young voices

A Final Farewell for Audiences

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:25:20 -0800

If you're looking for something good to watch this holiday season and have a thing for music, one suggestion is to check out Michael Jackson in the documentary This Is It. The film serves as a final goodbye and an inside look into arguably one of the country's greatest entertainers of all time.

Fans and audiences waited eagerly this year to see the King of Pop return to stage on his farewell tour, which was scheduled to begin earlier this summer. When tragedy struck and news of Jackson's death hit the airwaves, the world was left to mourn with the thought of not being able to see their beloved King perform one last time.

This Is It gives viewers a chance to take a final look and see behind-the-scenes preparation
of what arguably would have been one of the biggest tours around London, England.

Viewers are also given the chance to reminisce and enjoy everything from classic chart-topping hits to elaborate dance sequences and soulful performances sure to please the biggest of Jackson fans.

This Is It began on October 27 as a two-week release in theaters. Since then, the film has turned into a worldwide fan-favorite phenomenon, giving audiences the chance to see the entertainment legend doing what he loved most.

For those skeptical on whether or not to see the film, allow me to share my movie-going experience with you.

Not knowing what to expect from the film, I walked in keeping my expectations low. Within the first five minutes of the show however, I couldn't stop telling myself how glad I was to actually watch the film.

Seeing MJ's meticulous attention to detail in his dance sequences, his melodious notes
being matched by musicians during band rehearsal, it is easy to appreciate Jackson's ability to perform.

Keeping all of that in mind, and remembering that he was doing it at the age of 50, I can definitely say that Michael Jackson not only still "had it," but will also continue to hold the title "King of Pop" for a very long while.

If you haven't gotten a chance to see This Is It, make sure that you do. Hopefully you'll be glad that you did.

While You Were Shopping ...

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:41:49 -0800

If you were among the throngs of Americans out shopping and buying a bunch of items marked down from their original marked-up prices, then you might have missed these news items that are (arguably) interesting but have little-to-no impact on your life.

1) The FAA released the recordings from Northwest Flight 188. If you recall, the pilots of that flight were out of radio contact with air traffic controllers for more than an hour and flew 150 miles past their destination, all because of "cockpit distraction."

2) Some schools are encouraging students to use their cell phones for schoolwork.

3) An iPhone developer created a Web site that documents the applications that Apple rejects. The site is called App Rejections.

4) The Secret Service apologized for allowing a couple to crash a recent White House state dinner and meet the very people the agency was supposed to be protecting (you know, like President Obama).

5) And speaking of the White House -- the Obamas received the White House Christmas tree today -- an 18.5-foot Douglas fir.

Okay, It's Enough Now

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:00:31 -0800

Rather than focusing on the fact that the Secret Service allowed two randoms to attend a White House dinner honoring the Prime Minister of India as part of their reality TV show pitch, I'd like to state for the record that reality TV is officially making the world a much worse place. We'll always have the crazies among us, the dysfunctionals, the narcissists; but why on earth should we give them TV shows? Not only that, why should we encourage them to pull stunts like this to get producers' attention?

Exhibit A: Jon and Kate Plus 8, now minus Jon and (if he has his way in the courts, the kids, too). Verdict: Don't care. Will not watch Kate Plus 8, Jon Minus 9 or any other related spinoff.

Exhibit B: Who could forget that adorable little balloon boy? His dad, allegedly, was hot in pursuit of his own reality series. Verdict: Don't care. Although his antics on Wife Swap were quite entertaining, nothing good could possibly come from a show starring this man who is obviously batcrap crazy--in the bad way.

Exhibit C: All signs now point to the notion that the Salahis were motivated to crash the White House dinner by a pending role on The Real Housewives of DC. The Verdict: Don't care. And barf. The world needs another Real Housewives show as much as it needs Michael Bay to continue making "films." No more, please. Please. It's enough now.

Retirement Strategies

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:41:48 -0800

Q: I have an IRA, but I am not putting anything in it, because I changed jobs. The current job does not have an IRA or anything. What can I do to still continue to save for retirement? Are there any types of IRA plans that I can get? Please help me, because my husband has a 401(k) plan, and he may be all right when he retires, but I will not be.

Macon, GA

A: Just because you can't continue contributing to a former employer's plan does not mean you can't continue to invest for retirement.

You might want to consider what's called a tax-deferred "rollover" Individual Retirement Account (IRA). A rollover occurs when you withdraw money from one eligible retirement plan and move it to another eligible plan. You need to first set up the IRA, which is very easy. You can go to your local bank or any number of financial institutions to set one up.

With a rollover IRA, you decide how to invest the money.

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

If you choose this option, make sure the money is transferred directly from the old plan to the new IRA. If your former employer makes the check payable to you, the company is required to withhold 20% of the money for tax purposes.

To transfer funds directly, all you have to do is fill out an application for a rollover IRA and send it to the financial institution of your choice; the new IRA custodian will process the transfer for you. If you fail to roll over the money within 60 days, you're subject to the 10% penalty for an early withdrawal. I can't tell you how many people get caught with a nasty tax bite because they didn't do the rollover in time.

You are right to be concerned about saving for retirement, but I also hope that what your husband has built up in his retirement will be part of your overall retirement plan as a couple.

Coming Out of the Food Closet

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:25:56 -0800

Thursday will be my second Thanksgiving without meat. Last year, I made the mistake of not informing my family before the big day that I had made the decision to give up meat and seafood (but for the time being to still eat dairy).

And, because I hadn't let everyone in on my decision, I couldn't explain to them what that really meant for food preparation.

I ended up eating salad, cranberry sauce and bread. A lot of bread.

"Oh, Tamika. I didn't know! I can scoop those neck bones out of the greens before you eat them if you like."

"Uh, no thanks."

Truth is, not sharing my dietary changes was less of an oversight and more of a decision. I wasn't comfortable being open about my vegetarianism.

At that point, I had never referred to myself as a vegetarian, although I had joined the ranks of the estimated 7 million vegetarians in America.

Actually, as I write this, I realize that I still don't refer to myself as a vegetarian very often. I'm still figuring vegetarianism out. I mean, the questions and soul-searching continue. And I've never been fond of labels.

I eat free-range eggs, drink soy milk and eat cheese, which technically makes me an ovo-lacto vegetarian.

And, I don't think that I'll continue to eat eggs or cheese. But how about butter? And what about my leather handbags? Will I eventually adhere to a vegan diet and lifestyle? And when I have children, will they eat meat? What will I say when they ask why I don't? Where am I going to end up, dietarily speaking?

I obviously don't know yet. But I do know that being guarded about sharing my dietary changes wasn't a half-baked idea.

While most people don't make a big deal about my food choices, I have had some uncomfortable experiences. I have received some probing questions about my spiritual beliefs as they relate to food, have been the butt of a few jokes and, on one occasion, was openly mocked at a dinner table by a group of people that I thought would not even notice that I had selected the vegetarian option.

Well, I'm no shrinking violet. And, while I'm still searching my soul on this journey, I have no problem letting people know where they can stick their turkey legs.

You might be wondering why forgoing beef or chicken lends itself to discussions of religion, philosophy and spirituality. But try to answer these questions:

1) If people are animals, but animals are not people, does that make it okay for people to eat animals?
2) If you believe in the soul and the spirit, what is the difference between the two? Do animals have either? Both? Neither?
3) Just because an animal is not tortured in its life, is it okay to kill it for human consumption?
4) Why is it acceptable to eat some animals but not others? Have you eaten a cat or a possum recently?
5) And, why are we cruel to some animals but not to others? Most people wouldn't go to a dogfight but would eat eggs that come from hens that lived in cramped cages.
6) And are cramped cages really cruel?
7) Are cages of any kind cruel? If so, what do we do about the zoo?

Mind you, I offer no judgment with these questions. I don't even have answers to these questions. I may never have answer to these questions.

But now that I'm openly addressing the issue, this Thanksgiving I am not feeling anxious about dinner. I have been happy to learn that there are many vegetarian options and recipes for Thanksgiving meals. I even found an article about how vegetarians can address the diets of their children.

I haven't tried tofurkey. And unless someone whose taste sensibilities I trust tells me that they absolutely love it, I probably won't.

I'm completely out of the food closet now and am embracing this Thanksgiving dinner with excitement. But, if anyone has thoughts on what I should do with myself during the turkey carving, please share.

UNAIDS: World's H.I.V.-Positive Population Still Rising

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:15:55 -0800

Check out these stats released Tuesday in Shanghai by UNAIDS and the World Health Organization:

- Globally 33.4 million people are living with H.I.V.

- In 2008, 2.7 million people were newly infected with the virus and 2 million people died from AIDS-related deaths.

- The total number of people living with H.I.V. in 2008 was 20% higher than the 2000 number.

The report -- "AIDS Epidemic Update 2009" -- attributes the continued rise in the H.I.V.-positive population to high rates of new infections and to the "beneficial impact of anti-retroviral therapy."

The report also lists priority areas that should guide policy and investment, which include stopping violence against women, ensuring that people living with H.I.V. receive treatment and removing "punitive laws, policies, practices, stigma and discrimination that block effective responses to AIDS."

And speaking of stigma and discrimination, when President Obama signed the reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act in October, he also announced the elimination of the 22-year travel ban that prevents H.I.V.-positive people from entering and traveling through the United States without a waiver. That rule will take effect in January 2010.

The Recession Equalizer

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:12:25 -0800

Tavis discusses whether the recession is a racial equalizer and responds to viewer comments.

Too Much Debt

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:38:01 -0800

Q: We have 15 to 25-year-old credit card debt now totaling $135,000. We are approaching retirement with five marriages between us (we have been married 20 years), but see no hope of eliminating this debt. We have closed all but one of 10 cards because we chose to opt-out rather than accept higher rates. Is bankruptcy our only choice, as we can no longer survive without the cards? Debt resolution does not seem to be a workable choice. What should we do?

New York

A: The first thing you need to do is close the remaining 10 cards or, at the very least, cut them to shreds.

And I believe you have it wrong. If you opt out of accepting higher rates on the cards after the expiration passes, you cannot use the cards, or you will have to pay the higher rate. Therefore, your reason for keeping the cards is wrong.

It's also wrong because with $135,000 in credit card debt, you should be as far away from a credit card as a polar bear is from South America.

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

You cannot handle credit. You need to stop charging anything and everything. Having more than a few cards for most people is too much; but even after closing some cards, you still have 10! That's outrageous.

And now you want my permission for you to file for bankruptcy and walk away from your obligations.

Well, you aren't going to get it. Bankruptcy is not your only choice. Being responsible should be your first choice.

I know this may sound harsh, but you and your spouse need a HUGE wakeup call. You have been living beyond your means for years, and now you want another quick fix--bankruptcy. Have you even really tried debt resolution? Have you tried negotiating with your credit card lenders for a payment plan? Or have you just let the debt sit there, to just grow?

As for bankruptcy, if you do file, you may be forced to file under Chapter 13, which allows you to repay all or part of your debts over a three-to-five-year period.

Even if you wanted to file under Chapter 7, which would allow you to wipe out that $135,000 in credit card debt, you may be forced into a Chapter 13 because of new bankruptcy rules.

If you have income above the median income for a household of your size, in your state, you are no longer allowed to use Chapter 7 bankruptcy. You have to file under Chapter 13 and pay your creditors back. Further, all individuals now have to get credit counseling before they can file for bankruptcy protection. And you have to get counseling on budgeting and debt management before your debts can be wiped out.

In your case, this is a good thing. Clearly, you need help. Go to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling's Web site and search for a credit counseling agency near you. You need to be sure the agency is approved to do bankruptcy counseling. You can also go to United States Trustee Program's Web site and click on "Credit Counseling and Debtor Education."

Even if you are allowed to file under a Chapter 7, please get some counseling on budgeting. If you wipe out that huge debt, and you haven't learned to change your spending habits, you will be right back in financial trouble. I've seen this many, many times. Someone files for bankruptcy, only to amass a lot of debt just a few years later.

One more thing, with this much debt, you may have to put off retiring anytime soon. You don't mention anything about saving or investing. And, I'm guessing, with this much consumer debt, you haven't been doing either. So how will you be able to afford to retire at 55, or even 65?

I will say this. At least you are ready to make a move to address this problem. Just be sure it's not a move that will not take you back where you've been.

(Photo by Photos8.com)

Rare Air: Black Women Television Hosts, Past & Present

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:26:54 -0800

BY KAREN CHILTON

While the introduction of three new voices to talk TV--all African-American and all women--is historically significant, what is equally relevant is the relative ease with which they've been acknowledged and accepted by viewers across the demographic spectrum.

Whether it is the shoot-from-the-hip style of Mo'Nique, the bawdy comedy of Wanda Sykes (pictured below), or the girlfriend-next-door gossip of former on-air radio personality Wendy Williams, television networks now offer audiences a choice of Black female hosts, marking a real milestone in the medium's history.

While Tyra Banks maintains a firm footing among 'tweens, teens and young adult women, and the doyenne of daytime talk, Oprah Winfrey, will continue to hold sway over the airwaves worldwide until her scheduled farewell in 2011, the cultural and historical purport of this viable handful of Black women hosts goes beyond sheer numbers and their ability to engage a niche audience. It speaks volumes about the freedom with which each is able to fashion her own distinctive image and message, a freedom that is, for the most part, taken for granted today, making it difficult, especially for younger generations, to fathom a time when there were scarce few Black faces on television of any kind, whether actors or entertainers, journalists or news anchors, much less a Black woman hosting her own show. Nevertheless, a quick glance back puts progress in perspective.

FLASHBACK TO 1950 ...

