young voices

The Storied Career of Garry Marshall

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:38:22 -0800

Director/producer/actor/Penny Marshall sibling Garry Marshall has been a player in Hollywood since Chaplin wore short pants, as they say. He is credited with creating Laverne and Shirley, Mork & Mindy and Happy Days, and producing Pretty Woman, among many other films.

Marshall will be Tavis' guest this Wednesday to discuss his new film, Valentine's Day, which stars a bevy of Hollywood bigshots, including Julia Roberts, Jamie Foxx, Ashton Kutcher and Jessicas Alba and Biel. The movie looks like standard romantic comedy fare, a story about love conquering all, etc, the kind of thing men everywhere will be pressured into taking their wives/girlfriends to see on Valentine's night. Fluffy, enjoyable, benign. Fair enough.

What I'd like to hear Marshall talk about, however, is his incredible career producing films and TV shows. Alongside the hits under Marshall's name are numerous flops, mostly the kind of forgettable shows and films that are par for the course in a Hollywood career, but some so unabashedly awful as to be infamous in their own right. One of those is Me and the Chimp, which aired for a season in 1972, and is, according to Wikipedia, "considered by many to be one of the worst shows in the history of television." Then there's Makin' It, a short-lived series about a disco dancer who worked in an ice cream parlor in Passaic, NJ.

Marshall's mark on film and TV can't be disputed, but there are probably far fewer interesting things to say about Pretty Woman than there are about Me and the Chimp. I don't think there's anything wrong with that, either. As they say, that's show business.

Precious: A Question of Black and White

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:05:09 -0800

The film Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire was one of the breakout successes of 2009, taking home multiple awards at Sundance and Cannes and receiving six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.

The film, which you already probably know is about an illiterate, obese black teenager who has been the victim of incest, was backed strongly by Oprah as having the potential to open viewers' eyes to the plight of underprivileged kids among us. "None of us who sees the movie can now walk through the world and allow the Preciouses of the world to be invisible," she told a group of journalists at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Similarly, critics have hailed the film as an uplifting masterpiece, despite the "almost unbearably" bleak situation of its main character, and a story that finds hope amid the worst imaginable kind of circumstances. One critic, however, sees it differently.

In a recent NY Times Op-Ed, Ishmael Reed, the prominent author, essayist and longtime UC Berkeley professor, suggests, in no uncertain terms, that Precious' success is due to its accessibility to white people.

"The blacks who are enraged by Precious have probably figured out that this film wasn't meant for them," he writes. Reed then goes on to cite the all-white governing board of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the largely white community of film critics, and Oprah's vast white fan base as the prime reasons for the film's widespread success.

"Is the enthusiasm of such white audiences and awards committees based on their being comfortable with the stereotypes shown?" he asks, before presenting some compelling evidence to the affirmative, like the media's taste for stories that vilify black men, as opposed to the benign and caring white characters in the film.

Reed's argument is thin at times (does the murder of 300 blacks in the 1921 Tulsa riots really have anything to do with this? The movie Dangerous Minds has its share of racial gaffes, but it also wasn't nominated for any Oscars), but he does make some good points.

I wouldn't say this is any reason not to watch Precious, or that it doesn't deserve the raft of accolades it's accumulated, but it ought to give us all something to think about on Oscar night.

Haiti's Recovery

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:11:34 -0800

Tavis reflects on his conversation with Wyclef Jean and discusses the importance of not losing focus on Haiti.

Is Black History Month Still Relevant?

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:15:21 -0800

Now that we are a few days into Black History Month, there has been some discussion (see here and here) about the relevance or irrelevance of the month-long celebration.

What do you think?

Is it still necessary to designate an entire month to celebrate Black History? Does the election of Barack Obama as president somehow mean that Americans have learned the lessons about African American contributions to this country?

And is Black History Month still relevant? Why or why not?

Please share your thoughts and opinions below, and they may be included in an upcoming video blog.

Patti Smith's "Just Kids"

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:33:39 -0800

Legendary punk-rock pioneer Patti Smith will be Tavis' guest this coming Friday to discuss her new memoir, Just Kids, which chronicles her relationship with her friend and collaborator, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.

Smith arrived in New York city from a small town in Southern New Jersey in 1967, and landed squarely in one of the richest artistic environments of the 20th century. One of the first people she met in the city was Robert Mapplethorpe. The two quickly became very close, and their relationship would endure through both artists' rise to fame, until Mapplethorpe's untimely death from AIDS in 1989.

