GOTTA EAT, CAN'T COOK w/Bruce Tretter: Apple Pancakes

TIP: The hardest part about making this fresh and flavorful pancake is turning it over from fruit-side up to fruit-side down so that the fruit side of pancake can cook in the pan and then turning the pancake back to fruit-side up to serve on a plate. But, no problem. The step-by-step directions below will explain how to make those turns as easily and safely as possible using either a pan top or large plate.

Preparation Time: 5-10 minutes
Total Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients

1 Large or 2 Small Apples
2 Eggs
Dash of Salt
1 Tablespoon Sugar (I like using brown sugar, but any sugar will work)
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
3 Tablespoons Flour (I like using whole wheat flour, but any flour will work)
Handful Dried Cranberries and/or Raisins
Milk
Butter or Margarine
Ground Cinnamon

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
Whisk or Fork
Teaspoon
Tablespoon
Sharp Knife
Cutting Board
10 Inch Frying Pan
Large Plate or Pan Top
Spatula

1. Break 2 eggs into a bowl, and add the following:
Dash of salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons flour
Handful of dried cranberries and a handful of raisins (if you only have or only like dried cranberries or raisins, no problem. Just use two handfuls of either dried cranberries or raisins - and you don’t have to be limited to those two: you can use any dried fruit you like)
2-3 tablespoons (or a good splash if you don’t want to measure) of milk

2. Stir vigorously with either a fork or a whisk until the batter is evenly mixed (there’s no need to get rid of every lump).

3. Put the pan on the stove, and turn on the burner to LOW-MEDIUM heat.

4. While the pan warms, rinse the apples in the sink, and shake them dry. Cut the apples in half lengthwise, and cut each apple half in half again. CAREFULLY remove the core from each apple quarter, and finish by cutting slices about ¼ inch (6 mm) wide.

5. Check the frying pan for the proper cooking temperature by running cold tap water on your fingers and flicking the water onto the pan surface. The pan is warm enough to cook when the water evaporates with a sizzle.

6. When the pan is warm enough to cook, add a ¼ - ½ inch (6 – 12 mm) slab of butter or margarine to the pan. Then swirl the butter or margarine in the pan by rolling your wrist until the pan surface is evenly coated.

7. Pour all the batter into the warm pan, and give the pan a quick back and forth shuffle to ensure the batter covers the pan surface evenly.

8. Top with apple slices until the batter is evenly covered.

9. Cook for 5-7 minutes (or longer) making sure the butter or margarine barely bubbles. (If the butter or margarine bubbles vigorously, turn the stove heat down until the bubbles barely foam. If the butter or margarine doesn’t bubble at all, turn up the burner heat until it does.) Give the pan a back and forth shuffle every few minutes to ensure the pancake stays loose on the pan surface, and then check the pancake bottom for doneness by sliding a spatula under and lifting up a corner of the pancake - the bottom is done when it is lightly browned.

10. When the pancake bottom is lightly browned, use a spatula to transfer the half cooked pancake either to a large pan top or a big plate. Add a ¼ inch (6 mm) slab of butter or margarine to the top of the pancake. Cover the pancake with the pan, apply enough pressure with both hands to keep the pan snuggly in place over the pancake, and maintain the pressure while turning both hands as a unit whether you’re using a pan top or large plate so that the pancake is now fruit-side down on the pan surface.

11. Cook for another 2-5 minutes, making sure to shuffle the pan once or twice to ensure the pancake doesn’t stick to the pan bottom, until the pancake feels firm to the touch.

12. Cover and turn the finished pancake fruit side up using either a pan top or plate.
13. Check the pancake for DONENESS. The pancake is properly cooked when the
batter is firm throughout and not runny or soft and sticky. If however, your pancake batter is still slightly soft and sticky, put the pancake back in the pan fruit-side down, and cook it until the batter is firm throughout.

14. Finish by sprinkling the pancake with ground cinnamon and sugar to taste.

For more cooking tips and recipes from Bruce Tretter visit www.gotta-eat.com.

League of Distinguished Gentlemen Member: Mr. Willis Victory

by Kenyon Glover
Conversations Magazine Contributor


 Mr. Victory, we are excited to feature you as a member of the League of Distinguished Gentlemen Club. What are the current businesses that you own and briefly describe each one? 

