New League Magazine - October

OCTOBER 2022

JAMES

BLUE SUITS ARE IN

Blue is the new black. Versatile both in summer and winter, and suitable for corporate or for pleasure, blue has never been more popular for men’s suits.

Blue suits are great to pair with brown leather shoes and belts. It is also fun to add a pop of color.

#suitstyle

STEAK AND NUT SALAD

Spice up your salad by adding an assortment of nuts, cheese, veggies or fruit to provide flavor and give your salad a nutritional boost!

6 oz beef steak strips

1 oz almonds

4 oz cherry tomatoes

5 oz lettuce

4 oz baby carrots

#foodrecipes

MOJITO

This recipe for the at-home Mojito has skyrocketed. The fresh punch of mint and lemon is an amazing combination for a relaxing drink.

1 oz Mint Leaves

2 oz Fresh Lime Juice

1.5 oz White Rum

1 tsp Extra-Fine Granulated

Sugar

4 oz Club Soda

Add ice

for

#drinkoftheday

RENAISSANCE

NEW

CONTENTS

14 About the Company

15 New League Magazine Contributers

16 Meet the Publisher

18 Editor’s Top Pick

20 Need to Know

22 More from our Website:

- Six ways to keep your workouts regular, fun and injury-free

- Transform your space with unexpected color

- Scalp smarts: The five haircare secrets every man should know

24 Lifestyle: Bathroom remodels that look like a million bucks for $1,000 or less

32 Fatherhood

- 5 ways to help kids boost their brain power

- Three must-have conversations about online child safety

Man of the Hour

Ask New League

Fitness and Health: 3 Ways To Shape Up

Men

On the Cover: Marques Ogden

Men

Woman of the Hour: Marnie Schneider

FEATURED STORIES AND INTERVIEWS

34 Man of the Hour: Morris D. Small

46

Marques

52

- Tha Ill

- James Romain

- Pervis

57

60 Woman of the Hour: Marnie Schneider

MARGHERITA PIZZA

PIZZA DOUGH INSTRUCTIONS

Ingredients

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

1 teaspoon white sugar

1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

2 ½ cups bread flour

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). In a medium bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.

2. Stir in flour, salt and oil. Beat until smooth. Let rest for 5 minutes.

3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat or roll into a round. Transfer crust to a lightly greased pizza pan or baker’s peel dusted with cornmeal.

MARGHERITA PIZZA INSTRUCTIONS

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves roasted garlic, finely chopped

1/4 cup your favorite pizza or tomato sauce

8 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces

2 plum tomatoes, sliced handful of fresh basil fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 475°F. Cover the shaped dough lightly with plastic wrap and allow it to rest as the oven preheats.

2. Mix the olive oil and chopped garlic together in a small dish. Brush the top of the dough lightly with olive oil. Using your fingers, push dents into the surface of the dough to prevent bubbling. Top with pizza sauce, then the mozzarella cheese slices, then the tomato slices.

3. Bake for 14-16 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned and the cheese is bubbling.

4. Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil and pepper. Slice pizza and serve immediately.

FEATURES

46 Cover Story

In our Interview with Marques - he talks about his NFL career and being authentic.

51 Featured Interview

James Romain talks about his career as former defensive back for Philadelphia Soul.

52 Featured Interview

Pervis Taylor dives into his work as a life coach, worship leader, artist, and creative man of God.

MANHATTAN

2 ounces bourbon or rye

1 ounce sweet vermouth

2 dashes Angostura bitters

1 dash orange bitters

Garnish: brandied cherry

1. Add all the bourbon (or rye), sweet vermouth and both bitters to a mixing glass with ice, and stir until well-chilled.

2. Strain into a chilled coupe.

3. Garnish with a brandied cherry.

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NEW LEAGUE MAGAZINE

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Magazine: editors@newleaguemag.com

Website: www.newleaguemag.com

New League Magazine, is a registered trademark and brand of ICE Media Entertainment ICE MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT LLC, is a dynamic media and divergent thinking marketing company producing creative content in radio, print, digital, video, internet, and social media. We offer branding solutions, promotion packages, and ad campaigns to help build brands and increase audience visibility.

Our mission is to help individuals and businesses throughout the world reach their goals by providing the necessary resources, inspiration and innovative ideas.

Visit icemediaent.com to learn more.

DISCLAIMER AND LEGAL STATEMENT

New League Magazine, (NL), is a quarterly publication and collaboration of inspiring stories. This is not a peer-reviewed journal or a sponsored publication. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The views and opinions expressed in this journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company. Assumptions made in the analysis are not reflective of the position of any entity other than the author(s) – these views are always subject to change, revision, and rethinking at any time.

The authors, NL Magazine, it’s owners, publishers, and employees will be held harmless against any and all liability, loss or expense arising out of any claims for liable, unfair trade names, patents, copyrights and propriety rights, and all violations of the right of privacy or other violations resulting from this publication.

NL participates in various affiliate marketing programs, that we may get paid commissions on products purchased through links. We also may include advertisements and endorsements from partners and subsidiary brands.

ICE MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

CONTRIBUTORS

The young women behind New League

MARISA DEROMA Lead Graphic Designer

Marisa DeRoma graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Communication Design. In addition to being a graphic designer she also does photography and art projects on the side. Her personal goals are to keep getting better and better with each passing project as she enjoys challenging herself.

MADISON PARK Marketing Team Member

Madison Park graduated from Boise State University in Idaho. She has a Bache lor’s Degree in Graphic Design. She also enjoys photography and works for Boise State University as a student photographer. Madison has contributed design and marketing material to Women’s Quarterly and ICE Media Entertainment.

EMMA PETRAKES Social Media Manager

Emma Petrakes attended James Madison University from Fairfax, VA. She graduated May 2021 with a B.S. in Media Arts & Design with a concentration in Creative Advertising and a minor in Human Resource Development. She loves exploring color, expression & visual languages.

BRIELLE MACDONALD Graphic Artist

Brielle MacDonald was born and raised in Nampa, ID. She attended Northwest Nazarene University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. In her spare time, she loves to explore new places for photo-shoots with friends. She enjoys sitting down at the end of the day to watch a good movie.

MARIA VIOLA Creative Team Member

Maria Viola, is a senior at Delaware Valley University. In her free time, Maria enjoys crocheting, jewelry making, and drawing. Pretty much anything creative she relishes. She is constantly finding new creative projects to work on. Maria likes going to local art festivals and restaurants. She also has a cat named Fiona whom she loves spending time with.

MEET THE PUBLISHER

I recently had one of my male followers ask me, “What inspired you to do that?” – after I told him about launching New League Magazine. My response – “I learned a lot from my father. I think men in general get a bad rap from the unseemly choices some men have unfortunately made. As a person born into a predominantly male family that received valuable advice from my uncles, I want to use this magazine to shed light on all the positive male role models.” -These are the reasons why, but here is the background story.

It is truly challenging as a woman of color with a male child of color, trying to raise one in these tumultuous times. As women, we sometimes have to be the mommy and the daddy, there are plenty of success stories of moms raising their sons alone. At the end of the day, young men need a positive male role model that they can look up to and pattern themselves after.

New League Magazine was created to celebrate all of the amazing, successful men in various fields from all around the world. We want these success stories to inspire and educate our young men. The fathers. The husbands. The mentors.

My father was an 82nd Airborne Veteran that died from ALS. After his passing, I wanted to raise money and awareness for the cause. My team and I decided to create annual magazines around the Walk to Defeat ALS for the DMV Chapter to support this initiative. My love of sports connected me with some amazing professional athletes. Because young men look up to these athletes, we want them to be the focal point of these magazines. I will end with one of my favorite quotes.

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” – Vince Lombardi

Ilene Carol

Connect with Ilene Carol

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ilenecarol

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ilenecarol

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ilene.carol

Email: ilene.carol@icemediaent.com

New League Magazine, is currently building a network of talented and eager contributors. This would be especially ideal for entrepreneurs, coaches, fitness trainers, professionals, authors and bloggers. We would love to read a sample of your work. Introduce yourself to our editors with links to your work and social media profiles. Send an email to: editors@newleaguemag.com

ADVERTISE

YOUR BUSINESS

Featuring some of the most successful men in their field from all around the world. Contact us today for more information on our advertisement and sponsorship opportunities for our magazine, website and events. Send an email to: media@icemediaent.com

Make time for family dinner

Additional studies showed that:

Supper can be a stress reliever for working moms. A 2008 Brigham Young University study of IBM workers found that sitting down to a family meal helped working moms reduce the tension and strain from long hours at the office.

The family dinner table is a great setting for getting kids to try new foods. A 2003 study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that more exposure to new foods will teach kids to like different foods. Frequent family dinners provide the perfect opportunity to introduce a variety of healthy foods.

We all yearn for moments like the Norman Rockwell illustration of a family sitting around the dining table, enjoying their meals, laughing and spending time together. Sometimes those moments seem like fairy tales in hectic lives filled with endless activities and deadlines. Yet researchers are learning more and more about the importance of family meals relating to good nutrition and better health. Family meals aren’t just good for your body; they’re good for the soul.

Researchers at Rutgers recently evaluated results from 68 previously published scientific reports that analyzed the association between children’s health and family mealtime. They looked at how the atmosphere or frequency of family meals correlated with the consumption of healthy foods versus unhealthy foods. Their review showed numerous benefits to children associated with having frequent family meals, including increased intake of fruits, vegetables, fiber, calcium-rich foods and vitamins. In addition, the more a family ate together, the less children consumed dietary components thought to be harmful to health.

