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Author page: Ian Romaker

NEFT empowers the LBGTQ community with luxury artisanal vodka

Pride itself carries many connotations. As a deadly sin, pride and the sense of being proud represents an unwavering ability to propel oneself above others in an egotistical manner. But pride also means being courageous and brave in one’s shoes. NEFT Vodka celebrates pride with luxury spirits in the form of artisanal vodka.

During June, the month of pride, we recognize those who have the courage and bravery to showcase fluorescence and flamboyance. Cheers to those who celebrate and bygones to those who share disdain. 


NEFT displays a depth of gratitude, servitude, and selflessness

You may think your brand has the hottest items and best value proposition. But all of that does not mean a thing if the market does not deem your product worthy.

Certainly, NEFT surrounds itself with LOVE in order to separate itself from the pack and rise above the saturation that exists within the beverage industry.

neft vodka
This brand provides elegance for a balanced pallette (via NEFT)

The brand does this through genuine networking, key collaborations, and originality. Its originality lies within unbreakable “barrels” that come in either 750 ml or 1L containers that fit in your hand but look like they were plucked off a forklift.  

Some of the ways the brand affects change within its community are through diligent work with nonprofits such as Project Angel Food and GLAAD.

Conjunction with these organizations magnifies NEFT’s efforts through donations, sponsorships, and a firm grasp of the bigger picture. Altruism remains extremely underrated in our current atmosphere, yet NEFT and its luxury spirits utilize it as a core brand pillar.


The artisanal vodka brand represents real authenticity

The brand’s oil drum-like barrels come in three different styles: Black, White, and Pride.

It is important to note that the luxury spirits brand also designates pride efforts year-round.

As a lifestyle brand that symbolizes love, inclusivity, equality, and diversity, NEFT Vodka is a nifty product.

luxury spirits
NEFT gives life and provides stellar, seductive and romantic cocktails (via NEFT)

Its background is mighty rich, as well. NEFT possesses Russian heritage, Austrian craftsmanship and worldwide enjoyment.

The Austrian water is filtered for nearly fifty years and their four grains of ancient Lower Saxony Rye ferments for about four years. Together, they have delivered a product that is crisp and slowly distilled with pristine patience to create a gentle delicacy.


Being relatable is key

NEFT Vodka conquers the beverage industry with galvanizing earthiness. A way that it pokes head and shoulders above is how it provides a down-to-earth vibe.

By generating authentic stories, this brand provides the human nature factor. This means it highlights real humans doing real things for all the right reasons. 

artisanal vodka
Tell your tale and live your truth (via NEFT)

These real tales told by impactful humans courtesy of NEFT Vodka are made possible by mixologists like Luke Barr.

Luke Barr turns Austrian water into indelible clear liquor. Clearly, he is not the only one as this team moves as a unit to make a difference for all involved. Their pressing desire to shift the landscape of the industry hangs its hat on the fact that we are all capable of LOVE.


NEFT Vodka is an industry leader for a reason

NEFT’s focus on international spirits and an ability to reach outside of its comfort zone does not go unnoticed. NEFT and its luxury artisanal vodka permeates the culture with ultimate empowerment.

The vibrant and fluorescent flavors provide a superb array of accents. NEFT pays homage to those who paved the way and operates with integrity. Grab a mixing container and give NEFT Vodka a vigorous shake, slight stir, and garnish appropriately! Cheers!

NFT houses offer virtual getaways and new digital affordances

NFTs have expanded from a simple labor of love into an absolute behemoth through continual growth and mass adoption. Thanks to Krista Kim, the first-ever digital getaway NFT house has been minted and sold for over $500,000 on Super Rare. These NFT houses offer owners the possibility for a virtual getaway as well as digital affordances.


Minting proves provenance

NFT this… NFT that. It seems that NFTs are popping up left and right in our ever-evolving universe.

