Dome Pondering

As a Knicks fan, it's hard to really appreciate those "Garden Games and moments" that visiting players have when they come into our house. Over the years, I've seen so many, from Jordan's double-nickel game, LeBron's almost triple double during dream week, Kobe setting a new building record with 61 points, and oh yeah, watching Reggie Miller score 9 points in 8 seconds.  I know...it happens. And honestly, I hate it. I despise it. Because, as a Knick-lifer, my team is always on the other end of it, and it makes it really tough for me to enjoy the performance. Over the past few years, especially during the nightmarish Isiah years, it happened too much. After taking a break from playing second-fiddle to what felt like touring shows that came into the famous building on 34th and seventh avenue, Steph Currry happened tonight.

With the WWE finally moving on from the ridiculousness that was the appearance of the WWE championship (Really, they kept a spinning title for eight years), and of course the unveiling the look of the title, it got the wheels turning on the best looks for championship belts. From pro wrestling, boxing (although, don't expect to see any on this list as they are usually ugly), and mixed martial arts, there are plenty of different models, types, and appearances that come with them. The following Pondering 10 list is my favorite all-time championship belts.

If the name Ronda Roussey wasn't familiar yesterday, it sure is after last night's historic UFC 157 event. For the first time in UFC history, not only did two women square off inside of the octagon, but headlines a major pay-per-view event. After years of refusing to add a women's division the way other dying or defunct companies have (quite possibly the reason it was never added), Dana White finally decided to do so, and he did so under the banner that is "Rowdy" Ronda Roussey.

161. If you could read the private diary of someone you know personally, whose diary would you read? I would love to read the diary of my parents. They don't have one, but it would be interesting to read their thoughts, hopes, worries, and fears in raising me. I'm sure there would be lots of stuff that would make me shake my head, and others that would make me smile.  162. If you were to be rescued from a desert island, by whom would you want to be rescued? I guess, the United States Navy. I'm sure I'd be rescued, recuperated, and well taken care of. 

There is no question in my mind that Major League Baseball has the best All-Star Game in sports. There is no altering the game in any way, and whether you agree or disagree on it's principles, it does have significant meaning. However, I still wish MLB's All-Star Game had a bit of the spectacle that is the NBA's All-Star weekend. I've always loved the NBA's celebration of it's game, and the weekend long fiesta that it brings. This year was no different. And while it wasn't one of the memorable weekends of it's kind, NBA All-Star Weekend is the kind of pop culture event that has numerous topics to discuss. With that said, here are thing things I took away from this year's festivities:

What is it about?  The group that originally kidnapped his daughter return for revenge on Brian and his family.  Who is in it?   Liam Neeson - Bryan Mills Maggie Grace - Kim Famke Jansssen - Lenore

151. If you could choose any three songs to compile on a disc to wake up (slowly) to every morning, what would they be, and in what order?  Since I'm a terrible morning person, I'd go with: 1. "Break Stuff" by Limp Bizkit 2. "The Hey Song Part 2 (Instrumental)" - Gary Glitter 3. "I Get the Job Done" by Big Daddy Kane 152. If you could have witnessed the childhood of someone famous, whose would it be? I would probably choose Simon Cowell. I can just imagine how much of a jerk he was to little kids as he insulted them with that snarky British accent of his. Would make for some entertaining times.

When did Taylor Swift become the focus of all of our celebrity venom? For a talented young woman (let's put down our weapons on cynical insults for a second and admit she can do things we all can't), Swift has quickly gone from the next big thing that Americans simply adore, to the reason we roll our eyes whenever she is on camera, or in a story. Swift is no longer that sympathetic figure that was humiliated when Kanye West, you know, the old focus of our celebrity venom, decided to embarrass her at the MTV Video Music Awards . After last night's Grammy awards, and all of the notable pairings, outfits, and candid moments discussed by those who really get into awards season, the consensus hate for Swift grew and grew to a high that caused me to take a step back and examine the entire situation.

This is has been an issue that has been gaining traction for years, if not decades. It seems the more we move forward as a nation, the more we leave behind our trust in faith, and our belief in a creator. The issue, in my opinion, strongly goes hand in hand with the recent push of a culture that places a great deal of emphasis on "self", and of course, on the growing lack of accountability, morals, and ethical conduct in times today.

What is it about?  The Treadstone saga takes a new turn as it includes and affects other programs, and other agents who are now a threat to uncover those who were involved.  Who is in it?  Jeremy Renner - Aaron Cross Rachel Weisz - Dr. Marta Shearing Edward Norton - Eric Byer

Note: I used to work for a park slowly in continued development in Manhattan that is five miles along the waterfront of the Hudson River. As a Public Programs Coordinator, yours truly handled anything public related in regards to permitting (athletic facilities, film shoots, photo shoots, weddings, and other small gatherings), and of course, dealing with any questions or inquiries from the public. The following series will present stories, e-mails, phone calls, conversations, interactions, and sights I've seen from the people of New York City in regards to a public park. And yes, these are all real! And are all true! Welcome to another little snippet of Parks and Recreation.

Dome Pondering once again takes it's thoughts and words on the road (or cyber road, I guess...) by being posted by another site. Much like the first DP Export, this one was also about pro wrestling on the widely read and TNA Wrestling-focused blog, TNAsylum . The post discusses the lost art of the manager in pro wrestler, and how TNA Wrestling can revive that art for it's benefit as it takes big steps in 2013. You can read the column here on TNAsylum, or the entire text below:

I often find it difficult to take those who are outright against immigration reform seriously. The constant firm stance from those that this nation needs to close it's doors from the world, and should focus on "our own" is one that fires me up. I've seen and heard it several times from political talking heads, opinion contributors on blogs, in various media outlets, and of course on my Twitter feed and Facebook walls from friends and acquaintances.  Many tend to dwell on the negative and blame the government for it's lack of aid towards Americans, and that immigrants need to bide their time into a land as rich, successful, and blessed as ours.  However, at what point does this delusional way of thinking end? The world is smaller than ever, and our economy is globalized.

It's amazing how far TNA Wrestling has grown. I've always believed Wrestling has been a big part of my life as I can specifically recall moments and the duration of a wrestler's career in perspective to where I was in life.  As a company now in it's 11th year, it's really exciting to see the company I began watching in 2002 now grow into what it has become, and now take the next big step in taking their flagship program, Impact Wrestling, on the road - permanently.  A different city every week, just like the big boys (well the WWE) do every week.

What is it about? Co-workers answer the ad of a man looking for a partner in time travel, and instead end up taking risks they never thought their work trip would confront them with.  Who is in it?  Aubrey Plaza - Darius Mark Duplass - Kenneth Jake Johnson - Jeff Karan Soni - Arnau