It’s more budget-friendly to gather around the dinner table for a meal. The average cost for a meal in your kitchen is approximately $4.50 per person versus $8 per person outside the home. Do the math eating in is better for your budget.

Making family meals happen in real time

Today’s over-scheduled lives may make it more difficult to get a meal on the table for family dinners, but there are many shortcuts you can take to reduce the stress and enjoy your time together. Many people are turning to companies like Kansas City Steak Company that provide ready-to-cook meals right to your door. From scrumptious ribs to succulent roasts, steaks, ground beef, poultry and seafood, family meal time is as easy as bake and serve.

“We find that more customers are seeking Bake and Serve Gourmet products so they can enjoy more time with family and friends and less time in the kitchen,” says Ed Scavuzzo, president of Kansas City Steak Company. “It’s never been easier to get a meal on the table without the fuss.”

But family meals can be as simple as ground beef patties, a salad and some fresh fruit. “It’s all about time spent sharing stories, sharing events of the day or just quiet time together,” says Scavuzzo. “The meals bring everyone to the table, but it’s family time that brings them back.”

Making family meals a priority

It’s easy to plan ahead for more family meals together. You can keep meals simple by sticking to nutritional basics and following a few tips:

Purchase ready-made sauces, seasonings or marinades and add chicken, beef or seafood for a great main course.

Cook on weekends and double the recipes. Roasts, soups and casseroles are great options to freeze, thaw and enjoy for a great, healthy family meal.

Stock staples in your cupboard and freezer. Frozen meats and vegetables are easy to thaw and use at your convenience. Rice and pasta take just a few minutes and round out any meal.

Fresh fruit and yogurt make healthy, flavorful desserts in just a few easy steps. Be sure to tuck away a sweet dessert or two for those special occasions.

The next time you reach for your car keys or the phone to order take-out, reach into your freezer and cupboard for meals that are good for your family and your soul.

For more information about the flavorful options from Kansas City Steak Company, go to: www.kansascitysteaks.com

Ross

Micheal Ross Editor-in-Chief editors@newleaguemag.com

CHEDDAR BACON CHEESEBURGER RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

1 pound ground beef

½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons prepared horseradish

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ cup real bacon bits

4 hamburger buns

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat grill for high heat.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, Cheddar cheese, horseradish, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and bacon bits using your hands. Shape the mixture into 4 hamburger patties.

3. Lightly oil the grill grate. Place hamburger patties on the grill, and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until well done. Serve on buns.

NEED TO KNOW

IRONING YOUR DRESS PANTS

When ironing your dress pants, only iron a front pant crease if you buy the pair of pants with a front crease

BREAK A SWEAT

QUALITY JEANS ARE ESSENTIAL

Jeans were made with men in mind – they look great, they are durable, and are appropriate to wear year round. Every man should have a good pair of jeans, but that doesn’t have to mean spending a bundle.

Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. jeans come in popular styles like regular, relaxed, loose, and straight, and are available at Walmart for less than $20. Sewn from premium, heavyweight denim for exceptional durability, each pair of jeans is detailed with vintageinspired finishes, reinforced stitching, and metal rivets for long lasting style.

INVEST IN A NICE WATCH

“A watch is like a piece of art,” argues Don Cochrane, managing director of British watch brand Vertex. “Choose it because you love it, not because you think it might make money. Watches are personal, it marks your passage through time. But you also have to be practical.” Aesthetic, functional, rugged sports models go with anything and can take the hard knocks of everyday wear. Yet, a watch still has to fit you. It should feel comfortable and be right in terms of size and depth.

Exercise can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, colon cancer, and other health problems. It can also keep your weight down and sharpen your judgment. Plus, you will likely sleep better and live longer. So try to get at least two and a half hours of moderate-intensity activity every week. This can include things like yard work, riding a bike, and shoveling snow.

SHARPEN YOUR KNIVES

If you want a painless cooking experience, then it’s perhaps best to throw out the old knives that your parents and friends have donated to you over the years and purchase a new set of sharp knives that are sure to transform your cooking experience. It is never fun to struggle with a blunt knife. To save yourself time, effort, and energy, it’s best to seek out knives for all kinds of prep and cooking purposes, from your standard chopping knives to steak knives for when the meal is finally served.

MINIMIZE THE ACCESSORIES

Accessories like ties and pocket squares bring individuality to classic clothing, but be careful how you use them. “It’s best to harmonize them with what you’re wearing by picking out a colour or two. Or even to juxtapose them entire ly,” says Michael Hill, creative director of men’s accessories brand Drake’s. “What you don’t want is to match them up.” When it comes to curating shirt and tie combinations, wear your tie or pocket square in a darker shade than your jacket. And don’t overdo the accessories either – if in doubt, think less is more and take one element away. “You’re aiming for an air of nonchalance,” adds Hill. “You just need one point of interest.”

DON’T SKIP THE SUNSCREEN

Men are twice as likely as women to develop the most common types of skin cancer— basal cell and squa mous cell carcinoma. Why? Men spend an average of 10 more hours in the sun every week than women do. And they aren’t as likely to use sunscreen. Luckily, skin cancer is highly preventable. Make it a habit to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

LIMIT THE ALCOHOL

Happy hour can be a fun time and a good deal. But too much alcohol can lead to injuries, cancer, psychological problems, damaged relationships, and high blood pressure. Try to limit alcohol to two drinks—such as a bottle of beer or one and half ounces of hard alcohol—per day.

Six ways to keep your workouts regular, fun and injury-free

“Listen to your body. You’re likely to have some aches and pains, but those can be reduced with the proper treatment. Always take time to warm up before and stretch after workouts, and ice sore areas after your workout. To make icing easier, keep an ACE Brand Reusable Cold Compress in your freezer at both home and work. More injury prevention tips can be found at www.acebrand. com.”

Transform your space with unexpected color

“Every home has the potential to look amazing – inside and out, says HGTV star and interior designer David Bromstad. If your space needs an update, adding color is the easiest way to transform it while reflecting your personality and taste.”

Scalp smarts: The five haircare

secrets every man should know

“Be kind to your scalp: Scalp is skin and can be sensitive to aggressive scrubbing, so treat it the same as the skin on the rest of the body. You wouldn’t use your finger nails when washing your body, nor should you when shampooing your hair, says Fusco. Instead, gently massage the scalp with the balls of your fingertips for about 30 seconds to stimulate your scalp. Never use a brush or comb with metal teeth as this can also damage your scalp.”

New League Events

Our sponsored events not onlycontribute to the growth andvisibility of thebrand, but enables ustofeature aspiringtalent and the up andcoming. We use these events to raisefunding for ALS and Extended Hugs.Extended Hugs was created to assist disadvantaged children and families with living, medical and educational expenses. Winners ofthese contests will be featured in future New League Magazine editions. For more information: media@icemediaent.com

RENAISSANCE MAN

BATHROOM REMODELS

THAT LOOK LIKE A MILLION BUCKS FOR $1,000 OR LESS

The average cost of a bathroom remodel tops $16,500, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report. But you don’t have to spend the average to achieve above-average results when it comes to updating a bathroom.

Generally, people renovate or remodel bathrooms for two main reasons: to boost their home’s resale value, and to enhance their own enjoyment of the room. A bathroom renovation yields a 62 percent return on investment at the time of resale, Remodeling Magazine’s report indicates. How much more will you enjoy that ROI – and the improved livability of your bath – if your initial investment was just $1,000, rather than tens of thousands?

Fortunately, the bathroom is one room in the house where you can accomplish a lot with $1,000. Here are four updates and upgrades that cost less than 10 Ben Franklins, but can leave you feeling like a million bucks when you step into your new bath.

1. REDO WALLS AND FLOORS

The key to bringing this job in under $1,000 is to do the work yourself. The actual materials – paint for the walls and tile, stone or vinyl for the floor – can be purchased for a relatively low cost. By doing the work yourself, you avoid high labor charges. Most bathrooms require only a gallon or two of paint, so you can easily stay on budget even if you purchase a high-end brand. It’s also possible to find plenty of cost-effective flooring options, from luxury materials like marble to more economical ones such as ceramic tile or vinyl. After the materials, your second biggest investment for this project will be the time it takes to learn how to do the job right. Fortunately, you’ll find plenty of educational material online and many home improvement stores even offer free classes in how to lay new floors.

2. SWITCH OUT THE SHOWER DOOR

After the walls and floor, the shower door is probably the third largest surface – and design element – in your bathroom. Unless your home was custom-built, chances are your shower door is bland and basic, albeit functional. Replacing a plain shower door with one that features a design, pattern or frosting can add personal flair to a bathroom. Manufacturers like Sterling offer a variety of shower doors that are both beautiful and functional, including patterned shower doors. In addition, Sterling’s frameless doors feature the company’s trademarked ClearCoat technology, which creates a barrier between the water and glass to keep the door looking pristine and new. Prices vary depending on the style of door you choose, but you’ll find many budget-friendly options.

