Dome Pondering

3 Up 1. Syria's Secret Library - This article is an awesome read. In the middle of a civil war, which has affected the world, some in Syria have collected books from destroyed buildings in an underground location for many to further and continue their education. The library also helps local medics treat those remaining in the territory.  2. Khan Family - Kudos to the Khan family who shared with the world the story of their son, a fallen United States solider, during the Democratic Republic Convention. A touching story, and one that puts many political issues at stake into perspective.  3. New York Yankees - Forget their play on the field, kudos to the front office for finally - FINALLY - building toward the future in trading away assets for top prospects. They now have some really big time pieces for the future that has this fan excited. To those complaining about the move, you need to get a clue.  3 Down 1. Kabul, Afghanistan - Another terrorist attack in an

I'm going to try to toe the line on this one, as I can already feel a portion of you making your way through this post and having a slanted - based upon your viewpoint - political takeaway. But whatevs, so it goes.  First, for those new to these parts, I'm an independent. I don't really care for ties to political parties. As I always state, I punched a vote for President George W. Bush in my first ever opportunity to vote for a President, and then for President Obama twice.  Coming into this race, if you followed my banter on the primary debates (yes, I'm a huge debate geek), I found many of the choices to be a pick-your-poison deal rather than being excited about any one candidate. And once it was official that the main event would be Hillary Clinton vs. Donald Trump, I  found myself battling on a greater level and wrestling with the decision on where I plan to give my vote in November.  Thennnnnnnnnn, there was this past week...

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. Surprise Car Gift - For me, this story gets the nod as the top "up" story. What a great story about the human spirit, the fallacies that in the conception that the lower class doesn't work hard, and the motivation of some to overcome the hand they were dealt in life. Please be sure to give it a read.  2. Baseball Hall of Fame - Much congratulations to Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Piazza on being officially induced into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Well deserved, especially Griffey, who inspired so many kids in the 90's.  3. Baltimore Orioles Fans - Adding this "Up" for O's fans. I had hte privilege of visiting Camden yards again for another ball game. Orioles fans are terrific in their support of the team. When Jonathan Schoop receives a standing ovation for a sacrifice bunt, you know it's special. I'l follow with this, they definitely have New York fans beat.  3 Down 1. Afghanistan Terrorism - Just so sick of th

I visited the White House today, and decided to go with my initial instinct for a caption on my personal Instagram that read - "Built by Slaves to House the Leader of Freedom." Some had an issue with my caption, but I like to believe that they just don't want to admit certain truths about the country we live in and it's past, including, yes, that the White House was indeed built by slaves.

3 Up 1. Love What Matters Post - This Facebook Post that went viral is absolutely fantastic. I hope it spreads more and somehow - anyway possible - makes it's way into our media. It won't, though, because it doesn't stir the cops vs. minorities narrative. Regardless, it's nice to see good cops speak out on these issues and of course, acknowledge that there are bad cops out there.  2. Paralyzed Woman Hikes Appalachian Trail - Definitely take a look at this article and this story. Inspiring for sure.  3. "Broken" Matt Hardy - In times like this is why I love Pro Wrestling. When the world is dealing nothing but horrific news, Matt Hardy and this ridiculous character he now portrays kept my spirits high. After all, all nonsense must be DE-LEEEETED!  3 Down 1. Nice, France Attacks - These terrorist attacks continue, and this latest one, is even more disgusting and inhumane than the typical gunfire and bombings. Running down innocent people

To say the world is fallen apart may seem like a stretch. But if you, like me, have attempted to digest the recent events across the globe this summer, a wreck, feels like reality.  For me personally, everything feels like a ton of bricks every time a new headline comes across my phone or my television screen with more injustice, more horror, more moments and issues of all-too-descriptive acronym of SMH. More shootings. The world is a wreck. — Dome Pondering (@DomePondering) July 17, 2016 It's a burden. I was in the middle of reading Michelle Alexander's, The New Jim Crow Law as well as diving deep into material, studies, and theories of a graduate Diversity class, as I chase another Master's Degree for nothing other than interest and self-actualization. I'll touch more on the second Master's at another time.  So with all of this new insight, plus my already foundational thoughts and feelings on certain issues, as well as the horror unfol

What is it about?  A woman unafraid to give up her past and demons, is inspired by a self-help seminar to pursue a younger man.  Who is in it? Sally Field – Doris Max Greenfield – John

3 Up 1. Diamond Reynolds - The girlfriend of Philando Castile, Reynolds who showed the craziest amount of poise, honor, and integrity of anyone I can ever think of. We all wish we could have half the guts that woman has shown this week.  2. Carmelo Anthony - While some celebrities and athletes did their pointless parts on social media, I gained major respect for Carmelo Anthony who called out athletes to begin taking a stance on social injustice.  3. John Cena - With the United States crumbling around social issues, John Cena continued doing the right thing as he made a young cancer survivor's night by inviting him into the ring this Monday on Raw.  3 Down 1. Shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile - Do I even need to go in depth on this? Just unbelievable and saddening. So, so, sad...and infuriating.  1. Dallas Shootings - Tied for number one on the "down" this week is of course the Dallas Police shootings. This entire week just sucked

