2024 felt exhausting.
It was shifty in many ways, but the word "exhausting" keeps coming back to mind as 2024 felt like a constant crisis in areas that truly aren't crises, on top of the already occurring crises.
That sentence was exhausting.
As mentioned in my Most Fascinating Things of 2024, the year felt like it was about culture and society, and we surely battled and attacked everything. Like, everything! EVERY. SINGLE. THING! And of course, we lived through an eventful political season that was the Presidential election.
Exhale...breathe...wheeeewwwww!
2024, you're even tiring in thought.
Before we get to it all, as always, I would like to thank all of you for your continued support and reading of this little site called Dome Pondering. I've somehow come full circle where I punch the keys whenever life allows, and truly from a place of freedom (since the pressure for "content" is via social media). I appreciate all of you for sticking with thought and personal essays - I still believe it's not dead.
As goes tradition, welcome to the 19th annual Year in Review. Let's name some Pondy Award winners and I'll slap a bow on 2024 with some personal reflections and thoughts.
Let's go.
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THE PONDY AWARDS
*Crucial Moment of the Year: Joe Biden Drops Out of Presidential Race
Looking back, the 2024 Presidential election was wacky.
Yeah, tell us something we don't know!
I'm not saying it changes any outcomes - it doesn't - but the moment Dems had to make the decision to either bench Biden or start the game with him, it unveiled quite a bit about American politics, and really, the overall populous shift in the country. Everything afterward felt performative.
Honorable Mention: Donald Trump Wins Presidency Again
*World Affairs Issue of the Year: Israel-Hamas War
Protests. Conflict. War. Death. Unfortunately, more of the same.
Honorable Mention: Russia-Ukraine War, Civil War in Sudan, and Climate Change
*Inspirational Story of the Year: Luol Deng and South Sudan Basketball
When I heard this story during the Summer Olympics, especially its details while Sudan played the U.S. Men's team, it was hard not to feel inspired by Luol Deng. A lot of athletes claim to love the game, but Luol literally is putting his earnings back into it to create something by using basketball to uplift a nation. So special.
Honorable Mention: Story of Elijah Hogan, and Story of Leora Hooper
*Random Story of the Year: United Healthcare CEO Murder
This one came out of nowhere to end our 2024. There is alot happening in this one which is likely to have some effects heading in 2025 regarding the societal microscope on corporate America, specifically the healthcare industry.
Honorable Mention: Katt Williams Interview, Francis Scott Key Bridge is Crashed into, Anything Robert F. Kennedy Jr, and Outrage Surround Imane Khelif
*Most Controversial Story of the Year: Israel-Hamas War
For the second year in a row.
Honorable Mention: Caitlin Clark, Abortion Rights, Gender Identity in Sports, and Immigration
*Most Overrated Story of the Year: Hawk Tuah
I said my piece regarding the Hawk Tuah phenomenon in "My Most Fascinating Things of 2024". At the end of the day, I'm still not sure what the rage or the appeal is. This thing has carried beyond the viral moment it had. Just my take...
Honorable Mention: Raygun Breakdancer, Kamala Harris Racial Identity, and Bronny James
*Tune of the Year: "Not Like Us" by Kendrick Lamar
Easy pick for me. Never before did a diss track live so mainstream. The beat is instantaneously infectious, and it dominated the summer.
*Invention of the Year: Artificial Intelligence
A.I. took another step this year. It's causing all sorts of chaos, with so much potential remaining.
*Comeback of the Year: Donald Trump
From a courtroom of conviction to the Presidency. That's a comeback. Regardless of where you fall politically, you have to admit, Trump's 2024 has been wild.
*"Wishing Well" Award of the Year: World Peace
Second year in a row. Feels fitting again.
Honorable Mention: Unbiased News
*"Just Go Away" Award of the Year: Social Media Celebrities
We have to be better with who we give stardom.
Honorable Mention: Diddy, Hawk Tuah, Celebrity or "Spectacle" Boxing matches, and Taylor Swift at Football Games Updates
*"Largest Fortitude Award of the Year: Donald Trump (Assassination Attempt)
Once again, politics aside. The President-elect took a bullet to the ear and without understanding the situation, still stood up and pumped his fist in what is likely the most declaring photo of 2024. Say what you want about him, but that's some fortitude.
