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Rihanna Ready to Do Bigger Things, Kyler Murray Ready to Bring His A-Game; Both Looking to Flex What They’ve Got Next

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Whether as a sports fan or music fan, lots of folk got their eyes on the scoreboard. For sport fans it might be the NBA draft lottery or playoffs where Lebron James is out but Kawhi Leonard is in. After an almost magical game-ending shot, The Raptors moved on to play Milwaukee in the Eastern Conference Finals.

For music fans it might be the latest release from Ciara or waiting for the next winner on Idol or The Voice to be crowned. But even those primetime events might not be where it’s at. Folks are also watching for how Rihanna is ready to do bigger things and NFL #1 pick Kyler Murray is ready to bring his A-game.

Both are looking to flex what they’ve got next. Rihanna announced a major partnership for her luxury ‘Fenty’ fashion line with LVMH. Word is that she’s the first woman to have an original line with the iconic fashion house. She’s also the first woman of color to head-up her own high-fashion creations there.

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Murray took to the field recently as part of rookie minicamp. He’s got a lot riding on him playing for the Arizona Cardinals. They’ve had a few losing seasons and are hoping to turn things around with Murray at the helm as QB. In the days ahead, all eyes will be on the scoreboard for both Rihanna and Murray.

They didn’t get to this point overnight. Rihanna now 31, won her first Grammy at 19. She’s produced loads of hits and fans are waiting on her next project which is rumored to be reggae-infused. Murray comes from a football family and can’t wait to develop his pro game. They know it’s about working on the:

  1. Talent

At an early age Rihanna figured-out that she had singing chops. Then she was discovered by Jay-Z whose record label gave her the exposure and the resources for developing her talent. Now she’s a multi-award artist and international icon. She’s turned talent into far-reaching fandom and record sales.

  1. Player

The concern some sports commentators have about Murray is he’s got average height. Will he be able to see over the offensive or defensive lines? What he seems to bring is that he’s not so much a pocket-passer as much as he is an open-field scrambler. Maybe as a player he’s more like a Michael Vick.

  1. Star

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One of Rihanna’s big hits came with the words ‘shine bright like a diamond.’ It’s something she’s been able to do on the world stage. Murray’s got his chance in the big leagues. So what’s it going to take for him to be a star? Maybe a winning record or a breakout performance as rookie and starting QB.

  1. Brand

Just imagine, Rihanna started out as a little-known singer from Barbados. She made a name for herself on the music charts. Then she made some moves into fashion with boots, cosmetics and other sexy apparel. Now she’s stepping up her brand-name mojo and market appeal to having a luxury clothing line.

For Rihanna and Murray, it might feel like they’re at another starting point in their careers. Like a lot of recent college grads, they’re getting ready to flex what they’ve got next. If what they’ve done already in sports and music says anything, then they’re ready to do bigger things and bring their A-game.

Tip: Those ready to flex what they’ve got next bring their A-game to do bigger and better things by taking their talent from ‘diamond in the rough’ to brand-name star.

Talkback: Who’s ready to see Murray’s first scrimmage or waiting for Rihanna’s next album drop?

Tracks: Rihanna – Diamonds – https://youtu.be/lWA2pjMjpBs

Shaggy – Money Up – https://youtu.be/VW5ayZX38Jo

Beyoncé and Kirk Franklin: Two Performers on Opposite Ends of the Game who Know Something About Turning-up the Heat on their Dreams

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It’s been only a few days since Easter and the temperature is already turnt-up. Not so much the air outside but the buzz around town and on social media after Beyoncé pulled another surprise album drop. This time it’s a ‘live’ recording from her recent Coachella Festival concert set, with a remix on a classic.

Her version of the old Frankie Beverly & Maze track ‘Before I let go’ is setting records and exciting fans. She even caused another ‘breaking of the Internet’ with dance challenge videos to the track. Then as if to follow that with even more madness, her Lemonade album is now streaming worldwide on all platforms.

