hidden figures

Mahershala Ali & Ava DuVernay Gave Fitting Toasts to Folks and those That Mean Most #BigTimeUniversity

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#BigTimeUniversity – “Small Talk, Street Dreams, Next Level”

This production of “Wise-up Weekly” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

LOL Tube – Got Funny (or Just Fun)?

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Hotstepping’ – Get Jiggy, Get Woke!”
A Cool Way for Flexing Style, Game & Soul in How We Roll (Old-School Flava)

Another big moment, another tear jerker! That could easily describe some of the highlights from this year’s Oscars. With more black nominees in the running, it was a more diverse picture. There were a few special moments too. Mahershala Ali and Ava DuVernay gave fitting toasts to folks that mean the most.

Ali did it while accepting his Best Supporting Actor award. DuVernay shared hers during a Red Carpet moment. On his wife’s support Ali said “I want to thank her for being such a soldier through this process and carrying me through it all.” Hey hot shot, that’s the look & stock of a leader, hook & heart of a winner.

DuVernay is one of the newest producers in Hollywood circles. As the brains behind OWN’s Queen Sugar, she’s giving new talent the opportunity to rise and shine. The thing about leaders like her is that they can separate the diamond from the dust. They know where the dust ends and the dynamo begins.

Ali has been working his way up the acting charts with a recent role in the movie Hidden Figures. His approach to the acting craft was drilled into him by teachers and industry mentors. By his own words of ‘serving the characters’ he shared the accolade and the hook for winning of turning lemons in lemonade.

When asked about advice Oprah has shared with her that stuck, DuVernay gave some ‘Pop Sugar’ saying Oprah once told her “When something’s not going your way, don’t think why is this happening to me, but think why is this happening for me.” No problem: think like a leader and have heart like a winner.

Groove-Track: Karen Young – Hot Shot – https://youtu.be/zRwu-ld3jSU

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Hotstepping’ – Get Jiggy, Get Woke!”
A Cool Way for Flexing Style, Game & Soul in How We Roll (New-School Flava)

Big moment on Oscars stage. Could have turned into rage. Tear jerker and crowd pleaser. Unforgettable show-stopper. Highlights of what was seen. More black nominees on screen. With special moments to boot. Breakout movies taking the loot. Ali and DuVernay on set. Maybe we ain’t seen nothing yet.

Good toast accepting his award. Best supporting actor applaud. Her moment on Red Carpet quiz. On doing it in showbiz. Ali thanking wife for being good soldier. A class act about being a shoulder. Through ups and downs thick and thin. To praising her with the win. Hot shot with look, stock and leader’s pin.

DuVernay new producer in the mix. A Hollywood circle of chics. As brains behind OWN’s Queen Sugar. Giving new talent chance to think bigger. Rise and shine towards the stars. In how they lay down their cards. To separate diamond from dust. Where dynamo begins is a must.

Ali working his way up. To key roles and filling his cup. With recent Hidden Figures role. Keeping it moving on his sole. Approach to acting craft well set. By teachers, mentors and life’s bet. ‘Serve the characters’ to get paid. Sharing the love and accolade. Winning by turning lemons into lemonade.

In terms of Oprah advice she keeps. Or wants to share with us peeps. About something not going your way. Just think and sometimes pray. What’s happening not about rain. But about turning things into gain. No problem, thus says the leader. Or those who have heart like a winner.

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Tip: The look and stock of a leader might show up in advice they give and in the confidence they live.

Talkback: Who can say they saw this Oscars mess-up coming?

Groove-Tracks: Chance the Rapper – No Problem – https://youtu.be/rgUp1e-2UTM

Childish Gambino – Redbone – https://youtu.be/ezbsbkqoRrs

This production of “Wise-up Weekly” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

Octavia Spencer & Felicity Jones: Leading the Way and Lifting Doubts in Hollywood #BigTimeUniversity

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#BigTimeUniversity – “Small Talk, Street Dreams, Next Level”

This production of “Wise-up Weekly” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

LOL Tube – Got Funny?

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Hotstepping’ – Get Jiggy, Get Woke!”
A Cool Way for Flexing Style, Game & Soul in How We Roll (Old-School Flava)

It was another weekend of NFL playoffs and Dallas got the boot. Many hoped this was their Superbowl year. Meantime, the women’s club was in full effect at the movie box office with Hidden Figures and Rogue One. Octavia Spencer & Felicity Jones are leading the way and lifting doubts in Hollywood.

In describing Rogue One to reporters, Jones said “These characters are all vulnerable. They’ve all had difficult times in their lives and they’re all finding strength in each other. It feels very appropriate for the times that we’re in.” Jones & Spencer show how real people pour out their hearts on making dreams fly.

The theme in a movie’s ‘leading lady’ role is well worn. Spencer, Taraji P. Henson and Janelle Monae play strong characters that experienced some scorn. The power in their roles isn’t merely in the beautiful sexiness they bring, but in that vulnerability thing. Plus, they add some extra mustard to their mojo.

