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Becoming Michelle Obama or Oprah Winfrey Isn’t Some Fairy Tale Story. It’s Real Talk on What it Means to Have a Be+ (Or Better) Lifestyle

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The Fall season feels like it’s just about settling in across many states. Maybe the seasonal winds of change have been blowing briskly in your neck of the woods. Well the political winds seem to be blowing as well as many are gearing up for the mid-terms. The yard signs are already popping up on the block.

For Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey, it’ a different kind of trade winds so to speak. The former First Lady is getting ready for her book release entitled ‘On Becoming Michelle Obama.’ With lots of national tour dates already sold out she’s sure to get fans talking about her good old days in the White House.

Obama has also been doing the media rounds on a Global Education Initiative for girls as well as the ‘When We All Vote’ effort. Both Obama and Oprah have been asked about running for office and said no. But their stories of achievement tell us something about what it means to have a Be+ (or better) lifestyle.

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Whether as college student at night school or campaign worker on the trail the mid-terms can be one of anxiety or enthusiasm. It could bring a little stress before the test. But Obama & Oprah believe it could also be a time of great enthusiasm in doing what it takes to pass the test that positions us for success.

Obama hopes to share a similar message with young girls as they work on expanding their education. Of course in the case of Oprah, it’ something she’s been doing for years in her life’s work. They might also want other folks know that having a Be+ or better lifestyle towards living your best life means you have to:

  1. Be yourself (+conscious)

Oprah often says that if she weren’t an entrepreneur or media mogul she would likely be a teacher. In a sense she sees her true calling as one of sharing knowledge and ‘aha’ insights. Part of being herself means doing the best she can with what she’s been given. She’s also attuned in more conscious ways.

  1. Be clear (+care)

It’s one thing to see life as it is. It’s another thing to see it as it ought to be. Obama and Oprah help us do both. Over time in their professional lives they became clearer on who they are and what they wanted to achieve. They’re not only clear on these things but they also care about people and what matters most.

  1. Be ready (+resourceful)

Others have said that just showing up is half the battle of getting ahead. There’re times we might show-up as a spectator and there’re times we might show up as a game-changer. No matter the reason, we show-up ready for the fun or for making an impact. The difference in getting more done is being resourceful.

  1. Be sure (+secure)

There’s a feature in Oprah’s magazine called “What I know for sure.” It’s been turned into a book where she talks about some of her ‘sure’ experiences. We can be sure of some things like our age, height, color, weight, taxes and more. What we love about these ladies is that they’re sure and secure in such things.

Recently we learned that Oprah’s magazine got spun off into having its own online presence. That’s not just brand talk but also personal and professional talk. We go through similar Be+ stages as well. After all, we admire Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey for how they help us focus ‘on becoming’ and just be for real.

Tip: As you focus ‘on becoming’ what you envision in life you have to go through some Be+ stages towards having a secure lifestyle.

Talkback: What’s your favorite Obama style or Oprah moment?

Tracks: Amel Larrieux – For Real – https://youtu.be/8kN-QJXhu7I

Des’ree – You Gotta Be (’99 Mix) – https://youtu.be/pO40TcKa_5U

Tom Brady & Steve Harvey Turn Their Work Muscle and Side Hustle into a Formula for Rocking Their Game

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As the ‘lazy hazy crazy’ days of summer get ready to roll on, fans at home and abroad will be cheering their sports teams. Whether it’s at the College World Series on the baseball diamond or the World Cup on the soccer field, they’ll be watching for that big play while chewing on their favorite snack foods.

These days, Oprah’s summer reading is giving some press to Tom Brady’s new book. On a recent interview on OWN he talked about his ‘winning ways’ and approach to peak performance.  Meanwhile, the summer TV ratings are getting a big kick out of Celebrity Family Feud hosted by Steve Harvey.

