VMH Magazine - Issue 30

4 TIPS FOR A PRODUCTIVE 2021 | RELAXATION DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC

ISSUE 3

Now More Than Ever It's Important to Tap Into Your Talent

POWER, POLITICS & LEADERSHIP An Interview with Television Journalist

ED GORDON

“We have to start doing more about owning our own and doing our own.”

Boost Your Spirits Through the

Holidays 0

and Beyond

REAL. CONVERSATIONS. WITH VIKKI JONES

Style .

Versatility.

Unique.

VIKKIJONES.COM

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

FAMILY FEATURES

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ractically every year there’s at least one person on your holiday gift list that seems to have it all.

One way to think outside the box is to sift through wants and needs to find something that can truly be put to use on an almost daily basis.

For example, tools, binoculars, vacuum cleaners, knife sharpeners and security solutions can serve as practical gifts that give your recipient a functional piece of equipment for daily life. These types of presents show your thoughtfulness and can provide your loved one a frequent reminder of the relationship you share each time the gift is used.

Find additional holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list at eLivingtoday.com.

An Eye-Catching Gift If you’ve got someone on your holiday gift list that enjoys pursuits such as sports, concerts, nature viewing or stargazing, help bring the action closer with a gift like the Bushnell Powerview 2 binocular. An evolution from the popular line, the versatile, general-use binoculars deliver clear views in multiple sizes and magnifications. The binoculars feature an aircraft grade, aluminum alloy chassis built for durability, and high-quality, soft-touch black rubber armor and brushed metal texture finishes provide eye-catching exterior design, easy handling and a confident grip. For more information, visit bushnell.com.

A Cut Above the Rest This holiday season, get the chef or outdoorsman in your life a gift that keeps on giving, such as the Wicked Edge Go knife sharpener. Made from high-quality materials, it’s easy to use for both new and experienced knife sharpeners. It offers guided angle control, can sharpen a variety of knife types and makes cutting more efficient while increasing the longevity of your knives. Find more at wickededgeusa.com.

Cleanliness On the Go

The Gift That Protects

Get the Job Done

Give the gift of cleaner living spaces anywhere and everywhere with the ultra-portable Raycop GO vacuum, which uses UVC light technology to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria and viruses along with dust mites. It’s less than 2 pounds, easy to assemble and stores in four pieces, making it simple to take in the car, to the office or on vacation.

It can even sanitize phones, handbags or luggage, and the battery lasts 30 minutes without recharging. Visit raycop.com for more information.

If you’re looking to secure connected toys and devices received this holiday season, consider internet security products that allow you to protect your family. With advanced protection for all your devices, ESET’s Smart Security Premium solution helps protect against identity theft with the latest malware detection, online banking, password security and smart home support. Find more security solutions at eset.com/us.

Help the handyperson in your life finish the job quicker with the Milwaukee M12 Drill and Driver Kit from Ace Hardware, the only tool in its class with an all-metal locking chuck. Its compact, lightweight and durable design delivers comfort and efficiency along with an onboard LED light and fuel gauge to help increase productivity and avoid interruptions. Find more information and holiday gift ideas at acehardware.com.

#StopTheSpread #StopTheSpread #StopTheSpread

Handwashing 101 Handwashing Handwashing 101 101

Proper Proper Proper hygiene stops stops hygiene hygiene stops the spread spread of the the spread ofof the virus. virus. the the virus.

Source: Source: Source: World Health World Health World Health Organization Organization Organization

01 01 01 Wet your hands

Wet your hands Wet your hands before applying before applying before applying soap. soap. soap.

02 02 02 Bring your palms

Bring your palms Bring your palms together and rub together and together and rubrub soap all over the soap over soap all all over thethe palms and backs of palms and backs palms and backs of of your hands, including your hands, including your hands, including between the fingers. between fingers. between thethe fingers.

03 03 03

Wash your hands for Wash your hands forfor Wash your hands at least least 20 seconds. seconds. at least 20 20 seconds. at

04 04 04

Wipe your hands Wipe your hands Wipe your hands with clean towel or with a clean towel or or with aa clean towel paper towel and paper towel andand paper towel avoid rubbing too avoid rubbing tootoo avoid rubbing vigourously. vigourously. vigourously.

provides a handsfree cleaning experience, complete with the time-saving benefits of an allin-one robot vacuum and floor mop, along with TrueDetect technology to avoid tangling in small objects.

Easily controlled via an app, just set it to clean before bed and wake up to a tidy workspace.

4 Tips for a Productive 202 his year has taught many workers a thing or two about being productive when offices and homes blend into one. As the calendar turns to 2021, consider these key products and processes to stay productive next year.

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Find a system (and stick to it): Creating an organizing system is an easy way to ensure your athome workspace is ready for optimal productivity.

Designate space to house all your work items – a drawer, LG cabinet or box – and keep work items organized by type (pens, papers, computer gear, etc.)

At the end of each day, transitioning to “offline hours” can be easier when you have a place to stow your work items.

Start your day clean: Studies have shown cleanliness has a direct impact on productivity. Yet, many people struggle to find the time and energy to clean, especially at the end of a busy day at home.

An option like The DEEBOT T8 from Ecovacs

Break up your day: With so many hours at home in front of a computer, workdays can get a little monotonous. Break up the day to make working from home feel as “normal” as possible – shower in the morning, take a walk or drive to coffee then make time for at least two breaks throughout the day. Some people have found success with the Pomodoro Technique, which is breaking your day up into 25minute chunks of work, with 5-minute rest periods. If you continue to work until you feel like taking a break, odds are you’ll overwork yourself until it’s too late to take the “big break” you had in mind.

Bookend your days with mindfulness: At the beginning and end of each workday, do a 3-5-minute mindfulness meditation. Before signing on to work for the day, allow your mind to fully focus on the day’s tasks at-hand. Signoff by doing another mediation to end the day and let go of any worries or stresses you might have. Incorporating this tactic into your daily routine can help create a natural boundary from work and home while also restoring peace of mind.

Find more solutions to help maintain productivity at Ecovacs.com.

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VMH TABLE OF CONTENTS

10 ADVENTURES IN TOHOKU Two cities nestled into a bend on the blue Caribbean, swamped in glorious gothic and Art Noveau Splendor.

12 FOODIE JOURNEY: INDIA Indian restaurants and myriad international dining options in the Indian capital are abundantly scattered throughout the city.

16 DESTINATION FOR DESIGNERS Jesse Williams takes you on a tour around New York and every style point in between the fab capitals of fashion and graphic design.

20 WHAT'S NEW IN KOREA? Cultural festivals, performing arts, luxury hotels, food, and technology centers spark an already hot destination.

34 TOP SPOTS TO CHILL We give you a list of places in the metro to have a break from a stressful day at the office. Find the perfect spot to dine and fun.

VIKKIJONES.COM VMH MAGAZINE ISSUE NO. 27 JANUARY - MARCH 2020

REAL. CONVERSATIONS. WITH VIKKI JONES

vikkijones.com

Publisher VMH Publishing Editor-in-Chief Vikki Jones Journalist/Contributors Vikki Jones Chris Jordan Family Features

Contributors (Visiting) Jermaine Wright Family Features

Photography Cover Photo Provided by Ed Gordon

www.vmhmagazine.com

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Procedures CES2020 for Self-Quarantine under Covid-19

Self-quarantine is recommended for individuals who have been directly exposed to the new Coronavirus or have history of travel in infected or heavily populated areas.

Stay at home.

Wash your hands.

Limit all your nonessential travels.

Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol or hand sanitizer.

Unless you're going out for food, medicines or other essentials.

“By expanding our health Check your temperature.

and tness technology expertise beyond Check your temperature at smartwatches and tness bands to least two times a day. include immersive treadmills and earbuds, Amaz t is presenting a vision of the future of tness in the coming decade and demonstrating how health and technology can come together in 2020 and beyond.” Wang Huang, Founder, CEO Huami

Watch for other symptoms.

Aside from fever, Covid-19 symptoms include cough, difficulty breathing, and fatigue.

Practice social distancing.

If you need to go out, maintain at least 2 meters (6 feet) distance from others.

Stay in a specific room.

If you're sick or suspect yourself to be sick, it's best to stay in a designated room or area away from others.

If possible, have a designated toilet and bathroom as well.

Call your doctor or hospital before visiting.

If you need to seek medical attention whether for viral symptoms or other medical care reasons, contact your doctor or hospital ahead of time so they can prepare and take precautions for your arrival.