When the DuMont network (owned by DuMont Laboratories, maker of televisions) set out to compete with broadcasting giants NBC and CBS, they had to be innovative in their operations and programming. Unlike most networks, which had a single sponsor for each show, DuMont was one of the first to sell advertising to multiple sponsors, which gave producers greater freedom and creative control over their programming. When they approached jazz/concert pianist Hazel Scott with the idea of her own show in 1950, she had already achieved international renown as a star of stage and screen, performing with major orchestras all over the world and having made a name for herself as the premier headliner at New York's Café Society. She welcomed the opportunity, becoming the first Black star to host her own show--solo, without variety acts, a sidekick, or a studio audience.

The Hazel Scott Show aired on July 3, 1950 as a standard fifteen-minute show that ran locally on DuMont's New York affiliate, WABD, every Friday night. Each live broadcast opened with a performance of her theme song, "Tea for Two," as the camera panned over a cityscape before focusing on the set, which was designed to resemble a penthouse terrace. Always costumed in gorgeous gowns, diamonds and neatly coifed hair, Hazel, seated at the grand piano, played and sang jazz standards and popular show tunes. Variety wrote, "Hazel Scott has a neat little show in this modest package. Most engaging element in the air is the Scott personality, which is dignified, yet relaxed, and versatile."

Contrary to the producers' concerns, white viewers did not object to Hazel's image, which was in stark contrast to the prevailing image of Black women on television at the time (think: the subservient Negro maid or the nervous, giggling incompetent). Audiences across the country appeared willing to tune in to the elegant pianist, whose confidence and beauty were a stunning addition to her brilliant piano playing. The show garnered such great ratings that DuMont expanded the show from a local once-a-week broadcast to a national broadcast that aired three times a week.

BUT BEFORE SHE COULD ENJOY HER TREMENDOUS BREAKTHROUGH ...

Hazel Scott's name appeared in Red Channels, the unofficial guide of Communists and Communist sympathizers issued by the right-wing journal Counterattack, which specifically targeted the entertainment community. It was used regularly by the U.S. government during the McCarthy Era to rout out suspected subversives. Despite the fact that Hazel Scott was not a member of the Communist Party, guilt by association was enough to warrant her name on the blacklist. And even though her husband was Harlem's own Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) showed no mercy when she appeared voluntarily to clear her name. Immediately following the HUAC trial, sponsors pulled their support from her show. The Hazel Scott Show was promptly cancelled that September, just a few short months after its premiere. Hazel Scott would eventually be forced to join the Black expatriate community in Paris.

Though her time on the tube was short-lived, and her name is lesser known today than many of her contemporaries like Ethel Waters, who did a test pilot of The Ethel Waters Show in 1939 for one night only on NBC, and legendary vocalist/pianist Nat King Cole whose variety show aired in 1956 and lasted for 13 months, Hazel Scott's contribution as one of the pioneers in the industry is undeniable, an inspiring and instructive example for all the women who now tread the trail she blazed.

Karen Chilton is author of Hazel Scott: The Pioneering Journey of a Jazz Pianist from Café Society to Hollywood to HUAC.

A Call for Sanity on Black Friday

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:41:34 -0800

As fellow blogger Sean pointed out recently, Black Friday is upon us. So-called because it's the first day of the year in which many retailers attain profitability, it's become synonymous with giant sales on everything from electronics to toys. Lately, however, it has also become infamous for the lengths people will go to get to said bargains.

Last year, at around this time, I blogged about the death of a Wal-Mart staffer in Long Island, who made the mistake of putting himself between the store's discounted merchandise and an hysterical crowd of bargain hunters who had lined up through the night to get at them. As emergency crews attempted, unsuccessfully, to resuscitate the man, eager shoppers continued to push past, ignoring the sight of the dying man on the ground in front of them.

Last year's Black Friday came at the height of the recession we still find ourselves in, which, to a small degree, explains the behavior of the shoppers in Long Island, a product of a culture that values ostentatious displays of wealth above all and encourages us to do whatever it takes to get it. But that doesn't explain it fully, and it certainly doesn't excuse it.

This year, retailers like Wal-Mart have pledged tighter security and increased crowd control around their stores to avoid any more deaths. Hopefully this will prevent another tragedy like last year's, but to take any comfort in that is to miss the point entirely. Black Friday has become a day synonymous with American greed and stupidity, bringing our collective worst. This national holiday seems dedicated to our sick obsession with owning the newest this or the latest that, regardless of whether we have to max out a credit card to get it.

When did Americans surrender all dignity on the altar of materialism? When did it become okay to push past a dying man to save a few dollars on a new television? When did we collectively decide that this insanity was not just acceptable, but normal, even a good thing?

It's not too late to curb this trend, to address it in our communities and use Black Friday as a day to reflect on how much we really need. To consider whether whatever's on sale at Wal-Mart is really worth giving up our collective dignity and sanity to possess. This recession will end eventually and, when it does, I hope that we will take from it lessons about living within our means, and an awareness of the effect unchecked materialism has on our economy. That is my wish this Black Friday.

Holiday Buyer Beware

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:49:04 -0800

Look out Black Friday shoppers. There is a deal that you may not be expecting that could leave many singing the holiday blues.

CNN Money.com reports that while some retailers are luring customers into their stores this holiday season with teaser ads for great products, these too good to pass up bargains may be virtually gone before you ever get to the store.

Ads like these usually employ subtle words such as "limited quantities" or "while supplies last."

To the casual listener, that doesn't sound so bad, right? Well, what if there are only 3 of these spectacular items per store throughout the country when store circulars are reaching tens of thousands of potential customers in one of the most heightened shopping times of the year?

That could actually cause a problem. Think about all of those store goers who re-route their entire holiday shopping schedule just for a chance to get those coveted items on their list that won't even be there by the time they reach the store. That is definitely not the way I imagine most folks would want to spend their holidays.

For most shopping enthusiasts who simply adore Black Friday shopping, they probably won't be swayed from keeping up with other bargain hunters who want the same exact digital camera in the store at four o'clock in the morning. I mean, let's face it -- some traditions will never die.

For others looking to scrape together a couple bucks and get something nice for a loved one, I feel like some stores and Websites may be misleading folks by doing this. We all want to have a great holiday season and get a few great buys under our belt along the way, but in this economic roller coaster we're all in the middle of, the last things we can afford to waste are our time and money.

My advice would be to call the store a day or two in advance and ask them how many items they expect to have in stock. It is certainly no guarantee, but it beats waking up early for nothing.

What are your thoughts?

Twilight: A Primer for Adults

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:08:40 -0800

It's been impossible to ignore the hype surrounding this weekend's release of the second installment in the Twilight franchise, a story about abstinence and being a teenage vampire.

Call me curmudgeonly, but I really don't get it. I don't get the current vampire zeitgeist, and I don't get why so many people are so crazy about these Twilight books. Virtually every single publication in existence has had an article about what this whole trend means and, after reading a lot of them, it's still not really clear.

The good news is I'm not alone. At least one other person in the blogosphere sees this for the ridiculous fad that it is. I give you Gabe at Videogum, with this hilarious primer on Twilight. And even better, after you've read it, you won't even have to watch the movies!

Are You a Millionaire?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:41:45 -0800

Q: How do you determine if you are a millionaire? What items do you include in your analysis?

A: What you are asking is what's your net worth. That's how you determine if you're a millionaire.

Interestingly, most people have no idea what their net worth is or even how to figure it out. The Consumer Federation of America and the Financial Planning Association sponsored a survey a few years ago and found that only about half (49%) of adults know what personal net worth is. Even after survey participants were given the definition of personal net worth, almost half (48%) indicated they didn't know exactly, or even approximately, how much wealth they have..

Your personal net worth is calculated by adding up the value of all your assets and deducting all your liabilities from that figure. With your house--the greatest source of many people's wealth--you deduct the amount you owe on your mortgage (liability) from the approximate fair market value of the property. If the resulting number shows your house is worth more than you owe, then you have equity--an asset--in the home.

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

Your assets may include household and personal possessions, money in a bank or credit union, cash value built up in an insurance policy and retirement savings, plus any value you may have in your home. Your liabilities include what you owe on your home, credit cards or other loans.

If after you input all this data, you have a positive number, you have a positive net worth.

When it comes to your net worth, knowing where you stand--how much true wealth you have--can be the same kind of barometer for better managing your money. The median household net worth in the U.S. is about $59,000, according to the latest Census Bureau figures.

People's net worth has taken a beating lately, courtesy of the recession. But things are getting a bit better. Data released from the Federal Reserve Board showed a $2 trillion increase in U.S. household net worth in the second quarter of this year. It's up to $53.1 trillion, the first positive move upwards since the recession started in 2007.

If you haven't calculated your net worth lately, or at all, then use the Net Worth Worksheet on this site. You'll also find a user-friendly Personal Wealth Estimator on the America Saves Web site. America Saves is a nationwide campaign sponsored by a coalition of nonprofit, corporate and government groups, with a goal of getting more people to save.

Whether you're a millionaire or not, it's worth it to know your net worth. And it's not so you can brag about how much you have. Knowing where you stand financially can help you if you should face an economic crisis and need to pull money from somewhere.

(Photo by Photos8.com)

Small Victory for Katrina Survivors

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:15:21 -0800

For years, many have speculated that the disasters that took place along the Gulf Coast during Hurricane Katrina were more than just a catastrophic occurrence.

While many agree that Hurricane Katrina was indeed horrific, some believe part of the wreckage and destruction resulted from man-made errors.

According to a recent ruling by a court judge, it appears that the government did in fact make some mistakes.

An article in The New York Times reports that a federal circuit court judge ruled Wednesday evening that the Army Corps of Engineers were negligent in overseeing maintenance of a major navigation channel and its impact on the area. This ruling marks the linkage between that negligence and the impact it played in damaging the levees in New Orleans.

For many families, this is huge. Many lives are, sadly, still in disarray as a result of one of the largest civilian catastrophes to ever occur on U.S. soil. While the ruling has led to a small victory for some families, the article does go on to say that the negligence found in the Army Corps of Engineers is only subject to the Lower Ninth Ward and the area east of the city.

The question now is whether or not future rulings will result in families being able to seek damages, given the fact the government did play a role in some of it.

Is this the first of many efforts to restore stability to the lives of those affected during Katrina, or is this the first and only step we'll see in our government's ability to rebuild lives shattered by the storm?

What are your thoughts?

Is the Recession a Racial Equalizer?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:26:46 -0800

There have been Op-Eds in The New York Times saying that "blacks are the ones who are taking the brunt of the recession, with disproportionately high levels of foreclosures and unemployment."

But a recent article in the paper asserts that the recession is helping bridge the racial divide in a suburb of Atlanta. The article quotes an African American woman, Keasha Taylor, who is seeking help at the Division of Family and Children Services:

"Right now, a lot of white people are in this situation," Ms. Taylor said. "We're already used to poverty; they're really not."

Does this shared economic suffering change any underlying racial dynamics?

If more whites are using social services, will people be forced to reconsider their stereotypes about who uses these services?

And what does this all mean once we pull out of this recession?

Please share your opinions and experiences and they may be included in an upcoming video blog.

USDA: 14 Percent of U.S. Households Face Hunger

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:43:08 -0800

As the three-day World Summit on Food Security in Rome began addressing the more than one billion people worldwide who are going hungry Monday, an annual report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture revealed that 17 million American households (14.6%) had "difficulty putting enough food on the table at times during the year" in 2008.

Looking for a way to help? Donate or volunteer at one of Feeding America's more than 200 food banks.

Healthcare in this Economy

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:29:19 -0800

Tavis discusses the need for healthcare reform in the wake of the economic recession. On the site last week we asked, "Have you lost healthcare coverage because of the recession?" Viewers shared their stories and Tavis includes some of them in the video blog.

Developing a Retirement Budget

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:07:12 -0800

Q: I need ideas on how to develop a retirement budget. Do you have recommended Web sites people can go to and get information for developing one?

Dumfries, VA

A: One of the best retirement calculators is the Ballpark E$timate, created by the Choose to Save Program. This nonprofit aims to help people become better money managers.

The retirement calculator is an easy-to-use, two-page worksheet that helps you figure out how much you need to save to fund a comfortable retirement. You have to complete several fields of information, including about your expected Social Security benefits and assumptions on savings, but it's worth the trouble.

Fill out the worksheet first before you try to do a retirement budget, because you have to know what you have coming in so that you can manage what's got to go out.

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

Once you have a good idea of what your retirement income is, use the same budget format or template that you, hopefully, had for your pre-retirement income. Retirees have the same expenses as the rest of us--housing, food, transportation, insurance costs, etc.

If you don't have a budget template, use the Monthly Spending Plan Worksheet on this site.

The Lighter Side of Bankruptcy

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:41:23 -0800

Bill Cotter, McSweeney's contributor and author of the book, Fever Chart, put some money on some credit cards to start a business. The business didn't take off. He ended up in debt. The story, give or take a few details, is common enough in America these days. Cotter's account of his ordeal, however, is something different.

Published in seven parts on the McSweeney's Website, Cotter's story of his situation not only details the bizarre world of debt collection and bankruptcy law, but does so in a way that makes those things far more interesting to read about than they have any right to be.

From his lawyer's advice to value his cat at $10 (Cotter had him at $0.50 initially), to the collection agency whose tactics included leaving a Madonna song on his voicemail, to the Sheriff's deputy who broke down in tears in his living room after serving him with a lawsuit, Cotter's story is alternately amusing, touching and strange.

Read the full story here, or listen to an abridged version here.

