Dome Pondering

It's been a really long time since I banged out a Pondering 10 article. Nonetheless, it is back! With pro wrestling now consisting of a healthy group of promotions, many with television options as well, I thought it would be a nice write-up to share with you my favorite, current wrestling talent. The industry is flush with tops guys and gals, but there are a select few who really are must-watch for me as of this writing. Again, this list is just for now. Right now! Just so we're clear. Maybe I'll touch on a new list in the future. For now, here is the latest Pondering 10 list: 

What is it about?  A group of gay activists attempt to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS during the early 1980's.  Who is in it?  Mark Ruffalo - Ned Weeks Taylor Kitsch - Bruce Niles Julia Roberts - Dr. Emma Brookner

They got me! They definitely got me. After my six-month commitment expired as a subscriber to the WWE Network, I really pondered whether it was worth renewing. Don't get me wrong, the service is indeed very much worth the price, and that's not schilling for the WWE, but lately, my interest in the product and the company as a whole as been non-existent.  Honestly, I don't watch Raw. Even worse, I forgot Smackdown exists. Other than NXT's shows, I haven't been invested in the product. With so many other options such as New Japan, TNA, Lucha Underground, and ROH, there are many other viable and more entertaining options to fill my wrestling-needs.  But, it's the Royal Rumble. And it's Wrestlemania season. And the little boy in me still loves these events and I decided to hand over to Vince McMahon $9.99, and hoped tonight is the night the WWE pulls me back in. What I ended up experiencing was a show that went from OK, to not caring, to absolutely a...

3 Up 1. State of the Union - I touched base on it earlier this week (2015 State of the Union Reaction), the President's address was a very good speech. Sure, there are topics we all may not agree on, but his call for "better politics" was dead on.  2. Klay Thompson - A new record of 37 points in one quarter en route to a 52 point night is an amazing feat for one of the top two shooters in the NBA. Unfortunately, for fans of teams not named the Golden State Warriors, his teammate, Steph Curry, is the other.  3. SNL Patriots Spoof - I don't get around to watching SNL the way I used to when I was a teenager, but their spoof on the Patriots recent press conference and all that is #DeflateGate was fantastic.  3 Down 1. Father Mass Killing - Not sure how one could kill their family, but apparently a Queen's man took the life of his family earlier this week. What is going on in the world?!  2. Home Depot Shooting - Yup, another mass shooting....

What is it about?  Two teens who are suffering the effects from different forms of cancer, fall in love after meeting at a cancer support group.  Who is in it?  Shailene Woodley  - Hazel Ansel Elgort - Gus

#DeflateGate. Such an awesome name, and an even better hashtag. This has been an absolute disaster of a year for the NFL. Yet, considering their ratings, revenue, and continuing interest, it all says just about how much of a public relations hit the league can take and keep moving forward.  Looking to move past the debacle that was the Ray Rice issue and some of the unflattering referee calls/game rulings we've seen this season (shout out to Dez Bryant on what SHOULD HAVE been a catch!), the NFL now has another - ANOTHER! - Patriots cheating scandal on its lap. Even worse is the fact that the scandal may have, possibly, could have, kind of, or quite possible have influenced the holiest game in American culture - The Super Bowl. 

Heading into the night, I was very curious to hear and see the President's demeanor and overall message for the 2015 State of the Union message. As always, the speech in itself is important (obviously), however, being that next year's address will be geared toward the upcoming Presidential elections, this was his final speech to rally in some forms, and in other ways, to cement his legacy.  Overall, I thought the speech was well done. It played to many of the strengths that President Obama has exhibited since he graced the national stage way back in 2007. He allowed his charisma to show, played up the rebounding economy, dished out a jab towards hecklers (which was awesome), and of course, played his trump card of optimism by calling for "Better Politics".

3 Up 1. Belgium Terror Raid - This obviously gets the top spot this week after Beglium forces raided terrorists within their borders and foiled a planned plot similar to what what we've recently seen in France. Kudos to all the men and women and intelligence in keeping our world safe.  2. Man Survives Being Crushed - This is a remarkable story. After a 20 car pile up, a mans car is crushed between two eighteen wheelers. He somehow survives the wreckage. You have to seen the photo to truly understand this story.  3. Kings heater Restoration - In a nation where we constantly replace old beauty with new and trendy, it's great to see the legendary Kings Theater in Brooklyn, NY restored. After four decades of being abandoned, the theater is now a place of destination for events.  3 Down 1. ISIS Little Boy - The thought of ISIS allowing 13 year old boys to execute captives is appalling and exemplary of this groups true evil.  2. Worst Mom Ever -...

