Author: Douette O. 'Doc' Cunningham

Lebron James and the Heat Look to Join the Ranks of the Greatest Ever

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

The Miami Heat are in the NBA finals four years in a row. That’s no easy feat when you consider the level of talent in the league. Now they’re setting their sights on a 3-peat. If making the finals consecutively was hard then a 3-peat is off the charts tough. James and the Heat would join the ranks of the greatest ever.

It’s been 29 years since the last 3-peat. Back then the game was different. Some think it might have been easier. But the level of play these days shows how much the game has grown. It’s still about putting a ball through a hoop. But James and the Heat have taken their skill for scoring and defending to another level.

In 2010 James, Wade and Bosh took on a mission. They set their sights on being the latest NBA championship standard. The first year was a bit rocky as they tried to jell. Since then, they’ve played their roles to create championship synergy. In sports and in life it takes skill and synergy to propel your game.

Indiana Pacers coach was quoted as saying, “They play at championship level. They have a way to raise it to the point that it’s too much to overcome.” That speaks to having more than a championship standard or championship synergy. It speaks to championship strength seen in their mental focus and toughness.

During the end-of-game interviews Heat Coach Eric Spoelstra pointed out that a key to winning is in stepping-up to the big moments. This means keeping yourself ready for having a major impact. That’s how James and the Heat players approach each game. It’s also how championship moments are made.

 

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Four years in a row. The Miami Heat put on a show. NBA Finals here they come. Trying to 3-peat and then some. Not an easy thing to do. Even with the best big-three crew. Range of league talent is high. Other teams keep having to sigh. Looking to join greatest-ever ranks. With all their money in the banks.

Some 29 years since it’s been done. Others came close, “no can do” son! Back then different tempo to the game. Some say level of play wasn’t the same. These days game has surely grown. Takes big money for you to own. Still about putting ball in the hoop. But also about skill, scoring and rallying the troupe.

In 2010 James, Wade and Bosh announced their mission. Setting sights on a higher vision. For becoming the NBA championship standard. Taking no prisoners avoiding the hazard. First year seemed a bit tricky. Game didn’t jell and was sticky. Merging roles into team synergy. In sports and life propels game energy.

Indiana Pacers coach might have tried praying. Telling media “They play at a championship level… just saying! Raising their game to the point. Where it’s too much to overcome, just anoint.” More than championship standard and synergy as the fix. But about strength, focus and toughness in the mix.

End-of-game interviews were telling. From what Heat Coach Spoelstra was selling. Says key to winning is stepping-up in the fray. Minute by minute with “in the moments” play. Means keeping yourself ready to go. For a major impact if we might say so. That’s how champs do their thing. And strive to earn another ring.

Tip: It might take skill to win it once, but it takes synergy and strength to produce championship moments.

Talkback: What will a great game-1 by the Spurs have to look like?

Serge Ibaka’s Return Brought Energy in Raising Oklahoma Thunder’s Intensity

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

Who’s ‘the man’ for OKC? Well, it depends since Russell Westbrook is their leading point guard. It may be Kevin Durant who recently won the award as NBA MVP. Then there’s Serge Ibaka, their dominant power forward. Ibaka surprised many in game 3 where he brought energy in raising OKCs intensity.

He suffered a calf strain earlier in the playoffs. It didn’t seem like he’d be back in time. But with the help of doctors and his own determination he was back with major impact. Ibaka used this to leverage a turning point into winning points. His injury proved to be a make-or-break moment and a plus even in game 4.

Ibaka brings passion and energy with a ‘hustle and flow’ style. For him this usually shows up in blocked shots. He’s a league leader in protecting the basket from easy scores. In sports, they say defense drives offense. In life, hustle and flow means channeling your strengths and passion to elevate your game.

He uses street-game smarts to outplay opponents. Ibaka started playing basketball in Africa as a child. He might have seen a few pick-up games on less-than-ideal playgrounds. Street-game smarts aren’t learned in a classroom or formal setting. It’s the stuff you just can’t teach as practice gives you an edge.