For those unaware, NFT stands for nonfungible token, which provides digitization through a ‘minting’ process.

digital getaway
Krista Kim’s Mars House in night vision from a distance (Credit: Krista Kim)

‘Mint’ is the usable world for verification and officially marks an NFT as a redeemable item capable of sale, transfer, modification etc.

As decentralization of current systemic structures begins to set in – NFTs play a pivotal role in that process. They deal with basic primitives such as ownership, transfer, and simple access control to online assets. 

As a whole, cryptocurrency and NFTs are disruptors. As we experience a mass transition into digitization, a major change is inevitable. Suffice to say, change is never easy but it will be swift. 

Multipurposed and multifaceted use cases bring endless possibilities.


Supercharged NFT industries aim to be frictionless 

When it comes to techism and digitization innovation is paramount. Being able to separate yourself within any endeavor will always be pivotal. As of this very moment, NFT platforms are so nascent and brand new that there are countless limitations. 

virtual getaway
Mars House master bedroom (Credit: Krista Kim)

As disruptive creatives, it is our goal to shatter barriers en route to testing and stretching parameters. Therefore, we must utilize outside-of-the-box thinking. Realize that everything happens for a reason and in order to evolve you must continually strategize different movement mechanisms.


NFT homes give release from reality through streams of consciousness

An NFT home represents a digital asset that is synonymous with self-expression and livelihood enrichment. These homes are collaborative, immersive and exist within a metaverse. Digital assets contain strong value propositions because they appreciate over time. 

digital getaway
Mars House outdoor space (Credit: Krista Kim)

How exactly do these NFT homes garner value? Well, first it is imperative to build with sustainable materials that might translate to real life. Some examples include glass, steel and LED walls as architectural substrates. 

Second, they must be scalable to translate into reality. As a social asset, there are well-calculated steps that can be taken to shift the current landscape and preserve parallel worlds.


NFT houses serve as an online oasis

More and more people are seeking harmony through escapism and meditative states of well-being. It is clear that an NFT home can provide this sense of relief as a continuum of fluidity and virtual getaway. 

nft houses
Curate a life worth living – that way getaways are purely enjoyed (via Quino)

Nothing was ever achieved within your comfort zone rather achievement exists within the throws of constant flux and change. This rapid evolution has already begun and NFTs are certainly a barometer of our modern era. 

Whatever you do, do not discredit or devalue NFTs because they are not going anywhere anytime soon. In essence, be a producer, not a consumer, and see if that doesn’t boost your overall disposition within this world.

Aleem Bilal provides harmony through neutrality in his music

It is scientifically proven that people with purpose release more endorphins. Now, don’t worry about what exact medical journal that derives from, because applying pressure through your passion is universally recognized as ideal. One man who refuses to conform to the norm, especially through his project “Watered With Love” is Aleem Bilal.

We got the chance to chop it up with Aleem and dissect this most recent project. Tap in to see what transpired.

watered with love
From the concrete who knew that a flower would grow (via All Verb No Convo)

Our introduction to Aleem Bilal

I make music, I’m an interesting, up-close-and-personal guy. I am a bold individual.

Aleem Bilal

Kulture Hub: Where are you reigning from?

AB: I’m reigning from Washington D.C. I was born in Ankara, Turkey, since my pops was in the military we ended up there.

KH: How would you describe your most recent mixtape?

AB: It is a neutral and very personal album. This is a very intimate project. You’re going to have different ranges of emotions on the album. I made it for numerous reasons.

KH: Okay, and I’d like to dive into the track Real Sunnahs (pronounced soo’nuhs) – what are some real sunnahs that you live by? 

AB: Growing up Muslim some real sunnahs are living peaceful, having ease in your life and bringing it to other people. The real sunnahs are the real prayers that you should have for yourself in the future. 

I think everybody should feel free from whatever they feel is oppressing them.

AB the Pro

Watered with Love

AB: My project is called Watered with Love because it’s about giving nutrients. Whatever goodness I got – I’m just trying to put it back in the world. I know I’m not gonna last forever, so it’s a job to connect with people and engage. Simple bars. I’m just trying to make myself more practical.