Thank you for the opportunity. Here are my current businesses:

- The Stars of Victory Entertainment Group

Focus is on talent management, development, promotion and branding.  This is the management side of the company structure.  Talent currently represented by the Stars of Victory Entertainment Group, range from Actor's/Actresses', Model's, Artist, Comedian's, and will be moving toward the representation of Athlete's by late 2013.

-Phase 7 Media Group Inc.

This is the recording and production side of things.  Focus is on the production of music, film and media technology. Phase 7 Media Group Inc., is currently in negotiation of expanding the brand and introducing Mr. Travis Miller; Grammy Award Winning Producer of the Grammy Award Winning Production Team, the Trackboyz, out of St. Louis, Missouri.  Phase 7 Media Group, will be releasing talented and soulful, Ms. Ebony Wade's, long anticipated debut album in December of 2013.

Phase 7 Media Group Inc., will also be producing several superstar artist to be announced later this year, and are currently in negotiation with a Grammy Award Winning music legend, to expand the companies music production and international presence on the music scene.  This merger will be a merger of the times, and public information will be available once all details are finalized and both companies have cleared the announcement for press release.  Phase 7 Media Group Inc., will also be releasing several films; to include, New York Times Best Selling Author, Omar Tyree's best selling book, now coming to a theater near you, Leslie.  Leslie, is one of the many master pieces by the dynamic author, and one of many of his books which will be released as movies from the author's very impressive collection of best selling books.  Phase 7 Media Group will be a powerhouse in the music and film industry for years to come.  The company will also be introducing several advances in music and film technology and announcing all artist, tour and film releases in the months to come.

-The Global Victory Capital Investment Group

This is a company which consist of a group of investor's whom I personally hand picked, to be a catalyst of funding to my companies, non-profit organization's, investment opportunities and other business ventures.  This group is by invitation only and we often entertain outside business in investment opportunities, such as:  Gold, Silver, Platinum, Bronze, Oil, Petroleum, Natural Energy and Technology, Real Estate, Fashion, Music, Film and an array of other domestic and international business opportunities that may present itself from time to time.  This group is considered a Private Equity group which specializes in top level business on the domestic level and international level.  The group has hired trusted professional's who are licensed in their chosen fields to carry out very complex business transaction's and structure business that the group may deem as profitable; or on many occasion's the group will look to Non-Profit and charitable work, to join in the efforts of making the world a better place for us all to live in.


-The Willis Victory Family Foundation Inc.

This is a Non-Profit Organization with a focus on my immediate family structure and the future of my companies and organization's; as well as, a foundation for families in third world countries and Urban America, to have the opportunity to receive an education, apprenticeship and funds to enter into the world of entrepreneur's.  The motto for the organization is: "United Dynasty."  The focus is to move families toward their passion's and dream's together, using the force of unity to achieve insurmountable success, even against the most difficult of odds.


-The Willis Victory Winner's Circle Foundation Inc.

This is an organization with a focus on youth athletic programs, mentorship programs, education and performing arts.  "Expect Nothing Less Than Victory," is the motto of the organization.  The organization places an emphasis on passion, desire, faith, vision, belief and never giving up on your dreams.  The Willis Victory Winner's Circle Foundation Inc., will be holding several events, charities and fundraiser's to support the mission of the organization.  The organization thrives to develop healthly children by consistently focusing on the mind, body & soul development of each child.  The organization plans to build recreation center's; performance of the art's center's and boy's and girl's club's across Urban America.  The organization believes through consistent development and very careful - focused attention to the youth, will bring about a better world for everyone to live in; great leader's, who will genuinely love and care for one another.

League of Distinguished Gentleman

- This is a clothing line where I am a partner of fellow Actor, business partner and entrepreneur, Mr. Kenyon Glover.  League of Distinguished Gentleman is more than a clothing line; it is a fashion empire, which represents: Love, loyalty, respect, peace, style, class, elegance, good living, top-level and the spirit of all future and present champion's; who strive to get the best out of themselves and life everyday in every way.  The spirit of hard work and the living of one's dreams and passion.  An international fashion brand that makes a statement to all of what it truly means to distinguish oneself. League of Distinguished Gentleman, is a league of its own; the gentleman who celebrates his uniqueness and expresses himself the way only a true gentleman knows how to.  We are very excited for the introduction of our Spring and Summer lines.  We will also be announcing the release of several of our other products and accessories.  Stay on the lookout for, League of Distinguished Gentleman clothing and product's coming to a store near you!


When it comes to LDG, what are you guys hoping to achieve with it? And what does it take to become a part of the League of Distinguished Gentlemen? 

With League of Distinguish Gentleman Fashion Line, we are looking to establish a global brand recognition and a lifestyle.  Something outside of the box, unique and a completely different level of fashion than the world has become accustomed to.  An attitude, confidence, style, swagger; however, most importantly, love and respect.  With League of Distinguished Gentleman, I feel that the whole concept is more about self expression, being the best man that you can be and taking life to unforseen plateau's and level's.  League of Distinguished Gentleman to me is an elite class of men through hard work, vision and belief in their passion's and dream's in life, come together in expression lifting up the true essence of a distinguished gentleman. One of honor and respect.

To be a distinguished gentleman one must be confident.  Demonstrate self-respect, love, compassion, drive, determination and all of the other qualities that the great leader's and genious's throughout history have demonstrated.  One must be focused and understand the discipline it takes to achieve excellence and mastery.  To be a distinguish gentleman one must exemplify a tremendous passion for the practice and discipline it take to achieve true happiness and success in life.

Tell us about the different adversities that you faced getting yourself and your businesses established and how you overcame them? 

Getting established in business one face many different adversities. The first thing you need to understand is that; no one is going to believe in you or anything you are doing, until you first believe in yourself.  Like with any business or organization; start-up capital and funds are always in the discussion.  What I learned, is that as long as I maintained enthusiasm for my passion, my dreams and what I was doing; all else seemed to fall into place. My faith in God and belief in what I was doing was and will forever be the catalyst behind any achievement or success.  You will always have naysayer's and non-believer's.  You have to make sure you surround yourself with supportive family, friend's business partner's and associate's. Always remained grounded and maintain a disciplined focus in your work.  You have to do what you love to do or else it your enthusiasm will die.  Enthusiasm and passion are key components to business.  With these key component's one will gather the right kind of education, attract the right mentor's and endless opportunities.  Proper preparation prevents poor performance.  Always be prepared to turn opportunity into rewards.  Most importantly; find yourself in service to other's and make sure you are happy doing what you are doing.


Tell our readers are you Married? Have kids? How is it being a husband and a father, especially having all the things going on in your life? How do you balance it? Is your family supportive? 

Married with children, yes.  Being a husband and a father is a very powerful motivating force behind what I do.  It was with that vision in mind that I set out to build an empire for my family and children.  I am a musician, actor, businessman and entrepreneur.  My wife and children allow me to express this passion through them, which makes for a very supportive cast.  Being a role model and a positive influence in my son, Prince Amari Victory's life is a life long commitment, and something that I am very dedicated in striving for.  Opening up a world of positive experiences, creativity, education, exploration, adventure, provision and protection are things are strive to lay down a foundation for my daughter's; Kylah Rae Victory and Aaliyah Victory. I meditate daily and maintain a very strong spiritual presence in my life.  Keeping God first aligns everything in its proper place and with the support of my family and children; I remain grounded and dedicated to being the best man that I can be.  I keep a daily regimen at the gym and am a dedicated daily reader, always looking to evolve in mind, body & soul.  Having a wife who supports and believes in your dreams is vital.  There are and always will be ups and downs in life. You just have to know that you will come out a winner; however, this is not automatic... Faith, focus, discipline and always keeping your eyes on the prize will keep you going when you reach a valley and you inevitably will.


Continued blessings to you, Mr. Victory. What advice that you could give up and coming business entrepreneurs..

The advice I would give to up and coming entrepreneur's would be, believe in the power of your future and dreams.  Forever remain original and unique.  Maintain a deep burning belief and passion towards your dreams.  Use naysayer's (hater's) as fuel for your fire.  They are very necessary in your quest to reach the epitome of who you are as a human being.

Look for Willis Victory to be releasing an album and doing work in film this year. Stay in contact with League of Distinguished Gentlemen and more from our organization at www.kenyonglover.com and www.lodgclothing.com . 

Tony Lindsay Presents... Rita Dove

In 1987, Rita Dove’s chronological collection of poems “Thomas and Beulah” won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. What is instructional and needed are the very first words of the collection; “These poems tell two sides of a story and are meant to be read in sequence.” The two sides told are of a single love shared by two. And Dove bears the painfully ugly with the blissfully beautiful.

The two points of view of the story or poems are encompassed in two sections: I Mandolin and II Canary in Bloom. If the reader does as directed and reads the poems in sequence, two lives will unveil into one love and one family. The two poems featured here give two perspectives of the same event.

                                       Courtship
1.
Fine evening may I have
the pleasure . . .
up and down the block
waiting – for what? A
magnolia breeze, someone
to trot out the stars?

But she won’t set a foot
in his turtledove Nash,
it wasn’t proper.
Her pleated skirt fans
softly, a circlet of arrows

King of the Crawfish
in his yellow scarf,
mandolin belly pressed tight
to his hounds-tooth vest –
his wrist flicks for the pleats
all in a row. . .

2.

. . . so he wraps the yellow silk
still warm from his throat
around her shoulders. (He made
good money; he could buy another.)
A gnat flies
in his eye and she thinks
he’s crying.

Then the parlor festooned
like a ship and Thomas
twirling his hat in his hands
wondering how did I get here.
China pugs guarding a fringed sette
where a father, half-Cherokee,
smokes and frowns.
I’ll give her a good life-
what was he doing
selling all for a song?
His heart fluttering shut
then slowing opening.



                                        Courtship, Diligence  
A yellow scarf runs through his fingers
as if it were melting.
Thomas dabbing his brow.

                                       And now his mandolin in a hurry
though the night as they say,
is young
though she is getting on

Hush, the strings tinkle. Pretty gal.

Cigar-box music!
she’d much prefer a pianola
and scent in a sky-colored flask.

Not that scarf, bright as butter.
Not his hands, cool as dimes.

Dove masterfully allows the reader into two minds in the poems, and this creative prowess is extended throughout the collection. If a reader is seeking to escape into a shared love with its pains and joys then Thomas and Beulah will not disappoint.


Tony Lindsay is an award-winning author and adjunct professor at Chicago State University. His book ONE DEAD DOCTOR was chosen by Conversations Book Club as one of its Top 100 Books of 2012. Lindsay was named Conversations Author of the Year 2012-2013.  His new book EMOTIONAL DRIPPINGS is available now on Amazon.com. He can be reached at tonylinsay7045@sbcglobal.net or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tony.linssay2.

Tony Lindsay Presents... Haki R. Madhubuti

A poet has many tools: the sonnet, the ballad, the Haiku, rhyme, metaphor, allusion, but the hammer amongst these devices and structures is the theme – the message. The message is what drives the poem into the reader’s heart and mind.

First Impressions on a Poet’s Death
       (for Conrad Kent Rogers)  
Blk/poets die
From not being
read
& from, maybe,
too much
leg.
some drank
themselves
into
non-poets,
but most
poets who poet
seldom
die
from
overexposure.

Haki R. Madhubuti’s work ‘Liberation Narratives’ is a collection of poems that will leave a reader’s head ringing and heart pounding from the hard hitting and thought prying themes in each poem.



Only a Few Left
        (America’s Pushkin sings no more
           -To Langston Hughes)

The time has come
when bravery
is not he
who is abundant
with heroic deeds
for the state.
Bravery is that
little black man
 over there
surrounded by people
he’s talking-
bravery lies in his
words.
he’s telling the
truth
they say he’s
a
poet.


Wasted Life
He spent fifty years
of his life
 trying to convince
white people  that
he was as good as they were.
he not only failed
but
didn’t learn anything
from the experience except
to strategically forget his name and
lie in long sentences.

After reading Madhubuti’s ‘Liberation Narratives’ one experiences the writer’s deep love and commitment for and to his people. If this collection of poems was said to have a single motif, it would be the uplifting of a people.  This is not one to miss, for any student of literature or Black culture ‘Liberation Narratives’ is a must have.

Tony Lindsay is an award-winning author and adjunct professor at Chicago State University. His book ONE DEAD DOCTOR was chosen by Conversations Book Club as one of its Top 100 Books of 2012. Lindsay was named Conversations Author of the Year 2012-2013.  His new book EMOTIONAL DRIPPINGS is available now on Amazon.com. He can be reached at tonylinsay7045@sbcglobal.net or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tony.linssay2. 

Make-Believe Tea and Other Secrets of the Shared Meal

by Ellen Kanner


Ever play tea party as a kid? Then you’re already an expert on the value of the shared meal. It’s about being totally engaged in the moment and with each other, even if the other party guests are imaginary. The tea may be make-believe, but the delight and wonder we bring to the table is real.

Then we grow up. We have real tea and real food, but we have crazy, conflicting schedules, sky-high stress, work deadlines, demanding lives, and complete sets of emotional baggage. Our sense of joy and ability to be present isn’t gone for good. They can be coaxed back, and a shared meal is the way to do it.

Eating together can be magical, but once you grow up, it takes planning. And patience.

• Identify who you want at the table. Your spouse, since you eat in shifts?  Your BFFs whom you text but don’t even see these days? Your sullen, texting teen?  Put the word out. Try to get everyone on board (even the sullen teen).

• Set ground rules. No food fights (unless you’re into that sort of thing). Determining who’ll do the dishes now will save resentment later. Cell phones and laptops and similar devices are not allowed at the table. We’re so busy, so plugged in, we don’t even know who we are without our gadgets handy. Here’s a brief and finite amount of time to find out.

• Be flexible, too. Maybe you’re Food Network fabulous in the kitchen, but your child only eats plain pasta and your friend’s culinary prowess doesn’t extend beyond the microwave. Maybe you like to eat at 6:00 on the dot, but your friend can’t possibly get to you before 7:00. The meal is the incentive to bring people together, but it’s not the only thing. The goal is to have time to connect with people you care about, or people you’d like to know better (this may include yourself) and get something good to eat, too.

• Schedule it. This may be the toughest part. It’s nice to dream about sitting down together once or twice a week. Start by setting an attainable goal. Shoot for one single sane and sit-down meal. When can everyone manage it?  If nights are impossible, what about breakfast?  Fifteen minutes with friends and family, fresh fruit and a pot of coffee can add sparkle to an otherwise dreary day.

• Breathe. You don’t have to do it yourself. Host a pot luck. Have everyone bring a dish. Or create a meal together. We get lonely and frustrated alone in our designer kitchens. Elsewhere in the world, communal cooking is the rule. Get in a global frame of mind. Working together in the kitchen gets the conversation going. A bottle of wine doesn’t hurt, either. What you prepare can be as elaborate as making homemade pasta or as simple as tossing prepared pasta with your favorite sauce. Keep the talk (and the wine) going at the table over the dinner you’ve made together.

• Add children. When kids have a hand in shopping for or preparing food, they’re more engaged and willing to eat something other than McNuggets. Caveat  — children may not mix and add ingredients in a tidy or timely manner. Keep a sponge and a trash can handy, along with a sense of humor. Your kid will bring the sense of wonder. All will be well. This is not just about dinner, this is about connection.

• Rediscover the child in yourself by tasting your favorite childhood foods again. Make a kitchen date with your mother, your auntie, whoever’s the keeper of the culinary flame, to learn how to make the dishes that bespeak home, comfort and celebration within your family. Ask about the history and people behind the recipes. You’ll bring your family together, preserve the flavors and memories of the past, and enjoy them together.

• Invite others. Should family meals produce anxiety, go for the dilution factor. Having friends at the table makes family members behave better, and changes the dynamic and the conversation, too. In the course of the meal, you may discover things your own family has never shared. Your husband’s always wanted to go to Venice?  Who knew?

• No need to sweat over a five-course meal. A welcoming pot of soup works its own miracle. A rock star told me the most interesting conversations happen over food. I didn’t even know the man ate. The meal is nice, the conversation, the connection, the sharing is what really matters.

Bring your most authentic self to the table, the way you did when you played tea party as a kid. That’s what makes everything delicious. We create celebration when we gather. More make-believe tea, anyone?

Based on the book Feeding the Hungry Ghost. Copyright © 2013 by Ellen Kanner. Reprinted with permission from New World Library. www.NewWorldLibrary.com
 
###

Ellen Kanner is an award-winning food writer and author of Feeding the Hungry Ghost: Life, Faith and What to Eat for Dinner. She is also Huffington Post's Meatless Monday blogger and the syndicated columnist Edgy Veggie, is published in Bon Appetit, Eating Well, Vegetarian Times, Every Day with Rachael Ray, and Culinate as well as in other online and print publications. She’s an ardent advocate for sustainable, accessible food, serving on the Miami boards of Slow Food and Common Threads.

When she’s not teaching underserved students to cook and speaking about what we’re hungry for, Ellen takes time to tend her tiny organic vegetable garden, hike in the Everglades, make friends with cows and make dinner with friends. She believes in close community, strong coffee, organic food and red lipstick. A fourth-generation Floridian, she lives la vida vegan in Miami with her husband. Learn more about Ellen at www.ellen-ink.com

Pre-Orders Available for Conversations' May/June Issue

Pre-orders have begun for the May/June issue of Conversations Magazine featuring the world treasure Maya Angelou.

The issue which releases May 15th also features others such as the author of Soul Songs, author/life coach Daved Beck, Examples of Fatherhood and more. Get yours reserved today for only $6.99, shipping included below:

Kenyon Glover: Living Life on Purpose

by Cyrus Webb

The road to the destination called purpose is sometimes a tricky one.

We all know what it's like to have a love for something and either never see it realized or have it snatched away. What we do in that moment determines not only the rest of our lives but what our purpose might actually be.

Take Kenyon Glover for instance. Today he seems to have it all: an amazing career as a model, actor, director and clothing line designer. There seems to be very little that he can't do. Few would guess that all of what he has accomplished in the entertainment industry almost never happened. Why? Because after his NBA dreams were shattered, Glover had gotten to a point in his life where he was not only suicidal, but had actually held a gun to his head and pulled the trigger...

How was he able to realize and walk in his purpose before it was too late? That and more is what we discussed in our fascinating conversation.

KENYON GLOVER ON HIS LIFE NOW: "I'm blessed to be able to do what I have learned to love to do. It's been a heck of a journey. I have an interesting story to tell, and I hope it will inspire others to keep pushing for their dreams. I thank God for allowing me to wake up and do what I do. It's been rough. This live is one where you have to put in 120% a day. If you slack up everything can fall apart. My goal when I wake up is to make today better than yesterday. I've come a long way, and I'm appreciative for everything I've overcome and had fun doing it."

KENYON ON SPORTS: "I started playing basketball at the age 5. It was all I wanted to do. It was my dream to play in the NBA. Fortunately I had people around me that worked with me and wanted to see me succeed. I had brothers who pushed me and trained with me everyday. They made me tough and strong. It meant alot to have my family there to support me.

"I played ball through high school and had scholarship offers all around the country. I got to a point where I wanted to be: the NBA. Then 3 months after joining the Milwaukee Bucks I was injured. The doctors said I was done."

KENYON ON MOVING FORWARD: "After my NBA dream was gone I went into a total depression. I became suicidal and attempted suicide. I put a gun to my head and pulled the trigger, but the trigger got stuck. From that moment on I knew there was something else God wanted me to do.

"I started getting on my knees and praying and getting myself back together. It took me about a year. It was then that someone approached me about modeling. I got into it and before long I was working all over the country with different clothing companies. After that a friend invited me to attend an acting workshop with them. At the workshop I was asked by the acting coach to participate and fell in love with acting. It took over from there. I got to a place where I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. Basketball was put in the back of my mind. It been non-stop ever since."

* * *
The lessons that Kenyon have learned through his experiences are ones he is passing on to all that he meets. "You can't give up," he says. "Never give up on anything. No matter what, continue to pursue your dreams."

I asked him about the attention he gets from being in front of the camera and if it was something he was completely comfortable with. "It's been very comfortable for me," he replied. "I see it as a way of using it to my advantage. If I can inspire someone else to achieve what they want to achieve it's all worth it."

The projects that appeal the most to the mogul are action projects. "Those are the the roles that attract me," he says. "I like being the good guy that saves the day."

Outside of those that support him in person from project to project is his amazing online audience that follow him on each step of his journey. "I love social media because it connects you with your fans. They want to know more about you as a person, and I am able to talk with them one on one." Kenyon also using the online tools to grow as well. "I try to get advice and suggestions from my peers," he says. "I'm constantly picking their brains, because they are where I want to be. I'm really thankful for those who support me. It's good to know that they care and like what I have going on. I respect that."

There's a lot to look forward to from the man that is living his life on purpose. Kenyon has added another title to his name: that of director. His first short film is called LEAGUE OF REDEMPTION. He is also gearing up for the next season of his popular web series ANICA and promoting his newly launched clothing line called LDG which stands for League of Distinguished Gentlemen. Kenyon explains: "The main purpose was to be a movement. It's caters towards men who are making positive moves, are role models and giving back to their communities. When you have on LDG I want you to feel like you are part of something good."

Conversations Media Group, the parent company of Conversations Magazine, has teamed up with Kenyon Glover to highlight men recognized by him as part of the League of Distinguished Gentlemen. Look for those profiles in upcoming issue of Conversations Magazine.

To stay in contact with Glover visit his website www.kenyonglover.com and check him out on the social networking sites at www.facebook.com/kenyondglover  and www.twitter.com/kenyonglover. You can find out more about the clothing line at www.lodgclothing.com.