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Rihanna & Dwyane Wade on How to Jump on Your Dreams No Matter How Shaky or Far-fetched It Seems

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NBCs The Voice is back with a new celebrity judge. Nick Jonas is the new ‘kid-in-the-spinning-chair’ on the show. As happened when John Legend first joined the crew, Jonas is getting a taste of being the newbie of the bunch. As with anything we do in career or biz, he’s still getting the hang of things.

They’re looking at coaching the next crop of budding singers on the show. Rumor has it that Rihanna was also recruiting for her upcoming album. For those looking to collab, they had to do an audition to get her approval. She’s been in the game a long time, so chances are she knows what it takes to catch fire.

Rihanna made a rare Awards Show stop recently and had some inspiring words to share. Meantime, Dwyane Wade packed-up his sneaks and is focused on other things that tap into his passion. The Miami Heat had a big jersey-retirement celebration where he thanked friends, family and fans for the good times.

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While Rihanna was telling folks that they need to ‘pull up’ to make a change on social issues, Wade’s documentary caused many to ‘tear up’ because of the rough road his career has traveled. He’s seen many a moment of struggle, pressure and pain during early childhood and family challenges.

Wade’s gone from baller to brander with his many biz ventures. For Rihanna, her career isn’t limited to just music. She’s become a fashion icon and philanthropist in her own right. Their take on how to jump on your dreams no matter how shaky or far-fetched it seems, starts with looking for that:

  1. Bright spot

His was on the court, hers was on the stage. For others it might be an idea or a feeling that turns an interest into a growing desire. For Wade, basketball became a bright spot as a relief from something. For Rihanna her bright spot was to release something through singing.

  1. Deeper purpose

When Wade found out he’d be a young father he was worried it would ruin his career. After a sit-down chat with his college coach he was able to gather himself, regroup and fast-track his game. Basketball wasn’t just about hitting shots and winning games, his situation called for greater intentions.

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  1. Imagination shift

These days fans are awaiting the next album from Rihanna. Let’s just say it’s long overdue. But in the meantime, it’s almost as if she’s gone through an imagination shift in how she sees her career. She’s building a fashion brand, broadening her social impact and challenging industry players.

  1. Inspired action

In accepting her award recently, she made a resounding ‘call to action.’ Whether with professional dreams or social change, she understands that more can be achieved as a force for good when we’re taking steps of inspired action. It’s a kinda game-changing message that she’s bringing to the culture.

Wade’s documentary showed his journey as ‘life unexpected.’ Rihanna’s award celebration showed her journey being socially connected. Their stories echo the words of Mayo Angelou who said “A person is the product of their dreams. So make sure to dream great dreams. And then try to live your dreams.”

Tip: People who ‘jump on their dreams’ will use a deeper purpose to turn a bright spot of an idea into inspired action and an imagination shift into greater traction.

Talkback: What’s next for D Wade, Basketball Hall of Fame?

Tracks: Justin Bieber ft Quavo – Intentions – https://youtu.be/9p2wMpVVtXg

T.I. Ft Justin Timberlake – Dead & Gone – https://youtu.be/6mEx9FtuN0k

Breakout School: Jimmy Butler has Lessons to Teach and Taysom Hill Has New Heights to Reach

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The Superbowl is behind us and the dust just ‘bout to settle on the halftime show. With two Latin divas on stage, let’s say it was for some ‘too hot to handle.’ They continue to rack-up views on Youtube even as Jlo reminds fans that the performance was more that just sizzle, it had some steak (message) as well.

While Taysom Hill and the New Orleans Saints didn’t make it to the big game, he’s considering what might be his next move. As a restricted free agent, he’s able to test the waters to see if any other team wants to sign him. At this stage he says he’s ready to be a starter as a franchise quarterback.

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Jimmy Butler has been through this before as a basketball pro athlete. The last few seasons have seen him bounce around between Chicago, Minnesota, Philadelphia and now with the Miami Heat. Butler seems to have found his groove and is having a breakout performance as a franchise player.

Since Butler has been to ‘breakout school’ as a free agent, he may have something to teach. And since Hill is ready to be a starter, he has new heights he wants to reach. Hill hopes that a decision by Drew Brees on whether he’ll return for another season, will hopefully help to work out the details.

