Skip to main content

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 7/2/23


3 Up

1. Domingo German - The 24th perfect game in MLB history. Still one of the most awesome things in sports (and so random). German has gone through quite a bit, and some still haven't forgiven him for his transgressions, but for one night, the dude was perfect. That's the beauty of baseball. 

2. Bloodline Storyline - Easily the best storyline in pro wrestling in decades, and likely one of the best ever, this entire ordeal continues to morph, develop, get deeper, and suck us all in. This weekend was no different with the WWE Money in the Bank premium live event in London. 

3. Independent State Legislature - The Supreme Court, which has been active this week (more below) voted to shoot down this theory that would give state power in federal elections. The proposal was shot down in a vote of 6-3. The ultimate win here doesn't radicalize our elections, but most importantly, keeps voting front and center away from legalized gerrymandering and other state sanctions that could suppress votes. 

Sometimes I like to think we're better than this, but these theories get pushed to the high courts, and it makes me wonder and appreciate just how precious and fragile voting really is. 

3 Down

1. Cancer Medicine Shortage - The drugs used for chemotherapy, Carboplatin and Cisplatin, are now in such short supply that doctors are rationing care, and patients are driving long distances for treatment. Cancer already sucks. Now we've got this situation. 

2. France Riots - France is an absolute mess. Sometimes I wish our media covered international news in a much more high-profile matter. But the situation in France is rough, and the cause and narratives are very similar to what we've seen here in the United States around race, immigration, law enforcement, and xenophobia. 

3. Baltimore Mass Shootings - Another weekend, another mass shooting in America. Happy Birthday to the USA. 

3 Interesting 

1. Race-Based Admissions - This was a big one for me working in higher education. The discussion is a nuanced one and goes so much deeper than many are giving it within discourse. It has much more to do with "merit" and is all about assessing access and privilege pipelines to education. 

2. Bud Light Ramifications - The Bud Light boycott is now costing 600 people their jobs, and expected to see more. Bud Light is really struggling. All of this is due to culture wars. I'm all for boycotting services to make a statement, but the entire Bud Light ordeal is quite fascinating considering it's effect and the true impact on its cause. 

3. Air Quality Warnings - Here in the NYC metro area, "air quality" alerts are now more frequent than ever. When did this become normal? 

Cover Photo

New York Yankees starting pitcher Domingo German (0) poses with the team after pitching a perfect game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., June 28, 2023.

Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Amateur (2018)

What is it about? The recruiting and exploitation of a teenage basketball phenom expose the immoral undercurrent world of amateur sports and business.  Who is in it?  Michael Rainey Jr. - Terron Forte Jr.  Brian White - Vince Josh Charles - Coach Gaines

TNA Slammiversary 2026: "A great show that felt like it could have been epic with the proper buildup."

TNA certainly came into Slammiversary 2026 carrying some public relations (or perception?) baggage which affected the excitement for this event. For me, Slammiversary has become one of those wrestling events on the calendar that moves the needle for me. This is especially the case after attending last year's historic event.   This year, the hype was not there. And ultimately, the overall creative process for the product for most of 2026 was well...plain. It wasn't terrible. But yeeaaaaaahhhhhhh, nothing felt overly exciting. The company had no major storyline driver. And thus, we saw the removal of Tommy Dreamer as head of creative at TNA after being with the company for almost ten years. Much of Slammiversary 2026 felt like it was pulled together two weeks out. And even heading into the show, with the added drama of Dreamer's release, TNA once again felt unstable.  Fortunately, what we got was a great show that feels like - again, there is that perception thing! - TNA is ...