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Shaking Things Up Beyond How You Impress: Find the Moxie You Need to Rock the Game in a Way That’s Priceless

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Doc Cunningham
“Da Island Guy”

Time Magazine has named its person of the year. It’s a big deal in some circles to see if their key influencer made it among the finalists. The honor, normally going to public figures across, politics, business and showbiz, tries to bring some end-of-year ‘umph’ to kinda top-off the wild and wonderous.

No worries, though Quinta Brunson and Lizzo didn’t make the list, they’re among pop culture’s movers and shakers. Brunson has had a world-wind year with the success of the sitcom Abbott Elementary. It leads the Critics Choice TV category nods and she’s also one of People Magazine’s Persons of the Year!

In the case of Lizzo, she’s been making the rounds on her album release promotional stops, like the Today Show and SNL. Plus, with her Apple TV+ documentary, she’s giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to put on a concert. Ofcourse, fans get a look & feel for what makes her tick.

Quinta & Oprah

Brunson recently had a sit-down interview with Oprah where she got high praise about her work. The media mogul was impressed with how Brunson has been shaking things up beyond how you impress. Meantime, Lizzo recently made history playing the flute once owned by founding father James Madison.

While as kids, neither Brunson or Lizzo were seen as future superstars, they’ve found the moxie to rock the game in a way that’s priceless. For Brunson, it started with doing short comedy clips that went viral, while with Lizzo it was in mixing hip hop with her performance style. So they know you gotta be:

  • Ready:- Brunson had flashes of fame in her early days of trying out comedy bits. While going viral was what gave her the initial exposure, it’s messaging that would click and make her stick.      
  • Steady:- Lizzo remembers having to skip hanging out with friends so she could go to music class and bond with her flute. That gave her a feeling of steady, even with the craziness in her world. 
  • Element:- In Science class students learn the Periodic Table of Elements. It gives the basic makeup of things. In showbiz they’ve found their connecting talent/element for crossover appeal.     
  • Represent:- Brunson might say Abbott Elementary was meant to represent the value that teachers bring to society. For Lizzo, it’s about how ‘big girls’ get to represent their fullness in life.        
Lizzo

Brunson isn’t so concerned these days about going viral. The thing that drives her passion is in making a show that brings generations together. She got the idea from reminiscing of a time when she could watch a TV show with her grandfather and they’d both get the joke.

After a long day in the studio or on the road, they’ll tell you that there’s nothing like being in your element and having the chance to represent. It turns the feeling of making an impression into a fun form of expression. Those moments in their niche are the ticket for how they bring content that’s cool and rich.

Talkback: While at the office, how do you get the most out of your element?

Tip: Turning passion into niche gives the feeling of turning impression into a fun form of expression.

Tracks: Busta Rhymes Ft Mary J. Blige – You Will Never Find Another Me – https://youtu.be/XKwmuRT2VOI,

Maffio, Kymani Marley, Julian Marley – Blessings – https://youtu.be/8Sc5yOzrNDM

Russell Wilson is on Brand, Amanda Gorman is on Point and Their Passion is on Game!

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Well, lots of ground to cover, buzz to breakdown and chatter to scatter after the Superbowl. Alright, not everybody was happy about how things went lopsided in a hurry. Some think the refs were off their game, but that The Weeknd as halftime performer made up for all the things that were missing due to Covid.

Some frontline workers and health professionals were honored to see the game in person. But after the post-game interviews fans at home were glued to see Queen Latifa as ‘The Equalizer’. She was kicking butt, taking names and getting high praise for her new breakout show.  

Leading up to the big game was word that Russell Wilson won the Walter Payton Man-of-the-Year Award. That’s something many in the game aspire to get because of who Payton was to sports fans. When you think of Payton (aka “sweetness”) there’s a similar suave and swag that Wilson brings to the party.

We saw Amanda Gorman give another world stage performance. She’s the youngest poet laureate to speak at a Presidential Inauguration. It’s as if she’s poised to be like a Maya Angelou of our time, having recently made the cover of Time Magazine. She combines words with delivery into an inspiring story.

Folks say the TV commercials had some of the old and more of the new, with lots of celeb cameos. What we might get from watching the Superbowl is like what we get from watching Wilson and Gorman. He’s on brand, she’s on point and their passion is on game. They show how folks can get there too by how they:

1. Work

Wilson shared a few tips on how he gets ready for each season. He’s big on putting in the time, not for the crime but for the climb. It’s the things he does in mind, body and spirit that carry over to the things he does in pass, run and score. If his body is his temple, then the field is his place for getting fan praise.

2. Sacrifice

Gorman stays on point by remembering the part that sacrifice plays in one’s journey. To us it might seem like she came out of nowhere. But to her it’s been a slow and steady march towards a brighter day. Sacrifice for her in a sense means giving up something without giving up on yourself.        

3. Step

Ever watched the foot work of a quarterback while in the pocket? It’s a kinda dance with a backstep here or a leap step there. Every QB probably has a certain rhythm and flow to how they step to their game. He’s in the socket and in the pocket before passing like a rocket. That’s how you step to your game.

4. Represent

How does she at such a young age have the calm and composure of a seasoned veteran? How does he go from amazing on the field to a servant in the community? It’s how they pull it together to represent their brand, their talents and their love for what they do. To represent is to know how to rep your presence.      