Butler’s been doing some soft recruiting to get Joel Embiid his former teammate, to join him. Maybe team chemistry isn’t working on the homecourt. But Hill doesn’t have that problem. Whichever way things playout with Butler’s court magic and Hill field presence, time at breakout school is spent building your:

  1. Genius

The thing that makes Hill special is his versatility. He’s played multiple positions on the field including quarterback, tight-end, wide receiver and kickoff return. Will that genius make him more marketable as a free agent? It depends on whether teams worry about him losing that edge if he became a starting QB.

  1. Flow

Hill was an undrafted player after college. He did tryouts for the Green Bay Packers but didn’t make the cut. Then the Saints pick him up for their squad which got him in the flow of the league. Sports commentators wonder if Hill will be like a Tim Tebow in terms of the impact he can have as a starter.

  1. Niche

Usually when a player gets traded like happened before to Butler, they’re bringing a certain skill set to a team. Sometimes it’s a one-for-one replacement and other times it might involve multiple players. It can be filling a position on the team or a niche in the game based on the value they bring to the mix.

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  1. Bliss

Butler probably has spent time off-season and after practice working on his shot. He’s had to expand his game to boost his stats. For some players it’s about working on free-throw percentage. For others it might be a mid-range or three-point shot. The breakout seems to come when skill plus thrill bring more bliss.

Hill is hoping one way or another that he has a chance to prove himself. This might depend on whether Brees returns for another season or if Hill gets a shot as starter elsewhere. Whichever way the wind blows he’ll come to see like Butler that breakout school is learning how to bring the juice.

Tip: A breakout performance is about getting your chance to flow by building your strengths on the job, juice in the game and bliss for the fans.

Talkback: Is Hill ready to be a starter and are the Miami Heat for real?

Tracks: Eminem – Loose Yourself – https://youtu.be/qvSx_1WVWiM

JLo – Jenny from the Block – https://youtu.be/dly6p4Fu5TE

Dwyane Wade Joins Bulls, Tyler Perry Teams with TLC; Checkout How They Live Large! #BigTimeUniversity

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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?

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

Dwyane Wade just spent time in Chicago, his old stomping ground, as the newest addition to the NBA Bulls. Page Six says Tyler Perry had some downtime in Denmark at a Beyoncé concert after flying staff members on his jet. For Wade joining the Bulls and Perry traveling in style, checkout how they live large.

Wade said in an ESPN interview “I respect Pat Riley to the fullest for what he’s done in this game, you know, drafting me, when a lot of people didn’t believe I was going to be as great as I’ve become.” As ‘baller & banker’ they share four surprising benefits of turning passion into hustle and hustle into passion.

Perry’s story of going from ‘homeless to honcho’ is known among fans. He’s taken his hustle for Stage Plays and turned it into his own studio passions. Wade spent 13 years with the Miami Heat, turning hoop passion into on-the-court hustle that’s made him a winner. Plus, they keep making deposits into people.

The TLC channel has teamed-up with Perry for a new scripted drama. He’s spreading his wings and building his brand as writer, director and producer. With passion & hustle in the mix there’s a good chance for some bonus moments. That’s to be expected as Wade’s now with the house that Jordan built.

No need to feel sorry for him, he’s got a two-year deal. No need to hate on Perry because he reminds us of how living the dream becomes real. These guys ‘got game’ in bringing excellence to their work. This comes through as they hustle hard. That’s why watching them takes us to a place of excitement and bliss.

Groove-Track: Drake White – Living the Dream – https://youtu.be/CHmI8wEmi0Y

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

Wade did a pass-thru in Chi-town. Where his early days went down. As newest trade to NBA Bulls team. He’s ready to blow-off some steam. Perry takes downtime visit to Denmark. At Beyoncé concert partying after dark. Flying staff on his private jet. Rollin’ in style like the jet-set. Living large, Wade’s not done yet.

Tells ESPN he’s got mad respect. For Pat Riley seeing him as a draft prospect. And what he’s done in this game. In creating stars, fortune and fame. When peeps thought he’d miss-out. Great as he’s become without a doubt. As ‘baller & banker’ they hit it big. Passion into hustle and hustle into feel-right jig.