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That’s the story from the R&B/Pop side of the game. And then there’s Kirk Franklin who’s going from the studio to the road with his 13th album along with a U.S. concert tour. He’s already made waves and set records as a gospel artist. He’s even got Amazon’s ‘Alexa’ on the case to help bump his streams.

Beyoncé and Franklin are two performers on opposite ends of the game who know something about turning-up the heat on their dreams. Since Bey had to skip her previous Coachella performance the year before due to the ‘baby bump’ many were looking forward to her bringing a world-class stage show.

She’s the first black female artist to headline the event. Franklin’s the first gospel artist to have a music video on MTV. Their journeys have had bumps in the road where they reinvented themselves a time or two. Their performance side is lit, their biz side is legit, having taken their dreams through the phases of:

  1. Formation

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One takeway from the Homecoming show on Netflix is that Bey handles the details from the creative to the expressive sides of her performances. As an artist, she’s thinking about her craft in the band as much as she’s thinking about herself as a brand in taking her dream from conception to mass distribution.

  1. Resolution

There’re probably three key times in the year when people use the calendar to help propel their dreams or other social agenda. Whether it’s because the ‘new-year rush’ is over or the career thrill is gone, people will use Spring time or early Fall to make a kind of dream resolution for taking things up a notch.

  1. Correction

Most dreams go though an ‘up and up’ phase in building clout. Then something happens that becomes a setback or shift in strategy. Beyoncé and Franklin have had moments where the business caused them to make adjustments or life caused their dreams to make slight course corrections as planes do on autopilot.

  1. Appreciation

It took three years for Beyoncé’s decision on releasing the Lemonade album to all streaming platforms. This will give fans a greater appreciation for her work. Not as if the Beyhive wasn’t already on board with her music archive. But fan appreciation is sort of the best ‘tell’ of the impact of someone’s dream work.

Sometimes a dream takes a while to come into formation or full view. Other times it happens right before our eyes as we’ve seen with these two artists. To fans, Bey is like an angel and they show her major appreciation. While Franklin wants his dream to be like a gospel soldier for the ‘MHG – Most High God.’

Tip: Sometimes a dream takes a while to come into formation or full view. But when it takes off it goes from conception to fan appreciation.

Talkback: What’s the difference between a fan club and the Beyhive?

Tracks: Shaggy ft Rayvon – Angel – https://youtu.be/XWJrPzAUzAs

Destiny’s Child  – Soldier – https://youtu.be/qFJ3VKnwmJw

Cookie Johnson & Jeff Weiner on How Passion and Compassion Make for Rock Steady #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)

The fall TV season is jumping-off. Not too far behind is the NBA season. But Cookie Johnson, wife of Hall of Famer Magic Johnson is calling her own shots. So is Linkedin CEO Jeff Weiner even with being bought by Microsoft. Johnson and Weiner tell how passion and compassion have made them rock steady.

Weiner wrote to company employees “The Microsoft that has evolved under [CEO’s] leadership is a more agile, innovative, open and purpose-driven company. It was the latter point that first had me thinking we could make this work.” It’s one of the hardest things to explain about making it rain in biz so all can see.

Johnson’s doing the rounds for her new book. They’ve each worked on coming to grips and starting from scratch by going all in for a happier life. For them it’s doing something different in the game, creating something better in their lane and leaving something special on the trail. That’s what is, what is, what is!

What Weiner saw in Microsoft, Cookie saw in ‘Magic.’ As her book title suggests she was Believing in Magic. So she started a Jeans fashion line and Weiner wanted to make sure a merger of two companies would have the stars align. No one can take away what they’ve invested in themselves and their dreams.

Referring to ‘Magic’ Cookie told Oprah “On his side, he was building his business as he was getting bigger and bigger and bigger – so, it just all became about work for him.” Lessons they share say as much about living in the moment and walking on sunshine. It’s also doing what it takes to be best-in-class.

Groove-Track: Aretha Franklin – Rock Steady – https://youtu.be/9wQT3YRk4ME

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

Fall TV season jump-off has begun. New dramas and NFL players on the run. Not too far is NBA to start soon. Who’s ready to hoop to the moon? Cookie Johnson still calling the shots. After raising kids and stirring the pots. She and Linkedin CEO Weiner passion ready. As compassion made them rock steady.

