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PORSCHE’S EVOLUTION TAYCAN HAS EVERYONE TALKING!
COCKTAIL TRENDS WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE CLASSICS
CULINARY GENIUS 5 RECIPES ANYONE CAN MAKE
IT’S GREAT TO BE A MAN
“Don’t Let Yesterday Take Up Too Much Of Today.” Will Rogers
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FEBRUARY 2020
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CONTENTS 02/20
Xbox is boss p16
Poliana de Paula p70
Trista Tauchas p20
Culinary Genius p78
Propose like a pro p28
On the cover | Jenna Nicole p46
06 AND THE OSCAR GOES TO...
Our 2020 predictions of the nominations and why they’ll win
16 XBOX IS BOSS
The 10 games that prove Xbox Game Pass is the best!
18 MEGA PAYDAY
How Conor McGregor scored an estimated $80 million in 40 seconds
20 TRISTA TAUCHAS
The Taycan everyone’s talking about!
38 TRAILBLAZER
Kevin Plank and the epic rise of Under Armour
46 ON THE COVER
a brown-eyed beauty with a little spunk of thunder that loves to go on adventures
56 KEEP ROLLING
Brings a unique and exotic charm
Outfits and watches that’ll have you looking and feeling your best!
28 PROPOSE LIKE A PRO
66 RETRO REVISTED
Your ultimate guide to bending the knee and getting that yes
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34 PORSCHE GOES EV
FEBRUARY 2020
See how cocktail trends in 2020 are doing a throwback, way back!
Germaine Love p86
70 POLIANA DE PAULA
A warm mix of Italian and Brazilian beauty
78 CULINARY GENIUS Our freshest, easy to prepare dishes that’ll impress anyone
86 GERMAINE LOVE
A country girl at heart
94 ASPIRING PORNSTARS!
How the hardcore action on-screen differs from real-life sex!
Entertainment
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FEBRUARY 2020
OSCARS BEST PICTURE PREDICTIONS 2020
It’s that time of year again where the Hollywood will gather to celebrate the year’s most prestigious awards, The Academy Awards, better known as The Oscars. 2019 Was an amazing year for movies and judging by the best picture nominations, The Oscars 2020 is going to be a tight race to the most glamorous prize. We take a look at each movie nominated and discuss the reasons it should win as well as the reasons it won’t. And the Oscar goes to. By Andre Coetzer
1917 During the First World War, Lance Corporal Schofield and Lance Corporal Blake two young men in the British army must venture deep behind enemy lines to deliver a critical message that could prevent the massacre of a British battalion in a trap laid by the enemy. At the bidding of their superior officers, the young privates put their own lives on the line, as it could mean the difference between life and death for 1,600 of their brothers in arms, including Blake’s own brother.
Why It Should Win:
A unique take on the horrors of the Great War, director Sam Mendes and Director of Photography Roger Deakins has crafted not only a harrowing experience of two soldiers in the Great War, but a beautifully and uniquely shot war film that stands apart from its contemporaries. Add in brilliant performances from George Mackay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Colin Firth and Benedict Cumberbatch this film is an instant classic.
Why It Won’t Win:
The last “war“ movie that won the highly prized Oscar was The Hurt Locker in 2009 and overall only 16 war-related movies have ever won an Oscar for best picture in the history of the Academy Awards. Considering that the last World War 1 based movie that won an Oscar was Lawrence of Arabia in 1962, history does not seem to favor 1917.
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Entertainment
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood It’s 1969 Los Angeles, where a golden era of Hollywood is coming to a dramatic and sudden end. TV star Rick Dalton and his lifelong stunt double Cliff Booth make their way around an industry they hardly recognize anymore. The hard-drinking, fading cowboy/action star Rick Dalton struggles with his career, trying to decide whether to continue playing bad guys in TV pilots or go to Italy to make Spaghetti Westerns. Cliff Booth is now largely unemployable and passes the time driving Rick around and taking care of Rick’s home maintenance. Trouble arises when Cliff picks up a hitchhiker and takes her to the Spahn Ranch, where the soon-to-be notorious Manson Family lives. And a terrible coincidence brings the cult members back to Hollywood.
Why It Should Win:
Possibly Quentin Tarantino’s finest film oozes his usual style, violence and social commentary he has become so renowned for. However, unlike his previous films, Once Upon a Time… sees a more reflective and wiser Tarantino. A cleverly crafted story, matched by award-winning performances from Leonardo Di Caprio and Brad Pitt could possibly bring the controversial director his first-ever Best Picture Oscar.
Why It Won’t Win:
The Academy does seem to have a certain disdain for Tarantino, he plays by his own rules and his movies often cause controversies, something the judges at the Academy frown upon. True, Tarantino has won two Oscars for best original screenplay, yet the granddaddy of the Oscars has eluded him for over 24 years now.
Parasite A man named Ki-taek and his family struggle with poverty and unemployment. Their polar opposites, the Park family, lead a life of luxury and wealth. Ki-taek’s family grows more fascinated with the Parks by the day until they find themselves in the thick of an unexpected and significant incident. Director Joon-ho Bong toys with the conventions of genre in this dark comedy meets thriller.
Why It Should Win:
South Korean director Joon-ho Bong has directed some masterpieces in his time and although many of his films are unknown to an American audience, Parasite managed to grab the headlines for all the right reasons. It’s a wonderfully written story and masterfully directed. Also, no foreign film has ever won the Best Picture category, so 2020 might see the South Korean film making history.
Why It Won’t Win:
No foreign film has ever won the Best Picture Oscar. It’s hard to believe considering the wonderful movies that have appeared from around the world in the last few decades and one can only assume that there is a certain bias to “English” films. Not a good sign for Parasite.
The Irishman The Irishman is a biographical crime thriller that follows Frank Sheeran as he recalls his past years working for the Bufalino crime family. Now older, the WWII veteran once again reflects on his most prolific hits and, in particular, considers his involvement with his good friend Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance in 1975.
Why It Should Win: It’s an absolute crime that Martin Scorsese has only won one Oscar in his entire career, Best Director for The Departed, considering the genre-defining movies he has directed in the past. From Goodfellas to Raging Bull to Taxi Driver to The King of Comedy, Scorsese has overseen some of the greatest films of all time. Will the Academy finally recognize his brilliance this year?
Why It Won’t Win: Much like Tarantino, Scorsese is a director that attracts controversy with his films and it’s clear the Academy feels that honoring these films beneath the “glamour” of the Oscars. Sadly, as good as The Irishman” is, it doesn’t come close to his past work. Even heavy hitters like Al Pacino and Robert de Niro might not be able to convince the judges otherwise. Also, its links to Netflix will do the film no favor.
Joker In an unsettling origin story to Batman’s greatest nemesis, Arthur Fleck exists on the fringes of society and is utterly ignored by others. His outcast existence begins to take a toll on his mental state, his narrative an unnerving study on the extent to which a person can unravel.
Why It Should Win: It’s a brilliant case study on mental illness and the effect society can have on an individual. It takes a comic book character and turns him into a sympathetic, although unstable, anti-hero going against society and the powers that be. It’s a risky take, especially in today’s political climate, but director Todd Phillips and the jaw-dropping performance from Joaquin Phoenix elevates the source material way beyond any one’s expectation.
Why It Won’t Win: On paper, Joker is a DC comic book movie and it’s no secret what the Academy thinks of comic book movies. During the pre-release of the film, the media hysterically proclaimed that the film will incite the incels and that police should be stationed in movie theatres around the country. Big old controversy for the sake of controversy and of course as we have established beforehand, the Academy hates controversy.
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Entertainment
Ford v Ferrari In the 1960s, Ferrari is an untouchable figure in racing. With Enzo Ferrari ardently chasing after excellence, the company is irrefutably the best there is. Ford’s Henry Ford II wants in on the success, and so he journeys to Italy to propose a merger with the automobile giant. His plan, however, is met with ridicule. With a hurt ego, he enlists the help of car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles to build a car that would defeat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Why It Should Win:
A fascinating and incredibly well-crafted biopic on the rivalry between Ford and Ferrari, director James Mansgold does an incredible job of capturing the intensity of the Le Mans race. Beautiful cinematography accompanied by a great cast, Ford v Ferrari might be the outsiders favorite to take the prize home. It’s late release in the year also means it will still be fresh in people’s minds.
Why It Won’t Win:
Although it ticks all the Best Picture boxes and has just the right mix of action and drama, the Academy tends to steer clear racing flicks. No movie based on racing has ever won the Best Picture award unless you consider Driving Miss Daisy a white-knuckled racing movie.