PS - Can we do something about guns and people just shooting? 84 school shootings in 2024 and an attempted Presidential assassination...
..stepping down off my soap box.
*We'll Miss You" Award of the Year: Gaudreau Brothers
Such a gut-wrenching story. Hug your loved ones tonight just because. Prayers go out to the Gaudreau family during this holiday season.
*"What Were You Thinking Award of the Year: Joe Biden (decision to run for re-election)
I would like to know (truthfully) what Joe Biden's thought process was when he decided to move forward to run again. Did he think he could do it again? Even if he could, whyyyyyyyyy?!!!
Honorable Mention: Jontay Porter
*"What a Shame" Award of the Year: State of U.S. Education
The COVID cohort is now leaving spaces, and you know what? The warning signs are still there! Time to curb the phones, stop politicizing curriculums, and parent our kids (guardians, communities, friends, teachers, everyone). The warning signs are louder and we're stuck on books and political talking points.
Honorable Mention: Donald Trump Assassination Attempt, Higher Education Campus Protests, and Earth's Extreme Conditions
*"Welcome to the Scene" Award of the Year: Caitlin Clark
Ohhhh, she arrived, alright.
Honorable Mention: Ilona Maher, Sabrina Carpenter, Hawk Tuah, and Kamala Harris
*"This Should Have Been Done Before" Award of the Year: Discussion of Social Media Regulation
Australia just passed a bill banning social media for individuals under 16 years of age. I'm very curious to see how that plays out...
*"The Incredibles" Award of the Year: Madonna Concert in Brazil (Impromptu Concert of 1.6M)
Her last concert ever. On a beach. For free. 1.6 million - MILLION! - people showed up. Pretty incredible.
Honorable Mention: Inside Out 2, Beyonce's Cowboy Carter album, Taylor Swift Becomes a Billionaire through Music, Caitlin Clark's "effect" on WNBA, and Shohei Ohtani's 6-for-6 game (becoming the first 50/50 player in MLB history)
*"We Need to Fix This" Award of the Year: American Divide
We're divided on topics that aren't even salient to Americana. For me, the Olympics - even for just a few moments - gave me an unconditional love of my country. We're not perfect, but we've got to be better than this.
Honorable Mention: AI Use, Discourse without Nuance or Knowledge, and Climate Change
*Biggest Letdown of the Year: Athletics Departure from Oakland
Robbed. I would love for the city of Oakland to get the A's back. But that won't be happening. Heartbreaking for that city.
Honorable Mention: NBA All-Star Game
*Idiot of the Year: Jontay Porter
Whichever way I look at this, I cannot understand it. Why?!
*Dome Pondering Person of the Year: Caitlin Clark
I said my piece earlier this month on Clark.
She's the center of everything that was society and culture in 2024. Yes, she's an athlete, and she is phenomenal. But her impact was so much more. She is the ultimate unicorn that pushes what we thought we understood, breaks the norms and what we are comfortable with, and elevates an intersection of discussions that I am convinced many of us are not ready to have honestly.
Clark ebbs and flows in the mainstream from the white girl from Iowa "who should be the face of the league" to her "bending to the woke mob". It's unreal what each group in this twisted society of identity politics wants Clark to represent. She has detractors who dislike her for what they think she represents. And she has a fanbase that rivals Taylor Swift in loyalty and online viciousness.
Clark has been the biggest mirror reflecting our contradictions and unseriousness on many issues in 2024. All while, ballin' and changing the landscape at the age of twenty-two.
Honorable Mention: Beyonce, Donald Trump, and Kendrick Lamar
*Wrestling Show of the Year: Wrestlemania 40 (WWE)
Easy. I'm sure the wrestling brigade will come for me. Nothing topped 'Mania this year.
*"Business is About to Pick Up" Award of the Year: Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes (Wrestlemania 40)
We knew shenanigans would happen. And when it did happen, it still felt legendary. An all-time match with multiple moments that will forever make you feel.
Honorable Mention: The Rock returns
*Pro Wrestling Match of the Year: CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre - Hell in a Cell (WWE Bad Blood)
Again, this is my pick. But everything around this match is pro wrestling and so old-school in nature. The ultimate feud. The rivalry. The pay-off gimmick match. The story told inside of the cell. All of it felt like a climax and was pure art.
