Respect That! We're Bowing Down, Yoenis :)

Hello readers! It's the 3rd week of July and there's a massive heatwave. While you all are grappling with new ways to stay cool, MLB's All Star weekend has gotten underway and tonight was the 2013 HR Derby. The usual suspects of heavy hitters filled both the American League and National League teams with the addition of new comers. Now, if you're a biased Yankees fan like myself, you placed all of your eggs into one basket and picked AL Captain Robinson Cano to hoist another trophy. Or, considering the All-Star festivities are being held at Citi Field, you tapped into your rational and had NL Captain, David Wright, bringing a ray of sunshine to Queens. Well, I hate to break it to you but, WE WERE ALL WRONG!

Both David Wright, Robinson Cano, and 2x champion Prince Fielder failed to make it our of the first round, :(, which meant the Derby was up for grabs. Others tried to get their names in the big lights but only 2 really put on a show. Yoenis Cespedes and Bryce Harper channeled their inner Beyonce and said "stop the track, let us face facts, you thought we couldn't hit home runs but we're carrying big bats!" Basically, they had something to prove. Therefore, after a lengthy battle, it would be Yoenis Cespedes who came out clean on the other side.

Congratulations, Yoenis. You better work! In honor of your victory, you can appropriately quote another one of Beyonce's one-liners and say "Respect that, bow down haters". Enjoy!

XOXO,
Whitney

39 & Getting Better With Time! Happy Birthday, Derek Jeter :)

HELLO READERS! It has been far too long since I've written you. I apologize for my negligence for the Spring 2013 semester was quite a challenge for myself and my students. Ultimately, their needs won the tug-of-war. Now that things have cooled down a few degrees, I am devoting my time to my most loyal fans.  I'm back in the saddle and it wouldn't be a glorious meeting between us old friends if I didn't write about............. DEREK JETER!

Yes, our very own Derek Jeter has turned 39 and I must say he's advancing well. It's quite difficult to wrap my head around the fact that Derek made his major league debut 18 years ago. Let that sink in for a bit. Next, let's take a trip down memory lane and piece together exactly who we were and what we were doing 18 years ago. I've given it some thought and it's incredible to think that 18 years ago, I was approaching 7 years old and learning the game of baseball from my great-grandmother. I would sit still on the couch, watch the Yankees in amazement, and that's where I had my first real crush. It was Mr. Jeter. 18 years later, I'm still head over heels for that Yankee.

Although Derek is still rehabbing from his ankle injury, I hope he takes a moment to reflect and smile on another year of life. Derek, your fans love and adore you and we cannot wait for you to take the field again. Readers, wouldn't it be divine if he actually played tomorrow as a gift to us?! Ahh, a fangirl can only dream :)

Once again, Happy Birthday, Derek Jeter!

P.S., I couldn't leave my fans hanging just like that so, here are a few photos to make you all giddy inside:

XOXO,
Whitney

Duke, You're Still Elite To Me!

Hello readers. How has your spring been treating you thus far? I for one am excited for 60 degree weather, extended daylight, and my spring coat that has been in hibernation. Now, before I continue, I must apologize for my 2 month absence. Yes, you read that correctly, 2 month absence. Having been very busy professionally, executing a stellar Career Day & various other workshops, it seems I have neglected my faithful crew and for that, I am sorry. Apology accepted? Good because this post is a rather sad one. Don't fret, it's not drowning in sadness but it deals with a loss....a tournament loss.

March Madness is almost coming to an end and we all know what kind of month it is for us diehard college basketball fans. Need a reminder? Well, it's chock-full of bitten nails, shortness of breath, sweaty palms, increased need to curse out our television sets, wings, beer, lines divided, rivalries renewed, and the inevitable team getting knocked out of the tournament. Alas, the latter part goes to my babies, the Duke Blue Devils. After losing in the first round during the ACC Tournament, they regrouped and came back strong for the Big Dance. The Big Three comprised of Mason Plumlee, Ryan Kelly, and Seth Curry, combined forces and dominated. Their lightning power and 3 point ability secured us win after win and allowed us to make it to the Elite Eight. Sadly, that would be the last stop on the tour.

Duke played the Louisville Cardinals tonight and after an emotional first half where Kevin Ware suffered what looks like a career-ending injury and Duke struggling to find its form, Louisville went into halftime with an all-around advantage. Long story short due to me crying, ok ok tearing up a bit, Louisville defeated Duke and is on their way to the Final Four. Congrats are in order to them and prayers for a healthy/speedy recovery for Ware.

So, how do I close this post? I think I'll end by reaffirming my love and admiration for the Duke Blue Devils. I have been a fan since 2000 and that hasn't changed. People knock us down, throw dirt on our name, and yet, we still rise. I am proud to be a Cameron Crazie and equally as proud to call Coach K my leader at the helm. See you guys next year and to my seniors, we're gonna really really miss you. Especially you Seth Curry. Despite my initial dislike for you, you've grown on me & have changed my perspective. Thank you :)

XOXO,
Whitney

You Ready, Bey? Let's Go Get 'Em!

Hello readers! I know it's been quite some time since I've decided to blog and with the new year underway, things have been constantly moving. If you're like myself and millions of fans worldwide, you're gearing up for the Super Bowl and all it has to offer. I'm going to be honest, because my favorite football team is not at the Big Game, I will not be THAT emotionally invested. However, there's nothing like a little Beyonce Giselle Knowles-Carter to fill that void. Our very own King Bey will be performing at the Halftime show and that video was but a taste of what we'll be seeing Sunday. I for one can say that my thirst has been quenched and yet, I still haven't had enough.

Well, during a Super Bowl press conference today, Ms. Bey fought the critics and silenced the haters by singing a LIVE rendition of the National Anthem. Having heard her sing since 1999, you'd think we wouldn't have to put her through such measures to prove her singing chops but alas, she had to warm up her vocals and belt it out. If you've seen the video then I know you've thoroughly enjoyed it.

I don't know how many times or how many ways I can express my excitement for Sunday's performance and no matter how hard I try, I'm speechless. Get 'em, girl!

XOXO,
Whitney

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

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

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