Jones who plays a breakout part in Rogue One confirms that the Star Wars franchise is as appealing to women as men. So whether a movie, job task or community project if it has visionary legs it will go places. There’s the kind of ‘it-factor’ that’s useful for turning up big crowds or making people reach for big things.

After a Hidden Figures White House screening, First Lady Michelle Obama said “They didn’t listen to those doubters. They did not listen to the haters — because they’re always out there.” The strongest voice we should be tuned to is where God speaks to and through us in a way that lines up the blessings.

Groove-Track: Charlie Wilson – I’m Blessed – https://youtu.be/dG_BWKHRx8s

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Hotstepping’ – Get Jiggy, Get Woke!”
A Cool Way for Flexing Style, Game & Soul in How We Roll (New-School Flava)

Another weekend of playoffs set. Some folks are making bets. Last week Dallas got the boot. See who’s left after the burning soot. Meantime, women’s club staying hot. Rogue One then Hidden Figures in top spot. Octavia Spencer & Felicity Jones making good. Leading the way, lifting doubts in Hollywood.

Saying to reporters about the flick. That’s it’s not just about a hot chick. Characters vulnerable through difficult times. Finding strength in their primes. Speaks to where some are today. As they wake-up and take time to pray. A case of maybe when doves cry. As people pour out their hearts and make dreams fly.

‘Leading lady’ theme roles well worn. Spencer, Henson and Monae not phased by scorn. Playing characters that makes your proud. And even shout out loud. Power not only in sexiness they bring. But in that vulnerability thing. To add extra mustard to their mojo. Just like any dude or regular Joe.

Jones plays her own breakout part. As Rogue One heroine that’s smart. Confirms Star Wars guys & gals appeal. As a perennial box office steal. Whether work, play and fun with visionary legs. Will go places like water and the dregs. The kinda ‘it-factor’ for turning up big. In growing crowd numbers and dream gig.

White House screening had Michelle Obama preaching. About making moves that are far-reaching. Not listening to doubters and haters. They’ll be part of the see ya laters. Always there for holding folks back. Pointing out what people lack. Voice most important to hear. Is God who lines-up blessings beyond fear.

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Tip: Sometimes it takes an unsung story to inspire us to find the will and make a way to new glory.

Talkback: How’s the Hidden Figures story playing out in different parts of town?

Groove-Tracks: Mali Music – Beautiful – https://youtu.be/rxNO3KBQfmU

Arlissa – Hearts Ain’t Gonna Lie – https://youtu.be/uibj0hg4Yww

This production of “Wise-up Weekly” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

Welcome 2017: “The Year of ‘Hotstepping’ – Get Jiggy, Get Woke!” #BigTimeUniversity

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#BigTimeUniversity – “Small Talk, Street Dreams, Next Level”

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‘New year, new you,’ that’s what folks like to say. For some, the dawn of 2017 came into view with fanfare and a little leftover hangover. Others were turning the calendar from old to ‘got next.’ Whether reaching for the bottle or shooting for the stars, the new year is good for opening the door to hopes and dreams.

That’s what Hollywood could be thinking with the release of the movie Hidden Figures. It tells the story of unsung dreams that were behind the scenes as the NASA space program climbed to new heights. Well, that might have been true then and could be just as true now. So it’s time to move fresh dreams forward.

Welcome 2017: “The Year of ‘Hotstepping’ – Get Jiggy, Get Woke!” This year’s theme brings a cool way for flexing style, game and soul in how we roll. It means being on point with everyday stuff and on the move with real gutsy stuff whether in taking it to the streets, achieving new feats or dropping hot beats.

We’ll see this play-out as Hotsteppers in Washington by way of moving Dr. King’s dream forward. This will mean keeping tabs on the going downs in politics, civics and economics. Plus, there’re four things our Purposeful Living blog is sure to ‘Let the People Know’ before & after President Obama drops the mic.

Throughout the year we’ll share highlights of how purpose and passion give life an easy breezy groovy feeling. So think of this year as another ‘start now’ game opportunity. In some sports it takes two halves to play the game. In others it takes four quarters. Either way what happens on the field builds-on the score.

Those who’ve followed this Blogcast over the years might realize it has grown into a kind of Hotsteppers Weekly. It’s where we connect with ‘aha moments’ from celebs, change-makers and other trendsetters. It has uplifting stories from uptown, downtown and cross-town; from Hollywood & Hollyhood.

It’s also where we might learn, earn and discern. This makes us better by doing ‘homework’ + teamwork = dreamwork at #BigTimeUniversity. At times the blog is a reminder or refresher for everyday living. It’s a place where just like cars, we stop every so often for a refill or service-check to keep running well.