Ibaka has basketball in his blood. Both of his parents were star-players in their day. That might have something to do with firing-up his game. But he also plays with ‘fireplace energy.’ From the outside, an unlit fireplace appears dull and dormant. But when lit, there’s heart-warming beauty and a raging inferno.

 

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Who’s ‘the man’ for OKC? Check the stats, don’t ask me. Could be Russell Westbrook leading the fast-break. Or Kevin Durant raising his NBA stake. Then there’s Serge Ibaka the big man upfront. His power forward play is no stunt. Surprised us in Game 3 with his energy. Helping to raise OKCs intensity.

A calf strain his earlier setback. Lots of questions about a playoff comeback. With the help of doctors and self determination. Making impact and rising to the occasion. Ibaka used this to leverage a turning point. With solid play as fans rocked the joint. A make-or-break injury for sure. To setup a resounding game 4.

Ibaka checked his passion and energy file. To bring his own ‘hustle and flow’ style. Usually shows up in blocked shots. Can happen from various court spots. A league leader in protecting the rim. From easy scores and offense rhythm. In life, hustle and flow is channeling. Your strengths and passion into winning.

He shows his street-game smart. To outplay others from the start. Playing basketball in Africa as a child. Squashing the perception of people-gone-wild. He’s been to a few pick-up game compounds. With less-than-ideal playgrounds. Street smarts not from the classroom. It’s genius like that from the upper-room.

Ibaka’s got basketball in his veins. Staying true to his defensive reigns. Both parents came-up as star-players. Might be the secret to his talent layers. He plays the game with ‘fireplace energy.’ Adding value to team synergy. An unlit fireplace looks dormant and dull. Once lit it’s like breathing fire from your skull.

Tip: Your passion once lit, might have you looking like you’re breathing fire from your skull.

Talkback: Who’s ‘the man’ for OKC?

Lebron James Delivered High Five’s and Low Three’s by end of Game

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

The Miami Heat evened the series with the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. This game could be seen as the turning point if they go on to win the series and advance to the NBA finals. It really was anybody’s game. Maybe that’s why Lebron James gave teammates high five’s at the end.

TV analysts and sports fans alike might say the game was scrappy. There weren’t lots of break-away scores or memorable fast-break moments. Norris Cole was one of the bench players who stepped-up big for the Heat. In order to win they had to work through the early struggle of James and Bosh.

They also had to work through the ugly, not in their faces but in their play. The box-scores might not tell it all but both teams seemed out of sync. Isn’t it interesting how sports can provide such great life lessons? Sometimes you have to work through the struggle and the ugly to get to where things are pretty.

James hit on only one 3-point shot. So did Bosh. The high-point scorer for the Pacers was Lance Stephenson who was on fire. But that fire wasn’t enough to overcome the Heat and the hate. Both teams don’t have much love for each other. Maybe with the Heat it’s about love for the game and hate for losing.

Throughout the game things weren’t always clicking. The last quarter came down to James and Wade. They provided much of the scoring and defense for the Heat when it counted. A one-man Stephenson show was good for the highlight reel. But it took a tag-team effort between Heat aces to chalk-up a win.

 

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Heat and Pacers evened the score. Eastern Conference Finals set for more. Series talked about since last year. Pacers hope to shift their playoff gear. Heat win in game two might be turning point. Could have been anybody’s game in the joint. James gave high five’s at the end. Game three is just around the bend.

Analysts and sports fans might say. It was a scrappy game in team play. Few break-away points to remember. Loss could haunt Pacers through the summer. Norris Cole came off bench like a lion. Bringing heat like iron sharpening iron. James and Bosh struggled from jump. As they started out in a slump.

Players had to work through the ugly times. Not in their faces or that they committed crimes. The box-scores might not tell it all. But team chemistry was in a stall. Interesting how sports can be a great teacher. From the field, court to the bleacher. Struggle and ugly as new best friends. Get to pretty covers all ends.