Jojo Rabbit It is the latter part of World War II, and all Jojo Betzler wants is to become a Nazi. He turns to his 10-year-old imagination and begins to befriend a wackier version of Nazi Germany’s ruler, Adolf Hitler. One day, he finds out that his mother, Rosie is housing a Jewish girl named Elsa. Despite going directly against his young beliefs, he has no choice but to keep quiet for his and his family’s safety. Soon, he and his imaginary friend begin to see the world differently.
Why It Should Win:
It’s odd, it’s different and it’s a brilliantly funny take on a very controversial topic. Writer and director Taika Waititi has an incredible ability to take quite a serious and touchy subject and find a way to tell a story in a funny way. It’s such a unique and brilliantly written story that deserves to be among the top movies of the year.
Why It Won’t Win:
Oddball indie films hardly ever win and funny movies even less so. Apparently, if a movie has some laughs it’s not considered worthy of best picture. One only has to go through the previous winners to see that heart-wrenching dramas are right up the judges’ alley.
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Little Women “Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, the four March sisters learn about love, life, and loss as they grow through their young womanhood against the backdrop of post-Civil War America. At the heart of the family is the headstrong Jo March who aspires, above all else, to forge her own path. Directed by Greta Gerwig, co-starring Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, and Laura Dern.
Why It Should Win:
It’s a wonderful rendition of one of the most well-known books in history. Director Greta Gerwig has an amazing knack of getting the best out of her actors and the cast of Little Women is the cream of the crop of current young female actors. Period piece movies are always a favorite amongst the judges and this film has an outside chance of causing an upset.
Why It Won’t Win:
The problem with adapting such a well-known book is that it is a well-trodden path. Considering there have been 5 major film adaptations of Little Women (the most recent in 2018) and not mentioning the various mini-series, theatre productions, ballet performances, and even an anime series, Little Women just doesn’t hold one’s attention or delivers any surprises, no matter how great the direction or performances.
Marriage Story A theater director (Adam Driver) and his actress wife (Scarlett Johansson) struggle to make their marriage last. When their contentious relationship brings them to a difficult divorce battle that spans the country, they find themselves delving into their creative sides in ways they never before imagined.
Why It Should Win:
With an incredible screenplay and award-winning performances from Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, director Noah Baumbach delivers a film that is not only relatable but hits are the right beats when dissecting the trials and tribulations of marriage. Devoid of fancy 3D animations and FX laden shots, it’s a simple movie that tells an incredible story.
Why It Won’t Win:
It’s no secret what the Academy and certain directors (Spielberg we’re looking at you) think of Netflix movies. Many in Hollywood consider the streaming service as a second class citizen to its big blockbuster behemoth production houses. An incredible movie move that might be hamstrung due to who released it.
FEBRUARY 2020
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Gaming
10 GAMES THAT PROVE XBOX GAME PASS IS THE BEST It was a tough generation for the Xbox One, with a rock launch and numerous criticisms thrown at the Microsoft Behemoth, the Xbox quickly fell behind the PlayStation 4 in sales and general public opinion. Step in new Xbox boss, Phil Spencer. Spencer was able to turn around the ailing fortunes of the Xbox One and bring in some unique features that set it apart from the Sony console. One of the best features was that of Xbox Game Pass, a Netflix type subscription that gave gamers access to over 350 titles for a measly few dollars a month. If you’re still not convinced about how great Game Pass, have a look at some of the games available to you right now.
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THE OUTER WORLDS
Fallout used to be a fantastic RPG that captured gamers’ imaginations through funny dialogue, unique set pieces, and a wonderful world to explore. Sadly Bethesda seems to have dropped the ball on the franchise lately, but fortunately Obsidian (creators of the ever-popular Fallout: New Vegas) returns with their own unique take on the RPG format. The Outer Worlds packs in a large portion of flexible quests and conflicts within its series of smaller worlds but the combat, characters, and companion systems are excellent and gives the game a unique identity of its own. It might just be the best RPG out right now.
DEVIL MAY CRY 5
The Devil May Cry series is best known for its over-the-top action series comes and the 5th entry in the series does not disappoint, filled with high-octane stylized action and otherworldly and original characters. Director Hideaki Itsuno and the core team have reunited to create the most over the top, technically advanced, utterly insane action experience of this generation. Years have passed since the legions of hell have set foot in this world, but now a new demonic invasion has begun, and humanity’s last hope will rest in the hands of three lone demon hunters, each offering a radically different play style. United by fate and a thirst for vengeance, these demon hunters will have to face their demons if they hope to survive .
THE WITCHER 3
Winner of over 250 Game of the Year awards, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a story-driven, open-world adventure set in a dark fantasy universe. You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. At your disposal is every tool of the trade: razor-sharp swords, lethal mixtures, stealthy crossbows, and powerful combat magic. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you can explore at will. The Complete Edition contains every piece of downloadable content released for the game, including two massive story expansions: Hearts of Stone & Blood and Wine. It’s the perfect opportunity to enter this world for the first time or relive the adventure, especially after the amazing Netflix show aired.
BLOODSTAINED: RITUAL OF THE NIGHT
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night was released way back on the original PlayStation and it was one of the greatest games ever made. Series creator Koji Igarashi returns with a brand new series that truly captures everything that made the greatest Castlevania ever made into a legendary game. Exploring the castle’s many secrets is a delight, and there is a dizzying array of weapons and powers waiting to be bent to your will. If you’re seeking a true successor to Symphony of the Night then Bloodstained will satisfy that need and more.
MONSTER HUNTER: WORLD
Monster Hunter: World sees players take on the role of a hunter that completes various quests to hunt and slay monsters within a lively living and breathing eco-system full of predators…. and prey. Players are able to utilize survival tools such as the slinger and Scoutfly to aid them in their hunt. By using these skills to their advantage hunters can lure monsters into traps and even pit them against each other in an epic fierce battle. Players need to select their weapon choice carefully from 14 different weapon classes and think strategically about how to take the gigantic monsters down.
FEBRUARY 2020
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Gaming
HALO MASTER CHIEF COLLECTION The improved and enhanced Halo: The Master Chief Collection is included with Xbox Game Pass. Featuring visual enhancements with up to 4K UHD resolution on Xbox One X, improved matchmaking, offline LAN, customizable installation options, and faster load times, it’s the definitive way to experience the ultimate Halo saga. Includes the extensive suite of campaign, multiplayer and additional features from Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo Reach, ODST and Halo 4, all updated to run at 60FPS.
METRO: EXODUS The Russian novel inspired Metro games have slowly through the years gained much adoration from many first-person shooter fans and with Metro Exodus they have not only released the best Metro game ever but arguably the best first-person shooter of the year. Exodus takes the fearinducing formula of the series and places it into expansive, sandbox levels without losing any of the incredible tension that makes the series so distinctive. It tells a great story as you journey across a postapocalyptic Russia looking for a safe haven for your people. It’s gorgeous, gruesome and utterly terrifying.
FORZA HORIZON 4 Arguably the greatest racing game ever made, Forza Horizon 4 sees you take on the four seasons of Britain, all while driving the world’s most exotic cars. With incredible graphics and one of the most satisfying car handling on console yet, Horizon 4 will satisfy every racing fan’s need. From tough off-road races with tough as nails built up truck to speeding down the freeway in the latest Ferrari. Explore beautiful scenery, collect over 450 cars and become a Horizon Superstar in historic Britain.
BLAIR WITCH Loosely based on the original Blair Witch film for the late ’90s, Blair Witch 2019 was an unexpected release that many did not see coming and yet it turned out to be one of the most terrifying games of the year. Very similar to the Outlast series, you play as Ellis a former cop and soldier going into the dreaded forest to find a lost child. Discovering Ellis’ troubled past and the often relatable demons it left him with grounded it all and made each eerie or excruciatingly frightful moment personal. It’s a superbly constructed horror game offering more scares and tension than the original movie ever did.
GEARS 5 After a surprisingly lukewarm reception to Gears of War 4, many wondered if the franchise might be on its last legs. Fortunately, with Gears 5 that is the furthest from the truth as Gears 5 is an excellent third-person action game. The most surprising element is the focus on the story and characters and Coalition really doubles down on character development in the masterfully crafted campaign. Add in a heavy-hitting multiplayer line-up of Versus, Versus Arcade, Horde, and Escape and it makes Gears 5 one of the best and most versatile action-game packages in recent memory. And of course, included in Game Pass is the entire Gears series, so newcomers can start from the first game and play all the through this genre-defining epic.