He wrote letter to company staff. A little something even to make them laugh. Saying Microsoft as new owner is good. Starting from the little engine that could. Innovative, purpose-driven and agile. How they viewed the rank and file. One of the hardest things to explain. Is for others to see biz making it rain.

Johnson doing the rounds for new book. How the journey took a second and third look. Coming to grips, starting from scratch. Is what it took for a happier patch. For them doing different in the game. Creating better than just fame. Leaving something special on the trail. What it is, what it is, what it is, the holy grail.

Weiner and Microsoft working as one. Cookie and ‘Magic’ moving past once and done. Believing in Magic her calling card. Building Jeans line on the yard. Hoping things would work out fine. As peeps and company visions align. So much invested in their dreams. Seeing the inner workings of great teams.

Cookie telling Oprah stuff deep in her soul. For how she’d let the good times roll. Magic building a biz was all it took. But still not letting him off the hook. Getting bigger and bigger on Wall Street. Yet walking on sunshine in the heat. Living in the moment as their hall pass. Doing what it took to be best-in-class.

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Tip: Making it rain in biz can mean turning a setback into a major comeback with huge personal gain.

Talkback: What’s one of the best things about the ‘Magic & Cookie’ story?

Groove-Tracks: Imani Williams – Don’t Need No Money – https://youtu.be/Gb0zSG0kwZ8

Shaggy ft Chronixx – Bridges  – https://youtu.be/JwpAYVDmIY8

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

Simone Manual & Ibtihaj Mohammad: What it Took for Them to Become Barrier Breakers #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)

Why chase women or waterfalls when you can chase destiny? That’s a question Usain Bolt might have asked (get back to that in a moment). Other major Rio headlines include how the U.S. women are kicking butt. It’s a great story of what it took Simone Manuel and Ibtihaj Mohammad to become barrier breakers.

At the post-event presser Manuel said “The title ‘black swimmer’ makes it seem like I am not supposed to be able to win a gold medal – I work as hard as anybody else and I love the sport and I want to win, just like everybody else.” Here are 2 more reasons why goals can T-up talent, D-up dreams and F-up futures.

Manuel is the first African-American to win gold in Olympic swimming. For Mohammad who won bronze in fencing, she’s the first to win a medal wearing the Hijab head scarf of her Muslim faith. They have a lot to say about breaking through the noise, the no’s and the ‘it’s never been done before’ writings on the wall.

They’re ‘first-ever’ winners who add discipline, build determination and chart destiny to D-up dreams. They know first-hand how to fame-up one’s future and fortunes. It’s the grind of working through some goals that allowed them to T-up their unique talents. This formula is true whether for women or men.

Mohammad might agree with Manuel who said “I hope I can be an inspiration to others so this medal is for those who come behind me and get into the sports and hopefully find the love and drive to get to this point.” Like Bolt, barrier breakers ‘change their name’ (or the game) in how they’re known or remembered.

Groove-Track: TLC – Waterfalls – https://youtu.be/8WEtxJ4-sh4

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

Why chase women or waterfalls. When chasing the sky is where duty calls. A question in the mind of Usain Bolt. Something to motivate his Olympic jolt. Other Rio highlights on the wire. Where U.S. women are girls on fire. Kicking butt and taking stock. Is how Manuel and Mohammad break barriers and rock.

At post-event presser chat. Manuel shared feelings without a spat. As ‘black swimmer’ seems a bit weak. Where her winning made to seem bleak. Works hard as any lover of the game. Wants to win just like every other big name. Two more reasons why goals help us sail. Even after coming back from a near fail.

Manuel first black to win gold. Hopes in swimming that’ll soon be old. Mohammad takes the bronze medal place. With Hijab-wearing scarf across her face. Has a lot to say about breaking thru noise. And how it took doses of poise. Some no’s that might make peeps fall. ‘Never been done before’ writings on the wall.