Getting to the Root

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:25:49 -0800

Q: Here's my situation (deep breath). Due to surviving domestic violence during spring 2006, I made an emotional purchase two years after bankruptcy. I leased a gas-guzzling SUV and, by September 2007, I had to give it back, because I fell behind in my payments and could no longer afford it due to the gas prices being $4 a gallon. Well, since I broke the contract, I now owe $17,000, and I'm thinking about filing bankruptcy again. I also have $46,000 in student loans I'm repaying and about $3,000 in credit card debt, along with the usual household expenses--rent, cell phone, cable and car insurance (driving my disabled boyfriend's car). And, on top of that, I'm a single mom of a gifted and talented 12-year-old son.

Is there any help for me? I work full-time and come home with $1,700/month and about $200 in child support. But I still take out payday loans to make ends meet. Is there any assistance for me, and should I file bankruptcy again?

Bridget, New York, NY

A: Bridget, I'm so sorry you've had such a rough life. But I'm glad you were able to survive a domestic violence situation.

But you need help--and fast. Of course, you knew that.

For one, you can't keep spending like you do. Would another bankruptcy really help? I don't think so. The first one didn't. You went right back and did the same thing again.

And by the way, you can't get rid of that $46,000 in student loans in a bankruptcy. So you would be filing for bankruptcy for $20,000 in debt. That's not being bankrupt; that's being irresponsible. You have a money management and income problem.

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

I know that sounds harsh, but I need you to see that wiping away those debts--again--won't get at the root cause of your problems. It wasn't just gas prices that put you in trouble with that SUV lease. You couldn't afford the lease to begin with. The rising price of gas just pushed you over the edge on which you were already teetering.

Before you file for bankruptcy, the law requires that you seek credit counseling. Get that counseling, but not necessarily as a prelude to filing for bankruptcy protection. Get it because you need someone to sit down with you and help you manage the money you have coming into your household. You need a budget. You need a paying roommate. You probably need to increase your income.

So, before you bail on your obligations again, go to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling's Web site, and click on "Find a Counselor." Meet with a counselor in person, so you can get control of your money.

(Photo by Courtney Nash)

National Adoption Month: A Presidential Proclamation

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:40:45 -0800

BY BRANDY HAGELSTEIN

Each year, the President of the United States issues a proclamation that sets aside November as National Adoption Month. In addition to the presidential proclamation, many state governors also issue proclamations, in an effort to raise awareness of the need for loving and permanent homes for children in their states.

National Adoption Month, which was originally put in place to make adoption from the foster care system an important social issue, has now become the one month in which members of the adoption community come together in an effort to raise awareness about the different types of adoption and share their experiences.

With well over 100,000 children currently waiting for a forever family to call their own, the need for homes for children in the U.S. foster care system is great. But the need doesn't stop there.

Globally, there are an untold number of children who will never have a family to call their own. For that reason, National Adoption Month has evolved into a movement that raises awareness for not only children in the U.S. foster care system, but also for children around the world who are waiting for a family.

There are a number of things you can do to help children in the U.S. foster care system, even if you can't provide a permanent home for a child in need.

Consider volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) -- a non-legal advocate who gives a voice to children in the court system and makes recommendations based on the best interest of the child.

Become a licensed respite provider, offering short-term or temporary care for children in the foster care system who need a place to stay for anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. Typically, respite care is provided to children who are currently in a long-term foster placement, but for whatever reason, the foster family needs to have the child cared for by someone else for a period of time.

Contact your local or state agency and find out where they have the greatest need.

In addition to the things you can do in the United States, there are a number of opportunities to help children in other countries as well. When donating to help orphans in other countries, make sure to research the charity you are considering. There are a number of reputable and trustworthy nonprofit organizations based in the U.S. that provide for the basic needs of orphans from across the globe; so finding something that fits your needs shouldn't be a problem.

If you're interested in providing a loving and permanent home for a waiting child, the Adoption.com Photolisting features more than 3,000 children currently waiting for a family.

To learn more about becoming a licensed home for a waiting child in your state, contact your local state agency or complete the Homestudy Assistance Form and someone from your area will contact you to tell you how to get started.

Brandy Hagelstein is the Director of Social Media and Web Content for Adoption.com. She is an adopted adult, a birth mother and has served as a licensed foster care provider. She writes about her experiences on AdoptionBlogs.com.

Have You Lost Healthcare Coverage Because of the Recession?

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:39:45 -0800

As the House managed to pass a healthcare reform bill over the weekend, the recession continued to impact the ability of American families to maintain healthcare coverage. In October alone, the unemployment rate rose from 9.8 to 10.2 percent.

So we want to hear from you.

Have you lost healthcare coverage because of the recession? Please share your story and it may be included in an upcoming video blog.

And for more on this issue, visit our site for the "PBS Special Report on Healthcare Reform."

Stories of Health: A Healthcare System in Crisis

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:16:19 -0800

I met up with the creators of StoriesofHealth.org--a Web site designed for Californians to share their healthcare stories in their own words.

What Stanford Williams and Paul Schreiber created is a site that illustrates how broken the U.S. healthcare system really is.

Check out the video from my visit. For more on healthcare reform, visit our site for the "PBS Special Report on Healthcare Reform."

Does Sammy Sosa's Skin Rejuvenation Matter?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:08:56 -0800

Questions abound. People want to know why former Chicago Cubs player Sammy Sosa appeared several shades lighter at the Latin Grammy Awards last week (pictured right) than he did several months ago at a People En Espanol event in May 2009 (pictured left).

What the heck happened?

His friend and former Cubs employee, Rebecca Polihronis, told the Chicago Tribune that it was a skin rejuvenation process.

Why does any of this matter?

Because historically, deeply entrenched racism and discrimination conditioned many people of color to believe that dark skin is bad. And therefore, lighter skin (and straight hair, and blue/green/light brown eye color, and thinner noses) are good.

So when Sammy Sosa goes off and rejuvenates his skin, people don't just laugh and say, "I think you overdid the rejuvenation! LOL. Lay off the skin treatment, Sammy."

Instead, people question whether his lighter complexion isn't the result of deep-seated self-hatred, especially since it appears he also wears green contact lenses. They compare him to Michael Jackson and ask, "Do you want to look white, Sammy?"

What do you think? Does Sammy Sosa's appearance have larger implications? Do you think the light skin vs. dark skin issue is still prevalent? Is it relevant? Share your thoughts below.

America I AM - Los Angeles

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:41:01 -0800

Tavis discusses his exhibit, America I AM: The African American Imprint, and gives a preview of its Los Angeles installation.

Millionaire Club

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:23:13 -0800

Q: Would it be realistic to expect the average American to be a millionaire within his/her lifetime? And, if not, what is it we're doing wrong, and how can we correct it?

Landry Tientcheu, Madison, WI

A: You might be interested to know the world's population of high net worth individuals dropped 14.9% in 2008, according to the 13th annual World Wealth Report, released by Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management and Capgemini.

The U.S. saw its population of millionaires drop 18.5%, although it remains the single largest home to the rich, with 2.5 million, or 28.7%, of the total global population of high net worth individuals, which is defined as someone with net assets of at least $1 million, excluding their primary residence and consumables.

There were 3.5 million U.S. millionaires in 2001, according to the Census Bureau. There are, according to the latest figures, 307 million people in the U.S.

It suffices to say, the population of millionaires compared to our total population is low. So, while lots of financial experts will say it's possible to be a millionaire in America, the truth is it's unlikely most people will end up as high net worth individuals. No, I don't think it's realistic to expect the average American to be a millionaire.

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

I'm certainly not discouraging anyone from reaching for that millionaire bar. Some reach that level because they earn a lot. Some inherit their wealth. Others, with time, luck and a good diversified investment portfolio, achieve great wealth. But you shouldn't feel like a financial failure if you don't get your millionaire club pin.

What is realistic is financial security, and that can come with a combination of things--a good education, developing and sticking to a sound budget, saving, keeping your spending under control and investing wisely.

On this site, there are some very useful tools, tip sheets and videos that can help put you on the road to great wealth. After all, one of the most important steps to prosperity is becoming better informed.

Understanding Health Insurance

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:57:00 -0800

After the historic passing of President Obama's $1.1 trillion healthcare bill in the House over the weekend, people will be talking about the future of healthcare in America more than ever.

To understand the future of healthcare, however, is to understand the past. Where did the notion of healthcare come from? How did health insurance start? And where on earth did we go wrong?

A recent episode of Chicago Public Radio's This American Life endeavored to answer those questions and, in the process, created probably the most interesting hour about the insurance industry to ever cross the airwaves.

The episode, called "Someone Else's Money," goes into the realities of what makes healthcare so expensive in America, how pet insurance is headed down the same road, the very surprising origins of health plans and where Obama is getting it wrong. It's essential listening for anyone who's interested in understanding why this is such a big deal, and why the system, as it stands, works (or doesn't) the way it does.

Listen here online for free.

Susie Essman: Not Who You Think She Is

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:20:42 -0800

If you're a fan of Curb Your Enthusiasm, you'll recognize actress Susie Essman as the character she plays on the show, the perpetually angry and foul-mouthed Susie Green.

Every actor who achieves success for a certain role will always be identified with that character in real life, to a certain extent, and there's a general assumption that the two are similar. This is especially true for a show like Curb, which stars Larry David, Ted Danson and other celebrities, ostensibly playing themselves. In her appearance on the show last week to discuss her new memoir, What Would Susie Say?, Essman proved just how different she is from her eponymous role on Curb.

Not only is Essman not angry and foul-mouthed (except if you repeatedly ask her to yell at you, apparently), she's funny, positive and eager to share some of the wisdom acquired in her not-always-comedic real life.

Watch the full interview here; it's ten minutes well spent.

'08 Elections: Our Work Does Not End With a Campaign

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:16:59 -0800

This post was first published at VeniceforChange.com.

BY MARTA EVRY

I have a tiny, 750 square-foot house. But I've somehow made room for one of those enormous Obama "Hope" posters. You know the one. You've seen it a million times. This one sits framed in my kitchen. On it are the signatures of many of the volunteers I worked with on the Obama campaign last year.

Every day I am reminded of the miracle we pulled off. Every day I'm reminded how, in our congressional district alone (CA-36), 1,500 volunteers made over 600,000 phone calls to swing states all over the country, and sent hundreds of volunteers to Nevada and New Mexico to get out the vote and turn those states blue.

Every day I am reminded that change can only happen when citizens stand together and take ownership of their government, their country, their communities and themselves. Every day I am reminded that our work does not end with a campaign, but rather begins with a new
president, a new government, and a new day.

Republicans have taken the governorships of Virginia and New Jersey. Yet in NY-23, Democrat Bill Owens beat out Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman. And Democrat John Garamendi easily defeated Republican David Harmer in CA-10 by running as a staunch progressive in what had previously been considered a moderate Democratic district.

And in a heartbreaking reminder of Proposition 8 in California, gay Americans were again denied their rights - this time in Maine.

Every day I am reminded that our work does not end with a campaign.

Our president inherited a series of crises from one of the most venal and incompetent administrations our country has ever known. It is all he and his administration can do to keep our country from sinking into another Great Depression or stumbling into World War III.

What's left of the Republican Party is becoming the American Taliban right before our eyes while conservative Democrats threaten to derail health care legislation at every turn.

President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize this year, and we are poised to send thousands more troops to Afghanistan. My brother-in-law will be returning to Iraq for his third tour of duty this month, leaving a wife and three children behind. He joined the Army 15 years ago because when his wife became pregnant with their first son they couldn't afford health insurance. They still can't.

Every day I am reminded that our work does not end with a campaign.

I believe in my president. But I don't expect him to "rescue" us. We entered into an implied contract when we helped get Barack Obama elected. We expected "change." We expected to be respected, empowered and included. We expected him to fight, and we expected to join him in that fight.

That contract, in many ways, has only been partially fulfilled.

As way of example, I take Obama at his word when he says he believes the public option is the best way to reform our health care system. But here's what I've never heard him say:

While the public option may be the best way to bring reform to our health care system, it's not the easiest or surest road to passing health care reform through Congress - in fact, it may be the most difficult. I understand this risk and am willing to take it, because together I believe we can make this dream a reality.

Instead, I believe the president and his advisers have chosen a different path. One they hoped was less risky. One that would more likely give them a victory that's eluded every president since Roosevelt. They chose triggers. They chose Olympia Snowe. They have, along the way, chosen to manage expectations for the public option instead of drawing a line in the sand and fighting for it. Not because they're corrupt, or deceitful or because they don't believe in efficacy of the public option, but because they don't believe the system would allow it to happen.

They say politics is the art of the possible.

This is what they believe is possible.

I believe they've created a self-fulfilling prophecy, and by doing so, have made the possible finite.

Every day I am reminded that our work does not end with a campaign.

So it's up to us - all of us - to hold our president accountable. To support him when he needs it, but also to hold his feet to the fire when he chooses the merely possible over the audacity of hope.

We have to make sure the path against the public option, against withdrawal from Afghanistan and Iraq, against the climate change bill, against repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and against federal marriage equality is more difficult than the path for it.

This is our end of the contract. We have to understand what the issues are, and understand that merely supporting the president's agenda may not be enough.

Every day, when I walk by my kitchen wall and see that poster and see my volunteer's names scrawled across his face, I am reminded that our work does not end with a campaign.

We did not ask permission then and we do not need permission now.

We will be the change we seek and we will move our country towards the possibilities of the infinite.

Marta Evry is a film editor and community organizer. During the Obama presidential campaign, she worked as a Regional Field Organizer for California Congressional District 36. Her musings on the state of local and national politics can be found at www.VeniceforChange.com.

Prioritizing the Basics

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:09:26 -0800

Q: I lost my job and haven't worked for 8 months. Most of my savings is gone. How do I prioritize my bills, house note and car payment? What is more important? What can you do if creditors give no slack to regular payments?

