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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

Steph Curry and Tiffany Haddish on Turning Good Breaks into Dance Shakes While Keeping Their Game On High Performance

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The NCAA Final Four teams are set with a few one-seed upsets. The two Carolina teams Duke & UNC are out of the dance. Virginia is still in the mix while Texas Tech beat west coast favorite Gonzaga to reach the Final Four for the first time. For die-hard fans, some of those games were hard to watch.

Another North Carolina boy has his eyes set on a different upcoming series. Steph Curry is gearing up for the big push of the NBA playoffs. He’s been on a run lately that is simply other-worldly. Meantime, Tiffany Haddish is trying to reset her comedy game after a New Year’s Eve show that went off the rails.

They know something about turning good breaks into dance shakes. You see it when Curry runs a fast break or hits a 3-point shot so far out he might as well have taken it from the parking lot. Haddish does her dance shake when she pinches herself and realizes the path taken to becoming a hit in Hollywood.

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Curry says he’s still working on some things in his game. That’s why when he named his top-5 NBA players in the past 20 years, he says his name wasn’t on the list because he’s still a work in progress.  Haddish says she learned the reason why her show bombed. She partied too much the night before.

What drives them is the stuff they’re doing to make their game and life story come alive even more. Curry remembers times when people said he was overrated. He puts in the work to silence the doubters. Haddish says she’s back to doing comedy right. They’re keeping their game on high because of the:

  1. Dream

Your dream is deeply-rooted in some inner vision for your best self or is connected to someone else’s dream for a better product, service or world. Curry’s dream probably came from watching his dad play ball in the NBA. As a kid, he’d be on the court learning the plays of the game and the tricks of the trade.

  1. Flow

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When you watch Haddish she seems like a boundless flow of energy. When you watch Curry, he’s just hitting shots in the flow. Everybody’s got their own flow. But one reason why fans might attend their games or stand-up comedy shows is to experience and enjoy the magic of their flow.

  1. Brand

Curry started his own production company to work on other projects that help fulfill his true calling and broader purpose. What he does in the game is good for scoring points and celebrating championships. What he’s doing off the court is good for building his brand and defining his life’s work.

  1. Destiny

Usually in the professional game folks are driven by something to prove. Maybe Curry felt doubted and had to prove he’s got game. Maybe Haddish felt slighted as a child and had to prove that ‘she ready.’ But even beyond having to prove to others in the game, is their hope to fulfill their destiny.

Once the NCAA tournament is done the NBA playoffs begin. Curry’s looking to do something not done since Kobe Bryant and the Lakers with a three-peat. Haddish is working on her stand-up game for Netflix projects. They keep performance on high, driven by the dream, flow, brand and destiny ‘cause they’ll be around.

Tip: Great achievers keep performance on high, because of the dream, flow, brand and fulfilling their destiny.

Talkback: Who you’ve got for taking the crown at the NCAA Big Dance?

Tracks: Cee-lo ft Timbaland – I’ll be Around – https://youtu.be/TatmBrl8Y28

T.I. ft Chris Brown – Get Back Up – https://youtu.be/B9qZz-m6BL4

Jordan Peele & Iyanla Vanzant Take Audiences on a ‘Sharp Turn, Best Life’ Ride that’s Filled with Ooh’s and Aah’s

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The countdown is underway for the next big events on the pop culture calendar. Some fans can’t wait for the NCAA March Madness team selection. Others are looking forward to the iHeartRadio Music Awards. But in the meantime there’s Jordan Peele and Iyanla Vanzant taking fans on a ‘sharp turn, best life’ ride.

For Peele it’s in the success of his movie Get Out which won at the Oscars for Best Original Screenplay. It’s the first time that’s happened for an African-American. The movie is part horror, part thriller and part comedy. It starts out with a car making a sharp turn on a local street as the plot unfolds.

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It was a different kind of March Madness in the season opener for Iyanla’s ‘reinvention show’ on OWN. Things didn’t work out the normal way where the guest accepts the chance to find a path towards their best life. Peele and Vanzant generally put their gifts to work on their first audience.. which is themselves.