‘First-ever’ winners add discipline to the mix. Then build determination with the fix. Charting destiny to D-up dreams. On work or playtime teams. Knowing first-hand what it takes. To flame-up future fortunes & T-bone steaks. The grind of working through goals thick & thin. True for brothas or sistas on success spin.

Mohammad & Manuel might agree. Good things in life set talents free. Hoping to inspire and connect. With those in the city or urban Project. In finding love and drive to the end. Going where they don’t break but bend. Like Bolt, barrier breakers are better than average fare. By being known for the fruits they bear.

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Tip: Barrier breakers change the game by being better than average fare in the fruits they bear.

Talkback: Is Bolt going to be the kind of legend like a Bob Marley?

Groove-Tracks: Mr. Vegas ft Shaggy – Sweet Jamaica – https://youtu.be/b9ZJ7FpXiEg

Empire Cast ft Jussie Smollett & Yazz – Chasing the Sky – https://youtu.be/Tds5IfWpXo0

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

Brie Larson Named Next Captain Marvel, Mike Piazza Can Relate to Being in Those Shoes #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)

If you’re a Comic Book reader you know that Brie Larson is part of the ComicCon family. If you’re a MLB fan you know that Mike Piazza was just inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. It was just as exciting hearing that Larson would be the next Captain Marvel. So Piazza might think, ‘Me too, so good, I got you!’

According to the NY Daily News, his batting coach said “Mike had something you couldn’t teach – he had power and power takes time to develop. That’s what he needed, time. I wanted to make sure he got it.” Piazza is real proof for not quitting along the way before the right people hear what you have to say.

He started-out as a minor league player with the Dodgers’ farm club. Not much might have been expected as he was picked at the bottom of the pack in the draft. Piazza went on to have a stellar career by working hard on his batting stroke. He came to know that skill mastery has a certain learned timing.

One day at practice he overheard some ‘trash talking’ and was discouraged. He kinda became tuned-out to the game he loved. But after being pulled aside and getting some tough-love from his coach, Piazza re-grouped. This self-check moment caused him to be more tuned-into going from good to great.

Many were pleased when they heard Larson would be the next Captain Marvel. She’s already getting thumbs-up from her fans. A time others remember was Piazza hitting a homerun in the 8th inning of the first MLB game after 9-11. They show us how dreaming-up & teaming-up are a preview for beaming-up.

Groove-Track: Meghan Trainor – Me Too – https://youtu.be/qDRORgoZxZU

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

Comic Book readers do know. Brie Larson got the go. ComicCon fam did learn. She’s ready to rock and burn. Meanwhile MLB fans cheered for Mike. Piazza the Hall of Fame champ they like. Buzz that Larson to play Captain Marvel role. Piazza might feel the same even if that wasn’t his goal.

In media reports from the big city. Piazza rose to the occasion looking pretty. His batting coach came to see. The power Piazza had from shoulder to knee. Needing time to develop swing in the cage. Feeling sure he’d rise to the next stage. Proof for not quitting along the way. So folks hear what you have to say.

Started-out on the minor bench. With Dodgers farm club spot he’d clench. Not sure to be a contender. Picked at bottom as draft’s low-ender. Went on to have stellar career overall. By working to minimize strikeout call. Knowing that skill mastery in hits or steal. Takes a certain learned timing in baseball appeal.

After a day at practice he went sour. From hearing ‘trash-talk’ in the noon hour. Felt kinda tuned-out from the game and group. His soul needed some chicken soup. With tough-love from coach’s corner. He was back to sending balls a goner. A moment for handling the hate. Then tuned-into going from good to great.

Many happy people on Larson’s news. Giving thumbs-up and shared views. With Captain Marvel going to be female. Maybe sign of the times if things prevail. Others flashback to Piazza homerun. First MLB game after 9-11 bigger than fun. Showing how dreaming-up with a team. Before rising to the top as the cream.

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Tip: One of the best things about achieving is dreaming-up as a team then rising to the top as the cream.

Talkback: How did Ken Griffey Jr. and Piazza make watching the game feel like a fun day at the park?