Some people ‘feel the love’ for Brady and Harvey for how they’ve risen to the occasion time after time. In a sense, they’ve turned their work muscle and side hustle into a formula for rocking their game. Brady’s a 5-time Superbowl champion. Harvey’s hosting so many TV shows that bring laughs to young and old.

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They enjoy the best work life ever in their field of dreams as masters of their game by acing the process. Plus they act like a player, think like a brand and keep taking their game to the next level. They work at getting the best out of themselves while inspiring peers, teammates and fans to reach higher and higher.

In a few weeks Brady will be spending a little less time on the golf course and more time in training camp. Harvey on the other hand just wrapped-up quality time spent with young boys at his mentoring camp. Both seem to practice the things needed for peak performance and market appeal by balancing:

  1. Main hustle vs side hustle

When you think of an entrée menu item there’s usually a main thing and some ‘sides.’ Similarly, on the success menu there’s usually a main hustle and some ‘sides.’ Brady’s main thing is football skills. Harvey’s main thing is comedy skills. But they have ‘sides’ like author and philanthropist to go along.

  1. Heart & soul vs silver and gold

Some fans might have a love/hate relationship with Brady or Harvey. It’s as if one day folks love them, another day not so much. But most won’t deny that it’s the heart and soul they bring to the game that adds to the party. They show us how heart & soul gives more ‘feeling and meaning’ to our silver & gold.

  1. Grow in score vs grow in service

Brady says he wants to play a few more years as long as he’s still competitive and having fun. While doing that he wants to be able to grown in score and in service. One deals with putting points on the board that leads to a win. The other deals with putting points on the map that leads to a legacy.

  1. Shine with mojo vs shine with flow

The joy in what they do shines through. Brady might not always carry a smile on his face but there’s an excitement he brings to fans when he’s on his game. Harvey’s known for making faces especially when talking with kids. They use their personal strengths to shine in ways that spread mojo and stir market flow.

So how’d Brady go from being drafted 199 of 200 to having one of the highest QB ratings? How’d Harvey go from stand-up to having the highest ratings on ABC’s Fun & Games Sunday line-up? They chose well from the success menu and now they get to shake their groove thing on the playing field and big stage.

Tip: Choosing the right entrée from the success menu means balancing your main hustle and side hustle in a way that adds heart and soul as well as silver and gold to your game.

Talkback: Did the Oprah Interview show another side of Tom Brady?

Tracks: Peaches & Herb – Shake Your Groove Thing – https://youtu.be/FafIty_-08c

Kelly Clarkson – Meaning of Life – https://youtu.be/BspHjvU11y4

Oprah Winfrey & Michelle Obama Take Power Lunch & Power Crunch to Fun-Time Places #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)

These days many sports fans are glued to the screens and screams of NCAA March Madness. The upsets have been dropping top teams out the picture. But TV fans are happy to see that Oprah and Michelle are back on the scene. They’re taking power lunch and power crunch to fun-time places.

Obama recently appeared as-then First Lady on Master Chef Junior as she gave some ‘recipe for life’ advice to young chefs about “getting an education, doing their best and pushing themselves towards their highest self.” Her tips were like the kind a coach gives athletes before signing day or sweet-16 game time.

Formal education is one thing but Oprah and Michelle got game in bigger things too. They’ve achieved ‘firsts’ in ways that make you wanna cheer them in bursts. They might say it takes a mindset that puts purpose and passion in focus. Plus, the lifestyle they enjoy is related to the life shifts they employ.

Oprah’s busy re-kindling her acting chops. Her role in Greenleaf on OWN has her on the small screen. But it’s the work in her latest ‘justice project’ that’s getting attention. She plays a part in telling the story of Henrietta Lacks’ cancer battle and how her cells were used in future treatment without family consent.

Michelle’s been out taking spring walks with her dogs. She also took time for a power lunch with friends. Meanwhile Oprah might be doing her power crunch with her Weight Watchers drills. The combination of mindset, swag and celebration they bring help us see more good life options for not being the ‘lost ones.’

