Dome Pondering

Heading into this State of the Union address, I strongly believed this was President Trump's opportunity to somehow clear the air and change slow the growing perspective he's been claiming as "fake news". For a guy whose strength in politics has been refuting claims, attacking others, tweeting without control, and giving informal and fiery speeches in the form of rallies, having a blank canvas to unite, to control the perspective, and to give his mission is indeed foreign.  Last night was his chance. And in my opinion, it was the "must win" in the political spectrum, especially considering the midterm election season we are upon.  Again, im not a "must win" kind of person, but his message tonight is just that in the political spectrum. Has to deliver. Has to. — Dome Pondering (@DomePondering) January 30, 2018 Overall, I thought the President did well. I'm being fair and just. And as a former college debater and an absolu

courtesy: wwe.com 3 Up 1. Women's Royal Rumble - I had some doubts. But man, kudos to the WWE, and of course, to all of the women - past and present - who delivered on one of wrestling's biggest nights of the year. Another fantastic weekend done by the WWE. I'm very much looking forward to the road to Wrestlemania.  2. Bruno Mars - Bruno Mars is just one of those guys that transcends all genres. I think he's one of those talents that everyone enjoys. No matter the age, taste of music, or your walk of life. Bruno's style is sick, and he deserves every Grammy award he won tonight.  3. MLB Hall of Fame - Sure, there is always debate, but the eventual inductees for 2018 are all well deserving. Congrats to Chipper Jones, Vladimir Guerrero, Jim Thome, and Trevor Hoffman.  3 Down 1. School Shootings - Unfortunately, once we did nothing after Sandy Hook, I've had my doubts about us getting serious about gun control. Yet, here we are, 22 school s

Oh fire up the debate engine, because the hot stove just ain't working!  No really, the hot stove isn't working. In fact, it might be broken.  But of course, while free agency sorts itself out, we get some fun stuff to discuss, bicker, and to gripe about in the usual Hall of Fame Ballot unveiling. For me, some get a bit worked up about the Hall of Fame. I'm not just a numbers guy, but I do believe there is an eye test, or even a "feel" to a player. You should just know a Hall of Famer. And if you don't, then yeah, we can go deeper.  In my opinion, there are just too many fans out there who always want to be the smartest person in the room when it comes to these debates. But I digress... The selection of Chipper Jones, Vladimir Guerrero, Jim Thome and Trevor Hoffman are all worthy selections. No disputes at all in these selections. As always, I do have some quick thoughts on this year's ballot.

3 Up 1. Women's March - I'm happy to see this movement wasn't just a reactionary thing to last year's happenings, but one that continues to move forward. It's a continue reminder that the fight for equality for us all is still ongoing.  2. Aly Raisman - Raisman stood up land et the world know what was done to her and how corrupt USA gymnastics currently is. She really left it all out there, and it was quite eyebrow raising. It was also just as sickening to hear what has been going on, and what has been covered up.  3. Tom Brady and the Patriots - Give the man his due. Brady is 40 years old and still winning. I don't care for the Super Bowl all that much anymore, but I recognize and respect the greatness. It's a once-in-a-generation deal, and I appreciate it.  3 Down 1. Government Shutdown - Ugh. Come on...I don't care whose fault it is, this is a disaster.  2. Deportation of Jorge Garcia - Look, I'm going to say someth

I'll just say it - my expectations of Nike's takeover of the NBA's aesthetics hasn't been as great as I expected it to be. Sure, some of the designs and concepts have been cool, but with that has come some issues regarding the the durability, honoring tradition for some teams, and of course a pet peeve of mine - too many teams wearing colored jerseys at home. Which means, road teams wearing WHITE! I'm not a fan. In fact, for teams like the Nets who have made this their "thing" in wearing black for all home games, it's been annoying. But I get it, road jerseys with colors sell better than the home white ones. Which is obvious, but still...

3 Up 1. Minnesota Vikings Win - It was the most football I've watched since last year's Super Bowl, and I'm actually glad I did. I watched the remaining 1:57 from a dinner establishment, and it was rather riveting. Such a cool moment for Stefan Diggs. In so many ways that entire scenario was rather unreal. Almost movie-like.  2. Don Lemon - Whoa! I think it's safe to say Lemon is not a fan of the President, and really, in some ways, become a voice for people of color under this current administration. His words on Thursday night were fierce, true, and authentic on how many POCs felt after the President's comments. It's a sudden change from Lemon's reputation following the Ferguson riots.  3. Mark Wahlberg - Sure, it took some public pressure. And sure, it may even look like a PR stunt. But still, Wahlberg did the right thing after news broke he earned $1.5 million and Michelle Williams earned $1,000. A donation in her name of the entire $1.5

"Shitholes."  Look, I've tried to be fair with the President. Some countries and their current conditions are exactly that - shitholes. Very poor conditions. He's nothing but honest and blunt in his assessment.  However, his comment is just another in a continued (rather excessive) pattern of actions that alienates and divides, and continues to marginalize people of color. After a while, you learn it's not about immigration reform for this administration, but rather, the "kind" of immigrant here that will making this country "Great Again."

3 Up 1. Wrestle Kingdom 12 - The annual January 4th wrestling show from Japan was once again awesome. From top to bottom, the card delivered and set the bar extremely high for the rest of the industry to follow in 2018.  2. Oprah Golden Globes Speech - It was interesting to watch Hollywood deal with the demons of their industry which were revealed this past year. At some point, some of the comments felt a bit forced, but Oprah in all of her Oprah-ish glory deliver the speech of the night calling for transformation and gender equality. She killed it, as Oprah does.  3. Sterling K. Brown - Brown made history tonight becoming the first black actor to win lead actor drama category. On top of that, Brown's speech about intentional black characters being written for was authentic, and one that resonated greatly.  3 Down 1. Cold Weather - Ummm, what is this weather? Why, why, why is it so cold? Not a fan. At. All.  2. Steve Bannon vs. Donald Trump - Look, who

I think we have found the new phase (and craze) in professional wrestling. And it's a simple one - in-ring wrestling. That sounds pretty obvious, but the product that New Japan Pro Wrestling is offering is now setting the tone of excellence within the industry, and this fan - a long time supporter of NJPW's style - is very invested.  As stated in previous posts, 2017 was a rough year of pro wrestling, well again, for me it was. Most products here in the states felt blah - or just insulting. And quite frankly, that's the best part of NJPW - that it isn't insulting. It doesn't need to alienate it's fans with over-the-top presentations, or even, rehashing styles and philosophies from the past (ala Attitude Era, ECW, etc...) like the way some American fans attempt to do. Everything in New Japan just feels organic and dare I say - wrestling just feels fun once again.  But for most pro wrestling fans, these thoughts and feelings aren't a surprise to