Dome Pondering

3 Up 1. Bad Bunny - Congratulations (and major breakthrough props) are in order for Bad Bunny who made history with the first Spanish-Language Album of the Year nomination. The dude has been crushing it with major cross-over appeal - and yes, he's a helluva wrestler.  2. Taylor Swift - This could be a down because of the entire Ticketmaster ordeal, but Swift gets the "Up" solely because only she can break Ticketmaster like this. The star power continues to be amazing.  3. FIFA World Cup - Sure, there is plenty of negatives to get into here, but the event itself is amazing. I'm ready to get caught up in it all.  3 Down 1. Iran Protestors - The nation is in political unrest and many protesters being caught are being sentenced to harsh penalties, or worse, death. Just more instability  2. U.S. Mass Shootings - We just continue to give access to individuals who shouldn't have guns. We've become so numb to this. What have we become?  Prayers, comfort, and positive...

3 Up 1. Election Day - Despite everything surrounding the topic of voting, the barriers that still are included in it, the lack of education on it, and the ethics on the larger stage in regards to it (i.e. gerrymandering, denial, etc...), there is still something of a blessing in a democracy, and in the civic duty and right of voting.  I hope you voted this week - and voted with an educated intent.  1A. - Veterans Day - Thank you to all of those who served. It's because of you that elections exist for us to screw up  engage in.  2. Universal Free Lunch - There is so much "pro-life" talk which now is stigmatized on the topic of abortion. However, little is often discussed on how truly help children on "pro-life" matters. So much props to the state of Colorado for voting for Universal free lunch for all public school students. Lunch is a huge deal and a big difference maker in closing achievement gaps and giving opportunity and access - much love for Colorado her...

3 Up 1. NYC Marathon Winners - I am ALWAYS in awe of marathon runners, especially, marathon winners. Congratulations to Evans Chebet and Sharon Lokedi on winning the Men's and Women's races.  2. Taylor Swift - Only Taylor Swift can reach the heights of breaking records from the likes of The Beatles. And well, she's done just that. Also, she's taken over the entire Top 10 by becoming the first artist - ever! - to do just that. Amazing.  3. World Series No-Hitter (and Championship) - It pains me to give the Houston Astros some love in this space, but it is deserved. Especially, for that combined no-hitter in Game 4 of the World Series. Kudos.  3 Down 1. Antisemitic Rhetoric - There is so much that can be said here. I'll just repeat a sentence from an Asian student in our office as others discussed Kyrie Irving, Kanye West, and all of the antisemitic rhetoric currently out there - why would you say any of this? 2. Takeoff Killed - Such a tragic occurrence. We just do...

3 Up 1. Rishi Sunak - The UK has named its new Prime Minister. Sunak is also the first Prime Minister of color. Sunak, 42, is also the youngest prime minister as well. Sunak is worth over $800 million as well (Damn!). It's quite an interesting pick to lead the union after a shaky year of leadership. Very different for the UK.  2. Adidas - Well, well, well. I honestly didn't think they had it in them to let Kanye out of his deal. Good to see there are some standards of morality remaining, even with billions of dollars at stake.  3. World Series - So far, this series has been VERY entertaining. Though my gut says not many are tuning in, I'm looking forward to a good series to cap off the baseball season.  3 Down 1. Pelosi Home Invasion - What. Are. We. Doing?! Seriously. Is this where we're at now? Invasions and harm to those in office who don't align with your messaging? Scary times, ya'll.  How can we possibly get quality individuals to run for office with this ...

I had a hard time believing that the New York Yankees would get by the Houston Astros after their relief-inducing game-five victory against the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS.  I don't say that to humble brag or express my knowledge about spawwwtts, bro (!) , but that's just honestly how I felt. Seeing this Yankee team, the same exact one that eventually was dominated in a four-game sweep, reaching the World Series just felt far too far-fetched. And even with that feeling and foresight, I still didn't expect the ALCS to be over in four games.  So here we are. I've given myself a few days to think and digest thoughts, feelings, and emotions on this Yankees loss before laying out this post. The heat from this fan base thus far has been as expected - loud, emotional, confusing, and in many ways, entitled. Throw in some hints of embarrassing takes, and a few rational responses - and you can confirm the following conclusion: Yankee fans have lost it.  Self-admittedly, I...