KH: “You are not a specialist, you are not a martyr, you’re a working citizen but you’re not blue collar.” I like that bar. So then, what are ya?

AB: I’m from the new generation where we learn to work smarter and not harder. We’re learning about stock, we’re learning about better business ethics – our generation is moving forward into an independent way of thinking.


Aleem Bilal uses neutrality to his benefit

So there you have it – Aleem Bilal is a very laid-back individual who knows his role and applies himself with excellent timing and placement. As a neutral individual, he stays firmly in the middle of what piques his interests.

Look for him to elevate consistently and tune into his socials to get the read on merchandise, concerts, and future offerings from him and his All Verb No Convo collective.

These NFT tokens are empowering Black creatives

The NFT bubble may have burst. This was expected to happen sooner or later given the sheer magnitude of cash influx that the market has seen within the past half-year. But there are NFT tokens that are still making positive impacts, such as in Black empowerment.

An expeditious increase always meets relative decrease which leads to overall market stabilization. In short, nonfungible tokens are exactly where they ought to be! NFTs exist as speculative assets which makes them tricky trinkets.

But make no bones about it! The NFT market is still flourishing and beginning to reach all different ends of the compass. 

black nft tokens
G.L.I.T.S. = Gays and Lesbians Living in Transgender Society (via TU Twitter)

Towards Utopia is alive and thriving

Recently, 17-year-old Diana Sinclair set out to establish an unforgivably Afrofuturistic movement. The vessel by which she chose to empower? NFT! Her digital diaspora represented liberation through imagination and celebrated Juneteenth at the Superchief Gallery with a riveting display recently. 

The most noble aspect of Sinclair’s work is the opportunities afforded for the less fortunate.

Since there is a lack of equity within the NFT space, this young woman has made it imperative to create a diverse communal space that stands up for all walks of life. It is called Towards Utopia and it sheds light upon issues that plague the Black NFT community. 


Community pillars of Towards Utopia and Black NFT tokens

  • Preserve and incubate the stories of marginalized crypto creators 
  • Amplify and empower underrepresented voices
  • Free housing assistance
  • Harm reduction programs 
  • Education + healthcare
black nft tokens
Melanin is a superpower (via Dada Boipelo)

All in all, this organization embodies blackness and creates a platform that aims to transcend all social constructs in the NFT bubble.


Another quality organization within the Black NFT bubble is the ONE/OFF gallery. These progressive creatives provide addition via commission. Through distinct expression, their goal is to preserve legacies for generations. How might they go about doing that? 

Well, there are various means but here inlies a few:

  • Trend insight
  • Value capturing 
  • Rare resonation (obscure individuals)
  • Reassurance of space 
one off
Not just a one off (via xx1off.art)

Certainly, an uplifting force – the ONE/OFF gallery exists fully within the throws of this digital renaissance. There is no doubt that we are currently swirling within the most pivotal period of autonomy.

The culmination of afrofuturistic ideals opens a portal that connects the past, present and future in a cyclical hyperloop. 


Reputation and brand karma serve as practical business drivers – for Black NFT tokens it is no different

An order of operations is crucial when it comes to business functions and proper influence. These Black NFT tokens increase their presence by remaining organic, authentic, and different. Not everyone can blossom within this nearly simulated space, but those who understand movement and execute ideas will always prosper.

“Nothing can be more diabolical than a deliberate attempt to destroy in any man his will to be a man and to withhold from him something that constitutes his true reserve.”

Martin Luther King Jr. (Ethical Demands)

Indeed, there is nothing more insidious than a downright attempt to strip an individual entirely. The thing about it is that someone could lose all possessions and be left completely bare. In the end, they would still reserve the right to intellectual property. Move accordingly.

We’ve got Stockholm Syndrome too! A look into A$AP Rocky’s new doc

Have you seen A$AP Rocky’s new doc Stockholm Syndrome?

A$AP Rocky cannot be stopped – he can only hope to be contained. Then again, after his most recent stint in Stockholm, Sweden it is safe to say he never wishes for confinement again.