Groove-Shaggy Ft Jovi Rockwell – I Got You – https://youtu.be/Qk3yxQIlRC0

Pitbull – Freedom – https://youtu.be/zKKF_vFshMM

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

Cory Booker Makes it Plain & Kendrick Lamar ‘Keeps it 100’ for Going to the Next Level #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)

Have things cooled down on social media yet? It seems folks were reacting not to Kanye’s latest philosophical waxing. Instead they were touting Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy performance and Cory Booker’s book release. Booker makes it plain and Lamar ‘keeps it 100’ for taking things to the next level.

Booker’s rise took him from city council, to mayor to NJs first African-American Senator.  He told Roll Call “As I found out in Newark, we made some of our best leaps when we found ways to make uncommon coalitions to get things done.” So what’s the deal on taking a leap of dreams by any means necessary?

With Lamar it’s all about finding the form that separates him from the norm. His lyrical mastery is unmatched. He brings a brash sense of consciousness without an overdose on bravado. Booker brings a cool and collected sense of un-pretentiousness. For them it’s about letting the work speak for itself.

The tweets after the Grammy’s for Lamar from fellow artists kept popping. Even Adele after a less-than-stellar sounding performance was all-in. Still, others try to analyze Booker’s career plan or Lamar’s social justice stand. But it’s as if their work feels right by them just like one’s dream feels like the right fix.

Booker’s ready to move the political scene from divide and conquer to multiply and prosper. It’s the fight we must have to push the American Dream and function as a ‘United Streets of America’ team. For these guys, ‘keeping it 100’ is more than dollar bills but about next level pillars because they keep it real.

Groove-Track: Cheryl Lynn – Got to be Real – https://youtu.be/EoXvDleWJ5U

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

Things cooled down on Twitter yet? Not ready to make a bet. Some folks think Kanye’s whack. Begging for money when he’s got no lack. People talking ‘bout Kendrick on the mic. And Cory Booker’s book tour hike. Booker makes it plain everyday on the Hill. He and Lamar ‘keep it 100’ for their next level chill.

Rising from city council chair. To serve as brick city mayor. Now he’s NJs first Black Senator. The ride on his career elevator. Learning a thing or two about best leaps. Coalitions getting things done in heaps. So in taking leaps of dreams what’s the real deal? It’s in the secrets that no one has to steal.

Lamar finding it in his hip-hop form. That separates him from the norm. Lyrical mastery unmatched in skill. Brash of consciousness, low-grade bravado and thrill. Booker more about cool and collectedness. In his sense of un-pretentiousness. Letting the work represent their game. Giving them more clout in their fame.

Tweets after the Grammy’s kept popping. From celebs and artists non-stopping. Even Adele was all-in. Even though her performance was off a thin. Some try and analyze Bookers game plan. While other figure-out Lamar’s justice stand. The work feels right by them. One’s dream the right fix and gem.

Booker to move politics from divide and conquer. With unity theme of multiply and prosper. A fight to push the American Dream. To function as ‘United Streets of America’ team. For these guys ‘keeping it 100’ more than dollar bills. But next level pillars and performance kills. Got to be real in the ‘hood or the hills.

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Tip: When life gives us lemons we make lemonade without forgetting to add our own authentic flava.

Talkback: Which made a stronger point: Taylor’s Swift’s acceptance or Kendrick Lamar’s performance?

Groove-Tracks: Shaggy – Hope – https://youtu.be/I_h0bVilA_c

 

Alabama Shakes – Don’t Wanna Fight – https://youtu.be/nin-fiNz50M

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

@CarliLloyd Brought Her ‘It-Factor’ to the Game on the Soccer World Stage – #WUWECAST

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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)

So who’s up for a parade? That’s the breaking news from the office of NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio. He was approached by another elected official with the idea. It will be the first for honoring a women’s team. How fitting that’ll be since NJs Carli Lloyd brought her ‘it-factor’ to the soccer world stage.