3. SWAP OUT THE ENCLOSURE

Cracked, chipped ceramic tile or an old, stained shower enclosure can make your bathroom look tired, dated and dirty. Replacing the shower enclosure can give the room a whole new look. Plus, if you only have a tub and would like to add a shower, an enclosure is a fast, easy and cost-effective way to achieve your goal. Or if a tub doesn’t suit your design and lifestyle needs, you can replace it with a shower enclosure. Products like Sterling Ensemble Curve shower enclosures are sized to fit standard 5-foot bath alcove spaces, and installation doesn’t require you to move the drain location. Replacing a tub with an enclosure makes for a spacious, luxurious showering experience. The Sterling products start for less than $700.

4. UPDATE FIXTURES

Few bathroom upgrades have a greater impact on efficiency and beauty the way changing fixtures can. Whether you opt for a low-flow showerhead or a high-efficiency toilet that requires less water to flush, replacing older fixtures can update the look of a bathroom and yield long-term savings on utility bills. With abundant color, shape and design options in everything from commodes to sinks, faucets to shower controls, it’s possible to find fixtures that suit every design taste – and price point. Smart shoppers can find budget-friendly options that will allow them to replace more than one item, giving a bathroom a fresh look and feel.

Virtually any upgrade you make in a bathroom can enhance the value –and your enjoyment – of the space. Fortunately, with some do-it-yourself savvy and the right products, you can make your bathroom look and feel like a million dollars without spending a bundle.

The Success Cycle is comprised of three components that, when implemented correctly, give you the best chance to create long lasting success and prosperity.

A retired NFL player shares his story of achieving maximum success as a professional athlete, followed by notoriety in corporate America, then catastrophic failures that cost him everything he owned in just ninety days. But even in the face of crushing defeat, he identified and put into action the traits required to rise from the ashes and find success again. Now this inspiring, candidly written, and time-tested method of success is available to you!

Find this book on Amazon

REPORT

NEW LEAGUE MAGAZINE

Ivy League Book Lions, Tigers, and...Bulldogs?

In this fun- and fact-filled book, alumni, prospective students, and even campus faculty and staff can learn about the stories and secrets of some of the oldest and most prestigious colleges and universities in the United States. From academic standards to athletic triumphs and from mascots to multicultural organizations, many of the most established secrets and traditions of the ”Ancient Eight” are revealed by a long-time writer and educator who has lived with them all of his life.

Find this book at Amazon

New League Magazine

New League Magazine is a cultural, lifestyle, and entertainment publication, website, online community and podcast for men. Featuring some of the most successful men in various fields from all around the world. We share stories that inspire, educate and elevate. We hope that we will be able to guide the next generation of men in the right direction, in anticipation of giving them an edge on a future gleaming with possibilities. We find that young men look up to professional athletes. We want to form a partnership with athletes making positive contributions to their community. Our events contribute to providing resources to disadvantaged children. Please be a part of this movement, by contacting our editor:

Author and certified relationship coach Stephan Labossiere sheds light on all the things women really need from their husbands that will provide men with what they need and want most. The tips and tricks inside these pages will teach men to be better husbands and in return get the sexual reward they are desperately longing for. Although this book revolves around improving sexual relations, in essence, it helps teach couples how to have a better relationship in general.

Find this book at Amazon

Visit www.newleaguemag.com for more SUBSCRIBE

editors@newleaguemag.com.

How To Get A Married Woman To Have Sex With You.... If You’re Her Husband

QUOTES FOR MEN

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moment of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

- Martin Luther King Jr.

The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.

- Bob Marley

If you perform the sacrifice of doing your duty, you do not have to do anything else. Devoted to duty, man attains perfection.

- Bhagavad Gita

Happiness isn’t about making more money, but rather freedom. The freedom to say no to things you don’t want to do. The freedom to say no to people you don’t like. The freedom to not feel like you are obligated to say “yes”. Freedom is saying yes when you want to.

- Shane Parrish

The secret of success is learning how to use pain and pleasure instead of having pain and pleasure use you. If you do that, you’re in control of your life. If you don’t, life controls you.

- Tony Robbins

Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

- John Wooden

The first question a leader should ask is: “How can I make those around me more successful?”

- John C. Maxwell

FATHERHOOD

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” - Jim Valvano

FATHERHOOD: 5 WAYS TO HELP KIDS BOOST THEIR BRAIN POWER

Everyone is born with about 100 billion brain cells. We form new connections between these cells throughout life, but the rate is particularly high when we’re young. Since those connections facilitate thinking and learning, parents who want to help give their children an intellectual edge should consider the brain-healthy choices they make each day.

“Making the effort to nurture your child’s brain with both proper nutrients and varied experiences, especially when they are young and developing at such a fast rate, is crucial,” says speech pathologist Lauren Zimet, founder of Early Insights, LLC, and an expert on childhood brain development. “The connections in brain circuitry can be enhanced through the environments and activities a child is exposed to, and participates in, as well as the nutrients a child consumes.”

Zimet offers five tips to help parents enhance healthy brain development in their children, positioning them for success in school today, and well into their future:

1. SELECT A RAINBOW

It’s no secret that the benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables are numerous, but thanks to the results of ongoing research, you can confidently add brain health to that list. Encourage your children to eat a colorful array of produce (organic when possible) each day so they get the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals needed to nourish and protect their growing brains. If your child is resistant to eating produce, encourage them to come shopping with you and select something new to try. Kids are more likely to eat what they have selected themselves.

2. RELAX THE RIGHT WAY

While it’s true that exercise boosts brain power, it’s also important to teach children how to relax. Balancing activity with relaxation is important so that kids don’t get too stressed, which can impact the brain’s development and lead to learning and behavior problems. Teaching children early on the benefit of setting goals, working towards those goals, and giving their brain and body time to relax are important life skills. When it’s time to relax, skip the TV and teach your child that taking a walk in nature, reading a book or drawing are great ways to unwind. Deep breathing is also an excellent practice to teach children of all ages.

3. EAT OMEGA-3 BRAIN FOOD

Omega-3 essential fatty acids are critical to a child’s brain development. They are called “essential” because we need them for optimal health. The problem is that our bodies cannot manufacture them and we can only get them from the food we eat or supplements we take. While fish, nuts and seaweed are good omega-3 sources, kids typically don’t gobble down these foods. That leaves many parents worried that their kids aren’t getting enough, and with omega-3 deficits linked to ADHD, dyslexia and other behavioral and psychological disorders, many are turning to supplements for their children. Experts agree that the safest, most reliable source of the most important essential fatty acids (EPA and DHA) is a high quality fish oil supplement. Fortunately, there are purified, molecularly distilled fish oil supplements that are manufactured with kids in mind. Parents should be sure to choose one of these chewable, tasty options like those by Nordic Naturals to ensure success in getting their children to take the supplements.

4. HAPPY BRAINS ARE HYDRATED BRAINS Staying hydrated is important for growing brains and bodies. Water can improve energy, increase mental and physical performance, remove toxins and waste from the body, and keep skin healthy and glowing. Based on the trillions of cells in the body that need water to function, most nutritionists agree that children need more, not less H20. To estimate how many ounces of water your child should drink daily, divide his or her weight in half and aim for that number of ounces per day.

5. BE A POSITIVE SUPPORT SYSTEM EARLY ON Learning is a complex process, but children will be more open to trying new things when they know their parents believe in them. Acknowledging effort, instead of the outcome, strengthens a child’s belief in himself or herself. Teaching goal setting, prioritizing activities and working off of check lists exercises the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in the brain. Experimentation through trial and error is the way the brain learns best.

“Giving your child’s brain what it needs to grow strong can help him or her at school and in all social situations,” adds Zimet. “Utilizing these tips is a great way to help position your child for success in the coming school year, and beyond.”

—(ARA)

FATHERHOOD: THREE MUST-HAVE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT ONLINE CHILD SAFETY

Academic performance expectations, attendance at school functions, and balancing extracurricular activities with time for homework parents and children have a lot to talk about at the beginning of the school year. Few conversations, however, will be as important or as fraught with tension as discussing how children should, and should not, behave online.

While many kids look forward to reuniting with school friends from last year, they’ll be meeting new people, too. Many of those interactions will take place, in part, in the digital world, bringing online child safety front-of-mind for parents as back-to-school season arrives. To help protect your child while he or she is online, start the school year with three important conversations:

How to behave when connecting online

HOW TO BEHAVE WHEN CONNECTING ONLINE

The anonymity of the Internet makes meeting strangers seem appealing and safe. But kids should use at least the same level of caution when meeting someone new online as they would in the real world. Explain to kids why they should never initiate or accept online contact from someone they haven’t first met in person; given all the information we tend to give away in our online profiles, it’s like walking up to a stranger on the street and inviting him or her into your home.

Employ tools like SafetyWeb to help keep kids safe online. The tool helps parents monitor online activity, and includes an active blog/forum that allows parents and pros to discuss the latest child-rearing challenges of the digital age. Review the privacy settings on your child’s social media accounts so that your son or daughter understands what’s visible to friends, and what is visible to everyone else (preferably, nothing). Create the social media accounts with your child so that you know what sites she uses and who her online friends are.

Establish designated times when children are allowed online for social media use and times when they can use the Internet for schoolwork. Never allow children to use the Internet behind closed doors. Yes, they’ll probably say everyone else does it and that you’re ruining their lives, but keep ing Internet-enabled devices in a common area can help make it easier for you to protect your child.

HOW TO BEHAVE WHEN INTERACTING ONLINE

As a parent, you have two concerns for your child’s online life: first, that he or she experiences no harm from online interactions. Second, that he or she causes no harm to others.