She stares at me with stars in her eyes and broad stripes arise expressing her red glare that my body, my inclusion remains rare from sea to sea, no worth, no care. the ongoing perilous fight 500 years later still here barely our country but the flag, through the night still there She still stares at me How can I be brave? When I am not completely free

I really have no idea what I watched last night. Every bit of the match billed as the "Final Deletion" left me with an overwhelming roller coaster of emotions. Really, I laughed a lot. I was also befuddled. I was confused. I was embarrassed. I was appalled. I was shocked. I was excited. I was entertained. I was ultimately left wondering what just happened? And most importantly, where do we go from here? Whatever your opinion is of it, it hit every aspect most screenwriters want from their product. The bit really isn't for everyone. And I'll be honest, I'm not sure I want to see things like this on the weekly product. It'll be difficult to try to digest mat classic in the same product spectrum of Jeff Hardy chasing talking drones on a dirt bike. But, I do like the mix and variety it gives the product. And yeah, I can't believe I just typed "chasing drones" in regards to pro wrestling. Can you imagine what Gorilla Monsoon's call for such

Look, I can't outright knock Kevin Durant for his choice - again, HIS choice - on joining the Golden State Warriors for the upcoming NBA season(s). As always, free agency is a choice for these guys, and it is completely up to them where they want to play, where they want their family to live, and what organization they feel is the best fit for those needs. As a fan, yes I'm disappointed. It's the same feeling I had when LeBron James bolted for South Beach a few years ago. It was a sin that somehow, even with two championships, still hung over his head until it was all cleansed this past June when he did the improbable with a Cavalier championship. Part of me still can't believe that, even when I type it.  Regardless, there are levels of this move that really bumps it up a notch from what LeBron did in 2010. First and foremost, the most obvious, Durant is joining a team that just defeated him in the Western Conference Finals. And yes, he's joining a 73-

3 Up 1. 4th of July Weekend - Happy Birthday, America!  2. Fort Bragg Baseball Game - It was really cool of Major League Baseball to host a baseball game on an actual military base during July 4th weekend. During a schedule of 162 games, it's pretty tough to make games feel special or have special events on the calendar - this might be it.  3. 80 Year Old Run Marathon - Of course, I'm all for physical activity. This story brings a smile to my face. Big time.  3 Down 1. Terrorism - I am so over terrorist attacks and all of this nonsense in hearing about mass killings. really, I am just over it. I am just so sad to hear about Istanbul, Baghdad, and Bangladesh. So tragic.  2. Brain-Eating Amoeba - As if the world isn't terrible enough with all of the violence, corruption, and other ridiculousness humans cause for themselves, we have things like brain-eating amoebas at water parks that are a real thing to be of concern. Ugh.  3. NBA Free Agency Mo

As a kid, I remember hearing the tunes of Jimmy Cliff in my household and anytime I was in my father's car. My dad has always been a big fan, and instantly educated me on the musical taste that was Jimmy Cliff, especially in a country where Bob Marley received all of the accolades and adulation.  Sure, Marley is super talented, but somewhere along the line, Cliff was forgotten for his impact on reggae, and it's foray into America and other non-Caribbean places. His ability and sounds were not only instantaneously catchy, but his songs and lyrics which were feel-good, and at times, political, were refreshing and honest.

Let's be honest, Ken Griffey Jr. was the man. He was THAT guy for baseball. And in my opinion, a guy in which they have not been able to replace since he abdicated the throne. I was  huge fan of Griffey, but his swing is what REALLY made him special.  Man, that swing! It was all sorts of perfect. The unique waggle in the stance right before that long compact swing that chopped through the zone. Every bit of contact made you think, no, made you believe the ball was going out of the park. And when it did, it went pretty far.

I laid there, nervous, hoping the Yankees could somehow hold on and squeak out a win over the Oakland Athletics to keep the season alive. Then it happened. Terrence Long ripped a liner down the right field line. Shane Spencer, in all of his instant-glory, over threw both Alfonso Soriano and Tino Martinez. Here came Jeremy Giambi, carrying the weight of being Jason's brother in a rage in which he moved around the bases. Then suddenly, like a Super Hero, Derek Jeter comes out of no where, probably with his cape flailing from around his neck, picks up the errant throw, shovels it to a waiting Jorge Posada, tagging Giambi for the out 

I never quite understood the urge my mother had for me to read this book during my teenage years. "I want you to read this book! You WILL read this book!." My mom was never pushy when it came to things like this, so I knew she was serious, and I knew she had a reason.  Thank goodness for mothers, and thank goodness for their motherly instincts. Black Boy by Richard Wright literally changed my life. It really did. It changed my outlook on being a person of color in this country. It changed my outlook on how we all develop hatred and ideologies regarding race from. And it changed my life on the way I internalize emotions, react to societal pressures, and deal with fear, anguish, and personal integrity.