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Source • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov)

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Tech Gifts Can Make Resolutions a Reality

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FAMILY FEATURES

hile many people who make New Year’s resolutions drop them within a couple weeks or months, pulling those newly received tech device gifts out of the packaging and putting them to good use may be just the help you need to keep your resolutions on track.

Learn how to get the most out of your tech with these tips from the experts at Amazon.

Prioritize Personal Goals The most common resolutions are centered around getting

healthy or simply living life to its fullest. If you need help staying motivated and keeping your health goals on track, you may be able to rely on Echo, Fire TV or Kindle devices and a voice service like Alexa as partners in your personal health journey: n Inspire you in the kitchen. Get some extra help or healthy recipe inspiration in the kitchen – just ask for “healthy recipes” – or catch on-demand episodes of food and cooking TV shows, and when you see a recipe you like, just ask to save it. You can also access live and on-demand cooking classes, get stepby-step cooking instructions and more. n Create a bedtime routine. A good night’s sleep is key to physical and mental help, and you can set up a nighttime routine with your smart home devices with options like a reminder to meditate, dimming the lights and turning on one of dozens of different soothing sounds to help lullHilton you into restful sleep Beverly inaBeverly Hills, CA that can be activated just by saying “good night.” n Prioritize some “me” time. Ask for daily affirmations to start on a positive note or ask for a guided meditation to take a break from a Photos courtesy of Getty Images

busy day. An e-reader like the single-purpose Kindle can be another companion for taking a moment to unwind from the hustle and bustle without the potential for interruptions from emails or texts. You can select from millions of books, newspapers and audiobooks, and adjustable lighting lets you read comfortably whether you’re indoors or out, day or night.

Get Organized You may be surprised by how a voice service like Alexa can bring some muchneeded organization and peace of mind to your home. n Set up routines. If you need to know the weather, traffic and headlines before you head out the door for work or want your coffee pot to start brewing as soon as your alarm goes off, you can create a custom routine with your smart devices.

3 Keys to Success It’s not always easy staying organized. Life is busy, chaotic and fast-moving. Although it can be easy to get discouraged at times, there are ways to enhance organization and attitude through the peaks and pits life throws at you.

Carol Lavin Bernick, former executive chairman of beauty conglomerate Alberto Culver, published “Gather As You Go: Lessons Learned Along the Way,” a book sharing insights she’s learned through her many roles as a corporate leader, working mother, philanthropist and founder of the nonpro t organization Enchanted Backpack. Bernick offers these tips to be ready for the good times and dif cult situations, highlighting the importance of loving what you are doing in both business and life.

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Attitude is Key

n Create reminders. If it seems as if you are always forgetting to turn on the dishwasher or need an extra push to clean out the garage, set a reminder on your device to provide you with the audible motivation you need to get tasks done. Or, if you struggle to find time to get to the gym for a daily workout, set a reminder to launch a fitness app on your smart TV or streaming media player to get some exercise at home. n Manage your shopping list. Missing an ingredient while cooking or forgetting the office potluck can be problems of the past. Maintain a list to help you remember groups of information, even if you’re busy doing something else: Just say: “Alexa, add (item) to my shopping list.” You can also view your shopping list in the app and check items off your list while at the store.

Find more tips for making the most of your tech gifts in the new year at amazon.com.

A person who is passionately committed to the success of his or her business – who has an “I-can-do-it” attitude – is more likely to succeed. One person can make a difference, and it’s up to you to demonstrate you are one of those people.

If You Never Fail, You Will Never Grow If it’s always comfortable and easy, you can’t know the big win.

When challenged and stretched, you may have a greater chance to learn. Reach out, get involved and take a risk.

Oftentimes, the best talent has multiple experiences to share and on which to re ect.

Credibility is Everything Some of the most important career-saving words are “I don’t know.” Never fake it. If you’re wrong, admit it and correct it. If you’ve made a mistake, x it and learn from it. If it’s going to take some time to nd an answer, set a timetable and stick to it.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

FAMILY FEATURES

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tress and anxiety are all too familiar to many Americans, this year especially, and the added pressure of the holiday season may provide a new set of challenges. Practicing selfcare and nurturing your mental health can help you navigate these potentially isolating times, especially if you’re tackling this season single.

With so many other demands in life, taking care of yourself, including your emotional and mental well-being, may not always be at the top of your list. However, putting more emphasis on yourself and your needs can be achieved in small, measurable ways and may not only help boost your spirits but can affect your approach to dating, too.

“We believe happy and healthy relationships start with happy and healthy individuals,” said Stefan Harvalias, head of global marketing for Plenty of Fish, one of the largest global online dating companies.

Harvalias points out there are a number of ways you can alleviate stress and anxiety. While there’s no one magic formula that fits all, many people find coping easier with activities like these.

Listen to music. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of music in managing mental health. Slow, mellow music can help the mind shift into a lower gear and has even been shown to influence the body’s physical state such as reducing blood pressure, pulse and heart rates. For someone with anxiety, music can be a welcome distraction from the troublesome thoughts occupying the mind. For others, music is simply a way to escape from reality and focus on something enjoyable.

Talk with friends and family. Although COVID-19 may be creating physical distance, there’s one way it can bring people together: by acknowledging your shared stress to one another.

While the impacts of the pandemic vary greatly, everyone has been navigating uncertainty and change that comes with such a widespread event. A weekly check-in call or video chat with friends and family members can help you feel less alone with your feelings and experiences. Topics like mental health and mindfulness have risen to the surface of everyday discussions, removing a lot of the stigma they once had.

Seek out tools to help you unwind. If you’ve never given much thought to managing your mental health, you may not know where to begin practicing better self-care, and that’s OK. That’s where you can benefit from resources like those available through Plenty of Fish. Knowing the toll the pandemic is taking on singles, the dating app partnered with Shine, a leading self-care app, to create two free dating-related meditations developed to help singles better manage anxiety and improve mental health and wellness.

Navigating dating, work and your personal life can feel like an intense juggling act. To help find balance and feel less pressure, consider listening to the “Balance Dating While Busy” guided meditation and reflect on your energy and priorities so you can make space for dating in your life.

Although dating may look and feel different right now, it’s still doable. Shift your mindset and reflect on ways to adapt with an option like the “Navigate Dating During COVID” guided meditation.

Recognize the role of physical wellness. The mind and body are intrinsically connected, and how you take care of your body can have an impact on your mental state. This includes eating well to ensure you’re getting proper nutrition, which can positively impact your mood. Additionally, exercise releases feel-good hormones, so a quick walk around the block or a 10-minute exercise video can benefit you both physically and mentally.

Give yourself permission to disconnect. When life feels uncertain, being closely tied to an information source like your smartphone can give you a sense of security, but it can also add to your everyday stress. If you’re working from home, you may find you never fully shift out of work mode. However, it’s easy to become addicted to refreshing your newsfeed, allowing your devices to cut into time you could spend more productively. Limit your screen time to force yourself to focus on the present and activities that bring you pleasure while allowing your brain to rest, like spending time with loved ones or enjoying a good book or movie.

Find more resources to support your mental health and dating experiences this holiday season at blog.pof.com.

Keep COVID from Crushing Your Dating Game As if single life and dating didn’t bring enough uncertainty on their own, a global health crisis has only heightened the anxiety many singles feel. Dating pressures and anxiety tied to COVID19 were the subjects of a study by Plenty of Fish, which showed just how challenging dating has been for singles this year.

According to the survey of singles: n n n

60% have experienced feelings of anxiety before going on a date 29% have canceled a date due to anxiety 44% are anxious about their date not wearing a mask

When it comes to the benefits of self-care, a majority of surveyed singles reported: n n n n n

66% practice self-care regularly 87% said self-care activities reduce stress 78% said they feel less stressed after a self-care routine 50% meditate Alone time, exercise and pampering were listed as the top self-care activities

“Prioritizing your mental health matters more than ever,” Harvalias said. “Self-care and wellness mean something different to everyone – all that matters is that you find an outlet to disconnect and do what makes you happy.”

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by Vikki Jone

It's critical that some take the time to examine and align with their natural talent(s); skills that have been pushed aside or ignored for years.

The impact of the pandemic on the economy has been widespread, with gripping e ects for the global community. But, there is something individuals can do while waiting for bipartisan Covid 19 relief. Simply stated, turn to self.