The digital world makes communication fast and easy, yet its drawbacks are many: it’s highly conducive to impulsive behavior, it’s difficult to accurately convey tone and intention, and it’s nearly impossible to erase something once it’s posted online. Children need to understand the limitations of this form of communication, and that missteps online can have a long-term impact in the real world.

The anonymity of the Internet has made it easier for people to be mean to each other, and given rise to a whole new type of bullying: cyberbullying. A study by isafe.org found that 58 percent of fourth- through eighth-graders have had mean or hurtful things said to them online, and (even more disturbingly) 53 percent admitted to having said something mean or hurtful to another person online.

Help your child understand the type of behavior that constitutes cyberbullying so that she can both avoid cyberbullies and avoid engaging in acts of cyberbullying. In addition to monitoring your child’s online behavior, encourage him to have a robust social life in the real world the environment in which we really learn how to behave with others.

HOW TO BEHAVE WHEN INTERACTING IN PERSON

While you’re teaching about appropriate online behavior, it’s important to reinforce lessons about being a good person in face-to-face interactions. Bullying has been around as long as people have; teach children how to recognize instances of in-person bullying, and help them learn techniques for coping with bullies.

Being a good citizen of the digital world starts with being a good person in the real world. Reinforce with kids the importance of good behavior both online and in person, and most importantly lead by example.

MAN OF THE HOUR

MORRIS D. SMALL

The Nation’s Capital accredited award-winning actor & filmmaker Morris D. Small is an experienced, highly skilled professional that has been trained across the board in many facets of the entertainment industry. Namely his talents make him a solid yet diverse actor, comedy, fight choreographer, mentor, radio personality, voice over talent, writer, director, and over all philanthropist. He has been acting since childhood and commenced professionally for over 15 years as a featured, support, and lead roles in television, film, and industrial.

How did you get into acting and why?

I became interested in the Entertainment industry as a child. I started out in school and church plays, and other performances. I was introduced to a SAG member that guided me into the profession. I enjoy the creativity and entertaining an audience.

What is the best advice you ever received?

The most important advice that I received was you always have to pay your dues in this industry.

What obstacles did you have to overcome?

Auditioning was an obstacle because there were not enough projects that required it and when you finally did get one it was a very quick process. The other obstacle was doing my first production, getting the locations, directing, postproduction, etc.

What is your favorite quote, motto, or mantra and why?

“Denzel Washington: “I say luck is when an opportunity comes along and you’re prepared for it. Why? I believe this because it has happened for me only when I was prepared.”

Who inspires you the most?

My grandparents, they worked hard, they were persistent, they were tough, and they didn’t have excuses.

Connect with MORRIS D. SMALL

Website: www.morrissmall.biz

Instagram@actormorrissmall

Photo: Norman E Jones Photography

ASK NEW LEAGUE

A:Based on what you see on TV, you might assume you’d only need legal help if you experienced some dramatic and life-altering event. But the truth is most people will have a legal need at some point in their lives – usually under fairly common circumstances.

In fact, many legal needs don’t involve ever setting foot inside a courtroom and revolve around tasks like document preparation or contract reviews. ARAG, a global provider of legal solutions, offers 10 examples of common situations where you might need legal help.

1. When purchasing or selling a house, you may need a lawyer to review the purchase agreement and contract.

2. Your college-age son or daughter has moved out of a rental property and needs legal help in getting a security deposit returned from the landlord.

3. Someone in your family experiences identity theft and needs help recovering assets.

4. You are working on a major home remodel and need someone to review the work agreement you’ve established with your contractors.

5. You’re drafting or revising your will.

6. You need legal advice during an IRS audit.

7. A car breaks down while under

warranty, and you need help getting the manufacturer or dealer to honor the warranty.

8. You’re adopting a child and need a lawyer to help you complete the necessary paperwork and guide you through the adoption process.

9. You notice a mistake on your credit report and need help getting it corrected.

10. You believe you were issued a traffic violation in error and decide you want to fight the violation.

Because many routine life events require legal assistance, enrolling yourself in a legal plan can help lead you in the right direction when you need legal help. Some employers offer legal plans as part of their benefits packages, giving employees the option to enroll.

When you are enrolled in a legal plan like those offered through ARAG, you gain access to a network of attorneys who can provide legal advice and help with everyday legal issues. If you need representation, your plan may also allow you to hire a lawyer for a reduced out-of-pocket rate or no fee –which can result in significant savings considering the average rate charged by an attorney with 11 to 15 years of service is $312 per hour, according to The National Law Journal and ALM Legal Intelligence.

For more information on how legal plans work, visit www.araggroup.com.

ask ilene

A WOMAN’S POINT OF VIEW

Ghosting. Do you know what it is? If so, have you been ghosted or did you do that to someone else.

Ghosting can be work related or personal. This article is on the personal level when you have been communicating with someone and out of nowhere, the person stops answering your calls and text messages. Ghosting is basically rejection, without the finality. It can leave a person feeling confused, hurt and paranoid.

Since modern day technology and dating apps, this has become an all-too-common practice. If someone is ghosting you, this is due to not wanting to communicate or the expectation of a “difficult” conversation. Change your perspective. It’s only a confrontation if you allow emotions to take over. Communication gives clarity. Opens the door to an interchange of opinions. Instead of being selfish, it considers the other person’s feelings. Don’t let the selfish acts of others consume you.

If you have had this done to you or have another topic you want to discuss – send me an email about your experience askilene@newleaguemag.com

Q: What are the reasons the average person might need legal assistance?

FITNESS AND HEALTH

3 WAYS TO SHAPE UP

While summer might be over and fall is here, it’s not too late to make improvements. As we know, what goes in the body is just as important as to how your body will look on the outside. What I have below is a quick and easy workout tips that will start you off in the right direction to propel you in getting the body you’ve desired.

The main thing to remember is that the body needs REST. Rest is KEY to the growth of the human body. Three days a week is all it takes for gains with rest in between working out. What I have below is three exercises that will help you in your endeavors.

EXERCISE 1: CHEST 4×10-20

(Movement) With dumbbells in your hand, and palms facing each other. Lower the weight slowly down to the side of your chest and slowly push the weight above your chest and turn the weight once fully extended in the air. Your palms should be facing away from you. Once you’ve turned the weight, you should be contracting your chest muscles. Giving your Pecs a good squeeze for two seconds makes them work.

(Tip) Doing the workout slow on the negative and positive phase makes your chest muscles work for maximum gains. In between each positive and negative movement, count at least three seconds.

EXERCISE 2: BICEPS 4×10-20

(Movement) Lay on an incline bench at a 45 degree angle, with a pair of dumbbells. Head back on the bench, palms facing outward curl the dumbbells towards your upper body. Making sure you squeeze and hold at the top of the movement.

(Tip) To get the maximum results remember to not lift the dumbbells all the way to the top. It’s best to stop the movement just above the halfway mark. This will allow the biceps to stay under stress. It’s important to lower the weight all the way down on the negative phase.

TRICEPS 4×10-20

(Movement) Laying flat on a bench using a E-Z bar, hold the bar with a in close grip and lower the bar slowly to the forehead, and press the weight towards the ceiling, and squeeze. Make sure that your elbows are close together and the tension is on the Triceps. This exercise is known as Skull Crushes.

(Tip)It is important to remember that when lowering the weight on the negative that you should control the weight going down as slow as possible. (It’s not called Skull Crushes for nothing)

Pre Workout Shake

Ingredients

Hand full of ice

1 Banana

1 scoop of protein

3 spoons of honey

Place all contents into a blender and blend 10-20 seconds.

Post Workout Shake

Ingredients

2-3 ice cubes

2 Bananas

1 scoop of protein

1 cup of chocolate milk

Place all contents into a blender and blend for 10-20 seconds

Congratulations! Now you’re in full motion preparing for the summer.

EXERCISE 3: LEGS. 4×10-20

(Movement) While standing in a squat rack with bar placed on the top of your back, squat the weight down until your body is parallel to the ground. Once you have reached the parallel position, drive the hills of your feet into the ground and push yourself back up to the starting position.

(Tip) If you are a tall individual then it is not necessary for you to go down parallel. This can cause serious injury to your knees.

(Additional Tip) Squats are a great body building exercise because it releases growth hormones throughout your body. With that being said, the more you build the bottom half of your body, the better your upper body will look.

EXTRA WORKOUTS

It’s good to perform pull ups at the end of your workouts to stretch your muscles out. So four sets of wide grip pull ups will help loosen up the tightness of your body.

Doing crunches also will add to your physic as well, but remember, when doing crunches its best to do them slow. The slower you do the movements, the more your Ab muscles will work. Meaning, the fewer amounts of repetitions you will be able to complete.

Seven Ways to a Healthy Home

During the winter months, it’s important to take extra care of your home, your family and especially yourself. In addition to taking steps to prevent cold and flu viruses that are common at this time of year, you should also pause to relax and recharge, if only for a few minutes each day.

Luckily, there are a number of simple, yet impactful ways to keep the entire household in good health. Here are seven examples to get you and your family on the right track toward winter wellness.