A Visitor, Upper Marlboro, Maryland

A: I don't have to tell you the awful unemployment numbers.

It's bad out there for a lot of people. I'm working one-on-one with several people who are unemployed, and often, after speaking with them, I want to cry. (Sometimes I do.)

At this point, you are in crisis mode. What gets paid are just the basic necessities. You have to have a roof over your head; so of course, keep paying your mortgage as best you can.

Set aside money for food and keeping up the insurance on your car and the car note. Now, on this last point, if you aren't upside down on your car—meaning you owe on it more than it's worth—consider selling it and taking any profit you make and buy a hoopty. The goal is to get rid of the monthly car payment. If you are upside down, which many car owners are, then you may have to tough that out.

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

You have to keep on the utilities. But you don't have to have cable, or at least drop down to the smallest package they have, especially if it helps you keep your Internet service, which can be key to your job search.

If you have a cell phone, drop that plan to the lowest minutes possible.

And, my friend, that is about it—roof, food and utilities. Everybody else has to wait.

At this point, all other creditors have to get in a line and wait until you are bringing in enough to pay them what, admittedly, they are owed. No doubt they may threaten you with a lawsuit, or they will likely report your delinquency to the credit bureaus. But really, so what? You don't have enough money to go around. You don't have a job for them to attach any wages.

If your creditors aren't willing to work with you to reduce your payments, or they won't grant you a forbearance until you are back up on your feet financially, then politely and respectfully tell them they just have to wait.

A Quick Diversion on Philip Glass

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:36:03 -0800

If you're like me, you spend way too much time trolling YouTube for nuggets of awesomeness like this. Hopefully, by my posting it here, I can save you some valuable time in your workday. Or, at least, give you a jumping off point for more video watching.

The clip is from a 2005 documentary called Looking Glass, about the composer Philip Glass, and sounds to me like it's narrated by Werner Herzog. I couldn't confirm the latter, but Glass is truly a fascinating guy, and this clip gives a brief window into his brilliance.

More on Philip Glass here.

A News Story with Heart

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:10:32 -0800

For years, Byron Pitts has reported on some of the nation's most memorable stories. He's covered everything from domestic affairs in the U.S. to international conflicts around the globe. Many might even look at Pitts today and think to themselves that his life has been one of glamor and prestige.

However, it is Pitts himself who will be the first to tell you that his life's accomplishments were no easy task.

The CBS chief national correspondent and Maryland native grew up not knowing how to read until he was 12. He also lived with a stuttering problem until the age of 20. His road to success was not a likely occurrence; but through hard work and determination, he pushed himself to succeed.

He's chronicled his life's journey in his latest book, Stepping Out On Nothing. The news veteran's book offers a glimpse at how one of today's most distinguished faces in television news reached the point where he is today, and gives an honest look at how love, perseverance and dedication pays off.

For the past several weeks Pitts has shared his story with journalists, organizations and students across the country. In addition to speaking to audiences about overcoming obstacles, Pitts has continued to work tirelessly in raising awareness about the issue of adult illiteracy.

Stories like these take a great deal of courage and inner strength to share. If you ever need a word of encouragement or could use a bit of inspiration, this is the book to read. Pitts is currently promoting his book and sharing his story with others.

If you have an opportunity, find out where Pitts is speaking next. His message is sure to touch others and motivate individuals to keep pursuing their own dreams.

See the message for yourself.

White House Releases Names

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:04:38 -0800

When I visited the White House, like most people, I got a tour that lasted roughly 10 minutes. It was a very fast tour of the one of the nation's most recognizable and powerful centers in the world.

I would loved to have caught a glimpse of a guy like Joe Biden, who usually provides a lot of fodder for the late night talk show hosts, or even seen the White House bowling alley.

While my name must not have reached the White House office yet, there have been others whose visit fared much better than my own.

ABC News reports the White House recently released the names of visitors (in which inquiries were made at Whitehouse.gov) on Friday. Some of the most recognizable names include Denzel Washington, Bill Gates and, yes, even Oprah. Names like these certainly get a lot of buzz and attention surrounding them, but they were not the only names on the list.

Many of the guests also included bank CEO's, oil executives and service union presidents. Typically, it is virtually unheard of for an administration to release the names of those who visit the White House.

The names were released in part as an effort to keep transparency between the White House and the public. With issues concerning health care, clean energy, jobs and a host of other issues, I think it is definitely a good idea for the public to know who is meeting with the top officials of our nation.

No matter your political beliefs, I think a lot of people would get a kick out of visiting the White House. To those fortunate few who've had a chance to step behind the veiled curtain of power and get past the guided tours, I tip my hat to you.

I just hope I get my special visit soon...

Malcolm Gladwell: Perverse and Often Baffling

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:30:09 -0800

Malcolm Gladwell was on the show recently to discuss, among other things, his new book, What the Dog Saw, a collection of his essays from The New Yorker.

Gladwell is well known for his books, among them, Blink, The Tipping Point and Outliers, which delve into complex topics in novel and frequently amusing ways. Among his recent work in The New Yorker is an article examining the parallels between organized dogfighting and professional football.

Whatever Gladwell's talking about, whether it be spaghetti sauce or the merits of giving things away for free on the Internet, he's always saying something worth hearing. My personal favorite Gladwell story, however, was performed in front of a live audience for The Moth storytelling series, and later rebroadcast on This American Life.

The story, which prominently features the phrase "perverse and often baffling," is an hilarious account of Gladwell's early days as a journalist. If you're a fan of his, you'll love it, and if not, it's as good an introduction as any to one of the brightest minds in journalism today.

Refinance or Sell?

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:58:13 -0800

Q: We hope to sell our home as soon as possible, but we are not due to leave the area until June 2011. When is it smart and not smart to refinance our interest-only mortgage?

A Visitor, Upper Marlboro, Maryland

A: First, I highly recommend you talk to a real estate agent and find out how long it's been taking for people to sell their home in your area. Given the uncertainty of the housing market and how difficult it's been for many people to qualify for loans, you might want to sell now and rent for a year before you move. If you wait too long to put your home on the market, you may not be able to sell, leaving you stuck with paying a mortgage in Maryland and shelling out for a mortgage or rent at your new location.

It's also tougher for borrowers to qualify for home loans; so, that might add to the time it takes to sell your home.

If you don't want to rent for a year, still keep in close contact with a good real estate agent (get recommendations), to stay on top of just when you need to put your home up for sale--assuming you don't want to rent your home.

Unless you are financially stable and have a good and large savings account, I wouldn't hold on to the home if you're going to be living in another state. It's just too much headache, unless you love being a landlord.

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

Now, as for refinancing, generally, if you know you are going to sell soon, it's not financially wise to refinance, incurring all the charges and fees connected with that transaction. You won't be in the house long enough to break even from any payment reductions from refinancing.

This of course could be about your interest-only loan. If your interest only loan is about to reset to a payment you can't afford, then you need to talk to your current lender and see whether you qualify for a loan modification under the Obama administration's Making Home Affordable loan modification program. Go to the program Web site for more information.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Know Your Risk

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:12:05 -0800

BY KATHY-ELLEN KUPS

I have been taking some college classes recently, with students just out of high school. It is exciting to get to know these young men and women and hear about their goals, their dreams and their strategies for the future.

When I tell a woman in her twenties that I had breast cancer, I see her eyes glaze over. It is pretty obvious that this is a topic that she is just not interested in.

Thirty-year-olds give a different response. I generally get a sympathetic sigh and genuine concern; they want to know if I am okay now. Eventually though, the conversation turns to their kids or something that is happening at their workplace or in their relationship.

Women in their forties, however, are another story. Generally, when I mention that I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 44, these women want to know how I found it. They also want to know if my mother had it and what kind of treatment I received. Many are interested but afraid to ask if I lost my breast. These women are aware that they could be at risk for breast cancer, and many of them have already discussed it with their doctor.

Breast cancer awareness is just that - it's being aware of your personal risk and how to detect breast cancer. And although women in their twenties shouldn't have to think about breast cancer, they, like all women, should be aware of their risks.

Often that involves a brief review of family history with the doctor, who can determine if you are a candidate for genetic testing. In addition, learning to do a self-breast exam is invaluable at an early age. The more familiar you are with your breasts at a younger age, the more you will notice any changes as you age.

There are ways that every woman can reduce her risk. It may be through simple changes to diet or daily exercise. It might involve regular mammograms beginning in your thirties if you are in a high-risk group. Still, if you are a candidate, genetic testing is one of the best weapons we have against the disease.

When breast cancer develops, it is a formidable foe. It targets our breasts, but strikes at the heart of our home. Our partners, children, family and friends are affected too. It leaves no one unscathed. The best defense against breast cancer is an informed offense. Making yourself aware of your risks for breast cancer is the first step in preparing your army.

Kathy-Ellen Kups is the breast cancer blogger for Everydayhealth.com. She has appeared in "Beyond" and "Mamm" and is also a panelist debating healthcare reform for thewashingtonpost.com. Kups is a breast cancer survivor.

Frugal Weddings Make Sense

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:27:43 -0800

These days everyone is cutting back on their expenses. The same is true for those looking to get married in these tough financial times.

The recession has definitely impacted the way weddings today are being financed. People are not spending thousands of dollars anymore, and, in return, are getting more creative with planning ceremonies

A buddy of mine is looking to get married. He was surprised to see that the number of courthouse marriages have really gone up over the past few years. For him, it was a definite sign of the times that couples today are choosing to save money and spend wisely.

One piece of advice I shared with him is that weddings are about more than extravagant parties. A wedding is about bringing together two people who love each other, and that anything you do with your significant other is always memorable.

I think the gift of sound financial planning will make for a wonderful wedding gift for my friend's soon-to-be bride. In addition to having a wonderful ceremony, he can rest assured, knowing that his good planning actually paid off.

To all you lovebirds out there, just remember, money isn't everything, and there is always a way to get married in a financial, reasonable way.

Do you have any friends that are getting married? What are they doing to cut down on costs?

Treat Debt Like a Disease

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:17:55 -0800

Q: I currently have a medical school loan that is $200,000. I went into deferment because I went back to school. While in school, I was paying on the interest. What is the best way to pay on the primary loan now?

A Visitor, Wadsworth, IL

A: I thought I'd share this with the masses.

The average educational debt of graduates in the class of 2008 was $154,607, an increase of 11% over the previous year, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Part of the reason the medical debt is so high is because students defer paying down the debt, which, in turn, means interest keeps getting piled on top of the principle.

So, good for you, for paying at least the interest on your loans while you were in school.

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

Now comes the really hard part--making a dent in that debt before your retirement years.

First, now that you are out of school, keep living like you were in school. By that I mean keep your expenses and spending low, much like I hope you did while in medical school. Use any extra income you have as a doctor to throw at your debts.

Next, go to Finaid.org. There, you will find a wealth of information on debt forgiveness for those in the medical field. Now, getting some loan debt forgiven might mean working in geographical areas that lack adequate medical care, which often means remote or low-income areas. Finaid.org lists a number of sources to search for loan repayment programs for medical school students.

I also want you to also go to the Federal Student Aid site. This is the portal set up by the federal government with loan repayment information for federally-backed student loans. There is an Income Based Repayment plan that became effective July 1. Under this plan, the required monthly payment is capped at an amount that is intended to be affordable, based on income and family size.

In the end, the best advice I can give you is to treat this debt like it's a disease. Try to get rid of it as soon as possible.

Obama Family Portrait Arrives

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:51:21 -0800

The First Family debuted their official White House portrait last Friday. It was taken inside of the White House Green Room, by photographer extraordinaire Annie Leibovitz.

Most people enjoy taking the opportunity to sit down and take a photo with their family. It's a fun opportunity to share and cherish a brief moment in time for years to come. By the looks of all the smiles in the picture, it appears the same is true for the Obamas.

The White House photo was taken back in September and released last week through its Flickr page. For those of you looking to see even more photos of the White House staff and other events, be sure to check out the White House's Flickr page online. Hope you enjoy!

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:38:48 -0800

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Tavis reflects on the loss of his friend and colleague, Sheryl Flowers. He emphasizes the need for African Americans to get checked in order to catch cancer as early as possible. He also responds to comments from viewers.

Where the Wild Things Are: Not Monsters, Inc.

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:11:37 -0800

Adapting a beloved children's book into a big-budget movie is a very risky thing. So, when Spike Jonze, director of edgy Adidas commercials, music videos and a couple of quirky features, was tapped to direct an adaptation of Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are, there was a good amount of pessimism as to whether he could pull it off.

As it turns out, the result was spectacular. Or a spectacular letdown. Depending on who you ask. Such is often the fate of movies adapted from well-known stories--they can't possibly meet everyone's expectations. One thing is clear, however, Jonze's Wild Things adaptation is not your average kids' movie.

Young fans of the book will recognize Max, the story's protagonist and the creatures he meets on his fantasy voyage to a faraway land, as well as a few snippets of dialogue. The rest of the story, however, is somewhat of a departure. Jonze was reported to have taken inspiration for his dialogue from the films of John Cassavetes, which are anything but kid-friendly. The script, co-written by Dave Eggers, is also brilliant, but dark, complex and more than a little depressing.

The characters themselves, far from the brightly colored and loveable creatures of your average kids' movie, are a bunch of depressive co-dependents, in dysfunctional relationships with each other, trapped in a state of perpetual childhood. It's a lot to take in for anyone, and kids, even given the credit they deserve as intelligent beings, will have trouble making sense of it.

That said, Jonze's film is beautiful from beginning to end, and even if it's not a faithful recreation of the book, it becomes something distinct and noteworthy in its own right. Go see it, and bring the kids if you think they'll get something out of it. Just don't expect Monsters, Inc. This is a whole different story.