They know the road to redemption or achieving aspirations usually starts on ‘Self Street.’ Oftentimes how we reach higher is an extension of our comfort with self. Peele and Vanzant turned what appeals/reveals to self as a formula for a successful movie or unscripted TV show that could have been counted out.

In a recent ‘Oprah at the Apollo’ interview Peele gave an inside look into the steps he took in moving his dreams in the right direction. Vanzant often shares hers by saying that she had to do the work to achieve the healing before her place of shining. Their first audience of success started out by taking:

  1. Preparation Steps

Before celebration there’s always preparation. That’s true whether planning a party or going after your dreams. Before becoming a computer engineer I took preparations steps in college. Before going after my dreams in business I took preparation steps as a novice-in-training. These steps help put us in the game.

  1. Production Steps

It’s been said that people can have beginners luck when playing a game for the first time. Things kinda come your way even without trying hard. Where beginners luck ends is where production steps begin. It can be a surprise to do things well the first time. But you build production value doing it again and again.

  1. Breakout Steps

We expect to eventually have breakout steps along the way. The ‘Get Out’ movie is a sort of breakout step for Peele after leaving his Comedy Central gig. Vanzant had her breakout step when she first hosted a daytime talk show. They’ve used breakout steps in taking a risk or setting out as a trailblazer.

  1. Comeback Steps

They’ve also shown they can turn setbacks into comebacks. It’s something we’re teaching our daughter who’s been dealing with a leg (hamstring) injury. Each time it seemed like she was ready to return to her sport she’s had to pull back. Comeback steps help us with raising our game and elevating our dreams.

The journey of a 1000 miles begins with the first step. Whether we choose to walk, run or drive there can be lots of oohs and aahs on the ride. Steve Harvey reminds us that things might go south or get rough as part of God’s plan. But those who get back up keep things moving because they have dreams to celebrate.

Tip: The dream journey of a 1000 miles starts with preparation steps that might set us on a path as trailblazers taking breakout steps.

Talkback: Is it drama or trauma that makes things come alive in Get Out or on Vanzant’s TV show?

Tracks: Drake – God’s Plan – https://youtu.be/xpVfcZ0ZcFM

T.I. ft Chris Brown – Get Back Up – https://youtu.be/B9qZz-m6BL4

T.I. Took a Step Back, Ciara took a Step Up; How Tomorrows ‘Hot Steppers’ Take Strides #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)

Is the ‘mannequin challenge’ blowing-up on social media? It’s the new craze after Halloween and before Thanksgiving. So Ciara might be getting ready now that she’s Revlon’s Global Ambassador. But it’s the ‘big brother challenge’ that’s got T.I. talking. They show us how tomorrows Hot Steppers take strides.

After Lil Wayne’s comments in a TV interview T.I. wrote “You have to get outta that bubble that you’ve been living in & get out here & educate yourself on what’s going on around US!!!” T.I. took a step back and Ciara took a step up to be on point. It’s the best way to move your game from learning to leading.

It’s as if TI’s message to Wayne was “bro it’s ok to get jiggy with it, but after a while you gotta get woke.” That’s true for breaking out of any kind of bubble. It’s a case of Weezy getting to see that you don’t have to know everything. But even while flexing his rap game he gotta know something about something.

Ciara is making her beauty pay and T.I. is making things plain. He’s pouring out his soul before it gets old. It’s like the elevator ride going from the ground floor to the penthouse. Somewhere along the lines you’re gonna get lifted. T.I knows to reach the top spot or stay red hot also means getting others lifted.

Weezy came clean on how the reporter’s question got under his collar. He apologized for the crazy answer, taking the road to a better man. Things are happening for Ciara too. She hopes to keep burning up the music charts. It won’t hurt if her market appeal keeps rolling in style which is sure to feel good.

