Dome Pondering

3 Up 1. LeBron James - Talk about being a monster. James is re-writing his legacy before our eyes as he is in the NBA Finals for the 5th straight year, especially, with his current group of misfits on the Cleveland Cavaliers. And with the Heat out of the picture, it strengthens his case that much more. Beast!  2. Oldest Marathon Runner - I'm all for physical health and wellness, after all, it's my line of work for a living. So imagine the fist pump I gave when I read that 92 year old Harriette Thompson became the oldest woman to ever finish a marathon. Jees, so for those of use who never have run a marathon, what's our excuse? 3. Destination America - How could a channel be in complete obscurity to the wrestling fan a year ago, all of a sudden be the focus of their DVRs? Well, DA is re-writing the television manual with a new "wrestling block" on Wednesday nights with competing - yes, competing! - companies, ROH and TNA going back-to-back for three h

If you're a wrestling fan, it is safe to say that you've heard that Ring of Honor will be on Destination America airing as a lead-in to TNA's Impact Wrestling flagship show. If you haven't, you must live under a rock. Of course, all of this is part of what has been a whirlwind of news, rumors, hearsay, gossip, and various adult versions of the "telephone" game, which has been going on as of late. From rumors of Impact Wrestling's cancellation, to other "news", the recent pro wrestling fandom landscape has been sketchy to say the least.  For this fan, I'll be honest, I am a bit burned out on the negativity. It's no question that I love pro wrestling, but the recent "journalism" (term used very loosely) and random negativity simply has jaded me from various aspects of the wrestling fandom that used to be fun, engaging, and passionate. It's now turned into a sea of negativity and complete hypocrisy.

When pro wrestling fandom wasn't as exhausting as it is today. You know, back when it was purely fun, and when "marking" out was EVERYTHING!

What is it about? A simple coming of age story of a boy named Mason, as he progresses from a little boy to his freshman year of college. Who is in it? Ellar Coltrane - Mason Patricia Arquette - Mom Lorelei Linklater - Samantha Ethan Hawke - Dad

Dear Jesus,  I know, it's not everyday I talk to you through a blog post, in fact, I believe this is a first. But this isn't any old blog post, this is one in which I celebrate thirty years of life on this Earth. Your Earth.  For a few years, I've written posts on my birthday on what 25 means to me - 26, 27, 28, and so on - and I've been very honest with myself, with you, and with all of my readers who spend a bit of their time each day checking out this super tiny part of the internet. And here I am, a cool thirty years old, and with such a round, monumental number - well, as so they say - I feel the need to pray to you, via words and this blog, in a public forum.  Why? 

3 Up 1. Memorial Day Weekend - It's the unofficial start of the summer season, but let's not get fooled with beach visits, barbecues, and road trips. This weekend is about remember those who gave their lives so we can enjoy such things. Be sure to keep that in mind tomorrow.  2. Michael B. Jordan's Response - It seems in the information age, we've become some critical in everything for no apparent reason. You just have to love Jordan's response to critics who claimed a black man shouldn't be cast in an upcoming Fantastic Four film.  3. LeBron James - Tonight's game jus exemplifies the greatness of LeBron James. The dude is just sick  - 37 Points. 18 Rebounds. 13 Assists..  3 Down 1. Cleveland - Another unjustified shooting involving black victims and police officers. Of all the recent incidents, this one is more disheartening than them all. 137 shots toward two unarmed black men in a car. When will this stop?  2. Racist Letter - J

Another year... It's very odd the way my life now cycles and mirrors that of a student - Fall semester, Winter break, Spring semester, Summer vacation. After all, this is expected when you work in high er education - most notably, collegiate athletics.  So, here I am off the heels of another May, another graduation, another set of goodbyes and good lucks, and of course, another year of getting older and reflecting on just how far I've come from my own time on a college campus as a student. I always try to relate to my students and student-employees from the mind set of what it was like for me during the ages of 18-21, but I have to admit, it's becoming even more so difficult to do so. Especially, with another birthday ahead, a significant one at that - 30! Whoa... However, the end of this school year has been different from the first three I already had under my belt. This year was the first, that I can honestly say, were a group of students that were my stu

Courtesy: ESPN.com Soooooooooooo , yah. The NBA Draft Lottery was tonight, and like the sucker that I am, I believed (or really hoped) the Knicks would win it. After all, what franchise or fanbase other than us deserves such a break, right? Nope. We get the fourth pick - two spots lower than projected. Typical Knicks luck. I'm not sure if I will allow my future kids to be Knicks fans. Too much pain. I want the best for them. Certainly not this life... I hate life. #Knicks — Dome Pondering (@DomePondering) May 20, 2015

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.