1. Pencil in Cleaning

Routine household cleaning keeps clutter and germs at bay. Corral loose items into decorative bins and baskets, then use disinfecting wipes on common high-touch areas such as faucets, door knobs and light switches to reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria. Be sure to dust regularly, as dust particles often contain pet dander, chemicals or other irritants that have the potential to aggravate allergies. If you have any sensitivity to cleaning products, try a natural solution of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar to clean everything from windows to appliances.-

2. The Power of a Shower

Installing a new showerhead can go a long way in improving your frame-of-mind, whether you use your shower to awaken your senses on a cold winter morning or relax at the end of a long day. The Twist handheld shower from Moen has four unique settings, from “Immerse” and “Drench” to “Soothe,” and is available with an adjustable slide bar,

allowing everyone in the house to create the perfect custom showering experience to wash away the winter blues. Another important feature of Twist is the “Shine” setting, which is ideal for cleaning the tub and shower tiles, keeping mold and germs to a minimum.

3. For the Dogs

Pets are extensions of our families and should be treated as such even when it comes to bathing. These four-legged friends have the tendency to bring many allergens into the home. To minimize this problem, dogs should be bathed regularly and wiped down with a damp cloth when they come in from outside. Moen’s Twist handheld shower is perfect for bathing kids and pets alike.

4. Sweeping Surprise

For years, we have counted on our vacuums to get rid of dust and allergens in our homes. But, it turns out that the machines we rely on to clean our floors and furniture may actually be making them dirtier. A recent study by researchers from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia found that many vacuums especially older models actually suspend harmful allergen particles in the air, increasing our exposure to them. If you have an older vacuum, consider upgrading to a new one with a HEPA (High-Efficiency-Particulate-Air) filter, which releases less dirt and bacteria into the air than a standard model. Regardless of the age or features of your vacuum, clean it regularly to ensure a healthier sweep.

5. Door Etiquette

Dirt and pollen are often brought into a house on the shoes of guests and family members. Adding a door mat on both sides of a door and having everyone promptly remove their shoes upon entering can significantly cut back on what is being tracked inside. The Carpet and Rug Institute estimates that up to 80 percent of dirt and allergens can be caught with a washable door mat keeping your family healthy and your floors clean.

6. Air it out

One area many homeowners might not consider when it comes to a healthier home is the mattress. Although changing your sheets weekly is an important ritual, delay putting on clean linens to allow time for mite-friendly moisture to evaporate. Now you’ll have a clean mattress to go along with your clean sheets.

7. Household Workouts

The perfect prevention for winter illness from cold and flu viruses to a case of the winter blues is exercise. According to Neil Schachter, a professor of pulmonary and critical care at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, any kind of moderate daily exercise can improve lung and immune function by enhancing the ability of virusattacking white blood cells to ramp up the immune response. If you can’t get outdoors for a daily walk during the colder months, consider purchasing a treadmill or stationary bike, beef up your workout video library or pick up an active game, like Just Dance or Dance Central, for your motion-activated gaming system to kick germs to the curb.By following these helpful hints, you and your family will be better prepared during the long winter months preventing the spread of germs and making wellness a top priority.

—(BPT)

NEW LEAGUE

ANTHONY TYLER SUITS

www.toddanthonytyler.com

LEGENDARY MEN

We will be featuring well-known men in various fields that have created longevity in their career, made a name for themselves in their own right, and that are well respected in their field by many people. The categories include: sports, fitness, entertainment, business and philanthropy.

We want to celebrate these men by featuring them in our New League Legendary Men. New League Magazine features some of the most successful men in various fields from all around the world. Please send nomination requests for the Legendary Men feature to:

editors@newleaguemag.com.

Marques Ogden

Marques Ogden is a former NFL player who is now the founder and CEO of Ogden Ventures LLC, an inspirational keynote speaker, three-time best-selling author (Sleepless Nights; The Success Cycle), business coach and consultant and the podcast host of ‘Get Authentic with Marques Ogden’; although his journey didn’t come easy or without unrelenting adversity.

After retiring from football, Marques pursued a career in construction and contracting. At 27, he founded a construction company with fast growth but eventually went bankrupt, losing almost two million dollars on one project in 90 days. He pulled himself together during his darkest hours and got a part-time job as a custodian.

Marques rose to the top again with hard work and determination, using his struggles as inspiration to blaze his own trail forward. Now, he shares his powerful story to help others learn how to fail forward and achieve success in their lives. Marques’ story and insights as a thought leader have been featured in top publications such as Authority Magazine, Forbes, USA Today and Cheddar News. As a speaker, he’s landed jobs with Fortune 500 companies like Amazon, Goldman Sachs and Intel.

As a podcast host, he’s interviewed iconic guests such as Michael Strahan, Joe Namath and Willie Parker Jr.

Marques hopes to continue reaching new levels in his professional career and positively impacting as many people’s lives as possible.

I’ve learned about the importance of being an active listener and surrounding yourself with the right team. When I lost my construction company, I had the right team in place, but I didn’t listen to them.

You have an amazing comeback story.

Talk about what you learned from it that you wish you knew back then.

As a result, my best people started to leave the organization…90 days after losing my best people, I lost everything and went out of business.

When I’m booked for a speaking engagement, I strive to give it 110%, ensuring I’m fully prepared and confident going into it. First, I have a call with the client to determine what they need or what solutions our team can share with their audience. Then, we create a custom presentation with specific lingo to address their needs. We incorporate our signature story but focus

on the aspects of my life experiences that we think will be most valuable for their audience to learn and hear.

For example, we have a speaking job with Firestone in September, and we have a meeting with them in late August to go over the presentation and talk about how to utilize parts of my story into some of the industry terminologies so that it’s relatable and relevant. The key is to tie my story and the company’s goals into one keynote that will make the biggest impact.

We started our podcast to share inspiring, authentic stories of the amazing people on our show. Many successful people share stories of what they’ve done well or achieved to get where they are, but not enough people share the struggles, hardships, adversity and vulnerability that come with success. Our platform is meant to elevate those real, authentic stories since people don’t share them enough.

We want our listeners to feel inspired and uplifted by the authentic stories of our guests.

Who was your childhood hero?

My father. He raised my brother and me as a single parent for most of our childhood. He was the shining north star of our world. Having a disciplinarian be your best friend is very rare, but that was our father. He was a disciplinarian who taught us to value education and respect women and ourselves, but at the same time, he was also our best friend, biggest supporter and confidant.

When you’re not saving the world, how do you like spending your spare time?

I enjoy spending my spare time with my family. I have two daughters, Ava and Farrah, who are amazing. I also love spending time with my friends and am big on trying to support them and their initiatives, as well as the community where I live. I’m based in Apex, NC, which is 20 minutes outside of Raleigh, so I try to mentor youth sports groups, attend community events, etc., to give back to where I live.

What have you learned from being a father?

I’ve learned how to be patient. Your children know how to push your buttons and I’ve learned that my daughters know better than anyone else how to push my buttons. Being patient, methodical and an active listener has allowed me to be the best dad I can be because I don’t get emotional. I remain cognitive at all times, so I’m always able to listen, support and be there for my daughters with a clear mind.

Why did you start the podcast “Get Authentic with Marques Ogden”?

How do you prepare for your speaking engagements?

What would be your best advice for the younger male generation?

Focus on education at all costs. Sports are great, and it’s a dream to go pro, but the realistic odds are only a tiny percentage make it…and that’s okay. When you value education, you will always have something to fall back on if your sports career doesn’t pan out. When my NFL career ended, I was confident in my future because I got an education from Howard University. As a result of my degree and what I learned in college, I could manifest and set myself up for success. As an entrepreneur, speaker and podcast host, I can be sharp and focused and interview all the amazing people with amazing stories who come on our show.

great accountants, bookkeepers, attorneys, etc. These individuals drive me daily to show up, push myself and be my best. It’s not about best, but about having resiliency, inspiration and drive…and that’s what my team ignites in me every day.

What is your favorite quote, motto, or mantra and why?

“In times of extreme darkness, focus on the light.” –Aristotle.

We are the light, and as long as we don’t stop believing in ourselves, our world will remain with light. If our world remains with light, we can always push through another day through the darkness. This is so important because, in life, you’re going to be challenged, you’re going to have hard days and you’re going to want to give up. As long as you keep pushing forward, you will see the light.

That’s why I started my podcast. We want to connect with those who see darkness and be the light by re-energizing our listeners and being a catalyst for them to push through and see the hope in their life.

Connect with MARQUES OGDEN

Website www.marquesogden.com LinkedIn - Marques Ogden Instagram @marquesogden Twitter- @Marques_Ogden Facebook- Marques Ogden

Buy Marques books

The Success Cycle:

https://www.amazon.com/Success-Cycle-AchievingGoals-Business/dp/1642931748

I get my inspiration from my team. I have several people on my team, Dawn Weiner, my business partner; Binh Nguyen, my external manager; Albert Hardin, my trademark and patent guy; George Saad, my website and SEO designer; Donovan Barnes and JoQuez Gibbs, my photographers and videographers; and Margarita Eberline, my marketing and sales strategist. I also have

Sleepless Nights

https://www.amazon.com/Sleep less-Nights-NFL-BUSINESS-FAMILY/ dp/1939670055

You’re on a mission to inspire as many people as possible. Where do you get your inspiration from?

THA ILL LITERATE

Eric Powell aka $.O.D Tha ILL Literate was born in the D.C Metropolitan Area. The Rapper/Student from the DMV area at the early age of 10 found his love for music and began to write lyrics and producing his own music.

Although he didn’t have much equipment, he started with a keyboard and a boom box radio. He didn’t let that keep him from moving forward. Having lived in northern and southern states has allowed Tha Ill Literate to concentrate on both flavors of HipHop, with his own unique style. His love for west coast HipHop and rap adds an extra flame around the fire, with an unorthodox style he

generates a flavor unlike others.

