Dome Pondering

I’m learning to get out of the way. Parenting is hard. And that statement in itself doesn’t capture the essence of the difficulty that I am referencing. I despise generational comparisons, and more so, the downplaying of anything generational. However, whenever my mom consistently admits, "I can’t imagine raising children under today's circumstances", I find understanding in that difficulty through her admission. There are new levels here!   As my oldest son, now seven years old, finds opportunities for himself - school, swim, martial arts, sports (he loves basketball, likes baseball), and his own free time and hobbies (Pokemon, Comic Books, and Pro Wrestling) - I’ve found myself balancing what I’ve become accustomed to, further doubled by the growth of his almost two-year-old brother. Because of where they are, it's easy for me to stay in one mode of "helicopter parent".  However, I remember being seven. I had independence (by circumstance) at that age that...

SummerSlam was awesome.  The first two-night event of its kind, I had the opportunity (and privilege, if you understand how difficult and expensive WWE tickets are now) of attending night two at MetLife Stadium. Having attended so many pro wrestling events this year, especially this summer, SummerSlam was a clear reminder that the WWE is really on a whole other level in regards to brand power, production, and overall impact.  The product at its core can be debated, and that is the beauty of where pro wrestling is right now - you have a choice. You won't find any tribalism here.  Nonetheless, Summerslam provided memories - in both endings on both nights, as well as for me personally, and my son. He's NEVER going to forget Summerslam 2025, nor the night Brock Lesnar returned.  We can talk matches, and work rates, and storylines, and whatever...but this event is marked by that, memorable moments.  Here are some quick thoughts on it all:  NIGHT ONE General Thou...

Beautiful,  is driving forward, sing along en route and looking in my rear view mirror at my kids. Undescribably, beautiful. 

What is it about? A woman moves back in with her parents following a shocking divorce. An unlikely affair with a younger guy revives her life and perspective on marriage. Who is in it? Melanie Lynskey - Amy Christopher Abbott - Jeremy Blythe Danner - Ruth Favorite Scene: Amy's dad, who is often much easier on her than her mom, comes to her bedside and gives her some money. She refuses, then he insists. She then asks, "whose happiness are you buying?" Favorite Quote: Where the f** is 'bottom'? Where the motherf***ing f*** is motherf***ing 'bottom'? Review: Hello, I Must Be Going was an interesting watch. I've always found Melanie Lynskey to be an intriguing actor, and her role in this was just that.  What makes this film so interesting is that, going into the film, you believed this would be a film documenting Amy's journey from recent divorcee into...well, wherever it is she goes. The beauty of this film is that Amy's journey was just a public...

We all continue to learn how to celebrate Hulk Hogan and his legacy, whether through the man Terry Bolea or simply the character Hulk Hogan. I choose to focus on the character, and in trying to separate the man from the entertainment that filled contributed greatly to pro wrestling.  I shared my sentiments earlier this week. This list is entirely mine. No need to celebrate or even remember it if you don't want to. If you're in that mode, here are my favorite Hulk Hogan moments: Honorable Mention - (Finally) vs. Bret Hart on Nitro Ahhhhhh yes, the match that eventually came to be. I'm a huge Bret Hart guy, and I enjoyed hating Hogan (within pro wrestling). For me, this match happened way too late, but even more so, it occurred on a Monday Nitro with absolutely no build or meaning. And yeah, the ending was awful.  I remember this simply because I wanted it to happen so bad, and it was one of those moments where I shook my head on the creative of WCW (And possibly, Hogan pull...

---19 Months--- Dear Son,  My guy, Milo!  I haven’t written many of these letters to you, yet, but I feel compelled to drop one at this time. You’re now 19 months old! A mere five months away from making us so happy for a full two years! And while you’ve added chaos to this life of ours, I cannot imagine life without you. As our second child, you’re shockingly a mere image of your brother in appearance, while your personality is the complete opposite (so far). You’re a prankster. Fearless. Curious. Decisive. And you eat EVERYTHING! And by everything, I mean, absolutely, any and everything! We have called you our "monster among babies" because, well, you are. And that recent check up of 99% percentile in weight and 95% percentile in height backs that moniker up. You are often mistaken for much older than you really are. Absolute, monster. But ultimately, as you walk and learn to talk (you love saying “no” and “all done”), if a toddler can have presence (at the time of this let...