Within his genre, he continues to push extraterrestrial experimentation to the forefront. Not just solely within his genre, this man exists within multiple realms and serves as a prime example to the power of stepping outside of your comfort zone.

“Sometimes when you do shxt thats just out of peoples comprehension or what they used to in an unorthodox way they doubt you”

Rakim Mayers

Stockholm Syndrome highlights visionary pioneers all across the board

First off, the Stockholm Syndrome Tribeca Film Festival production shot by the Architects scorched the Earth. The Architects exist as an anonymous collective of filmmakers. 

yams day
Rocky sets the trend whenever he steps out (via Autocareview)

This film clearly delineates the occurrences that took place prior to a street fight in Sweden. Following provocation, harassment and continual stalking – the bodyguard, photographer and Rocky threw a man to the ground – punching and kicking him. When they were arrested and questioned, the Swedish government already had preconceived intentions. 

Slobodan Jovicic, ESQ held it down

Rakim Mayers spent his unjust time in Kronoberg Remand Prison to reflect and truly look inward. His top legal team argued in violation of Article 36 of the Vienna Convention and eventually won freedom.

It is important to note that Sweden as a country would have been forced to recoup tour earnings (upwards of $9M dollars) if Rocky had been acquitted (faced nearly six years).

It was tricky considering the fact that Sweden has no bail system, no plea bargain possibility and no warrant system. Rocky needed two out of four votes to acquit and he successfully achieved that. 

testing a$ap rocky
A$AP has never cared about what others think or say (via Autocareview)

This film was extremely well-executed on all accounts. The transitions, camera rotational effects and overall synchrony through experimentation and ornamentation were impressive. Stockholm Syndrome broke down the layers of this character we know as A$AP Rocky and truly humanized him.

Rocky is unapologetically himself 

Rocky zigs when others zag. He is unafraid to try all kinds of outlandish endeavors as long as it is consistent with his brand and yields new affordances. Rakim attributes this entirely to the late A$AP Yams – a man who provided brazen confidence and pushed boundaries at all times. 

This production was extremely visceral, vivid, and impactful. It goes to show that creatives of color are an endangered species and we must do anything and everything to protect them at all times.

a$ap rocky doc
A strange human (via Audiomack)

If you haven’t seen A$AP Rocky’s Stockholm Syndrome yet ask one of your friends they might still have a screener… Otherwise you sick.

Underscore Ave is the creative network for the new age

There is no better feeling than empowerment. We’re talking about when you diligently put your all into something and it comes back in a full-circle movement. Underscore Ave is here to revolutionize the way we connect, network and move within important cultural spheres.

Full circle movements are pursued to gain that “small world” feeling where you make mutual connections that you never thought were possible. Underscore Ave is a creative network working to revolutionize the economy for creatives.


Underscore Ave resides on the corner of greatness and velocity

Dante Stewart and Eddie Hayes joined forced to culminate the ultimate curation platform.

Hayes [CEO] has a strong background in the cultural realm and is clearly a catalyst. Stewart was a double major in computer science and Japanese at Depauw University and provides versatility.

Together, the two have pushed Underscore Ave to the forefront of the culture in order to give themselves to others.

underscore ave
Let your aura do the talking (via Medium)

This company makes it abundantly clear that it can serve as the bridge between young creatives and their ideal path in any industry.

Their infectious persona as a team is contagious and they give artists the keys to interpersonal connection. There is no doubt that you must apply yourself and truly absorb wisdom along the way.


Nothing in this life is given, only earned

Underscore Ave prides itself on well-calculated maneuvers. Their company offers endless game on how to promote your brand, expand your network and create content that will resonate. 

cultural sphere network
Founder Eddie Hayes proudly poses atop his company banner (via Trincoll.edu)

Their motto is simple: “Make a name for yourself.”

Reputation takes a lifetime to build and moments to destroy so it is imperative to always put your best foot forward. Never do anything that might jeopardize the bag. 

