B I G
M E D I A
U S A
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O U R
M I S S I O N
Why We Do What We Do Big Media USA is a marketing company with a digital communication platform geared toward helping businesses, professionals, non-profit organizations, and individuals expand their online presence. Big Media USA was founded in 2006, long before companies, non-profits and individuals realized the value of online marketing.
During the last 14 years, we have seen our clients shift
PLEASE NOTE: The print and video content, views,
major portions of marketing budgets to online
information, ideas, expression, advice, suggestions, and
efforts, away from traditional marketing. During these
ideas expressed in this magazine are solely in part, or
years, we have developed preparatory marketing
wholly of the individuals providing them, which do not
strategies and have produced quality content helping
reflect the opinions, ideas, or advertisement of
our clients build their businesses and brands efficiently
INformed People Magazine, or its’
in a cost-effective partnership.
parent, affiliates, or subsidiary companies.
Tell us what you think about INformed People Magazine. Please email any comments, story ideas and submissions for potential inclusion to info@BigMediaUSA.com or visit us online at: Big Media USA BMBC.TV
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PUBLISHERS NOTE PUBLISHER
BIG MEDIA USA INC
FOUNDER/CEO
S
WBigHMedia Y USAD O- MoreIThanNa Podcast E E DCompany IT?
ince our inception, businesses have been attracted to Big Media USA because of the assistance we provide in helping them hone their message. The production of a podcast is a key part of what we do, by helping a business, individual, or non-profit focus their message; who is the best person to deliver it and where to place the message is the magic. The good news is that the internet has made it easy for people to shop for products and services. The bad news is that it has also made it harder for businesses and sole practitioners to differentiate themselves from their competitors. How do you stack up against your competitors? If a potential client/customer looks at my online presence vs. my competitors, do I win? Everyone has a website; no matter how nice it is in today’s fast-moving world, a website alone simply isn’t enough. Big Media USA’s Digital Marketing Package is designed to improve your online image and more. Third-party content is valuable and adds credibility to you and your image. The First Pillar of our program is a podcast that is housed on the Big Media USA Platform and pushed out to all the other major online partner platforms. Why is the Podcast interview important? You are the best one to tell your story, things like how you got into the business put in your own words; will show your passion and knowledge. People can make a decision that they want to work with you because of important factors, your sincerity, approachability, compassion, and desire to provide a great product or service. Why do I need an article in INformed People Magazine? The 2nd Pillar An article can dive deeper into who you are and what you do. You prepare it so it can highlight your philosophy, family or associates, and company. The article can be geared to sell products or services and is linked to your podcast. Why do I need to be “In the News”? The 3rd Pillar Remember the potential client/customer is looking at your side by side with your competitor and trying to decide whom to choose. Just imagine how impressive all the professionally produced media can be to your client/customer in a well-thought-out and prepared format. Why Do I Need It? Bonus: : by producing quality content you help your Search Engine Optimization and this makes it easier to be found!
TONY DEMAIO
PRESIDENT LuAn MITCHELL
VP OF COMMUNICATIONS MARK MILLER
VP OF SALES & MARKETING TONY DEMAIO
VP OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT ANGELIKA CHRISTIE
VP OF INTERNATIONAL CONTENT NINA MICHALCHUK D’AMBROSIO
DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL STRATEGIES CHERYL WOMACK
CREATIVE DIRECTORS LUAN MITCHELL
TONY DEMAIO
PUBLICATION DESIGN LUAN MITCHELL
PRODUCTION CONTRIBUTOR TUSCULUM UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF ART & DESIGN BIG MEDIA USA
PUBLICATION DESIGN LUAN MITCHEELL
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS TONY DEMAIO GEORGENE SUMMERS JENNIFER JOHNSON DAVID DREXLER
ADVERTISING & SALES MAURICE STEWART GEORGENE SUMMERS
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ANGELINE BENJAMIN
MEET TONY DEMAIO A Man on a Mission
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Brings over 40 successful years of corporate management, startup, training and sales experience to Big Media USA. He started his broadcast career in 2004 with 3 radio shows in San Diego, golf, travel and business. Tony Founded Life-Time Management and trained thousands of distributors and executives from many Fortune 500 companies in time management and sales skills. He has launched several companies and sold them to major corporations. Including Duraflex Sports Products and Team Fit. Tony has been a speaker, coach, trainer, seminar leader and currently in the process becoming an author. In his career he has worked with the largest companies in many verticals such as IBM, GE, Delottie, Franklin Insurance, NY Life, 3M, Carlson, Ford, Herbalife, Amway, K Mart, JC Penny’s, CarMax. In 2017 Tony Founded Helping Heroes USA.org a nonprofit dedicated to working with veterans and 1st responders to combat PTSD and TBI. He started his career as a football coach at Burroughs High School in Burbank, CA and then became an assistant football coach at the University of California,Los Angeles (UCLA), under Head Coach O M held A D I Cpatents | 2 4 in Dick Vermeil. He has designed Nand weight and football training equipment.
