Dome Pondering

Some Yankees fans need to settle down. Yes, Yankees General Manager, Brian Cashman, didn't make any moves today at the trade deadline. And Yes, we are in dire need of a few pieces, most notably, starting pitching. And of course, yes, every one of the American League Pennant contenders - Royals, Angels, Blue Jays, Astros - are much improved with new pieces to use down the stretch. But while some, and I stress some as there are a "spoiled, irrational" group within the Yankees fanbase, are complaining about the inactivity and annoyingly repeating the hyperbole statements that now follow "If George Steinbrenner were alive...", the Yankees have kept their stocked farm system intact. And you know what, good for them. Good for the Yankees on showing restraint. And good for Brian Cashman.  In my opinion, the Yankees have needed to get younger for a long time. Like, a reeeeeeeeeeally long time. The sport has become for lack of a better phrase, a young man...

During my college years, I was called the proverbial "N-word" four times, and yes, that was just college. Crazy, right? One time, it was indirectly, as another white student said it mid-conversation (in my dorm room of all places) in describing a party that had a number of black students. She was immediately asked to leave. Another time was by a teammate who used the term on a road trip for an away game to describe "the actions of black people he has known" (which he literally could count on one hand, me included). There was the time an opponent mentioned it to a teammate at first base when he saw me warming up in the bullpen. And yes, all my teammate did was come and tell me. Thanks for having my back, bro! And the final time was when I was in Virginia when an elderly women yelled, "Don't let that N---- strike you out" towards what I assume was a relative of the batter I was facing.  Soooooooo, ya, racism still exists, and much mo...

When the announcement was made by Destination America that they were adding Ring of Honor to their lineup as a lead in to TNA Wrestling, the usual wrestling pundits and critics were fueled with material to fill the usual narrative - TNA doom, and more ROH underdog rhetoric.  ROH will eventually take over Destination America!  This marks the end for TNA Wrestling.  Finally, ROH will get a chance to show it is better than TNA!  I'm a fan of Ring of Honor wrestling. As a hardcore fan of pro wrestling, I enjoy their product. It's rather simple, and ROH stays true to who they are, and what their product attracts. It's a uniqe little niche that I know is not for everyone, and truthfully, probably not mainstream enough to ever grow beyond it's niche audience.  However, with the recent announcement of Destination America moving ROH to the 11PM spot after TNA Wrestling (and with no replay), the statement from the channel is indeed clear - ROH jus...

3 Up 1. Cole Hamels - With the top of the week is Cole Hamels. In the midst of trade rumors, the lefty ace hurled a no-hitter against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley field, which is no easy place to pitch. Congrats to Hamels. It should be interesting to see what uniform he is wearing this time next week.  2. FIFA 16 Video Game - OK, so FIFA still has a lot of making up to do to women across the world. After using the Women's World Cup as a "test" run on turf, FIFA seems to be finally being less-misogynistic and is now placing Alex Morgan on the cover of the FIFA 16 video game, gracing it along with Lionel Messi. Hey, it's a step forward, and that's a good thing.  3. John Smoltz - Besides being enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Smoltz used his platform to tackle the issue of Tommy John surgery, especially when it is in regards to our youth, and their "specialization" at an early age. It's a message that needed to be said, and ...

I couldn't help but squint my eyes in confusion. Wait, is this for real? Fast Food workers are going to get $15 an hour? Like, not the management, but the workers? That's genuinely my first reaction when I heard that New York state plans a $15 minimum wage mandate for fast food workers. I know it's not the PC reaction the world demands of us as of late, but quite frankly, I don't believe this situation has anything to do with human rights, freedom, civil liberties, social awareness, or anything that is unfair and unjust.  We live in a capitalist world where we all work hard, improve our skills, and make decisions to better ourselves and our lives. Now forgive me, and I'm sure I am going to offend some of you loyal readers, but there is no way, on the bottom line, that a fast food worker should make more than a college graduate in the work force.

What is it about?  A gifted drummer enrolls in one of the most prestigious music conservatories in the world where his desire to be great is met and mentored by an instructor who stops at nothing to bring out his potential.  Who is in it? Miles Teller - Andrew Nieman J.K. Simmons - Terrence Fletcher

What is it about?  A group of high school teenagers and their parents deal with the ramifications of technology in their lives, and how it has affected their ability to communicate effectively.  Who is in it?   Adam Sandler - Don Truby Jennifer Garner - Patricia Beltmeyer Rosemarie DeWitt - Helen Truby Judy Greer - Donna Clint

Courtesy: WWE.com I haven't watched WWE programming for over a month now, as I've been caught up with ROH, the beauty that is Lucha Underground, and the stirring mess that has become Impact Wrestling. Therefore, going into Battleground, I wasn't sure what I should expect, or what I even should take away from the night. Sometimes with the WWE product, removing yourself  for a while is the best thing you can possibly do. There weekly programming just doesn't feel overwhelmingly special anymore.  Regardless of my stay-away attitude from the weekly shows and products, I always seem to find myself engaged with their pay-per-views...errr, special events, or whatever. I'm not even sure if these shows are considered pay-per-views anymore. Nonetheless, I've become to really enjoy the PPV's and special show, as is the same with NXT, and even more so fast-forwarding my way through a DVR'ed edition of RAW or NXT.