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Review From the dawn of creation, the council has maintained the Balance across existence. Carrying out their orders are the Horsemen, Nephilim (powerful beings spawned from the unnatural union of angels and demons) who have pledged themselves to the Council and been granted immense power. However, this power came at a tragic cost: the Horsemen were ordered to use their newfound strength to wipe out the rest of their kind. What followed was a bloody battle on Eden where the Horsemen, obeying the will of the Council, annihilated the Nephilim. Still reeling from the events on Eden, War and SStrife have been given a new assignment — Lucifer, the and deceptive demon king, has been plotting to enigmatic n uppset the Balance by granting power to master demons throoughout Hell. War and Strife must hunt down these asters, gather information, and ultimately fight their way mas through a tangled, demonic conspiracy that threatens to forever upset the Balance and unravel all of creation. Darksiders: Genesis is an action/adventure that tears its way through hordes of demons, angels, and everything in-between on its way to Hell and back with guns blazing and swords swinging. Genesis gives players their first look at the world of Darksiders before the events of the original game, as well as introduces the Horseman Strife. The gunwielding Horseman Strife serves the Council to maintain the Balance while keeping an eye on his own best interests. Strife is decisive with a short fuse, always ready to empty a clip before asking a question. He fights fast and loose, utilizing his dual handguns Mercy and Redemption to tear down any angel or demon that stands in his way. Unlike previous Darksiders games, Genesis is a topdown action RPG in the vein of Diablo. Stepping away from the full-on Metroidvania feel of the previous entries, Genesis allows for a more tactical and role-playing feel. You get to swap between the powerful swordsman War and Strife instantly in frenetic, single-player gameplay. Explore the epic world of Darksiders and wreak havoc with a friend in two-player cooperative mode or experience a brand new story campaign that takes place before the original Darksiders, exploring the origin of the Seven Seals. It’s a dramatic departure for the series, but after the middling reviews of Darksiders 3, it’s a much-needed change. Fans of the first three games will still find a lot to love in Genesis and newcomers might feel more at home with the familiar Diablo-style gameplay. Regardless, Darksiders Genesis is a step in the right direction for the series and promises to fulfills the potential it always deserved.
FEBRUARY 2020
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Tech
THE FUTURE OF GAMING With the current generation of consoles nearing the end of their life cycles, fans around the world are clamoring for any news on the future consoles from giants Microsoft and Sony. Rumors were spreading thick and fast about what these fancy new machines will bring to the table, that was until Xbox boss Phil Spencer officially revealed the future of Xbox at the Game Awards 2019, enter the new Xbox Series X, planned for release late 2020. Off the bat, the new Microsoft console will be a departure both design-wise and name-wise from its predecessors, sporting a blockier style that’s similar to that of a small gaming PC - with an upright tower design. And, more importantly, the specs Microsoft has revealed so far suggest it is going to be an absolute powerhouse. But Xbox Series X will not be the only next-generation hardware on offer from Microsoft. The company has confirmed that the family of consoles will be called
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‘Xbox’ and that ‘Series X’ is just one of the consoles within that family. Sony’s PS5 may be launching in the same late 2020 window as the Series X, but Microsoft looks like it’s making all the right moves for the next-generation console wars with the Series X boasting four times the power of the Xbox One X. The Xbox Series X will boast more processing performance and graphics power – more than the six teraflops currently inside the Xbox One X, at least. A statement on the Microsoft blog claimed the Series X will pack four times the power of the already formidable Xbox One X. With current-gen machines still struggling to hit the 4K benchmark, expect to see more and more games pushing that 4K resolution limit, which should be more of a fixed standard for 2020. According to certain online sources, the Xbox Series X will be more powerful than the PS5, and on top of that Xbox boss, Phil Spencer has promised the next Xbox is going to “set the benchmark” for console gaming. In
other words, it’s going to be a beast of a machine. Both the Xbox Series X and the PS5 are being tipped by those in the know to have a separate graphics chip, rather than combining the CPU and GPU on one piece of silicon. That should mean faster frame rates at higher resolutions, and enough in the way of performance to get even the most demanding games running smoothly. It looks very likely that GDDR6 graphics hardware will be used in the next Xbox consoles, giving these machines even more grunt than the GDDR5 tech built into the Xbox One X. Gamers have been demanding better performance, more memory, and faster loading times, and the Xbox Series X models look like delivering based on the rumors and speculation floating around the news. Microsoft is releasing a nextgeneration controller to accompany its next-generation console. The new Xbox Wireless Controller will apparently be more accessible to everyone, as Microsoft has made an effort to refine the size and shape.
This shouldn’t be too surprising to anyone that’s been following the tech giant, as it’s been making waves for accessibility in gaming for a while now with products like the Xbox Adaptive Controller. Along with enhanced accessibility, we’ll also be getting a dedicated share button that will let you share screenshots and videos with your friends. During the Xbox Series X’s official reveal, Phil Spencer said Series X games will be “more lifelike, immersive and surprising” and that the Xbox Series X will “lead us into the future of gaming”. He also stated that 15 Xbox Game Studios are building a huge next-generation library that includes Hellblade II: Senua’s Saga. Halo Infinite has been confirmed to be an Xbox Series X launch title, bringing back the Master Chief for the franchises’ first outing since 2015. It will have been five years at that point since a new mainline Halo game, so fans will be chomping at the bit for fresh Halo action. The Halo franchise is widely regarded as the original Xbox’s first must-play
SPECS INCLUDE: Processor Custom AMD Zen 2-based CPU (8x @ 3.6 GHz) Graphics Custom AMD Navi-based GPU (12 TF RDNA) Memory 16GB GDDR6 RAM Storage NVMe SSD (we’ve heard read speeds of anywhere up to 2GB/s) Video output 8K, 4K @ 120Hz Optical drive 4K Blu-ray Ports One front-facing USB Type-A
ALL THE IMPORTANT BITS There’s no official word on the Xbox Series X’s price, but there are some indications of what price range it may fall into. If Microsoft really does release a budget, discfree, next-gen Xbox, then that will probably retail for about $300$350 USD depending on its hardware and region of sale. games, so the move to launch a next-gen with a Halo game is both symbolic and quite business-savvy on Microsoft’s part. As has become accustomed with Xbox consoles, the Series X will be capable of three generations of backwards compatibility. Microsoft has stated that Xbox Series X will support backwards compatibility
from launch, with the company stating it wants the “thousands of games that run on Xbox One” to eventually become playable on Xbox Series X. Speaking of first-party games, Microsoft has been promising that it’s investing in first-party studios in order to make a more competitive offering, considering their first-party
exclusives have been severely lacking this generation. As far as third-parties are concerned, we already have confirmation from Ubisoft that its upcoming titles Watch Dogs: Legion, Gods and Monsters and Rainbow Six Quarantine will be coming to Microsoft’s console after delays were announced during a financial call,
while EA has said that Battlefield 6 will be coming to Xbox Series X. It’s likely that Bethesda will be coming to Xbox Series X with its next Elder Scrolls game too. There’s plenty to look forward to and now that next-generation announcements are coming in. 2020 looks to be an exciting time for gamers as the race to the next generation heats up.
FEBRUARY 2020
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UFC 246
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FEBRUARY 2020
CONOR MCGREGOR’S $80 MILLION IN 40 SECONDS
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All the hype, all the tension, and what an epic event U.F.C. 246 was. Picture it, one of the biggest names in UFC history Conor McGregor makes a return to the sport headlining a match against Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone and beats him in the first 40 seconds. McGregor took out Cowboy with a quick, explosive flurry of strikes that was impressive to watch. Talk about a comeback kid! McGregor’s last fight was in late 2018 but he hasn’t lost his natural-born talent to knock a guy out. Although the Dublin-born fighter took home $3 million for the fight, he estimates he’ll earn more, a LOT more. Still, three mil in 40 seconds, that’s $76,250 per-second which isn’t bad for a day’s work. The estimated $3 million that he earned didn’t include pay-per-view shares and any discretionary bonuses from the U.F.C. McGregor also received an additional $50,000 for the fight being named as the “Performance of the Night”. In an interview with ESPN before the fight, the 31-year-old was confident that he’ll be getting a hefty purse and thinks it could be his highest that he’ll be receiving in his MMA career. “I’d say about, it could be, I’m estimating a good $80 million. They think I am toast, but I’m still the bread,” said McGregor. It’s also worth mentioning that although Cowboy didn’t earn close to the $3 million McGregor did, taking home $200,000, it’s still the event’s second-highest purse – which is impressive.