Head coach Jill Ellis said, “I’m so happy for them, so happy for every little girl who dreams about this.” The looks on their faces said a lot about the game. It also mirrored ‘happiness in the workplace’ as a flashback to the playground. What you bring to the game is what you celebrate at the party.

Lloyd said she was on a mission for the team. She’s been developing her talent even before she played for Rutgers. Her former coach and those on her club team remember times where she was fierce. Her happiness on the field (like that on a job) rises by turning talent into skill and training into expertise.

The U.S. women’s team was often called a 23-player squad. That’s not just about numbers but also synergy. There was a balance of old-timers and newbies. Lloyd’s ‘it-factor’ was more than talent but also her sense of teamwork. As a player she scored three goals and as captain she shared the spotlight.

Lots of history was made in the game with Lloyd racking-up a few. The happiness she first spoke of was how surreal the moment. It’s not a feeling you fight but one that lets you float on cloud nine. What that says about ‘it-factor’ is her having the midas touch in skill, chemistry and screams from cheering fans.

Groove-Track: Pharrell Williams – ‘Happy’ – https://youtu.be/y6Sxv-sUYtM

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

Who’s up for a parade? Women’s soccer made the grade. NYC Mayor DeBlasio’s office thinks so. Got idea from elected official in the know. Making it happen would be a first time. No other women’s team been this prime. Quite fitting for Carli Lloyd making sports page. Bringing her ‘it-factor’ to the world stage.

Head coach happy as can be. Says girls did their duty. This for every girl who dreams. About being on winning teams. Looks on their faces said a lot. Like good food from grandma’s pot. Happiness at work or at play. Sure can happen any given day. Raise your game with more hearty. Celebrate like a 1999 party.

Lloyd’s mission for the team was there. Developing her talent year to year. Even before her Rutgers playing days. Was a force with a fierce gaze. Former coach giving her much props. Club team members say she’s got hops. Her happiness on the field as in a job. Comes with training, skill and expertise blob.

Women’s team was 23-player strong. Not just numbers but synergy along. Good balance of old-timers as well as upstarts. With coaches and role players doing their parts. Lloyd’s ‘it-factor’ in talent and teamwork mix. A combo for her game fix. Scoring three goals as a key player. Sharing the spotlight as team leader.

Lots of history in the making. With beauty and grace for the taking. Lloyd had hers in fair share. A surreal moment of happiness in the air. Not a feeling you want to fight. But floats you on cloud nine day or night. What that says about ‘it-factor’ is this. Midas touch in skill, chemistry and screaming-fan bliss.

carli-lloyd2Photo Credit: Getty Images

Tip: Your ‘it-factor’ in skill and happiness is not a feeling you fight but one that might bring screaming fans day or night.
Talkback: Is a parade for the U.S. women’s soccer team a good thing?
Groove-Tracks: India Arie – ‘Just Do You’ – https://youtu.be/qXpaJMg3q8I

Shaggy ft Beres Hammond – ‘Fight This Feeling’ – https://youtu.be/v_m783XAQjo

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

Apple CEO Tim Cook Has Reason to Take His Techies to Wall Street for a Special Treat #WUWECAST

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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?


doc_lg

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

There was a big rumble on Main Street recently after word of the Mayweather/Pacquiao fight set for May. There was also some noise on Wall Street, not for the fight but for AT&T getting bounced by Apple on the Dow Jones. That’s why Tim Cook would have reason to take his techies to Wall Street for a special treat.

Cook is running things now but Steve Jobs was the innovator and game-changer. Some say he was a little irreverent at work. At times he was seen as trouble but made things that seemed irregular or unusual become popular. His secret was making them bounce, pop or shift in the marketplace and culture.

If Jobs were doing a TED Talk today he might have something to say about Wall Street and being added to the Dow. But he might also have a big announcement titled ‘The Secret on How to Make Your Market Value Bounce. Just pay attention to the buzz in media and technology for a few clues.’

So, leading the way for primetime TV viewership are Empire, CSI and Big Bang Theory. They fall in the categories of pop culture, crime drama and geek humor. Beyond iTunes and the iPhone there’s the Apple Watch, Apple TV and Apply Pay. These biz/media portals are poised to pull numbers in the stratosphere.

