Dome Pondering

3 Up 1. Nike Serena Williams Ad - Baseball gets a lot of criticism for it's relationship with the best player in it's game, but that is nothing - NOTHING - compared to what the sport of tennis continues to do to one of it's greats in Serena Williams. The recent "cat suit" ban is a joke. And yes, the ban is racist, sexist, and super elitist. Nonetheless, in classic Nike fashion - no pun intended - the response ad in support of Williams was absolutely fantastic. 2. Welcome Week on Campuses - As a student affairs practitioner, I'm upon that week where we welcome incoming students to the higher education experience. Some have already gone through it. Regardless, much love to my fellow SA-ers, my colleagues, and friends out there during this period. Keep doing the great things on campus that you do! 3. Big 3 - In it's second year, the BIG 3 season this year was so much fun. And the recent title game was just that as well. I got a chance to really di

As much as the wrestling world has changed in 2018, and for the better might I add, nothing exemplifies the stronghold and the brand footprint the WWE has on the pro wrestling scene than the interest and engagement of fans for their mega-weekends. I'll be the first one to tell you, I fast-forward through WWE programming too often, and rarely ever to dive into anything on either show as of late. That's five hours - FIVE - that in my opinion, feels optional at best. It's quite crazy when you type it out. But enough on the bashing. Because again, regardless of their weekly programming, no one does these mega-weekends better than the WWE. And naturally, I found myself diving into everything Vince-owned. Unfortunately, the weekend produced some great, some good, some bad, and ultimately, too much content. As always, here are a new notes from this fan on this year's SummerSlam weekend.

3 Up 1. Johnny Russell - Russell takes the top spot this week in a pretty cool moment that reminds us of what sports are all about. After a young fan held up a sign for him during the Sporting Kansas City game proclaiming that it was her birthday, Russell went over and gave the girl his jersey as well as hug. A simple gesture, but the girl's reaction makes this top-spot worthy. 2. Oakland Athletics - The A's are coming, and they are coming for everyone! Not only have they taken over the second Wild Card spot, but the A's have now put the Astros on notice that they might be coming for the division as well. I'm super happy for a passionate fanbase that unfortunately, too many bring up in contraction discussions. 3. Velveteen Dream - Putting "Call me Up Vince" on the back of your pants during an NXT Takeover Event (WWE's development for those who aren't aware) is so boss. So, so boss. 3 Down 1. Catholic Church - All I'm going to say is

-- 8 Weeks Old -- Dear Son,  The last 8 weeks have been pretty crazy, and even that is an understatement in many ways. Your presence has really reshaped, refocused, and redefined much of how I look at life, and my relationship with others (more on that in another post). Honestly, the bottom line - you're number one in everything. Like, EVERYTHING.  I'll never - EVER - forget the month of July 2018. I spent an incredibly vast amount of time with you in the earliest days of your life. Luckily, I was able to be awarded four weeks of paternity leave from work to bond, to help, and really, to fall in love you with you - and let's be honest, it didn't (doesn't) take much. Throughout that month I've watched countless hours of television with you on my chest or in my arms, and anyone can tell you, I don't watch much television. So let that speak for itself. I've done multiple laps around our apartment giving in to your obsession of needing to

3 Up 1. ROH/ NJPW & MSG - I know, that sub header reads like a crazy jumbling of acronyms, however, kudos to Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling who sold out Madison Square Garden this week. The first sold out show at MSG by a company other than the WWE. If this isn't evidence of the massive change within the wrestling business in 2018, I'm not sure what it is.  2. Ramon Laureano Throw - That throw was absolutely insane. Just insane. Right on the money.  3. Wayne Rooney - Speaking of insane plays, how about Wayne Rooney continuing to do Wayne Rooney things in MLS with this insane clutch play. The placement on that cross was just crazy.  3 Down 1. Unite the Right Rally - It's still insane to me how these types of rallies are still so common. Especially after Charlottesville last year. But yet, here we are. SMH.  2. Laura Ingraham - I don't even consider some of these talking heads on cable news legit anymore. What bothers me is no

It wasn't long ago that I officially took my heart back from Impact Wrestling (then TNA). It was during this time in which Dixie Carter and crew had been taking the loyalty of it's fans for granted, and really, doing one of the greatest disservices in pro wrestling history when it came to the potential and positioning of the company. Regardless, here we are with yet another chapter of this company (2nd under this new ownership). Yet,  in an intriguing way, this new era is easily my favorite in the company's history since, well,  maybe that 2002-2006 run when it provided an alternative to the mega giant that is Vince and friends.

The other side awaits.

3 Up  1. Randy Moss' Tie - I don't care much for the NFL these days, but I did see the tie that Randy Moss wore for his induction. The tie acknowledged the many black men and women who were killed or died under various circumstances by law enforcement around the country. It's a nice gesture letting the families of those victims know they haven't been forgotten, and it's also one that once again brings to light the message that Kaepernick started. Not the anthem. 2. Jerry Jones Hypocrisy - Speaking of anthems... THIS was so fantastic. And so very true. By the way, remove the hat, Jerry! It's quite disrespectful to the flag and the anthem. Honestly, it's amazing how ridiculous this entire ordeal has gotten. 3. NRA Trolling - So the NRA is looking for money and are claiming they may cease to exist if they don't get the support. Kudos to the many who sent "thoughts and prayers" trolling the notorious organization. In a world where trollin