3 Up 1. New York Rangers - I'm not a big hockey fan by any stretch of the imagination, however, the Game 7 between the Rangers and the Capitals was epic sports theater at it's best. The Rangers are the pride of the NYC sports scene right now, and it's well deserved.  2. Corey Kluber - Nothing to describe here other than this stat line in his last start - 8.0 IP, 1 H, 18K's, 0 BBs. Just video game like.  3. One World Trade Center Experience - I had the opportunity this week to go through the One World Trade Center experience that includes going to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and it's just awesome. A magnificent building and a tremendous view overlooking NYC. Highly recommended.  3 Down 1. ISIS Takeover - I hate having to write about these guys. However, with them taking over Ramadi, Iraq, only 100 miles away from Bahgdad, this is news of the highest concern.  2. Philly Train Derailment - Such an unfortunate trag

For awhile now, we've heard pro wrestling fans, mostly those of TNA Wrestling, discuss what the company should do next with the once proud X-Division. I say "once proud" because let's face it, the division hasn't been what it used to be for a long time now. For a very, very long time.  Some believe the "style" is outdated, and others voice their opinions (what else do you expect from wrestling fans?) on "how TNA can fix the X-Division". It's become so passe, that it sounds like a statement from a politician. I'm going to lower taxes! I'm going to improve education! I'm going to fix the X-Division!  What truly annoys me as of late is TNA's constant acknowledgement of the division setting TNA Wrestling apart which just feels disingenuous. As of this post, TNA's X-Division is the least X-Division-like brand there is. It's hard to continue to make that claim when Lucha Underground is pushing the limits with

What is it about?  A young boy who eventually befriends an unlikely neighbor and learns about his true life other than the one that meets the eye of everyone else.  Who is in it?  Bill Murray - Vincent Melissa McCarthy - Maggie Jaeden Lieberher - Oliver

3 Up 1. Mother's Day - An obvious "up" for this week. Kudos to all the hard working mothers out there. However, as my mother told me, "everyday is mother's day". She's right, don't wait for one Sunday every year to honor our mamas. Do it everyday!  2. Ernie Johnson - Kudos to the TNT sports host who gave his Emmy award to the daughters and family of Stuart Scott. EJ is a class act, and his sentiment and speech was just another representation of that.  3. Lionel Messi - Oh. My. Word. That goal...just watch it. Just watch what he does to the best defender in the world. Messi is such a joy to watch. 3 Down 1. #PoliceLivesMatter - Such a sad week to see those who protect us fall due to ignorance and ridiculousness. From having to bury Officer Brian Moore here in New York City, to the now murders of two Mississippi officers, this all needs to stop. All of it.  2. James Dolan - It's been a while since Dolan has given me someth

So let me get this absolutely straight - the investigation conducted and the final report concluded that Patriots personnel, including Tom Brady, knew about #Deflategate (don't you just love hashtags) and the balls being altered?  One more time. You're telling me that Tom Brady - that Tom Brady, the Tom Brady - knew this? Four time Super Bowl winning Tom Brady? Future Hall of Famer, Tom Brady?  OK folks, gear up, because I'm sure this is a post many of you will disagree with me on, but isn't this a super, mega, huge, gigantic deal!?  The game's biggest star has been pretty much caught cheating, and knowingly cheating. Nonetheless, en route to a championship? Call me crazy, but that's a pretty big deal, and of course, should warrant much scrutiny and discipline from the NFL. Although, I won't hold my breath on the latter occurring swiftly.

So I guess I wasn't done on this front. Because as they days move on from the so called "fight of the century" (Isn't boxing full of all sorts of hyperbole, even when you think it could be true), there is more and more, and yes, more fallout from this fight that continues to bury the sport of boxing.  There is the now significant tear in Manny Pacquiao's arm that has become publicized. Is it an excuse? Absolutely not. I'm a big believer in the Derek Jeter school of thought - if you're healthy enough to perform, don't use your injuries as an excuse. The injury chatter bantered about out of the Pacquiao camp is very weak. But at the same time, I have to admit and yes, still ponder, would it have made a difference? Sadly, I don't care THAT much. Which says all about this entire situation.  And yes, the idea that we all watched (and PAID!) for a fight that should have been postponed is downright criminal. Again, boxing at its finest. 

3 Up 1. Riot Interrupting Mom - The visual has already gone viral, but the mom who recognized her teenage son in the middle of the Baltimore riots and thus gave him a good ole fashioned parental clubbing was nice to see. Good for mom, and to those finding issue with her doing so are really missing the point on parenting. 2. Stephen Curry - Curry will be named the NBA's MVP tomorrow. Good for him as he clearly deserves it. It's also very nice to see the NBA champion new faces and deserving players rather than the usual suspects. 3. Homeless Man Tithing - Read this story a few days ago and it put things back into perspective for me. Sometimes we need that, and this man's generosity exemplifies that.  3 Down 1. Baltimore Riots - What can we say here? Another touchy and very layered subject. However, regardless, those who were rioting, whatever the cause may be (e.g. frustration), tearing down communities is not justified approach. 2. Social Media/Pro

I've been very critical of the sport of boxing over the years and I truly believe that last night's fight supports my frustration. I miss the days when boxing was not just a big deal - like last night's fight - but was also a draw and interest moving forward. When titles meant something and when fans were a priority. Sure, things have changed, and I'm not blaming either Mayweather or Pacquiao, but I really, really, really, reaaaaaaaaaaaalllllly believe that last night's fight put another nail in the coffin of boxing causal interest and pay-per-view as we know it.  Was I disappointed? No. I had friends over, reveld in the social/pop culture aspect of the fight for a bit, had a good time, and enjoyed what there was of the packed sports day (Kentucky Derby, Spurs/Clippers) as well as this fight. My biggest disappointment is more so what this means for the sport moving forward. Actually, check that, it was Jamie Foxx's rendition of our national anthem.