Dome Pondering

I've lost all sorts of understanding and credibility for the 2023 Republican Primary debates. I think that's not only obvious from my previous posts but also from the stature of the debates ranging from large-scale networks to where it finished up in 2023 this week. The 4th debate finished with a rating of 2.5M people. A long cry from the 12.5 who watched the initial debate.   I fear people may have lost hope, or have their minds made up. Which, really is a shame for the sake of debates and gathering information from our candidates.  I remain still on the same platform as I did when the first one happened, and that is until Donald Trump takes the stage, it really lacks credibility as the candidates squabble for second place, and even then, besides Chris Christie who has made it very clear on his position, they are strategically positioning themselves to not alienate the Trump base until they absolutely need to.  It's all still so weird. And I don't blame Trump at all. T

Smiles become  understood  as the scars they come through are revealed. 

3 Up 1. Continued Cease Fire - Sure, this won't last long and likely won't mean much once this all picks back up. But for a few days - even if JUST for a few days - it's good to see an agreed to cease-fire to get hostages out and innocent lives evacuated. The whole thing - all of it - still sucks.  2. Sandra Day O'Connor - We lost the first female Supreme Court Justice this week in SDO. Her accomplishments are worth celebrating and learning about.  3. Mark Cuban - Cuban sold his ownership of the Dallas Mavericks this week, which was disappointing - Cuban always made for a very cool owner. Then I learned he made $2B+ off the sale after originally paying $285M for the team. Cuban retains basketball operation rights as well. Not bad.  3 Down 1. Christmas in Bethlehem - Christian Palestinians announced that Christmas ceremonies and celebrations in Bethlehem (and around Gaza) would be canceled due to the war (obviously). I don't know, that just felt so wrong, and so sad

It's been so long since I've hammered out a new (or NEWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!) Pondering 10 . Life can quickly happen. It moves so fast sometimes that I can't even have a moment to rank things anymore.  Yes, that was part joke, part truth. Whatevs.  Nonetheless, off the heels of one of the most fun years in pro wrestling that I can remember, I thought it was appropriate to UPDATE a previous Pondering 10 - Must Watch Wrestling Talent . This one I made in 2015, and yeah, it's really interesting to see who I was into back then. Some made it. Few changed. Others just disappeared.  Regardless, we're giving the topic a second volume. Let's go babeeeeeeeeeee!  Here is my UPDATED version of my current list of Must Watch Wrestling Talent.  This is MY list. For those who will disagree, you're more than welcome to make your own. :)  --- 10. Josh Alexander - My guy from Impact Wrestling (soon to be TNA again, yay!). Alexander continues to be THE most underrated talent in pro

3 Up 1. Hostages Released - It might not be an overwhelming consensus - as this topic is so polarizing that I doubt we come to such agreements. Regardless, having innocent individuals released is a plus in the situation. I wish we still didn't have innocent people dying, but that's a whole other topic.  1a. Cease Fire - Who knows how long this will last. But the fact there is an agreement in place while hostages are being released is a plus. Take it.  2. Thanksgiving - The older I get, the more this day has a deeper focus and a sense of gratitude. Please take a moment today to focus on that among all of the chaos of food, family, friends, and everything else.  3. CM Punk Return - How cool was that? CM Punk returns to the WWE at the Survivor Series. Never say never in that company.  3 Down 1. NBA Ethics Optics - From Miles Bridges to Josh Giddey, its been really difficult lately to trust the NBA's moral compass. I'm not throwing them under the bus as they've done the

  My sense of gratitude explodes within my heart when I cease expressing it through the tangible, but rather through, time and moments.  Happy Thanksgiving, all. 

3 Up 1. Avoid Government Shutdown - Anytime we can do this, it's a good thing. Unfortunately, at a time when it feels Americans have less faith in the overall system working for them than ever before, especially with a Presidential election looming, shutdowns don't help that.  2. Sister Zaph   - I'm amazed at this story, especially Sister Zaph's approach to education in founding a school at 13 years of age with a philosophy of "Love". Definitely give this one a brief read.  3. Micro Acts Proven - Huh? Imagine that, small acts of kindness can bring joy. We need this reminder as the world feels like it's falling apart.  3 Down 1. World Tragedy - Just when everything in Gaza consumes your ethos, there is Ukraine. And the Congo. And Haiti. Then there are the recovering people of Hawaii. The earthquakes in Iceland. And Nepal. And sooo many other areas. It's hard to carry the burden.  2. School Climates - Every campus. Every high school. Every school board

3 Up 1. $150M Hawaii Recovery Fund - The people of Maui, and many others devastated by the wildfires from earlier this year, are getting some much-needed help in terms of funds. From further details, it doesn't ultimately feel like it will be enough due to the extent of the damage, but it's something, and it's needed.  2. Hollywood Strike Over - Super happy for writers. Mostly, for so many support staff who work in the industry who make a living and are often overlooked during this strike. Also, yeah, happy to get some of my favorite shows back!  3. 3rd Presidential Debate - Well, it wasn't bad. It wasn't. Much, much better than the trainwreck that was the second debate.  3 Down 1. Hostages in Gaza - Not much to say here. A lot of evil happening (and being exposed) in that part of the world. So much of it extended all over. I just pray for those still held captive.  2. Housing Market Least Affordable Since 1984 - Such a sad fact. 1984! There are so many underlyin

I routinely run from apathy out of fear. Only for it to run me right into what is salient.