What is it about?   A mid-thirties father finds himself at a crossroads in his life as his chase for his dream flatlines, his father is dying, and his wife is unhappy.  Who is in it?   Zach Braff - Aidan Bloom Kate Hudson - Sarah Bloom Mandy Patinkin - Gabe

Penn Station - Madison Square Garden aka Losertown. Thanks, 2014-15 New York Knicks.

What is it about?   The story of the assasination of President Kennedy, and the three days that followed at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas.  Who is in it?   Zac Effron - Dr. Charles "Jim" Carrico Tom Welling - Roy Kellerman Billy Bob Thornton - Forrest Sorrels Paul Giamatti - Abraham Zapruder

3 Up 1. Unity Rally - After the terrorist shootings in France, many came out in a unity rally to help support freedom of speech and to promote unity in the face of  2. Trevor Booker's Crazy Shot - No words can describe this shot. Just take a look here .  3. Pro Wrestling - Despite the WWE's awful programming, the world of pro wrestling has been very entertaining as of late with New Japans Wrestlekingdom 9 event that drew over 60,000 people in Tokyo, Japan, and the great products that is LUCHA underground and TNA Wrestling.  3 Down 1. Nigeria - The international issues continue into 2015 as Nigeria lost over 2000 natives in a brutal massacre by the Boko Haram terrorist group. The world continues to be a horrific place. Let's hope this becomes as worldly of an issue as the others have been.  2. Charlie Hebdo - Another terrorist attack in Paris this past week with the intent on curbing freedom of speech and intimidating democracy. The mass kill...

Pondering with Plumtree is a column on the popular blog, TNAsylum, that is written by yours truly. The blog is focused towards being a fan site for TNA Wrestling fans where they can get news, rumors, opinions, and any and everything else, TNA Wrestling. Known as "The Haven for TNA Wrestling Fans", I'm hoping to bring some of my thoughts to an already impressive roster of columnist for as long as the site will have me. You can read the latest column here , or in the text below.

It's so easy during this time of the year to get all cynical about the Hall of Fame selections. Who should have made it? Who shouldn't? Who didn't get votes? Who did? All of it is usually an explosion of opinions from baseball fans after the results are posted.  As everyone, I too have some quick thoughts to fire on regarding the 2015 Hall of Fame ballot. But before I do, it's so easy to get wrapped up in the sexiness of baseball Hall of Fame debates (at least for baseball junkies) and not give the proper due to the men who got the nod today - Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Craig Biggio, and John Smoltz. All well deserved, and as I get older, I can honestly say I saw the majority of most of their careers and it was a privilege. Especially, Randy Johnson, who has always been a favorite of mine to watch perform, and of course, Pedro Martinez, who had plenty of battles with my beloved New York Yankees.  With that said, on to some other quick thoughts regarding...

Ummmm, so we got nothing back? Nothing? Seriously, nothing?! That was my final reaction as I heard about the official trade details of my hapless Knicks as they unofficially started the fire sale, and very much so, their road to hopefully a top-five draft pick in June.  I haven't expressed much emotion on Twitter or even discussed the Knicks (as I usually do) here on the DP this basketball season because quite frankly, I am not invested. I really am not. Coming into the season I didn't like the roster, I didn't like our chances, and I never truly felt "all in", as they say, on this upcoming season.  And with all of the losing, and there has been plenty of it - seriously, more than Isiah Thomas years which says plenty - I don't even find them entertaining or worthy of rooting for. And that kills me to say as a die hard Knicks fan. Even during the Mike D'Antoni-lead teams, they were at least somewhat entertaining, somewhat hopeful. And yes, ...

Start the new year strong. Get after it, and be perfect. 

What is it about? After learning about a new land that houses dragons and another dragon master, Hiccup and crew are thrown into a situation of defending the peace. Who is in it? Jay Baruchel - Hiccup Cate Blanchett - Valka Gerrard Butler - Stoick