"COVID19's impact on employment reminds me of a time in my life where circumstances were beyond my control. I had to tap into areas of myself, in order to survive. The job market was too uncertain; I needed stability. So, I took a chance on me," says Vikki Jones, CEO of VMH Publishing.

Unemployment o ces are overwhelmed leaving many people waiting for unemployment payments or the federal government's stimulus check. It may not feel like it, but this could be a time to start a road to a new career, or if nothing more opportunity to discover. This could very well be your chance to exercise your talent, pursue your dream, and use hidden skills. The idea is to align with your talent, with the direction your life is heading. Even in the middle of a pandemic, and with the internet as a primary tool for day-to-day living, you can still ourish, restore passion, and even start a business.

Starting a small business during a bad economy boils down to feeling the need of consumers.

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According to the data, some small businesses thrive in a di cult economy. Vikki Jones, Founder of VMH Publishing started her company during the 2008 nancial crisis. With a layo from a personal injury rm, Jones tapped into creativity and started a full-service book publishing house. Fast forward 10 years, she is a four-time award-winning book publisher, providing employment for English Majors

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Now More Than Ever It's Important to Tap Into Your Talent

and other creatives.

Covid-19 has presented a signi cant amount of time to ponder, interact more in the home. You can nally draft a business plan, paint a portrait, or better yet write the book. Writing is one of the most e ective ways to express how you feel, a d d r e s s traumatic events, discover a hidden talent, or just simply play around and get out all that creativity. It has also been proven to be quite therapeutic and lucrative. Why not give it a try? You never know what might come of it.

But how does one get started? To help with the writing, publishing process, Jones published a writing and book publishing guide that actually helps authors sell through mainstream mediums with mainstream appeal, just like with the New York Times Best Sellers. Her book, entitled Words Unleashed, guides writers from start to nish. The book provides easy-to-use tools for writing, publishing, and selling books and shares insightful, innovative marketing tips that have proved to work for a number of authors.

“Don’t overthink the process of writing.

There’s no right or wrong way to write. All that matters is your voice—your thoughts, how you feel, and what you want the world to know. It’s as natural as talking, so open your mouth and speak to your audience,” shares Jones. Books remain an integral part of our lives, reading being the favorite leisure activity for many individuals.

VMHBOOKS.COM

VMHNEXT.COM

AMERICA’S SMALL BUSINESS NORM No Longer Business As Usual Written by Vikki Jones

Edited by Sara Prescott

Ed Gordon Award Winning Television Journalist

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AN INTERVIEW WITH

ED GORDON

BY CHRIS JORDAN

Ed Gordon is known for his communications with newsmakers from the world, award-winning television journalist Ed Gordon was named to 50 Most Beautiful People in the World list (People).

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Gordon on Power, Politics and Leadership.

CHRIS J: Hello everyone, and welcome back. My name is Chris Jay and this is VMH Magazine. Today I have with me Emmy Award-winning journalist and broadcaster Ed Gordon. How are you doing today, Ed?

ED GORDON: I'm good, Chris; how are you man?

CHRIS J.: I'm excellent. Thank you for joining me.

CHRIS J.: Today, we are discussing power, politics, and leadership, which happens to be the subtitle of your new book entitled Conversations in Black. Can you talk to us a little bit about that?

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ED GORDON: Yeah, we dropped it the rst of the year. It's a narrative, and it reads as if I was in a conversation with the 40 plus leaders and in uencers that I interviewed for the book. And none of us were in the same room. In fact, none of us were talking at the same time. I interviewed all of them and then I wrote it as if we were all together in one room. And so it really speaks to where we are. I was in the midst of starting the book tour when the pandemic hit and literally got shut down. And then a month later, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor... all of that happened. Much of what is in the

book is what America is talking about now, so it's interesting to see the dynamic of all that's happened. The book was my want to get our community to start thinking about new narratives and new ways of moving forward and trying to nd equality.

CHRIS J.: Perfect! Now, what led you to begin writing this particular book?

ED GORDON: I had the idea years ago, and it started out with me doing interviews with people about eight years ago. I considered all the people I'd interviewed over my career. Some of the most interesting conversations happened, you know, before the camera went on or after it turned o .

People tend to be a little bit more open. And I thought to myself, man, it'd be great if I could get all of these people in one room. So I started the process of interviewing. I had already done interviews with Maya Angelou. She was still with us at the time; and then I did one with Bill Cosby and many others as well. It just shows how di erent eight years can be. I had gotten a television project which made me sideline the book and its idea. And then maybe about two years ago now, I said, “I'm going to resurrect this idea.� And we found a publisher and I started new interviews. And that was the beginnings of what became the book.

CHRIS J.: And your timing couldn't be any better.

Now, your time with broadcasting and journalism goes back quite a bit, right?

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ED GORDON: Yeah. Three decades now, man.

CHRIS J.: So you've had some association with a few networks as far as BET, NBC, CBS just to name a few. How have things changed from the time you began broadcasting to now?

ED GORDON: I think broadcasting is certainly di erent in terms of the news, because when I started, you know, anchors and reporters weren't supposed to be part of the news. You didn't give your opinion. You just gave what was a story. I never believed that you could be unbiased. You know, you always bring your biases to something, but what you could do is try to work against those biases and you certainly wouldn't have put them in the story.

Well, today, that's not the case. I mean, if you watch cable news in primetime, all you get are anchors' opinions for an hour. And so that's di erent. I think that the whole idea of making sure facts are right, you know, and all the things that I learned in journalism school and was kind of what I call ‘old school journalism’, aren't quite as important as they used to be. And while I appreciate that you have so many more outlets now that open it up to people, you know that you're not getting opinion only from six or seven people that networks deem important. I think that's a better sense of, you know, giving realistic views in terms of diverse numbers. I think the issue is that you have just anybody talking now and so, you know, you can possibly spew facts that aren't true. We see that from the White House, but we also see it on social media every day. And people, unfortunately, just assume if it's on social media, it must be true. And we know better than that. Networks now run with the idea that they don't need to second source anything, and if it's out there, they will try to cover themselves to say that they have independently veri ed it. Well, then why are you putting it on? So, you know, that's part of the issue.

CHRIS J.: Okay, so now how do the networks you've worked for di er in that regard where there’s a lot of politics, when it came to the types of stories that you could read?

ED GORDON: Well, that's always a problem, right? I try to remind people, unless you have a certain title,

even if you're hosting a show, that you don't make the determination of what gets on that show and what you can talk about. So I was always very careful after a certain number of years in the business where I had established myself to always try to get a managing editor title because that gave you some editorial control. But when I worked at MS or when I worked at CBS, I could o er up things that I thought we should cover. But I couldn’t just say, “we're covering this.” And, you know, you've got to answer to a lot more people. And not that you shouldn't have other eyes on your work, but I think particularly for African-Americans, it's sometimes di cult to try to convey an authentic story. The way our eyes see it, when you have to take it to, you know, a white executive producer or you're being pitched something by a 22-year-old white girl whose only experience with black people is that they bought a Beyonce CD, it becomes hard. And so at some level, we've got to start to control our own narrative. And social media has allowed for that in some ways. But again, as I mentioned before, that can be dangerous because you're not doing it with the same kind of care and accuracy the journalists would.

CHRIS J.: Ok, Mr. Gordon, what would you say to people who believe that we have not, as a people, been better o since Obama? What's your take on that?

ED GORDON: It depends on how we're de ning ‘better o .’ You know, no presidency is going to be a cure-all. I remember interviewing Nelson Mandela when he had taken over the presidency in South Africa. And I asked him what he’d make sure to do and he said, “look, I got to tell black South Africans that their life isn’t going to change immediately just because I'm president, and I've got to tell white South Africans that I'm not going to do to them what they did to us.” And so I think that we have to realize that even with Obama's eight years in o ce, it wasn't going to cure all the ills of black America. I think he could have done more for black voters. And I put that in quotes because there's no monolith.

But I do think he could have done more. But had black America turned out his rst midterm election, things would have been easier for him to push (cont. on page 35)

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WHAT WE DO?

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Using professional editors, marketing and distribution to publish quality books

PUBLISHING Books sold at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Walmart.com

PRINTING Volume quality book printing.

MARKETING A service specialized for your book's message.

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Improve Your Mental Health with Better Sleep

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FAMILY FEATURES

or some, the holidays may be the happiest season of all, but for others the hectic pace and endless to-do lists can take a real toll on their mental health. This year, the impact is heightened by a global health pandemic.