The RZA: Hip-Hop's Prophet

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:32:39 -0800

I've been a fan of The RZA since the first time I heard a Wu-Tang album back in the '90s. Among the members of that iconic hip-hop collective, his voice stood out, as did his lyrics.

I followed his work through his solo projects, through his collaborations with Jim Jarmusch and Quentin Tarantino, and was lucky enough to see him perform live on several occasions. No matter the project, The RZA could always be relied upon to create music that was unique, profound and totally satisfying.

The RZA was Tavis' guest on the show earlier this week, and I encourage anyone who missed it to check out that interview here. Whether you enjoy rap or not, the RZA's words transcend music and offer philosophy and insight to anyone with a mind to listen.

In his new book, Tao of the Wu, RZA tells the story of his own rise, from the streets of Staten Island to the top of the hip-hop world. He describes the lessons he learned about life, music and spirituality--many of them hard--in the simple, elegant prose of a hip-hop poet.

Judging by most of the hip-hop that's out there today--or at least the stuff that gets the most radio and TV play--the leaders of this genre could stand to learn a thing or two from RZA, who's been through it all, learned much in the process and now is ready to teach.

Yes, There Are Black Women in Europe.

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:01:58 -0800

BY ADRIANNE GEORGE

I remember summer vacations with my family--my sister and I in the back of our parents' station wagon. We traveled from Washington, DC as far and as wide as Canada, Mexico and many states in between. But I never left the continent until I was an undergraduate and joined a group of African American students on a pilgrimage to Dakar, Senegal.

I made a point of kissing the ground after deplaning. And I will never forget how thrilling it was to see Air Afrique's all-black flight crew, to hold currency with a black person's face on it, to meet the legendary Ousmane Sembène, to participate in a naming ceremony, to cry at Île de Gorée and to hear "welcome home" from the many friendly people I met.

Not long after my pilgrimage, I visited London for the first time. I was a guest of Mad Professor who owns Ariwa Records and has the largest black-owned recording studio in London. I fell in love with the coolness of the music, art, club, pub and theater scenes, the vibrancy of Brixton and the freedom one feels when being an American abroad. I decided then that I wanted to live in Europe.

It was during graduate school that I discovered Brussels and how affordable it is (at least compared to Paris). I moved to Brussels, practiced my French, worked at the American Chamber of Commerce, earned a second master's degree, joined a small communications agency, and four years later moved to Sweden.

My move to Sweden prompted me to launch the Black Women in Europe blog and later a social network, in answer to the question Americans often posed to me: "Are there black women in Europe?"

Then, a fellow black expat introduced me to Reginald Smith. Reggie is a smart Chinese-speaking brother who wanted to start an online magazine for black expats. We both understood how living abroad forces one to grow and stretch and discover news things about one's self.

So, together, we launched BlackExpat.com and set about finding black expats around the world to interview. Through that work, we have found that the reasons for moving abroad are as diverse as the individuals who have done the moving, but that there often is the common element of self-discovery.

While living abroad, I have discovered how adaptable and resourceful I am and also what it actually feels like to be an American. In my experience, I get treated like an American first and foremost. When I was in Brussels, that meant being met with hostility caused by the local's extreme dislike of former President Bush. But now that pendulum has swung wildly. Instead of being asked menacingly if I voted for Bush, I am often greeted with, "Yes we can!"

Adrianne George is an award-winning blogger and a Washington, DC native who has lived in England, Belgium and currently in Sweden. She has been published in AnAmericanAbroad.com, Black Meetings and Tourism, The Scandinavian Insider, Afro European Sister's Network, Boston Technical Recruiter and The Turnip.

Ticking Time Bomb

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:09:14 -0800

Q: My husband's drug and alcohol use is threatening our credit and ability to pay bills on time. He's a ticking time bomb, and I could be paying the mortgage and bills by myself instantly. Should I forgo keeping my house, move someplace cheaper and take one hit to my credit report, or take several hits based on nonpayment to several creditors?

A Visitor, Southern Maryland

A: I'm so sorry you are going through this. But, before we get to the money stuff, I hope you don't mind that I recommend you seek qualified counseling. What you have on your hands is far more serious than losing your home. You may be looking at losing your marriage or, worse, your spouse. How are you handling the stress of all of this? If you have children, they certainly may be suffering. Don't assume, unless they are very small, that they don't sense something is wrong.

So, seek help. Perhaps you can even persuade your husband to seek help with you. If your husband refuses, then go by yourself. If you belong to a church, you can start there to find help. Try contacting Al-Anon, which assists friends and families of problem drinkers. You can visit the Web site or call 1-888-425-2666, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

You can also contact The Family and Marriage Counseling Directory, which is an online state-by-state directory designed to help folks like you connect with a counselor in your area. You can even chat with a counselor by telephone or online.

I recommend you approach this situation through counseling first, because a professional can give you some ideas of your options and perhaps a way to help the situation long-term.

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

As for your question about handling the finances, you indeed have to take control as best you can. Typically, I advise couples to pool their money into joint accounts. But, when you find that your spouse is acting recklessly, you have to do things differently. I would suggest you talk to your husband and explain that you want to make sure the basic household expenses are covered. See if he will allow you to take control of handling the bills. This would include handling money from his paycheck as well, if he's still working.

If he's unwilling or unable, because of his abuse, to let you take control, then you have to do the best you can do to pay the basics--mortgage, food, utilities and transportation. Prioritize what has to be paid. If there isn't enough money to pay everything, contact your creditors and see if you can get some relief during this trying time.

If you walk away from the home and mortgage, assuming you are on the loan too, your credit will take a hit. But, at this point, don't worry about that. Whatever you decide to do, communicate with your lender or mortgage servicer. See if your husband will agree to put the house on the market, so that you can move someplace more affordable.

I know this is tough, and, really, there is no easy answer. But given your husband's abuse, you have to be sure you have a safe and affordable place to lay your head.

E-books? You Need Some "Collector Appeal!"

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:46:01 -0800

As I mentioned Tuesday, the growing e-reader market and the new Barnes & Noble "Nook" had me shook.

After all, I'm a book lover and was worried that the ability to share electronic books would mean that traditional books would go the way of newspapers, records and CDs.

Not quite, says KC Blake of USC's Entertainment Technology Center.

"I don't think any e-reader is ever going to fully replace the feeling of turning physical pages," Blake says.

You can say that again, buddy.

Blake points out that the Nook's ability to share electronic books is significant because consumers are used to sharing their media.

"If there's an ability to share your e-books with your friends," Blake says, "that's going to be viewed as a competitive advantage for sure."

But while sharing a book is important, so is a book's "collector appeal," Blake adds.

"A book is viewed as educational and there's some intrinsic value in just having this knowledge sitting on a shelf," Blake says.

So does this mean that I will still be able to go to the library and bookstore to borrow and buy real books in the near future?

"I don't think books are going away anytime soon," Blake says. "I'm not sure that books will ever go away."

Now we're talking.

And what do you think? Many of you shared your thoughts about traditional vs. electronic books. But I wonder if you're interested in reading electronic books? Do you own an e-reader already? Share your digital reading experiences with us.

Have You Been Affected by Breast Cancer?

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:31:01 -0800

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Have you or someone you love been affected by breast cancer? Please share your story and it may be included in an upcoming video blog.

Check out the recent show devoted to discussing breast cancer.

Learn about the disease and find support at breastcancer.org. Get help detecting breast cancer by joining the National Breast Cancer Foundation's early detection plan.

E-readers? Feh.

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:44:31 -0800

I admit it. I buy music from an online store. I read the newspaper online. I read magazines online. I listen to the radio online. I occasionally download a movie rental from the Web, instead of schlepping to the video store.

I no longer have stacks of newspapers sitting in a bin in my dining room. The basket that my magazines once sat in is now filled with unopened mail that I haven't gotten around to. I have an MP3 player and bold plans to download all of my old CD's to my virtual music library and dispose of the discs and CD players (responsibly). I have no idea what I will do with my cassette tapes. I don't own a radio. And the only movie that I own is a VHS copy of "It's a Wonderful Life."

If you've been paying attention, you will notice that in about a year or so, I won't own any form of media that can't be accessed from my computer.

Except for my books. I just can't give up my books. I won't give up my books. And against a small but rapidly growing e-reader market, I'm standing firm. Let me repeat: I am not going digital with my books!

Unlike the 1.6 million people who are carrying e-readers around with them, I don't own an Amazon Kindle, a Sony Reader or the just-revealed-today Nook from Barnes & Noble. And, no, I don't have an e-reader app on my cell phone.

For my books, I go to a real bookstore or to a real library and buy or borrow real books.

I have stacks and stacks of wonderfully wonderful hardcover and paperback books! And I have no plans to get rid of them.

I enjoy turning pages and feeling the paper in my hands.

I like buying obnoxious bookmarks.

I cherish my book collection and the lovely bookshelves that house it.

I. LOVE. COVER. ART.

But, most importantly, I lend my books to my friends and family. And to me, that is the value in real books. The desire and ability to share real books set them apart from all of the other media that I've discarded.

I would never give a newspaper or magazine as a gift (a subscription, maybe; but I digress). And if I wanted to give music as a gift, I can burn a CD. But what to do about sharing Octavia Butler's Fledgling, Toni Morrison's Love or J. Nozipo Maraire's Zenzele?

Now you're beginning to see my point! Now our mission is clear! We must stand firm in our fight against making books digital and take back the ...

What?! You say that the Nook will allow users to lend digital books to friends?

Oh, good grief!

Check back tomorrow for part two of my "E-readers" post. KC Blake, of USC's Entertainment Technology Center, gives me the skinny on what all of this "digital book" business will mean for my lovely bookshelves.

Roland Martin Takes TV Show Reins

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:24:32 -0800

Ask anyone in the television business and they will tell you (or at least they should ) that getting your own TV show is no easy task.

Having said that, one man's drive and relentless pursuit has finally paid off.

You may have seen him on CNN during the 2008 election coverage, or filling in for CNN colleague Campbell Brown. You may have even read his blog on Essence.com or even caught a political commentary of his on TV One or The Tom Joyner Morning Show.

Either way, folks cannot say they have not heard of or seen Roland S. Martin.

Martin recently debuted as the host of his own weekly television program, Washington Watch on the TV One network. The program hopes to offer viewers a critical look into the nation's top issues from a wide range of policy makers and political perspectives.

In an interview posted online with AOL Black Voices, Martin spoke about his new show when he states, "Our whole goal is to shine light on the issues that need to be shined on, but to also uplift as well, speaking to some of the incredible things that are happening."

The Houston native and media guru has been climbing the ladder of accomplishment for decades. The new program has been on for nearly a month, and if enthusiasm and drive are any indication of the show's longevity, it won't be losing steam anytime soon.

The show also emphasizes giving viewers the opportunity to engage leaders, both on the local and national level, on issues that other Sunday morning talk programs do not seem to offer.

It is sure to be interesting each week and full of surprises. Check your local listings for show times and tell a friend to be sure to tune in to watch.

Economic Recovery?

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:07:57 -0800

Tavis discusses the current state of the economy and whether the government is doing enough for average Americans.

Helping Family

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:46:20 -0800

Q: In 2007, my brother was getting a divorce and did not know where he would live. He had no money to rent an apartment. I decided to purchase a townhouse for him. Now the house that he owned, and sold at the time of his divorce, is up for sale--with a significant price drop.

My brother wants to move back into that house, but I would have to sell the townhouse I bought him in order for him to buy his previous home. My real estate agent thinks that it would be a good idea, because there is more equity potential when the market turns around. I am reluctant because:

I would have to spend some money to fix the townhouse; and
I would have to spend more of my own money.

My question is should I? I feel conflicted, since my brother does not take care of his house very well.

A visitor, Skokie, IL

A: Seriously, why are you playing mama to your brother?

There are three key facts you mentioned that would stop me cold.

Your brother has no money.
Your brother didn't take care of the townhouse, resulting in you having to pay to fix it up, if you do sell.
You have to sink more of your own money into taking care of a grown man.

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

Look, you were being a generous sister in helping your brother through a rough time. I get that. But this deal has so many red flags. And, just as an aside, don't rely solely on the advice of your real estate agent, who is so biased in this situation.

If it were me, I would only sell if my brother fixed up the townhouse with his own money and came up with whatever cash is needed to buy the other home. Otherwise, let this man be a man and take care of his own financial house.

(Photo by BisForBabb)

Balloon Kid: The Plot Thickens

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 06:32:01 -0800

A child strapped to a runaway weather balloon, slow news day or no, is a good story. The kind of story that can "capture the world's attention" for a couple of hours on a weekday afternoon. A weather balloon with no child attached? Well that's just boring. Not even the Weather Channel would use up their valuable air time on something like that.

So what if not only was there no child strapped to the errant balloon, but the whole thing had been orchestrated by a science-obsessed (or, more likely, fame-obsessed) Colorado family in the hopes of winning themselves the attention of some Hollywood reality TV producers? Now that's news. Unfortunately.

The Balloon Kid saga (no, not that Balloon Kid) continues today with the revelation that charges will likely be laid against the parents of little Falcon Heene. Things started looking fishy after it was revealed that they had appeared on the reality show Wife Swap. Then, when Falcon let it slip that he didn't come out from the attic when called because it was "for the show," things really took a turn. Poor little guy. Gawker's scoop, plied from a former assistant to Richard Heene, revealing that he had cooked the whole thing up to create buzz around his TV show pitch didn't help matters.

While all traces of the Heenes' appearance on Wife Swap seem to have been scrubbed from the Internet, reports from the blogosphere suggest that Richard Heene was crazy then, too.

So, class, what have we learned from this? Uhhhh... Don't believe anything you see on cable news? Yeah. Let's go with that.