When you look at the top-3 shows on television you get a sense for the social and entertainment landscape. When you consider Apple replacing AT&T on the Dow, you get a sense for where business is going. Put them together and there’s something there to becoming top-class in name and game.

Groove-Track: Iggy Azalea ft. Jennifer Hudson – ‘Trouble’ –

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

Sounded like a big rumble on Main Street. Mayweather vs. Pacquiao to compete. Also a little noise on Wall Street. Not for the fight but another feat. AT&T bounced by Apple for now. From the top-30 stocks on the Dow. Tim Cook has reason to take his techies. To Wall Street for a special treat with the bookies.

Cook now has his hand on the wheel. But Steve Jobs brought innovation and the game-changer feel. Seen as trouble while a little irreverent in his work. Helped a lot of people bring home the pork. Secret was making things shift, bounce or pop. In the marketplace and pop culture gift shop.

If Jobs to give TED Talk today. He’d have a word on the Dow to say. Think about his market-friendly style. Always a new gizmo with fans going wild. ‘Secret to Making Market Value Bounce.’ Giving all you’ve got ounce by ounce. Nobody can walk in his shoes. Buzz in media and tech give a few clues.

Leading the way for primetime viewership. CSI, Big Bang Theory and the Empire Mothership. In the categories of crime drama and geek humor. Also throw in a little pop culture. Beyond iTunes and the iPhone portals. Apple Watch, Apple TV and Apple Pay as next mortals. Pulling numbers from their royals.

Top-3 shows on TV these days. A snapshot of the social and showbiz craze. Think about Apple kicking AT&T to the curve. Should that rattle our nerve? Maybe hints at where tech is going. As its popularity keeps growing. So, on becoming top-class in name. Means putting things together in your game.

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Tip: The secret to a market value bounce is in things that seem unusual or irregular becoming popular.
Talkback: Apple Watch, Apple TV or Apple Stock, where’d you put your money?
Groove-Track: Shaggy Ft. Neyo – ‘You Girl’ –   

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

NBA Stars and MBA Greats Showcase Workplace Genius & Market Brilliance – #WUWECAST

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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

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

What do NBA stars and MBA greats have in common? For the NBA it’s the annual dunk-fest and 3-point shooting contest. Many of them were the usually suspects. But there were some new kids on the block. The oldtimers & newbies put on a show with high-flying feats and ‘high-fives’ in the seats.

The all-star game has been around for six decades. It’s as much a game as it is a commercial enterprise. The players put on a show on the court. Recording artists put on a show on the stage. Together it’s all about bringing together the ‘creative chops’ of NBA ballers with the musical talents of hit-makers.

Many of the NBA stars and MBA greats (Mega Bank Account) started from the bottom with a big dream. Washington Wizards guard John Wall’s story is one of turning the loss of his father at a young age into motivation. He remembers his mother’s dedication in working multiple jobs to raise the family.

Wall is using his passion, life experience and skill execution as workplace genius. He hopes to be counted among one of the best point guards ever. He’s focused on raising his game and market appeal. While other real MBA minds or front-office bosses are raising the brand to the utmost in market brilliance.

So it was another day at the office for NBA stars and MBA greats. Russell Westbrook was named game MVP. Stephen Curry won the 3-point shooting contest. Zach LaVine was the runaway winner in the slam-dunk. They delivered creative chops and workplace genius, leading the way in market brilliance.

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

Another day at the office for NBA stars. Another day for MBA greats beyond fancy cars. From a night of jams at the dunk-fest. To loud cheers at the 3-point contest. Many of the oldtimers were in place. With some newbies showing their face. A slew of high-flying b-ball feats. And ‘high-fives’ in the arena seats.

All-star game going six decades strong. Rookies and breakout stars get to come along. As much a game played for the fun. As a biz enterprise making a run. Players put on a show for the fans. Recording artists put on a show with their bands. Creative chops of NBA ballers. Musical talents of today’s hit-makers.