James’s 3-point shot went cold. Long-range shooting was in the fold.  Bosh didn’t do much better. Pacers’ Lance Stephenson was the go-getter. Hitting from everywhere had him on fire. Pushed by his free-agent contract for hire. Not much love between these teams. Maybe Heat hate more to lose in their dreams.

Throughout the game things weren’t clicking. James and Wade came together with the clock ticking. Doing much of the scoring with strong defense. Not stuck in first-quarter past tense. Stephenson’s play made the highlight reel. But tag-team play by James and Wade gave Heat the win as a steal.

Tip: Getting a win or living your dreams isn’t always pretty, but at the end there’s the thrill of victory.

Talkback: Who wants it more, Heat or Pacers?

Dwyane Wade Might Need Some Playoff Tonic for the Heat to 3-Peat

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

Donald Sterling still has some hate left in him. His wife believes it’s his Dimentia that’s kicking-in. NBA fans can be the judge or they can do like Magic Johnson and focus on the game. Some are wondering if Dwyane Wade has anything left in the tank. He might need some playoff tonic for the Heat to 3-peat.

His stats are down. He’s played reduced minutes for much of the regular season. But the coach says the team will need him at full-throttle. His love for the game trumps the pressure to compete. So Wade has had to reinvent his play by finding a new gear. The pros in business and sports do the same thing.

Whether due to playoff or layoff, aging pros or job market woes, they keep pressing on and off the court. It’s about thinking beyond the playing field to the field of dreams. That’s how the Heat coaches and players see the big picture. Doing a 3-peat is not an easy reach. It’s been their way of finding a new goal.

Sometimes “reinventing your go” is about finding a new dimension to your game. You see it in how Wade contributes the intangibles in his play. It might not make it to the score-sheet. But it makes it in how he still brings some heat. He might have lost a step. But he hasn’t lost his touch and edge for playing the game.

Sterling’s days as an owner might be numbered. Similarly, Wade’s days on a roster are approaching sunset. Gone are the days when he’s seen as the star-attraction on the basketball court. But since he might not be ready to retire he keeps finding a new gear, a new goal and a new dimension to his game.

 

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Donald Sterling still has hate. His CNN talk’s another viral spate. Wife believes he suffers from Dimentia. Could be true, but also some racial inertia. NBA fans can judge one way or another. But focusing on the game is Magic Johnson’s cover. Some see Wade as on the mend. Might need a playoff tonic to defend.

Stats down, injuries a bother. Play reduced as a season regular. Coach says team needs him full throttle. So Wade might need the vitamin bottle. His love for the game starts with his feet. Trumping the pain and pressure to compete. Reinvents his play by finding a new gear. With fashion statement in pre-game wear.

As seen on the NBA TV playoff. And the network evening news layoff. Aging pros or job market woes. Pressing on and staying on your toes. Think beyond the work or game field. The field of dreams a power to wield. Heat’s big picture is doing a 3-peat. Well that’s not an easy feat. As others push it to compete.

Take the time to “reinvent your go.” By finding new dimensions to grow. Wade scores less but brings intangible asset. His play still rivals among the best. Might not make the video clip or score-sheet. But he still makes fans jump out their seat. Lost a step in his game. But his touch and edge are just the same.

Sterling’s days as owner look bleak. Wade’s b-ball has reached its peak. Gone are the days he’s the star-attraction. With Lebron James getting all the action. His days on a roster approaching sunset. But his goals aren’t done quite yet. So he keeps finding new gear in time. Showing a new dimension in his prime.

Tip: “Reinventing your go” is about finding a new gear in time or finding a new goal in your prime.

Talkback: How many years does Wade have left on his contract and how much gas does he have left in his tank?