Paying Off Mortgage

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:15:12 -0800

Q: We paid off our house and received a letter from our mortgage company congratulating us. Aren't we supposed to get a title or deed showing that we are now the owners of this house?

A visitor, Cedar Park, TX

A: Can I put this question in perspective of the times?

Foreclosure filings--default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions--were reported on 358,471 U.S. properties during August 2009, an increase of nearly 18% from August 2008, according to RealtyTrac, a leading online source for foreclosure information. The same report found that 1 in every 357 U.S. housing units received a foreclosure filing in August.

I point that out because if you have paid off your mortgage, or you're close to it, consider yourself very fortunate--blessed.

As for your question, you definitely should get more than a written pat on the back. You should have received the original promissory note and original deed of trust. And, unlike what you might have heard or seen in the movies, don't burn any paperwork. Keep everything--any notice of payoff and all of your HUD-1 settlement documents (you know, the huge stack of paperwork you got when you bought the house).

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

Next, make sure your lender recorded a release of that mortgage.

Check with your county land records to confirm the title is now free and clear and in your name. If the mortgage company hasn't filed a release, you may have to push them or do it yourself.

Finally, check with the title company you used for the loan, to see if it has been received, and that they recorded the mortgage release.

National Equality March: Pressuring More than the Grass

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:06:46 -0800

BY AMITA PARASHAR

It was an unseasonably hot day in Washington D.C. when tens of thousands of activists marched to the capitol Sunday demanding federal rights for gay and lesbian Americans. Supporters walked two miles past the White House, decked out in rainbow flags, rainbow tights, rainbow scarves. There was even a giant rainbow flag stretched on the Capitol lawn. If there ever was a day to march, this was it.

Not everybody was seeing rainbows, though. Openly gay Congressman Barney Frank called the march "useless" and said "the only thing they're going to be putting pressure on is the grass." Instead, he urged people to use their time to press their congress members to support pending legislation.

The timing of the march was deliberate. Forty years ago, the Stonewall rebellion sparked the American gay rights movement. And now, a sympathetic president and Democratic congress could be the key to passing some long-awaited legislation on a federal level.

The Matthew Shepard Act, a hate crimes prevention bill, just passed in the House and President Obama said he would sign it.

Congressman Jerry Nadler (D-NY) just introduced a bill to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which bars same-sex married couples from federal benefits.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would prohibit employers from firing a worker because he or she is gay or transgender, has also been introduced in the House.

However, many in the LGBT community feel Congress and President Obama have been too slow to act.

Obama spoke the night before the rally and vowed to repeal "don't ask, don't tell," the policy that bans gays from the military. He repeated his support to the gay community: "It's not for me to tell you to be patient anymore than it was for others to counsel patience to African Americans petitioning for equal rights half a century ago."

I noticed one supporter holding a sign that read "First Class Taxpayer, Second Class Citizen." This march, fundamentally, was about elevating that status.

A recent analysis by The New York Times estimated that gay couples spend anywhere from $41,000 to nearly $470,000 more during their lifetimes than their heterosexual counterparts in health benefits, legal fees, social security and more. Nearly all of these costs would be eliminated if federal benefits were extended to same-sex couples.

Will the march spark a new movement like Dr. King's historic speech did 46 years ago? Probably not. But it served as an important reminder to Congress, to President Obama, and, most importantly, to ourselves that there is a lot of work to be done and that we all need to be on the same page to do it.

Congressman Frank didn't approve of the equality march, but that's only a piece of a heavily fractured movement.

Gay bloggers are angry (see here, here and here) with the Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBT lobbying group in the country, for allowing President Obama to speak at their dinner.

State marriage activists are angry at march organizers for detracting attention from pending marriage fights in Maine and Washington D.C.

But if we're going to get anything passed, we have to stop shooting ourselves in the foot and get some national leadership and a cooperative agenda. Really, we all want the same thing.

The shirt I saw at the march that summed it up had one simple message: "Legalize Gay."

Amita Parashar has covered LGBT, health and international news for The Advocate, Channel One News and NBC News.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Losing a Generation

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:00:18 -0800

Last week, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder visited the city of Chicago to address the issue of violence in the public school system.

Their visit was a very telling and sobering sign of the plight our young children are facing today. Over the years, Chicago has seen more than its fair share of violence, and the city's youth have fallen victim to senseless deaths with no apparent end in sight.

An-Janette Albert, the mother of the young honor student Derrion Albert, who was horrifically beaten to death on his way home from school, spoke out on the level of fear that's crippling people in communities. It's fear, she says, that's keeping parents and adults alike from stepping out and working with those who need the type of guidance and direction that can keep random acts of violence such as this brutal beating from occurring.

We cannot afford to lose another generation to poverty, disease, apathy or even fear. When we fail to help lead our children in the way they should go, we in essence fail ourselves.

If we do not bear the task of teaching and leading our own children, my fear is that we are doomed to relive these atrocious acts.

Listen to the mother speak.

Classic Concerts on Blu-ray

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:23:07 -0800

This fall, the Criterion Collection will release special HD editions of Monterey Pop and Gimme Shelter, two of the best concert documentaries of all time. Monterey Pop, directed by D.A. Pennebaker, documents the eponymous festival in 1967, at which Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, Hugh Masekela, Ravi Shankar and many others appeared. It was as monumental a gathering of popular musical talent as the world had ever seen in those pre-Woodstock days, and Pennebaker's unblinking lens captures it in all it's hippy-dippy glory. The double-disc set includes transfers of the film lovingly restored in HD, as well as DTS-HD sound and lots of special features, including Pennebaker's director's commentary.

Gimme Shelter, like Monterey Pop, documents a cultural phenomenon in concert form. This time, it was the Rolling Stones' infamous Altamont Speedway concert in 1969. The free show, billed as Woodstock West, attracted 300,000 fans. Security was provided by the Hell's Angels. By the time it was over, a mini-riot had broken out, and one fan had been stabbed to death by a biker. It was seen by many as the official end to the cultural wave of the 1960s.

Apart from being a historical record of a fascinating time in American history, Gimme Shelter also coincides with the height of the Stones' stardom. With restored HD picture and sound, it's almost as good as being there (or, all things considered, maybe better).

Drive for the Future

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:30:00 -0800

Yesterday, as I jumped online and into the realm of cyberspace, I was reminded from an unlikely source of how passionate one should truly be in their life.

I visited a website which featured La Casa Norte, an inner-city program that works with the city of Chicago's youth. I watched this story about the program and was captivated by one of the young men whose participation in the program had made a positive change in his life.

Towards the end of the story, he said something that really stuck with me. In terms of reaching his goals, he states, "It may not be today it may not be tomorrow, it may not be two years from now, but before I leave this planet, I'm going to get what I want."

His words reminded me of the unbridled passion and drive I had for life when I was younger.
That fearless determination and hunger, coupled by energetic youth and vigor, made for a powerful combination, as I looked to achieve my goals early on.

La Casa Norte's involvement in this young man's life is just another example of what we all can do when we choose to serve and help our young people succeed.

See for yourself.

Brother West

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:40:40 -0800

Tavis talks with his good friend, Dr. Cornel West, about his new book Brother West. Watch Dr. West's recent appearance on the show.

Chained to Debt

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:10:33 -0800

Q: I have been following the "7 Money Mantras" for three years now and have gone from $21,000 on my credit card to $0! I still owe a pension loan for $2,000, but what a great lesson you taught me. I listen to the book on my iPhone often, to remind me.

My question is will you be extending the Money Mantras, now that the financial tide has turned for this country?

Poet Minor, Harlem, NYC

A: I'm so delighted that my book Spend Well, Live Rich has helped you get out of bondage.

That's what I call it when you are in debt. It's much like being a slave, because you are locked down and chained, in many respects.

So what are my money mantras? They are:

If it's on your ass, it's not an asset! (I know that's a bit risqué but necessary to get my point across, don't you think?)
Is this a need or is it a want? (Ask yourself this question every time you go shopping, and you will spend less.)
Sweat the small stuff. (My grandmother, Big Mama, used to say you can't have a dollar without a penny. She was teaching me that small purchases can sink your budget too.)
Cash is better than credit. (It's sad how so many people are mired in credit card debt. If you use more cash, you will spend less. I know I find it hard to spend with cash what I might with a credit card.)
Keep it simple. (Con artists love to wow you with sophisticated sounding investment products. If you don't understand something, don't invest in it.)
Priorities lead to prosperity. (When you budget and put the things you value most--tithing, an emergency fund, retirement savings or college fund--ahead of "stuff," you will prosper.)
Enough is enough. (Really, most of us have what we need. It's our wants and inability to know when enough is enough that keeps us in debt.)

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

So, will I need to add more mantras because of the economy?

Nope.

Basic, common sense financial principles are the same through good times and bad times.

(Photo by Darwin Bell)

Speak Your Mind about Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 08:44:42 -0800

Fresh off his controversial Nobel Peace Prize win, our president wasted no time in making headlines again over another contentious issue. At a high-profile fund-raiser sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign over the weekend, President Obama pledged to put an end to "don't ask, don't tell."

The long-debated policy became law in 1993 and, under it, an estimated 13,500 U.S. military personnel have been discharged for their sexual orientation. Some say the policy preserves a valuable status quo in an environment where acknowledging issues of sexuality can be problematic. Others say the law is antiquated, discriminatory and unconstitutional.

While Obama didn't mention a deadline for changing the legislation, and with the current quagmire his healthcare bill is stuck in, he'd be foolish to try this any time soon. But, we haven't heard the last about this, by any means.

What do you think? Is "don't ask, don't tell" a violation of civil rights?

What Do You Think About President Obama Winning the Nobel Peace Prize?

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:22:22 -0800

No matter people's thoughts on President Barack Obama winning the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, many were surprised. Including Obama himself.

Two other U.S. presidents won the prize while in office--Woodrow Wilson in 1919 and Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. And former President Jimmy Carter won after leaving office.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee said in its statement:

Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. The vision of a world free from nuclear arms has powerfully stimulated disarmament and arms control negotiations. Thanks to Obama's initiative, the USA is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic challenges the world is confronting. Democracy and human rights are to be strengthened.

But since Obama has been in office for less than a year and had been in office for only 12 days before the nomination deadline earlier this year, reactions to the Nobel Committee's selection of Obama are mixed.

What do you think? Is Obama deserving of the prize?

Juggling Debt & Wedding

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:16:24 -0800

Note to readers: The following is a long question--although really, it's someone venting. I'm posting all of it (except for some minor edits) with the thought that many of you may see yourself in this woman's shoes.

Q: I lost my job last May. Since January, I've been in grad school full-time, working on my Ph.D. I'm trying to save for a nice church wedding when I finish the program, in fall 2013. I only make $1,650 per month (gross)/$1616.76 after taxes. My car note is $515.74, rent is $615; then I have utilities, grocery, books, gas, etc. Mind you, I've maxed out all my credit cards (and they are months behind), and I seem not to be able to get on track.

I recently moved from a two-bedroom to a one-bedroom, which reduced my rent from $800 per month to $615 per month. I got my hair braided to cut down on going to the beauty shop every week. I cut down going to the nail shop from twice a month to once a month. I don't have a TV, so I don't have a cable bill. I have a mobile phone and wireless Internet bundle that is $252 per month. I've slacked up on eating out. I do cut coupons. I have eaten spaghetti for the past eight days because that's all I had. I really can't get a part-time job because I have to be in the research lab. I have a lot of student loan debt that has been deferred. I'll probably be paying Sallie Mae for the rest of my days. I faithfully pray that I will embark on a career that will help me afford it.

Oh yes, I do pay my tithes.

Please give me some suggestions for student assistance.

A visitor, Baton Rouge, LA

A: You are doing great by cutting your expenses, but that's after you've lived a life you couldn't afford. And you still need to cut more. Here's where:

You said: "I'm trying to save for a nice church wedding." Girlfriend, you need to go to the courthouse and have the wedding reception at your mama's house or a relative's house, with some cheese and crackers, a nice cake and Kool-Aid. I'm serious. You can't afford a "nice church wedding." You have too much debt. ("I've maxed out all my credit cards and they are months behind.)

You should be paying your creditors back, and on time, rather than worrying about saving for a party, because that's what you are saving for when you say you are trying to save for a wedding.

Depending on how much you've saved so far, designate some of the money for an emergency fund (at least one month of living expenses), and take the rest and begin to pay down your credit card debt. I recommend starting with the card with the lowest balance. Take whatever extra money you have and pay on that, making the minimum payment on the other cards. When you have paid off the card with the lowest balance, take the money you were using for that bill and apply it to the next debt on the list.
You said: "I cut down going to the nail shop from twice a month to once a month." Lee Nails is all I've got to say. You can't afford to get any nails done. And by the way, I have like 10 JOBS, and I don't get my hair done every week.
You said: "I have a mobile phone and wireless Internet bundle that is $252 per month." Please call your provider and get that bill cut in half. That may mean going down to the lowest telephone plan possible. It may mean cutting out text messaging. But that's a hefty communication bill for a single person.

As I said, I think you are making some good headway in curtailing your spending. And I love it that you have remained faithful to tithing. I tithe.

Now you need to get control over your debts.

If you are having trouble with that, visit the "Debt Advice" page of the Web site of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

As for your student loans, there are a number of options to help you with paying them off. Although you have a few more years left in your graduate program, I want you to begin gathering information on who you owe and how much you owe. I can't tell you how many borrowers I talk to who don't know the specifics of their student loans.

So, I want you to go to the "Repayment Information" page of the Federal Student Aid Web site. Spend some time going through the information, particularly the repayment plan options. For example, starting July 1, there's the new "Income Based Repayment" (IBR), which is a plan for the major types of federal loans made to students. Under IBR, the required monthly payment is capped at an amount that is intended to be affordable, based on your income and family size.