In anticipation of Friday's segment, I checked out her recent interview with Terry Gross on NPR's Fresh Air. In it, Smith speaks candidly about her relationship with Mapplethorpe, her early days in New York and the remarkable people she's known and been influenced by, including Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison.

Here's a great clip of Smith in 1976 performing her song, "Horses" and her famous cover of Jimi Hendrix's hit, "Hey Joe."

What Do You Want Obama to Address in the State of the Union?

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:25:48 -0800

Ahead of Wednesday's State of the Union Address at 9 p.m. EST, we want to hear from you.

What is the one issue that you hope President Obama addresses Wednesday night?

Share your thoughts with us here, and come back after the speech to let us know what you thought of the address.

And if you still have more to say, YouTube has come up with a way to submit follow-up questions to the president at http://www.youtube.com/citizentube.

When the Cameras Stop Rolling

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:15:39 -0800

This post was first published at www.masonsays.com.

BY MASON JAMAL

Haiti, unfortunately, is no different from the others. Tragedy strikes and the media arrives in full occupying force. It's the story of the moment. Everyone cares. The information and images take up temporary residence in our collective conscience. Our hearts go out. But, invariably, so do the lights. The bulbs stop flashing. The cameras stop rolling. Heads stop talking. Then what? Do we look the other way, as usual, and forget about the people of Port-au-Prince and its surrounding provinces? Sadly enough, most of us will.

Prompted by the media, our attention and focus will turn elsewhere; this way folks - on to the next story. Meanwhile, the death toll will continue to soar and, for the survivors, so will the pain and suffering. Haiti is haunted by the reality that it will be a country of amputees for the foreseeable future, many of whom are orphaned children.

Relatively speaking, it wasn't nearly as horrific, but the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina provides a similar case study in media attention deficit disorder. Nearly 2,000 people died, and countless more were permanently relocated by the natural forces of the hurricane coupled with the economic forces of government neglect. For the poor, it's a one-two punch in the gut. And even though media coverage bubbled over at first, it eventually fizzled out. And with it so did public interest. If this is how American citizens were treated and nearly forgotten, can we really expect anything different in Haiti?

Pardon my cynicism, but human tragedy is big business for the news industry. It's not that members of the media don't have hearts. It's rather difficult not to, even for the most hardened journalist in a situation as catastrophic as this. But while this story has legs for now, they too will be amputated soon enough. And will the American public care as much then when the cameras stop rolling? Most won't. Just as we saw with the coverage of New Orleans and all the talk about how America will never be the same, this too shall be out of sight and out of mind. Then what?

Mason Jamal blogs for AOL Black Voices, as well as his own site, www.masonsays.com. You can also find him on Twitter @masonsays.

Political Change Takes Time

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:20:19 -0800

Recently, President Obama spoke before a crowd of supporters in Elyria, Ohio. He gave a rousing speech that left supporters enthusiastic and reassured them that they had a friend in the White House fighting for them.

While the firebrand style of speech making was well received in the crowd, Obama should have made mention of one more important thing: change takes time.

Events ranging from troop surges to tea parties, along with crippling unemployment figures, keep the Obama administration at odds with the American people.

The election of Republican Senator Scott Brown in Massachusetts echoed that sentiment and, in a way, gave the White House a serious wake up call. In all fairness, no one can argue the past year has been easy for the Obama administration.

They were smart enough however to know they needed to start formalizing some sort of response to the growing frustration of Americans, but weren't quick enough in acknowledging that big change takes real patience.

If the president and his party are to have any chance of fulfilling a historic agenda, they must not only understand the plight of American people, but provide an honest assessment of what is needed to accomplish the tasks he was elected to fix. If he fails to do this, he risks losing the support that he desperately needs in order to see the country thrive again.

What Will it Take to Save Haiti?

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 04:57:41 -0800

The humanitarian response to the disaster in Haiti, which has seen 150,000 buried so far, is truly staggering. It reaffirms my faith in humanity to see the world pulling together to help the impoverished nation recover and rebuild from this catastrophe, with many millions donated to charities working on the island.

Throughout this historic effort to help the people of Haiti, with all of these millions flowing into the country, I can't help but wonder where it all will go. Food, medical supplies, clothing and shelter will account for a lot of it, but once such necessities are taken care of, what will be done with the rest?

It is my sincere hope, along with everyone else who gave money to help the Haitians through this disaster, that the country that will emerge from the earthquake's wreckage will be a better, more prosperous, more stable place than before. Whether this will be the case, however, remains to be seen.