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Trista Tauchas
TRISTA
Taucha Exotic Charm
Photography: Derick James Rowlan | @djamesrowlan Makeup: Michelle Bibbs | @beautybybelleak Hair: Chad Frichtl | @cdfrichtl Tan: Crystal Korevec | @colormetanak Wardrobe: Victoria Secret | Jewellery: Nadri
Meet Trista Tauchas, the 28-year-old Alaskan girl who was born in rural Hawaii with Lithuanian and Irish roots with her stunning smile and big green eyes. “I am a fulltime nanny and model with a degree in psychology. I can charm anyone with my eyes but Ill win you with my wit.�
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Trista Tauchas
Could you tell us something interesting about yourself that people would not ordinarily know about you? I have never lived in the continental United States. I have only ever lived in either Hawaii or Alaska. Other than that, I lived in Mallorca, Spain for 2 years while I taught as an ESL teacher. I was working for the Spanish Ministry of Education in a tiny town, on an island in the middle of the Mediterranean. All three places are incredible and have definitely shaped me to be a unique individual. Hawaii, Alaska, and Spain feel like home, while California feels like a foreign country. If you weren’t a model, what would you be? I’d definitely be a fox, since they’re clever, incredibly adorable, and can live on all seven continents. Aha! No just kidding, um I would be a criminal profiler or a neuropsychologist. I started modeling when I was 4 years old but have always had a fascination with crime and forensics. My absolute dream is to work for the Behavioral Science Unit of the FBI. True crime is my thing and I’m obsessed with what makes a serial killer tick. What turns you off the most? People who mask their insecurities with a big ego. Take some time to figure out what you don’t like about yourself, then change it. The overcompensation is unnecessary. Oh, and hypocrites. What is the one thing about yourself that you wish more people knew? I am much smarter, kinder, and funnier than I look. Like I am honestly probably one of the most inappropriate people you will meet who will also tell you how a black hole is formed and do your laundry for you.
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What does your typical day look like? I wake up wherever it may be, find some clothes and go from there. That is generally the gym to meet my trainer and do cardio. I try to workout 5 days a week. Then I head to work, which is playing with babies as a nanny. I absolutely love the kids and families I work with. Then I hang out with my dogs and smoke weed. I smoke a lot of weed. That’s my norm, with some exciting modeling trips in between. For instance, I will be going to Europe and the Middle East for the next month on modeling assignments which will be a much different schedule, and a lot less weed. When you are not busy modeling, what is your favorite thing to do? As much as it’s a cliché, my favorite thing to do is travel. A lot of the travel comes with the modeling, but it is a completely different experience when you get to dive into the culture of a destination and detach from your phone. To just forget the world and be present in a specific place, at a specific moment is such an amazing peace. A peace that I find when I travel. Which three words best describe you? Resilient, authentic, and unforgettable. Were you excited to shoot this feature? Excited is an understatement! I used to pick up the FHM magazines off my brother’s floor when I he would pay me to clean his room as a kid. Ya know, back when Kim Kardashian was on the cover? To be featured is momentous to me and my career as a model.
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Trista Tauchas
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Trista Tauchas
Where to from here, what are your plans for the future? My plan is to continue fulfilling my dreams one day at a time. My goals are to continue building this life that I don’t need a vacation from. This next year is filled with so many new events, places, transitions, and amazing people that I couldn’t even begin to tell you where I’m going because I honestly have no idea. Which is the most EXCITING part! As for after that, I am going to buy a piece of land somewhere and start an animal sanctuary. All avid animal lovers are invited to join. Describe your perfect man: My perfect man is funnier, smarter and more ambitious than me. He would motivate me to achieve whatever it is that makes me happy, whether it’s being a model or being a mime. My perfect man NEVER kills my vibe, that’s for sure. Tell us a bit about your most embarrassing moment? I was drunk trying to go through security in Amsterdam, and the cute Dutch girls working security started giggling at me. One of them leans over and asks “are you drunk?” I respond with “oh NO, absolutely not. Haven’t had a drink all day.” It’s 2pm, mind you. So I make it through, get my bag, put my shoes on and proceed to eat shit so hard, falling over my suitcase and losing a shoe. The girlfriend I was with looks left, looks right, and exclaims “Quick! Get up! No one saw!” I look around, she’s right. No one saw haha so I gathered up my drunk ass and we were off to Ireland. What a good friend. Lastly, what is your life motto or a quote that means a lot to you? “You are what you love, not what loves you.” Put more of yourself out into the world and stop caring about what other people think. It’s a waste of life!
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f ee more o s o t t n a W r follow he n e h T ? a t Tris Instagram n o y e n r jou er as for all h h c u a t _ a t . @tris d updates n a s w e n t lates
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How to Propose
How to…
Bend the knee 28
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No, we’re not fondly reminiscing on those numerous pledging of fealty scenes from Game of Thrones silly, we’re focused on something a lot more serious and closer to home, and that’s how to propose! Some have dubbed February as ‘the month of love’, what with Valentine’s Day and the preparations that many couples make to show their love and appreciation for their significant other. Well, we thought that instead of the usual ‘go get roses and prepare a homemade dinner by candlelight’ speech we’d bump it up a notch and give you guys who are a little more serious about things
some hearty advice on how to really lock things down. That’s right, we’re talking the ultimate ball-and-chain situation, and those always begin with a marriage proposal. So, what’s the best way, or the best place? Do you buy the biggest ring you can find, and dress up the smartest you’ve ever been? Should it be sudden and random like an engagement ring at the bottom of a champagne glass or tucked between the folds of a fortune cookie (which is also risky come to think of it)? Maybe it should be more complex and apparent, like an obvious out-of-theordinary romantic dinner on a ferry followed by live music and ending with you getting
down on one knee on the top floor under the moonlight and popping the question? Well, no matter how it happens the first thing to remember is that every proposal should be personal. All that is really important is that the moment is special between you two and that the love is genuine and sincere - then it’s more than likely to be perfect either way. Still, that doesn’t mean we can’t up the ante and make the moment that more special, and memorable, and easier to remember in those golden years when you’re explaining it to any of the youngest family members who’ll care to listen. So, let’s check it out! FEBRUARY 2020
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How to Propose
Be Certain
It seems like an obvious statement to make, but before you even get down on one knee you need to be sure about the person you’re hoping to marry. Yes, it could be a spur of the moment thing, and yes, lust and infatuation can often be mistaken for love. Luckily, if this is that special person you’ve always been dreaming of, you’ll know, so, fortunately, being certain is often the easy part. Also, be certain of your decision to propose, don’t be on one knee second-guessing asking what the time is or pretending to tie your shoelaces or anything okay!
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Lock Your Bases
It may seem old-school to ask your lover’s parents first, or even to inform your own, but respect of this magnitude can really go a long way. Of course, this depends on a variety of circumstances like are the parents around, or involved, and how is the relationship and things of that nature. Having the support and approval from friends and family can help bolster your confidence and resolve - as long as they can keep a secret!
The Game Plan
You’re probably thinking ‘don’t I need a ring BEFORE I need a plan?’, nope, the engage ring is the most important part yes, because technically, it’s the bling that signifies the lockdown, (well, so is the ‘yes, I’ll marry you’) but the scenario of events that leads up to the climax is just as vital in making your proposal a memorable one. Here you’ll need to do some groundwork. Visit some jewelers and shop around for that ideal stone, buy or rent out something good to wear, preferably something you know your lover loves to see you in
(besides your birthday suit). You might want to buy her something nice too, not too immediate, so maybe a week or two prior so she can also look good without being too alert to what your intentions are. Next, you’ll need to make reservations at her favorite restaurant - if that’s the plan. Book whatever it is you need to. The ferry, the Ferris wheel, the entire movie theater, whatever it is you have planned, put together and execute your action plan start getting the ball rolling. Note: Be aware of any possible unexpected things that may happen, like her working late, or having other plans or >>
“Whatever it is you have planned, put together and execute your action plan start getting the ball rolling�
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How to Propose
Women love romance. You’ll want it to be a story she can tell while fluttering her eyelids and blushing.
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The Ring
The traditional rule-of-thumb on how much to spend on an engagement ring has always been three month’s wages but buy what you think she’ll like. Don’t get us wrong, it shouldn’t be cheap, but it doesn’t have to be expensive either. Spend a fair amount and remember, it’s not the ring, it’s the love, and you’ll need any extra cash to pay for the wedding or to start building your future together. You’ll also need that extra bit of scratch to make your proposal as awesome as possible.
arrangements with family or friends. The evening should be free and only about the two of you. FACT – Pretty much every girl’s dream is getting proposed to perfectly. Followed by the perfect wedding. So put on your thinking cap for this one.