You are doing some of the right things. Just stay on this path.

(Photo by kate e. did)

Nick Hornby: An Education

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:39:39 -0800

This Friday, author Nick Hornby will appear on the show to discuss his two newest endeavors. The first is a book called Juliet, Naked, about a couple and their lives' intersection with a reclusive musician. The second is a screenplay for the film An Education, starring Peter Sarsgaard, Emma Thompson, Alfred Molina and newcomer Carey Mulligan.

The film, based on a memoir by English journalist Lynn Barber, which first appeared in the literary journal Granta, is now completed and opens October 8th. An Education has received heaps of critical acclaim already (and some Oscar buzz), much of it directed at its young star, Carey Mulligan.

While certainly different in tone and content from Hornby's books that have been made into films (High Fidelity, About a Boy) it promises to be just as good.

Be sure to tune in on Friday for Hornby's appearance, or watch it online.

Prop. 8 and Its Effects on Homophobia, Racism and Faith-phobia

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:00:54 -0800

BY MATT PALAZZOLO

The passage of Proposition 8 in California led to a dramatically increased awareness of homophobia around the country as well as the launch of a new generation of activists.

What I didn't realize until recently, though, is that Prop. 8 was also a unique catalyst in battling racism and faith-phobia.

Following the LGBTQ (lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/queer) community's sometimes racist reactions to false reports that the African American community overwhelmingly supported Prop. 8 as well as faith-phobic language written on picket signs in reaction to the Mormon Church's key financial support of the November ballot measure, it became shockingly clear that the ugliness of prejudice lives within the LGBTQ community.

In addition, the general consensus of the LGBTQ community is that part of what doomed the "No on 8" campaign was its inability to work with both LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ communities of color and faith.

Since then, in the battle to win marriage equality back in California, a large emphasis has been placed on building those inter-community relationships. These relationships are being built very purposefully - an LGBTQ People of Color Collective has been formed in Los Angeles - and sometimes by accident. The fact that so many places of faith offer their space for LGBTQ organizing has led me to enter a place of faith more times this past year than in my entire life.

A great example of how the battle for marriage equality is breaking down prejudices is the group, Vote For Equality. The marriage equality canvassing effort, run out of the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center, meets every other weekend and brings together a broad base of individuals and organizations to go door-to-door in neighborhoods across L.A.

The organizers and canvassers include people of many ethnic, faith, & sexual/gender identities. These canvasses often occur in communities of color, and more often than not, a local church hosts the canvass home-base.

Whether one is knocking on doors, answering a knock at the door, or is a member of the church hosting the canvass, everyone is having personal, one-on-one conversations with people of a different ethnic background, a different faith, and a different sexual or gender identity. On any given canvass up to 45% of voters not supportive of marriage equality change their minds.

After canvassing in South L.A. I was able to see firsthand how many LGBTQ people had conquered the "myth of the gay-black divide." And since the passage of Prop. 8 I have welcomed people of faith back into my life for the first time since I was scorned as an openly gay teenager.

It's not a one-sided effort, though. In light of Prop. 8, a Mormon group, The Foundation of Reconciliation, will held a memorial for gay suicides at a Latter-Day Saints conference last weekend.

So barriers are being removed. Understanding is being extended from each corner of the table to the other.

And to those who led the way in passing Proposition 8 I would like to say thank you for reminding us how much work we all still have to do.

Matt Palazzolo is a co-founder of the Equal Roots Coalition, a grassroots organization dedicated to winning LGBTQ equality.

(Photo by Tony Miller)

Identity Theft

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:31:27 -0800

Q: My sister opened an account in my name about four or five years ago, and now she's lost her job and can't make the payments, and I cannot afford to pay her monthly minimum, which is a crazy amount. Is there any way to negotiate with them without messing up my credit? I've worked really hard to have decent credit score.

A visitor, Chicago, IL

A: I just have to ask. Why would your sister open an account in your name without your permission?

I ask because, technically, what she did is called identity theft.

An identity thief will open new accounts in other people's names and rack up debts on existing accounts. To do that, they may use people's Social Security numbers, bank account information, addresses or phone numbers. Some people have been denied jobs or insurance or have been arrested for crimes they did not commit--all because their identity was stolen. Identity fraud occurs when someone takes illegally-obtained personal information to use for his or her own financial gain.

Identity theft in the U.S. increased 23% in 2008, to 10.1 million reported cases, according to the Javelin Strategy and Research 2009 Identity Fraud Survey Report. More than 36 million people have been victims of identity theft in the last four years, and identity theft was the top complaint to the FTC nine years in a row.

And the sad part about this crime is the perpetrator is often someone you know--your mama, daddy, cousin, brother and, yes, sister. An estimated 13% of all victims reported a family member or relative as the person responsible for misusing their personal information.

So, what should you do if you discover that a family member stole your identity?

You rat them out.

That's right. Report the theft by filing a police report. And don't feel one bit guilty about turning them in, because the person has violated you.

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

If you report the theft, then you are not responsible for the charges. Although the creditor might pursue them for payment, in all likelihood, the person won't go to jail for stealing just your personal information.

It's important to know that if you find out about the theft and you don't take the necessary steps to dispute the charges, you become liable.

Two Web sites you should check out: IDTheft.gov and Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.

If you are unwilling to file a police report, then, yes, you can certainly try to negotiate for a more affordable monthly payment. It might work. If not, sorry, you are stuck.

Perhaps, while you are trying to fix this problem you did not create, you might get irate enough to see the injustice of your having to deal with a big ding to your good credit name.

Guinea's New Strongman

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 04:49:53 -0800

The most remarkable thing about Moussa Dadis Camara is how unremarkable he is. The Guinean junior army officer seized power in a bloodless coup in December, promising to usher in a new era of democratic elections and prosperity, but has since proven to be yet another military dictator, full of big-sounding rhetoric, but with only the interests of his junta at heart.

Camara's coup last December received some news coverage, but it mostly went unnoticed in the western world. After all, how newsworthy is yet another African strongman seizing power and offering his people everything they need, only to turn his back on them and rule at gunpoint? Unfortunately, Camara's story is the same as so many others in Guinea and its neighbors.

According to The New York Times, Camara shuns formal government buildings and lives in a military camp near the capital, Conakry. He rises late in the day, sometimes after dark, and rules his country by night, his aides whispering in the shadows.

At a recent pro-democracy rally in Conakry, Camara's soldiers opened fired on protesters, killing more than 150 and wounding many more. According to Camara, the demonstration "had the character of wanting to overthrow a chief of state." Apparently, Camara didn't make it to the rally because he couldn't find the keys to his pickup.

In one of the only one-on-one interviews Camara has granted, to an American college junior interning with the U.S. Dept of Defense in Guinea, he says little of substance, but reveals much about his character. While condemning tribalism and nepotism, he calls his detractors "crazy" and "jealous," and offers that the problems he inherited from the previous regime are "not my fault."

The startling thing about listening to Camara is how much his words sound the same as so many other African dictators. It bodes poorly for Guinea, a coastal country rich in natural resources, with little hope for stability the near future.

Faces of the Uninsured - Alaina Ronewicz

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:13:13 -0800

These are the faces of the uninsured. Look at their photos. Read their stories, told in their own words. And if you are one of the 46 million Americans without health insurance, share your story with us.

Age: 23

City of residence: Allen Park, MI

How long have you been uninsured? 2 years

What is the reason that you are uninsured?

Originally, my father had to take me off of the health insurance that he got through his work because it was becoming too expensive. However, now that I am a college graduate, living on my own, and without a full time teaching job, I still have no access to affordable health insurance.

How has not having health insurance impacted your life?

Not having health insurance is scary. When I was 16 years old, I was diagnosed with an AVM (or Arterio Venous Malformation). It was a birth defect, that was discovered after years of severe migraines. My neurologist and neurosurgeon believed that once the AVM was gone, my migraines would most likely disappear as well. After my gammaknife procedure and a few embolizations, my AVM was gone, leaving only scar tissue. And my migraines went away. For a few years at least.

My migraines began again a few months ago. My neurologist now wants me to get both an MRI and EEG to see what is going on in my brain to cause these migraines. These tests could cost me $1,500 or more, which is money that I don't have. I saw how expensive my bills were for the procedures done on my brain when I had health insurance. Now my biggest fear is not that something could be seriously wrong with me, instead my biggest fear is that I may need more procedures that I can't afford.

How do you obtain routine care?

There is no routine care for me. I don't see a doctor unless I am sick. Luckily, I have found an amazing doctor. I've had to see him about 4 or 5 times in the last few months and he has not charged me one penny. I don't expect that to be the case forever but nonetheless, I am so grateful to him.

What have you done/will you do in the case of an emergency?

In case of an emergency, I would have to either set up a payment plan with the hospital or max out my credit cards.

What do you want people to know about life without health insurance?

I believe that health insurance is a basic human right. Everyone should have access to food, clean drinking water, and affordable health insurance. If a person doesn't have health insurance, that doesn't mean that they're lazy or uneducated. It means that the system is flawed. I'm not asking for charity, I'm not asking for someone else to pay my medical bills, all I'm asking for is the ability to get the same coverage that CEO's and government officials across this country get, for a price that I can afford.

What do you want the government to know about life without health insurance?

If you are truly concerned with making the right decision for your constituents, for the people of this great country, health care reform has to be passed. All I ask of you is to listen. Listen to my story and the other stories on this website. Also, listen to all of the other stories that are being told across the country. If you truly listen, you can only come up with one conclusion, that the system needs to change. Although the voices against health care reform may be louder, the voices for health care reform are more clear.

For more on healthcare reform, watch the PBS special report. Tavis Smiley, NOW on PBS and Nightly Business Report collaborated to produce the in-depth special called "PBS Special Report on Healthcare Reform."

Debt Dash

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:35:13 -0800

Q: I am paying down several credit cards, as well as two auto loans. I received a bonus recently and thought it might be best used to pay off the collateralized auto loans instead of putting that money into my six-month savings. Please advise.

A visitor, Ft Lauderdale, FL

A: It's always a good idea to have an emergency fund. Six months is ideal. Three months is good. A year is fantastic, if you have a job or income that would be hard to replace right away if you're laid off.

So, if you are fairly confident about your employment status, use some of the bonus money to pay down your debt.

But, pay it down in a systematic way.

I typically tell people to get a piece of paper and make a list of all their consumer debt (not including your home).

Put at the top of the list the debt with the lowest balance. So, this is an example of how you would make your list:

Credit card #1 $1,000
Credit card #2 $1,500
Credit card #3 $5,000
Auto loan #1 $15,000
Auto loan #2 $28,000

You would concentrate on paying off the credit card with the balance of $1,000, but still make the required minimum payments on the other debts.

Don't worry about the interest rates. This is a payoff strategy based on emotions, not necessarily math.

Let's say the $28,000 loan has the highest interest rate, and your bonus is only $5,000. You would make a nice dent in the debt, but not big enough to give you an emotional boost to really make a dash to pay off your other debts.

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

But, if you took the $5,000 bonus and paid off the first two on the list and part of the third, imagine how that will make you feel? You would feel euphoric.

Based on my experience, you would get so charged up that you would aggressively want to begin to get rid of the rest of the debt.

I call this strategy the "debt dash." (I talk about it at great length in my upcoming book, The Power to Prosper: 21 Days to Financial Freedom, which comes out in January 2010.)

Now dash off and get those debts paid off.

He's Baaaack...

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 01:16:27 -0800

Has it been two years already since Michael Moore was last on the show? Boy, does time fly. Back in 2007, Moore was Tavis' guest to discuss his HMO-skewering docu-ganda piece Sicko, in which, among other stunts, he took a group of ailing 9/11 survivors to Cuba to get them healthcare.

This time around, apropos as always, Moore's target is Wall Street. In his new film, Capitalism: A Love Story, he points his sights at those responsible for the economic meltdown and recipients of government bailout money. Among the stunts in this film, expect to see Moore attempt a citizen's arrest of the top brass at AIG, along with a bag-in-hand attempt to retrieve taxpayer money from Wall Street fatcats, cameras in tow.

Love him or loathe him, Moore can be counted on to stir up a healthy amount of debate on whatever subject he chooses to focus his ire. His track record, too, has proven him worthy of a podium. His first film, Roger & Me, focused on the decline of GM, his last, Sicko, was about the need for socialized healthcare in America, both of which have since become top tier issues.

Whether or not we are currently witnessing "the end of capitalism," we can count on Moore to point the finger at the problem, and its roots, if not always the solution.

Paying off Debt with Debt

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:19:30 -0800

Q: I owe about $7,300 on two credit cards. I have two certificates of deposit maturing, for about the same amount of money. My question is, do I pay off those cards, or do I take a loan using those CDs as collateral and pay about 4% interest on the loan to pay off the credit cards? I am thinking it will take me a long time to save that much money again.

A visitor, Rochester, NH

A: I get asked this type of question all the time. What people really are asking is: "Should I use debt to pay off debt?"

At least that's how I view it.

If you are thinking of using a home equity loan, home equity line of credit, consolidation loan or, as this reader wants to do, take out a loan using your CDs as collateral, to "pay off" an auto loan, credit card debt or whatever, do this for me.

Get a small rock that can fit into the palm of your hand.

Go ahead; just do it.

Once you have the rock, move it back and forth between your hands. Do this a couple of times.

Are you getting my point?

When you use debt to pay off debt, you are not paying off the one debt. You are merely transferring it to another loan. You are shifting your debt load, not lifting it. It's like moving the rock from one hand to the other.