According to a survey from Mattress Firm, more than 60 million Americans say COVID-19 has worsened their quality of their sleep, and those losing sleep are often seeing their mental well-being and healthy habits worsen. Nearly half of respondents said COVID-19 has increased their worries and prevented them from falling or staying asleep at night, with 41% reported their poor sleep has a negative impact on their daily lives.

“It’s no surprise that when our minds are full or our hearts are heavy, our mental health tends to suffer,” said Dr. Sujay Kansagra, a sleep health expert for Mattress Firm. “What many people don’t realize is that mental health struggles also affect sleep, and adequate rest is a key component of maintaining and improving your mental health.”

If stress and worry are preventing you from getting a good night of sleep, try these ideas from Kansagra to help improve your mental state and ease your body into rest.

Think positively. Every night before going to bed, list three good things from your day. They don’t have to be amazing things, just three positive aspects of your day. For example, acknowledge you had a good virtual catch-up with a colleague or enjoyed a new recipe or workout class.

Listing your positive experiences at night can help you maintain a positive frame of mind as you unwind for the day.

Create a to-do list. This technique is for those who mentally work through their list of pending responsibilities before bed. In a fast-paced world, sometimes lying in bed is the first time you have to actually think about what’s on your list. By creating a list of tasks (or even writing down your worries), you can prevent yourself from thinking about them excessively before bed and throughout the night.

Try progressive relaxation. This involves taking slow, deep breaths and slowly tensing the muscles in your body for a few seconds then relaxing them. Start at your feet and work your way up the body. This technique can help you relax and decompress after a long day.

Give yourself a break. Especially if you’re working from home or tackling a lot of seasonal tasks, it’s easy to keep yourself busy up until the minute you fall into bed. However, your mind may still be whirling from all that activity. Build in a few minutes before bed each night to let your mind rest, whether it’s spending a few minutes with a good book, practicing meditation or sipping on a cup of sleepy-time tea.

Appeal to your senses. Being mindful of how your senses react to various stimuli can play a role in your ability to drift off to sleep. Some people need silence; others benefit from ambient sound. Certain scents can be soothing and make good choices for essential oil diffusers, such as lavender oil. Also be conscious of the touches that affect your sleep, like the support from your mattress, the softness of your sheets or the temperature of the room.

Whether it’s your family, your health or general stress that’s keeping you up, find time in your day to give yourself some grace. Your mental health is extremely important and should not be overlooked, so if you’re feeling a little worn down, ensure you’re getting the quality sleep you need to tackle the day and week ahead.

Find more tips for better sleep at MattressFirm.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

What’s Keeping You Awake?

If you’re like many Americans, outside influences and worries may affect your sleep. Pinpointing what’s keeping you awake, such as these common sleep disruptors reported in a Mattress Firm survey, can help you address your concerns so you can rest more easily.

1. Money or Paying Bills (49%) 2. My or My Family’s Health (48%) 3. State of Country and the Economy (39%) 4. My Kids and Their Health or Education (32%) 5. Missing Social Interaction (31%)

VIKKI JONES creating a new version of yourself

ome improvement projects aren't limited to indoors. In fact, not only can upgrades to areas outside the house expand your livable space, they can also increase your home's value.

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Outdoor living projects account for almost one-third of renovation projects, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. The ndings echo trends reported by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, which found 43% of respondents said they designed outdoor kitchens in the past year and 41% expected an increase in outdoor projects in the coming year.

"Our clients are asking for entertaining areas, which can be anything from a fully engineered cabana or a new paver patio with a pergola," said Dave Garcia, owner of DPG Pavers and Design. "We love being creative with materials in our designs and installations. One of my personal favorites is an outdoor kitchen we wrapped in hardwood with a granite countertop. It has clean lines and a unique custom look."

Custom-built and prefabricated kitchens are also in high demand, Garcia said, along with recreation features like putting greens, bocce ball and basketball courts.

Hardscape features that add function and ambiance top many homeowners' lists, as well. Examples include re pits and re tables, as well as water features like fountains, waterfalls, basalt columns and bubbling urns.

Understanding Landscaping Elements Creating the ideal outdoor living space requires thoughtful planning and a holistic approach to landscaping. Typically, when people consider landscaping, they think of plants and owers. However, landscaping includes a wide range of elements in an outdoor design that can generally be grouped into two main categories: hardscape and softscape.

Understanding the components and options within each category can help you create a cohesive design for maximum enjoyment.

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The hardscape encompasses the man-made elements that bring function and aesthetic appeal to the design.

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Upgrade Your Outdoor Living Spac

Examples include concrete pavers, natural stone features, seating and retaining walls, wood and composite decks, pergolas, fencing and synthetic lawns.

Softscape elements are the living components that add beauty and character to your outdoor space. These include the grass, shrubs, trees, owers and plants. Your softscape may also include enhancements like mulch and an irrigation system to help care for the vegetation.

Although the hardscape and softscape elements are distinct, an effective landscape design integrates both to create the look and feel you want for your outdoor living space.

Getting Started Once you’ve considered the landscaping features necessary to bring your vision to life, it's time to get your project in motion. Set a budget and consider whether you will need professional support to make your design ideas a reality. A remodeling expert can guide you on how to achieve the look you desire with your home's unique characteristics in mind, while helping manage your timeline and expenses.

Find more remodeling advice and contractors in your community at remodelingdoneright.com.

Content courtesy of DPG Pavers and Design

FAMILY FEATURES

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ith a variety of personalities and interests likely on your holiday shopping list, finding the perfect gift for everyone can be a daunting task. Rather than spending FAMILY FEATURES countless hours browsing online or walking up and down store aisles, array of ith aconsider variety this of personalities gift ideas that can put on thelikely path toward andyou interests on your successful shoppingholiday during shopping a holiday list, season finding sure to be unlike any it.gift for everyone thebefore perfect With spending time atthan home, canmore be a people daunting task. Rather spending gifts countless that can keep thebrowsing house clean, showcase hours online or walking up team and spiritdown or provide a simple way tothis passarray the of store aisles, consider time gift can be hits.that Of can course, you can alsopath shiptoward ideas put you on the a tasty meal directly to a loved one’s door orseason successful shopping during a holiday give that member surefour-legged to be unlikefamily any before it. an extra special treat.

With more people spending time at home, Find more gift-giving gifts thatholiday can keep the houseinspiration clean, showcase at eLivingtoday.com. team spirit or provide a simple way to pass the time can be hits. Of course, you can also ship a tasty meal directly to a loved one’s door or give that four-legged family member an extra special treat.

Find more holiday gift-giving inspiration at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Get Ready to Gift

The No. 1 Gift Pick

A Tasteful Holiday Gift

Give the sports fan in your life an authentic piece of collectible memorabilia to showcase his or her team spirit, such as this Patrick Mahomes Super Bowl LIV MVP Dynasty Banner1from The No. Winning Streak Sports – Pick The #1Gift Premium Licensed Give the sports fan in your Product in Sports.

Created life an authentic piece of to commemorate some of collectible to the greatest teams,memorabilia schools and players, thesehis limitedshowcase or her team editionspirit, high stich such count as this Patrick banners, which are available Mahomes Super Bowl LIV framedMVP or unframed, Dynastyare Banner from made from 100%Streak wool Sports blend – Winning felt with iron-safe backing The #1 Premium Licensed and include a hanging cord Product in Sports.

Created for easy display. Find some of to commemorate more upscale, gift-worthy the greatest teams, schools sports and memorabilia at players, these limitedwinningstreaksports.com. edition high stich count banners, which are available framed or unframed, are made from 100% wool blend felt with iron-safe backing and include a hanging cord for easy display. Find more upscale, gift-worthy sports memorabilia at winningstreaksports.com.

Give the gift of flavor this holiday season with a full spread of Omaha Steaks favorites in one collection. Loaded with double-trimmed, famously fork-tender Butcher’s Cut A Tasteful filet mignons, tender and Holiday Gift crispy bacon-wrapped Give the giftflavorof flavor filet mignons, this holiday season packed burgers, classicwith boneless pork chops, a full spread of Omaha juicy boneless chicken Steaks favorites in one breasts, gourmet jumbo collection.

Loaded with franks, all-beef meatballs, double-trimmed, famously a fork-tender savory side and dessert,Cut Butcher’s it’s a memorable and and filet mignons, tender delicious gift everyone crispy bacon-wrapped can enjoy.

