Posts tagged with "rita azar"

CFP Championship’s High Viewership

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The 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship was one for the record books, as Georgia secured its first national title since 1980. The viewership of ESPN’s MegaCast presentation reflected the excitement surrounding the Alabama-Georgia showdown, with 22.6 million viewers tuning in across ESPN networks.

The Dawgs‘ thrilling 33-18 victory over the SEC Champion Crimson Tide was up 19 percent from last year’s national championship contest between Alabama and Ohio State. The matchup peaked with 25.4 million viewers.

The Circle City Showdown is the top event on cable since the 2020 LSU/Clemson national championship game and the most-viewed non-NFL sporting event during that span on any network. In fact, the top five non-NFL sports events during that time have been CFP Semifinal and Championship games.

The main ESPN telecast of Monday night’s showcase is the second-most-viewed non-NFL telecast (sports or non-sports) on a single network since February 2020. ESPN’s presentation of the action from Indianapolis is the most-watched TWDC telecast since the 2021 NFL Wild Card Game.

The share of TV viewers tuned in to this year’s CFP National Championship on ESPN networks was the best on record in the CFP era. 29 percent of people and 38 percent of adults 18-49 watching television Monday night were tuned in to the CFP National Championship.

Streaming Creates MegaCast Magic

Across all ESPN3/ESPN App exclusive feeds, streaming minutes were up 33 percent over 2020. Outside of the linear telecasts, Alabama’s Hometown Radio MegaCast was the most-streamed feed for both uniques and minutes. The Alabama and Georgia Hometown Radio MegaCast viewing options saw substantial year-over-year gains across AMA (up 75 percent), uniques (up 30 percent), minutes (up 85 percent), starts (up 20 percent), and minutes/viewer (up 35 percent).

Putting A Bow on Bowl Season

Bowl Season delivered in the 2021-22 season, with 29 of 31 non-NY6 bowls this season surpassing one million viewers. Eighteen bowls drew more than two million viewers and nine topped three million. The 31 non-NY6 bowl games registered 2.6 million viewers across ESPN networks, up 12 percent year-over-year. On ESPN, bowl games recorded 2.5 million viewers per game, up 24 percent from 2020 and slightly up from 2019. Of the 27 bowls with a viewership comparison to 2019, 10 had their best audience since at least 2017 and seven had their best since at least 2015.

Across the regular season and postseason, ESPN networks delivered the four most-viewed games of the 2021-22 season (CFP National Championship, both CFP Semifinals, and The Rose Bowl Game) and 59 of the top 100 games overall. ESPN networks were responsible for 62 percent of live game college football minutes viewed this season across all nationally measured linear networks.

Realestate image by Rita Azar for 360 magazine

What to Know If You’re a First-Time Homebuyer in Toronto

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Many first-time homebuyers aren’t sure about what they want.  They have a vague idea of a two or three-bedroom home and a budget but aren’t 100% sold on a specific style or look.  Toronto is a city that doesn’t wait for anyone, so it’s important that you know what you’re getting into before you start house hunting.

These are the best tips to learn before you start looking at Toronto homes!

The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive

Buying a home is a huge investment to make.  Because of this, many are worried about the prices or aren’t sure if they can make the down payment.  Thankfully Canada has a first-time homebuyer program that can help you out!

If you’re in Toronto and currently make less than $150,000 a year, this incentive may provide you with a 5-10% down payment to help you get across that first hurdle.  It’s important to take advantage of any help you can get: so talk to your real estate agent about this.

The Market in Toronto is Hot

Much like most of Canada within the last year, the market in Toronto is hot.  Home prices have skyrocketed, and houses have stayed on the market for less than two weeks.  The average had been 20 days as of 2019, but many have been more motivated to buy than ever before.

You must know what you’re looking for, pay attention to every property thoroughly, and make an informed decision quickly.  Don’t say yes to a house just because it’s available; make a smart choice.

Don’t Focus Only on the House Itself

The home isn’t the only thing you’re buying into when you purchase real estate in Toronto.  When home shopping, pay attention to the neighborhood and look at the local schools and entertainment.  Toronto has endless communities in it, so seek out an area that feels comfortable and like home to you.

If you’re planning on starting a family, look for homes near schools and public parks where you’ll get to take your future children.  Vancouver is the most diverse city on Earth, don’t hold yourself back from experiencing some of that in the area you live in!

Consider How the Price Has Changed

All home prices have skyrocketed, of course, but you must consider the home’s price past.  Look for any sudden dips or changes in the cost of the house and pay attention to what may have caused these.

If a home has experienced water damage or fire damage, this can impact the price, and if they repair it, a seller may resist disclosing it.  Get to know the properties and their history so you can see if you’re purchasing a property that comes with any risks.

Toronto is an Awesome Place to Buy if You’re Ready

Although there are plenty of fantastic cities in Canada for industry or art, Toronto is the best of both worlds.  This city has some of the best industries at its fingertips and offers neighborhoods and homes that could suit anyone’s tastes: don’t be afraid to make this move!

Gaming illustration by Rita Azar for 360 Magazine

Fifteen Health Tips for Gamers

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Gaming is a fun pastime, but it’ll only stay fun if you keep yourself healthy enough to enjoy it for years to come. Nourish your body properly and give it time away from screens to relax and repair. If you start taking excellent care of yourself, you may notice that your mood and energy levels improve, too

Gaming has become one of the most popular pastimes in the last few decades. The world contains around 3.24 billion self-proclaimed gamers, all people who take comfort in fictional worlds or pave their paths through a story. With gaming being so interactive and engaging, it can be hard to pull yourself away or take care of yourself as you need to. Try out these tips to keep yourself healthy through your long gaming sessions and beyond.

1. Take Breaks

When you’re gaming for multiple hours in a row, your body is bound to feel it. When you start to feel like you’re getting stiff or can’t remember the last time you stood up, take a break. Use your break time to stay away from technology, as tempting as it may be to check your phone. This practice gives your eyes a rest from straining against technology, and you can take the time you need for a bathroom break or rehydrate yourself.

2. Sit Up Straight

Gaming doesn’t always mean you have the best posture. You should watch your posture, especially when in front of electronic devices. When you angle your head the wrong way for hours at a time, you apply more pressure to your neck than necessary, rivaling the weight of a child. If you’re gaming on a couch, try to adjust your posture and sit up straight. If you play from a chair, make sure the one you’re using supports your body well.

3. Hydrate Adequately

Many gamers turn to energy drinks and other liquids laden with sugar to keep their energy levels high while gaming. While these drinks can give you a boost, they aren’t the greatest for your body and don’t give you much nourishment. Opt for water instead — you can always mix in flavor powder if you don’t like the taste of plain water.

Lots of people try to follow the eight cups of water a day rule, but how much water you need depends on several factors like your height, weight and activity level. If you’re concerned, talk to your doctor about the water requirements your body needs.

4. Take Care of Your Teeth

Your teeth are one of the most important parts of your body. If you don’t care for your oral hygiene, you might get toothaches or other preventable issues that could affect your body as a whole. Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, but it can also affect the rest of your body by keeping you at risk for other diseases. You should aim to brush at least twice a day, and brush thoroughly, not just the spots you can see.

5. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is your body’s time to relax. It’s best not to use any technology for a while before your bedtime so that you can transition easily into sleep. Set a “winding down” period where you can ensure that you unplug from your gaming setup and start preparing for bed.

You’ll want to aim for around seven or eight hours a night if you’re an adult and more than that if you’re a teenager. Getting enough sleep ensures that your body will function properly in the days ahead.

6. Snack on Wholesome Foods

Instead of snacking on processed foods while playing games, consider swapping them out with healthier options. Opt for an apple instead of potato chips if you’re searching for something with a crunch factor. You can even make chips by baking kale. Find a sugar-free substitute for your favorite candy — or if you need a dose of sugar, consider eating some naturally sweet fruit instead.

7. Eat a Balanced Diet

Even if you don’t change your snacking habits, you should consider eating balanced meals to offset the processed foods. Healthy foods can make you feel stronger and give you the proper energy you need for long gaming sessions.

To best safeguard your health, focus on eating lean meats and other proteins, fruits and vegetables. Since you aren’t very active while you’re gaming, you don’t need a ton of carbohydrates, but you shouldn’t cut them from your diet entirely. A balanced diet consists of all food groups in moderation, with healthier foods being more plentiful.

8. Find an Active Game

Gaming can take up a lot of time, so if you’re dedicated to getting in a few hours of games every night, you may not find yourself as active as you want. Consider picking up a game that requires you to be involved, such as “Just Dance,” which can get your whole body moving.

You also have the option to go for “Ring Fit Adventure,” a popular Nintendo Switch game that lets you progress through a fantasy world by keeping you active. Active games will help you feel good about yourself while also giving you the pride of accomplishing something.

9. Wear Blue Light Protection

Staring at a screen for hours on end can mess with your eyes and impair your vision. Consider focusing on something far away for around 20 seconds after every 20 minutes of gameplay. By following this 20-20-20 method, you can safeguard your eyes against some damage.

Another option is to wear blue light protection. Some special glasses, with or without prescription, can limit the amount of blue light rays that your eyes take in. If you’re planning to sit down for a more extended gaming session than usual, consider putting on a pair of these glasses to protect your eyes.

10. Improve Your Social Life

When you spend hours gaming, you’re away from your phone or other people who may want to talk to you. Instead of gaming alone, try to pull your loved ones into your favorite game with you. Whether you play co-op or competitive, you’ll have a fun time socializing with friends and family while introducing them to your interests.

Having a thriving social life could be linked to being healthier. When you have a great support system, you can feel more confident and more likely to accomplish your goals. Gaming with your loved ones might be an excellent stress relief.

11. Remember to Stretch

Reduce stiffness in your joints by stretching now and then. When you work at a desk, you’re supposed to take short breaks every hour or so. Why should it be any different when gaming? Giving yourself a break means allowing time for stretching.

Research some stretches for your hands and push in the direction you aren’t using them. For example, if you find your thumbs stiff from clamping down on the controller too long, you may choose to bend your thumbs back or rotate them to alleviate some of the soreness.

12. Stand Up

When you’re sitting for a long time, you open yourself to risks you may not have been aware of. Sedentary lifestyles can lead to more blood clots in your legs, leading to more complications or even death.

Make time to move during your gaming sessions, and stand up if you can. While it may be challenging to stand up and game with PC setups, you can easily stand up when playing on a console. Move around and pace a bit to get the blood flowing, especially if you’ve been sitting for a long time.

13. Care for Your Mental Health

Even your favorite game can take a toll on your mental health. If you find yourself becoming overly sensitive to the events that happen while you’re gaming — whether it’s the topics in the content or the frustration of PvP matches — it might be time to step away for a bit. Do something else to refresh your mind so you can come back to your game with a renewed mood.

14. Rest Your Eyes

If your eyes start to hurt while gaming, it should be time to take a break and rest them. Allow your eye muscles to relax by pausing your game and leaning back. Close your eyes and just rest for a few minutes, allowing your eyes to relax from any straining they had been doing. After a few minutes of letting your eyes rest, you can get right back to gaming while feeling fresh.

15. Start Today

The best thing you can do for your health is to start now. When you’ve already done the damage, making adjustments later on won’t help you prevent the adverse outcomes you could potentially face. You can choose to make changes one step at a time. Each step forward is a move toward a better and brighter future.

Get Your Head in the Game

Gaming is a fun pastime, but it’ll only stay fun if you keep yourself healthy enough to enjoy it for years to come. Nourish your body properly and give it time away from screens to relax and repair. If you start taking excellent care of yourself, you may notice that your mood and energy levels improve, too.

Alex Bogdan image for use by 360 Magazine

CFDA Fashion Awards

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Squid Game Star, Hoyeon Jung, Karrueche Tran And Stars Drink Clean Inside the 2021 CFDA Fashion Awards In New York 

Leading independent, award-winning No/Low spirits brand CleanCo was the drink of choice for celebrity and style attendees inside the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) awards this evening; with some of the biggest names in fashion choosing to imbibe Clean during the exclusive event.

Squid Game star and model, Ho-Yeon Jung and Mary-Kate Olsen were among the many high-profile stars choosing Clean over full-strength alcoholic serves, as the health and wellbeing trend gains momentum. This year marks a major shift for the event, as it the first time the prestigious fashion awards have chosen to include a full-service Clean bar at the event in The Pool + The Grill, New York City, also formally The Four Seasons Restaurant.

Clean cocktails were designed specifically for guests, including the Clean CFDA Martini; a recipe born from a collaboration with Tom Ford and CleanCo mixologists. The reimagined formula is inspired by a classic Dry Martini, combined into an elegant non-alcoholic cocktail made from Clean G, vermouth replacement, Clean T, honey and quintessentially British tea, Earl Grey. Guests including Latoia Fitzgerald and Karrueche Tran, also sipped on tailor-made creations including a Clean 75 (a take on the iconic ‘French 75’), as well as simple serves including a Clean G&T and Clean Paloma.

CleanCo, which has just launched in the US, is for those who want to drink Clean or lighten their serves with full-strength and no-alcohol combinations without compromising on flavor. The awards saw a talented array of icons and honorees join America’s biggest fundraiser for CFDA Scholarship programs.

The annual CFDA Fashion Awards celebrate and uphold excellence in design, nurture innovation, and foster connection across a diverse community. This year the CFDA’s membership featured more than 450 of America’s very best womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessories designers.

Additionally, this fall, the CFDA welcomed CleanCo as an Official Partner for 2021 to their renowned fashion celebration.

Twelve Tips for Stress-Free Wedding Planning

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The romance of getting engaged and celebrating with the people you love might get overshadowed by the process of wedding planning. Brides have to wrangle endless details and numerous vendors to pull off their big day, but you don’t have to have a frustrating experience. These are 12 of the best tips for stress-free wedding planning that you can start using the day after your proposal.

1. Gather a Team of Helpers

No one should have to start planning their wedding alone. Ask your closest friends and family members if they’re willing to help. While you’re taking calls from vendors and attending appointments, they can keep an eye out for decor craft ideas or store your supplies. Any help goes a long way in relieving stress.

2. Talk With Your Fiance

Your fiance should be part of the process from start to finish. Sit down with them to discuss what their wedding dreams look like or what’s most important for their experience. Combining your ideas is a fun way to personalize your big day and share the responsibilities.

3. Tour Wedding Venues Early

People book their wedding venue more than a year in advance, but you might not have that much time. Start touring wedding venues early so you don’t get anxious about securing your date. During each visit, consider elements like the location and parking so it’s easy for guests to find. You’ll know you’ve found the best place when it’s ideal for everyone involved.

4. Visit an Aesthetic Clinic

Part of your wedding planning stress might come from the pressure to look perfect in your bridal photos. Although you can book an incredible makeup artist and hairstylist, you should consider revamping your skin care routine now. Give yourself time to find the best solutions for your concerns by visiting an aesthetic clinic. Sitting down with a professional and discussing your skin care goals will make you feel and look better long before your walk down the aisle.

5. Create a Dress Board

There are so many details to think about when it comes to your wedding dress. You have to compare styles, fabrics, colors and fits. Streamline the process by creating a dress board with tons of pictures. You’ll spot trends in your preferences before ever stepping into a shop or trunk show.

6. Consult With Planners

Wedding planners exist to ease your nerves. They’ve been through the experience many times before and know how to handle anything that goes wrong. They even have industry connections with local vendors that could result in special discounts.

Meet with a few professional planners who have great reviews. If you ask about their included services, experience and how they can help with your specific plans, you can cut your stress and hand it permanently off to a planner.

7. Research Potential Officiants

Many brides pick their officiant based on who leads their religious services. It’s an excellent arrangement for people who have been long-standing members of a congregation, but it’s not a helpful tradition for everyone else.

Researching potential officiants right after your engagement is one of the best tips for stress-free wedding planning. You’ll have plenty of time to look at their websites and meet with them in person. Once you get a feel for their personality and what kind of ceremonies they’ve led in the past, you and your fiance will feel comfortable booking the right officiant for your wedding.

8. Schedule a Photo Shoot

Your photographer is one of the most critical parts of your wedding. They’ll capture the pictures you’ll treasure forever, so they have to be great. Schedule an engagement photo shoot or couples’ session to get a feel for a photographer’s skills. They’ll deliver a gallery that exemplifies their work so you don’t have to worry about picking someone who snaps terrible photos.

It’s also crucial to see if the photographer clicks with you and your fiance. They’ll see you during your most emotional and memorable moments. If they make you feel awkward or clash with your personality, your big day will be frustrating. Go with your gut and book a photographer who gets along with you and has a history of delivering fantastic pictures.

9. Consider a Mini-Moon

Even with all your best efforts, stress may creep up on you. If that happens, talk with your fiance about going on a mini-moon. They’re the latest wedding trend to defeat anxiety and stress through travel. It’s an excellent way to pick a romantic destination and try it out before booking your big honeymoon plans. Get away for a weekend, and you’ll travel back home with fresh ideas and renewed energy.

10. Pick Your Favorite Foods

Attending numerous catering events to sample dishes can feel exhausting. If the thought of fitting them into your busy schedule stresses you out, go with what you already love. Pick places that serve meals you enjoy so you don’t have to worry about taste-testing them. You can even contact your favorite restaurants to see if they’ll cater your wedding.

Restaurants don’t always advertise their catering abilities on their websites, but that doesn’t mean they won’t consider it. With enough time to plan for the event and a suitable deposit, your favorite restaurant could make an exception for your special day.

11. Cancel Anything Stressful

There are so many things for brides to attend while planning their weddings. You might also face some pressure to coordinate a bridal shower, wedding shower and bachelorette party. If the events fill you with dread, cancel them. Your wedding is all about what makes you happy, not about what pleases other people.

If your family members or friends really want those events to happen, they can take charge of the planning. Ask that they handle everything so you don’t have more on your plate. They’ll likely understand what you’re dealing with and make it all happen as a gift to you.

12. Choose Your Favorite Traditions

Wedding traditions are seemingly endless. They’re also sometimes a surprise. Your loved ones may have looked forward to things you aren’t even aware of, which puts pressure on you to include them. Feel free to cut them if they aren’t something you would enjoy or don’t naturally fit into your plans.

Traditions are only worth your time if they mean something to you. Bending over backward for another person’s expectations will make your wedding feel like something you have to deal with rather than something you can look forward to. Talk about your preferred traditions with your fiance to prioritize what matters for both of you.

Start Your Stress-Free Wedding Planning

Coordinating a big event isn’t easy, but there are a few ways to streamline your efforts. Use these tips for stress-free wedding planning to maintain those exciting butterflies in your stomach while counting down the days until your ceremony.

Rita Azar Illustrates a Football Article for 360 MAGAZINE

ESPN College Football Schedule

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Crucial Conference Clashes Take Center Stage on ESPN Networks, 15 Ranked Teams and Nearly 50 Games Highlight ESPN’s Week 11 College Football Schedule

Big Ten tussles between No. 7 Michigan and Penn State, Purdue and No. 5 Ohio State – both on ABC

SEC West on the line in primetime on ESPN, featuring No. 14 Texas A&M at No. 16 Ole Miss

Additional key matchups: No. 17 Mississippi State at No. 13 Auburn, No. 19 NC State at No. 9 Wake Forest, No. 10 Notre Dame at Virginia, Northwestern at No. 21 Wisconsin

Week 11 of the 2021 college football season features 15 of the CFP Top 25 – including three matchups with ranked teams on both sides of the ball – in action on ESPN networks. In total, nearly 50 games are slated for ESPN platforms, with every game available on the ESPN App.

ESPN’s Saturday primetime game features a big SEC West battle, as No. 14 Texas A&M takes on No. 16 Ole Miss in Oxford. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN Radio, with Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Holly Rowe on TV, and Marc Kestecher and Ben Hartsock announcing the action on ESPN Radio. The Aggies-Rebels showdown will be supplemented by the AT&T 5G SkyCast and the Great Clips Command Center on ESPN3 and the ESPN App. The game will be amplified by ESPN’s College GameDay Built by The Home Depot from The Grove on Saturday morning (9am – noon, ESPN & ESPNU).

A trio of top-10 teams are set for the spotlight on ABC in Week 11. A B1G Saturday kicks off ABC afternoon action, with a quartet of Big Ten teams scheduled for conference contests. Penn State hosts No. 7 Michigan at noon, with Sean McDonough, Dan Orlovsky and Molly McGrath on the call. At 3:30 p.m., Purdue looks to knock off fifth-ranked Ohio State, with Joe Tessitore, Greg McElroy and Katie George commentating from Columbus.

ABC’s Saturday Night Football Presented by Capital One features No. 10 Notre Dame on the road against Virginia. The primetime presentation is set for 7:30 p.m. on ABC and ESPN Radio, with Dave Pasch, Dusty Dvoracek and Tom Luginbill on ABC and Sean Kelley, Barrett Jones and Ian Fitzsimmons on the ESPN Radio call from Charlottesville.

In addition to the seventh-ranked Wolverines, several ranked squads are slated for noon kickoffs on Saturday. On ESPN, another SEC West showdown is set between No. 17 Mississippi State and No. 13 Auburn. Bob Wischusen, Jordan Rodgers and Kris Budden are announcing the action from The Plains. On ESPN2, No. 21 Wisconsin hosts Big Ten foe Northwestern featuring Clay Matvick, Rocky Boiman and Tiffany Blackmon on the mic. On SEC Network, second-ranked Alabama welcomes New Mexico State to T-Town, with Taylor Zarzour, Matt Stinchcomb and Alyssa Lang calling the Aggies-Crimson Tide contest.

In primetime on ESPN2, No. 18 Kentucky visits Vanderbilt Stadium to face the Dores at 7pm, with Anish Shroff, Mike Golic Jr. and Taylor McGregor on the call. ACC Network is home to the third ranked vs. ranked matchup of the day on ESPN networks, as No. 9 Wake Forest plays host to in-state ACC rival NC State. The 19th-ranked Wolfpack are set to take on the Demon Deacons at 7:30pm, with Dave O’Brien, Tim Hasselbeck and Kelsey Riggs announcing the ACC action.

ESPN’s robust schedule of ranked games kicks off Thursday with No. 25 Pittsburgh hosting North Carolina. Matt Barrie, Roddy Jones and Katie George will be on the ESPN call at 7:30 p.m. Friday night features a primetime battle between No. 6 Cincinnati and American rival South Florida on ESPN2. Set for 6pm, Jason Benetti, Andre Ware and Paul Carcaterra will be providing commentary. Closing out live CFB coverage Saturday on ESPN is No. 4 Oregon welcoming Washington State to Autzen Stadium. Dave Flemming, Rod Gilmore and Stormy Buonantony are slated to announce the Pac-12 After Dark action.

ESPN Networks – Additional Week 11 Highlights

  • Secretaries’ Cup: Merchant Marine Academy vs. Coast Guard Academy: Saturday at noon,  ESPN3
    • Talent: Robert Lee, Craig Haubert
  • SIAC Championship: Albany State vs. Miles College: Saturday at 3 p.m., ESPN3
    • Talent: Drew Carter, Charles Arbuckle
  • Southern Miss at UTSA: Saturday at 3:30 p.m., ESPN+
  • Jackson State at Southern: Saturday at 7 p.m., ESPN3
    • Talent: Tiffany Greene, Jay Walker

College Football Playoff Top 25 Revealed on Tuesday at State Farm Champions Classic

In a college football season filled with upsets and thrillers, ESPN will exclusively reveal the second week of the College Football Playoff Top 25 with the College Football Playoff Top 25 Ranking Show Presented by Goodyear on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at approximately 9 p.m. between State Farm Champions Classic men’s college basketball games. Rece Davis will host the show live from New York City, joined by college football analysts Kirk Herbstreit, Joey Galloway and David Pollack.

College Football on ESPN+

ESPN+ features 50 college football games this week, including action from the SEC, American, Conference USA and Sun Belt. Highlights from this week’s ESPN+ college football original programming include:

  • Eli’s Places– The season finale, Episode 10: “Big Manning on Campus,” debuted last week. Eli Manning returns to The University of Mississippi and joins his father and Ole Miss all-time great, Archie Manning, to reminisce and have his college jersey retired.
  • Our Time: UCF Football– Available to stream now on ESPN+, Episode 8: “Tough Love” looks at offensive line coach Herb Hand — despite his demand for perfection, he cares more about his guys than what they can do on the field. New episodes debut every Thursday throughout the season.
  • SMU Football: The Hilltop– “Trick or Treat,” the ninth episode of SMU Football: The Hilltop, debuted last week. New episodes of The Hilltopwill be available to stream every Thursday during the season.

Additional college football updates will be forthcoming, and the schedule is subject to change. Please continue to check @ESPNPR and ESPN Press Room for more information.

The full schedule and on-air talent grid can be found here.

Note: all rankings above are based on the Nov. 2 CFP Top 25

RESPECT – Starring Jennifer Hudson

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Own it on Digital Now, Blu-Ray and DVD Release November 9, 2021

Jennifer Hudson stuns with her performance – Brian Truitt, USA Today

Experience the cinematic music event of the year featuring Oscar and Grammy Award winner and vocal powerhouse Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls) as legendary singer Aretha Franklin in the inspiring true story ”RESPECT”, available to own for the first time on Digital now and on Blu-ray and DVD November 9, 2021 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Hailed by critics as electrifying (David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter) and extraordinary (Pete Hammond, Deadline), MGMs musical biopic gives an authentic inside look at the life and legacy of one of the greatest, most influential recording artists of all time.

Following the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom, ”RESPECT” is the remarkable journey of the music icons path to find her voice. Directed by Tony Award nominee Liesl Tommy (Insecure, The Walking Dead) from a screenplay written by Emmy Award nominee Tracey Scott Wilson (Fosse,Verdon, The Americans) and story by Academy Award winner Callie Khouri (Thelma & Louise), ”RESPECT” is the biggest female-led musical drama in recent history and a must own film with extraordinary show stopping performances to watch over and over in spectacular Dolby Atmos quality sound, available exclusively on Blu-ray.

Hand selected by Aretha herself, Hudson leads an all-star ensemble cast including Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker (Black Panther, The Butler), Marlon Wayans (Sextuplets, Fifty Shades of Black), six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald (Beauty and The Beast, Private Practice), Marc Maron (Joker, Glow), five-time Emmy Award nominee Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, The Addams Family), and Grammy Award winner and Academy Award nominee Mary J. Blige (Mudbound, Rock of Ages) along with Tony Award nominees Saycon Sengbloh (The Wonder Years Delilah) and Haley Kilgore (Amazing Stories).

The ”RESPECT” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack features Jennifer Hudson’s uplifting vocal performances of 17 Aretha Franklin classic songs along with the original song “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home),”  which Hudson wrote alongside four-time Grammy Award winner, Kennedy Center Honoree, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee Carole King and Jamie Hartman [Lewis Capaldi, Christina Aguilera]. The soundtrack is now available to own on digital/streaming services, CD and vinyl from Epic Records.

BLU-RAYTM & DVD EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES:

  • The Making of ”RESPECT” – Explore the unique telling of this Aretha Franklin story, what the project meant to all involved and how music played a pivotal role in crafting this film.
  • Becoming Aretha – Take a behind the scenes look at Jennifer Hudsons incredible transformation into the Queen of Soul including her commitment to the character, her connection with the late singer, and why inhabiting the legendary artist felt more like destiny than anything else.
  • Capturing a Legacy – A celebration of director Liesl Tommy’s artistry and professionalism as the cast and crew express their appreciation and admiration for her and her process.
  • From Muscle Shoals – Sit-down with the cast, crew and some of the original musicians that recorded with Aretha at Muscle Shoals to learn about this crucial time period in Aretha’s life and how it helped propel her evolution.
  • Exploring the Design of ”RESPECT”– Production designer Ina Mayhew and costume designer Clint Ramos discuss the research they conducted in order to create the beautiful sets in the film as well as the various custom-made wardrobes that span three decades of style.

“RESPECT” will be available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital.

  • Blu-ray – unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
  • Digital – lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly buy or rent.

The Best Ways to Have Family Fun During a Lockdown

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By: Marie Miguel

It hasn’t been easy trying to navigate everything during the pandemic. The tragic loss of life has been difficult for many families around the world. It’s also been hard adjusting to not being able to go out and do things that you normally like to do. If you’re raising kids, then you might feel as if you’re going stir crazy being stuck inside together with your family. 

The kids want to be able to do something fun, but you’re going through another lockdown. What are your best options to keep everyone occupied and happy? Keep reading to learn about the best ways to have family fun during a lockdown. This might give you a few good ideas that will make your time spent together at home a lot more entertaining. 

Play Board Games

Have you sat down as a family to play a board game recently? This is a tried and true family activity that has helped many families bond over the years. There are a wide variety of different board games out there that you can try out. You just need to find one that the entire family can enjoy and understand. 

If you have younger children, then you might wish to pick a board game that is a bit on the easier side. If you’re playing with older kids, then you might be fine playing more complex games such as Trivial Pursuit. Whether you’re going to play Monopoly together or if you want to have a rousing game of Scrabble, it’ll be a good time. It’s a fun way to pass the time that you should take advantage of. 

Play Video Games

What if your kids aren’t quite so into old-school board games? You could always try sitting down to play video games with them. Even if you don’t play a lot of video games, it’ll be fun to interact with your kids. There are all sorts of good family-friendly titles that you can choose from. The Nintendo Switch is a particularly good console choice if you’re looking for games that will be fun for kids (and adults) of all ages. 

You can start a little family rivalry in Mario Kart. Or you can work together to try to solve puzzles in games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. There are hundreds of games that you could choose to play, but the important thing is to enjoy your time with your kids. Games can be magical because they can help you to escape when you need to the most. 

Arts & Crafts

Sitting down and doing arts & crafts with your kids could also be a good time. Sometimes it’s nice to just take it easy and try to create something artistic as a family. There are all sorts of little art projects you could take on if you’re so inclined. Create decorations for various holidays or help to teach your kids how to paint. 

Many have rediscovered their love of art during the pandemic. This could be a good weekend activity that you can enjoy with your significant other and your kids. You’ll simply need to ensure that you have the materials for whatever art project you’re interested in. You’ll be able to admire the results of your work when you’re finished, too. 

Listen to Music

What about just relaxing in the living room as a family and listening to music? Yes, sometimes it’s hard to agree on what to listen to when everyone in the family has different tastes in music. However, it can still be fun to share your favorites with your family. Some families have decided to let each kid pick one record, and they will sit down to listen to all of them on a special music day each weekend. 

Another idea is to share your love of music by teaching your kids how to play instruments. If you’re a musician, then this could be a good time. Of course, your kids will need to be interested in music or it might not be so fun for them. Music is powerful, and it can help you have a great time even when you’re stuck inside during a lockdown. 

Watch Family-Friendly Shows

Most families will spend copious amounts of time watching shows on Netflix or Disney Plus during the pandemic. Your family might wind up being no different. That doesn’t mean that watching some great shows with your family won’t be a valuable experience. You can enjoy movies and all sorts of other entertainment media together. 

With so much great content to watch, it’ll be easy to find a new movie to enjoy with your family each weekend. Make some popcorn and sit down in the living room to watch something together. It gives you something to look forward to as a family. Turning it into a fun occasion with snacks and mood lighting should be a good time. 

Cook Together

Have you thought about cooking together? Depending on how you feel about cooking, this might sound like a great idea or a terrible one. Cooking can be a lot of fun when you approach things with the proper attitude. It can also be valuable to teach your kids how to cook early on in life. 

You can make simple dishes together, and the kids will enjoy it. If you want to make things really easy, you can have kids help you with baking. When you’re making cookies it’ll be easy to let the kids cut out the cookie shapes with cookie cutters. Family cooking time could become a staple in your household even once the lockdown is finished. 

Remember That You’re Never Alone

Remember that you’re never alone when you’re starting to feel depressed or anxious. These are trying times, and you can reach out if you feel like you need help. BetterHelp has some awesome resources on parenting, which can help you get through difficult times. Whether you need parenting advice or if you just need to talk to someone about the stress that you’re experiencing, BetterHelp can assist you in the process of putting things into perspective. 

Don’t hesitate to contact an online therapist if you’re feeling uneasy about things in life. Online therapy has helped many people to work through significant problems. It’s easy to talk to a therapist from the comfort of home, and it’s great that this therapy option is so affordable. Look into things today if you’ve been having a tough time and would like to start feeling better. 

Tips to help you keep your eyes healthy

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We all want to protect our eyes, but not everyone knows the best ways to keep them healthy. Whether you’ve been experiencing discomfort or are simply becoming more aware of your health, it’s never too late to start giving your eyes the care and attention they deserve. And don’t worry, you don’t have to do anything drastic – some small lifestyle changes should do the trick. This blog contains some easy things you can do to maintain your vision and help your eyes to feel more comfortable.

Avoid rubbing your eyes

This is easier said than done, but rubbing your eyes is one of the biggest causes of infections, especially if you’re touching them when you haven’t washed your hands. In fact, touching your eyes is one of the most common causes of pink eye, which can leave them feeling itchy and watery. If you often have itchy or tired eyes, it’s worth looking at the root cause of this discomfort rather than rubbing them and potentially making the problem worse. Consider buying some eye drops to relieve feelings of discomfort.

Visit the optician

Regularly having eye exams is one of the best ways to maintain your eye health. While most people see their opticians when they’re due a new prescription, you can actually learn a lot more about your eyes when undergoing a comprehensive eye exam. Depending on your age and medical history, opticians may recommend that you have a more in-depth examination to rule out any health conditions. The best part about these exams is that lots of conditions can be easily treated if they’re spotted early, so don’t skip out on your appointment when it’s booked.

Wear sunglasses

It’s easy to forget to bring your sunglasses along with you when out and about, but the right pair of shades can do a lot to protect your vision from the damaging effects of the sun. UV rays have the power to increase your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts, so you want to avoid them at all costs. When buying a new pair of sunglasses, look for a label that says they offer 100% UV protection, otherwise, you might not be getting the protection you need. It’s also a good idea to choose wraparound styles to shield your eyes from all angles.

Take breaks from screens

Nearly everyone in this day and age spends the best part of their day looking at a screen. While it’s unavoidable for work, it’s important to take regular breaks to avoid getting eye strain. Make sure you’re looking away from your screen and fixating on a far-away object every 20 minutes or so. If you use computers a lot, you could also consider wearing blue light glasses to filter out some of the harmful light emitted by screens. Finally, if at all possible, try to find other activities to do at home that don’t involve looking at your phone, computer or TV at least some of the time.

Useful Things to Think About When Moving to a New Home

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Moving can be a stressful experience, especially if you are doing it for the first time. Fortunately, there are plenty of steps that you can take to make the process less daunting and more manageable. This article aims to highlight a handful of these steps so that you can enjoy the process of moving to a new home.

Planning Your Move

Easily one of the most important things you can do when it comes to moving is to make a solid and comprehensive moving plan. This helps to keep you on track and guide you through the process of moving. Plus, it can show you how to delegate the tasks that need doing, so that your family can help you too.

Create a Timeline. The first thing you should be doing when making your moving plan is to create an overall timeline for your moving process. By knowing when you need each major step of your move to happen, you can start planning around these events. Plus, it’ll allow you to delegate between your most and least important tasks for the moving process.

Set Yourself Deadlines. One of the best ways to make sure you stay on track for your move is to set yourself deadlines for the various jobs and tasks that you need to keep on top of. For example, saying you will fully pack the garage in two weeks’ time allows you to focus on getting the garage sorted, meaning you aren’t trying to focus on everything that needs doing all at once.

Moving Service or Move Yourself? You should decide early on whether you want to hire the services of a moving company or move yourself. Either is a viable option but knowing ahead of time allows you to make preparations for whatever possibility you decide on.

What Are You Packing?

Once your moving plan is in place, the next most important thing to think about is what you are packing for the move and how you are doing it. After all, packing your belongings is how you get everything from point A to point B. One thing to remember, though, is that packing will always take longer than you expect.

Declutter as You Pack. One of the best things you can do to help make your packing process easier is to declutter as you pack. There is no sense in moving items you don’t want, so by decluttering as you go, you can reduce how much you have to move overall.

Is There Enough Room? An important question to ask yourself when you are packing is whether you are going to have enough space in your new home for everything you are packing. If the answer to that question is no, then you might need to consider hiring a storage unit, like the kind you find at storagearea.com. This allows you to keep all of your belongings while still not overloading your new home.

Make Your Move

Finally, all that is left for you to do now is to make your move. Whatever your plan is, you can follow it through now. Relax, enjoy the process, and get excited to move into your new home! After all, it’s not every day that you move into a new place.