Draya Michele Sizzles as CASSIUS’ First Cover Girl

iONE Digital’s provocative platform, CASSIUS, closes the summer with the exciting SEX X SPORTS issue featuring conversations about body image, the politics of sports, the power of sex and the intangibles of winning.

CASSIUS is proud to announce former reality TV favorite turned entrepreneur and actress, Draya Michele, as the digital magazine’s first cover girl. Draya’s introspective interview will advise readers on how to block, tackle and play the game of life on your own terms. Shot on an actual playing field, the cover feature wardrobe combines Draya’s MINT swim line with authentic football gear to create a sexy, summer fashion spread.

As football season is fast approaching, the CASSIUS August issue also includes fascinating NFL player profiles, the viewpoint of social responsibility and the League, women game changers and a spotlight on football’s most infamous player: O.J. Simpson on the eve of his prison release. A video of thought leaders discussing the realities of plus-sized men as well as the wives and significant others of the NFL’s most buzzworthy players rounds out the issue’s football and sex conversation.

“We’ve been saying from the beginning that CASSIUS does storytelling differently and the team continues to back that up with their August issue. While others tend to focus on Draya Michele’s beauty, which is undeniable, CASSIUS is proud to cover her as a whole woman, which also includes her being a mother, fiance, business mogul and inspiration to many. Similarly, our take on football will be distinct from what everyone else is doing in the market. CASSIUS continues to prove that whether it’s sports or fashion, music or our monthly covers, CASSIUS will develop the highest quality content coupled with a unique point of view — both of which are rarely found in the digital space.” says Detavio Samuels, President of iONE Digital and One Solution.

Visit www.cassiuslife.com and connect via social media on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at @cassiuslife.

Draya Michelle

Packing Tips For Sexy Travel Warriors

While you may have been traveling on business for many years, one thing probably hasn’t changed; you forgot something. Now your heart beats faster, and you start to sweat because as you board your flight, you’ve realized that the important file you need for your meeting upon landing is sitting on your kitchen table. Executive ground transportation NYC doesn’t have be stressful.

It might be tempting to pack everything but the kitchen sink for fear that you may forget something, however, it’s definitely not a good idea.  Between packing clothes, toiletries, and work-related tech gear, how can you make sure you have everything you need? Just read on for these three very simple tips that will help ensure that you leave nothing behind.

Make a list
Make your list and check it twice! Just 15 minutes out of your day to write down everything you need to bring with you on your trip will save yourself a big headache. As you pack your bags, check off the items on your list. Do not discard the list. You can re-use the list for when you are returning home to run through it again before you sure leave your hotel room. Nothing is too small to leave off the list. You want to make this list very specific. If you need to remind yourself to pack your boxers, then write it down! Your colleagues will be sure to appreciate it!

Check under the bed
Always do a last-minute item check before you leave your house or your hotel room. Any small items that you drop can easily be hidden under your bed, so be sure to check there before you leave. Also, do a sweep through cabinets and every room where you may have put something down while being distracted.

Double up!
There are a few things that you should keep in doubles. It is especially to double up on anything that is vital to the technical functions of your business meetings.  You should have two of the following items packed. They are inexpensive and an investment that won’t be a waste.

-Cell phone charger
-Laptop charger
-Flash drive (have copies of your files on both of these in case you lose one)
-Universal portable charger

Ensuring you have the above items for your business trip will ensure that you won’t get “unplugged” in the middle of an important presentation.

Keep a pre-packed bag
Once you are home, as you are unpacking, go through everything and decide what you can keep packed for the next trip. Refer to your original list and re-pack for the next trip. Other items that you most likely have multiples of around your house can also be pre-packed such as toiletries, pajamas, slippers, hairbrushes, and curling irons. Not only will keeping these items pre-packed keep you from forgetting them at home, but it will also save you time as well.

We hope all of the above travel hacks are helpful for your next executive ground transportation NYC trip. Safe travels everyone!

Our #Lemonade: Three Guys Who Would Vie For Beyoncé’s Love If She Dropped Jay-Z

Beyonce-football

With all the hype surrounding music superstar Beyoncé following the release of her latest studio album, #Lemonade, we here at Athletic Dating would like to know who else could snatch this chick if she was single. So, instead of waiting for suitors, and trust us, a lot of men want this fly lady, we picked three who we caught talking about her in the past.

Yes, Beyoncé is absolutely gorgeous, and she has a magnificent svelte figure, but those two physical traits are not the only reasons why men crave her like a plate of Sunday dinner. There are millions of women out there that will give Queen Bey a run for her money in the beauty department, but how many can challenge her artistry? (Don’t waste your time thinking about that!)

Men love Beyoncé, not only for her banging physique, but also because she is an intoxicating entertainer. Whether it’s listening to her records or watching her perform live, you can hear or feel the energy and vibe of greatness.

Beyoncé is a lot of people’s “Dream Girl,” and if she wasn’t happily married, there would be many lusting after this mega superstar. Here are three men who spoke about the music Goddess.

Drake-Suit

Drake

OK, Drake didn’t come out and actually say he wanted Beyoncé, but he does have a thing for the top chicks in the game (e.g. Rihanna and Nicki Minaj); plus he made a song called “Girls Love Beyoncé.” Was that his secret letter to the music superstar?