D A V I D
D R E X L E R
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D R E X L E R
L A W
F I R M
LAWS & CYCLING Have you ever gone cycling in a city you are unfamiliar with, maybe on a vacation or while visiting a friend? Like many of us, we travel and enjoy without thinking of the "what if's". What if I get into an accident while on a bike? Am I legally covered? Do cyclists have to follow the rules of the road? If you are a professional or beginner cyclist or triathlon adventurer it is very important to find the answers to the "what if's".
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LAWS & CYCLING RULE: YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS OR
Depending on what state you live in, laws
OTHER VEHICLES ALREADY ON THE
like safe passing distance for vehicles and
ROADWAY
helmet requirements can vary. (Note: We
When approaching vehicles or other
firmly stand by always wearing a helmet.)
bicycles that are stopped or traveling at a
However, there are a few basic rules for
slower speed ahead of you, you must yield
operating a bicycle on the roadway all
until it is safe to pass. Like all other vehicles
cyclists are expected to abide by.
on the road, cyclists on bikes are required
Follow these rules of the road to stay safe
to yield to pedestrians.
and obey local traffic laws.
"
A C C I D E N T S
S A F E T Y
H U R T
–
D O E S N ’ T .
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RULE: RIDE IN THE SAME DIRECTION AS
RULE: DON’T RIDE ON THE SIDEWALK
THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC
While this is a law in most states, it’s a
In almost all instances, cyclists are required
good idea to follow this rule regardless of
to follow the same rules as vehicles. When
where you live. When you ride a bike on the
riding on the road, bicycles are required to
sidewalk, it can create a dangerous
travel in the same direction as the flow of
situation for those on foot while also
traffic. For those of us living in the United
making you less visible to turning vehicles
States, this means always riding on the
on the road. In fact, a bicycle-car accident
right side as well as utilizing the right side
is more likely to occur when you ride on
of the lane as much as possible unless it is
the sidewalk as opposed to operating your
unsafe to do so.
bike on the road. -
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LAWS & CYCLING RULE: YIELD BEFORE TURNING OR MOVING TO THE LEFT SIDE OF YOUR LANE OF TRAVEL
There are times when you will need to move to the left side of the lane to avoid an obstacle or to make a left-handed turn. When doing so, it’s important to always yield to approaching vehicles moving at a higher rate of travel to avoid a collision. Hold a straight line and proceed to claim your space on the road once it is safe. RULE: ALWAYS USE HAND SIGNALS
Most states require cyclists to alert others on the road of their intentions. While vehicles are equipped with blinkers and brake lights, cyclists must use hand signals to let those around them know when they’re making a turn, stop or lateral movement in the roadway. This helps keep you safe as a cyclist and avoids an unnecessary collision. OTHER LAWS THAT VARY BY STATE In addition to the basic bicycle driving rules outlined above, your individual state will have laws for cyclists that you will be required to follow. These include: Helmet laws: This includes age requirements for helmet use and requirements for
operators and passengers. Safe passing laws: This refers to the required distance vehicles must provide cyclists when passing in the same direction on a roadway. Bicycle lanes: Some states require cyclists to use a bicycle lane when available if you are
traveling at a speed less than vehicle traffic. Special circumstances that allow cyclists to move outside of a bicycle lane will apply. Cycling under the influence: Most states have laws that prohibit operating a bicycle while intoxicated. Brakes: Some states require all bikes to be equipped with braking systems that allow the
operator to stop when necessary. Traveling to the far right: You may be required to use the far right of the lane at all times (not the full lane) unless it is unsafe to do so.
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K N O W L E D G E
| B I C Y C L E A C C I D E N T S W H A T T O D O
&
Bicycle Accidents & What To Do The legal system is complicated and fighting for a fair settlement can be overwhelming.
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BICYCLE ACCIDENTS & WHAT TO DO What to do After a Bike Accident?
the other parties involved in the accident: insurance information, phone
A bicycle accident is both frightening
numbers, addresses, drivers license
and potentially life-altering. Here are
numbers, etc
important Dos and Don’ts following a bicycle accident:
DO what you can to get the police to
report to the scene. A traffic collision
DO take pictures immediately: of the
report can be vital in proving fault.
scene, the location, all vehicles involved, and all visible signs of injury.
