Dome Pondering

3 Up 1. 13 United States Soldiers - Nothing dominated the news world this week like the terrorist attack that killed 13 US soldiers in Afghanistan among many others. The humanization pieces of those amazing soldiers have been tough to endure, but also, have been a great reminder source of the sacrifice that is exhibited daily - even if we aren't a perfect union. THAT deserves the top spot this week. All of those soldiers deserve the top spot. My prayers tonight will go to the loved ones of each of those thirteen soldiers, and the many others killed or injured from this attack.  2. Air BnB for Afghan Refugees  - More Afghanistan fall out that has become good - Air BNB has pledged to provide housing for 20,000 Afghanistan refugees. That's pretty cool, and really, a simple reminder of how far simple humanity from corporate America can go. If they want to...

3 Up 1. Health Care Workers - I know we've moved away from this because we thoughts on the current pandemic seem to be waning in urgency, but we're throwing ALL health officials back into the tops spot this week. With extreme surges in Florida and Texas and various rural areas throughout the country in small hospitals, there are plenty of health care workers tirelessly offering their services to save lives.  Yes, lives that didn't have to be in peril...but that's another discussion.  2. CM Punk (and Pro Wrestling) - How cool is the pro wrestling scene right now? CM Punk's return to pro wrestling (of course!) was the crowning moment as it was just so cool. The kind of moment every wrestling fan loves. This weekend we were given so much of that awesomeness in the industry with so many shows and offerings. Enjoy it all pro wrestling fans!

Looooooooook in my eyes, what do you see?! The lyrics to Cult of Personality, especially that first bar,  never felt so fitting for CM Punk as it did last night.  For the most part, everything that is CM Punk's return to wrestling last night at AEW Rampage ties directly into my latest thoughts on pro wrestling - the company is making it must-see destination television, an element desperately needed from pro wrestling.  Last night was incredible as again, it was another moment that made wrestling feel alive - with a wild and energetic pulse. It was one of the coolest moments in pro wrestling that you knew was coming, expected, anticipated, and it was everything and more. Again, MUST-SEE television. That's hard to do.  For me, it wasn't just Punk's return to pro wrestling, but the mere presence and voice of his inclusion in today's space. We know that Punk can deliver on the microphone - probably his best and most signature attribute. We also know that yes, he can

Well, we finally are at the end of the first round of this experiment - the Nike City Connect Series - for a sport that does not embrace ideas and initiatives like this very easily. I've said it when I started reviewing this series - it has the potential to be very cool, but handling the traditional aesthetics will be the key in this idea not only flourishing but surviving.  With some really cool designs unveiled this summer, and an EXTREMELY conservative approach to the designs for those teams like the Giants and Dodgers (review to come in a bit, I promise), it is fair to say that this has been a success.  Want further proof? Check out this article that discusses the mindset change by teams with traditional aesthetics such as the Yankees who are now "aggressively pursuing alternate jerseys". 

3 Up 1. Field of Dreams Game - I shared all of my thoughts on this event earlier this week, but it must be stated again, MLB (especially those who worked on the event directly) deserve sooooooo much props for the flawless event that it was. MLB has something special in this going forward, it's up to them how they decide to proceed.  2. Orion Jean from Texas - The week has been a tough one with so many world issues flooding our news timelines. This story out of Texas is the kind of story we need more of - there are so many people doing GOOD work out there, even ten-year-olds! God Bless you, Orion.  3. AEW Rampage - Another pondering topic this week - pro wrestling is on fire and much of it has to do with the company that has ALL the buzz - AEW. Rampage, their second show debuting this past Friday night, was just a big part of what the industry needs - and from rumors, we're getting even more awesomeness this week.  3 Down 1. Afghanistan - The reports were built all week long

I've had my share of thoughts on pro wrestling's status over the past few years. At best, in some form or expression, pretty much every pro wrestling fan has. The topic has been discussed ad nauseam and is one for concern because yes, the industry is in decline despite the various options and bigger-than-ever-money deals in effect. With rapidly declining television ratings (of the traditional...outdated kind), but even more so important, with the damning fact that the average age of the pro wrestling fan is rising at the levels of concern that mirrors climate change.  As much as we argue about its existence or reality, or prevention - the problem is here and is growing.  I've shared in the past that contrary to popular belief, or what we experienced during the early stages of the pandemic (i.e. no fans, taped shows, limited access to relied upon stars), pro wrestling had a significant opportunity to capture old fans, casuals, new fans, and so much more . Especially when for

"You'll REALLY like the film. It's a great baseball movie that touches on the father-son relationship - just...just a really good film."  Those were the encouraging words of my father-in-law in regards to the film, Field of Dreams, on the weekend prior to the MLB at Field of Dreams game in Iowa. There were among the few recommendations or positive reviews that I received as the fever pitch (no pun intended - and a terrible movie about the RedSox and Baseball - blah) built toward the game. I, a baseball fan, never saw the movie, or really, had little interest in it.  I finally watched it based on the nudges, excitable remarks, and surprisingly shocked reactions when I mentioned that I never saw the film. And of course, because it would be nice to have SOME context to why the game was special. For me, the film was. well,  it was just there. Good movie - great script for sure. I guess I just never got caught in the romanticizing of baseball that the film elicits for me.

3 Up 1. Allyson Felix - After winning her 11th (!!!) medal at the Olympics, Felix is now the MOST decorated Track and Field athlete in history. That's pretty awesome especially considering that she passed the great Carl Lewis in doing so. So much props to Felix - and here is to hoping that she inspires younger track and field athletes to come.  2. Olympic Reactions - One of my favorite things about these 2020 (or 2021) Olympics has been the raw emotion from athletes in victory and in defeat. Some of those that have stood out are the United States Men and Women Basketball teams, The French Men's Basketball team, the US Women's Volleyball Team, the Jamaican 4x100 Women's Relay, and the Japanese Baseball team. So much emotion - so much good stuff.  3. King's Disease II - Maybe this is a personal bias, but eh, whatevs. Nas' latest album, The King's Disease II is an absolute joy, especially for those with a bit of an appetite for that 90s-2000s flavor. Just a go

I am a fan of Major League Baseball finding new ways to add intrigue and marquee attractions to what can often feel like a long and mundane season in August and September. I've long believed that baseball has the season of summer at its whim for creativity, and there are so many opportunities to use that to its advantage.  Well, enter the Field of Dreams game. Sure, it was canceled last year because COVID ruined everything and 2020 was just the worst. However, we're on for 2021 and the attraction not only is shaping up to be really cool, but baseball went the extra mile by giving us special uniforms for the game!  So many of us often get on baseball for its lack of marketing, but this is one of those times we have to offer it up to the league - well done.

3 Up 1. The Olympics - Despite the shotty coverage of events (is it me, or has the coverage been awful?), the Olympics have provided some amazing stories, moments, and achievements to relish. From Katie Ledecky's dominance, the emergence of Suni Lee, the NEW fastest man on earth in Marcell Jacobs, the outstanding Jamaican runners, and so much more - it's been a wild ride already.  2. Kyrie Irving - Do some consider him weird? Yes. Do I understand that many are lukewarm on his antics, or just overall vibe? Of course. Polarizing, maybe? Sure. Regardless of where you land on Kyrie Irving, the guy does back up his beliefs not for the approval of you and me, but for what he believes is right. I respect that. That's real. We saw this as he brought clean water to a Pakistani village, as well as infrastructure for solar-powered energy and other modes for help. That's pretty awesome.