Be Extra
Arrange that special day from start to finish. Send her flowers at work, send a car to pick her up after, you could do anything really, but it should be small and considerate. Something that’ll have her thinking ‘ah, that’s so sweet of him’, and nothing too obvious. Even a call to check up on her or a delivered lunch can be effective. The idea is to let her know that you’re thinking about her today. Doing all those little extras to spoil her might seem like an unnecessary expense but you’d be surprised to find that although there’s a cost, the reward and feelings she’ll have, plus the memories you’ll create will be priceless. A good thing to keep in mind is to focus on her favorites, from food to leisure, activities and places, anything that’ll heighten the experience for her. Also, extra
doesn’t just mean before, it could be after proposal activities also. So she says yes, awesome. Why should it end there? Now you can both hop into a limo (or taxi, doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy) and go somewhere more exclusive, treat her to dessert then go back home. See, the after spoils leave a lasting impression, that now, we’ve taken this relationship to a new level of trust and loyalty.
Think Romance
Although it’s your night, for the next few weeks it’s also going to be hers, and her family’s, and her friends, and colleagues, and the clerk at the grocery store. Women love romance. You’ll want it to be a story she can tell while fluttering her eyelids and blushing. Romance is never really expensive but always tailored and personal. Candles and rose petals when she gets home, dinner by candlelit, a sunset or moonlight proposal overlooking a scenic view like a skyline or lake. Those are the things that matter. Romance is always about her. So be about her.
Popping The Question
Finally, the whole reason we’re doing this. It’s time to ask for her hand in marriage. Remember, this is likely to be nerve-wracking. Rejection is always a fear, along with the obvious attention your proposal will draw from any people around you. Depending on your game plan, you may have to be prepared for an audience. Just remember to relax, and if you start the day right then all your efforts to treat and spoil her will boost your determination to make this proposal a success. You have the entire evening. It’s good to have your question moment planned. It should be a time when it’s just the two of you, in a romantic setting. It needs to be very personalized and intimate. A moment when you can both look at each other and experience the intimacy of that moment. There you have it, all you need to know to get ready for that big day. Whatever happens, be yourself and remember that love is a precious thing so enjoy every minute of it.
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Motoring
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SOME WANT TO KNOW ABOUT AN EV’S RANGE. FHM HEADS TO FINLAND TO TEST ITS TOUGHNESS
ICE BREAKER
Outside these windows, it’s absolutely freezing. Battery-sucking conditions, apparently, for electric cars. Fortunately the Porsche Taycan I’m currently snuggled in is prepared for such wintery hell with a suite of onboard heaters quick to pamper the batteries to peak performance. FEBRUARY 2020
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Motoring FHM has been invited to the very edges of the Artic Circle to sample the entry-level Porsche Taycan 4S and to make things more, erm interesting, we’re driving it on snow and ice as well as drifting them around, almost brainlessly, at the Porsche Experience Centre – the sum total of its foundations being a cozy wooden hut and some leveled snowfields. I think this is Porsche’s way of proving that their first EV is fun… as much fun in fact as some of its revered sportscars. Noise aside, I’m beginning to see their point. But this snow globe is the sort of care free entertainment that bears little relevance to where and how most Porsche Taycans will be driven so let’s take a step back and review how we got here and why this is one of those pivotal points in Porsche’s narrative. Kicking on from Porsche’s myriad hybrid models, the Taycan is the company’s electric car debutant, modeled on the shortened silhouette of a Panamera but packing completely new technology underneath. With the Taycan 4S the brand is bridging value, brand cachet, range and performance in one zero emission footprint, while giving you enough options to spec upwards to within a few technological whiskers of the pricier Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S. At dinner one of the engineers confessed to me that this is the most exciting project he’s ever worked on because without knowing the limitations, they couldn’t set any. And for the record, his credentials include a lot of Porsche GT3 models… Elsewhere with the junior 4S there’s not a lot you miss out on; the 4S still conducts its business through bespoke 800v architecture that’s double the industry norm and results in thinner cabling, less weight, infallible launch control and a wide band of charging options. The Porsche Taycan is also the first mainstream EV to pack a 2speed gearbox, thereby giving it a 155mph (250kph) top speed without hampering acceleration. The cars we drove on launch also came with optional four wheel steering, Torque Vectoring Plus and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control. Holding big satisfying slides is mostly the flattering work of the Taycan’s interminable driving modes but at its core this is predominantly a rear wheel drive sports car, inheriting a similar torque distribution to the 919 Le Mans winning car of 2017. Only when you’ve overstepped the mark does that reassuring four wheel drive system consciously swoop in to rescue things. And when working out those neck muscles with launch control, even on slippery surfaces. The 0 60mph (0 100kph) is attained in just over 4 seconds and a healthy margin ahead of the equivalent petrol-powered Panamera.
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“Kicking on from Porsche’s myriad hybrid models, the Taycan is the company’s electric car debutant”
I don’t find the package as entirely predictable or configurable as say a BMW M5, but there’s an agility here that is very appealing to the niche EV market that still stoically band together as driving enthusiasts. On road sensations, under civilized conditions, are slightly sterilized so don’t expect the hairs on your forearms to stand up on edge but I defy you not to enjoy the suddenness with which it teleports down the road with the artificial sports sound not exactly shaking the snow from the overhanging branches. Inside Porsche has done well to desist a potential flooding of gadgets off this blank sheet of paper. To our relief, there’s no fiddling with digital wing mirrors like in the Audi e tron or highly stimulated graphics pertaining to range unless of course, you need them. Nope, the genius of the Taycan 4S is how well it sorts and distills all this overwhelming information into the background, allowing you to drive the Taycan like a traditional Porsche sports car rather than an EV. It’s an environment well suited to long stretches of autobahn or attacking a series of corners. There are two screens (three if you include the driver’s instrument cluster) which all function of the same interface, sometimes leading to a repetitive flow of information. The one ahead of the passenger is new to Porsche but after thumbing it for a few minutes it felt barely more convenient than the center screen and until you can access services like Netflix, or other potentially distracting things to the driver, is quite bland… for now. But Porsche’s systems have caught up with its peers in the last twelve months and in a new interior design chapter, sans buttons, the haptic feedback responds precisely and rewardingly although it doesn’t have the slick animations or color palette of a Mercedes Benz or BMW. I also can’t finish without mentioning the impeccable build quality which stands out as the best of any Porsche product on sale and will help justify that premium price. If the measure of a car is to be taken by its base model, the Taycan 4S sets the Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S up for class honors. While we couldn’t answer questions about range on this launch, it’s unlikely that Porsche’s estimates will be far off given that this is a brand that famously underquotes its figures. More telling for us is that the Taycan’s touchpoints are very deliberate and well thought out while introducing innovative technologies bespoke to Porsche. Understatedly fashionable and cool but not intimidating to use every day. Does that sound familiar?
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Trailblazer
KEVIN PLANK Think like an entrepreneur. Create like an innovator. Perform like a teammate. The now famous ethos of Kevin Plank, founder and former CEO of one of the biggest sportswear companies in the world, Under Armour. Unlike its major rivals Adidas, Nike and Reebok, Under Armour is still a surprisingly young brand but one that has grown exponentially in a very short time. It’s also a brand that came into existence because it’s future CEO was the sweatiest man in the football locker room. This is the story of the meteoric rise of Under Armour and its founder Kevin Plank.
THE RISE OF
UNDER
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ARMOUR
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Trailblazer
The Original Under Armour’s first shirt was the #0037
Plank, a Roman Catholic, grew up in Kensington, Maryland, a suburb of Washington D.C., he was the youngest of five brothers born to William and Jayne Plank. His father was a prominent Maryland land developer and his mother was a former mayor of Kensington, who went on to direct the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs at the United States Department of State under President Ronald Reagan. Plank grew up playing youth football with the Maplewood Sports Association; a Maplewood team has appeared in Under Armour commercials. He left the prestigious Georgetown Preparatory School, a Catholic school, due to poor academic performance and behavioral issues, then went on to graduate from another Catholic school, St. John’s College High School, in 1990. Afterward, he played football at Fork Union Military Academy for a year, trying to get the attention of NCAA Division I schools. He was not recruited by the top-tier collegiate football programs. However, he went to the University of Maryland, College Park and walked onto the team there. He graduated in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. 40
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“His disdain for sweat-soaked cotton t-shirts that would spark the billion-dollar idea.”
S IN’
Kevin Plank has always described himself as a hustler and in an interview with inc.com in 2003, Plank shared his first memory of realizing he was good at business. “When I was 14 or 15, my brother Scott, who works with me at Under Armour, came back from Guatemala with a bunch of knitted bracelets you see at Grateful Dead shows. Scott had this proposition for me and my brother Colin: “Listen, there’s a Dead show coming to town. We’ll go down and sell these bracelets and make a lot of money.” We took the subway down. At noon, Scott said, “We’ll meet back here in three hours.” Later, we meet up. Colin--he’s a writer and works for Disney in L.A. now--said, “I sold the first two. Then I started feeling guilty about how much money I was charging, so I gave the rest away.” Scott, who’s more of a finance guy who loves the Wall Street thing, says, “I made about 70 bucks.” I say, “I have about 580 bucks in my pocket. And I need more bracelets.” Right there, I knew I was pretty good at this.” And it was his gift of the hustle that led to various business ventures for the young man, but it would be thanks to his college football career and his disdain for sweat-soaked cotton t-shirts that would spark the billion-dollar idea.