Find more filet mignons, flavorflavorful packed holiday burgers,gift classic ideas at omahasteaks.com. boneless pork chops, juicy boneless chicken breasts, gourmet jumbo franks, all-beef meatballs, a savory side and dessert, it’s a memorable and delicious gift everyone can enjoy. Find more flavorful holiday gift ideas at omahasteaks.com.

A Riveting Read Provide the bookworm in your life with a true thriller like “Pilate’s Cross” by J. Alexander Greenwood, a murder mystery based on a true story. A sleepy college town in the middle of nowhere is just the fresh start John Pilate needs, but he didn’t count on uncovering a deadly conspiracy. In over his head, Pilate risks it all to get to the truth in this tale exploding with action, crisp dialogue and quirky twists. Visit amazon.com to find the book.

A Riveting Read

Count Down to the Holidays with Your Pet Add more happiness to your pet’s holiday season with an option like this Merry & Bright Holiday Deck The Howls with Cookies Advent Calendar Dog Treat, which is available at PetSmart. Your dog has been good all year, so don’t forget to include him or her in the holiday countdown with an advent calendar of his or her own.

Find more holiday gift ideas for your pets at petsmart.com.

Count Down to the Holidays with

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Give the Gift of Time Gifting your family a vacuum-and-mop-in-one like the DEEBOT T8 allows you to enjoy the holidays and leave the cleaning to the robot. It provides hands-free cleaning and removes 99.26% of bacteria with its patented OZMO Mopping System. With no pre-cleaning needed and a runtime of more than three hours, it also detects obstacles with accuracy to avoid collisions and getting stuck. Learn more at ecovacs.com/us.

“We

continue to partner with Corporate America to help diversify the workplace; be fundamentally sound in our quest and effort to provide top-notch minority and women candidates whose education, experience, and expertise qualifies them to meet the challenges of the marketplace, today and tomorrow,� says Eral Burks, Founder/CEO Minority Executive Search.

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iversity is undeniably good for any business.

Corporations with a greater percentage of both gender and racially/ethnically-based diversity in leadership are in a better position to outperform their less diverse competitors. Not only do these companies have higher capital returns, but they also have better employee retention and engagement.

Employing a diverse team not only boosts innovation and problem solving, but it also allows for different perspectives and insight to be brought to the table, as well as attracting a broader range of customers who might be thinking, “hey, this is the first time I’ve felt represented or seen. And to see a person similar to me in this position makes me feel that much more comfortable, and them relatable. Maybe I’ll talk with them or give them my support.”

Minority Executive Search strategically plans and manages its calculated, well-organized searches to produce positive results, while maintaining communication with its clients and candidates to ensure the identification and selection of only the most appropriate, knowledgeable finalists for every search assignment.

With an ever-changing global economy, devising and implementing a strategy to have a diverse workforce provides extremely competitive advantages to businesses.

Companies are expanding and distinguishing themselves with their own unique task forces, whose members come from different backgrounds, bringing different ideas and perspectives with them that are valuable in shaping the needs and outlook of companies going forward.

Yet, most executive (C-Suite) level leaders know all too well that progress to make corporate America more inclusive and diverse in its leadership has been lacking.

Some industries have even regressed as last year, as only three black executives ran Fortune 500 companies.

Despite earnest efforts, corporate America seems to have no one who could really help crack down the code to make workplaces and companies more reflective of the vast, diverse world we live in. Too much focus on diversity numbers specifically might be one of the problems, as it merely slaps a bandaid on a flesh wound and doesn’t address the root cause of failed employee retention.

For 30 years, Minority Executive Search has partnered with corporate America to place highly talented minority and women applicants specifically in c-suite level roles, in an effort to give underrepresented demographic groups the chance to succeed, as well as promote inclusion, appreciation, and respect towards a diverse world. From start to finish, Minority Executive Search takes the time to develop a clear understanding of a company, its values, market, staffing needs, and business goals to determine if they can aid in their goals effectively.

“We continue to partner with Corporate America to help diversify the workplace; be fundamentally sound in our quest and effort to provide top-notch minority and women candidates whose education, experience, and expertise qualifies them to meet the challenges of the marketplace, today and tomorrow,” says Eral Burks, Founder/CEO Minority Executive Search.

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GA IN THIS C OM PETITIV E EDGE

BY DEV ELOPIN G A C U LTU RA LLY DIV ERSE WORK PLA C E

A LEADER IN THE RECRUITING AND PLACEMENT OF MINORITIES AND WOMEN FOR OVER 30 YEARS

Offering you maximum choice and flexibility. We maintain meaningful communication with our clients and candidates to ensure the identification and selection of only the most appropriate finalists for every search assignment.

www.minorityexecsearch.com 26

Make Your Weight Loss Goals a Reality What is OEA? Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is a metabolite of oleic acid, a naturally produced substance that interacts with appetite-controlling receptors in the small intestine to signal the brain you are full. It also helps boost metabolism. However, as a result of food choices and excess body fat, naturally produced OEA may require supplementation to achieve the desired effect on appetite or body fat.

Created to mimic this naturally occurring metabolite, RiduZone is the only weight management supplement that contains OEA as an ingredient. Its production has been reviewed and is accepted as safe by the Food and Drug Administration.

Less fat A clinical study published in the “Journal of Lipid Research” shows higher blood levels of OEA, which is derived from oleic acidrich olive oil, correlate to lower amounts of body fat. This means weight loss results may be more visible.

Fewer calories A prominent research study published in the journal “Food & Function” shows higher circulating levels of OEA can result in a significant reduction in calorie intake. Over time, OEA users become satisfied with smaller, healthier-sized portions.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

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FAMILY FEATURES

osing weight is a highly personal journey as a wide range of factors can affect a person’s ability to do so. There’s no one approach to weight loss; rather, the best approach is the one that fits your life and body best.

Get motivated to reach your weight loss goals with these expert tips.

Set realistic goals. Most experts agree you shouldn’t lose more than 1-2 pounds per week. More rapid loss may shock your system, and chances are you’re depriving your body of important nutrients. More aggressive loss is also less likely to be permanent or sustainable; long-term results generally come with steady loss over a period of time.

patented supplement that gives your body more of a substance it already creates called Oleoylethanolamide (OEA). In essence, OEA tells your brain you are full and it’s time to stop eating. Developed and endorsed by Dr. Jay Yepuri, a boardcertified gastroenterologist, the supplement is a non-stimulant that may help you feel full faster to reduce caloric intake and boost metabolism to burn stored fat.

Get active. Creating a calorie deficit is necessary to lose weight, and increasing your physical activity helps ensure you’re burning calories. However, getting active isn’t just about playing the numbers game. Physical activity also promotes overall wellness with numerous physical and mental health benefits, including improving circulation and stimulating feel-good endorphins.

Eat well. Regardless what eating plan you choose, recognize the importance of nutrition in your weight loss program. Weight loss occurs when you burn more calories than you consume, so build your menu around nutrient-rich foods that fill you up. Strive for a well-balanced diet that encompasses all the food groups and, if necessary, discuss your goals with a doctor or nutritionist who can help you identify the best foods to enjoy and those to avoid.

Stay committed. It’s easy to fall off your weight loss plan when unexpected circumstances arise. Give yourself a little grace and permission for occasional misses so you stay motivated to get back to your program. That may mean waiting for a cold to pass and doing less strenuous workouts at home or making extra healthy choices at mealtime in advance of an indulgent event. To help make keeping your commitments easier, consider an option like RiduZone to boost your body’s natural appetite-curbing power.

Consider a supplement. If managing cravings or your appetite hinders your weight loss, a supplement may be a good solution. For example, RiduZone is a

Find more information to help jump-start your weight management program at TryRiduZone.com.

GET CONNECTED

VMHMAGAZINE.COM

Cristina Sicard Helping Children Through Reading ‘Harmony’ solation — a word that may be squashing your mind these days. Harmony the llama knows that pain, feeling isolated in Ohio from his family in Peru. Cristina S i c a r d ’s c h i l d r e n ’s book, Harmony, follows a llama named Harmony who feels stuck with his life. Now more than ever, you may also feel stuck mentally and physically, but Harmony is here to remind you to re

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mindsets in order to ‘transition’ into greater chapters of your life.

Trimm further provides an innovative approach to ‘faith.

“Faith is a spiritual technology that we can use to lean into our future, while we defy anything that threatens to undermine future success, future progress and prosperity.”

