it about? A close-knit group of Miami cops discovers a stash of millions in cash that creates distrust among themselves and outsiders.  Who is in it? Matt Damon - Lieutenant Dane Dumars Ben Affleck - Detective Sergeant J.D. Byrne Steven Yeun - Detective Mike Ro Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Byrne realizes something isn't right and confronts Dane about the protocol in play.  Favorite Quote: "Don't trust anyone." Review: The Rip is amazing.  Apparently it's based on a true story, which makes it even more compelling for me. Nonetheless, the absolute beauty in this film is that it keeps you guessing whether the characters are protagonists or antagonists, and in moments, as a viewer, you think through making a case for each.  I wish we had a bit more on some of the characters who became key contributors to the closing of the plot. There is a lot that goes into this film, as it is shot very well, as expected from a big-budget Netflix vehicle. The film has its ...

What is it about? A Navy SEAL set out to avenge his wife's murder, only to find himself amidst a much larger international conspiracy.  Who is in it? Michael B. Jordan - John Kelly Jodie Turner-Smith - Karen Greer Jamie Bell - Robert Ritter Favorite Scene:  [spoiler alert] After finally confronting Rykov, the team engages in an all-out confrontation with snipers and local police in an attempt to escape alive.  Favorite Quote: "I'll show them what a pawn can do to a king." Review: I finally watched Without Remorse. Because it's an Amazon original film, I may have taken its availability for granted. During a week I had some time off from the World, I finally watched it, and I wasn't disappointed.  For starters, I'm not a huge Tom Clancy aficionado, so my review is coming from a casual. But I do love a good thriller, especially from that of a rogue government official turned independent spy. Long live Jason Bourne.  Without Remorse, should there be a sequel, ...

What is it about?  A young woman, stumped by laziness, unaccountability, and a lack of guidance, comes of age through an encounter with a closed-off writer.  Who is in it? Grace Van Patten - Lillian Emily Mortimer - Julia Price Favorite Scene: Julia runs into Nate and his new girlfriend.  Favorite Quote: "Lillian, desperate for affirmation, how deep does it go? Review: Good Posture was an impulse add to my "Watch List" on Amazon Prime, and I finally got around to watching.  The film is a mixed bag, ripe for a deep connection through so many opportunities, yet shallow in other areas of character development and plot. Don't get me wrong, Good Posture is a decent film; for the nerds, you'll get "Finding Forrester" vibes but not quite the same impact. Good Posture leaves it up to the imagination regarding the characters, and in some aspects, how they truly connect. There are a lot of subtleties that are unexplained (intentional or not) that do make you wond...

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. COVID Rehashing Obviously, Dr. Anthony Fauci was a huge talking point this week. With that, was the rehashing of COVID and everything that came with it... or something like that.  Look, I'm not getting particularly political on Fauci, as it is very easy to fall into one of the dueling political sides on this. My truth is, I'm not educated enough on the reasons why Fauci was called before Congress. And much of the rhetoric and narratives that are out there - on both sides - don't make sense to me. Not the political kind of sense where the narrative fits the talking point of the party, but more so just truth. All of the narratives from every article and opinion section that I've reviewed make no sense in factual and logical terms.  If I had to take a political stance and respond, i...

I can't say I was excited about SummerSlam heading into the event. Some storylines have moved me, but, much like pro wrestling in 2026, it feels like yet another incomplete creative vehicle (some good, some bad), with the hope that the event itself will overcome the shortcomings of the hype.  Admittedly, WWE could pull this off this weekend with some memorable moments (and outcomes), specifically from the two main title matches and from Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar. Maybe a return or two as well. Chances are, they likely will.  Personally, I have Penta vs. Chad Gable circled. I might be the only one, I know.  Nonetheless, happy SummerSlam weekend, everyone.  --- Random Tidbits Is it me, or were the overall vibes going into this year's SummerSlam just...well, off? I've already cited build, but there was just something else...ah well.  I know attendance is always a discussion point, but 30K+ is still pretty dam impressive for each night.  The stage was VERY impr...

Is it the complexity of the stripes? Or, the remarkableness of the total blend?