Usually, police only come to the scene
DO locate any and all witnesses who
physical injuries, airbags deployed, or
only if they are told that there are damage to government property.
were at the scene of the accident and get their contact information. These
DO take your time to catch your breath
witnesses may be critical to proving liability at a later stage of your case.
and think as clearly as possible when
DO get ALL information possible from
Go through your entire body from head
you describe your injuries to the officer.
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BICYCLE ACCIDENTS & WHAT TO DO to toe and explain every part that is injured or feeling any pain. When this information is written up in the police report, it will go a long way in proving the legitimacy of your claims. DO preserve your Garmin/GPS system and your
bike, as these will provide objective, physical evidence of what happened. DO go to the emergency room or your primary care
physician as soon as possible to get examined. Not only will this provide proper documentation of your claimed injuries, but it will also guarantee that you discover and receive treatment for all medical issues arising from the accident. Plus, insurance companies will penalize you for any delay in seeking treatment. DO immediately find your insurance paperwork. As
a cyclist, your own auto insurance will provide coverage. You need to verify your coverage for uninsured motorist coverage, medical payments, and property damage. etc. Making sure you have adequate coverage and knowing your policy limits before an accident happens, will provide the best protection for you and your family.
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e l c y c i B e c n a r Insu
E IT? V A H U O Y D L SHOU
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SHOULD YOU HAVE BICYCLE INSURANCE?
Bicycle Insurance
WHY YOU NEED IT! Do cyclists need insurance? Do you need to be insured to ride a bike on the road? Can bike insurance protect you against theft? In short, it’s not a legal requirement, but it may be a good idea. It’s well worth considering investing in bicycle insurance if you want to cover your bike against theft and accidental damage, or if you travel and race lots and want to be covered for every eventuality. This is the most comprehensive guide to choosing the best bicycle insurance on the web and will help you make an informed decision on the type of cover you may need. What are the different options for insuring a bicycle? Home insurance is, by far, the most popular way to insure bikes. According to a survey carried out by BikeRadar in April 2016, 75 per cent of those who insure their bike do so via their home insurance. -
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The appeal of doing so is obvious; including your bike under home insurance keeps everything neatly tied up into one package and is one less thing to think about when it comes to renewal. If you are after a fuss-free policy that will cover you for the basics, or if you just want to insure a cheap bike, it can also present good value for money. However, there are disadvantages to insuring your bike on home insurance compared to specialist cover, particularly for the dedicated cyclist. The appeal of doing so is obvious; including your bike under home insurance keeps everything neatly tied up into one package and is one less thing to think about when it comes to renewal. If you are after a fuss-free policy that will cover you for the basics, or if you just want to insure a cheap bike, it can also present good value for money. However, there are disadvantages to insuring your bike on home insurance compared to specialist cover, particularly for the dedicated cyclist.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR INSURANCE?
everything neatly tied up into one package and is one less thing to think about when it comes to renewal.
Bicycle Insurance
Specialist bike insurance policies are targeted towards more serious cyclists. It’s possible to purchase insurance that will cover pretty much every eventuality imaginable, but for cyclists, these are the main areas that will be covered by specialist insurance that won’t be by home insurance:
If you are after a fuss-free policy that will cover you for the basics, or if you just want to insure a cheap bike, it can also present good value for money.
WHY YOU NEED IT!
Families and multibike households Kit damage during racing Lost race fees if unable to complete Additional bike accessories Cycle clothing Minor to major personal accident cover Public liability if you cause an injury to someone else Roadside assistance We’ll kick things off by going through each of these and detailing what you should be aware of, and compare the advantages of specialist bicycle cover versus general insurance products. The appeal of doing so is obvious; including your bike under home insurance keeps
However, there are disadvantages to insuring your bike on home insurance compared to specialist cover, particularly for the dedicated cyclist. The appeal of doing so is obvious; including your bike under home insurance keeps everything neatly tied up into one package and is one less thing to think about when it comes to renewal. If you are after a fuss-free policy that will cover you for the basics, or if you just want to insure a cheap bike, it can also present good value for money. However, there are disadvantages to insuring your bike on home insurance compared to specialist cover, particularly for the dedicated cyclist.
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Just like your brakes, bar tape and chain, the tires on your road bike won’t last forever. It’s just part of doing business, and the more you ride, the more often you’ll wear through the rubber compound or damage the tire by riding over glass or debris on the road.
Simple as that.
The latter is pretty straightforward—if there’s a hole or cut in your tire, it’s time to replace it—but what are some other signs your road bike tires need to be switched out?