To learn more about Dr. Trimm, her work or to purchase her new release visit: www.cindytrimmbooks.com www.cindytrimmministries.org Sample Reads From ‘Goodbye Yesterday’ ‘It’s one thing to have faith in God, but it is another thing to have faith in who God has made you to be.

You are awesome. Stop putting yourself down. Stop belittling who you are.’

Photo: Courtesy Dr. Cindy Trimm

et unstuck and script a new future….start over do something new.” Says Dr. Cindy Trimm. ‘Do not let others cheapen, depreciate, or devalue you—and never devalue yourself! Stop trying to t in by lowering your standards and expectations.’

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‘You have standout qualities that other people need to admire and desire, including your unique value and perspective in the marketplace and your execution of gifts and talents. You are the type of person other people should get to know. You have assets others would love to have, so put them on display. Your outlook, thoughts, and ideas, including your unique way of seeing things, really do make a difference.’

Dr. Cindy Trimm has dedicated her life to serving God and humanity. A best-selling author, Trimm is a revolutionary thinker, and transformational leader. Her latest book, Activating 12 days of ‘Boundary Defying Faith, Goodbye Yesterday,’ is a mandatory read for transitioning your life. You may be at a place where old practices must be left behind. With the challenge of next levels, creating a new future, you may wonder where to begin and how. ‘Goodbye Yesterday’ guides the reader to ‘that’ place of empowerment.

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Says, Trimm, “Get unstuck and script a new future….start over do something new.” Goodbye Yesterday, applies to every rule of thumb for those aspiring to be better, grow and obtain greater success.

With practical tools, Dr. Cindy Trimm gives thoughtprovoking insights that require deep re ection and digesting. Change begins with thoughts, adjusting

You have standout qualities that other people need to admire and desire, including your unique value and perspective in the marketplace and your execution of gifts and talents. You are the type of person other people should get to know.

You have assets others would love to have, so put them on display. Your outlook, thoughts, and ideas, including your unique way of seeing things, really do make a difference.

You are worth more than anyone could ever compensate you for because of the unique blessing you bring to the world. But you must be faithful to protect and cultivate it.

Continually grow, courageously face challenges, and always give your best. By doing so, you help make this world a better place. And by the way, your best should never be compared to someone else’s best. Your best is your best. The world needs you to develop your unique potential.

Unleash Your Inner Home Chef FAMILY FEATURES

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ith many Americans staying home, the pressure is on to maintain fun and variety in the kitchen, so family meals don’t get boring. However, cranking out three meals a day can be a burden.

In fact, the average American can only prepare five meals without a recipe, according to a OnePoll survey.

Consider these fun tips to add a little diversity to your family’s daily menu. n

Build a taco bar. This is an easy way to use leftovers from the week. Pull out tortillas or make rice, add any leftover proteins and sides then mix in taco seasonings.

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Make a family classic. Think back to your childhood and the one or two dishes that became family favorites. Bust out those family cookbooks and Courtesy of Apple recreate classics by having thePhoto kids help with ageappropriate tasks.

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Try a microwave-friendly meal. For those nights when no one can decide what to eat, or when you’re simply tired of cooking, turn to the microwave. One healthy option is Aqua Star’s MicroSteam Seafood Meals, which combine sustainable seafood, including salmon, shrimp, tilapia and cod, with on-trend ingredients like mafalda pasta, sriracha, red quinoa and yellow carrots. In the microwave, the film expands and locks in steam to cook food evenly in just 6 minutes without a “fishy” smell.

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Pull out the slow cooker. Being at home all day makes it even easier to prepare a good meal.

Choose a recipe, throw it in the slow cooker in the morning and enjoy the delicious aromas as you wait for a meal that’s ready just in time for dinner.

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Try a meal kit. Meal kits are a fun way to switch up your regular repertoire. They’re tasty, easy to make with kids and many of them come frozen so you can stock up. Take, for example, Aqua Star’s Cutting Board meal kits, which come with all the ingredients required to prepare and clean up a high-quality and nutritious meal in 30 minutes or less. With flavors such as Cuban-style wild rockfish, crispy fish street tacos and sweet & spicy BBQ chicken flatbread, there’s plenty of options for family dinners.

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Order takeout or delivery. Many restaurants offer takeout options, and with all the delivery services that exist, eating favorite restaurant meals from the comfort of home is easy to do.

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Have breakfast for dinner. Seemingly always a kid-friendly favorite, scramble some eggs, cook some bacon and get creative with pancakes, French toast or waffles by adding fruit, spices or chocolate chips.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Busting Common Cooking Myths n

Myth No. 1: Frozen is not as good as fresh. When it comes to nutritional value, frozen foods are packed and frozen at the food’s peak freshness, meaning they're still full of nutrients.

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Myth No. 2: Cooking seafood is hard. Seafood is a healthy source of protein that can be steamed, baked, grilled or fried. Start with one technique and master it. An easy way to start is to saute shrimp or fish fillets in a bit of oil. Use the same technique as when you fry an egg and don’t overcook it.

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Myth No. 3: Fish should never be microwaved.

Microwaving seafood can actually help preserve nutrients that are typically broken down when heated using other cooking methods. The key is to use steam: Place the fish in a microwaveable bag or choose one of the many ready-to-microwave selections in your grocer’s freezer section. Steaming fish in the microwave cooks fish evenly and preserves texture and taste.

Storage

Space A primary consideration is the available footprint to create your new bath. This is often a concern as children reach their teen years and also with expanding families. If there aren’t enough bathrooms in the house, you may want to add another, or it may be that you simply need to improve the layout and features to make better use of the existing space. For example, if the bath

will be shared by multiple members of the family, a separation of the sinks from the rest of the room may be helpful.

Adding additional bathroom space to your home or renovating an outdated lavatory can improve your home’s usability and increase its value, too. To get the most practical benefits and value out of your new space, there are several factors to consider.Before you get started, take into account these considerations about the design and function of your new bathroom from the remodeling experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

If you learn new cooking methods, develop a larger menu and add some new dishes, eating at home can be fun and adventurous. Find more solutions at aquastar.com.

Features Determining how you will use your bathroom dictates the features you’ll want to include. A guest or hall bath is likely to have far fewer features than a master bath but may share some similarities with a kids’ bathroom. First, you’ll need to make decisions about basics like lighting, the number of sinks and amount of counter space you’ll need.

If you like baths, you’ll need to decide between a tub and shower combination unit or separate facilities. With a separate tub, the style you prefer may guide your overall design. The aesthetic for a bathroom with a focal point like a claw-foot tub is likely different from a jetted tub.

Storage is one of the biggest concerns in any design, particularly in rooms as small as typical bathrooms. Carefully consider this aspect of the room during your pre-planning phase. To help determine how much space you need, make a list of all the items you need to store in the bathroom, including cleaning agents, toiletries, linens, first aid items and medications. (cont. on pg 28)

Market Your Business for Long-Term Success FAMILY FEATURES

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apid growth and long-term success are the dreams virtually every entrepreneur pursues.

The fire pushes you to ascend to the mountaintop quickly and stay there as long as possible.

Adopting some clever marketing strategies can bring those dreams within reach, especially if you’re willing to take some notes from experts who have successfully navigated the path. For example, entrepreneur Russell Brunson started his first online company while he was in college.

Today, he is the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a successful software company that helps entrepreneurs get their message out to the marketplace quickly and efficiently. Brunson is also the author of a series of books, including “Traffic Secrets,” which is filled with tips for using classic and foundational direct marketing techniques to help future customers discover an entrepreneur’s product or service and drive demand.

Learn the art of successful business marketing with Brunson’s advice, adapted from “Traffic Secrets,” the third installment in his bestselling trilogy.

Work behind the scenes to connect with your target audience. With a little research, you can identify the places your target customers tend to congregate.

Places like Facebook groups, YouTube channels, podcasts, blogs and other platforms serve as trusted sources of information, and these are the places where they’re more apt to listen to what you have to say. Make a list of 100 of these hangouts and reach out to the people behind the scenes.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

!"#$%&"'(")*+,-".*$/+0"(1"2(0+$3"4-5+$ These strategies from “Traffic Secrets” can help drive traffic using these major platforms: Google: Search the keyword you’d like to rank for. Scan results, looking for sites that have ads, banners, affiliate links to products or subscription boxes. Contact the owners of those pages and ask about advertising options to buy your way in and build your list.