What a complicated mess this news leaves me in. Hulk Hogan. Dead. At 71. I was never a fan of Hogan (in the world of pro wrestling)…I was a Macho Man Randy Savage guy, and later on, a Bret Hart guy (and still am). But like every other wrestling fan from the ’80s through now, Hulk Hogan’s presence and legend are undeniable.  Terry Bolea transcended wrestling as Hulk Hogan and helped the art form take its first step into the mainstream of pop culture.  He later reinvented the business once again with the greatest heel turn ever at Bash at the Beach 1996. Many have changed the business once, but twice? Significantly?! Hogan’s run as Hulkamania and as Hollywood makes a case for the best to ever do it - I can't think of anyone on such a high level on both sides of the pro wrestling coin as a babyface and heel. Every pro wrestling Mount Rushmore (as dumb as these lists have become) includes Hulk Hogan, period. But Hogan is also so instrumental in my ever-evolving ability to separate...

One of the best TNA shows that I've ever attended.  That has been the bottom line regarding my immediate my thoughts on TNA Slammiversary 2025 since it my son and I walked away from UBS Arena. I attended the - the - record-breaking show for the company this past weekend in Long Island, NY, and it brought back so many feelings that I had for this company in the past, as well as created new ones in the process.  I've been fortunate enough to attend many TNA shows throughout the company's existence, including all the turbulent years. From barns, small theaters, convention halls, and historic, but smaller, venues like the Manhattan Center, there was a very surreal aura about sitting in an area for a TNA show.  In the words of Real1 (who made an appearance on the Countdown to Slammiversary)... Well, well, well...whatta we got here!  For this long-time fan, the aura and environment were pretty cool. Being part of a record-breaking night was pretty cool. Sharing that momen...

Celebrity deaths rarely phase me. A few do. Very seldom do they hit an emotional chord. The unfortunate tragedy that was the death of Malcolm Jamal Warner hit a chord. Like many, The Cosby Show was my childhood. It was the first show where the television screen felt relatable. People of color. A family from Brooklyn. Scenarios that mirrored my home. “Theo Huxtable” was a part of that. You don’t ever realize it when you’re young. But you let some of these characters in your homes, then into your subconscious…and they live with you forever.  So many memorable scenes and moments still carry on. Still inspire. That still makes my stomach rumble with laughter in mere thought, and more so in rewatching them. Even beyond the character, MJW’s poetry, of which I discovered and came to enjoy just recently, moved me the way Theo did. I'm on the mend/ my need is to love me/ and tend to my self care/ hiding in plain view/ is just me choosing how much of my soul/ I'm willing to share.  - Hi...

Take the photo. It’s not for today Not for likes  Or social trends Trust It’s for you Years later.

I really liked what I saw on a Friday night from the sport of boxing.  More specifically, from MVP Promotions...and yes, Jake Paul.  Say what?!!!! I know. Stay with me. Paul has his negatives regarding how he's impacted the sport, with some questionable fights and match-making that have disrupted the sanctity of the sport, as if that still existed.  Boxing has become known for its shady match-making, crooked promoters, and scandals that have plagued its prize fighters, spectacles, and moments.  Paul, despite the unorthodox approach, has brought so much of the latter back to the sport. While the Tyson vs. Paul spectacle felt like a hook, it still was an event. It gave Mike Tyson an official send-off and celebration, and quietly produced an amazing undercard, which included, among those fights, the second fight of Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano.  So, going into this Netflix special, I was curious about the event. Considering the card and the overall event didn't ...

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...

You ever think... about mistakes you’ve made about poor decisions and the butterfly effect that never was? You made it through…so much of it. Do you express gratitude for what never became reality?

