Dome Pondering

It's been an absolute trying year. Yet, with thirty days remaining, there is a part of me that is so beat up when it comes to our world, our society, and the way in which we deal with news, politics, and overall, in handling our societal issues.  With that said, the following Pondering 10 takes a look at the current topics that have been quite annoying or down right causes me to shake my head: 

41. Would you rather have free Starbucks for a year or free iTunes for a year?  Call me crazy, but I am going with free Starbucks for a year. Free ITunes sounds great, but I already have a Spotify account that I already enjoy tremendously. Plus, I live in NYC, and there is a Starbucks like every ten feet.  42. Would you rather be a ninja or a wizard?  Ninja! Way cooler, and way more fun. I've seen my wife watch Harry Potter. No offense, not really moved by being a wizard, unless, it's the opportunity to play pro basketball in Washington.  43. Would you rather go deaf in one ear or only be allowed to use the internet one hour per day? This is tough, but I am going to go with going deaf in one ear. The internet is so essential in today's world, especially in how I consume information and of course, explore one of my favorite hobbies in contributing to this little blog.

3 Up  1. FDNY - Often lost in the Thanksgiving holiday season are the service men and women who don't enjoy the same festivities and time spent with families. Instead, they are working to keep us safe, and in some ways, continuing to save our lives. Kudos to the men who saved an elderly man using a rope in a last ditch effort on Friday. Definitely take time to read about their effort.  2. Toni Morrison - I've always enjoyed Toni Morrison's stuff. I'm a big fan of her recent penned essay for the New Yorker in which she touches on the recent social climate fallout of the election. Just thought provoking stuff - as always.  3. Andrew Wiggins - This . Enough said.  3 Down 1. Dakota Pipeline Protest - It's such a shame that even in 2016, we're still finding new ways to marginalize Native American people on the few resources they still have. Even more of a shame is what has occurred during this entire protest duration.  2. Colin Kapernick...

I loved the finish to Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg. I loved everything about it. Sure, cue up those who want to play armchair booker rather than just allow themselves to enjoy the moment, regardless, it was the kind of moment only the WWE does best in pro wrestling.  So why did I love it? Simple. It was unpredictable. In a world where pro wrestling has multiple spoilers, breaking news, and various stories which hurt the surprise factor it once had, I genuinely miss that jaw drop moment. This match was one of them.  Another reason I loved it is because of how unconventional it was. I am a huge fan of the attempts to promote and present pro wrestling in a different way. Have matches end quick in a rush like that is reminiscent of the adrenaline-style viewing you get from sports, specifically the UFC. Anything can happen in a moment. I've grown to despise how only matches that play along a certain formula that incorporate a few false finishes, including a couple involvi...

3 Up  1. Cast of Hamilton - Kudos to the Broadway cast who decided to use their platform with Vice-President-elect Pence in the house to deliver a perfect statement. Regardless of what some will say, the statement was articulately stated, and definitely speaks for many Americans within the country.  2. WWE Survivor Series Weekend - I'm so happy as a fan to see that Survivor Series has some meaning once again. The WWE delivered big time this weekend with a fun NXT Takeover Show, as well as tonight, with a VERY enjoyable Survivor Series event. How about that Goldberg/Lesnar match, huh?  2A. Randy Orton - Class act by Orton breaking character for a moment to console Shane McMahon's kid who was ringside after McMahon suffered what looked like an obvious concussion.  3. Kate Upton - Look, the tweets were funny, but not exactly something kids should see. Regardless, Upton was dead on in that Justin Verlander should have won the AL Cy Young Award. Some think...

When you think Kanye West has lost his mind, he does something that completely makes "losing your mind" seem like an understatement. Post-election, in a time period where the nation is in a tumultuous time, especially, among young people who are attempting to understand what is happening, regardless of what side of the coin they are on, Kanye decides it's the perfect time to take a political stance that reeks of well, Kanye. So, as he stated at his concert last night, he didn't vote, but he would have voted for Donald Trump. And then followed up that mic bomb with the epic statement of telling black people, "stop focusing on racism."  Okay, thanks. I'm glad you've decided to take a political stance by not voting. Strike one.  Telling black people to stop focusing on racism? Strike two and three. Maybe four, five, six, and seven, if possible. Apparently someone has obviously gotten lost in their new privilege.

31. Would you rather Have three kids and no money, or no kids and three times your money? This might sound weird, but no kids and three times my money sounds like the better, less stressful option. Three kids and no money just seems like an awful predicament where not only do I suffer, but my three kids as well.  32. Would you rather Be the funniest person in the room or the most intelligent? Most intelligent. I don't really need, or have ever needed the attention of being the funniest person in the room Knowledge is power.  33. Would you rather Have a Lamborghini in your garage or a bookcase with 9000 books and infinite knowledge? Give me the Lambo. There is something fun and intriguing and releasing about the pursuit of knowledge. Plus, 9,000 books sounds super excessive. 