Groove-Track: Lauren Hill – Lost Ones – https://youtu.be/7siVSslHPMQ

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

Many fans glued to their TV sets. Watching to see about tourney bets. Screams and cheers all over the room. As star players dunk and zoom. Game upsets have teams dropping like flies. While others glad to see Oprah and Michelle’s styles. With timeout for a power lunch. And doing fun things after power crunch.

Obama as-then First Lady and wife. Giving Master Chef Junior a recipe for life. Advice to young’uns doing their best. Using education as springboard to pass the test. Pushing towards their highest self. So that nothing’s left on the shelf. Tips a coach might try to give. Before signing day or sweet-16 game they live.

Formal study is one thing you do. But they got game in bigger things too. Achieved high standard in a few ‘firsts.’ Makes you wanna cheer them in bursts. They might say put purpose and passion in the bag. This way your focus won’t lag. The kinda lifestyle they certainly enjoy. Related to the life shifts they employ.

Oprah busy rekindling acting chops. Her role on OWN’s Greenleaf a real pop. Like taking the small screen by storm. Where excellence is her norm. More to see in ‘justice project’ work. With public attention a fresh perk. Story of Henrietta Lacks’ cancer dare. And how her cells were used by others without care.

Michelle’s seen on recent spring walk. Her dogs on leash like a bean stalk. Power lunching with the gals. Oprah’s power crunches with Weight Watchers pals. Combo of mindset, passion and celebration. From their personal and professional creation. Helps us see good life options. On avoiding ‘lost ones’ positions.

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Tip: The combination of mindset and passion give us chances to celebrate more good life options.

Talkback: What do we learn from Oprah and Michelle about embracing those options?

Groove-Tracks: Pitbull ft Stephen Marley  – Options – https://youtu.be/xALCpLXcIYY

G-Easy & Kehlani – Good Life – https://youtu.be/FG9M0aEpJGE

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

Ava DuVernay is Shaking Things up in Hollywood and Courtney B. Vance is Watching #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)

Every day we get to watch history unfold. More often than not its best understood looking backward. But that’s not where we should look for Ava DuVernay. She’s lined-up a $100 million Disney film set to begin shooting this fall. DuVernay is shaking things up in Hollywood and Courtney B. Vance is watching.

This summer DuVernay was quoted in USA Today saying “It’s not the fact that a film can do well, it’s the fact that there’s a community around it, that there’s conversation around it, that a film can push a national moment forward.” She knows others came before her who were breaking glass and kicking…(that’s right).

It’s been a breakout year of sorts as she’s also the brainchild behind OWN’s Queen Sugar. She’s made it this far with the mantra of “do not settle.” Whether in career or relationship this isn’t about being desperate. It’s really about being determined to spark a greater level of awareness reaching new heights.

DuVernay wants to be the story-teller that helps us discuss topics that are tough to swallow. It’s taken her a minute to get to this level of notoriety. But she might be the first to remind us of how not to second-guess or to sellout on the mission. This means sticking to the script that will fulfill profit and purpose.

It’s not clear if DuVernay knows Courtney B. Vance. He took the Emmy for playing Johnnie Cochran in The People v. O.J. Simpson. Vance sees a shift happening in TV that should transfer to movies. He shared pride in his own wife Angela Bassett, showing he feels strongly about women who push it forward.

Groove-Track: Salt & Pepper – Push It – https://youtu.be/vCadcBR95oU

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

Every day we get to watch. History unfold like hopscotch. More often than not it’s in looking back. But that’s not how DuVernay leads the pack. Line-up $100 million Disney flick. More than just being a hot chick. Shaking things up on Hollywood drive. Courtney B. Vance watching her come alive.

Quoted this summer in USA Today pages. About rolling through movie stages. The fact that a film can do well. With community around to help it swell. Conversation that keeps buzz grooving. With national moment forward moving. Knows others came before breaking glass. And doing enough kicking of.. (right!)