August_0802 / Shutterstock.com
Becoming frustrated with his t-shirts constantly sticking to his body and listening to complaints from teammates, Plank decided to look into a material that would absorb the sweat but still keep the shirt as light as possible. In the 2003 inc.com interview, Plank fondly remembers the initial stages of his hunt for the no-sweat t-shirt. “The idea was to create a T-shirt that wouldn’t hold moisture--more important, that wouldn’t hold the moisture’s weight. As I developed the prototype, I began to get samples out to a network of college and pro players I had access to. From high school and college, I knew guys like Jermaine Lewis and Frank Wychek and Eddie George, players who had gone on to play in the NFL. I remember reading about this small apparel company that sent Mike Tyson a hat, back in the early ‘90s. Out of nowhere, he put the hat on during a
post-fight interview. These guys ended up getting orders for a quarter of a million dollars. There was a little of that to my thought process. I probably had about 20 grand in the bank when Under Armour started. A lot of money for a college kid. I ended up going to just under $40,000 in credit card debt spread across five cards. In the summer of 1997, I was totally broke--so broke I needed to go to my mom’s house to ask if she minded cooking dinner for me. I needed for her to feed me. Then all of a sudden I started getting my first round of orders.” Plank originally wanted to call his new sportswear company Heart, but could not get the trademark. He also attempted to name his company Body Armor, but efforts to trademark that name were also unsuccessful. One day, his brother asked him, “How’s that company you’re working on … Under Armor?” The name stuck. Plank said he chose the British spelling
“armour” because he “thought the phone number 888-4ARMOUR was much more compelling than 888-44ARMOR”. Plank initially ran the business from his grandmother’s townhouse in Georgetown. Under Armour’s first shirt was the #0037, which Plank sold from his car. He also asked his former teammates to try on the shirts, claiming that his alternative to a cotton T-shirt would enhance their performance on the field. As his friends moved on to play professionally, he would send them T-shirts, requesting that they pass them out to other players in their locker rooms. His first big team sale was to Georgia Tech. When asked by Mark Hyman from inc.com where Plank felt things started truly happening for him and his brand, Plank firmly stated it was due to word of mouth. “In September of 1996, the phone rings. It was the equipment manager for the
Atlanta Falcons. He says, “Hey, I was in the Georgia Tech equipment room”--where I’d made my first sale--”and I love the product. Do you make the shirts in long sleeve?” My response was: “Of course we make it in long sleeve.” Then I get in my car, drive to the contractor, and try to figure out how to make the shirts in long sleeve. I was sitting around the house and the phone rings. It’s the equipment manager from Arizona State: “Do you guys make anything for cold weather?” Of course we make something for cold weather. The vital nature of our product is word of mouth.” By the end of 1996, Under Armour had sold 500 Under Armour HeatGear shirts, generating $17,000 for the company. Things were happening for the young entrepreneur but he knew he would need to take a risk for the brand to truly take off and become the massive company he knew it could be.
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Trailblazer
“Think like an entrepreneur. Create like an innovator. Perform like a teammate.�
Under Armour Clothing Global Headquarters Patapsco River Inner Harbor Waterfront Campus Baltimore, Maryland 42
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In 2014, after Nike, Under Armour became the second-largest sportsapparel brand in the U.S. By 2030, analysts believe, it will be the thirdlargest sportswear brand in the world.
Cascade Creatives / Shutterstock.com
Fast-forward 3 years and the big turning point for Plank and his Under Armour brand came late in 1999, when Plank used nearly all of Under Armour’s money, and employees agreed to go without pay for a few weeks, so the company could take out a $25,000 advertisement in ESPN: The Magazine. The ad resulted in $1 million in direct sales for the following year, and athletes and teams began buying the product. Within 10 years Under Armour went from a small sportswear company that struggled to pay for a magazine advert to a $1 billion annual revenue company and its founder and CEO went from a former sweaty football
player living with his grandma to a billionaire in less than 14 years. Between 2014 and 2016, Under Armour spent close to $1 billion to acquire makers of activity- and diet-tracking mobile apps. Many long-term employees questioned Plank’s strategy and whether the company would produce a return on their investment. Plank spent hours in one-on-one conversations to try and persuade those employees. “It was important,” Plank said, “that this not just be my decision”. The strategy was a success, earning the company the world’s largest digital health-and-fitness community, with 150 million users.
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Trailblazer
“The perception is that Under Armour is where the pros are.”
One major thing that sets Under Armour apart from its rivals is that of player sponsorship. Unlike the multi-million dollar deals Nike and Adidas sign with stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Aaron Rodgers to be brand ambassadors and move products, Plank sees Under Armour’s approach as the opposite. “We don’t pay athletes millions to wear our brand. We don’t have to. Our model is getting to the athletes-supplying them with a great product that helps them perform better. Which helps a guy like Barry Bonds make $18.5 million a year. My contractual relationship with Barry Bonds says: If I ever pay anybody more than I’m
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paying Barry Bonds, I have to pay him more. Right now there’s not an athlete on our payroll that we pay $5,000 on an annual basis. Roger Clemens wears our product. He’s done two photoshoots for us and appeared in advertising. Mainly, we compensate him through the charities he supports. We’re getting a lot of exposure with Playmakers. They were looking to authenticate the series as true football without having use of NFL marks. Using our product does that. The perception is that Under Armour is where the pros are.” And it’s that philosophy that has turned Under Armour from sports underdog into a world leader in the sportswear industry. In
2019, Plank employed over 15,000 people with Under Armour, which is based in Baltimore, and has an estimated net worth of $1.9 billion, according to Forbes in 2019. He also sits on multiple boards in the U.S., including the Board of Trustees at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, the Board of Directors at the Baltimore City Fire Foundation and the Board of Trustees at the National Football Foundation and the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. As CEO, Plank oversaw a company that generated US$5 billion in annual revenue and a company that is seen as u true innovator in the sportswear industry. Not bad for a kid
that hustled bracelets and sold counterfeit t-shirts at music concerts. Plank announced his retirement as CEO, in October 2019, and was succeeded, on January 1, 2020 by Under Armour COO Patrik Frisk. As with most successful entrepreneurs, Kevin Plank took a risk on an idea, an idea born from sweating too much. He hustled, he never gave up but most importantly he 100% believed in his dream and his product, all while keeping true to himself and his philosophy. The story of the meteoric rise of Under Armour truly puts the sweat in the famous Colin Powel saying “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.”
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Cover Feature | Jenna Nicole
Nicole Jenna
The Southern Belle
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Cover Feature | Jenna Nicole
Jenna Nicole is a brown-eyed beauty with a little spunk of thunder that loves to go on adventures and is always learning something new. Coming from a sweet southern town in Georgia, Jenna is the definition of a true Southern Belle! She has a twist of daredevil and sweetness all in one! You need to keep an eye out for this entrepreneur, she has beauty and brains! Photography Jimmy James | @officialjimmyjames
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Agency: LSA Models | @lsamodels
PR: @leo.alderman | @lsapublications
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Cover Feature | Jenna Nicole
Tell us about yourself? I’m a fun loving, sweet girl with a big heart. I have a huge passion for helping people and animals. I love doing anything adventurous or anything without cell service. If you see me in person, I am probably smiling from ear to ear. What was your initial reaction when you heard you were selected for FHM USA? Growing up with two older brothers FHM was always around, so being in it was extra special, I was so shocked when I found out, I asked: “Wait are you sure, you’re not messing with me right?” I’m going to be honest, I had to pinch myself. How do you prepare for a shoot? Being a Personal Trainer myself, I like to be prepared all year round. Who doesn’t like a naturally lean body? I eat right and stick to my workout routines while using natural juices every morning and night. Of course, I still have my cheat days, it’s great to let your body relax sometimes. When a shoot is coming around the corner, I leave out the carbs and do some retail therapy, of course! Describe your perfect man? My perfect man is determined and goes for what he wants. He is smart, friendly, and entertaining all in one. Don’t forget he has to be able to hold a great conversation with my wild mind...
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“Dream without fear, love without limits.”