3 Up  1. Election Process - I've already said my piece on the election (See here ). However, the democratic process on display this past Tuesday should be applauded, especially those in this country who let their voices known that they wanted change within our government. However, you feel, this was done, and this is a silent majority we did not expect.  2. Van Jones - I've always been a fan of Van Jones as I like his neutral stance regarding the top two political parties, and his constant empathy and feel for those within everyday communities. His response on CNN to a select few arrogant Trump voters on election night, as well as other poignant remarks were welcoming amid an annoying CNN panel on election night.  3. Conor McGregor - Two championships in two different weight classes? Never been done before? Only McGregor does it. And he did it in the first UFC fight at Madison Square Garden - his style.  3 Down 1. Election Reaction (Some) - The...

In one day, with one election, we're all full of it, or now searching for it.

So today was interesting, huh? Waking up this morning to the official announcement that President-elect Donald Trump was indeed a reality was jarring. And while the nation made their change, here in New York City, the entire day was quite somber - like, really somber. A classic blue area, many had that same look of disbelief on their faces on the subways and on the streets of the city. It was a classic common thread and talking point for most strangers throughout the day. "I don't know" and the shaking of the head were seen quite frequently.  So, who did I vote for? I know I promised (as always) to reveal that, and my answer was indeed Hillary Clinton. Why? Quite frankly, I didn't love Clinton, but I found her to be the lesser of the two evils. Trump just never provided any concrete plans for me to find solace in, and if I'm being completely honest with all of you, I find him to be the epitome of white privilege and ideals in America. Just my take, as I...

Well, it all comes down to tomorrow. In just a few hours, I will awake, jump on my bicycle and head to the nearest school to punch my ticket to vote for who I believe should be the next President of the United States, and then well, carry on with my day until an announcement is made later on. That's if, you know, things don't work out for Mr. Trump and he holds up the whole ordeal. I personally am expecting this very scenario for tomorrow night. Just my prediction. And if it happens, oh boy, stay tuned!  Regardless, on a night like tonight, it's rather weird to think of the road to this very point. For me, this all still doesn't seem real. It feels as if, at some point, somehow, during the coverage tonight, someone tells the American people that we've just been Punk'd. After all, that would explain so much and answer the various question that I have about both candidates sitting here a mere minutes away before midnight.

3 Up 1. World Series - What. A. World Series! As much as I loved everything about it, especially that Game 7, it's al bitter sweet knowing I now wait for February to roll around again. But again, wow, everything about this series was fantastic.  2. Chicago - Kudos to the city of Chicago and all of the Cubs fans. You all very much deserve it. Seeing five million people come out for the parade to set a record for the 7th largest gathering in the world - THE WORLD! - is absolutely amazing.  3. NYC Marathoners - I can't ever wrap my mind around marathons. I can barely make it through 5 miles. These folks run 26.2 miles! Kudos to both winners, Mary Keitany and Ghirmay Ghebreslassie! 3 Down 1. Trump Threat - Say or feel how you want about Donald Trump and his current bid for President of the United States. But come on, active threats for assassination and otherwise just fuels so many negative thoughts and perceptions.  2. Non-Voters - People who either ...

So the Chicago Cubs are the 2016 World Series Champions. Like, for real! I'm not even going to begin to breakdown this epic World Series, or even organize and articulate my thoughts on this historic moment tonight. It's too much. It's just too vast.  Regardless, I'm thrilled for the city of Chicago, and the loyal - yes, LOYAL - longtime, Cubs fans. I can't even imagine being a fan of a club pressing against 108 years of futility. I'm at seven with the Yankees and I'm already antsy and armchair planning the off-season. And of course, there are my beloved New York Knicks. Ugh.  All in all, I love baseball. Man, I love this game. What a game. What a series. What a year. I Can't wait for Spring already...

Betrayed is the first word that comes to mind when I currently think about TNA Wrestling, specifically, it's management. This post has nothing to do with the men and women who gave their all in the ring and behind the scenes to help TNA reach it's potential, or at the very least, a viable alternative in the pro wrestling marketplace to the WWE.  This penned post is about the leadership, namely Dixie Carter, who has allowed a company that many supported for it's original philosophy to deteriorate drastically since 2010. The remarkable difference in status for TNA Wrestling since then measures a stark contrast, and after awhile, fan such as myself who have been there since night one, not just lose faith, but confidence, and eventually, interest.  I understand the good she has done. TNA doesn't exist with out her. I know the story. I think every pro wrestling fan does. But the questionable business moves over the past few years, the lack of vision for the co...