Tha Ill Literate attended to his musical talents at an early age rhyming and freestyling with neighborhood kids, beat boxing and using a keyboard and boombox to record. With the desire to become a better musician and performer he wrote lyrics constantly and continued into college to acquire the skills of recording engineer. Wanting to record his music, he was introduced into the world of home recording.

From the ground up he started with a basic computer, computer mic and downloaded audio recording programs and began making better quality

music. He was soon able to produce outstanding audio projects using a minimum of recording equipment. He quickly developed the art of “How to Move the Crowd” and “Keep your head rocking.”

He soon started to produce all types of tracks with Mr. K.F, a group member. He has worked with national and local recording artist/ producers in productions, recording and promotions like Rob Lewis, Bashan Ceo of Dreamworks, K Mob, PopTart Monkeys, FTN Clique, Capone and Noreaga, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Dead Prez, Lil’ Flip, K-Rino of South Park Coalition, Klondike Kat of South Park Coalition, Kool Moe Dee, Deff Jeff, The Wild Boys, Bonecrusher,

The Bayliens, Timabland, Maino , Young Bleed, Michel’le Toussaint, E40s Umbrella Artist Nump Trump and DL the Arson, JJ Fad, The Sugarhill Gang, Ice Cube, T.I, Redman and Method Man, Eternal of Wu Tang Killa Beez, and The Dogg Pound.

Tha Ill Literate has performed at many clubs and venues such as State of the Union, D.C Tunnel, D.C Live, Madison Square Garden, New York’s Club Downtime also at Howard University’s Homecoming Events. As Of 2017 He has officially been a part of Bone Thugs N Harmony’s Camp. Dealing with Flesh n Bone of Bone Thugs N Harmony (FBG) which is Flesh n Bone Global

alongside Ducttape Gang. (ShiftnILL).

When asked what his strongest characteristic was, “I have developed an instinct to create and recognize a style or vibe that gives a song the power to make you want to listen and move your body.”

Tha Ill Literate is currently doing shows and promoting himself with the help of FBG.

Interview with James Romain, former defensive back for Philadelphia Soul.

What is something people might not know about you?

I’m a huge music fan. I like HipHop. Jay-Z, Ken Lamar, people that can relate to me and stuff I’ve been through. I also like old school R&B and music from the 80’s Keith Sweat, and Guy because my mom grew up then and dancing around, that’s why I dance around on the field.

I also like training athletes to help giveback to the community through an athletic company I put together called Sweet Feet University. I basically critique their movements on how they move, their balance and work on their strengths and weaknesses. Whatever they need to work on.

How did you get into Arena Football?

After college some friends said I

INTERVIEW FEATURE

JAMES ROMAIN

should get back on the field. So, I started playing some semi-pro football for a year and I got a love for the game back. I then played for a team on a league that is under Arena Football in Alaska and then another friend said you are born to play football and that he couldn’t play, and I should play for him, that motivated me to keep playing. Played 4 years and put a highlight tape on YouTube and got noticed and started playing Arena Football.

Tell us more about Sweet Feet University.

Sweet Feet University is a training company that mentors kids, teaches them about respect, and keeps them on the right track. I did not have a lot of guys doing that for me. So doing that makes me feel good as a person and to help them utilize that in their everyday life. There are a lot of guys that weren’t raised right because of what they listened to in music and what they saw on TV. At the end of the day, you gotta know how to separate reality from fate and it

takes a guy like myself and guys in higher success to reach the younger generation.

What would be the main thing that you stand for?

I am big on respect, integrity, and loyalty a lot of untrustworthy people out here, people lying and trying to get over on people. I am big into looking people in the eye and speaking and not blinking respect is huge in today’s world. It’s not preached, it’s not in music and it’s not taught on TV. A lot of people take respect for granted. You gotta give respect to get respect. A lot of people think they have to receive respect without giving it.

Interview By: Ilene Carol

INTERVIEW FEATURE

Pervis taylor

You often here about Life Coaches and people who want to motivate you to get your life in order and together. Many people watch and read books about Iyanla Vanzet and watch Dr. Phil seeking answers to help fix the brokenness in there but let’s be honest how many of you listen to their advice and how many of you follow what they say. Now I have been a bit skeptical myself about these people who want to fix us and that was until I encountered someone who literally practices what they preach. I first read about him in the 9th edition of B.O.S.S.E-Magazine. So I dig a little digging to see what this brother was all about and to tell you the truth I was INTRIGUED! I love what he stood and I respected where he came from, because honestly I’m not the type to take advice from people who believe they are God’s gift and seek the dollar more than they seek to help. So I had to interviewed him and see what he was all about.

Jazz Pervis Taylor, who are you?

Pervis Taylor I’m a life coach, worship leader, artist, creative man of God seeking to live his purpose. I was born and raised in Texas raised in a two parent household. I bullied a lot a kid I was different. While most kids were outside playing I was learning choreography to Michael and Janet Jackson videos I was the only AfricanAmerican kid in the honors program. I’m here to help and motivate others to have a better quality of life.

Jazz How important is it for you to reach this generation?

Pervis Taylor I think that it is a mandate for me to reach them. I didn’t go through struggles in my life just to go through them; I went through them so that I can make a difference. It’s my duty because God placed me here for it.

Jazz What motivates you in the industry that you are in that has so many people pretending to be something that they are not. How do you stay grounded?

Pervis Taylor Always knowing what my purpose was. I surround myself with people who hold me accountable for my actions and charge me to remain humble and grounded. It’s easy to lose yourself in this entertainment industry but I know my purpose so I can be focused.

Jazz If you could go back to childhood, what would you tell that “different “little boy?

Pervis Taylor I would tell him what you going through hurts but you will be a beautiful young man.

Article By: Jazmyne C. Byrd

Financial Tips for New Graduates

If you are a new graduate, a college degree is just the first step in the new direction your life will be taking. A new career, potentially a new community to live in and a bit of cash in your pocket to spend there are a lot of changes happening.

College graduates carry an average of $25,250 in student loan debt, according to The Project on Student Debt, by The Institute for College Access and Success. Compiled with this debt are the potential expenses of job searching, moving, a professional wardrobe and a new car or bus pass. But receiving that first paycheck and subsequent paychecks can lead to bad financial management if not properly handled, says John Vaccaro, Senior Vice President from Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual).

“New graduates should curb their urge to spend freely and think about their future goals to avoid financial setbacks like credit card debt and spending beyond their means,” Vaccaro says.

To help prevent new graduates from sinking deeper into the debt hole, and to look ahead to saving for retirement, Vaccaro has some financial planning tips to help grads get the most out of their new paychecks.

Develop a budget Almost half of Americans report they’re living paycheck to paycheck, according to a recent CareerBuilder Survey. New graduates should create a budget, including all expenses from rent/house payments, to haircut costs and weekly groceries. Also include space for savings if possible. Categorize each expense into a necessity category and a discretionary spending category, which will help highlight areas where expenses could be cut if needed. For example, are payments for cable or satellite TV necessary, or could you survive with free local TV and a less expensive subscription for wireless or mail delivery

movie rentals? Setting up a budget can help a new graduate determine if more money from a paycheck can be put into savings.

Look into work benefits The first job is a learning experience for many in figuring out benefits and making them work. Recent graduates should take advantage of any employer offered retirement plans like 401(k)s as soon as they qualify. For younger new grads, the combination of time and potential for a retirement account to grow are powerful in planning for retirement down the road. Health, life and disability income insurance are also good benefit options to research. If your company doesn’t offer these kinds of benefits, consider obtaining coverage independently.

Pay off the right debts first Debt can occur in a lot of different forms for new graduates. Car payments, student

loans, mortgages and credit card accumulations are a few of the more common forms of debt. It’s a good idea to pay off those debts that have the highest interest rates and are not tax deductible first. Ideally, a person should have enough savings on hand to pay off a short term debt, like credit card purchases, on a monthly basis.

Rein in spending habits Look yourself in the mirror and identify your spending habits. If you like to impulse buy, try forcing yourself to delay impulse purchases by 24 hours. Also determine if your spending habits are influenced in any way by emotional factors or peer pressure. Once these habits are identified, it’s easier to establish ways to circumvent bad financial decisions.

—(ARA)

For all of the discussion around the importance of credit scores, it’s hard to know what’s true, what’s fiction, and what lies in between.

Myth and Fact: What you need to know about credit scores

While there are mis-perceptions and misunderstandings still lingering in the marketplace, the good news is that overall knowledge about credit scoring is improving. A recent survey by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and VantageScore Solutions, one of the two primary companies that generate credit scores, shows that consumers know they have more than one credit score, have a better understanding about the factors that affect credit scores, and have increased familiarity with how different kinds of companies and entities use credit scores. Consumers also have a good handle on some recent additions to federal laws regarding when lenders are required to inform borrowers about their credit scores.

“Increases in consumer knowledge probably reflect, in part, the increased public attention given to credit scores because of the new protections,” says Stephen Brobeck, executive director, CFA. “The improvements may also be related to increased efforts of financial educators, including our own educational website, creditscorequiz.org, to inform consumers about credit reports and scores.”

However, despite the positive developments, there’s room for improvement according to the CFA-VantageScore Solutions survey.