A breakout year in full view. For her and film making crew. Brainchild of OWN’s Queen Sugar hit. Made it thus far with “do not settle” or quit. In career or with your honey boo. Not being desperate but being true. Determined to see awareness sparking. Reach new heights and forget the skylarking.

DuVernay with new day story-telling. Topics that are tough and compelling. Her notoriety rising like the sun. In between eat, pray and have fun. Sure to remind folks not to second-guess. Just think about the big ‘S’ on your chest. Not to sellout either on the mission. Stick to script for profit, purpose and vision.

Who knows if DuVernay & Vance have met. There’s still some time yet. He took Emmy for People v. O.J. Simpson role. Playing Johnnie Cochran in heart and soul. Vance sees shift in TV programming. Should transfer to movie distributing. With pride for Angela Bassett his wife. Women who push it forward in life.

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Tip: Breaking the glass ceiling or kicking down the door means switching desperation with determination.

Talkback: How does it feel to see DuVernay making strides on TV and in movies?

Groove-Tracks: Red Fox & Screechy Dan – Skylarking – https://youtu.be/ExEOUTO9lYQ


Craig David – Ain’t Giving Up – https://youtu.be/FC9fc12YYC4

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

Tyler Perry, Taraji P. Henson Turn Early Days on the Block to Praise that Pays as a Brand #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)

Hollywood loves the Golden Globes! The stars shine in full whether as household names or new to the game. Nominees wear their finest threads with fans falling head over heels. There’re those like Tyler Perry and Taraji P. Henson who’ve turned their early days on the block into praise that pays as a brand.

A recent headline on Perry in Vulture magazine said “The brand that keeps Oprah in business. He doesn’t care what the critics think of his work because his audience always finds it.” Perry and Henson represent the real deal and real cookie, making it in business for who they serve and who they deserve.

His TV show Haves and Have Nots is OWN’s highest rated and was the third highest scripted show on cable last summer. It’s a long way from his first stage play that wasn’t well received. His dream wasn’t derailed by doubt even-though business was in a drought. Six years later the play finally found success.

They’ve carved-out their own lanes in showbiz. Expanding from those early days on the block to their current brand identity has been a lot like selling groceries. If fruits were their brand then type of fruit would be their lane. A bigger audience they now reach but a certain niche is their sweet spot and favorite peach.

Henson who won for Best Actress in a TV Series, Drama was also named USA Today’s Entertainer of the Year. Time named Cookie Lyon most influential character in 2015. So cream rises to the top and Perry’s story reminds us that the more people you help go from obscurity, the more people achieve job security.

Groove-Track: Jennifer Lopez – ‘Jenny from the Block’ – https://youtu.be/dly6p4Fu5TE

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

H’wood loves to rock the Globes hard! Folks screaming celebs from their backyard. Stars shine whether as household name. Or recent player in the red carpet game. Wearing their finest threads for real. Fans falling head over heel. Tyler & Taraji two who’ve turned their early days. Into brand and praise that pays.

Recent headline on the e-news stand. Vulture magazine thinks Perry lifts Oprah’s brand. Not caring what the critics think. Sometimes their words just stink. To his peeps he always stays near. Feeling there’s nothing to fear. Perry and Henson knowing who they serve. Real deal real cookie for who they deserve.

His TV show Haves and Have Nots leads the way. With OWN’s highest ratings is what they say. The third best scripted on cable. Coming from his ATL program stable. Distant past of his first stage play. Wasn’t well received but that was OK. Six year later through the doubt. Finding success beyond the drought.

Carved-out their own lanes as newbies. Now they’re swamped with product freebies. Going from early days on the block. To major brand identity hard knock. A lot like selling fruit or bread. Their brand in market lane of their stead. A bigger audience they now reach. A certain niche their favorite peach.

Henson wins TV Series Best Actress. Ready to grow newest fortress. Named USA Today’s Entertainer of the Year. Cookie Lyon for Times’ most influential flare. Cream rises to the top yet again. As they look back and remember when. More people to go from obscurity. Means more people achieve job security.