Cover Feature | Jenna Nicole
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Cover Feature | Jenna Nicole
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What’s your ideal date? My ideal date is cooking in some sexy lingerie for my man and playing video games in my undies until the sun comes up! What do you do for fun? I am a bit of an introvert, so staying home and reading a good book is really fun for me (you can never feed your imagination and learn enough) but I also love going on crazy adventures or seeing the parts of the world I haven’t seen yet, any opportunity to travel will always have my attention. What would you say is the most difficult part about being a model? Remembering it is a business, I am always “too nice” to everyone I’m told. Many models are stuck on themselves, so when I meet someone with a great soul and good intentions via modeling we mostly end up being besties.
Make sure you follow Jenna on ter @ Instagram and Twit t all her thejennanicole to ge hat latest updates on w she’s doing next!
What are you looking forward to doing this year? 2020 is going to be one busy year for me. Finishing school, continuing to grow my marketing business. Maybe some more publications, who knows what’s next. I am always looking for that next step in my life to better myself. I never stay in the same place for long, always moving forward! What’s your life’s motto or a quote you live by? My Life’s motto is something I hold very dear to my heart. “Dream without fear, love without limits.” Any last words you would like to say? Special thanks to FHM USA, Leo from LSA Management @lsapublications and my photographer Jimmy @officialjimmyjames.
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Fashion
Keep Rolling February, a rather dull month generally speaking. The holidays are a distant memory and only a few New Year’s resolutions have held in there. It has been my experience that when you look good you feel good, make this your month with ensembles and watches that make you feel your best! By Noah Williams
Hickey Freeman blazer, Joes Jeans, Johnston & Murphy Loafers, Brooks Brothers Shirt, Warby Parker Glasses 56
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Omega Seamaster Aquaterra. Watch courtesy of windsortime.com
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Fashion
Hublot Big Bang Unico
Watch courtesy of ECJ LUXE by Diamonds Direct
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Brunello Cucinelli Blazer, Hickey Freeman Trousers, Brooks Brother Shirt, Meermin Tassel Loafers, Panerai Luminor PCYC Flyback Chronograph. Watch courtesy of windsortime.com
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Fashion
Banana Republic Bomber Jacket and Italian Sweater, SMN Studio Denim, Golden Goose Sneakers, Mont Blanc Watch Watch courtesy of windsortime.com 60
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Piaget Altiplano in 18K White Gold
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Fashion
Panerai Luminor PCYC Flyback Chronograph
Watch courtesy of windsortime.com
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Ledbury Brushed Italian Cloth shirt, Banana Republic Chino, Common Projects Achilles Low, Hamilton Khaki Pilot Chronograph, Warby Parker Glasses FEBRUARY 2020
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Fashion
Polo Ralph Lauren Cablenit Sweater, Joes Jeans, Taft Boots, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Warby Parker Glasses 64
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IWC Portuguese in 18K Rose Gold
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Mixology
The more things change, the more they stay the same and nothing could be more true with alcoholic beverages, cocktails, and mixers. We’re all aware that gin has been a growing staple in bars across the world for a few years now spawning new brands from celebrities and long-term distilleries alike and there’s no sign of that trend stopping anytime soon, be it this year or next. But it’s still interesting to see some of our bar shelf favorites still holding their own in terms of popularity, variety, and taste. Be it whiskey, vodka or rum, there’s something to mix up for everyone. One thing is certain though, people prefer quality over quantity and there’s a noticeable shift away from over-the-top sugary drinks to more healthier options. Cocktails and mixes are also moving back to the more traditional staples and the ‘trusty old favorites’ are coming back strong (no pun intended) and that’s a move we’re happy to toast to, on the rocks of course.
SIMP LE MAKE SA C O M E B AC K ! Handcrafted
cocktails are al l the rage, so the f e garnishes, the b wer tricks and etter. Avoid exc ess where possible a n classics like the d on focus on screwdriver, m ojito and long island ice-tea. And if y ou’re hosting at hom e, with that spe somebody, why cial not throw in a sex on the beach for g ood measure. E njoy!
Netkoff / Shutterstock.com
M x th n re pour into a tall glass with ice and top up with cola, serve and enjoy!
R E V I R D SCREW
Y A D D A B A X FI TO L O TO L A S ER IV THE UN
By far the simplest to make, and some might say, healthy too. You can’t go wrong with one of these tasty babies! FEBRUARY 2020
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Mixology
MO'X
o it o m r e v e t a h w s t’ a th se Treat yourself, cau re o m ta l ’l It . ss la g trul is, happiness in a won’t y n a r e v ri d w re sc e th n a make th own, but if ou’ve had a d it! o better
Puu t e lime, l m mint m t leaves ves nd sugar i a glass and mash with the bottom of a wooden spoon. Place them at the bottom of the glass, fill with crushed ice, add rum and top up with soda water. Delicious. 68
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Remember how we mentioned to mojito as a reward for a well-spent day? Well, the long island is the opposite, intended for those ‘I need a drink’ days. With a strong dose of a few spirits, the long island icetea will have you chilled in no time!
Mx pour into a tall glass with ice and top up with cola, serve and enjoy!
D N A L S I G LON ICE-TEA*
*ICE-TEA NOT INCLUDED
Sex on the Beach
This is for those significant others out there. It’s not fair to cat the company of others. If you’re looking to end a romantic eve favorite and who knows, there might be
3fl.oz orange juice 2.5fl.oz vodka ach schnapps.
Mix all of the ingredients and some crushed ice in a shaker then pour into a glass and enjoy!
Poliana de Paula
Poliana de Paula Poliana de Paula | @p.palad Photographer JosĂŠ Urbano | @joseurbanophoto HMUA Allison Tregarthen | @allisonmakeupstyle Bikinis Nora Chantre | @nora.chantre.swimwer Stylist Constanza Cecchetto Jewels Isabel Guarch
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Poliana de Paula
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Poliana de Paula
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My name is Poliana de Paula, I’m a warm mix of Italian and Brazil. I love to share love smile and grateful!
TELL US ABOUT A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF? I’m Poliana De Paula 32 years, I was born in Brazil. My Father’s family is Italian and my Mother’s family is Brazilian. I can say I’m a wonderful and warm mix. I have been modeling since I was 16 years old when I discovered my passion to do photoshoots and to be in this beautiful word. I really love to do it. In 2015 I went to London when many things changed in my life. After a lot of traveling, seeing, enjoy and having exciting and great experiences I decided to make my base in Amsterdam, the place where I found my balance in life. I still travel and enjoy this beautiful world. WHAT WAS YOUR INITIAL REACTION WHEN YOU WERE CHOSEN TO SHOOT FOR FHM? Really happy, emotional and grateful to be part of this beautiful project. It’s like a dream. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A SHOOT? I try to be as healthy as I can. My diet is rich in green and red vegetables, salad, fruits, white fish, a lot of water, good wine and training. During the week of the shooting I don’t eat carbohydrates and also don’t drink wine (0 alcohol) DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT MAN He needs to keep my attention with intelligent conversation and a gentleman’s attitude, loving touches, who makes me laugh and fire and freedom at the same time. And between that make me feel anxious to go to the bed to enjoy the pleasures of this life. WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL DATE? He needs to make me feel on fire. WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN? Travelling, making dinner with loved ones or friends and listen nice music.
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Poliana de Paula
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TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT. I was with my ex boyfriend and we wanted have sex... but we are at restaurant having dinner, wine, nice conversation, love... and really excited... and then we decide go to toilet to have sex, but when we are kissing inside the toilet the housekeeping coming... oh gosh and I was red.. and him to... but we can do... say sorry and back to the table. But for sure it was the most embarrassing moment. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART ABOUT BEING A MODEL? People seeing and respect modeling as modelling. Some people’s don’t get it it’s a business like every business. WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING THIS YEAR? Make some personal objectives for this year and take my family on vacation. LASTLY, WHAT IS YOUR LIFE MOTTO? OR A QUOTE THAT MEANS A LOT TO YOU? Keep smiling.
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Recipes
y r a n i l u c u o y
s U i n Ge k o o c o t e m i t It's
A new year means a new opportunity to improve your culinary skills and up your kitchen game! We’ve taken the liberty to provide you with some of our freshest yet easy to prepare dishes that impress friends, family, and that special someone in your life. So go on, try it! By Izelle Homan
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Recipes
10MIINME PREP T 40-45MIN E
BAKING
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InGre die Nt s • 2 whole medium butternuts cut into rings • olive oil • 2 tbsp raw honey • 1 tsp cumin • 1 tsp paprika • 1/2 tsp salt • 1-2 heaped tbsp almond flour • A handful of pumpkin seeds (we prefer the toasted and salted ones) • A handful of almond flakes or shavings • 1 tsp dried rosemary
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Preheat oven to 309F (200C). Prepare a baking tray with nonstick spray. Place the butternut rings on the tray. Spray with olive oil and drizzle with honey. Season with cumin, paprika, and salt. Sprinkle with almond flour, pumpkin seeds, and almond flakes.