YouTube: Create a 15-second intro with a catchy hook followed by a short 4-second branded message then tell your viewer why he or she should listen. Create a connection with personal commentary and share valuable content for the next 7-12 minutes. Close with a call to action.

Facebook: Think of your cover photo as your billboard and the intro section as your business card where you can place links to funnels. When posting, share stories that can open conversations, and remember to engage readers in the comments.

Instagram: Decide whether you want to inspire, educate or entertain then create a caption. Three effective options: tell a story, ask a question or make a list.

Podcasting: In addition to working the podcast circuit and delivering a call to action at the end of each show, you can leverage influencers in other ways. Buy ads on their podcasts and arrange guest appearances that let you ask their listeners to check out your own podcast.

Creating a Budget Track Spending

Listen, learn, pitch collaborative opportunities and pay for ads if that’s what it takes to get in front of your audience.

Don’t just post on social media; understand it. Social media is a powerful tool for marketers and entrepreneurs. Depending on your business, you may be able to leverage both your personal profile and a business account to connect with your audience. Another key is customizing your strategy for each platform. Know which channels your target audience members use and focus your energy there. Understand the platform’s algorithm and post content it wants to share with its users.

Pay for email ads. A wide variety of online news sites, newsletters, online communities and influencers have large email lists. Approach those with audiences that would be interested in your product or service and request an email endorsement. Having third-party endorsers announce your offer to their email lists lets you go around the competition to talk directly to your target audience.

“If you are selling anything online, or trying to generate leads online, no matter what industry you’re in, these 20 traffic secrets can help attract more eyeballs,” Brunson said. “I’d like to help you fill your website and funnels with your dream customers, so I’m going to give you my new book for free.

Just visit grabtrafficsecrets.com.”

and going out of your bank account each month can help you make better spending decisions. A budget doesn’t have to be complicated; it can be as simple as a spreadsheet that lists your monthly income and expenses. Be sure to consider long-term debt, like student loans, and treat your savings account as a payee you owe each month.

There’s more to managing your money than paying your Track your spending. In a similar vein, it’s a good idea bills and successfully avoiding overdraft charges to see where your non-bill-related spending goes. For (although those are definitely steps in the right example, you may stop by the grocery store more direction). Effectively managing your money takes time Type to enter text frequently than you realize, and each of those trips is and planning, but the payoff may be a stronger financial likely going to cost you more than if you limited it to future. just once or twice a week. Many banks and credit institutions offer charts and graphs that break down your Create a budget. Some people avoid making a monthly spending so you can see exactly where your money is budget because they think they don’t need one. going and use that information to make adjustments.

However, having a clear idea of the money coming in

Invite the Outdoors In children are mitigated by views of and interactions with nature in a host of different ways. Worker productivity, how people feel about espite the comfort and convenience it affords, modern

by Vikki the work they do and the level of engagement, improves with a view society is contributing to a vanishing relationship withJones the of nature.” natural environment. However, there are plenty of ways

by Vikki Jones Despite ample research demonstrating the benefits, the study to bring nature indoors to reap the benefits of an earthy revealed a common theme, with 85% of participants believing they connection inside your home. spent more time in nature as children than children do today. That’s According to a survey commissioned by the Velux Group, a gap is growing between the time Americans spend outdoors and the time a trend that translates into adult habits, too.

“With work and family responsibilities, we can’t always they’d like to spend in nature. fit spending time outside into our busy schedules, effectively In the United States, 63% of survey participants said they average making us the indoor generation,” said Peter Foldbjerg, head one hour or less a week in nature, but 88% agreed they would like of Daylight, Energy and Indoor Climate for The Velux Group. to spend more time. In addition, the majority of respondents said “One thing we can do is improve how our homes connect to they believe nature, daylight and fresh air have a positive impact nature: From houseplants and nature-inspired art to skylights on stress levels, and most also agreed those factors have a positive and screened porches, there are a wide variety of options for impact on mental well-being. creating nature connections in the place we spend most of our “Exposure to nature such as trees, plants and views of open spaces has been found to improve the cognitive ability to focus time – our homes.” and read social cues,” said Arie Greenleaf, associate professor Learn how to bring more nature into your home with these of counseling at Seattle University. “Even ADHD symptoms in decorating and design ideas:

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FAMILY FEATURES

Houseplants Living plants not only add a touch of the outdoors, but they also help clean the air inside your home. In smaller spaces, even a few pots of herbs can add a refreshing touch of nature. If flat surfaces and floor space are at a premium, get creative with your wall space and incorporate shelving and wall-mounted planters.

Sunshine and fresh air Whether it’s from windows or skylights, bringing natural light and fresh air inside can keep your space fresh and inviting.

There are scientifically proven correlations between natural light exposure and mood, as well as your body’s ability to maintain its circadian rhythm. Refreshing the air in your home can help eliminate volatile organic compounds, pet dander and microparticles from cooking and cleaning.

If your home is lacking in natural light, a skylight may be easier to add than a window, and skylights bring in twice as much light as vertical windows; their angle allows more of the sun’s rays to reach farther into the room. Some skylights, including many offered by Velux, also offer venting options that can contribute to cleaner air.

Nature-inspired art Studies have shown that simply viewing photos or paintings of nature scenes has mental and physical benefits. You can also use decorative mirrors to reflect natural light and make a space feel larger and brighter.

Botanically inspired patterns Look to pillows, area rugs and wallpaper to incorporate patterns inspired by flowers, foliage or landscapes outside. These decorative elements can boost your spirits and create a welcoming environment indoors by reflecting the outdoor world.

Natural materials Sisal rugs and baskets, wood planking and stone countertops or side tables can add texture and a touch of the natural world to your interiors. These materials let you incorporate nature into your design aesthetic with natural textures that not only look stylish but feel great, too.

Find more ideas for integrating the outdoors into your home design at whyskylights.com/outside-in.

Connect with Nature at Work If you work outside your home, at least a third of your day may have you stuck inside an office. Make your work environment more appealing with these ideas that let you embrace nature even while you’re on the clock. n

Incorporate natural life with a desk plant. You may feel more refreshed by that touch of green, and it helps clean the air around you, too.

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Find the sunlight. Today’s offices actively promote free-range working, so find a sofa near a window and get your best work done there. Or spend a few hours working outside each day. If your office design is behind the times, take a daily walk outside during your lunch break.

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Surround yourself with natural materials. Transform your desk-scape with a bamboo monitor stand, stone smartphone holder or woven seagrass inbox.

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Trick the senses with natural soundscapes. Earbuds are a must in today’s open-plan offices. Instead of playing music, escape with nature-inspired tunes like rain, wind in the trees or forest birds.

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Select art influenced by Mother Nature. Decorate with nature-inspired art, whether it’s photos of landscapes or a sunflower print.

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Photos courtesy of Getty Images

At Home Learning Photos courtesy of Getty Images

FAMILY FEATURES

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ith the majority of schools across the country closed, many parents are feeling the stress of taking more active roles in their children's education. As time away from the classroom extends into summer, parents also face the challenge of helping their children maintain what they've learned through a summer of uncertainty.

This year's shift to at-home learning has provided plenty of resources parents can use to keep their children's minds engaged and actively learning. The shift has also prompted families to create new routines and healthy learning habits. Continuing these best practices over the summer may prove beneficial in setting students up for success when they return to the classroom.

Set a clear daily schedule with realistic goals and be sure to allow flexibility. A child's attention span grows longer with age – typically 2-3 minutes per year of age – so the amount of time an elementary FAMILY FEATURES school student will focus on a task may be significantly ith shorter than a high school student. the majority of schools across the parents are to feeling n Build in country time forclosed, kids to many play. According the the stress of taking activehealthy roles in journal, "Pediatrics," playingmore promotes their children's education.

As time away brain development and boosts academic skills. from Play the classroom into summer, time also extends helps children manageparents stress –also face the challenge of helpingand theirfun children making it an important way formaintain parents to what support they've learned through summer of uncertainty. kids coping withastress or anxiety.

This year's shift to at-home learning has provided n Create a conducive learning environment at plenty of resources parents can use to keep their children's If possible, set learning. up a designated desk mindshome. engaged and actively The shift has and also distraction-free workspace childrenand canhealthy use for prompted families to create new routines everything from completing school assignments learning habits. Continuing these best practices over the to playing educational summer may prove beneficialgames. in setting students up for success when they to the they classroom.