Kevin Durant Stepped to the Mic Just Like He Stepped-up His Game

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

The NBA playoff is when more amazing happens. We see incredible plays as teams compete for the crown. The second round is underway with a few players and teams making noise. The LA Clippers hung in there through their first round storm. And yes, OKCs Kevin Durant stepped-up his game all season.

Durant was named league MVP for the first time in his career. He gave an emotional speech during the ceremony where he thanked his teammates, trainers and coaches for their support. He left his most tearful words for his mom. He believes she’s the real MVP for all she did as a young single mother.

He looked back over his journey to recognize her sacrifices. But NBA fans looked back over his season to see Durant stepping up to the challenge. When teammate Caron Butler was signed to OKC he put a note in Durant’s locker that said “KD MVP.” Durant turned the words on that note into a personal challenge.

When asked about Durant’s rise to MVP status, Lebron James said Durant was deserving of the honor. James said Durant was a more consistent player this season. James knows something about something having been MVP multiple times. He knows that MVP is more than a title. It’s a testament to consistency.

Durant must be especially happy because his teammates say he and as his game have become more complete. He showed more court vision, movement into open spots and better ball management. Durant shows in sports and in life, it takes challenge, consistency and a complete game to score like a champion.

 

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

NBA playoff in full swing. Teams are on point doing their thing. Sure to see some incredible plays. As teams compete for the glory days. Second round action has teams showing poise. Sports talkers like Steven A. making a lot of noise. LA Clippers are still in the hunt. OKCs Kevin Durant is the man out-front.

Durant named MVP in the league. Showing no signs of fatigue. First time coming in his career. He had some extra votes to spare. Gave emotional speech during awards program. Thanked teammates, trainers and coaches for the honorarium. Most tearful words left for his mom. She’s the real MVP and then some.

Recognized her for her sacrificial love. Is like giving thanks to the “man above.” NBA fans say Durant stepped-up his game. It’s as if the word ‘challenge’ became his middle name. Teammate Caron Butler wrote “KD MVP” on a note. So Durant took that as a challenge and that’s what history wrote.

When asked about Durant’s MVP status. Lebron James said Durant was deserving of the fuss. Durant’s a more consistent player says James. He should know with multiple MVP seasons of games. LJ knows MVP is more than just a title or bragging rights. It’s a testament to consistency and extra practice nights.

Durant must be real happy beating James as a Heat. His teammates say he and his game became more complete. As seen on TV in more court vision. Plus movement on the court and passing precision. Durant shows us in sports and in life. It takes challenge, consistency and a complete game to overcome strife.

Tip: In sports/life it’s not so much where you start as much as how you make your skills sail to the top.

Talkback: Could this year’s NBA final come down to OKC and Miami?

LA Clippers Owner Donald Sterling Might Soon be out of a Job, Well Sort of

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Theme:– Operation J.U.M.P. For Jobs, Justice & Unsung Dreams

The NBA playoffs are in full swing. A few teams have already advanced to the second round. There are some that found themselves in a seventh deciding game. Meanwhile, there’re other issues of interest happening off the court. Some think that LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling might soon be out of a job.

The league’s financial/advisory committee consisting of team owners has begun discussion on forcing Sterling to sell the team. The way things play out could fall under “the good, the bad and the ugly.” At the end of the day there may be some good to come out of this after the irreverent things Sterling said.

Even if he has to sell the team he’ll come out ahead. The team’s value has skyrocketed since he first bought it. The same might not be said about others in the workforce. The recent Jobs Report also had its “good, bad and ugly.” The good is the bump in new hires and the revision to the past month’s numbers.

But the report shows about 3 million who’re disengaged, discouraged or disconnected. Maybe the job market has the “donut-hole” effect. Donut holes used to get no respect and were seen of no value. Then someone had the idea of marketing Munchkins. This brought more consumer bang in the marketplace.

Opinions in the court of public opinion vary on whether Sterling should lose ownership of the team. His peers will make the final decision. Either way, Sterling will be in good shape financially. However, when more people drop-out of the workforce than are hired, maybe there’s bigger fish to fry than Sterling.