In a recent NY Times op-ed, Mark Danner, author of Stripping Bare the Body: Politics, Violence, War, shares this view, and begins to explain how Haiti became such an impoverished place to begin with. From the slave revolt that bought the country its freedom, to the crippling reparations it was forced to pay to France in order to keep it, to the long succession of corrupt leaders, sham elections, and failed foreign interventions that have so far failed to raise Haiti from its status as the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Danner describes a place that has been oppressed for centuries.

Certainly, all of this aid to Haiti will help the nation regain its footing, but judging by the success of past efforts by well-meaning foreigners to stabilize the island and raise it from poverty, it will take more than money and good intentions to do so.

If Disaster Strikes, Would You "Loot?"

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:15:45 -0800

You might as well call me a "looter" now. Let's just get it out of the way.

Because I know that If I ever survive a natural disaster, have no place to escape to and find myself hungry, injured, traumatized from the loss of loved ones and without every possession I ever owned, including my city, I will go into a store and take food. I will also take candles, matches, batteries, a flashlight, blankets, first aid supplies and a pair of shoes.

And if I have a baby, add diapers, formula and baby aspirin to the list. I don't know. I think it might be called survival.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, it got under my skin that some media outlets referred to the survivors as "looters." I remember waiting for the footage of the so-called looting. But what I saw, over and over, were images of people leaving a store with food or diapers.

And it's happening now with the survivors of the 7.0 magnitude quake (and the equally devastating aftershocks) in Haiti. These are a couple of the headlines: "Looting in the Open in Haiti;" "Aftershock Provokes More Panic, Looting in Haiti."

What do you think? Does it make sense for someone who doesn't have access to badly needed food, water or medical supplies to avoid taking the items out of moral conviction? Do you think the term "looters" should be used by the news media? And finally, if disaster strikes, what would you do? Share your thoughts below.

Small Business Finds Little Relief

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:50:53 -0800

Are you a small business owner?

Are you struggling to find capital to expand or even purchase the supplies necessary to stay in business?

If so, you're not alone. Citizens throughout the U.S. are still feeling the pinch of the global economic recession.

To make matters worse, new reports indicate some of the biggest banks on Wall Street have significantly decreased their lending for small businesses.

Banking giant JP Morgan has decreased its small business lending by over $800 million.

Throughout the industry, banks in November of 2009 pulled another $1 billion from small business lending.

As U.S. jobless claims continue to rise, many question how banks can run away from lending when small business is supposed to be the driving force of our economy. With news like this, it appears that the start of 2010 is bringing with it economic wounds of the past.

What problems or solutions aren't being addressed on behalf of American small business owners?

A "Jobless Recovery"

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:35:47 -0800

As the financial markets rebounded in 2009 President Obama signed an extension of emergency unemployment benefits and called for a summit on mounting job losses. With the jobless rate still at 10%, the experts, who predict that the jobless rate will only get worse through 2011, have dubbed this post-bailout period a "jobless recovery." But is it really a recovery if Main Street is still hurting?

Check out our Web-exclusive video on this topic and share your thoughts below.

Life in Mogadishu

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:25:07 -0800

This post is from Reese's travels to Somalia. The East African nation has been devastated by factional fighting that has lasted for two decades and has been without a functioning central government since 1991. About 1.5 million of Somalia's people are internally displaced.

BY JOHNATHAN REESE

The sun burned my skin through my t-shirt and the ocean wind was relentless. The beautiful white sands were thrown with each gust to batter me inside the bombed-out building that we called home.

I was worn after only two days in the world's most dangerous city - Mogadishu. Small arms and anti-aircraft fire were the sounds of nature. I'd never been in combat and had only recently fired a weapon, but these blasts quickly became background noise.

Just two days before, I had jumped off the ramp of an IL-76 Russian cargo plane at Mogadishu International Airport. A tall Somali greeted me, loaded my bags into a pick-up truck and carted me off to an abandoned building, sluggishly refurbished.

"It's not much, but we once lived in tents." he apologized.

I learned that he had once lived in Canada and the United States and was part of the Somali diaspora, (seemingly more far-reaching than the entire African diaspora). It was comforting that I'd already found someone that had at least known the world from which I came. Now I needed to learn his reality.

"Do you know the AK-47?" he asked as he handed me a rusty Beretta.

"Yes."