FLATS, FLATS, AND MORE FLATS It’s always a good idea to double check your tires for staples, glass or debris after getting a puncture and before installing a new tube and riding away. If you can’t find the culprit and you’ve sacrificed several tubes to the bike gods, it’s probably a good idea to start fresh with a new set of tires.
Before we get into how to tell, first a word of precaution: If you think it’s time for new tires, it probably is. Double check your tires before every ride, and don’t try to stretch the lifespan. Riding on a questionable tire not only puts your wheelset at risk for damage after a flat, but it can be dangerous if a tire fails while riding in traffic or flying downhill.
BALD TRED This one can be a bit tricky since a road bike tire has tread with shallow grooves. Take a close look at the surface of your tire and make sure there’s still a pattern visible (if you’re riding slicks, this doesn’t apply). If it looks excessively worn, especially if you can see the casing, it’s time to replace.
From worn tread to “I shouldn’t have this many flats,” here are our six easy tips for telling when you need to replace your road bike tires. CRACKS You may have ridden to the store and back on your dusty old cruiser with cracked sidewalls just fine,
Note that depending on the brand of your tire, you might have a wear indicator that will slowly start to wear away over the life of the tire. Once you can no longer see it (it might be a different color or small groove), it’s time to replace.
but pairing cracks and over 80 PSI of air pressure isn’t a good combination. If you see cracks on your tires from old age or being exposed to the elements, it’s time to replace. This might also be an indicator your bike needs additional TLC like new brake pads and chain lube. -
CUTS As we mentioned above, if you have a cut or hole in your tire (no matter how successfully you’ve booted it with a gel or dollar bill), it’s time to replace.
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DEFECTS Always check your tires for any defects or inconsistencies, whether it’s an issue from the manufacturer or an issue from use. Most road bike tires come folded in the packaging, and issues can present themselves if left folded for excessively long periods of time. Also, riding on the hot pavement can cause the rubber to soften and potentially fail under high PSI. THERE'S A RIDGE A “healthy” tire should essentially look like a round scoop of ice cream (tire) sitting on a cone (rim). Since the middle of the tire is in contact with the ground the most (especially on a trainer), you’ll start to wear this rubber away, creating a flat ridge along the center of the tire. As this squared off part gets more extreme, your bike will start to handle differently, and you’ll be more susceptible to flats. Usually the back tire is the first to need replacing, as this is where the most friction occurs while riding.
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Side note: When replacing your tires and tubes, don’t just throw them away. Take them to your bike shop or local tire store for recycling, where the rubber can be reused for other applications.
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www.seriouscycling.com.
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Cycling for Beginners
Created by the Findlaw team of legal writers and editors
Don’t Be Intimidated
Earn Safety Through Handling and Learning the Rules
Sure, when Billy “Crank It Up” Johnson zips by with his fancy socks up to his mid-calf where all 8 of his clothing items are the exact same shade of cyan on his shiny $15,000 road bike that looks like it came from the year 2050, it may seem like you and Billy are actually doing two different sports. Don’t be fooled by the “peacocking.” You don’t need to spend a fortune to be fast, and just because someone has every bell and whistle, doesn’t mean they are fast.
Safety is paramount, and while there are always risks when cycling, you can mitigate those risks by practicing your handling skills and learning the rules that bicyclists should follow. Learning how to handle your bike comes with time spent on your bike, but you can expedite that process by practicing certain skills and drills. First, try reaching for your bottle and placing it back in its cage. Repeat 20 times even if you don’t take a drink, and do that at some point during each ride for a few weeks. You’ll be surprised how quickly you become more stable and confident in using this important skill.
“The most important thing is the engine that powers your bike,” says Hunter Allen, legendary cycling coach and author. “Don’t be intimidated by any rider. Cyclists come in all shapes and sizes, so ‘don’t judge a book by its cover.’ Cycling is for all people, and the vast majority of cyclists are friendly and welcoming, ready to help you if you show that you want help. Just ask!”
Next, remember to keep your weight towards the back of your saddle when descending. One of the most common ways to crash on descent is to have your weight too far forward — if you hit a bump, you could go over the handlebars. Keeping your hips back will keep you on the bike — you don’t want to learn that lesson the hard way!
Remember, all cyclists were beginners at one point and it doesn’t matter whether you’re riding an expensive bike, an entry-level road bike, or a beginner mountain bike. We can all enjoy the great outdoors from two wheels.
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Finally, use your hips to turn (cornering), not your handlebars (steering).
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
e h t brea
With temperatures soaring over the summer months, hydration is of utmost importance for your enjoyment of cycling and for your performance. Hydration can be broken down into two things: water and electrolytes. Water by itself is actually a poor hydrator, and you need electrolytes (mainly sodium) in order to retain the fluids you drink.