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

Sure, in some cases, the math says you might save money by reducing your interest cost by shifting the debt to another loan.

But what I typically find is people shift their debt and then go right back and run up more debt. They don't actually get ahead.

Painfully paying off your debt without using more debt has the opportunity of searing into your memory how hard it was to actually pay it off.

So, in this case, I wouldn't take out another loan. I would put the credit card cards away. I would redo my budget and look for any and all ways to cut my expenses. Whatever money I could squeeze from my budget, I would apply it to the credit cards.

For example, could you save, say, $30 or $40 a month by reducing your cell phone plan to the basic plan? Yes, you might not be able to get Internet or send unlimited text messages, but you would be making a dent in your debt.

Could you cut eating out or at least cut back?

Could you get a second job, just for a short time?

There's another alternative.

If you have a relatively stable job, and you are not concerned about being laid off, you could cash one CD out when it matures and use that to significantly pay down the credit card debt. Keep some money for emergencies.

With the debt that is left, you should be able to cut your expenses and get rid of it.

(Photo by Andres Rueda )

Preventive Healthcare

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:51:27 -0800

President Obama mentioned it in his healthcare reform address. Employers are increasingly encouraging their workers to join their corporate-sponsored wellness programs. And while everyone agrees that preventive care and wellness are good for health, everyone is not in agreement about the cost savings that proponents promise.

Check out our video on the subject, and for more information visit our site for the "PBS Special Report on Healthcare Reform."

When Children Suffer

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:58:05 -0800

A couple of months ago some startling information was mentioned here on the site. What surprised me most was that no one actually commented on it. That left me to wonder whether or not people were really paying attention.

The information mentioned was a study from the Economic Policy Institute. It stated that the overall childhood poverty rate will climb to 27% and the poverty rate for African American children will reach 52.3% in 2010.

More than half of African American children will likely be living in poverty next year. Take a moment to digest that. Also, realize that these aren't just numbers on paper. These are actual lives.

These are children who will grow up with huge challenges and will most likely question why things exist this way in their lives.

As a number of thoughts ran across my mind as I read this report, I was reminded of an old song by the late Marvin Gaye. The songwriter and recording artist wrote a number of classics, but none quite like "Make Me Wanna Holler."

In his song, Gaye had lyrics like:

Bad breaks, setbacks
Natural fact is
I can't pay my taxes
Oh, make me wanna holler
And throw up both my hands
Yea, it makes me wanna holler
And throw up both my hands

This song captured the bleak mood and deep pain that many felt, struggling in inner cities and neighborhoods throughout the country. It appears that now, even decades after the world lost this soul-singing legend, there's still a few things out here that can bring such a powerful yet melancholy tune like this one to mind.

Children of the next generation will be facing some extraordinary challenges. It's going to take a multitude of people who have a heart and are willing to help others to lend a helping hand to serve those most desperately in need.

Many of us knew that the economic recession was going to take a serious toll on many of our lives. I just had no idea that it would make such an impact on our children. Let's see if anyone pays attention to this.

New Music: The XX

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 08:25:42 -0800

The last few years have brought us a good crop of promising young bands with compulsively listenable debut albums. Jamie T, Vampire Weekend and Phoenix are some standouts in the bunch, whose records may well outlive them.

Others, while they may end up being part of the soundtrack to a summer, won't have the same longevity. The XX, however, a group of 20-year-olds from London, seems very promising indeed. Their music is soul-infused rock, with whispered, sultry lyrics and driving basslines. The lyrics, sung in tandem by bassist Oliver Sim and guitarist Romy Madley Croft are intimate, confessional and meaningful far beyond 20-year-old pop-singer standards. It's a fantastically solid album, and while it may not change the course of history, it's a welcome addition to this season's required listening.

Their self-titled debut album has received acclaim already from trusted sources in their homeland, including the BBC and NME, who ranked them in the top ten of their Future 50 list. On our shores, go-to music blog Pitchfork gave their album a very solid 8.7 out of 10.

While no one single has been identified as the big one on their album, "Crystalised," "Islands," "Basic Space" and "Infinity" have all been noted as strong tracks on a particularly strong debut. Check out the video for "Crystalised" below, and watch for The XX on tour later this year.

Where's the Love America?

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:15:24 -0800

A couple of weeks ago, I was reading an article by Robin Abcarian of the Los Angeles Times. In the article, she mentioned how some of the recent outbursts and other unfortunate moments of bad judgment left her to question whether Americans have lost a real sense of civility.

With all that we've seen lately of people losing their cool and outright disrespecting others in public, I have to say she makes a good point. It seems as though somewhere between cable networks showcasing shouting matches as prime time features to adults acting like children at events, it's safe to question whether we've lost a piece of our compassion towards others.

Given the amount of chaos and concern throughout the world right now, I'm sure there are tons of issues worth getting passionate about. I just don't think places like award shows or presidential speeches are quite the venue for it.

I'd like to know if these recent outbursts are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what to expect when it comes to people's emotions getting the better of them. For now, I guess we'll all just have to wait and see.

More Faces of the Uninsured

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:17:06 -0800

Name: Karen Gadbois

Age: 54

City of residence: New Orleans

What is the reason that you are uninsured?

The cost of health insurance would be half my salary.

Name: Mary Sias

Age: 49

City of residence: Houston, Texas

What is the reason that you are uninsured?

I am uninsured because I lost my job and could not afford the COBRA or any other insurance due to preexisting conditions. I am a 18.5 year survivor of Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have also survived cancer, been blind twice, not counting the walking pneumonia with bronchitis. It is tough, not only to find a job, but especially one that I can get affordable insurance. I need help. I need medical tests that are costly, but necessary. I pray that something will be done about the insurance situation in America.

Name: Nicole Maron

Age: 37

City of residence: San Francisco, CA

What is the reason that you are uninsured?

I'm a freelance web designer, so I have no access to group insurance. I have mild asthma, a previous knee surgery, and am overweight due to inactivity during the ... year I had to wait to be able to afford the knee surgery. Now, all of those count as pre-existing conditions, and because I am at risk for other health problems due to my weight, I am uninsurable.

There is one state plan I can join, but it has such a low lifetime payout limit - $75,000, that if anything happens to me I'll go bankrupt ... So I pay what I have to out-of-pocket. I avoid the doctor as much as possible, because they can never tell me how much their tests will cost, and I can't afford to get surprise bills for thousands of dollars. I sprained an ankle and spent $1000 for the ER visit without even getting an x-ray.

Name: Ely Nunez

Age: 29

City: New York City

What is the reason that you are uninsured?

Layoff in November.

A million stories will be told along with mine. Perhaps my voice will become mute by the complaints, the tragedies, the circumstances, the stories, and the cruel reality of the whole. I sat for a few minutes before deciding to participate in this initiative. And not because I don't believe in the cause, but because I'm exhausted by the excuses of my nation and my generation.

Millions feel repulsed when they hear that millions of Americans do not have health insurance but they go back to their life, because in the end it doesn't affect them. I was once that gal - it didn't affect me. I did the right things - I swear I did. I did everything I was supposed to do to avoid my situation today. I was not supposed to fall into the percentage of the uninsured but I did. Here I am, looking at America from a perception of lack and not of opportunity.

Yes, I did the right things! I graduated college, got a decent job, saved money for a rainy day, invested 10% and later 7% in my 401K, filed my taxes, and worked extra hard to secure my job. I worked in HR for five years within the book publishing industry. I wasn't surprise when my fabulous boss visited my office on a Friday afternoon and told me "Liz, I'm sorry. We're letting you go" as he handed me a severance package and tried to get me to talk about my state of mind. I saw the jobs being placed on hold and the decrease of HR projects. I wasn't as much surprised as I was concerned. I had just paid an estimate of $1000 in the last few months with Health Insurance. I didn't have to look at the severance package to know that I could not afford COBRA. I had once been responsible for putting together the severance packages ... I knew employees couldn't afford it. I knew I couldn't either. Not even if they were giving it to me for $250 a month because unemployment was not covering my full rent, how could it possibly cover my health insurance? How?

For a healthy 29-year-old, not having health insurance is fine. For me it was fine too. I would find a job and get health insurance again - piece of cake, I told myself. Almost a year later, I have no job and no health insurance. I went from having to go to the doctor every month to not going at all. I went from complaining to praying. I went from knowing to understanding. I'm not your typical 29. I have a common condition that affects many women ...

You ask, how did I become uninsured and why am I still uninsured? I thought I lived in a fair country. You ask, how am I feeling today? I don't know. I haven't been to a doctor in almost a year and I am terrified to go because I fear the results!

For more on healthcare reform, tune in to PBS on Thursday, September 24th at 9pm for a 90-minute report. Tavis Smiley, NOW on PBS and Nightly Business Report are collaborating to produce the in-depth special called "PBS Special Report on Healthcare Reform."

Affording Health Coverage

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:01:22 -0800

Q: I was laid off six months ago. My health benefits with my former employer will expire soon. I was solicited by a contracting company, which traditionally does not offer benefits to a new contractor-employee. However, to bring me on board, they did offer me access to their medical and dental plan and sent me a 30-page PowerPoint presentation.

Aside from the plan being generally weak, with large deductibles and premiums, compared to what I was used to with a large, well-established company, I noticed that I would not qualify for coverage, as I have a pre-existing condition.

It appears that no matter what hourly pay I make, seeking health coverage through the contracting company or through the private health insurance market will be a problem for people like me. Could you comment?

A visitor, Reston, Virginia

A: You may soon join the millions of others who do not have health insurance. The number of people without coverage rose from 45.7 million in 2007 to 46.3 million in 2008, according to the latest available data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

As you've noticed in seeking new employment, many employers are asking workers to carry more of the health insurance burden.

But let's hope you can keep some kind of coverage.

There are a couple of things you should know that may help in your situation.

First, there have been some changes to the health benefit provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, which is commonly referred to as COBRA. The new law includes a temporary COBRA premium reduction.

Under the new law, eligible terminated employees enrolled in their employer's health plan can get a subsidy to help fund the cost of their insurance. So, for up to nine months, laid-off workers only have to pay 35% of the COBRA premium. Employers pay the remaining 65% and recoup that money by applying for a credit on their quarterly federal employment tax return. You may also be eligible for the subsidy for group health insurance coverage provided under state laws similar to COBRA.

Under COBRA, employers are required by law to offer the option of continuing health insurance for up to 18 months. Coverage can be extended up to 36 months under some circumstances, such as a divorce, disability or the death of the policyholder.

The problem for many people is that COBRA is, or was, too expensive to carry. Family coverage can cost, on average, about $1,000 a month, according to the national nonprofit Families USA. The average monthly COBRA premium for individual coverage is $388.

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To qualify for the reduced COBRA payment, you must be involuntarily separated from your job between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009. Those who are eligible for other group coverage (such as a spouse's plan or Medicare) are not eligible for the premium reduction.

The subsidy phases out for individuals whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds $125,000, or $250,000 for those filing joint returns. Taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income exceeding $145,000, or $290,000 for those filing joint returns, do not qualify for the subsidy. If your company closed or went bankrupt, and there is no longer a group health plan, there is no COBRA subsidy available.

There's another catch to this payment break. The premium reduction applies to coverage beginning on or after February 17, 2009, when the law was enacted. You cannot get a refund for premium payments made prior to the law's enactment.

In your case, if you opt not to take the insurance from the contracting company, you could continue your coverage--at least for nine months--under the new COBRA provision. That might give you some time to look for a more affordable plan.

For more details on the COBRA subsidy, go to the Department of Labor's Web site. You can also call the Employee Benefits Security Administration at (866) 444-3272.

But, if you don't think you will be switching jobs or can't get coverage on your own, I would still consider the package offered by the new employer. This is the new dawn of a time when workers will have to get used to higher premiums and deductibles.

This year, premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance rose to $13,375 annually for family coverage--with employees, on average, paying $3,515 and employers paying $9,860, according to a recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research & Educational Trust.

The survey found--as you and so many others have discovered--the smaller the firm, the less likely it is to offer health benefits, with fewer than half (46%) of the smallest employers (three to nine workers) offering them.

Among those firms offering benefits, 21% report they reduced the scope or increased cost-sharing, due to the economic downturn, and 15% report they increased the worker's share of the premium.

As you are learning, it's rough out there if you lose your good job with a big company, which is more likely to offer affordable healthcare.

But, I do have some good news about your pre-existing condition.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law that limits the ability of a new employer plan to exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions. The law also prohibits discrimination against employees and their dependent family members based on any health factors they may have, including prior medical conditions, previous claims experience and genetic information.

Additionally, there may be a law in your state that also offers some protections. Contact your state insurance commissioner's office to find out. You can go to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners site to help figure out who to contact.

Specifically, HIPAA says that a pre-existing condition exclusion can be imposed only if medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was recommended or received during the 6 months prior to your enrollment date in the plan, according to the Department of Labor.

But, let's say you did seek treatment in the last six months. If you have a pre-existing condition that can be excluded from your plan coverage, then there is a limit on how long the plan can exclude coverage for that condition. The law limits the pre-existing condition exclusion period, for most people, to 12 months (18 months if you enroll late).

If you have a history of prior health coverage, you may be able to reduce the exclusion period even further, using what's called "creditable coverage."

You should also know that the pre-existing condition exclusion relates only to benefits for that particular problem. You can still enroll in the plan and receive the other health benefits.

Click here for more information about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Please read the information and double check with your employer. You may find that you are wrong and that your pre-existing condition can't be excluded.

If you do choose to opt out of joining the new health plan, you can get help in finding insurance with a pre-existing condition by contacting the Foundation for Health Coverage Education at (800) 234-1317.

Your question, and others like it, put a real face on the healthcare debate.

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