"It works the same," he said, referring to the Beretta. "This is for protection. If the insurgents penetrate the perimeter, take this and hide until real help comes."

Learning about Death and Tanks

In the morning the boss asked me to return the weapon. I handed it over. He explained that the camp was surrounded by 1,700 African Union troops, and there was no need to worry unless the tanks started up; that had never happened. The tall Somali's name was Abdulqaadir. I told him that the boss took my gun.

"He's a retired Marine. Maybe he knows something we don't."

"How do you deal with the fact that you can die at any time?" I asked.

"It's not up to me. Allah decides when you go, and you can only accept."

I wondered how one could accept death with such indifference.

......

A week passed and every night our team of eight sat down to watch "24" on DVD. The Somalis sipped tea, browsed the internet, and chewed khat. We watched at least two episodes a night.

Fighting was unusually heavy in the city one night. Some blasts were too close for comfort. I watched for a reaction from the team, but no one seemed to care. I continued to watch Jack Bauer when the next blast sent pieces of the ceiling crashing to the floor of the structure.

The mechanic was sent to switch off the generator.

We sat in complete darkness with only the glow of laptops to fill the void of the night. Each one slowly packed his laptop and tea cup and retired to his room. Suddenly the void was filled by the deep growl of a tank. I missed my Beretta. The tanks sped out of the compound destroying a concrete barrier. The boss had been asleep for an hour.

Since the tanks had first stormed out of the base there had been only twenty minutes of intense fighting, but it was now 3 a.m. and I hadn't closed my eyes (too busy planning my escape). In reality I was pinched between a violent society and a shark-infested ocean.

"An idle man is a wasted man ..."

I awoke in the morning. Life continued: we joked, we argued, we worked as if no one could have died the night before.

It was then that I opened the discussion with Abdulqaadir about why he returned to Somalia.

"Do you think you are here to help Somalia?" he asked.

"I know my personal effort won't make an immediate impact, but in the long run I guess every bit counts, right?"

"Absolutely not. These warlords disturb lives to make money, and they make too much to stop now. As long as no one intervenes, Somalia will continue this way. They are all rich, but now it comes to power. They could go to Europe or America, anywhere, and be satisfied. But they continue ... everyone has his time. It is you and only you that will become your demise."

He continued, "I don't want to die here. I am here because there is a job here. I risk my life for my family, but there is no risk really."

"How is there no risk?"

"The risk would be not to come here. Although mortars pound our camp, insurgents are only a kilometer away, I am providing for my family. An idle man is a wasted man. Everyone, everyday must seek their daily bread, no matter where or how."

Johnathan Reese is a contractor for a private company that focuses on nation-building, infrastructure and stability worldwide. He has been working in Somalia since 2008.

Tavis Talks to Hillary Clinton

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 12:55:42 -0800

Fans of Hillary Clinton are in for a treat next week, as Tavis kicks off his Tavis Smiley Reports series with an interview with the Secretary of State and former First Lady. Even if you didn't vote for Hillary in the 2008 election, there's going to be something for everyone as the two discuss U.S. foreign policy under the Obama administration.

The special interview will air on January 27 but, until then, you can check out this cool promo video and find advance clips from the interview here.

The King of Calypso

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 12:43:21 -0800

Harry Belafonte returns to the show this week, for what is sure to be an engaging discussion of music, politics and world affairs.

Belafonte, apart from being one of the most successful African American pop stars of all time, has long been an outspoken activist and was an important figure in the civil rights movement.

His music, of course, is legendary. Here's a clip of a very young, and very cool Belafonte singing with Nat King Cole (and doubling on the drums!)

Is Airport Security Really Secure?

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:15:31 -0800

Airport security is serious business, given the threat of domestic and international terrorism around the globe. So why are there so many questionable occurrences still taking place in our airports?

The New York Times wrote a report outlining how an eight-year-old boy with a name similar to an individual on the U.S. no-fly-list is getting searched thoroughly at airport screening checks. Keep in mind that this is an eight-year-old kid and not a terrorist mastermind. Does this story sound a bit odd to you?

Unfortunately, it just so happens that occurrences like these aren't so odd after all.

One gentleman in Canada continued to get hassled extensively from U.S. officials every time he touched American soil. He too had a name that was similar to a suspect on the U.S. no-fly-list. What did he do to get the authorities off of his back?

The answer is all too easy; he formally changed his name and virtually had no more interference from U.S. security personnel. I have to say simply looking at a list to determine one's credibility to fly is probably not the best line of defense in ensuring safety at our nations airports.

