Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Warm Wishes To You All This Christmas!

Merry Christmas, readers! While you're tearing through gifts, eating meals, and laughing until your stomach hurts, take a breather to read this short and sweet post. Here's to a wonderful day filled with warmth, love, and appreciation. Take a moment to reflect and be grateful for all that you have. I thank you for your continued support & for increasing my views daily. Now, I know the radio has been doing an amazing job with playing the Christmas music on heavy rotation but, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a little music here, too. Enjoy & Merry Christmas to you:









XOXO,
Whitney

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

2/16/13 B'Doc Day!

Hello readers. As the holiday season continues to roll on and the stresses of decorating and shopping are slowly sending you to asylum, take a little break and breathe. As you count to ten and repeat again, remember that this month is almost over and a new year is approaching. We all know 2013 will be jam-packed with new and exciting things on every front especially in the world of entertainment. From season premieres of some of our favorite shows to the Super Bowl, there's a lot to look forward to. To dig deeper into specifics, there's a plethora of things coming our way from Beyonce aka King Bey and one of them is her self-directed documentary airing on HBO. The buzz has been getting louder and louder and to keep the momentum high, I present to you a sneak peek of what's in store. Disclaimer: Video may cause excessive squealing, yelling, crying, and disturbed stares from onlookers. ENJOY!



XOXO,
Whitney

Thursday, November 22, 2012

A Thanksgiving Message Just For You!

Hello readers. As you all continue your prepping for Thanksgiving with copious amounts of chopping and seasoning or memorizing the aisles of your favorite department store as Black Friday approaches, I wanted to take this time to wish you and your families a happy Thanksgiving. As I sit here and type, having just washed my hands of brown sugar, garlic, and onions, I wanted to relay this message to you. Now, normally I would do my famous "Top 10"list but this year, I've decided to keep it short and sweet & take in all of my blessings. Because I'm always counting, it doesn't seem as daunting to sit back and reflect. I'm thankful for the basic necessities that aid in my life running smoothly. Having adequate health, shelter, clothing, and the ability to spread my knowledge through teaching high school students is always at the top of my list but I'm also thankful for the friends and family who continue to be positive influences in my life. Their love and words of wisdom are just what I need to help me be better. 

I'd also like to thank you my faithful readers who I keep coming back to see what new and interesting things I have to say. Although my posts may be sporadic, sometimes I don't write from months on end, when I look at the "Pageviews" in the Stats section of Blogger, I am in awe that you all are fascinated and drawn into what I have to say. It means a lot and here's to many more months and years of blogging about sports and entertainment.

As I wrap up, I hope that you all enjoy this day and all it has to offer. No one should be a "Negative Nancy" on a day that celebrates blessings & altruism. "Positive Pollyism"(yes, it's a made up word) should be rampant today so stuff your faces & if you like the New York Jets like me, let's cheer them on :).

XOXO,
Whitney

Monday, October 22, 2012

Flirty 30, Anyone? Happy Birthday Robinson Cano!

Hi readers! After much needed rest, relaxation, and re-energinizing from the Yankees' postseason woes,  I am back and here to post tonight. What is this post for exactly? Oh come on, I know you've seen the title which means it's dedicated to everyone's favorite second baseman Robinson Cano. Let's put aside our anger and disappointment from his abysmal hitting in both the ALDS & ALCS and the ever heartbreaking HR Derby(oh we didn't forget about that) to focus on the fact that our guy is 30 years old today. Can you believe that in 2005 the then 23 year old Cano made his debut with the Yankees? Fast forward 7 years later, a WS championship ring, a Gold Glove, and countless other accolades and he is still a fan favorite. So, here's to Robinson whose only job today is that he celebrate, get cool guy wasted, and dance. Now, ladies, our only job today is to Facebook, tweet, and ogle this beautiful specimen. I'll get the party started with a few pictures:






XOXO,
Whitney



Wednesday, October 3, 2012

They Told Us Get 'Em & We Got 'Em ;)

Hello readers. It's been quite the busy September for me and while things are settling down, it's the for me to get back to what I love, writing for you guys. You know that feeling I get when I'm too emotional or excited to write? Well, it's returned tonight and for a good reason. After a long and arduous season comprised of injuries, slumps, and moments of almost giving up, I am more than proud to say that the New York Yankees are the American League East champions for the 17th time in 18 seasons. Try saying that 3x fast! Thanks to the monstrous bat of Robinson Cano & the sheer hunger of this team, we fans can sit back, look at other teams and say "you mad, bro?" Lol, ok ok, maybe we won't be saying that but we will be gloating. So, we know that the players are celebrating with the usual bevy of alcohol and us fans are trying to keep up but to truly summarize what an amazing 6 months it has been, I'll leave that up to Mariah Carey & Meek Mill. The Yankees have without a doubt have been "triumphant" :) :



Once again, congratulations to the New York Yankees! Fans, let's be sure to celebrate responsibly & here's to a baller postseason. We'll be damned if we don't walk away with jewelry!

XOXO,
Whitney

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

31 & Still Not Done ;) Happy Birthday Beyonce!

Hello readers. As many of you mentally, physically, and emotionally prepare for the new academic year, I want to take this time out to acknowledge your efforts towards education and thank you for pressing on. Whether you're starting high school, ending high school, starting college, or in your senior year of college, your dedication to enriching your brain is seen and appreciated. Thank you. Now, we come to the heart of this post. Today is Ms. Beyonce Giselle Knowles-Carter's 31st birthday and this mother, wife, sister, friend, mogul, and all around triple threat shows no signs of slowing down. I am proud to call myself a Beyonce fan and this diva has earned the right to kick up her Louboutins and celebrate. Here's to you Ms. Bey and here's to hoping you show out tonight in that freakum dress ;). Furthermore, here are some videos from her infamous B'Day album and a few others that will get you moving:












Once again, Happy Birthday Beyonce!

Also, don't forget to click the "Like" button for Writing With Whitney on Facebook. 

XOXO,
Whitney

Friday, August 24, 2012

Will Lance Survive This?

Hello readers. How have you all been? Hopefully well. Tonight was an off night for the New York Yankees but that didn't mean the world stopped. Today, after a long and grueling battle with the USADA(United States Anti-Doping Agency), Lance Armstrong has decided to cease fighting to vindicate his name and honor amid doping allegations. As a result of his actions, heavy sanctions have been placed upon him. Armstrong, whom many deem as the ultimate "comeback kid", is in jeopardy of losing all 7 Tour de France titles and a permanent ban from the sport of cycling. As I sit wrap my head around this, I'll leave you all with Lance Armstrong's personal statement via his website:

Lance Armstrong's Statement of August 23, 2012

AUSTIN, Texas - August 23rd, 2012 - There comes a point in every man's life when he has to say, "Enough is enough." For me, that time is now. I have been dealing with claims that I cheated and had an unfair advantage in winning my seven Tours since 1999. Over the past three years, I have been subjected to a two-year federal criminal investigation followed by Travis Tygart's unconstitutional witch hunt. The toll this has taken on my family, and my work for our foundation and on me leads me to where I am today – finished with this nonsense.
I had hoped that a federal court would stop USADA’s charade. Although the court was sympathetic to my concerns and recognized the many improprieties and deficiencies in USADA’s motives, its conduct, and its process, the court ultimately decided that it could not intervene.
If I thought for one moment that by participating in USADA’s process, I could confront these allegations in a fair setting and – once and for all – put these charges to rest, I would jump at the chance. But I refuse to participate in a process that is so one-sided and unfair. Regardless of what Travis Tygart says, there is zero physical evidence to support his outlandish and heinous claims. The only physical evidence here is the hundreds of controls I have passed with flying colors. I made myself available around the clock and around the world. In-competition. Out of competition. Blood. Urine. Whatever they asked for I provided. What is the point of all this testing if, in the end, USADA will not stand by it?
From the beginning, however, this investigation has not been about learning the truth or cleaning up cycling, but about punishing me at all costs. I am a retired cyclist, yet USADA has lodged charges over 17 years old despite its own 8-year limitation. As respected organizations such as UCI and USA Cycling have made clear, USADA lacks jurisdiction even to bring these charges. The international bodies governing cycling have ordered USADA to stop, have given notice that no one should participate in USADA’s improper proceedings, and have made it clear the pronouncements by USADA that it has banned people for life or stripped them of their accomplishments are made without authority. And as many others, including USADA’s own arbitrators, have found, there is nothing even remotely fair about its process. USADA has broken the law, turned its back on its own rules, and stiff-armed those who have tried to persuade USADA to honor its obligations. At every turn, USADA has played the role of a bully, threatening everyone in its way and challenging the good faith of anyone who questions its motives or its methods, all at U.S. taxpayers’ expense. For the last two months, USADA has endlessly repeated the mantra that there should be a single set of rules, applicable to all, but they have arrogantly refused to practice what they preach. On top of all that, USADA has allegedly made deals with other riders that circumvent their own rules as long as they said I cheated. Many of those riders continue to race today.
The bottom line is I played by the rules that were put in place by the UCI, WADA and USADA when I raced. The idea that athletes can be convicted today without positive A and B samples, under the same rules and procedures that apply to athletes with positive tests, perverts the system and creates a process where any begrudged ex-teammate can open a USADA case out of spite or for personal gain or a cheating cyclist can cut a sweetheart deal for themselves. It’s an unfair approach, applied selectively, in opposition to all the rules. It’s just not right.
USADA cannot assert control of a professional international sport and attempt to strip my seven Tour de France titles. I know who won those seven Tours, my teammates know who won those seven Tours, and everyone I competed against knows who won those seven Tours. We all raced together. For three weeks over the same roads, the same mountains, and against all the weather and elements that we had to confront. There were no shortcuts, there was no special treatment. The same courses, the same rules. The toughest event in the world where the strongest man wins. Nobody can ever change that. Especially not Travis Tygart.
Today I turn the page. I will no longer address this issue, regardless of the circumstances. I will commit myself to the work I began before ever winning a single Tour de France title: serving people and families affected by cancer, especially those in underserved communities. This October, my Foundation will celebrate 15 years of service to cancer survivors and the milestone of raising nearly $500 million. We have a lot of work to do and I'm looking forward to an end to this pointless distraction. I have a responsibility to all those who have stepped forward to devote their time and energy to the cancer cause. I will not stop fighting for that mission. Going forward, I am going to devote myself to raising my five beautiful (and energetic) kids, fighting cancer, and attempting to be the fittest 40-year old on the planet.

I am rooting for you Lance and I am rooting for your silver lining because with all you've conquered, allegations should be a walk in the park ;)

Also, don't forget to click the "Like" button for Writing With Whitney on Facebook!

XOXO,
Whitney

Friday, August 3, 2012

Gold's So Nice, She Won It Twice :)

Hello readers. It's been a while since I've written a post and I'm here to make it up to you. We're all glued to our televisions and various internet links capturing great Olympic moments. From Michael Phelps effortlessly shattering records to the US Women's Gymnastics team tumbling to glory, there is so much to talk about. One thing that should be mentioned and honored is the amazing feat set by gymnast Gabrielle "Gabby" Douglas. Gabby broke ground by becoming the FIRST African American woman to win all-around gold. I have chills writing that because it seems so surreal. It's a proud moment and as a woman of color myself, I'm taking this feat and running with it!

Congratulations, Gabby! May greatness continue to be your path in life. May this victory enlighten young black women to step outside of their comfort zones and grab hold of uneven bars and create floor exercises in the hopes of winning gold too!

XOXO,
Whitney

Monday, July 9, 2012

How Would You Sum Up The 2012 HR Derby?

Hello readers. I am making this disclaimer first and foremost before I continue writing. Here goes: bear with me with this post because the content and the emotions may be all over the place. Tonight was the famed HR Derby and all the buzz and excitement was in the air as past Derby winners and newcomers sought the coveted trophy. New Yorkers were more than elated as our very own 2nd baseman, Robinson Cano, looked to repeat as champion. That seemed like all the hype needed to ensure a great outing from all but, nothing in baseball is complete without a little controversy. Let's back peddle for a few.

A few months ago, Robinson was names the AL Captain and his duties entailed recruiting fellow players to hit for the league. Considering that the All-Star Game and all it's festivities were being held in Kansas City, it's only fitting that a Royal would represent and have a chance to show out for their city. Things didn't turn out that way. Due to miscommunication and "no phone calls received", Billy Butler wasn't added to the list. As you can guess, this rubbed KC the wrong way. Things were about to get real. Let's fast forward to tonight.

As fans anticipated the first swing, we also knew what was coming....SHADE! KC fans didn't disappoint in that area as a barrage of boos hailed down on Cano. This may have shaken our boy bit because he posted up 0 homers. Oh yea, ZERO! I wasn't mad. I wasn't angry. I laughed because vitriol was being placed on a man who struck out on the chance to hit a homer for charity. Fans clearly missed that memo. Robinson took all in stride and didn't let it affect them dynamic of the game. I'm glad it didn't because LA Angel Mark Trumbo put on a show as well as Jose "we love to love/hate him" Bautista, and Prince Fielder.

The final round came down to Fielder and Bautista who showed up and showed out and it Prince who came out with the crown.

Congratulations to the 2x Derby winner Prince. To answer my own question, I can say that the Derby was interesting to say the least. Can't wait to do this again tomorrow with the ASG. You stay classy KC fans :)

XOXO,
Whitney

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

38 & Looking Great :) Happy Birthday, Derek Jeter!

Hi readers! How have you all been enjoying the wonderful month of June thus far? If you live on the East Coast, you've survived the Summer Solstice & subsequent heatwave it brought and you're probably wishing for this month to end so we can get to July and celebrate Independence Day. Ok, who am I kidding, many of you are waiting for the 4th of July to celebrate a day off from employment. Frankly, I'm not mad at your reasons but, if you are rushing this month, STOP! The month of June can't end yet because it's a special day today that fills my heart with an indescribable amount of joy. If you know me, then you know why I'm writing this. Still need a hint? If so, just read the caps.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEREK JETER! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEREK JETER! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEREK JETER! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEREK JETER! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEREK JETER! HAPPY BIRTH....ok, you catch my drift. I'll stop now.

The captain of the New York Yankees turned 38 today and he doesn't look a day over 30. When I turn 38, I want the same smooth skin & lack of frown lines & wrinkles Jeter possesses. My love and admiration for Derek cannot be summed up in this one post so as I celebrate with him at Yankee Stadium later on today, I'll leave a little something for the ladies. Men, I know you like him too but this one is for us gals:





Hope you enjoyed that :)

XOXO,
Whitney

Friday, June 22, 2012

Congratulations MIA & LBJ!

Hello readers. As usual, it's been a while since I've last written a post. Life doesn't always provide a moment of solace and calm to allow me to write so I have to pick and choose my times. Tonight is more than fitting for me to write because after insurmountable chatter, banter, HEATED *wink wink* arguments, jewelry jokes, bitter open letters to a certain player....you guys see where I'm going with this... I can proudly write in all caps that LEBRON RAYMONE JAMES & THE MIAMI HEAT ARE THE 2012 NBA CHAMPIONS! Let me repeat that again for those who still don't believe me, LEBRON RAYMONE JAMES & THE MIAMI HEAT ARE THE 2012 NBA CHAMPIONS! I think there's only one thing to do at a time like this:



Can you guys believe it? I mean, really, LeBron James can join the ranks of great men who wear great jewels, sapphires, rubies, and diamonds to be exact, and say that he is a champion? Yes, yes he can. The Miami Heat showed great experience and talent in Game 5 as they won 121- 106.  The Oklahoma City Thunder who have not super but celestial stars such as Kevin Durant & Russell Westbrook  were present for this series but didn't show up and show out. For as lackluster as their playing may have been, no one can deny that these young men are serious threats/competition. Their youth, energy, and never-say-die attitude will certainly carry them far in this sport which many are saying is lacking the aforementioned qualities. I am not a Heat fan and certainly will not pretend to be but that doesn't mean I can't dedicate a post to them and their hard work.

Once again, congratulations Miami! Congratulations to the fans who have watched day in and day out. Also, heads up Miami, since you'll be probably be celebrating at King of Diamonds or LIV, make sure you have funds for a rainy day. Ok, now go and have a ball!

XOXO,
Whitney

Friday, June 1, 2012

Nothing Compares To Your First Time :)

Hello readers. It's been quite some time since I've shown you and this blog some love and I'm sorry for that. Things have been very busy on this end and while I've been watching sports, I haven't found something that has stirred me to write, that all changed tonight. The New York Mets, that's right, the New York Mets have done something that HAS NEVER BEEN DONE IN TEAM HISTORY! See those caps, you can tell I mean business. Johan Santana has thrown the first ever Mets no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals for an 8-0 victory. Since the Mets were established as a team in 1962, they've always come close to a no-hitter but no cigar. As a fan of baseball, I am proud to write this post honoring them and their accomplishment.

Congratulations Mets, this may very well be the start of bigger and better things for 2012. As Mets fans far and wide celebrate this momentous feat, I wonder just how they'll be celebrating: binge drinking? running wildly through the streets? possible nudity? It may be all of the above but hopefully it looks a little something like this:



XOXO,
Whitney

Friday, May 4, 2012

Mariano's My Friend So I Hate It Had To Be Him

Hello readers. The tone of this post will be quite sad so if you're not in the mood to shed some tears, then I suggest you bypass this post. If you're quite the inquisitor and you're dying to know what I'm writing about then my all means plop yourself down in a chair and commence reading. Tonight the Yankees played the Kansas City Royals and the Yankee outing was simply lackluster. It's May 4th and the Yanks aren't really shining like many of us had expected. We're not the diamonds that get fitted into rings that sit in Harry Winston window displays. We're starting to look like cubic zirconia. It's cheap and a poor imitation of quality. Wow, even writing that sounds a little harsh but it's how I feel. I know my team will find its footing and once they do, things will align perfectly and the increasing panic will subside. Now, the game isn't the reason why I'm blogging tonight. I'm sad to report that THE great Mariano Rivera has suffered a torn ACL in his right knee. May the heavens give me strength to continue.

During the team's batting practice earlier in the day, Mariano twisted his knee and as he fell down to the ground holding it and grimacing, we all prayed that only swelling would follow. Well readers, when it rains, it pours and manager Joe Girardi delivered the news that made all of us collapse on the floor. Chicago Bulls phenom Derrick Rose recently suffered a torn ACL but, D Rose is 23, his body is young and with extensive physical therapy, he will heal. Mariano is 42 and with the buzz surrounding retirement rumors, this just only makes the situation foggier. I can't speculate or say what will happen but I will say that my heart is heavy and as I continue to read the solemn tweets and reactions from fans all around the world, I'll continue to calm my nerves and think happy thoughts while routinely monitoring updates.

Mo, I have always and will continue to be your loyal "ride or die" chick and I'm sending nothing but well wishes and prayers.

XOXO,
Whitney

Friday, April 20, 2012

I'll Wait 100 Years For Redemption

Hello readers! It's been a couple of weeks since I've written you all and with baseball season in full effect, it's high time my fingers awake from their slumber. If you're a die hard baseball fan like myself, everyday is a glorious day for playing but today was a little special. 100 years ago, on this exact date, Fenway Park opened and Red Sox fans had a place of beauty to call their own. It's been a tumultuous 100 years of existence that has seen heartache like no other.  I've seen break ups and divorce less depressing than Red Sox history. But, today wasn't the day to reflect on that because everyone was tuned in to the celebration. Let's do a brief recap.

Before the Red Sox were set to play the NY Highlanders, oh yeah, the Yankees were known as the Highlanders from 1903 - 1912, the organization wanted to salute past Sox players for their contributions and achievements. From Bill Buckner to Carlton Fisk to Terry Francona to Caroline Kennedy throwing out the first pitch, I must give credit where credit is due and with that, I have to say the Red Sox held a fitting tribute to the team. Although, there was a moment where Kevin Millar and Pedro Martinez epitomized pure "ratchetness" by pouring champagne on fans but that's a different animal. In essence, it happened and we all let it happen.

Moving on, the Highlanders, or Yankees, were geared up and ready to go. Ivan Nova seemed to be on the ball and our hitters made great contact. The big bang from our hitters came in the form of solo home runs. Eric Chavez hit two, Swish hit one, Alex demolished one, and even Russell Martin managed to join the party. The Highlanders went on to win 6- 2 and want to know what's so special about that win? 100 years ago, the Red Sox beat the Highlanders 7 - 6 for the first game ever played at Fenway. Now, 100 years later, the Highlanders got their payback on what was supposed to be a day filled with joy and victory for the Sox. Looks like things can't always be perfect in Boston.

XOXO,
Whitney

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

This Is SportsCenter...Scratch That...This Is Cute :)

Hey readers, it's been a while since my last post. I was still a little jaded with March Madness and all of its happenings and now that everyone has settled down, it's time for baseball season. I want to kick things off with a little video from one of my favorite Yankees players Robinson Cano. When I take the time out to  debut a new video like I've done for Willow Smith & Beyonce, that means you've done something right in my book. Here is his ESPN "This Is SportsCenter" commercial and I don't know about you guys but I will be attacking the replay button like crazy. Enjoy!




XOXO,
Whitney

Friday, March 16, 2012

The Perils of Being A Devil

Hello readers. It's March and you know what that means, it's March Madness. Ah yes, March Madness, that time of year when die hard college basketball fans and bracket enthusiasts lose hair as they root for their team. I can speak for myself when I say that if I were to comb my hair, there would be clumps that would be on comb as I root for my beloved Duke Blue Devils to win yet another national title. Tonight, the Blue Devils played against LeHigh and sadly, yes very sadly, they lost against LeHigh. Frankly, I do not care to finish their school's name.

My Blue Devils looked shaky coming out of the gate and I knew then that things would not bode well for them. LeHigh on the other hand, came out of the gate swinging. They had nothing to lose and yet played like defending champions. I couldn't believe my eyes and couldn't begin to wrap my head around what was happening. I had to and quickly because not a single care was given to Duke and their accomplishments. Back and forth and back and forth the match went and after the close of the 1st half, Duke led 30 - 28. I thought maybe, just maybe, my school had found its form. I'll briefly run through the 2nd half.

The 2nd half was upon us and there was no slowing this team down. All the clapping and cheering in the world couldn't buy Duke a vowel and LeHigh was out for blood. I'll save you all the trouble and just get to it, #15 seed LeHigh beat #2 Duke 75 -70 and has advanced to the next round. My heart is heavy and I want to crawl under a rock and hide but after all the heckling and nonsense I tweeted, I must give credit where credit is due. Therefore, congratulations LeHigh. You guys played tough and kept steadfast.

Now readers, don't get it twisted, I'm still a tad bit angry but at the end of the day, it's just a game, and just a team. I will always bleed Duke blue and it's on the next one & on to baseball season.

XOXO,
Whitney

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

A Special Valentine's Day Message Just For You :)

Happy Valentine's Day readers! I thought that I'd use this space to grant each and every one of you some well wishes and the chance to spread some love. I've been truly blessed with the ability to love and to be loved back so rather than share in the cynicism that many will display, I decided to take a different route. I don't want to spend much time delving into the all too familiar "singles vs. taken" battle because it's time consuming and everyone has their reasons for adorning and/or disliking today. But, I will say that no matter what your relationship status is, I truly hope that you find some time today to smile. For as "commercial" and "phony" as this day may be for some, to others, it's everything. So, this is my request: If you can help it, please don't rain on someone else's parade because you haven't properly healed from your wounds. Don't be tempted to entertain cynicism because it'll be the popular theme for many bitter people today. Conan O'Brien put it best during his final NY show when he said, "I don't like cynical people. This is life and not everything works out. Sometimes, you don't get everything you want".  If you can't resist the urge to stay silent and must vent, try to keep it away from me because I want to enjoy my day. I want to enjoy what the universe has given me: a past to grow from & a bright future to look forward to :)

Happy Valentine's Day once again my darlings!

XOXO,
Whitney

Monday, February 13, 2012

Whitney Didn't Know Her Own Strength




Hello readers. I know this post is long overdue but I'm glad that I've decided to write it. On Saturday, Whitney Houston passed away. I wanted to start out with this video because I truly feel that whenever you're on the verge of crumbling and ready to throw it all away, there has to be something inside of you that smacks you, shakes you, and doesn't allow to break. As Ms. Houston said "your life wasn't built to break". In her recent comeback, she proved that she didn't break but sadly, this woman who graced the world with her powerful vocals has journeyed home and has journeyed to peace.

There is no denying that the world is sad. We see the evidence in the 24 hour news coverage and the multitude of tributes in her honor. I feel especially sad because in my 23 years of existence, I was always reminded that I was named after her because of my father's love for her. Ms. Houston was the celebrity love of his life & when he found out he was having a girl, he grappled between two names but he eventually named me Whitney and gave me the middle name of his mother. I've never had any qualms with this decision because to be named after such a regal icon was incredible. Throughout her troubled years, I was still proud to bear the name "Whitney".  There was no shame in that game. I pray for her family who must find the light in such a dark time. Death isn't easy to handle so while we can't literally lend a hand and/or a  hug, our support will be more than welcomed. As I continue with the tradition of tributes, I leave you with some more  of my favorite Whitney songs that always left me speechless and hitting the relay button. I wish I could post them all but in the spirit of being concise, I'll leave you with a few from my library:









XOXO,
Whitney

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

We Came Back & Shot A 3!

Readers! I write to you with much excitement when I say that tonight's "Rivalry Week" match-up between the Duke Blue Devils and the UNC Tar Heels was one for the ages. Fans from both schools were laced with so many emotions and they gathered in the Dean Dome to watch this historic event. After the many shenanigans that took place with the Blue Devils, with nearly 2 minutes on the clock, a HUGE blunder from Tyler Zeller, and a miraculous play from Austin Rivers, WE WON THE GAME 85-84. Where to even begin?

In the first half, Duke dominated and kept Harrison Barnes and his shooting down to nothing. It seemed as if we would run away with the game but all of a sudden, right before the half closed, UNC found their stride and the Zeller/Barnes dynamic force came into action. With 38 seconds left on the clock before halftime, Duke somehow forgot where they were and who they were and allowed UNC to come back and take the lead. That's right readers, they allowed UNC to take the lead while they danced their way into the locker room. I knew right then and there that it wouldn't bode well for my team or my sanity at that point. Let's go to the 2nd half.

After turning back and forth between Law and Order: SVU and the game, the lead kept increasing and increasing as my hope kept falling and falling. At one point, UNC was up by 12 points with nearly 10 minutes to go in the game. I kept praying, cursing, praying some more, and doing some more cursing, and finally decided to cut the antics out and watch. I guess it worked because Duke began to cut their lead down to 7 and once the lead was cut down by 4, UNC leading 82-78, I started to get crazy. When the lead was cut down to 2, 82-80, I knew the flood gates were opening. Things were getting real. Things got so real that when Kelly attempted to shoot a 3-pointer, Zeller helped him out and helped Duke gain 2 points. The score was 82-84. Zeller went to the free throw line and missed his 2nd shot, there was about 10 seconds left and I kept screaming to my boyfriend, "ALL WE NEED IS 3! ALL WE NEED IS 3!". My screaming prayers were answered and the freshman extraordinaire aka Doc Rivers' son aka Austin Rivers shot a 3! DUKE WON 85-84! I REPEAT, DUKE WON 85-84! Coach K's record as the GOAT is still intact!

Much respect and props goes out to UNC who really had us backed in a corner for the majority of the game. Their hustle is real but the better team won ;). Ahh, all is right in my world :)

XOXO,
Whitney

Sunday, February 5, 2012

We're Back! Back In The NY Groove!

This is dedicated to the NY Giants who are Super Bowl 46 champions. I'm not going to get into logistics and give you a play- by-play because after witnessing a gut-wrenching and nail biter like that, my emotions are shot. Also, I'll let the die hard Giants fan write to their hearts' content. The New England Patriots played a helluva game but the hotter and better team won, 21-17 to be exact. Congrats NY and I'll see you all at the ticker tape parade. Let's occupy City Hall & Wall Street for the right reasons ;)

XOXO,
Whitney

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Mob Wives Starts Off With A Big Big BANG!

Happy New Year readers! I hope you all ushered in 2012 with family, friends, and tons of excitement. I rang in the new year doing all three plus watching some marathons of my favorite shows in which one of them happened to be Mob Wives. The new season of Mob Wives aired tonight at 8 pm and I'm dedicating this post to my shot nerves and boiled blood because these women know how to rile up a crowd. I rarely blog about reality tv shows but tonight's episode was so good my fingers had to type something! Let's go through a little recap.

Last season, we left on a violent note as Karen Gravano and Drita D'Avanzo battled it out on a rooftop in an effort to bury their past which involves Drita allegedly dating and marrying Karen's ex Lee D'Avanzo while Karen and Lee were still an item. Sounds complicated right? It actually is. Fast forward a couple of months later, Drita and Karen are still feuding and leaving the remaining women in an uncomfortable position. Well, Renee Graziano isn't really focusing on this nonsense because she is preparing to go through extensive plastic surgery. She is working on her renewal and everything great it has to follow.

You know when that little voice in your head is telling you that you shouldn't do something but you decide to do it anyway? Renee had this voice but dismissed and went under the knife. After cutting out 35 pounds of fat from her body, she couldn't really handle the pain and after squirming when she should have been lying still, she ripped open the stitches from her back and had to be hospitalized. Her ordeal was nothing short of dramatic just like we like our girl ;). Nearly dying from a botched surgery, there are a few things that can make your life better and they are friends and family. She had that covered until Carla decided not to show up or even check in to see how she was feeling. The ever dramatic Renee was pissed and Carla is now on her "shit list".  Dealing with a disloyal friend and a near death experience, Renee decided to throw herself a party. Parties stocked with food and alcohol ALWAYS do the trick.

Everyone in Staten Island was invited to this shindig except for Carla and while Carla was ecstatic, she was worried because Drita and Karen would under the same roof. Days leading up the event, Drita texted Karen wanting to make up. At the advice of Karen's cousin and newest wife, Ramona Rizzo, Karen ignored Drita's pleas & decided that whatever happened that night would be left up to God. It's the night of the party and everything is set in place. Drita and Karen spot each other and do their best to stay in each other's respective corners. Here's where the confusing part occurs; Renee wants Karen and Drita to join her on stage. Um, did you not just break them up months ago? They're enemies...DUH!

Drita goes on the balcony with Karen and Ramona soon following. As the clock is winding down to 9, the episode is over but we do get a sneak peek and we see Ramona barking at Drita and Drita is trying her best to be cordial but you can only allow someone to yell at you before you snap......BOOOM! Drita socks Ramona busting the side of her lip open. Word to the wise, never stick your nose where it shouldn't be.

Thanks for reading and let's all buckle up for the wild ride that is sure to be this season!

XOXO,
Whitney