3 Up 1. Hearing Aids Over Counter - This is pretty cool even though we expected this. Sure, we can go into a deeper (more negative) discussion on the American healthcare system, but let's keep it positive. It is innovations and access like this that will help SO many in a significant way. Oh, the possibilities!  Yes, that was some sarcasm.  2. Emmett Till Statue - Much like above, there is a deeper discussion on Emmett Till, however, the positive is that a statue of Till is now present in Mississippi. We should NEVER forget Till and everything his death represents in the history and the fabric within the thread of our country's existence.  3. Philadelphia Phillies - They barely qualified for the playoffs, and here they are as 2022 National League Champions. Who had this predicted?!  Shout out to Bryce Harper finally getting to this stage and delivering in a big way.  3 Down 1. Kanye West - Okay, yes, this week West gets the top "down" spot. He's been consisten...

Hoops are back in action and I could not be happier. Sure, my New York Knicks are typically the cause of pain and disgust (as they were last year in missing the playoffs - and even the play-in rounds), but truthfully, I'm not feeling very confident of my New York Yankees in their quest against a VERY good Houston Astros team in the American League Championship Series. So yeah, I'm preparing myself to turn the page from baseball to hoops.  This post provides some therapy, as it always does.  Regardless of the Yankee's outcome this week, I'm feeling fairly confident in my guys in orange and blue, primarily because of the one aspect that has alluded us for years - a reliable point guard! Jalen Brunson is so desperately needed and I'm excited to see what he does as a Knick. I'm also interested in the continued development of RJ Barrett, and of course, seeing yet another chapter of Julius Randle.  I'm also interested in year twenty (!) of LeBron James, Steph Curr...

3 Up 1. Four Astronauts Return Home - I can't imagine being in space for six months. I've had my experiences of living out of a suitcase on earth for as long as two weeks on the road, and that's difficult. Space? For 6 months. Kudos to all four astronauts. And of course, I'm glad that they're home safe.  2. Bruce Sutter - The Hall of Fame unfortunately passed away this week. And while I never saw Sutter pitch, I too threw a split-fingered fastball when I didn't have much else in my development as a pitcher in college. I've got much respect for the inventor of the pitch. RIP.  3. Floating City - Give this article a read. A floating city? The whole entire idea sounds crazy, but at the same time, super cool. Rising sea levels has everyone thinking differently, and this is certainly that.  3 Down 1. Sandy Hook Families - The families were awarded a huge settlement this week in a case against Alex Jones. While that should be an "Up", I couldn't he...

I've found myself in a nice groove in following the Impact product like I do most of my favorite television shows - on demand, and just a bit behind schedule. It's not that I don't find it to be significant enough to follow live (or regularly), I just like the idea of being away from the internet "noise", and following the product as part of my time for my own enjoyment, rather than a "well what do you have for me this week" attachment. I'm not sure how to explain it other than that it keeps expectations low, and it all feels fun again.  Enter my late viewing of the Bound For Glory pay-per-view, and I can honestly say, this show was awesome. It was the kind of show that felt like an old-school TNA-level pay-per-view in many ways. Specifically, this was just amazing in-ring action from the pre-show to the main event.  The product is not perfect, and the roster (especially at this point) feels relatively thin, but I still don't think there is anot...

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think as a young, teenage wrestling fanatic that the WWE would be better off without Vince McMahon. But in the year 2022, this very much rings true. Ever since the Chairman of the Board swayed his arms in that classic McMahon strut right out of the WWE, leaving Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and Nick Kahn with the brass ring (how about that ode to Vince?), the product of the WWE has actually pulled me back in.  Heck, I watched RAW live, for an hour. Not the whole three hours, because, really, I still have no idea how some fans do that. Even if the show is good.  Nonetheless, much like all things that get a fresh coat of paint in pro wrestling, it becomes a hot commodity. Sustaining it is the challenge (see AEW for proof). We'll see how long this lasts, but for now, the WWE is once again entertaining, and that doesn't bode well for the rest of the wrestling industry.  I tuned into Extreme Rules, WWE's long-time nod to ECW with a night ...