“I’m a Beyoncé believer,” said Drizzy. “I really believe strongly in her talent and her position in our generation. I think she’s one of the biggest stars ever, but especially for these girls right now. I feel like they need Beyoncé.”

We think Drake needs a little Beyonce too! lol

Ty Dolla $ign

Ty Dolla $ign

In a fun game, The R&B music website MediaGary asked Ty Dolla $ign what female artist he would make a love child with and Beyoncé was his top choice:

“I would make a kid with Beyonce. Our kid would be a beast musically. She is the only female artist I can think of. There aren’t many girls out that are killing it.”

We agree Ty… Bey is a beast!

Colin-Kaepernick-suit

Colin Kaepernick

In an interview with Haute Living, San Francisco 49ers’ star quarterback Colin Kaepernick reveals his longing lust for Beyoncé.

“When I was growing up, Beyoncé was the dream girl for me,” adding, “Jay-Z stole my thunder when they got married, but she’s still up there on my list!”

We’re pretty sure Kap has no problems in the female department!

Did Dating Become A Sport?

I believe I said this before in the past but I absolutely despise dating. I hate getting to know new people and I hate feeling like I have to bring my often unpredictable personality down from a level 10 to a calm level 4ish in order for the new people I hate having to “get to know” to like me in some way that makes them want to further get to know me. It’s absolutely ridiculous to me and I fast forward through it every chance I get. I’m undecided if slow and steady or a fast track to a relationship brings about better results and I’ve already made a post exploring the pros and cons of both so we won’t go there again.

What I will go into is a conversation I overheard where a guy was trying to pull the old bait and switch with a girl who just didn’t get what was going on. I hate the bait and switch!! The bait and switch is a person who puts their absolute BEST foot forward in the most genuine way possible to ease you into letting your guard down and once you’re ready to have the talk about moving things forward, they switch it up and pull the “but we’re cool just kicking it for right now” card. Mind you, “kicking it” very often involves engaging in casual sex, handcuffing, pre-committing, and a whole bunch of other tricks of the trade in the bait and switch playbook.

Their goal? To say they have a goal is giving them too much credit. They want to milk the cow until it runs dry and then dip out to the next person who will tolerate them for the next few months. Dating and relating isn’t a means to an end for them, it’s a sport they play and they win the championship when they get you wrapped up in the wonderful web of half-truths and commitment phobia. So how exactly do you spot someone who’s just dating for sport and someone who is looking for something more?

“I’m Sorry Babe But I Just Can’t Do A Relationship Right Now” Actually, I’ll be honest. I have said this before but when I said it (and meant it) I broke all ties with the person I said it to. I stopped taking them up on invites on dates, drastically decreased my phone and text conversations with said person, and resisted all urges to keep them around until I felt ready for a relationship. A person who dates for sport knows damn well they are emotionally unavailable but still decide to take you along for the rollercoaster ride. For them, it wasn’t going anywhere serious anyway so it doesn’t matter if you get hurt because they’ll be able to walk away from it without risking the same emotional investment.

“Things Are Good Now, Why Change Them?” This question irks me because unless both parties agree, a static relationship that does not progress is not good. Be honest with yourself, if you’re fine with this you would have never mentioned anything that would bring about this response. If you want more and are dating someone dating for sport, don’t expect them to give you the more you desire anytime soon.

“Titles Just Ruin Things, Let’s Just Be What We Are” I flirted with the idea of having a relationship without the title. Couldn’t do it because the control freak in me kept wondering about those awkward scenarios that fall under the gray area of open relationships and what would be the outcome is such a scenario was to take place. Another thing about the “just be what we are” argument is what exactly are “we?” If it’s ever defined, the person dating for sport gives just as vague a question as the initial statement. If a title-less relationship is to be pursued, both parties need to discuss that and come to the conclusion together. A person trying their best to stay vague or end the conversation early may just be in it until you can’t take anymore and are forced to leave.

“She’s Just My HomeGirl, You Know You’re My #1 Right?” She may very well be the homegirl, but if the two of you aren’t committed and there’s someone else who seems to always trump your plans, you very well may be “the homegirl” as well. I’m a lot of dudes homegirls (genuinely, as in good friend) and when they have a girl they’re seeing or in a relationship with, our interactions dwindle. Not because they’re afraid the person they’re seeing will mind, but because they’re so wrapped up with them I (and I’m sure other friends) take a backseat. If you’re truly #1 in someone’s life, there is no question about it because you’re treated like you are. Even if the person is severely busy, they will find ways to show you you’re a priority. If they don’t, stop stressing and go after someone who will.

There’s a plethora of other lines and red flags that the bait and switch uses but they all have the same end result: To keep your relationship as noncommittal and static as possible. If you’re fine with this (like really and honestly fine with this) congrats because you were able to find someone on the same page as you and don’t have to worry about another’s expectations (or lack thereof) getting in the way. If you’re not fine with the same noncommittal relationship, end their season on your court and bench them indefinitely.

Like any true sportsmen, they’ll beg and plead to get back in the game but unless they prove they’re on the same page with where you want the relationship to go, why bother giving them a second chance?