As players they started-out with big dreams. MBA greats (Mega Bank Account) getting to the big leagues. Washington Wizards star-story of John Wall. Turning the loss of his father into getting the call. Setting a goal fueled by motivation. Reaching new heights inspired by Mom’s dedication.

Wall uses life experience as fire. Skill and workplace genius going even higher. As point guard he’s ready for the test. Hopes to be counted as one of the best. Raising his game and market appeal. Working real hard at getting a steal. MBA execs and mgmt chiefs lifting brand. To mega market brilliance in the stand.

What do NBA stars and MBA greats share as twins? Trying hard to get more wins. Russell Westbrook named game MVP. Stephen Curry won 3-point shooting spree. Zack LaVine runaway winner in the slam-dunk. His jams had a whole lot of spunk. Creative chops, passion and leadership brilliance in the trunk.

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Tip: When it comes to being a star with greatness it helps to have creative chops, passion and brilliance.
Talkback: Who’s in your top-5 as a pro-player, sports anchor/analyst or business star?
Groove-Tracks: Alicia Keys – ‘Girl on Fire’ –

Jimmy Cozier ft. Shaggy – ‘Choose Me’ –

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

Tessanne Chin Brought Down the House and Took Home the Crown on ‘The Voice’

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

”Jamaica is celebrating with the United States as Tessanne wins The Voice!” That’s how Carson Daley capped-off the evening of the season 5 finale. Chin was among three finalists in the competition. She wowed all the coaches during blind auditions. She brought down the house and took home the crown.

The reggae backup singer has worked with the likes of Jimmy Cliff and Shaggy. She even did a few duet performances on the show with industry superstars. Now she’s ready to do her own thing with a Universal Music recording contract. Her journey is full of inspiration for dreamers, career changers and job seekers.

Chin was one of a few who thrilled fans and coaches alike. She showcased her singing voice (without the accent) and her speaking voice (with the accent) to have crossover appeal. Chin used the power of having a passion-voice that spoke louder than just singing talent. This made the experience come alive.

There’s not much else she saw herself doing. Chin says singing has been her first-love. So she’s put in the time working on her professional goals. Where she saw herself years ago is moving closer to where she is now. Having a next-level vision has taken her from small-island dirt roads to big-country dreams.

Chin gave credit to her fans in Jamaica and the U.S. She also touched on the bond she developed with Adam Levine. Whether on a startup journey or the comeback trail it helps to have a co-sponsor in your corner, a vintage performance to standout from the rest and resilience like a rock to enjoy the love fest.

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The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

“Jamaica celebrating with the U.S., Tessanne wins The Voice prize chest.” That’s how Carson Daley capped-off the show. After a season of singers going toe-to-toe. Chin among three season 5 finalists. The competition felt like pure bliss. Wowing fans as the show begun. Bringing down the house and having fun.

The reggae backup singer from yard. Worked with Shaggy and Cliff, not a bad card. Performed duets with many a superstar. Winning it all and a brand new car. Now ready to do her own thing. With a Universal Music contract as her ring. Lots of inspiration for today’s dreamers. Career changers and job seekers.

Chin seen early on as one of a few. Her melody fell over you like dew. Showcased her singing voice with a little twang. Speaking accent different from how she sang. Gaining more in crossover appeal. A glimpse of being the real deal. Her passion-voice louder than singing. In how talent comes alive in her bringing.

Not much else she wanted to do. Chin knows it’s important to ‘be you.’ With her first-love in the lead role. A way of working on her professional goal. Seeing herself years ago. Closer to being in today’s flow. Having a next-level vision gives her new streams. From small-island dirt roads to big-country dreams.

Crediting local and overseas fans. Touching on the bond with Levine’s hands. Whether startup journey or comeback trail. Dreamers don’t quit even if at times they fail. Good to have support from a co-sponsor. As someone who holds-down your corner. A vintage performance from the rest. Lets you enjoy the love fest.

Tip: Upping your game means moving past your past, working on your present and zooming into the future.

Talkback: Was ‘Bridge Over Troubled Waters’ Tessanne’s breakout performance on the show?