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

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

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

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

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

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

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