While routines arereturn important, may not be the only key to summer learning success. Research from n Set a clear daily schedule with realistic goals and

Harvard indicates parents who engage with their children in simple activities over the summer – like reading together or talking about baseball statistics – can have a greater impact on their children’s academic performance than popular summer activities, such as summer camps, travel or summer school.

Since education can happen anywhere as part of everyday life, there are many activities families can do together to create a sense of summertime fun while fostering academic growth. n

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be sure to allow flexibility. A child's attention span grows longer with age – typically 2-3 minutes per year of age – so the amount of time an elementary school student will focus on a task may be significantly shorter than a high school student.

Spend some time cooking or baking together.

Use these experiences as opportunities to practice reading recipes or practice math by measuring and adding ingredients.

Work with other parents or family members to find summer pen pals. Have kids write letters back and forth to practice reading and writing skills.

Extend story time with read-and-do activities that lay the groundwork for developing engaged Harvard indicates parents who engageHut with their readers.

For example, the Pizza BOOK children simple offers activities theactivities summer at – like IT! in Program free over online reading together or talking about baseball statistics – bookitprogram.com children and parents can do can have a greater impact on their children’s academic together, such as drawing, letter recognition or performance than popular summer activities, such as sight-word bingo. summer camps, travel or summer school. n Explore science natureanywhere by takingasa part walk.

Since education canand happen of everyday life,identify there aredifferent many activities can Try and types of families clouds, trees, do together create sense of Take summertime while plants, to rocks anda animals. picturesfun of any fostering academic growth. you find interesting.

Then look up additional information when you return home to practice n Spend some time cooking or baking together. research skills.

Use these experiences as opportunities to practice recipes math by measuring n reading Watch the newsororpractice read about current events and adding ingredients. together.

This can provide practical lessons on social studies and help kids raise questions about n Work with other parents or family members to find the worldpen around them. kids write letters back and summer pals. Have forth to practice reading and writing skills. n

Extend story time with read-and-do activities that lay the groundwork for developing engaged readers. For example, the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program offers free online activities at bookitprogram.com children and parents can do n Build in time for kids to play. According to the While on summerplaying break, kids commonly lose some of the learning momentum from therecognition previous or together, such as drawing, letter journal, "Pediatrics," promotes healthy year. It'sand a phenomenon casually referred to as the "summerbingo. slide." sight-word brainschool development boosts academic skills.

A report fromchildren the Northwest found students in third-fifth grades Play time also helps manageEvaluation stress – Association n Explore science and nature by taking a walk. lost itabout 20% of their school-year gains in making an important and fun way for parents to reading and 27% in math, on average, during Try and identify different types of clouds, trees, summer support kids break. coping with stress or anxiety. plants,could rocksbeand animals.

Take After such an abrupt end to formal curriculum, the slide a little steeper forpictures kids in of any n Create conducive learning environment at youdifferent find interesting. look additional the afall.

However, summer plans for families likely look this year.Then More freeuptime information when you return home to practice home.

If possible, set up a designated desk and may make it easier to build in time for educational activities, which can also offer an escape research skills. distraction-free workspacetime. children can use for during this uncertain everything from completing school assignments Watch the for news read aboutofcurrent Allow for reading games. aloud. According to the NationalnAssociation theorEducation Youngevents to playing educational together.

This cansuccess provideaspractical Children, reading aloud is the single most important activity for reading it helps lessons build on While routines are important, they may not be thechild to play teacher social and studies helpbooks, kids raise questions about word-sound awareness.

Encourage your readand aloud magazines, only key or to comics summertolearning success. Research fromstuffed animals. the world around them. family members, pets or even n

Begin a book club. Read the same books as your children then discuss what you all read over a shared snack or gathered around the dinner table. Joining in shows the importance of prioritizing reading during the summer.

Check into services offered by libraries. If possible, make use of local libraries, many of which offer free online resources and have extended due dates. Inquire about online services offered in your area and how your family can participate in programs taking place over the summer.

While on summer break, kids commonly lose some of the learning momentum from the previous school year. It's a phenomenon casually referred to as the "summer slide."

A report from the Northwest Evaluation Association found students in third-fifth grades lost about 20% of their school-year gains in reading and 27% in math, on average, during summer break.

From educators helping their students to organizations lending support in trying times, dozens if not hundreds of online resources have emerged to help parents navigate teaching at home.

Internet Access: While many at-home learning resources can be found online, some families lack access to reliable and affordable internet connections. For information on free or low-cost home internet access, as well as other resources for teachers and families, visit firstbook.org/coronavirus-educator-resources.

Online field trips: While school and family outings are limited, it's still possible to explore the world from the comfort of home. Zoos, museums and other places of interest are sharing everything from educational videos and live webcams to guided tours on their websites and social media.

Reading programs: Literacy is the foundation for all learning, so focusing on activities that promote reading gives children a chance to practice that essential skill, often in ways that don't feel like learning. One resource is The Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program, the nation's largest and longest-running corporate-supported reading program. Parents can visit bookitprogram.com to find a number of activities designed to help children find joy in reading. Resources include book recommendations, activity and book pairings, video messages from best-selling authors Tom Angleberger and Kate DiCamillo and printable worksheets, story maps and more.

Educational websites: Many academic websites have opened their subscription-based content for free or reduced access.

You can find interactive programs, plans and more.

From educators helping their students to videos, organizations lending supportlesson in trying times, dozens Before creating of an online account, check ifhave youremerged school has secured free navigate or discounted access codes. if not hundreds resources to help parents teaching at home.

New skills: From learning the basics of keyboard to trying a new instrument or Internet Access: While many at-home learning typing resources can be found online, some mastering a new language, there are dedicated to helping students For develop new skills families lack access to reliable andsites affordable internet connections. information on while at home. free orthey're low-cost home internet access, as well as other resources for teachers and families, visit firstbook.org/coronavirus-educator-resources.

Online field trips: While school and family outings are limited, it's still possible to explore the world from the comfort of home. Zoos, museums and other places of interest are sharing everything from educational videos and live webcams to guided tours on their websites and social media.

Reading programs: Literacy is the foundation for all learning, so focusing on activities that promote reading gives children a chance to practice that essential skill, often in ways that don't feel like learning. One resource is The Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program, the nation's largest and longest-running corporate-supported reading program. Parents can visit bookitprogram.com to find a number of activities designed to help children find joy in reading. Resources include book recommendations, activity and book pairings, video messages from best-selling authors Tom Angleberger and Kate DiCamillo and printable worksheets, story maps and more.

Educational websites: Many academic websites have opened their subscription-based content for free or reduced access. You can find videos, interactive programs, lesson plans and more.

Before creating an account, check if your school has secured free or discounted access codes.

New skills: From learning the basics of keyboard typing to trying a new instrument or mastering a new language, there are sites dedicated to helping students develop new skills while they're at home.

CHRIS J.: Now, one last question before we go, do black lives really matter beyond the hashtag?

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ED GORDON: Well, again, you know, de nition. I mean, it's foolish to think that black lives are as valued as white lives in America. We haven’t yet reached that level of equality, as some might suggest. We've got to confront these things. We've got to determine what the message of Black Lives Matter is. You know, there's the entity of the protest group that arose and the hashtag that has become synonymous with ghting police brutality and the like. But there's so much more to the idea of black lives mattering. You can put steelwork on a T-shirt but not vote. And then you have to ask yourself, what does this mean to me? You can argue that your vote doesn't count, but it damn sure won't count if you don't vote and do nothing. So I tell people at the end of the day, that if you're not sure whether it counts or not, it's no harm, no foul if you vote, and if you're wrong and it does count, then you've helped out! And I tell people more speci cally that too often we think that voting on Election Day is the last thing you should do. But really Election Day should be the rst thing you do and then you should be engaged after the election, particularly if your candidate wins.

The work just doesn’t stop there.

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(cont. from pg. 18) through because he would have lost the seats in the House and the Senate that they did. And once that turned over, it really made it very di cult for him to do anything. So that again reiterates the importance of voting. And we have to understand that if you make one hundred thousand dollars, two hundred thousand dollars, half a million dollars, or three million dollars and you're black, your concerns are probably di erent than, you know, a brother or sister who's surviving on twenty- ve to thirty thousand dollars. So we don't all look for the same things when we talk about the singular black vote of black people in general. But what I do know is it doesn't matter how much money you make or where you live; if you've got poor policing in your area or where you travel, that a ects all of us. So we all better be vigilant. Just go round.

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