Footnote: Operation J.U.M.P. sees the workforce dealing with “the good, the bad and the ugly” that leaves some experiencing the donut-hole effect. In overcoming this condition Operation J.U.M.P. is focused on creating new value or marketing a new value proposition.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford Takes a Voluntary Exit for Alcohol Abuse Problems

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Theme:– Operation C.R.U.S.H. Against Gun Violence, Bias and Clouded Vision

The city of Toronto has been dealing with the rocky road of Mayor Rob Ford. He’s had embarrassing incidents that have become public over the past year. After another such situation appeared in the press many believe he needs to go. Ford announced he’s taking a leave of absence to deal with alcohol abuse.

Ford‘s been battling this over the years and plans to take a timeout. It seems he’s ready to come to his senses. This is not something that’s easy to do as a public official. That might help explain why some of them wrestle with handling violence, sex assault, bias and mental illness in our schools and city streets.

Debates rage-on as the tragedies pile-up. At times it seems the struggle is a love affair with the Second Amendment’s “right to bear arms.” Other times the issues are viewed in strictly racial terms. Well, a miss-placed love affair or skewed racial views are both bad for a person’s (country’s) health and well-being.

Should some laws go through detox? This means looking at other parts of society to do what works. So, a teenage driver goes through a year of training before getting a conditional license. With a doctor, lawyer, preacher or police even longer times. But with weapon purchases by citizens, there’s little or no training.

Earlier this year Ford announced his campaign for another term. He’d been stripped of much of his duties even before the latest reports of substance abuse. He hopes to bounce back from detox as a brand new man. Maybe the same can be true in cities and schools if we deal with related matters of public safety.

Footnote: If Yogi Berra were asked about some of the challenges in sports, schools or on city streets he might say “if nothing changes, then nothing changes, else nothing changes.”

Nancy Pelosi Raises Eyebrows with Her Statements on the Recent Jobs Report

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Theme:– Operation J.U.M.P. For Jobs, Justice & Unsung Dreams

There’s lots of buzz in Washington these days. Some are gearing-up for the Cherry Blossoms bloom. Others are hoping that unemployment benefits return for the long-term jobless. The Senate has taken up a bill, the House, not sure. Maybe that’s why Nancy Pelosi raised eyebrows with her recent statements.

The Jobs Report made headlines but Pelosi went one-up on the news. The report shows that private sector employment has surpassed pre-recession levels. Pelosi pinned the tail on the Bush Administration past. While the private sector numbers sound like progress, the unemployment rate was unchanged.

Bloomberg and the Economic Policy Institute made some notes. EPI suggests that the private sector has a shortfall of 5 to 6 million jobs, meaning economic activity hiring has not kept pace with newly added workers to the job market. Bloomberg shows that the long-term jobless are just as good a hire as anyone.

So, there’re social gaps in what could have been. When you study some of the other facts you see almost double the national average in unemployment for one demographic and high underemployment across the board. This calls for an Affirmative Jobs Action program. This calls for Operation J.U.M.P.

You’ve heard of ACA as in the Affordable Care Act. Pelosi might say it achieved its rollout goal. Now we must shift our attention to Affirmative Jobs Action (AJA). If we approach the long-term jobless and AJA with the same gusto as ACA, we’ll make millions of people happier like those who now have healthcare.

Footnote: Operation J.U.M.P. is like an Affirmative Jobs Action program that’s focused on engaging policy makers, incentivizing business leaders and empowering 21st century workers for a comeback in the job market.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel Finds Himself Between a Rock and a Hard Place

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Theme:– Operation C.R.U.S.H. Against Gun Violence, Bias and Clouded Vision

President Obama made a visit to Chicago recently to drum-up support for Democratic candidates. His trip started out with a Business Roundtable where he “rubbed shoulders,” but was overshadowed by the Fort Hood Shooting. Meanwhile, Mayor Rahm Emanual finds himself between a rock and a hard place.