3 Up 1. South Carolinian Officer, Leroy Smith - At the top of the hill this week is this story that just exemplifies the kind of man Leroy Smith is. A South Carolinian officer, and also a black man, Smith helped a white supremacist protester bearing a swastika on his t-shirt after he suffered from heat exhaustion. I have to say, that is very honorable and the type of unconditional kindness that can break racism.  2. Ronda Rousey - Yup, she's pretty bad ass already. But her saying the following statement, "I wonder how Flloyd feels being beat by a woman for once". Ouch. But good one! And then she followed it up with this, "I'd like him to pretend to not know who I am now". Well played, Ronda. Well freakin' played. I was already a fan, but now even more so of Rousey following her statement at the ESPYs. By the way, what  joke of a "sports award" show. Just my opinion... 3. Basketball Physics - I'm an exercise science junky. I h...

I couldn't wait for it. I'm a huge baseball geek, and for years I've attempted to tell everyone who would listen that the MLB All-Star festivities are by far better than any other league's. Yes, even the NBA's, who indeed does a second-to-none job on marketing, production, hype, and overall connection with a younger fanbase - an area in which MLB and commissioner, Rob Manfred, has made a top priority upon taking office  For me, what separates baseball from the rest, my biases aside of course, is that the actual competition and purity of the weekend. You can't go through the motions in baseball the way you can in the other sports. The way we see in the NBA, NHL, and even the mighty NFL. Especially, the NBA where great production can become overproduction with less substance that the hype may lead you to believe.  Even with the All-Star Game yet to be played, the MLB All-Star festivities has been awesome.

3 Up  1. Boy Studies in Streets of Philippines - This gets the nod at the number one position as it is just truly inspiring. The photo captured a young boy studying in the streets of the Philippines is truly inspiring. Once you read his backstory, you are even more in awe of this young man.  2. South Carolina - Though it only took decades, the state of South Carolina finally realized that flying the Confederate flag is indeed a bad thing. Imagine, that, huh?  3. Summer - I just love summer. And this past week, the times and the weather here in the Northeast, provided plenty of beach time. Can't. Beat. That.  3 Down 1. Cosby - Things are not looking good for Bill Cosby. And to be quite honest, the more we come to find out, the more testimonies and stories that build against him, the more facts that are revealed, the more Cosby looks guilty.  2. Jared/Subway - Wow. From inspirational weight loss figure, to...umm, child pornography? WHA...

There are all sorts of emotions and reactions I have towards the permanent lowering and removal of the Confederate flag at the South Carolina Capital building. Obviously, I believe it's a good thing as the flag does represent a time and mindset in which this country still struggles to digest, and is years away from overcoming.  And yes, it's a step in the right direction for social awareness in our country, especially during times where racial issues have become the forefront of our culture.  However, and yes, here comes the huge side bar, I simply question HOW big of a victory this truly is for racial tensions and social awareness? Without attempting to be cynical, there is a part of me that mourns from utter disgust that nine men and women were murdered via a horrific hate crime for a movement to take place. For even such a question of, "why do we still fly such a flag that represents such terrible history within our state?", this massacre had to preced...

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.

Courtesy: Friday Night Lights (2004) Sometimes you think you're giving your best, but it's not your best at all. 

What is it about?  The life of Chris Kyle as be looks to balance his four tours in the Iraqi War and his family life back at home in the United States.  Who is in it?  Bradley Cooper - Chris Kyle Sienna Miller - Taya

It was the perfect end to a patriotic July 4th weekend in watching the US National Women's Soccer team bring home their third World Cup in history. For one Sunday afternoon, it was nice to see our nation care about the world's game and embrace it as their own. The twenty-three women who finally achieved this goal deserved it as they looked to amend the hurt and disappointment from the 2011 loss to Japan in the Finals, and the 2007 loss to Brazil, where Marta and her one-named celebrity status reigned supreme. And let's be honest, how awesome is Marta, though?  Really, I gave the 2007 and 2011 "Biggest Letdown" of the Year awards to the United States Women's Soccer Team. Yup, I did. I did. I so did. Because they were.

3 Up 1. America! - The holiday weekend was nice to enjoy, including all of the patriotism and good things we enjoy in this nation. It was desperately needed following many of the internal social issues we've been having as of late.  2. US Women's National Soccer - Champs! What else is there to say? The USWNT made adjustments and tough decisions like benching legend, Abby Wambach, and my adult soccer crush, Sydney Leroux (don't worry, the wife knowws), and improved every game on the road to this win. It was a fun ride that hopefully increases the exposure of soccer in this nation.  3. Becky Hammon - If girl power isn't already in the air already, kudos to the San Antonio Spurs and Becky Hammon as she becomes the first female head coach in the NBA Summer League.  3 Down 1. Chicago - Just when July 4th weekend was a great way to get our minds off domestic issues, the city of Chicago reminded us what real America is currently like. The city continued ...

Growing up there were two guys who immediately attracted my eyeballs when it came to pro wrestling, Bret "The Hitman" Hart and Randy "Macho Man" Savage. Savage was my first guy dating back to my first years as a pro wrestling fan. The guy had it all, the crazy look, the flashy outfits, the incredible promos that hooked you, and of course, the athleticism inside of the ring.  To this day, Savage is still, at least in my eyes, one of the greatest all-around wrestlers to EVER grace a ring. I know we all have our opinions, but again, to me, Savage was special. He was the definition of a larger-than-life character.

Oh, folks, this is going to be a good one. Long-time DP devotees know about my annoyance and heartache with my beloved New York Knicks. Yup, love hurts, right? Well, much of that hurt began when James L. Dolan took over the operations of Madison Square Garden from his father, including the Knicks, and it's been a struggle ever since.  Ask any true New Yorker or Knicks fan about James Dolan, and you'll be sure to get an interesting reaction. The son of Charles Dolan, who once ran a proud empire with successful teams and little no controversy, handed over10% of thus empire to the younger Dolan as almost a vanity project. Here son, you really haven't done much, here is some responsibility. Go run MSG!