Groove-Track: Tony Toni Tone – Feels Good – https://youtu.be/Jfoxsfhi-kk

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

Seems ‘mannequin challenge’ taking off quick. On social media the best place to stick. New craze after Halloween fright night. And Before Thanksgiving dinner bite. Ciara getting ready now. As Revlon’s Global Ambassador wow. ‘Big brother challenge’ got T.I. talking. As Hot Steppers taking strides and balling.

After Lil Wanye’s big reveal. TV interview on Nightline for real. T.I. saying dude it’s ok to be the sh**. But looks like Wayne’s gotta get out a bit. To educate himself beyond the studio. On what’s happening outside Hip-Hop rodeo. A step back or step up to make a point. Best way to learn & lead without the joint.

As if T.I. wants Wayne to know. Getting ‘jiggy’ is cool but get with the flow. After a while gotta get woke. Since life in the streets ain’t no joke. True for breaking-out the ‘made it’ bubble. And not getting lost in stink rubble. Don’t have to know e’rthing in full. But gotta know something about something for more pull.

Ciara keeps making her beauty pay. And T.I. making things plain his way. Pouring out soul before things get old. While the iron’s still hot not cold. Like elevator going from ground floor. To penthouse with double door. Gotta get lifted to the spot. Also getting other lifted to stay hot.

Weezy came clean like a scholar. Reporter’s question got under his collar. Apologized for the crazy things he said. Taking road to being a better man instead. Things happening for Ciara too. She’s happy with Russell her boo. Hopes to keep climbing music charts. Sending ‘feel good’ vibes with kisses and hearts.

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Tip: Tomorrow’s Hot Steppers take strides to get in the flow or move closer to making the doe.

Talkback: So has the dust settled between T.I. and Weezy?

Groove-Tracks: CL – Lifted – https://youtu.be/Mr29X77OA5g

Leon Bridges – Better Man – https://youtu.be/pgS_xob1x4A

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

Shonda Rhimes, Gladys Knight Took Midnight Train from Home to a Trailblazing Station #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)

Some have begun getting their media credentials. It’s an industry term for having an inside-track to an event. Maybe that’s how Black Girls Rock founder Beverly Bond sees her work in ‘girl-powerment.’ Her group is honoring Gladys Knight and Shonda Rhimes for taking the midnight train to a trailblazing station.

Bond started her career in modeling before becoming a music DJ. As an entrepreneur and philanthropist she’s quoted as saying “Everyone needs someone in their life who pushes them to the next level.” She could teach top 3 tricks of the biz trade & getting paid that’s good for work, play and any milestone day.

She knows people-skills make the world go ‘round in working with a who’s who of celebrity clients. Plus, she’s figured-out how to make success look like a spring time walk in the park connected to wi-fi. Her work serves things bigger than herself by having more passion push, purpose pop and pulling strings.

There’re times getting to the next level is in how we simplify. These women might have turned the old saying into a mantra of “keep it simple and sexy.” But there’re other times when getting to the next level is in how we diversify. That’s helped with staying in the game and expanding their name to other arenas.

At times they’re busy adding projects to their roster or pushing the envelope. As they’ve risen in career and life, it has meant stepping-out from the shadows or ditching mediocrity out the windows. This sometimes feels like a battle of the sexes to serve-up a sexist fix around the way or across the miles.

Groove-Track: Inner City – Good Life – https://youtu.be/SfbUU1lsZFw

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

Step right up for your credentials. A media pass that’s essential. Industry term for having inside-track. To events that push the stack. Beverly Bond founder for Black Girls Rock. ‘Girl-power’ more than a pretty girl’s block. Gladys Knight & Shonda Rhimes get nomination. Took midnight train to trailblazing station.

Bond started career on the cat walk. Then added DJ action to music & talk. As biz woman philanthropist and producer. Says moving things to next level takes an inducer. Could teach us tricks of getting paid in biz trade. From what she did to make the grade. Good for work, play and milestones made.