Myth: Low credit scores don’t greatly affect how much you pay over the life of the loan.

Fact: Low scores can be costly. Only 29 percent of survey respondents were aware that on a $20,000, 60-month auto loan, a borrower with a low credit score is likely to pay at least $5,000 more than a borrower with a high credit score.

Myth: Age and marital status are factors used in calculating credit scores.

Fact: Over 50 percent of survey respondents incorrectly believed their age and marital status were factors used to calculate their credit scores. The only factors credit score models use are related to your use of credit, especially whether you make payments on time.

Myth: Multiple inquiries when applying for a consumer or mortgage loan will have a negative effect on your score.

Fact: If multiple inquiries occur during a one-to two-week window, generally they will not lower your credit scores. Only 9 percent of respondents were aware of this, and 34 percent incorrectly believed that each inquiry will lower your score.

Understanding credit scoring can be complex, but it’s in your best interest to get the facts straight. With a clear view of what’s true and false, it’s easier to set the course for a sound financial future. For more information about the myths and facts of credit, visit www. creditscorequiz.org, www.vantagescore.com and www.consumerfed. org. These websites are free, do not display any advertising and do not collect any personal data. Both the online quiz and a corresponding brochure are also available in Spanish at www.creditscorequiz. org/Espanol.

—(ARA)

How to Create a Family Budget

For singles, creating a budget is relatively easy. They tend to have a good handle on how much money they have coming in, and when tracking expenses, they only have their own to think about. But creating a family budget is a whole new ball game.

Most families have multiple sources of income. And when there are multiple spenders, that makes things much more confusing. This is one of the main reasons that families lack a formal budget. But having a budget and sticking to it can greatly improve a family’s financial outlook.

Making a family budget may be tricky, but it can be done. Here’s how.

1 Take inventory of all income. If a certain source of income fluctuates from month to month, use the lowest amount or average it out.

2. Keep track of all expenses for a month or so. Keep all of your receipts, and ask all family members to turn theirs in to you each day.

3. Add up your monthly expenses. Be sure to include bills, debt payments, groceries, and everyday expenses such as lunch money and transportation costs.

4. Get the family together and discuss ways you can trim the budget. Getting input from other family members will help you determine which expenses are necessary and which ones could be cut down or eliminated. Maybe you or your spouse could start taking lunch to work instead of eating out, or maybe the kids can drop an extracurricular activity.

5. In addition to individual expenses, discuss how you can cut down on the electric bill, groceries and other necessary family expenses. Consider such things as carpooling or taking public transportation, buying more generic foods and adjusting the thermostat.

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. Estimate how much you can save on regular expenses, and cut the completely unnecessary items out of the budget. Then refigure it and see where you stand.

7. If you end up with a surplus, allocate a portion of it to savings. If you’re in the red, go back and rework the budget until you have more income than expenses.

Being Realistic

One reason that family budgets often fail is because they’re just not realistic. It’s great to cut down on expenses, but sometimes we tend to go too far. For example, cutting entertainment out of the budget completely might look good on paper, but we all need a little diversion every now and then.

Instead of cutting such things out of the budget completely, consider finding ways to lower the cost. Going back to the entertainment example, maybe you’ve been going to dinner and a movie as a family twice a month. But eating in and renting a new release would be much cheaper, and you would still get to spend quality time together.

Individual expenses can also be tricky. This can be resolved by allocating a certain amount for each family member to spend each week. If someone spends his entire amount before the week is up, reevaluate his expenses and adjust if necessary.

Creating a family budget can help keep spending under control, leaving more money to pay down debts and save for future goals. But in order to succeed, close monitoring is essential. Your efforts will be rewarded, however, with less financial stress and more money in the long run.

EXTRAORDINARY MEN

A STORY OF FAITH

This is a story of caring, faith in God, and the undying drive of the human spirit. My name is Joe. I am 46 and I work as a nurse at a large Medical Center in Chicago. I work for a department that deals with patients with CVID, also known as Common Variable Immunodeficiency. In layman’s terms these people have limited function of their immune system. They are prone to getting recurrent infections that require frequent hospitalizations and cause severe disruptions in their lives.

This population of patients is very small but I have the hon or of taking care of 21 of them and I have been doing so for 9 years. These patients see me every 2-4 weeks for infusions of a blood based product that gives them, in a sense, an artificial Immune System. The administration if this drug requires a blood draw and an infusion that lasts for several hours. I have worked with them so very long and watched them struggle with their lives that I have become very attached to most of them.

I see them when they are well, and I see them when they are at their worst and feel like they have no life and don’t want to go on any longer. I have shared a story with many of them, as I find that they struggle with their lives day to day. I am going to share that story with you. When they see me for an infusion visit, they are with me for about 2 to 3 hours each visit. I therefore, share this story with them slowly throughout their treatment over a period of months and sometimes years. The facts in this story are true. They are not made up and they are actual events that an acquaintance of mine has shared with me or I have seen. This is the man’s story.

This man seemed to struggle since the day he was born. To start out life, he was a very large baby and his mother was very small. In an attempt to deliver him they used something called Crutchfield Tongs on his head to help him be delivered. The doctor’s broke his septum and his cheekbone while he was being born. In his baby pictures that were presented to his father, his entire face was black and blue. His father refused the pictures; therefore there were no real baby pictures of him. Throughout his childhood he was a very sick kid and was constantly being admitted to the hospital for swelling in his feet, bronchoconstriction, severe allergies, and other unexplained ailments. He was a happy child and was always smiling and took all of this in stride. It seemed it was his destiny just to suffer his entire life. But as a boy, he was a very driven child.

He could not stand to be told that he could not do something. There was a fire inside him that made him push himself harder and harder every day. Throughout his school years, his parents had difficulties as well. Both of his parents were High School dropouts and his father had medical problems as well. His father was also a very mean man when he was drinking and he did this almost every day. So the young boy, who grew to be someone I know well, endured a very harsh life and learned to do without many of the things that others had. At the age of 12 he began reading the Bible. He was determined to try to find some answers about what life was about. He also began reading a lot of Philosophy books. He was an unremarkable student. He went through school at the lower end of the grade scale and appeared to not be very intelligent.

His behavior was due to the constant beatings from his father and his fathers constant harassing of him telling him he would never be good at anything. He waited patiently always knowing he would leave his home and not come back. He knew he would continue to learn and try to grow as a person and to heal the wounds caused by his parents. He entered the Navy at the age of 17 and the whole world changed for him. He was advanced in rank very quickly. He attended many schools and received a lot of advanced training. They did IQ testing on him and determined he was indeed very intelligent. He went to several

different countries around the world. He met the President and the Russian Prime Minister while he was in the military. After a little over three years, his active duty service ended and he returned home to see if he could help his family situation.

His mother had conveyed that his father had become extremely violent and labile and that she wanted to leave him but was afraid to. Two months after he came home he was driving to a Naval Reserve meeting and is car was struck head on by a drunk driver and he was broadsided by a semi truck that was behind him. He was ejected from his vehicle and while he bounced down the pavement he broke almost every bone in his body and his life ceased. On the way to the hospital the paramedics managed to keep him alive.

The man died 4 times on the table as the doctors tried to save him. On the fourth attempt the doctors sent for his mother, they had been working on him for 47 minutes and he still had no heartbeat. They stopped resuscitation on him and the man died. At least that is what everyone thought. Six minutes later the man took a gasping breath and tried to sit up with his severely broken body. He had not died. The list of his injuries is easy to describe, he broke almost every bone in his body. His back was the most concerning, it was broken in three places and he was told he would never walk again. My friend almost slipped into despair, he did however remember the teachings of God that he learned as a boy and to everyone’s surprise he returned to work 6 months later with a cast on one leg and an immobilization brace on the other.

At this point in time my patients always comment that the man is very lucky and that they are glad he did not die. His life seemed to return to normal for a while. He participated in Bodybuilding shows until 1989 and then stopped competing when he got married. His life was pretty uneventful until 1996 when he took a job as a Police Officer. My friend had found his true calling. He loved what he did and was very respected by his peers. He was voted the class commander by his peers while in the Chicago Police Academy.

Upon graduation he started working in the Investigations Division of the Police Department dealing with drug interdiction cases. After one year on the job, he received the Exceptional Service Award from the Police Department. He was the first rookie officer in the history of the Police Department to do so. On May 15, 1997 he had another hurdle in his life. He fell and shattered his left kneecap trying to take a man with a gun into custody. He had to continue to fight with the man until he got him in handcuffs even though he knew he was severely injured. When he arrived at the Hospital, his leg was so severely injured that the doctors wanted to amputate it. The man refused and told them to fix it. The doctors attempted to fix it. They did their best but the man was left to live his life in constant pain and at times he wished that they had amputated it. He also had numerous other health problems that were related to the injury. He got a bone infection that messed up his immune system and shot down his Thyroid. He had recurrent rashes and episodes of swelling in his torso and feet that would not be explained. He underwent numerous bone biopsies, was told he had bone cancer and numerous other ailments as doctors searched for the answers. In a ten year period he had to undergo 21 surgeries.

The doctors had also discovered that he had broken his neck at some time in his life and in 2004 he had to have three

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vertebrae fused together using a titanium plate and six screws and bone from his right hip. Needless to say the man did struggle. My patients assume the man didn’t work as he went through this and they often say that. I tell them, no, he attended college and got a degree the first couple of years. He did really well too. He graduated with a 4.0 average and he received numerous academic honors at graduation. He worked part time through all of it. He was going to attend Law School and then was guaranteed a job as a States Attorney.