Going into July 4th, a day that is meant to celebrate our nation, or at the very least, help us reflect on our relationship to and with it, we get the inevitable passing of the "Big Beautiful Bill Act".  Everyone has thoughts. Many have strong feelings. Few seem to be in favor of the bill.  But here we are.  Just a few quick thoughts and ponderings on the latest big move under the President Trump administration:  There doesn't seem to be much feedback out there that champions this bill. I know we're very divided, and those who align themselves unconditionally with the President will find a way, but the few experts in economics (and many Republicans themselves) aren't crazy about it. That in itself gives me angst.  Weren't we JUST exercising massive cuts, layoffs, and decisions to balance Federal spending?  Now we're adding to it? More tax breaks for the rich continue to be a current trend that...well, doesn't feel like it works.  200K-550K household in...

O say, can you see? first generation dream-chasing foundation  maybe it wasn’t for me? But still, an opportunity. socio-mobility Hey kid, “Be the best you can be” For you, and a future be  Or two or three Don’t mind the history. It’s broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight Within by class, age, political party Or the mere color of skin. Embrace those (societal) ramparts so gallantly streaming over-Patriotic expression,  Ever redeeming I’ll use my boot straps, for sure! “We got money for wars, but can’t feed the poor?!” Keep ya head up… Straps up, too! Yet, still the bombs burst in air where democracy can be unfair Legacy pipelines everywhere School shootings here…and there, No care. Why is this us? just us? ‘Merica!!!  Send up thoughts and a prayer. But don’t tread on me… Whatever, our flag is still there. Praise God! For I still rather be here It’s Dr. King. Freedom to pursue. unappreciated blessings My pledge of allegiance is internally fiery, Tho...

191. Would you rather have the ability to see minutes into the future or years into the future? This is interesting...I think minutes in the future would be too much at some point. However, years in the future can be really daunting. Especially so for the psyche. I'll go with minutes into the future, especially in moments of angst or danger. Can there be a limit per year? Maybe, like replay challenges in sports?  I'd like to use my challenge, please - can I see what will happen in the next few minutes? 192. Would you rather have telekinesis (the ability to move things with your mind) or telepathy (the ability to read minds)? I want no part of reading other people's minds. Nah uh! Nope! While I often ponder what exactly happens in the minds of others, it's likely one of those thoughts that needs to be left to the imagination.  Moving things with my mind can be pretty cool. The remote control immediately comes to mind.  193. Would you rather be forced to sing along or dan...

Didn't realize how much I missed independent wrestling.

Many, are willing to die for their kids. Few, are committed to live for their kids.

---7 Years Old --- Dear Son,  It’s been a while since I’ve dropped a few thoughts. Forgive me, I’ve just been watching. Just observing. Taking it all in. Trying to be a good dad. I’m punching the keys today from one of your martial arts practices. It’s your second with “the big kids” and also the second time I’ve found myself watching from the sidelines with anxiety, with pride, and with likely my biggest fandom for you yet in this space. My feelings are much more than you playing baseball or coaching you in basketball. Your disposition is different. Your excellence is different in this space. With martial arts, you stay diligent with the process. Respectful. Working hard. Getting better. In competition with and respecting the older kids you are training with. That’s what I’ve enjoyed. It encapsulates everything you’ve grown into thus far. Still empathetic as ever, but adding an element of self-ambition and drive - something I’ve prided myself on - and to see you mature into this m...

Trying to... Belong to a Community.  Belong to Someone.  Belong to Some.  Belong.  Be. 

"Working in higher education must be interesting these days, huh?" That question was posed to me by several people who recently learned that I worked in higher education. The recent discourse around the industry and field has certainly shifted in narrative and the overall feel within it. I recently wrapped up my fourteenth (!!) academic year. It's remarkable to think that I've been serving students and following a passion for this long. This is especially the case considering the rising turnover, the documented yearly burnout, and the increasing exodus from the field.  And, yup, there is that whole enrollment cliff combined with the politics that are more present than ever on college campuses.  So yeah, higher education is weird right now. Very weird.  Some quick thoughts : IS IT TIME?  Yes, I have thought about leaving the field several times. Especially, over the last few years. COVID didn't really bother me, but it's safe to say that the world of higher edu...