People-skills make world go ‘round. In between the sights and the sound. Working with who’s who from celeb list. Figured-out how to have success bliss. Kinda like a spring time walk in the park. While wi-fi synched to hotspot hallmark. Working in ways much bigger than self. Pulling strings among the top shelf.

Getting to next level is to simplify. Making things boom is to diversify. Keeping it ‘simple and sexy’ with their brand. Taking no stuff for where they stand. Helped them with staying in the game. Filling other arenas by expanding their name. Alright for guys and gals working as one and the same.

Busy adding to their project roster. Pushing envelope in what they foster. Rising in career and life streams. With what were childhood dreams. Meant stepping-out from the shadows. Or ditching mediocrity out the windows. Less about battle of the sexes mix. Serving-up big fun, good life and a sexist fix.

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Tip: Getting to the next level might take a push, a pop or pulling strings by those who’ve got your back.

Talkback: How did Serena Williams’ response to the tennis official make a bold statement?

Groove-Tracks: T.I. ft Keri Hilson – Got Your Back – https://youtu.be/gk2yOxTuLck

 

Jess Glynne – Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself – https://youtu.be/THeLVhU53ow

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

Warren Buffett Feels Achieving the American Dream Takes Being Professional Grade – #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)

There’s been lots of talk recently about the American Dream being dead or alive. Some politicians have built their platform on making the Dream a reality for more folks. Other people think it’s getting harder and harder to attain. Warren Buffett feels the American Dream takes being rated professional grade.

Buffett believes it means career and biz branding that is distinctive, competitive and positive. It’s about being a standout on the job or in the marketplace. This makes for a more competitive position that puts you in the mix like top movies on Netflix. It helps create a rise in job status like seen on the Stock Market.

He says achieving the American Dream is affected not only by those professional factors but also social and monetary issues. He explains that the American Dream has given some people the cold shoulder as more earnings went to the super-rich. Their ‘Forbes 400’ wealth has grown 25 times since the 1980s.

Buffett thinks the American Dream is still doable as people, products and politicians breathe life into the marketplace. On the social front, this is impacted by the market system, rule of law and equality of justice. On the monetary side he feels government can help by expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit.

His ‘guru’ comes through with knowledge of the financial markets and economy. He plans to pass-on some measure of the American Dream by donating 99% of his wealth to philanthropy. In the meantime, he hopes more people can raise their professional grade and get to sip umbrella drinks in the shade.

Groove-Track: Mariah Carey – ‘Make it Happen’ –

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

Lots of talk and American Dream jive. Many wonder if it’s dead or alive. On it some politicians stake their platform. With message about social reform. People think it’s harder and harder to attain. For them that’s making it plain. Warren Buffett feels it takes being professional grade. For those who don’t have it made.

Buffett believes in career/biz branding.  Distinctive, competitive and on a positive standing. Takes being a standout on the job clock. And letting things shine on the market block. A more competitive showing in the mix. Like top movies online or Netflix. Watch your job status rise. As seen in a Stock Market surprise.

Buffet says the Dream’s affected by professional factors for sure. With social and monetary issues politicians should do more. American Dream’s given some the cold shoulder. While the super-rich are among the older. Their wealth since 1980s grown 25 times over. Leaving some to fight for the leftover.

Thinks the American Dream’s still doable. As people, products and officials make it possible. By breathing life into the marketplace. And making things happen in the social space. Impacted by market system, equality of justice, rule of law. And government expanding Earned Income Tax Credit thaw.

His ‘guru’ comes through like a money-market whiz. His knowledge rich in economic biz. Plans to pass-on Dream to many through philanthropy. By donation 99% with his peers who’re wealthy. Meantime he hopes more people can boost professional grade. And get to sip umbrella drinks in the shade.

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Tip: Your inner ‘guru’ or career dreams shine through by standing-out on the job or in the marketplace.
Talkback: What TV series are people binge-watching these days or dreaming about the next season?
Groove-Tracks: Pitbull – ‘Celebrate’ –

T.I. ft Rihanna – ‘Live Your Life’ –   

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