With that, it is extremely important to find affinity within common grounds. By surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals that ride same wavelength, you will be able to positively impact everyone involved.


Underscore Ave serves as an aggregate towards the culture

When this social platform began they had one ideal in mind: servitude. They deal with people from all walks of life and connect them through a myriad of mediums.

Underscore Ave puts on showcases, seminars, listening parties, etc. to serve as promotional hubs. They aim to have a transformative impact on the creative community. 

Their selfless acts exhibit that they operate with others in mind. As long as the job is done correctly, who gets the credit is irrelevant.

Matter of fact, Underscore Ave seems like the type of company that would allow for the artist to receive 100 percent of the credit as long as both parties continue to move onward and upward. 


Trust in your autonomy 

Underscore Ave provides competent and practical solutions for any inquiring mind.

They encourage young creatives to move with purpose and be specific with the questions you ask. Never ask something that could be answered with research – unless it is strategic in nature. This creative network is breaking the mold for how we will operate in various cultural spheres in the future.


Five parting gems courtesy of Underscore Ave

  1. Accountability turns losses into lessons
  2. Be vulnerable
  3. Create from a place of inner harmony and meaning
  4. Unravel yourself
  5. Transcend time

Underscore Ave is out to mobilize, revolutionize and leave a legacy. They exist within extremely diverse circles and execute with wisdom and personality.

Drop them a line and see how you can become apart of the movement today!

Terra Virtua reflects fair value within the NFT space

As is the case with anything, judgment is never proper protocol when it comes to NFT observation. Rather than make dismissive commentary based upon preconceived digital notions, we decided to delve deeper into the platform Terra Virtua.

Terra Virtua is the world’s first fully immersive digital collectibles platform. Using blockchain technology, the company allows digital asset collectors to display and interact with their virtual goods in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and in 3D on PCs.

nft observation
The Br8ve is an artwork commissioned by early anonymous crypto OG, who revealed that Satoshi Nakamoto is eight different experts in their fields. (Terra Virtua)

Terra Virtua

The company utilizes 8K hospital-grade resolution VR technology from the likes of Satoshi Nakamoto. Through observation, Satoshi’s NFT, ‘The Br8ve’ is one of the first fully functional NFT’s that incorporates airplane grade visual resolution via headset, controllers, and laptop. 

Terra Virtua had to make many adjustments to its website prior to becoming the powerhouse that it is today. Here are a few features it has improved and installed on its website.

  • Instituted queue system to ensure fair purchase process 
  • New purchases can generate new use cases
  • Intermixed functionality with OINDAO platform provides stablecoin synergy
  • Consistent blockchain restructuring

Basically, the company sells minimalistic collectibles that represent the immersive qualities of VR, AR, and 3-D. Some of their items have high resale value like the Gen 2 Vflects.

A really neat feature about the company is that you can purchase an NFT on its site but transfer it elsewhere. TV’s functional transfer features yield inventory on external marketplaces. 

nft observation
VFlects fly off the shelves for $30 or less while reselling at nearly $500 sometimes (Miro.Medium)

How does the system flow?

Terra Virtua has a functional ETH user base UX that has a similar system flow for FIAT users.

It has installed a logic layer for open transfers and allowed for FIAT and ETH users to experience a simultaneous use case. In turn, the system tracks the external user validation runtime record.


How else does the system perform regulatory self-maintenance?

The interoperable metamask sorts display filters, server side integrations and performs consistent platform enhancements. 

Here are two of the most rare finds we scoured for on the Terra Virtua platform:


What can we expect from companies like this in the future?

As a community, Terra Virtua has been adamant about ending all “rug pulls.” A rug pull is an exit scam by which the developers abandon a project and run off with investor funds.

The company is committed to uprooting these devious acts and solving metadata issues as well. 

terra virtua
What NFT consumers will see before their Terra Virtua NFT becomes available (Terra Virtua)

Terra Virtua has a very modern and refreshing platform that they have developed. Their company also has perks such as a colossal digital fan cave, terra dome, prestige club, and other interesting offerings. Head on over to the platform to see what it’s all about!

These youth activities will help kids reclaim their summer

The moments that youth experience throughout their lives ought to symbolize jubilance, innocence, and an unshatterable barrier of joy. Youth activities are essential, especially during the summer months when kids are needing for attention.

Certainly, pandemic era protocols have robbed youngins of normal nurture and growth processes. 

That’s in the past though! Summer is here and we are here to present you with solutions! Here are some youth activities to entertain your child this summer while testing the limits of their creative aptitude.

youth activities summer
Kids playing outside (Lukas via Pexels)

Upcycled fashion may exhibit nifty thriftiness

Go out in the community and pick up trash! While you’re out there you could find intriguing recyclables that you might utilize for repurposing. 

jarritos recycling
What goes around comes around – like the recycle sign. (via Unsplash)

There lies much to be learned via community service. Sure, you will receive your fair share of huffs and puffs (sighs) along the way. In the moment, your child might not appreciate or understand the magnitude of what they are doing but it will always come full circle. 


Expand the youth’s vocabulary with a civics counsel activity this summer

Have your child round up their five closest friends and/or family members. Possibly rent out a library space or co-work zone and lay the groundwork for open discourse. Then, have the youth brainstorm ideas about the area that they all frequent the most often i.e. ballfield, gym, museum.

Next, invite them to generate ideas as to how they might improve upon any notable issues within those places. This activity will provide validation to their concerns while giving them the ability to think critically and become solution-minded.


Take me to your mannequin leader

Hop on over to Michael’s or any craft store and see if you can’t locate some form of mannequin heads and blank flags. Have your child create their own country and let the mannequin serve as its leader. How will your country function?

Will there be poverty? Veganism? What will the class systems look like? This activity will showcase potential creative design ability while giving the youngster a chance to dream and conceive their ideal society.

civil engagement
Fight the good fight with noble activism (via Jessica Podraza)

You heard that? It’s slime time!

If your kid is very hands-on then give them the tools and let ‘em go to work. Making slime is reminiscent of Nickelodeon era antics.

via GIPHY

This is an excellent opportunity to bask in your nostalgia all the while passing along why those moments were so special to your little one. Meanwhile, they are elbows deep in some ASMR-type therapeutic feeling activity. Nobody loses.


Make somethin’ outta nothin’ this summer with this youth activity

Collect some newspapers and dissect different topics that you find interesting. While you’re at it, see what old magazines you might have laying around and throw those in the mix as well. This activity is multi-purposed and has many different avenues to provide creative stimulation for the youth’s experiences.

youth activities summer
The young mind is like a sponge – let them soak up the most unique experiences (via Annie Spratt)

You may discuss current events with your child and really nail down why these developments have received attention. This can lead to discussions about publicity, “no such thing as bad press,” and why sensationalism still exists in our world today.

As far as the magazines go, provide blank construction paper, scissors, glue, markers and crayons. Then, cut out any images that you find appealing within the body of the magazines. Finally, paste them onto the construction paper to make something new from a previous publication. 

youth activities summer
With the right outlook, environment, and mindfulness – opportunities are endless (via Sarra Marzguioui)

However you slice it, temps are rising and outlooks are brighter than ever. Always remember, your actions are a direct reflection of character and children are much more observant than we may realize. The experiences the youth collect in their first chapters will affect them for the rest of their lives. Blessings.

7 organizations making sure kids have the summer they deserve

Kids have been deprived of the interactive and carefree nature of maturation for the better part of a year, but certain organizations are working to make sure kids can dream, learn, and grow again this summer. Nonprofits for kids often make the biggest difference in their lives, especially as the kids get older.

This summer, it is all about the kiddos and how they can have a blast! Organizations that work to give kids a brighter summer and thus, a brighter future, can make all the difference. Let’s scope out some of the most vibrant organizations making a difference for kids everywhere this summer. 


VoyceNow amplifies with consistent progression

nonprofit kids
Awareness is important, enactment even moreso (via VoyceNow)

VoyceNow Foundation is a nonprofit organization that is directly tied to the Boys and Girls Club of America. The nonprofit foundation prides itself on its ability to raise awareness about equality, justice, diversity, and inclusion, and that is no less important than ever for kids this summer.

As a cataclysmic force, VoyceNow rallies fans, supporters, change-makers and playmakers to effectuate change in the areas seen fit.


Youth Build shows that the alternative is completely acceptable

organizations kids summer
YB is quite literally constructing brighter tomorrows (via YouthBuild USA)

Youth Build USA encourages the notion of tapping into your creative potential. They do not necessarily recommend nontraditional routes rather they embrace those who might have different circumstances.

Those people who might not feel as if college is for them or may have unique situations can learn a trade, complete education and learn vital job skills that will help them down the road. 


BBBS serves as a staple in any community

BBBS is that older sibling and guiding beacon that individuals always yearn for (via BBBS)

Big Brothers & Big Sisters stands on firm ground as one of the most reputable national organizations dedicated to children and community.

Exclusions do not occur here and youngsters can learn so many valuable lessons about how to interact, engage and utilize their gift to the fullest potential.


Invaluable life lessons are taught at this organization for kids this summer

Bigger than Basketball – Stefan Thompson the coach of Hobart College Hoops is definitely up to something! This man worked tirelessly to bring the best record over a span of four years that the program has ever seen.

Now, he is at the coaching helm and in an ideal position to pour his passionate progress back into the community. 

Rather than overseas hoops, Stefan Thompson has committed himself to the betterment of his community (via BTB)

BTB helps youth foster relationships and prepare for competitive opportunities on and off the court. Their core values of authenticity, growth, respect and togetherness are absolute pillars and help young adults navigate throughout the world.


Freedom is abound at the Sanctuary

Sanctuary for Independent Media – this community enrichment organization located in Troy, NY serves the community like none other!

They put together festivals, bike repair tutorials, self-help routines and give young people hope. The Sanctuary stands tall on the facets of environmental justice, freedom of expression, activism, art, and science. 

sanctuary for independent media
Sustainability is key at the Sanctuary (via SIM)

Most notably, they tend to purchase abandoned buildings and/or lots and spruce them up or start a holistic food garden in that space. Also, rather than staring at boarded up houses the Sanctuary will find huge posters of former tenants and display them rather than plywood. 


National CARES Mentoring Movement works to give kids a stimulating summer

The National CARES Mentoring Movement functions as a mentoring movement initiative. They provide adequate support to families to bolster their ability to flourish and reach maximum potential.

We need more org’s like this that allow space for tough conversations, practice nonviolence, metacognition and operate based upon community wellness.

cares foundation
We all carry weight, but do we care for one another? (via Cares)

This organization understands the correlation between slavery-era survival tactics and how that might correlate to contemporary situations. Together with Dr. Fiyah Oates, CARES aims to break down barriers to racial equity with trauma-engaged models that are healing-centered and culturally driven. 

Additionally, their W.O.W. program – Walk on Water – encourages self-awareness, self-discovery, emotional freedom and inner transformation.


BGCA is a non profit that provides the utmost resources and community-driven results for kids

Boys and Girls Club of America – this nonprofit organization reaches nearly 4.73 million kids each and every year. The organization puts in dedicated work to transform the hearts of many kids, and this summer will be no different..

nonprofit kids
The Boys and Girls Club integrates character development and fosters a sense of belonging (via BGCA)

As a whole, BGCA cultivates a relevant and meaningful atmosphere within virtuous circles. Children leave the Boys and Girls Club as gatekeepers with measurable goals, perspective, and autonomy. Their programs are designed to meet five key needs:

  1. Bridge the workforce readiness gap
  2. End cycles of inequality
  3. Neutralize safety threats
  4. Fill mentorship void
  5. Listen and amplify marginal voices

This organization is an integral force within the community and represents wellness in every sense of the word. The nonprofit is meant to work for kids; after all, they are the future.


Organizations working to give kids an amazing summer deserve all of our props

For all the evil in this world, light always finds a way to shine through. For kids this summer, that is of paramount importance, and thus organizations working to enlighten and educate kids deserve our utmost respect.

Historically speaking, love always wins. Never neglect what the past can teach you and stay ever-present within the moment.

Plan for tomorrow and prepare for what is to come. Yet again, always revolve back to the omnipotence of being present within the current space and second you exist within. Blessings.

Is Virtue Poker the new wave for celebrities to rake in chips?

Ryan Gittleson and Virtue Poker have concocted quite the professional gambling arena and it is all backed within the blockchain. It helps that they have the co-founder of Ethereum, Joseph Lubin, at the helm for the first-ever online poker platform that you can fully trust. As a poker player, you send your wager from an ETH wallet to the ETH Smart Contract.

That Smart Contract organizes code for the parameters of the game and manages sidechain funds to determine payouts based upon bet sizes and chip counters. 

virtue poker eth
The core redeeming quality of this platform lies right within the name (via CryptoPotato)

Virtue Poker never holds your money whatsoever as it is all managed within the Smart Contract which acts as a short-term escrow account. (The Virtue Poker dApp includes a FunFair wallet to enhance gameplay).

To launch properly, Virtue Poker is set to host its first celebrity tournament with many prominent names on the ticket. None are more headline-grabbing than Paul ‘The Truth’ Pierce, who just recently parted ways with ESPN.

Make no mistake, Pierce is not hurting in the slightest and has taken this adverse moment to create a paramount pivot into the world of cannabis and poker. Look for him and many others to anny up and throw funds into the blockchain on June 22nd!

virtue poker blockchain
Paul Pierce and Phil Ivey are amongst some elite names to compete in Virtue Poker’s first celebrity event (via TecHubb)

Virtue Poker went through all the hoops with ETH and within the blockchain

Virtue Poker was the first B2C poker platform to complete the Malta Gaming Authority double audit for Systems and Digital Innovation. They received approval regarding their decentralized mechanisms for gameplay.

Some of these are decentralized bandwidth, storage protocols, heavy compute protocols and gaming logic. 

Having more token holders enables us to market our promotions for the platform to more players – driving more liquidity and gameplay on the app, which is our ultimate goal.

Ryan G (Virtue Poker Co-Founder)

Virtue Poker is out to become the safest, most secure online poker platform and it is all made possible through the blockchain. They will also reward NFTs for in-game ‘bounties’ and tournament victories in the form of bracelets. Overall, this platform provides the ideal use case for trust issues that run rampant within the poker industry.


How exactly does the platform differentiate itself from all others?

Considering the fact that Virtue Poker operates as a single entity architecture it is built to be foolproof. To hell with all the shady and dishonest algorithms that create trust scandals within the poker universe.

Virtue Poker solidifies its position within the network as it is based heavily within the blockchain network arena as opposed to the adversarial space. 

virtue poker
via CryptoMode

Clearly, with the blockchain based model Virtue Poker is the first of its kind. They didn’t just stop there, though! As a Virtue Poker player you are eligible for all kinds of special trinkets and tokens.

They base many rewards around their Virtue Player Points (VPP) tokens and allow these momentous occasions to be captured for eternity in the form of an NFT. 

Their overall goal was to reduce risk and improve fairness all the while being a modern poker platform. It is safe to say they are well on their way!


Virtue Poker brings us the next step in evolution

Marty McFly was onto something…we are now fully within the throws of the future. Embrace it! There are so many ways of doing one thing that it is incredibly difficult to variate from the norm.

How are you going to stomp ground and clear space for your brand to conquer above all else? Is there room for more than just one in the cryptocurrency space? Certainly!

So tap in with Virtue Poker and send your wager from an ETH wallet to the ETH Smart Contract. You won’t regret it.