*"Pro Wrestling Tag Team of the Year: ABC (TNA)
Tag Team wrestling had a strange year of inconsistency. My pick goes to ABC from TNA who stayed the course and delivered all year.
Honorable Mention: Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill (WWE), Judgement Day (WWE), and Motor City Machine Guns (WWE/TNA)
*Female Pro Wrestler of the Year: Jordynne Grace (TNA)
An amazing year for Jordynne Grace. She bounced between WWE, NXT, and TNA, and crushed it everywhere.
Honorable Mention: Liv Morgan (WWE), Toni Storm (AEW), and Bayley (WWE)
*Male Pro Wrestler of the Year: Drew McIntyre (WWE)
There was the COVID year where Drew really carried the company, But this year, he TAKES the MVP of the industry in a year centered around his feud with CM Punk. Overall, McInteyre has been tremendous as the "understandable heel" but even more so, has delivered some real bangers.
Honorable Mention: Roman Reigns (WWE), Cody Rhodes (WWE), and Swerve Strickland (AEW)
*Sport Event of the Year: Summer 2024 Olympics
So much good stuff. For me, it was the hoops. Thanks to Peacock again for the on-demand options. You're the real MVP.
Honorable Mention: Super Bowl LVIII and WNBA All-Star Game
"The Derek Jeter Flip Play" Award of the Year: Steph Curry Three-Point Shot vs. France
I lost my mind with that three-point shot. Epic. Night. Night.
Here's the moment from the NBC broadcast.
Electric. Love it.
Honorable Mention: Freddie Freeman's World Series Walk-Off Grandslam, Sabrina Ionescu Three-Point shot in Game 3 of WNBA Finals, and Kyrie Irving's Left-Hand 18-foot hook shot at the Buzzer
*Coach of the Year: Joe Mazzulla
He's so weird. So unorthodox. He does things HIS way. And you know what? He wins.
Honorable Mention: Andy Reid, Dave Roberts, Sandy Brondello, and Steve Kerr
*Team of the Year: Kansas City Cheifs
They went from loveable attraction to being hated due to constant winning, and the addition of pop stars, mainstream names, some lucky wins, and everything else. The natural rise and fall we want in sports.
Honorable Mention: Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Dodgers, Florida Panthers, and US Women's Gymnastics Team
*Dome Pondering Athlete of the Year: Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky
For the first time since 2006, I'm going co-winner here. Biles also is tabbed for the second time as DPAOTY (2018 & 2024).
It's simple. Both women are the best at what they do. In an Olympic Year where both 27-year-olds dominated once again, it's well-deserved and hard to argue against. Two Olympic-based athletes who brought forward Olympic sports to the mainstream in huge ways.
Somehow, someone is going to read this and immediately defend Caitlin Clark. Smh, 2024.
Honorable Mention: Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Aj'a Wilson, Patrick Mahomes, and Caitlin Clark
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THE FINAL COUNTDOWN...
2024 is the year I held back. For someone who often likes to share their thoughts via this (now dated) form and style, this year very much felt like my tipping point when it came to the outward expression of opinion. This is especially the case in regards to engaging in discourse more so than debate.
The world is now a constant opinion machine, where minimal nuance now happens. Where little room evidence-based course-correction is given. Understanding for growth is put aside for intaking for later verbal assaults against an opposing narrative, rhetoric, or belief. It's exhausting.
When it comes to 2024, the most significant thing for me is a piece of sidewalk art (I love some sidewalk art in NYC!) that is located about 20 feet from the Subway station I exit every morning on my work commute. The art simply reads:
Not all expressions are honest. Stay Real.
I've loved that all year.
With that said, the following are some real thoughts that have been salient throughout my 2024. Not necessarily new personal findings, but thoughts that have been BIG in my 2024 process and experience. In no particular order:
Let God Move in Your Life
Early in 2024, this was a mission. I'm not sure if it's age with wisdom, or lived experiences (or both?), but I have found myself intentionally trying to give space to God. I've found that being intentional in letting go and allowing myself to drive myself deeper into my faith strengthens just that thing, having faith.
