Lebron James and Allyson Felix Share Something in Common that’s Less About Speed and More About ‘Flowe’

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The Grammy nominations are out and a bunch of first-timers top the list. It seems Lizzo, Lil Nas X and Billie Eilish are the new faces of pop music. Lizzo leads the way with eight nods while Nas X and Eilish scored six nods. It’s their first time being nominated and represent a kind of ‘next gen’ Grammy class.

Some pop culture watchers say it’s becoming less about album sales and more about music streams as a gauge for how fans are listening. That’s the situation in the music business while in sports there’s a similar debate. As new athletes come on the scene how do veteran athletes stay relevant in the game?

Carmelo Anthony faces that question as he joins a new NBA team in his late playing days. He might look to Lebron James and Allyson Felix for clues. They share something in common that’s less about speed and more about ‘flowe.’ That seems to be the key to how they keep their game up and their gifting relevant.

Felix was recently seen in an add with Usain Bolt with a stack of medals around her neck. She has passed Bolt as the most decorated World Championship athlete with the most gold medals. Now she’s looking towards the 2020 Olympics to add more hardware and to possibly make history with team USA.

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For James in his second season with the Lakers, he made history himself, becoming the first-ever player to score a triple-double with every NBA team over his career. The Lakers are off to a big start with the best record in the league. So how do they keep making it ‘do what in do’ in their careers? Well it’s with:

  1. Focus

Jams and Felix seem to do a good job managing their off-season focus and their in-season focus. When it’s off-season they’re busy building market cred and hometown impact with new projects. In-season they’re doing things that have fans thinking they haven’t lost a step from start to finish of the season.

  1. Leadership

James has played for three different teams in his career. Each time it seems he brings a new level of leadership to the mix. Felix has been running her tail off for as long as most can remember. She recently had an issue with a sponsor for lack of support during motherhood. She’s still showing poise and grace.

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  1. Outlook

Making it ‘do what it do’ in career is sometimes a question of outlook. As with the aspect of their leadership, how they see things gives them a sense of self-accountability. They know having a good outlook means seeing the big picture before the big moment, seeing the forest from the trees.

  1. Work-Ethic

Maybe one of the hardest parts of having a good work ethic is being able to do the things you need to do when you need to do them, when no one’s really watching. That’s what the off-season is probably like for James and Felix, even though today’s social media world gives fans more ways to be watching.

There’re probably more medals and championship feats left in James and Felix. Who knows, they might be a good pairing for an ad campaign too. He’s trying to win one more NBA crown and she as Track & Field’s queen, is trying to win one more Olympic event. Maybe ‘sports gods’ are waiting to play their part.

Tip: It takes a fresh stream of ‘flowe’, that’s focus, leadership, outlook and work-ethic to keep your game up and your gifting relevant.

Talkback: Can you see James and Felix together in an ad campaign? For what product/service?

Tracks: Alicia Keys – In Common – https://youtu.be/4HazJhPnrB8

Janelle Monae Ft. Erykah Badu – Q.U.E.E.N. – https://youtu.be/tEddixS-UoU

Cardi B & Simone Biles Explain How Their Dreams Came Together Even Through Stormy Weather

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Superbowl LII is in the bag and the Philly parade is set. The game might be over but it seems Cardi B and Simone Biles are just getting started. It’s hard to say which one’s the bigger pop culture icon right now. One’s getting ready to tour with Bruno Mars, the other’s back to training for the 2020 Olympic team.

Both have adoring fans who just can’t get enough of their style and story. For Cardi B it’s a case of “don’t judge a book by its backside until you get the backstory.” For Biles it’s a case of “when a dream is in you it’s gotta find a way to come through.” Then again maybe we can say the same thing for both.

Their journeys are somewhat similar in skipping out on college. Cardi B made it through two semesters and had enough. Biles chose to skip out on a UCLA scholarship and instead go pro to fulfill her dreams. Fast-forward their stories and you find them becoming their best by having a ‘no limit’ mindset.

Both did some ‘firsts’ in their game. Cardi B as the first rapper to have her first three singles in the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100s. At the Rio Olympics Biles became the first female gymnast to win four gold medals in the same games. Now they’re both working on not being a one-time wonder or passing fancy.