Earn Safety Through Handling and Learning the Rules
Furthermore, drinking too much water relative to electrolytes can lead to hyponatremia, a dangerous condition that can lead to severe harm or death. “It’s important that you take in electrolytes like UCAN Hydrate along with water to stay hydrated, potentially prevent cramping, and improve performance” instructs Registered Dietitian Lauren Mitchell. “Clinically, dehydration can be defined as losing more than 2-3% of your body weight during exercise. Signs and symptoms of mild dehydration include feeling dizzy, lightheaded, reduced cognitive function, and feeling thirsty.” Studies have shown that losing more than 3% of your body weight in sweat is detrimental to performance as well.
Safety is paramount, and while there are always risks when cycling, you can mitigate those risks by practicing your handling skills and learning the rules that bicyclists should follow. Learning how to handle your bike comes with time spent on your bike, but you can expedite that process by
practicing certain skills and drills. First, try reaching for your bottle and placing it back in its cage. Repeat 20 times even if you don’t take a drink, and do that at some point during each ride for a few weeks. You’ll be surprised how quickly you become more stable and confident in using this important skill.
How much should you drink? Mitchell notes that everyone is different but a good starting point is to consume half your body weight (lbs) in fluid ounces of water per day, plus what you sweat out during exercise. “Your body’s hydration is influenced by various factors such as your own body’s sweat rate, sweat sodium concentration, activity level, and age.”
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Next, remember to keep your weight towards the back of your saddle when descending. One of the most common ways to crash on a descent is to have your weight too far forward — if you hit a bump, you could go over the handlebars. Keeping your hips back will keep you on the bike — you don’t want to learn that lesson the hard way!
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Am I
LIMITED BY MY
GENES?
The terms ‘gene’ and ‘genetics’ are used in everyday language, but because their scientific definitions are so complex it’s easier to explain what genes do than what they are. Genes relate to what’s passed down from parents to children, including traits such as hair color, eye color, and risk of disease. We can predict the likelihood of a child’s eye color from their parents. Eye color has a genetic code that we can see, and the simplicity of the outcome here is important. With sports performance, the genetic code is less clear because the determining factors are multifaceted. That’s why researchers have long been trying to identify genes that characterize the world’s best athletes. There are genetic markers that relate to performance, so following this logic it would be useful if you could know your genetic make-up. But which genes do you seek to identify? Genetic factors aid in the processing and delivery of energy, the production of power, and the ability to sustain it – in fact, every facet of physical performance.
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Yet there is still a massive gap in our knowledge. If we tried to list the genetic factors with the potential to affect performance, that might lead us to start making a profile of what the genetically perfect athlete might look like. That’s an extremely complicated model. This process would identify a long list of genes, and then we’d need to work out how many of them are needed and in what combination. How they interact is complicated and it’s unlikely that anyone individual possesses all of the necessary genetic code to reach perfection, simply because of the numbers involved. The relative contribution of these genes to performance is interactive so it would produce a complex model that would be difficult to understand, and therefore, very difficult to test. Also, having genetic advantages of fiber type, the availability of energy and lactate threshold might not count for that much if the individual doesn’t have sufficient motivation to achieve the goals when sensations of fatigue become intense. The decision to slow down in the face of physiological adversity – feeling tired – is not an exact science
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and some athletes are more motivated than others. Factors that influence motivation could be genetic, but they are also social and experiential. For example, Mexican and Latin American boxers are notorious for their intense fighting style, a feature that’s as likely to be born from the desire to escape poverty as it is genetic markers. Genetic screening has been extremely useful in identifying diseases, saving lives, and improving quality of life. Do we wish to go down a similar line with sporting performance? I’m not sure with the complexity of sports performance that this is achievable with the degree of certainty that would be necessary. We all have genetic differences and, yes, at some point your genetic code will determine the limits of your performance. But you’re probably not a professional athlete and part of the joy of cycling is training to find out where those limits lie and to push them further. Very few cyclists actually do find out where those limits are and reach a point where they can’t go further or faster for longer. Genes are important but I think we will always return to more fundamental questions: how athletes maintain motivation, maintain self-confidence, manage emotions and perform under pressure. Those are the limits you should really want to explore. The expert: Andy Lane is a professor of sport and exercise psychology, former boxer now runner, indoor rower, and cyclist. He is the director of research at the University of Wolverhampton and works with a number of endurance athletes.
Learn more about California's Trial Attorney of the Year:
David Drexler https://www.drexlerfirm.com/attorneys/david-drexler/