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Showing posts from November, 2023

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 11/26/23

3 Up 1. Hostages Released - It might not be an overwhelming consensus - as this topic is so polarizing that I doubt we come to such agreements. Regardless, having innocent individuals released is a plus in the situation. I wish we still didn't have innocent people dying, but that's a whole other topic.  1a. Cease Fire - Who knows how long this will last. But the fact there is an agreement in place while hostages are being released is a plus. Take it.  2. Thanksgiving - The older I get, the more this day has a deeper focus and a sense of gratitude. Please take a moment today to focus on that among all of the chaos of food, family, friends, and everything else.  3. CM Punk Return - How cool was that? CM Punk returns to the WWE at the Survivor Series. Never say never in that company.  3 Down 1. NBA Ethics Optics - From Miles Bridges to Josh Giddey, its been really difficult lately to trust the NBA's moral compass. I'm not throwing them under the bus as they've done the

WWE Survivor Series 2023 Review: "Whaddya Wanna Talk About?"

Well, following that premium live event, in the words of Cody Rhodes... "whaddya wanna talk about?"  The obvious is there, right? CM Punk, somehow, makes a bid for another moment-of-the-year candidate for wrestling fans with another "return" - his second over the last four years. This one, back to the WWE, in what felt like the most improbable of opportunities. But as we've learned, WWE truly is where you "never say never".  You can go in so many directions on this one. But without going too far down a road that hasn't developed or we have some headlights on, it's quite clear that WWE is absolutely crushing the wrestling business right now, and adding anything - or anyone - to that continued record success is the mission. They. Are. Not. Settled.  Second, the unveil I thought was great. Just absolute pro wrestling at its peak. As soon as the guitar riff to "Cult of Personality" hit and the familiar graphics hit the screens, my immedia

Quick Ponder: Gratitude

  My sense of gratitude explodes within my heart when I cease expressing it through the tangible, but rather through, time and moments.  Happy Thanksgiving, all. 

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 11/19/23

3 Up 1. Avoid Government Shutdown - Anytime we can do this, it's a good thing. Unfortunately, at a time when it feels Americans have less faith in the overall system working for them than ever before, especially with a Presidential election looming, shutdowns don't help that.  2. Sister Zaph   - I'm amazed at this story, especially Sister Zaph's approach to education in founding a school at 13 years of age with a philosophy of "Love". Definitely give this one a brief read.  3. Micro Acts Proven - Huh? Imagine that, small acts of kindness can bring joy. We need this reminder as the world feels like it's falling apart.  3 Down 1. World Tragedy - Just when everything in Gaza consumes your ethos, there is Ukraine. And the Congo. And Haiti. Then there are the recovering people of Hawaii. The earthquakes in Iceland. And Nepal. And sooo many other areas. It's hard to carry the burden.  2. School Climates - Every campus. Every high school. Every school board

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 11/12/23

3 Up 1. $150M Hawaii Recovery Fund - The people of Maui, and many others devastated by the wildfires from earlier this year, are getting some much-needed help in terms of funds. From further details, it doesn't ultimately feel like it will be enough due to the extent of the damage, but it's something, and it's needed.  2. Hollywood Strike Over - Super happy for writers. Mostly, for so many support staff who work in the industry who make a living and are often overlooked during this strike. Also, yeah, happy to get some of my favorite shows back!  3. 3rd Presidential Debate - Well, it wasn't bad. It wasn't. Much, much better than the trainwreck that was the second debate.  3 Down 1. Hostages in Gaza - Not much to say here. A lot of evil happening (and being exposed) in that part of the world. So much of it extended all over. I just pray for those still held captive.  2. Housing Market Least Affordable Since 1984 - Such a sad fact. 1984! There are so many underlyin

Quick Ponder: Apathy

I routinely run from apathy out of fear. Only for it to run me right into what is salient. 

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 11/5/23

3 Up 1. NYC Marathon - Marathons will forever fascinate me. Also, of interest is the NYC marathon which always brings the city together. Kudos to all who raced today. I still can't wrap my mind around running 26.2 miles.  1a. Tamirat Tola & Hellen Obiri - Tola, the men's winner, set a new course record! Obiri made it interesting down the stretch and battled for the win. Again, just fascinating.  2. Texas Rangers - The Rangers are finally World Series Champions. What got me was that post on social media showing an elder gentleman, and surely a longtime Rangers fan moved to tears on the final out . That's real fandom. That's what it's all about. Loved it.  3. Halloween - I never cared much for Halloween until my son came around. I'm not sure at the core, that I still do. But experiencing it with him, that's awesome.  3 Down 1. Republic of Congo - While the world focuses on Gaza, and loses its grip on Ukraine, it barely holds focus on the atrocities that a

Quick Ponder: The Confident Cynic

Beware of the confident cynic who lacks courage in the moment.

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

What is it about?  Miles Morales moves through the Spider-Man Universe where he encounters various versions of Spider-Man who all want to protect the very existence of the multi-verse. Morales must redefine himself as a person and as a hero in the face of the new threat.  Who is in it?  Miles Morales - Shameik Moore  Hailee Steinfeld - Gwen Stacy Brian Tyree Henry - Jeff Morales  Luna Lauren Velez - Rio Morales Favorite Scene:  [spoiler alert] While attempting to escape the multi-verse of Spiderman (or Spider-Man?), Miles battles through and thus realizes that he will likely need to go against the grain to be the superhero that needs to be.  Favorite Quote:  Everyone keeps telling me how my story is supposed to go. Nah. I'm-a do my own thing. Review:  I'm not going to lie, I would have never - EVER - watched this movie if my son hadn't been super excited to watch it. He's a huge Spiderman fan (mainly, superheroes in general) and loves the Spidey and Friends cartoon as w

Dome Pondering Movie Review: The Out-Laws (2023)

What is it about?  A very square, straight-laced banker finally meets his future in-laws who he later comes to realize robbed his bank the week prior to his wedding. He believes his wife's parents are the famous "Outlaws" who have robbed banks and vows to expose them for it.  Who is in it?  Adam Devine - Owen Browning Pierce Brosnan - Billy McDermott Ellen Barkin - Lilly McDermott Nina Dobrev - Parker McDermott Favorite Scene:  [spoiler alert] After joining forces with his future in-laws, Owen dresses as Shrek for his first-ever bank robbery.  Favorite Quote:  “You stopped to give someone CPR?” Review:  The Out-Laws is as random, and as wacky, and as cheesy, and as predictable, yet, as entertaining as you can imagine. The idea that this film hosts someone like Pierce Brosnan is still wild to me. But whatevs.  This film is exactly as expected - it's goofy as anything, yet carries enough moments that it keeps you through the plot. I've seen Adam Devine in various ot