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Tip: The real deal in biz, on the block or in Hollywood is having a brand go from regular to spectacular.

Talkback: How does it feel seeing Perry and Henson keep it real by remembering where it all started?

Groove-Tracks: Kendrick Lamar – “Untitled 2” – https://youtu.be/iZJXvjeWlVA

 

Taylor Swift & Mary J Blige – ‘Doubt’ – https://youtu.be/GZ0474w66uw

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

Oprah Teams-up with Weight Watchers for a Lifestyle Boost to Butts and Bank Accounts – #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 ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (Old-School Flava)

The sounds of bells ringing can be heard on Wall Street. Some are wondering if this latest move by Oprah is a fad or for real. She’s made a name for others by putting her stamp of approval on their brands and products. So Oprah teams-up with Weight Watchers for a lifestyle boost to butts and bank accounts.

The company’s chairman says “Oprah is a force of nature connecting with people on a very personal level to live inspired lives. This will accelerate our transformation and expand our ability to impact millions of people worldwide.” To keep the ‘awesome sauce’ flowing isn’t all about Keeping-up with the Kardashians.

Oprah has struggled with weight over the years. Her highest rated daytime show episode was when she carted 67 pounds of fat on stage to symbolize her weight-loss success. Weight Watchers has also been struggling with its ‘weight’ on Wall Street. So the value in struggle is in how they’re turning pain into profit.

That’s a perfect launch point as people think about new goals and dreams for 2016. Oprah might be doing the same as she looks at her OWN Media Empire and personal desire. It seems Weight Watchers is poised to help consumers experience a butt-lift while Oprah hopes consumers consider a lifestyle shift.

The real excitement is what the Oprah-effect will mean. She believes so much in the Weight Watchers program that she decided to invest in the company and join the board. It’s as if she’s fallen in love again with self, service and significance. That’s how she keeps the ‘awesome sauce’ flowing by living her best life.

Groove-Track: Estelle – ‘Wonderful Life’ – https://youtu.be/NK3I1Pu1oFs

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (New-School Flava)

Sounds of bells are ringing. Wall Street got its hotline blinging. Some wondering if Oprah’s latest move a fad. Or dreamed-up from her iPad. She’s made a name for products and brands. People making money in the grands. Teams-up with Weight Watchers app maker. For lifestyle boost to butts and her banker.

Company chairman thinks Oprah’s a force of nature. Connecting with people is her signature. To live their lives a little higher. Keeping their passion close and on fire. Thinks this will impact millions worldwide. And get others off their hide. In keeping the ‘awesome sauce’ flowing. While keeping their fan-base growing.

Oprah’s struggle with weight well-known. Highest rated daytime show was bad to the bone. Carted 67 pounds of fat on the stage. To celebrate her weight-loss and turning the page. Weight Watchers looking to fix its struggle on Wall Street. Turning pain into profit from Oprah’s power seat.

A perfect launch point for dreamers. Also with goals and diet-conscious seekers. Oprah doing the same for OWN empire. Connecting her brand to personal desire. Seems Weight Watchers poised to help some see a butt-lift. While Oprah hopes they’ll choose a lifestyle shift.

Real excitement about the Oprah-effect gains. And what it means for nuts, fruits and grains. Seeing $70 million stock rise in one day. On the Board is where she’ll have her say. It’s as if she’s fallen in love again. With self, significant service and a best friend. That’s how ‘awesome sauce’ keeps flowing to the end.

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Tip: The ‘awesome sauce’ keeps flowing by falling in love with self, service and a sense of significance.

Talkback: Is the Oprah partnership with Weight Watchers just a fad or for real?

Groove-Track: Janelle Monáe – ‘Tightrope’ – https://youtu.be/_GlpeFqMLZI

Demi Lovato – ‘Confident’ – https://youtu.be/cwLRQn61oUY

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