At that point in time my patients ask if he went to Law School and I tell them no. They usually say something to the effect of, “Law School would be tough having all of those medical problems.” I tell them, no, that’s not it. He didn’t attend Law School because before it started his wife got cancer. He watched her almost die twice over a four year time point while she struggled with Kidney Cancer. Usually by this point in the story my patients say, “My disease is nothing compared to what your friend went through.” I disagree with them. I tell them everyone struggles and everyone’s struggles are difficult for them in their own way.

I always tell them this story does not minimize what they are suffering through, it just illustrates that many people have

I agree with them that God NEVER gives any of us more that we can handle.

struggles in their lives and you must have faith, pray, have hope and lever give up. I tell them that the man returned to a position in a career that he had left to become a Police Officer. That he hadn’t wanted too, but after he did, he learned to appreciate new and different aspects of it and to appreciate them. I told them that even though the doctors had done numerous tests on him over the years concerning the weird ailments, none had come up with definitive answers.

Please recall, I mentioned this man’s intelligence was discovered while he was in the Navy. He compiled all of the data from the tests and spent several years looking for an answer. He found it after several years. He approached the doctors with his theory and they agreed and started him on the appropriate treatment. At this point I always remind my patients that they have to be an advocate for their own health and that they need to learn about their disease and its treatment and not place all of their decisions in the hands of their doctors. Usually at this point my telling of this story to my patients ends. They do ask questions over time, questioning minor details of the story, over a period of time, as we spend time together and they receive their infusions. Then inevitably, time passes and I help them through their lows and rejoice with them through their highs. However, the discovery of this story usually occurs when they are at their worst and feel that they cannot go on any longer.

I am always with them when they hit rock bottom or very shortly after. I offer comfort with my presence and sometimes we talk, sometimes I just hold their hands and we say nothing. Inevitably, the story of my friend always comes up at those times.

The question that they ask is always the same. It is very odd. These patients make it through alright a majority of the time, but I truly at times understand their frustration. They always tell me that the story of my friend that I shared with them has caused them to pray more.

They tell me that his struggles have given them strength. They tell me that they have learned to be more patient and that they understand God will never give them more than they can handle. I agree with them that God NEVER gives any of us more that we can handle. Now I am a very large muscular man and have been lifting weights for 30 years. They always tell me that I make them feel safe with my presence and in the way that I take care of them. They also tell me I am very smart and that I have helped them immeasurably.

Then the question is always the same. “Whatever happened to the man that you told me about?” At that point, I tell them that he turned out OK and that he was very happy with life. They ask me, how could someone be happy after all of that? I tell them his faith! Then they ask me if I ever see the man anymore? I smile at them and take their hand and tell them yes! I see that man every day when I look in the mirror. You see that man every month. That man is sitting here with you now. That man is me! And they realize that in the many years they have known me I have struggled along side of them. They have not been aware of my struggles as they wrestle with there own. When they realize it they often begin to cry. They ask me why I didn’t tell them. I tell them that they were already dealing with a lot and it was not my place to burden them. They always ask me what it was like to die. I tell them I remember hearing everything. I could hear them say I was dead. I remember feeling the presence of God and I remember in my mind having a conversation with him. I remember telling him it hurts to bad I don’t want to go on I just want to let go and die. That I pleaded with him. His answer to me was, “NO, you have more to do in this life.” Then as I sit with them I realize he knew exactly what he wanted me to do.

WOMAN OF THE HOUR

MARNIE SCHNEIDER

Marnie Schneider is a CEO, inspirational speaker, author, philanthropist, and best of all daughter and mom. A Philadelphia native now living in the Carolinas, she consistently devotes her time and resources to help others achieve their own victory. Marnie thinks of this as “showing up” on life’s playing field, with positivity and energy, day in and day out.

is in the Top 100 Kids Sports Travel books by Amazon. Writing the stories has been her way of giving back to the many great football communities across the nation. The series includes 8 books that focus on a city and its football team. It follows lovable characters, Football Freddie and Fumble the Dog, and the rich history and culture of each city they visit.

She recently did a virtual book reading during the Super Bowl LV at the Ronald McDonald House in Tampa Bay, Florida which is an annual event in the Super Bowl host city. Currently, Marnie has been travelling (virtually these days) all over the country doing book readings at schools, first-responder events, youth sports clubs and businesses.

Background

Marnie finds inspiration from her family. Her grandfather, Leonard Tose, who was the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles and also founded the Ronald McDonald House. Also, Marnie’s Mom, Susan Tose Spencer, was the first female GM of an NFL team. She was also their legal counsel and VP. Their dedication to family, charity, and sports taught Marnie the importance of giving back, something she has carried forward into her career in the nonprofit sector. She has received honors for her time and attention spent raising money for the Ronald McDonald House and Alzheimer’s Association. To this day she remains very active with the Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte and is on their board.

Family

Marnie’s passion for sports shines through in her book series, Gameday in the USA (Gameday). The series

Marnie’s pride is her three kids—Jonathan, Goldie and Leo. Marnie’s experience with her first son, Jonathan (21 years old now) having neuroblastoma opsoclonus as a young child, taught her much about the importance of an extended family and support. She is currently taking care of her mom who was recently diagnosed with dementia. Marnie has a heart for animals and has three rescue dogs and her handsome pony, Billy.

to give everyone the winning support they deserve. She is passionate about reading which can lead to big things in life. She is always encouraging kids that “to do big things you have to do big things”. She is also very active with the Ronald McDonald House, founded by her grandfather, and donates a share of her book proceeds to various houses.

Football Freddie Books

Football Freddie and Fumble the Dog: Gameday in Chicago

It’s gameday in Chicago! Football Freddie and Fumble are on their way to Soldier Field to cheer for the Bears. But first, they’ll stop at Millennium Park, the Navy Pier, and other historic locations to learn everything they can about the Windy City. Come along and cheer with Freddie and Fumble for Chicago!

The Football Freddie and Fumble the Dog: Gameday in the USA book series written by Marnie Schneider consists of eight books. It follows the cheerful, young, girl Fredericka (“Freddie” for short) and her dog Fumble as they experience the sites, history and food in a professional football city. Then they end up at a football game and get to experience all the people that make the day happen.

The eight books and related cities are Philadelphia, Green Bay, Chicago, Atlanta, Carolinas, Dallas and Pittsburgh. The latest, eighth book is focused on Tampa Bay.

Marnie Schneider grew up in a football family and is the granddaughter of Philadelphia Eagles owner from 1969-1985, Leonard Tose, and daughter of Susan Spencer, the first woman general manager of Philadelphia Eagles.

Marnie loves to share what she lives by - the importance of showing up on life’s playing field with positivity and energy, day in and day out, and

Football Freddie and Fumble the Dog: Gameday in Dallas & Fort Worth

It is gameday in Dallas! Football Freddie and Fumble are trek king to Arlington to root for the Cowboys. But first, they will have a few stopovers in some historic locations to learn as much as they can about Dallas. Join these friends to cheer for the Cowboys!

CONNECT

Website: www.gamedayintheusa.com

Instagram: @gamedayintheusa

READER REVIEWS

‘Animal Crossing’ Product Review

As COVID-19 started to take over worldwide and quarantine protocols began to set in place, Nintendo released Animal Crossing: New Horizons for its Nintendo Switch gaming consoles. The first of the beloved 5-game series to be released on the Switch, which allows players to play on their handheld console or hook it up to their TV to play on a larger screen.

While the game does not necessarily have a plotline or end goal, it allows players free reign to complete daily tasks, build and design your home, and run around an ever growing island; something not allowed in the current state of the world. The game also allows

players to meet up with friends and travel to their islands. This feature has been able to fill the void of human connection during these times as it allows players to play and talk with their friends from the safety of their homes.

The game features daily tasks that must be completed every day to receive bonuses and fund the growth of your island. While this could seem stressful, in quarantine this feature has given many people something constant to do every day and give players a chance to feel productive.

Animal Crossing has been beneficial to many during quarantine. It has helped establish

a routine for players every day and a sense of normalcy in uncertain times. With new updates containing new features being released every few months, the game is hardly boring. Even with the pandemic sticking around for much longer than we hoped, teenagers and adults alike are able to find some solace in a game that simulates what our lives used to feel like. Making even the most mundane activities something that players look forward to accomplishing every time they wake up.

Animal Crossing is available online or at any gaming retailer near you.

Written by Liz Bunce

Extended Hugs is committed to supporting those who are unfairly denied the firm foundation needed for a successful life.

We strive to resolve the painful experiences endured by thousands who often get overlooked by society. Those who are unfortunate, but not so much so that there is a high demand to rectify the problem.

The people who often need the help may appear to be doing just fine. In many cases, their hardship is due to some sort of extreme circumstance that they were not financially prepared for.

These same individuals when seeking assistance, are often turned away by large organizations because they may not be “desperate” enough or meet certain strict requirements.

Extended Hugs makes no attempts to save the world. However, through the support of generous people, we know we can change lives.

We serve to aid vulnerable members of the community who may be struggling financially due to marginalization, high cost of education, and chronic/terminal illness.

We are looking for sponsors, volunteers, partners, and supporters.

Visit www.extendedhugs.com for more information.

We all have a heart, so share some of yours.

Photographer: Ayoola Duke