So history was made in all kinda ways at the game. There was the first female on a referee crew in a Superbowl. The first team to play in the game as a home team. But even when you’re not in it to be making history, there’s still the chance to work, sacrifice, step and represent in giving it your best.        

Tip: In order to represent your best, you have to rep your presence in a way that is like sunshine of your essence.

Talkback: Who’s ready for more Queen Latifah or Amanda Gorman?

Tracks: Shalamar  – Right In The Socket – https://youtu.be/sNGyMe3bu1E

Fat Joe ft Amorphous – Sunshine – https://youtu.be/kuO9OC2H9Qs

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.

tyler-perry2

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 & Joel’s Message in a Bottle, Fortune Cookie or Greeting Card Wish This Holiday #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)

If we think Oprah and Joel Osteen aren’t busy enough, think again. She just announced her new program with Weight Watchers. A few days ago she signed a book deal for her memoirs. As things go now, they’d probably love to send an upbeat message in a bottle, fortune cookie or greeting card wish this holiday.

Last week she said to the NY Times “All of my experiences, even the painful ones, have been there to teach me about life…I hope my story inspires people to live the highest, fullest expression of themselves.” ‘O & Jo’ know that the path from employee of the month to person of the year is paved in Yule’s gold.

Part of her ‘love yourself’ message is seen in the new Beyond the Scale campaign. She’s ready to support others in focusing on their highest value as they move ‘beyond the sales’ of the holiday season. There’s no wealth without health. There’s no dream without the goals. There’s no great without the wait.

Osteen might say how “Yule’s gold runs circles around fool’s gold.” He might even agree that the Yule Factory is a place where you find ways to add more passion at work, purpose to the day and savor to the flavor. This way we get not just a big paycheck but also in the words of James Brown, ‘a big payback.’

Morgan Freeman recently stopped by Osteen’s mega church in Houston. Freeman is doing a TV special on stories of faith. We all know the value of a precious commodity like gold. Plus, we see how Oprah and Osteen impact their fold. They know going from today to a new day is in what next time will hold.

Groove-Track: Patti Labelle – ‘New Day’ – https://youtu.be/wRBnwUIwpGk

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

Think Oprah and Osteen not busy enough? That’s just talking off the cuff. She endorses new Weight Watchers gig. Days before signs book deal that’s big. For her memoirs over the years. The ups, downs and the cheers. They’d send upbeat message in a bottle. As fortune cookie, card or wish not so subtle.

Last week telling NY Times. All experiences aren’t like sour limes. Teaching her something about life and style. Lasting with her for a while. Hopes to inspire people to their highest. Where self-expression reaches the fullest. ‘O & Jo’ know employee of the month isn’t old. And person of the year is paved in Yule’s gold.

A ‘love yourself’ message she tells. A Beyond the Scale campaign she sells. Ready to support people’s truest value self. Beyond the sales and holiday elf. Not just about going after wealth. With no reasonable portion of health. No dreams without having some goals. No great without the wait in our souls.

Osteen might share a Yule’s gold tip. From circles around a fool’s gold trip. Adding notes about the Yule Factory story. Where passion at work finds more glory. Putting more purpose in every day. Helps savor the flavor in every way. Not just about the big paycheck. Take it from James Brown in the big payback.

Morgan Freeman stopped by Osteen’s spot. To see why his mega church’s so hot. Freeman taping new TV special of late. On stories of faith, hope, so forget the hate. There’s value in precious stone like gold. As seen in how ‘O & Jo’ rally their fold. For going from today to new day in what next time might hold.

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Tip: Things that make us laugh, cry and try again can show us a path to our highest and fullest selves.

Talkback: What kind of ‘message in a bottle’ are people hoping for going into the holidays?

Groove-Tracks: Jill Scott – “Fools Gold” – https://youtu.be/uoEKX0CniNY

 

Hailee Steinfeld – ‘Love Myself’ – https://youtu.be/bMpFmHSgC4Q

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

Pope Francis Gets ‘Person of the Year’ Nod and Guess Who’s Crying Foul?

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Theme:– Operation J.U.M.P. For Jobs, Justice & Unsung Dreams

The top-ten list came together. It included President Obama, Senator Ted Cruz and Edward Snowden. Some might say the answer was a no-brainer. Cruz was too much of a new-comer and rabble-rouser. Snowden was too much a hot-potato. So Pope Francis named ‘Person of the Year,’ guess who’s crying?

There’re more people cheering than crying foul so let’s stay positive. Time Magazine Editors made the decision with input from readers. Francis also received a majority vote on other more informal surveys. He’s seen as a breath of fresh air in religious affairs. His focus seems less dogma and more karma.

He’s a man who espouses love over fear and hate. He challenges the trickle-down theory of economics. He encourages the religious establishment to think outside-the-box and serve outside the walls. Francis epitomizes the belief of ‘shared purpose, shared pain, shared gain.’ Well so does Operation J.U.M.P.!

It takes shared purpose to turn unsung dreams into a unifying reality. It takes shared pain to know everybody needs help after losing their jobs due to no fault of their own or their homes when there’s enough fault to go around. It takes shared gain to see how less people having more is bad economics.

Since the ‘Person of the Year’ announcement some have been labeling Francis as a Marxist. That’s like saying he’s an undercover Communist. Isn’t it funny that whenever someone rises up for civil rights and social justice they get tagged in a negative light? Francis must know something about that from the past.

Footnote: Operation J.U.M.P. is a mix of economic justice ideals and social-change reveals that might lead to community resolve made of steel.