He’s faced with some serious challenges common to many urban cities. There’re the problems with school closings and street violence to name a few. The most pressing issue it seems deals with tackling the shortfall in pension funds. He’s not shrinking away from the challenge even with the clock ticking.

Some Chicago insiders and elected officials believe this issue is a game-changer. But maybe it’s the way Emanuel is dealing with it head-on that best fits the description. It could serve as a good example for how as a nation we might deal with gun violence. Every time there’s a shooting people analyze without action.

There’s a tendency to point fingers everywhere else but where it belongs. The latest complaints have been about people with mental health issues. Some want to blame the crazies when maybe the buck stops with us the sane. We keep allowing dangerous weapons to get into the hands of unstable people.

Emanuel is known as a tough-nosed guy. The challenges facing Chicagoans exists in others cities and states as well. The pension fund problem is about money and as we know “money talks.” So, is it going to take putting a dollar value on life and death to address gun violence with the same sense of urgency?

Footnote: The problems of urban plight are not fixed by simply pointing fingers at those seen as the “lazies or crazies” but by lifting fingers and empowering lives to be like the sane.

Realizing Your Dreams: Steve Harvey’s Branding Moves Hit a New Groove (Part 10)

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

Not everybody in the entertainment industry earns a star. That honor on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is given to icons across music, film and related productions. A few years ago Steve Harvey was one to join that number. It was one of his happiest moments. This is like a testament to realizing your dreams.

They say many are called but few are chosen. In this case many apply but few get selected by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. They run the selection process and determine who gets a star. But letting your star shine is less about fame and more about recognizing you’re too good to not try.

Winners and achievers know that if you don’t try you can’t fly. That’s what the baby eagle knows when preparing to leave the nest. You have to flap your wings enough times to build-up the muscles. You have to take a hop and a step to build-up your faith. You have to spread your wings as your passion sings.

With Harvey it was spreading his wings through comedy. He found ways to make people laugh at the comedy club. He packaged his comedy for TV sitcom. He took his gifts to radio and other venues. This wouldn’t have happened if he had given-up. Realizing your dreams is in knowing you’re too good to quit.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a salute to those who’ve made a name for themselves in entertainment. These days Harvey is seen on billboards doing a salute to military veterans of the “stars and stripes.” If life and death is all that’s left, then realizing your dreams is in knowing that you’re too good to fail!

 

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Not all actors in showbiz talk. Get a star on the Hollywood Walk. That’s given as street-level inductions. To icons in music, film and related productions. Some years ago Harvey was among the few. Joining the elite group of A-lister crew. Happy moment without a doubt. Realizing your dreams can give you clout.

Many are called few chosen. Not given-out like dime a dozen. Many apply few selected. By the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce elected. They manage the process and the choice. And determine who gets to feel like a Rolls Royce. Letting your star shine is less about fame. Moreso seeing yourself in the game.

You’re too good not to try. If you don’t try you can’t fly. That’s what Momma eagle teaches baby bird. Preparing to leave the nest and join the herd. Flap your wings for muscle usage. More hops and steps for faith wattage. After a while you can spread your wing. Letting your purpose and passion sing.

Harvey’s flight came through comedy. That was his “in it to wing it” remedy. Found new ways to make people smile. Packaging his comedy in a sitcom style. Using his gifts on radio and laugh-a-lot venues. Raising his standing and his biz revenues. Giving up wasn’t an option. Too good to quit was his caption.

Hollywood Walk of Fame star. Props to those who’ve made it thus far. These days Harvey’s seen on billboard signs. Giving salute to the “stars and stripes” kinds. If life and death is all you’ve got left. Then don’t fall for dream theft. Too good not try, to quit or fail. Realizing your dreams is about setting sail.

Tip: Some banks are too big to fail, but you’re too good to not let your dreams sail.

Talkback: Who would you honor if that’s the incentive you had for realizing your dreams?