I know it may seem preachy or churchy to those who don't share this sentiment or aren't individuals in the faith space, but for me, it's been a huge difference in genuinely staying present, remaining centered on things that matter (God, Family, Friends, etc....) and adjusting daily perspective to purpose.
Say Less
Born out of the above, I've slowed things down a lot, even though my life really has become more busy and complicated than it ever has been (Two kids, a wife, taking care of my mom, work, kids activities, the Knicks...).
You already know this, we're in a world where thoughts and opinions are used as wrapping for "content". Because of that, listening has become such an incredibly powerful resource. I've gone into spaces and conversations where I've told myself "Don't say a word, we're just listening." And it's amazing how much you can take in, even more importantly, what is revealed and learned in those moments, while doing so.
Hero & Villain Stories
As someone who had to go through the experience of being involved in a Federal Lawsuit (don't worry, I'm good because God is Good - I was involved in a fringe way. Maybe I'll post on that experience down the road?). Nonetheless, in 2024, it becomes apparent that there are so many sources of evil works in this world that are beyond your scope.
Someone is going to find fault with you - for something!
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.- John 15:18
However, the beauty is that you're also the hero in someone's story. And that far outweighs what someone who doesn't understand you thinks or has said, of you.
More than ever, we need to hear and feel those Hero stories. Let those people know what they meant to you.
Authenticity is Rare
I'd be lying if I didn't say I found some clarity on this topic this year. This one is new.
Bear with me on this, and forgive me if it comes off blunt.
I just find myself with less patience, a minimal willingness to endure, and in various ways, no respect for individuals who offer advice, overtly strong opinions, or feel they are "correct" on subject matters they have little to no lived experiences in or valid education on.
Yeah, man. Just say it! Gots no time for people who say a lotta shit who ain't done shit!
Exactly.
Theodore Roosevelt's Man in the Arena is one of my favorite literary pieces. I love it. I believe it. But yeah...gots no time.
However, on the contrary, I'm sooooooooo into just listening to people's experiences and background. People are just so complex and so little grace is given to one another for those lived scars. I genuinely find joy in offering that grace in connecting with others.
Will Power
Philippians 12:2 stayed with me throughout 2024. Much like "Making Room for God", the idea of constantly adjusting within, with innate willpower, to do what is right, is a perspective, and powerful atonement. There is another level you can get to. There is another level of understanding or reflection - IF we want to!
Compete every day.
It remains a favorite slogan of mine. I use it with my students. I use it with my sons. I love it.
It's just a reminder, and still reigns true - you don't have to give 100% in the situation, but give 100% of what you have currently in that moment.
"Babies and Memories"
It is such a good line from one of my favorite movies, "Friday Night Lights". The older I get, the clearer that line becomes, and the more robust those three words feel.
It's weird. That phrase literally defined how I prioritized my schedule and valued my time in 2024 (and likely going forward).
Them: Hey, you coming to the Holiday party after work?
Me: Nah, I'm going home to win back the Tag Team Titles with my son in WWE 2K24
Them: Oh...
Me: Yeah.
Yield to Your Assignment
There is such a strong power in perspective. Comparison is the thief of joy, right? And that is so easy to do in our climate of social media, connectivity, and again, flying discourse.
In 2024, maybe it's because I had some time to think it through with a newborn in those early months, but there is immense power in working through your purpose, and not via benchmarks and comparisons.
One step further, what if we yield to purpose, the way we do so many other factors (money, career, schedules, enjoyment, comfortability, etc...)? What is possible?
Think about that for a few...
And finally...
What a Beautiful Life
In 2024, by actively trying to give God space, slowing things down, and listening more, I've found myself more present in moments. And with that, more time to allow gratitude to live.
I find myself taking A LOT of mental pictures, whether it's looking at my kids in the rearview mirror while we make our morning school drop-offs, seeing my wife's quirky smile, pausing at the reflection of my mom's age in appearance but falling to her voice that instantly takes me back in her candor, and so much more...
For the entire year of 2024, with everything that happens in this crazy, chaotic, and at times, utterly cruel world, In those moments, I just keep thinking...
...what a beautiful life.
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As the days approach toward 2025, I hope you find time to slow it down, give thanks, and of course, the opportunity to stay real going forward.
In 2025, how will you respond?
Happy New Year!