Perry once homeless for a while. As honcho now top of the pile. A hustle for Stage Plays is his lane. Turned into studio passion gain. Wade after 13 years with the Heat. Moves on to a new beat. Where hoop dreams make him a winner. On-the-court hustle or prime rib dinner. Giving back to those feeling thinner.

TLC channel and Perry in sync. With scripted TV drama their new link. Spreading his wings and reaching higher. Building his brand as producer, director and writer. With passion & hustle in the mix. Good chance for bonus moment tricks. To be expected without the guilt. Wade’s now with the house that Jordan built.

No feeling sorry for D-Wade. Two-year signing got him paid. No more hating on Perry’s new deal. He makes living the dream look real. They ‘got game’ with mojo on the run. Comes through as they hustle hard and have fun. Watching them takes us to place of bliss. A guy Heat fans are sure gonna miss.

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Tip: Passion is to hustle as skill is to mojo. They put you in the show and in the flow of greatness.

Talkback: What might D-Wade still have left in the tank or up his sleeves?

Groove-Tracks: Ace Hood – Hustle Hard – https://youtu.be/r_dh16HQkqQ


Mark Ronson ft Mystikal – Feel Right – https://youtu.be/ognnZ3r2qyQ

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

Is Tim Duncan Playing with a Chip on His Shoulder or like a Man Possessed?

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

So they’re off and running! No, not the Belmont Stakes but the NBA finals. The Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs are in a rematch from last year’s finals. Both teams have kept their big-three tandem intact and in good health. So, is Tim Duncan playing with a chip on his shoulder or like a man possessed?

It’s as if he’s rolled back the years to his early days. He’s got a bounce in his step and a glide in his stride. The Spurs try to feed him the ball or feed off of his energy. After some 18 years in the league, Duncan is not done quite yet. But some sports analysts think Kawhi Leonard got next as the face of the franchise.

Coach Gregg Popovich has high hopes for Leonard and the Spurs. Duncan and his teammates know that their loss to the Heat in last year’s finals went down like sour grapes with Popovich. Duncan even said it has given them added motivation in moving past the tears. That’s code for having some ‘leftover bitter!’

With the Spurs going up 2-1, there’s a slight advantage. The Heat are looking to turn things up on the Spurs. Leonard kinda did so in game three by his all-around performance. He showed the ability to raise his game by shifting gears to the next level. That’s true for sports, biz as well as in life.

A lot’s been said about their mutual respect. Duncan as the ‘old man’ on the court while James as the ‘main man.’ Their individual stats and status reflect a hardcore champion’s mentality. With champions there’s no panic. You get that edge in sports or life by handling the fears that can derail your success.

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

They’re off and running! For an event that’s stunning. No, not the Belmont Stakes. But the NBA finals series takes. The Heat and Spurs in a rematch. From last year’s back-and-forth scratch. Both teams with good health of the big-three. And Duncan playing with passion and full-court glee.

As if he’s rolled back the time. To the early years in his prime. He’s got a big bounce in his step. A glide in his stride and pep. Spurs try to feed him the ball. Or feed off his energy in roll-call. After 18 years it’s a big bet. Whether his days are done yet. Kawhi Leonard may have next. That’s from a sports analyst context.

Spurs coach Greg Popovich is high on his team. As rising star Leonard is living his dream. Duncan and his teammates know last year’s loss hurt. Like sour grapes, Popovich has choice words he’d blurt. That’s given them the motivation to do better. By moving past the tears and having ‘leftover bitter.’

Spurs win game 3, series no longer tied. Heat fell short but no one cried. Spurs have slight edge in the round. Heat looking to raise their game by the pound. Leonard showed signs of doing the same. Taking it to the next level in his game. By shifting gears on the court. That’s true for biz and life as seen in sport.

They say both teams have mutual respect. It’s what the media likes to project. Duncan the ‘old man’ of the bunch. James the ‘main man’ in a crunch. Their individual stats and status reflect a reality. A panic-free hardcore champion’s mentality. Life’s about handling the fears. For much success through the years.

Tip: Starting from the bottom of your years and moving to the edge of your fears, life’s about getting past the tears with new success from shifting gears.

Talkback: Is Tim Duncan playing with a chip on his shoulder or like a man possessed?

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?

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?