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• Round off with dried rosemary. • Place in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until butternut is cooked and crisp to your preference. • Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before serving.
10MIINME
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30MINTIME NG COOKI Z 20 X 2O S
G SERVIN
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10MIN
PREP T
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15-20M
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12
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• Pre-cook the rice by adding the salt, turmeric, thyme, and ground black pepper to the water. • Make use of a medium-large frying pan. • Preheat the pan with olive oil and fry the onion till brown. • Add the salt and honey and allow it to caramelize. • Add the rice to the pan and stirfry for 2 to 3 minutes. • Add the protein of your choice, and stirfry for around 5 minutes so that all the flavors can mix well. • Finish off by adding the peppers and freshly chopped parsley and stirring it through. • It can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container.
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"Rice is great i f really hungry you're to eat two th and want ousand of something." Mitch Hedberg FEBRUARY 2020
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Recipes
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IGHT OVERNTIME PREP 25MINTIME BAKING 10 S G SERVIN
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• Preheat oven on 355F (180C). • Prepare an oven tray with foil and nonstick spray. • Arrange the chicken breast on the tray. • Start by drizzling with olive oil, and then with raw honey. • Sprinkle with paprika, sweet basil and onion flakes. • Finish off with ground black pepper, sesame seeds, and diced red onion.
• Place in the oven for 25 minutes. • Remove from the oven and drain the water (if you would like to make a sauce, pour it into a pan and allow to simmer till desired texture, add some of the ingredients used in the recipe for extra flavor) • Season with salt. • Allow to cool off properly before placing it in an airtight container and in the fridge to use when needed.
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• Preheat oven to 355F (180C) on thermo-fan. • Place the chickpeas in the bowl of a food processor. • Blend till smooth. • Add all the other ingredients except the eggs and process on high for 3 to 5 minutes, scraping down sides as needed, until mixture is smooth and well blended. • If you don’t have a food processor you can pulp the chickpeas with a blender, add the rest of the ingredients and beat with an electric beater for 2 minutes on high speed.
• Beat the eggs in a separate bowl till light and fluffy. • Add to the chickpea mix and beat for another 30 seconds to mix well. • Scoop mix evenly into 12 muffin cups. • Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. • (The edges will be crispy and firm to the touch while the center will remain moist and soft.) • Finish off with almond flour to taste.
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PREP MIN 15-20TIME BAKI NG TMIN IME 1 2 SERV INGS
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Germaine Love
A Country Girl at Heart
Germaine Photographer Mike Cohen | @mikecohenphotos Agency | @lsamodels PR Leo alderman | @leo.alderman | @lsapublications MUA Aimee Akbar | @aimeeakbar 86
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Germaine Love
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Germaine Love
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WERE YOU EXCITED TO SHOOT FOR FHM? Yes! When I got the call, I was so happy! Still celebrating now! HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A SHOOT? I eat cleaner and drink as much water as I can. I enjoy keeping fit anyway but I book in more PT sessions with my coach and the night before I need a good night sleep. I’m so not a morning person.
...when I’m not modelling, I’m actually a business woman and I make a mean old fashioned
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING THIS YEAR? Traveling! It’s one of my favorite things to do and Vegas is on the top of the list. It’s great as I get to travel to so many awesome places to shoot too. TELL US SOMETHING SURPRISING ABOUT YOU? Not many people know but I own a bar, so when I’m not modeling, I’m actually a business woman and I make a mean old fashioned. IF YOU WEREN’T A MODEL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? I would really like to be a lawyer. It’s something I might pursue and get my degree. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES? I’m really into my boxing at the moment, so even training in the ring or going to watch a fight. I’d really like to go and see a big fight, that’s on the bucket list. I’m also a country girl at heart so I enjoy walking my two dogs, Buster and Princess and going horse riding.
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Germaine Love
follow Be sure to ’s sexy aine all of Germ Instagram s on adventure inelovex @germa
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WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE? Well my morning always starts with coffee followed by a workout. I like to take the dogs out on a country walk and then I go to work at my bar. If I’m not at work, I like to go to the movies or out for a meal and drinks. Normally a steak and a few rum and cokes unless I’m shooting of course. Then it’s a salad and no alcohol. WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? Pizza, white chocolate and champagne. So calorific. WHAT CAN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT? My dogs. They are my little shadows. LASTLY, WHAT IS YOUR LIFE MOTTO OR A QUOTE THAT MEANS A LOT TO YOU? Be kind always. You don’t know what people are going through behind closed doors and kindness is free!
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Relationships
A S P I R I N G
PORNSTARS! H O W P O R N R E A L LY D I F F E R S F R O M R E A L - L I F E S E X … BY CATRIONA BOFFARD | CLINICAL SEXOLOGIST & PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Don’t believe everything you see on TV… especially not in porn! One of the biggest problems younger generations face today (we’re talking millennials and younger here), is the constant access to information online, at any given time. This means that access to porn is almost instant, and most often free. You can literally access any category of porn at any time you like. And what this also means is that for most men this age, porn is likely to have been their first bought of ‘sex ed’…
When we take a closer look at porn sex and real sex, there are major differences that men and women need to identify and understand! The type of sex that porn portrays, and unfortunately often the type of sex a young person grows up seeing as their only form of sexual stimulus and reference, more than often leads to a very skewed perception of sex and expectations of one’s partner. Porn focuses on performing, not on sensuality and pleasure. We often forget that pornstars are actually actors, and therefore are acting. They are acting out the ecstasy and pleasure that you see in a porn clip, and even the lead roles are playing the lead simply because of their aesthetic.
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Relationships
So let’s talk about some myths that porn maintains, and explore how much it really does differ from real-life partnered sex: Women always have screaming orgasms… each and every time they have sex Unlike men, a woman’s sexual pleasure and reaching orgasm is generally a learned experience. This means that she has spent a lot of time getting to know her body, how it responds and how to bring herself to orgasm. Many women can struggle to climax with a partner, and in fact, only 19% of women will climax during sexual intercourse. Other factors, such as feeling unwell, stressed or tired, irritated or even worried and anxious can all play a role in her not climaxing. So, in general, don’t expect her to have earth-shattering orgasms every time you get it on, unlike the women in porn. All women groan and moan in bed, are always vocal about what feels good, and indicate their enjoyment in the experience It is true that women are known to be more vocal in bed than men, making more moans and groans, but most women aren’t going to wake the neighbors. Expecting her to scream like a pornstar is quite unrealistic, even if some women are far noisier about their sexual pleasure than others. Many women feel anxious or embarrassed about being too loud and verbalizing what they like and how they want to be touched. It’s a good idea to ask her what turns her on and how she’d like you to touch her.
Women like being “pounded” hard, and this alone will bring them to orgasm Thrusting hard may be a major turn-on for many men, but it’s not exactly going to give her the right kind of stimulation she needs in the right kind of places (her clitoris!). Women need far more stimulation than men, and nearly all women need clitoral stimulation in order to climax. Pornstars are faking it (remember, they are acting), so don’t be fooled into thinking this alone is going to get your girl the orgasm you want her to have. Although porn often includes some foreplay, your girl will probably need much more, including clitoral stimulation during actual sex. Ask her what she likes and follow her instructions (or help her find out by going slow and exploring different touchpoints on different parts of her body).
actors also refrain from ejaculation for a few days prior to shooting too. Not being able to get it up once or twice as a young man is completely normal (especially when alcohol is involved) and becomes even more common as a man starts aging.
Men have really large penises and can keep their erection for ages While this is in part true, and there are some men who are well above average size and those who can keep an erection for hours, they are the minority rather than the majority. After orgasm, all men experience a recovery period - time to recover before he can get another erection and ejaculate again, if at all. Pornstars generally have bigger than average penises and are hired because of this. These
Ultimately, porn teaches us really unhealthy expectations about sex, and unfortunately, it’s often the first type of sex education most people get growing up. It’s important to realize that porn isn’t real sex – it’s staged and acted. Real-life sex means that things can go wrong, one person might not enjoy it every time, or it might not work out the way we want it to… but the realness of that is much more natural and healthy than what we are seeing in porn.
“...most women aren’t going to wake the neighbors.”
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People all have perfect, hairless bodies and big genitals When it comes to bodies, hair and genitals, porn is very different from real life. Male pornstars have far larger than the average penises and their pubic hair is generally clean-shaven. Female pornstars generally have large, perky breasts and near-hairless vulvas. Furthermore, every woman’s vulva looks completely different, and female pornstars, like men, are hired on ‘aesthetics’.
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