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Biles’ weakness is the uneven bars. She’s much better at gymnastic routines that use the power in her legs. But her electric personality fits well with her performance stick-ability. Cardi B turned her weakest times into breakout moments. Now her music career seems to be on a path of going all the way up.

Their road to glory also came with some ‘stormy weather.’ Biles had to bounce around in foster care until she was adopted by her grand-parents. Cardi B dealt with the separation of her parents and the challenge of finding it hard to get by. They showed courage to stay the course and soar by how they would:

  1. List the dream and make the hit list.

One year after barely missing out on making the National Team, Biles decided to regroup to do whatever it took to bounceback. She soon became a hit on the gymnastic circuit and went on to become three-time world champion. Then she decided to list the dream of making the Rio Olympics and the rest is history.

  1. Learn the ropes and trust the process.

Cardi B didn’t initially set out to be a rapper. But to move past her show-girl days, she began paying attention to some of the big stars in the game. She remembers thinking that she could do that by bringing her own swag and then some. Things went from there, after starting from the bottom and now she’s here.

  1. Bring the funk and raise the roof.

The funk for Biles is how she became a force on the floor. She’d find the zone where passion was just rolling towards perfection. The funk is that feeling of being in a good groove. It’s something fans can sense when it happens. The funk for Cardi B has her becoming a force where she gets to raise the roof.

  1. Spread the love and live the life.

Recently Biles shared that she was also the victim of sexual abuse. She kept those feelings repressed for years but now her healing comes from being able to tell her story and spread the love. Beyond a new boyfriend to talk about and fiancé to have and hold, these ladies are in a good place to live the life.

When you look at their life, your life or my life you see what you see. But after a while things seem to turn out fine. Biles and Cardi B’s stories remind us that even if you’ve had some downside, you can still reach the upside. These ladies are doing it big, making their mark and owning their place in the showbiz game.

Tip: When you have a dream in you it finds a way to come through by learning the ropes and trusting the process.

Talkback: Does Cardi B have it in her to be more than a one-time wonder?

Tracks: Usher ft Young Thug – No limit – https://youtu.be/3w0yqAdJ1iY

Mary J Blige – My Life – https://youtu.be/6DLZc97nWf0

Simone Biles & LeBron James Turned the Breakfast of Champions into GOAT Ratings #BigTimeUniversity

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)

It was the block shot many will remember. LeBron James came soaring back to prevent a layup. Then Kyrie Irving hit a 3-point shot. These two plays sealed the win. There’s also Simone Biles and her high-flying gymnastic routines. James & Biles have turned the breakfast of champions into GOAT ratings.

Biles’ teammate Aly Raisman told USA Today “Even when the coaches talk to us, they’re like, ‘Don’t even count Simone. She’s just in her own league.’” Maybe James and Biles are the ‘greatest of all time’ in their sport? They give us 5 keys for bringing our A-game in ways that rub-off on teammates and co-workers.

It’s as if James and the starting-5 understood what it would take to be great. So they brought their skills to the court to match the stakes of the game. Some brought grit while James brought an overriding sense for the goal. After losing the first two games many sports commentators began to think it was over.

Then it seemed group chemistry kicked-in. James gathered himself and took a big gulp of belief. Almost anyone who’s had to step-up their game knows about responding to a defining moment. This shift had him playing at a higher level. He put his stamp on the series with stats that were other-worldly like Biles.

A recent tweet from Steve Harvey said “Discipline determines your destiny!” That message comes through in the performances of James and Biles. This helps to raise their stock like money in the bank. Plus, it’s another ‘Harvey nugget’ that makes you wanna stomp for next-level dreams.

Groove-Track: The Brothers Johnson – Stomp – https://youtu.be/tPBDMihPRJA

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

The block shot many will remember. Didn’t happen in September. LeBron James came soaring back. To prevent a layup on the rack. Then it was Kyrie’s 3-point shot. Sealed their win and history’s spot. There’s also gymnast Simone Biles flying high. James & Biles take breakfast of champions to the sky.

Biles’ teammate had her say. Telling USA Today Biles don’t play. Even when coaches pump them up. They say Biles is drinking from another cup. In her own league on the mat. Her and James might be GOAT fat. Giving us 5 keys for A-game readiness. For teammates and co-worker steadiness.

As if James and starting-5 knew what’s on their plate. In order to take it to being great. Skills to the court not just by name. But to match the stakes of the game. Some brought grit and guts to the floor. James saw the goal for raising his score. Losing first two games on the road. Some thought Warriors had it sold.

Then Cavs group chemistry kicked-in. Made them come away with a win. James took a big gulp of belief. While fans had a sigh of relief. Stepping-up their game with commitment. And responding to the defining moment. In making a higher level playing shift. James and Biles do things that give others a lift.

Tweet from Steve Harvey media deck. Says “Discipline determines destiny,” heck! Message comes through with James and Biles. In work ethic and radiant styles. Helps to raise their stock appeal. And how they keep it real. That’s another ‘Harvey nugget’ for sure. Makes you wanna stomp for more.

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Tip: Our A-game becomes a plus by how we make a performance shift and give others an emotional lift.

Talkback: Is Simone Biles or LeBron James the GOAT in their respective sport?”

Groove-Tracks: Kevin Ross ft Chaz French – Be Great – https://youtu.be/lQ7nv1GUPTA


Empire of the Sun – Walking on a Dream – https://youtu.be/UxBvWnrfXzo

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

Have a Supreme Work Ethic: Steve Harvey’s Branding Moves Hit a New Groove (Part 2)

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

Well, no need to ask who’s #1 as the Seahawks took the crown. All Champions look forward to the hometown parade. The game’s MVP Malcolm Smith has already gone to Disney World. In sports or business it takes more than luck to get to the top. Steve Harvey might say it takes a supreme work ethic.

Being heard on radio and seen on different TV channels may seem like a walk in the park. But Harvey knows something about the daily grind. He gets up early to be in workout shape. He starts the day by looking to a Higher Source. So by the time he’s heard or seen on the airwaves he’s ready for work.

It’s interesting how the Seahawks had a similar approach to the Superbowl game. They got out early doing their pre-game drills. The coaching staff and players kept to the same routine to warm-up their skills as in the regular season. By the time they got on the field they were ready for work and ready to win.

A supreme work ethic can setup your next promotion. This is true whether you’re unemployed, underemployed or emerging self-employed. It can separate the talented from the motivated. It can fuel the rise from a lower pecking order in the workplace to a higher profile in the marketplace.

While other daytime talk shows are ending, Harvey’s show is growing. It can now be seen on the recently renamed “Up” Channel. His talk show contract has been extended to 2016. No need to hate on Harvey or balk on the Seahawks. When a supreme work ethic is in the mix, your dreams are ready for the world.

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

Enough already asking who’s really #1. Seahawks rock the Broncos in the Superbowl they won. Game MVP Malcolm Smith has already gotten his award. He’s gone to Disney World as a winner’s reward. A hometown parade for the die-hard fan. Steve Harvey knows it takes supreme work ethic to be the man.

Heard on radio, seen on TV. Not like taking a walk in the park for free. Harvey knows about the daily grind. Moving forward not looking behind. Getting up early to do his workout thing. Starting the day with a Higher Source sing. So by the time he hits the office door. He’s ready for work and giving of himself more.

Seems Seahawks had a similar getup. In their Superbowl winning setup. Got out early doing pre-game drills. Kept the same routine to warm-up their skills. Coaching staff and players had a reason. Sticking to the script from regular season. By the time they got on the field. They had lots of prep and swag to wield.

A supreme work ethic can bring the next promotion. Watchout there now for the commotion. This is true whether unemployed or underemployed. Or trying to be among the emerging self-employed. Highlights of the talented versus the motivated. In going from a lower pecking order to higher-profile rated.

While other daytime shows are slowing. Harvey’s primetime base is growing. Now seen on the renamed channel “Up.” Contract extension had to fill his cup. No need to hate, complain or balk. These dudes can back-up their talk. When a supreme work ethic’s in the mix. Dreams are ready for the world and got kicks.

Tip: A supreme work ethic shows your dreams are ready for the world because you have the discipline to do the things you need to do when you need to do them so you can do (have) the things you want to do (have) when you want to do (have) them.

Talkback: How did the first play after the kickoff of the Superbowl (the Safety) affect the Broncos or Seahawks?