No matter our normal duties, job tasks or smart goals, along the way we might find ourselves in the thick of it for a time or the whole damn year. This could be a phase that feels like the walls are caving-in. But once we figure things out, after a while we’ll have every reason to jump and shout. (Been there, get that!)

So we’ll keep bringing some of those favorite music hits to just not quit because what’s worth doing is too legit. That’s how we get jiggy and woke in the end. Thanks Grooviacs for the feedback and support in the past and looking forward to making it last. Just remember we’re now part of the Hotsteppers Cast.

With the right blend of music, social uplift and lifestyle content, maybe this year’s theme will feel like you’re turning-on Hot Steppers Radio. So let’s make a deal and do 1 for the money, 2 for the show, 3 to get ready and 4 to go. Or in the spirit of the new year countdown, “4,3,2,1…let’s rock and have some fun!”

Yours in Da Groove,

Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham

‘The Island Guy’

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Groove-Tracks: Ini Kamoze – Stepping Hotter This Year – https://youtu.be/fuYyR2imtUY

Mary J. Blige – Thick of It – https://youtu.be/8KcdZZnBfRA

Taraji P. Henson, DJ Khaled: Two Among Many Who’ve Had a Career Year For Sure #BigTimeUniversity

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#BigTimeUniversity – “Small Talk, Street Dreams, Next Level”

This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

LOL Tube – Got Funny?

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Flashlighting’ – Get Seen!”
A New Way to Shine with Highlights, Insights and Media-bites that’s Exciting (Old-School Flava)

Lamar Jackson takes the Heisman award for contributions to his Louisville team. He beat-out four other finalists to join football’s best-in-class. Then there’s DJ Khaled & Taraji P. Henson who’ve been white hot this year even before the Christmas special. They’re two among many who’ve had a career year for sure.

According to Yahoo Celebrity Khaled told ET earlier this year “I feel like people can relate to me because we all go through wins and roadblocks and passion and pain and it’s a vibe.” Khaled and Henson might have different experiences but they could share their 4 keys on going from hidden figure to six figures.

For Henson’s latest role in the movie Hidden Figures she plays the true story of Katherine Johnson, a math whiz who worked behind the scenes at NASA. It reminds us of times we’ve had to go from scared to bold. The long-and-short of it is being able to fess-up our truths before we can bless-up the world.

If Khaled’s Instagram tells us anything, he did it with an eye on having more life. It’s the way we step-up to a cause or live-up to our dreams. He’s been busy raising his rap impresario game while sharing his keys for success. Even Drake gave Khaled props with gold plated keys for him and his new born son.

So Henson’s missing from the Golden Globe nods. Was it a snub or a slight rub? Khaled’s got his first #1 album Major Key on the Billboard 200. Their journeys line-up with the quote “Things are going to get in your way but whatever you do never stop showing-up.” Keep runnin’ since God can save the best for last.

Groove-Track: Will Smith – How Da Beat Goes On – https://youtu.be/s435h8Xc-wE

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Flashlighting’ – Get Seen!”
A New Way to Shine With Highlights, Insights and Media-bites that’s Exciting (New-School Flava)

Lamar Jackson takes Heisman award. That’s big and makes him man-a-yard. Louisville teammates gotta be happy. Teasing him kinda feels sappy. Beating-out four other jocks. As college football’s best-in-class stocks. There’s Henson & Khaled who’ve been white hot. Before Christmas special or career top spot.

As told by Yahoo Celebrity note. Khaled on ET that he’s not yet GOAT. But feels like people can relate. With wins, roadblocks and things on the slate. Passion and pain has its own vibe. Khaled & Henson might pitch their own tribe. Giving 4 keys on going from hidden figures. To top billing and major six figures.

Henson’s latest role you see. Movie Hidden Figures history. Plays true story of math whiz. Who was part of NASA biz. Reminds us of what it takes. When fear gives us the shakes. Go from scared to being bold. Like winners of days old. Long-and-short is simple to say. Fess-up your truth, bless-up the world any way.

If Instagram is where he lives. Snapchat is where he gives. Wanting to have more life. For him the fans and cool wife. In how he’d step-up after a pause. Or live-up to dreams and a cause. Busy raising his impresario game. Then came more fortune the same. Even Drake gave props with gold keys in his name.

So Henson’s missing from Golden Globe list. Snub or slight rub the gist? Khaled with first #1 album reach. On Billboard 200, listen for his speech. Their journeys taking different roads for sure. But lines-up with idea close to the core. Things get in the way but no matter what. Keep runnin’ as God has your lot.

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Tip: The key in moving from hidden figure to top billing is making sure your work and life make a killin’.

Talkback: No Golden Globe for Taraji: Snub or a slight rub?

Groove-Tracks: Kim Burrell – I See a Victory – https://youtu.be/zM_ngicKTqU

Pharrell Williams – Runnin’ – https://youtu.be/96kIL2GV27I

This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST