Amanda Cerny Talks Fitness, Modeling, and Charity Work

Yes, Amanda Cerny was once Playboy’s Miss October in 2011, but that is only scraping the surface of all that she has accomplished. Amanda has quickly turned this opportunity into a successful career in many areas. She knows the importance of fitness and has created an enormous social media following, consisting of nearly 500,000 followers on Instagram. Also, with her role as an international model, she gets plenty of perks, including the chances to travel the world. Yet, she has turned this into an opportunity to help those in need through her Play Foundation. She is the chairwoman and founder of this charity. This is a perfect example of the type of person Amanda is and why she should be looked at as an inspiration for many others. This past week, I had the chance to ask Amanda some questions. Here is the Q&A:

When did you first get into modeling?
I started modeling for fun in high school… Although I began modeling professionally while I was in college at Florida State University.

What has been the hardest aspect of being a professional model?
I guess the hardest part would be dealing with the harsh criticism that every professional model is bound to encounter.

How about your first time meeting Hugh Hefner, what was that like?
My first time meeting Hef was in October 2010. They flew me out to Los Angeles from Florida to test shoot to become one of the famous playmate centerfolds… I hopped in my limo from the airport and as soon as I arrived to the playboy mansion, I had to rush to the dining room to meet Hef himself. I accidentally sat in his seat but he insisted that I remained sitting there. He was such a gentleman! The entire experience was so surreal.

Can you briefly explain an average daily workout for yourself and the importance fitness has on the career of a model?
Fitness is extremely important for models and for just about everyone else as well. Of course it is our job to look our best but it is also important to live a long and healthy life. Eating healthy and fitness are both equally important for living a happy and healthy life. My average daily workout consists of one hour of High intensity interval training. This allows me to get a workout in every day and receive the most benefits from my workouts. I try to squeeze in long distance running and some weight training in a few days a week as well. 

What is your go-to-song or artist for a workout?
I switch up the genres just about every day. It gives me something new to look forward to during my workouts.

So, you also ran track in high school. What events did you do and do you still compete in road races now?
Yes I did varsity track and cross country. I participated in all of the long distance events… I no longer compete but do enjoy running long distance still. It is a great workout and a form of meditation for me.

Are you a sports fan and if so, which teams?
Yessir! I’m from Florida so Miami Heat basketball has my heart although I’m not a die-hard fan…. I still root for other teams when they are not playing the heat of course ;) I also love watching football, soccer (futbol), hockey and tennis. Sports are fun to watch especially when you bet on them ha! I always find myself dreaming that I was talented enough to play professionally like some of these star athletes.

You were also featured in the movie Pain and Gain with Mark Wahlberg and the Rock, what was that experience like? Is it possible acting will be something you will pursue in the future?
It was so much fun! I saw a lot of friends and familiar faces on set. It was a small role but a cool experience. Acting is definitely something that I will consider pursuing. I love being in front of the camera and providing entertainment for others to enjoy.

Could you talk about your trips to Haiti with the Play Foundation and the effect that had on you as a person? 
Yes. I actually starting going to Haiti in 2010 after hearing about the earthquake. I decided to go with a few friends and their charity to donate clothing to an orphanage and ended up falling in love with the children and the country. I have been going to help and visits different orphanages ever since. In working with other charities, I found myself wanting to do more and to also have more control over how efficiently the projects were being carried out. With my career success and friendship with DJ Chuckie, I was able to create the Play Foundation. I want children to enjoy their youth while building social skills as well as their basic core values.
(Picture shown to the right is from one Amanda's trips to Haiti)

What is the central message behind this charity?
It is a Global Foundation with a vision to improve social problems and a mission to build better playgrounds for the children of tomorrow. Being an international model, there is plenty of traveling.

What would you say are some of the more memorable places you have visited?
I am in love with Europe! It is hard to choose the most memorable countries I have been to as many of them have been so amazing and have created lifelong memories for me.

What can fans look forward to in the upcoming year?
A lot! It is hard to put it all down in writing…and I like to keep things as a surprise. My fans know that I am like a box of chocolates… they never know what they are going to get, but it’s bound to be amazing. So if anyone has an interest, their best bet is to stay updated with me through all of my social media platforms… I update them daily!! Probably even hourly haha!

 Feel free to follow Amanda on:
Twitter: @AmandaCerny
Her Website: http://amandacerny.com/
Youtube Channel
Instagram: amandacerny

Johnny Being Johnny

There is currently one player getting the majority of media attention this preseason. This is Cleveland Browns’ quarterback Johnny Manziel. During his two-year stay at Texas A&M, he made plenty of both positive and negative headlines. However, the present situation is Manziel trying to beat out veteran Brian Hoyer for the starting job. Through two preseason games, neither has showed they truly deserve to get the starting nod week one. After going 7/11 for 63 yards in the first preseason game, Manziel took a large step back against the Washington Redskins on Monday Night Football. His final line was 7/16 for 65 yards and a touchdown. I wouldn’t give him much credit on the TD though, as it was a mere flip to Dion Lewis where Lewis did most of the work. He consistently was throwing behind receivers resulting in multiple incompletions on makeable plays. With this said, Hoyer again did nothing to run away with the job, going just 2/6 for 16 yards.

It was a gesture Manziel threw out in the third quarter that won’t sit well with the coaches. After a play that ended near the Redskins’ bench, Manziel flipped the bird to the Redskins while heading back. Per ESPN, Manziel stated, “I felt like I did a good job of holding my composure throughout the night, and you have a lapse of judgment and slip up.” He’ll likely receive an $11,025 fine for his actions and potentially the chance to start week one. When you play in the NFL and receive the attention Johnny gets, you have to know the cameras are always going to be on during the game. This likely won't sit well with head coach Mike Pettine either, who doesn't seem too fond of the young quarterback. With the chances being limited before the start of the regular season, I expect Brian Hoyer to simply win the job on default of neither taking a handle of it and Hoyer being the more experienced option. Personally, I don’t think the starting QB job of the Browns is a great situation for any quarterback to prove their worth in the NFL due to the slim receiving core, especially if Josh Gordon is suspended for the season as expected.

Jay Cutler Primed For Big Year

With fantasy football coming up, everyone has their own strategies. Whether it’s nabbing those early running backs or taking the breakout receiver, it is not uncommon for many people to call themselves “experts.” I’m not going to tell you to go out and get Adrian Peterson or Jamaal Charles rather there is one player easily capable of having a huge season. This man is the Chicago Bears’ quarterback Jay Cutler. Love him or hate him, Cutler has had both a praised and criticized career thus far. Currently ESPN ranks him as the 15^th quarterback for this upcoming season. I’m not saying take him over Peyton or Brees, but he is definitely someone you can wait on, which will allow you to load up on other skill positions. Now, let me tell you why I think 2014 will be a big year for Cutler. No one has ever doubted the talent of the Bears’ signal-caller. Turnovers and injuries have consistently haunted the quarterback. Coming off a three-year, $54 million contract extension, it is clear the Bears have entrusted plenty in the 31-year-old. What else does he got going for him?

Strong Supporting Cast
Any NFL quarterback would love to have the talent Cutler currently has around him. First off, there is his former Broncos’ teammate, Brandon Marshall, who has produced back-to-back 100 catch seasons with the Bears. Opposite Marshall is last year’s breakout player, Alshon Jeffery. Jeffery put up a line of 89 receptions, 1421 yards, and 7 touchdowns. Add in the 6’6” tight end Martellus Bennett and dual threat running back, Matt Forte, leaving Cutler primed for a career year. One other side point to look at with these weapons is what Josh McCown was able to do with them last year. For most of his career, McCown had been a backup. However, last year after an injury to Cutler, he was thrown into the fire and produced, putting up 13 touchdowns to 1 interception over eight games.

Solid Relationships with Coaching Staff
Head coach Marc Trestman is someone I consider to be one of the more underrated coaches in the NFL. He has an extensive background coaching quarterbacks and the Bears’ offensive coordinator, Aaron Kromer, is thought of by many to be one of the future stars in the coaching world. Not to mention he is on good terms currently with both Kromer and Trestman.

Bottom Line

Ultimately, a lot of Cutler’s successes will depend on his decision making. He isn’t near Peyton or Brees on this category, but with his elite arm-strength and passing ability, he could put up some big numbers in a hurry.

4,300 yards - 32 TD's - 14 INT's

Dougie Kent Discusses Making It Big in Rap and Future Plans

Every year, new rappers hit the scene and try to make a name for themselves in the music industry. Some of these end up making it big, while others struggle due to a variety of reasons. One duo that has been making a consistent rise and I expect to be heard by many more listeners is Jbre x Dougie Kent. This past week I had the chance to ask Dougie Kent some questions about his personal journey in the music world and where he would like to take his talents in the near future. With nearly 75 thousand followers on Twitter, their music is no secret to a large number of people. Jbre and Dougie Kent’s unique style of music is something I think may separate them from some of the other mainstream rappers in today's market. They know it’s not easy to make it big and you can’t just mimic what other guys do. The duo provides a mix of not only mainstream music, but at the same time including underground techniques, which is not used as much as it should be in the rap world. Ultimately, you have to create a brand that is going to separate yourself from the pack. I would strongly recommend checking out what these guys got to offer, as they are catching the eye of many artists as well, with their recent showing at a concert with Chanel West Coast.

When did you first grow an interest in rap/hip-hop music and who were some of the key artist’s sparking this interest? Were there any singers that you tried to imitate or were constantly listening to when getting started?
Yeah for sure, I'm a huge Wiz Khalifa fan...so I always looked up to him being roughly 4 hours away from the state, Pennsylvania. I grew an interest mainly from being a drummer in a band back in 2008-2012. So beats made sense to me.

How has your relationship with Jbre affected you as an artist and the hip-hop tracks you have created with him?
Man...Jbre is legit my best friend. I think a lot of people try to fake stuff but we are some bros. Our whole team is...Purple Planes we all do it together and feed off positive vibes.

Explain the moment when you realized that the duo “Jbre x Dougie Kent” had the potential to rise in the ranks of the hip-hop and music industry at the quick pace it ended up happening in.
We have been workin real hard for our new album to take off titled After Hours, and it sold decent but we went back to the drawing board and really focused on the brand and what we wanted to deliver as a true sound. So I'd say when we started doing shows not just on the East Coast but West Coast and Central U.S completely independent with no agents was when stuff got real serious. 

How has opening for artists like Wale, G-Eazy, and DMX inspired yourself to continue working on your music and help spread your music to people that maybe have never heard it before?
Trying to start from the bottom is hard, but when you open for people like this it's hella inspiring because it gives you a blueprint on what to strive for. I like headlining of course the most, people show love but opening for some big acts like that is a different contagious vibe as well.

Having already produced a song with Fresh-n-Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, who are some artists out there you are looking to do some collaborations with? Would fellow-Pennsylvania-bred rappers Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller be possibilities?
If we did a song with Wiz...that'd be the moment I'd look at the Planes and be like "boys, fuck we made it!" hahaha like he's such a personal inspiration for me every day of living a positive life and being who you want to be: a free spirit. So it's a long shot to say the least, but I'm working for that day.

What do you consider separates your music from some of the mainstream rappers in today’s market?
The cultural backgrounds for sure. Its two totally separate walks of life but like that's what makes us mesh well. It's crazy to look how segregated music crowds are these days. I really admire Wiz because if you look out at the crowd, it's a nice mix. I don't want to be that white rapper that only has white fans. Ya know? Neither does him. We love people in general and we don't really see people as what their nationality we see them as a family. The fact that we are best friends from college and independent really puts us in a separate bracket. Lancaster where we are from is so DIY, it's amazing. And that's how we like to do things: Real hands on. I'd probably also add the fact that we combine mainstream with underground too. That's the main element that a lot of the fans seem to like.

What can fans look forward to from you and Jbre in the near-future? Any tours coming up?
Well, we are trying to wrap up this new album which we are stoked as hell for everyone to hear. You can expect some various tour dates in between the summer 2014 and the fall as we try and put the finishing touches on this record. But to be honest, that's part of the journey of being indie man. You don't know what the hell is going to happen! Nothing's super planned out months in advance. You just wake up some days, and there's dope show offers or collabs waiting to happen.

Do you have some advice for young rappers trying to make a name for themselves in the music industry?
I'd say follow your dreams which is way too cliche, but such a true statement. Personally speaking, I noticed that being single definitely helps because you need to really find yourself. When you find yourself your fans recognize it in your music. Connect with them on a personal level too. People are always going to peg ya and think you're cocky or whatever no matter what you do, but as long as you're doing your personal best to stay humble then the majority of people will become fans and rock with the movement. Let the work speak for itself. And no days off it’s so vital. Like if you really wanna go get it, it's there for you. Make it happen. That's the fun part, you know there's a key somewhere to unlock the door but you gotta find it.

Check out their website and @iamdougiekent on Twitter.

Should Team USA Continue Using NBA Players?

When Paul George went down with that nasty injury during a Team USA scrimmage, many critics came out demanding NBA players not be made available for international competitions. Nonetheless, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver held his ground telling USA Today Sports, “I don’t anticipate a major shift in the NBA’s participation in international competitions.” The main opponents to Silver’s stance will be the NBA owners, including Dallas Mavericks’ Mark Cuban. Cuban claims NBA players are sent to international events with the NBA paying their yearly salaries and the IOC or FIBA receiving the financial benefits they provide during international tournaments. Ultimately, I believe USA Basketball is a critical part of the sport for our country. It is a way to showcase our talent just as we do in other Olympic sporting events. Obviously, Paul George being sidelined for all of next season is a huge blow to the upcoming season for the potential title-contending Indiana Pacers, but injuries are part of the game. This issue is virtually the same thing as MLS teams or other soccer leagues across the world having their players compete in the World Cup and other international matches.

While all of this news was going around, I started to think of what Team USA would look like if NBA players weren’t allowed to compete. It would largely consist of college players and with the increased amount of 1-and-dones, this could potentially be a very young unit. Here is what I came up with for the non-NBA Team USA:

STARTERS
PG: Marcus Paige, North Carolina
SG: Ron Baker, Wichita State
SF: Stanley Johnson, Arizona
PF: Cliff Alexander, Kansas
C: Jahlil Okafor, Duke

BENCH
Montrezl Harrell, Louisville
Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin
Tyus Jones, Duke
Georges Niang, Iowa State
Caris Levert, Michigan
Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky
Olivier Hanlan, Boston College

Despite this squad not even being comparable to a squad with NBA guys, this team could definitely be very competitive in this summer’s FIBA competition. Yes, it has some freshman in the starting lineup who have never played in a collegiate game, but these are future top-10 NBA draft picks. A couple other players, like Baker and Niang, fit perfectly into the style of play exhibited at the international level thanks to their versatility. All of this is just speculation as it looks like Adam Silver is in no hurry to prohibit NBA players from suiting up for Team USA, but it is interesting to see what kind of team the United States is capable of assembling if the circumstances presented themselves.

Caroline Wozniacki to Run the NYC Marathon

Caroline Wozniacki is well known throughout the tennis and sports world. The former #1 player in the WTA is currently ranked 13th in singles. She recently announced via Twitter "Excited to get my New York on as a 1st time marathoner @nycmarathon! #TCSNYCMarathon! Support me @TeamforKids." The NYC Marathon is scheduled for November 2nd, which would be the opening week of her off-season. It is definitely a change from what the typical tennis star would do after a long tennis season. She will be competing with the New York Road Runners club and in support of the Team for Kids foundation, as mentioned in her tweet above. I definitely commend her efforts to try something out of the ordinary even after a long and strenuous tennis season.

November was also supposed to be memorable month for Caroline before her engagement with golfer Rory McIlroy broke off in May. However, this isn't the only reason she is lacing up the running shoes for 26.2 miles. She wasn't just adding this to her calendar to forget about the failed engagement. It "was a personal goal" for her, as well as a chance to raise money for charity. As a tennis player, I'm sure she is already in solid fitness and Wozniacki stated in a recent interview she already runs approximately 30 to 40 minutes a day with her daily tennis training. Adding in some miles on a couple of days will help to start getting her into the shape needed for longer distances. She will join fellow world-class athletes like Jennie Finch (2011) and Apolo Ohno (2011) on list of recent athletes to run the NYC Marathon.

You can support Caroline's efforts in the NYC Marathon at http://www.crowdrise.com/carolinew.

World's Only Aerial Violinist Talks Music, America's Got Talent, and Future Plans

Janice Martin is a jack-of-all-trades that manages to combine her vast talent in the musical world with an aerial display that is sure to keep an audience on the edge of their seats. While she grew up with a musical focus, after seeing a performance by the Cirque du Soleil, she was inspired to take her performing to a new level. USA Today has referred to her the "World's Only Aerial Violinist." Her aerial acts will impress anyone, but her wide range of artistry abilities allow her to connect with everyone from a classical music fan to a jazz-filled audience. Janice has put her act in front of millions of people when she performed for NBC's America's Got Talent and for the Discovery and History Channels. She currently performs at the Branson Belle in Branson, Missouri. The show consists of her various musical talents, including impressive violin work while on the silks. I highly recommend seeing the show if you are ever in the area, well worth the money. If all of this didn't already have your attention, Janice is also a veteran of the United States Army. While her resume is already very impressive, from the awards she's received to the venues she has starred in, Janice is focused on continuing to add new aspects to her acts. I was able to catch up with Janice recently and discuss how she got to the point where she is now and tried to break down this aerial work.

What was your childhood inspiration that got you started in becoming a musician? 
I had two older sisters who both played piano and violin and I wanted to be able to play too!

Do you have any gymnastics in your background to help with your aerial skills? 
Yes. I started gymnastics when I was 8, was a cheerleader in high school and have studied dance and movement in one form or another ever since.

Also with these aerial stunts, they look like they require plenty of strength and endurance. What does your fitness routine consist of in order to keep you fit for your shows and how important was it when you first started with the aerial violin?

I work with a Pilates / Physical trainer 3 times a week on Pilates equipment, I stretch every morning and then right before my aerial act, I do various other exercises depending on what I need to work on - sometimes ballet, sometimes just running in the gym or sometimes just perfecting a move by getting to the theater early and practicing on my silks before the show.

Can you discuss your experience from being on America's Got Talent? 

It was crazy exciting - I did really well and had an incredible experience onstage and with the audience. Pierce Morgan had me perform almost 15 minutes because he kept asking me to do all kinds of things -- he thought I should quit everything and be a singer while Sharon Osborne and David Hasselhoff loved my aerial violin act and combination of talents. I got a big standing ovation from the crowd and I thought it was the greatest performance of my life! Unfortunately, after I filled out all the paperwork for the producers, the PRODUCERS cut me from the show, and I'll never know why. It was funny though that when they aired my audition on national television that the editors utterly altered what actually happened by the way they put footage together. Nevertheless, it remains in my mind as just a great experience.

Out of the many venues you have performed at, from the White House to Carnegie Hall, has any one place been more memorable than the others? 

Well, yes. Carnegie Hall was of course a huge thrill - I played my first major recital there with New York Times critics and other important reviewers there...the hall was phenomenal and the experience was daunting yet glorious. The first time I played in an arena with 26,000 people was scary and exciting! I played a lot of tours in Japan and performed in some incredible halls like Suntory Hall in Tokyo as well. The Rudolfinum in Prague was especially meaningful to me because I had heard a concert there when I was much younger and had dreamed of performing there myself, so that was a crazy dream come true. What has always meant more to me than anything; however, is WHO is in the audience rather than what the hall is. It is thrilling for me to perform for great artists and performers, so when I know they are in the audience, I cannot help but be inspired beyond what I normally do.

Since you are considered to be the world's "only aerial violinist," do you think there will be others in the future pursuing similar forms of music?

Possibly!

Do you play any other instruments aside from the violin and piano?

I used to play trumpet in junior high and high school. I play a little bit of guitar, the Chinese violin (called an Erhu), and I can fake my way around a viola and cello.

How has your time at the Branson Belle compared to your past stops?

It's great here! I love being in a beautiful location on the water with natural beauty and greenery everywhere - VERY different from New York City! It's also very refreshing to work in a family friendly environment that encourages families to spend time together. The Branson Belle nurtures a supportive environment and I really enjoy working with the other performers, the crew, the staff...everyone!

What can fans look forward to from you in the near future?

l always have something up my sleeve. I recently just published a children's book called "How I Learned to Fly" which is available in hard cover on the boat after my shows, on my website and also a Kindle version available. I'm producing a special Star Spangled Banner aerial violin video forYoutube and several other videos that are geared for national TV.

Feel free to follow her on: 
Website 
Facebook 
Twitter