While it's good that our Canadian neighbor no longer gets the evil eye in U.S. airports due to his name change, the glaring problem for the rest of us is the fact that if he can change his name so easily, anyone else can. Realistically speaking, if this so-called Canadian security threat simply dropped off of the radar due to a name change, what's to keep a real terrorist from succeeding in their plans?

Incidents like these are just the type of cases that should be immediately flagged for investigation. If not, I believe we leave ourselves open to further security breaches that may cost precious lives.

After reading the article, I was more alarmed than comforted and left with a huge question: Is the U.S. truly providing the best in security checks at our airports or are these discrepancies indicative of larger problems that exist?

Share your thoughts.

How You Can Help Quake Survivors in Haiti

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:22:56 -0800

If you have seen the images of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, after the magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck the city Tuesday, then you have probably been wondering what you can do to help.

Here is a brief round-up of ways you can assist.

1) The White House: If you would like to support the urgent humanitarian effort in Haiti, visit www.whitehouse.gov/haitiearthquake, where you can learn more about how to contribute. Americans trying to locate family members in Haiti are encouraged to contact the State Department at 1-888-407-4747.

2) American Red Cross: To help, you can make an unrestricted donation to the International Response Fund at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also help by texting "Haiti" to 90999 to send a $10 donation to the Red Cross, through an effort backed by the U.S. State Department. Funds will go to support American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.

3) The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is accepting monetary donations to assist in the effort via Online Credit Card Donations, 1-800-SAL-ARMY and postal mail at: The Salvation Army World Service Office, International Disaster Relief Fund, PO Box 630728, Baltimore, MD 21263-0728. Designate donations "Haiti Earthquake."

4) Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières: You can give to Doctors Without Borders' Haiti Earthquake Response; for questions or assistance with your online donation, you can speak to Doctors Without Borders Donor Services at 1-212-763-5779 Monday-Friday from 9am - 5pm EST, or email them at donations@newyork.msf.org.

And if you want to get the skinny on any non-profit before you make a donation, check out Charity Navigator, an organization that evaluates charitable non-profits.

Will Fans Forgive McGwire?

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:37:08 -0800

Call me crazy, but these days, everyone's got something to hide; or in this case, something to come clean about. On Monday, it was baseball's Mark McGwire.

In an interview on the MLB network with Bob Costas, Mark McGwire came out about steroid use, admitting that he used them and other HGH substances, including during the season when he broke the sports home run record.

While the tears coming down McGwire's face appeared genuine, the biggest question folks like me walked away with is, "How sympathetic should he expect fans to be with a decade-late admission?"

Guys like McGwire leave folks skeptical of the accomplishments they achieve and tarnish the integrity of the sport they claim to love.

Athletes, for the most part, have never been the best role models to follow nor, in my opinion, will they ever be. These days, the level of suspicion towards professional athletes is high. For that reason, I don't think there's going to be a huge outpouring of support for McGwire, even though there are a small handful of people willing to embrace him.

Now, for the record, I respect the fact that Mr. McGwire came clean, seeing how most people would've kept quiet and taken that information to the grave.

McGwire was filled with emotion and, at times, tearful in speaking about his drug use. He's faced his demons and is ready to move on with his life, working as hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals.

There's no doubt that McGwire's certainly ready to put his past behind him. I can't help but wonder if the fans and public will let him.

Twilebrities: Yet Another Thing I Don't Get About Twitter

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:08:59 -0800

The latest issue of Vanity Fair has a story on "America's Tweethearts," i.e., women who are popular on the social networking site Twitter. As far as I'm concerned, it might as well be called "Hot Women on Twitter" or "Twitter: A Place for People to Pay Even More Attention to the Inane Musings of Leggy Blondes than They Already Do Via MTV."

The article puts Twitter forward as yet another way in which people can self-promote in a world increasingly obsessed with self-promotion and celebrity (whatever that word means these days--it's increasingly unclear).

In typical Vanity Fair form, however, there is some indication that, while Twitter may be the next Facebook, this may all be just a little bit silly. Among the gems, "Facebook is just way too slow," says Stefanie Michaels, a twilebrity from Brentwood, California. "I can't deal with that kind of deep engagement." And, "Each day, these women speed easily across the Twitformation Superhighway on their iPhones and laptops, leaving droppings in their wake: "getting highlights before class," "I hrd u had fun!," "Wah, missing my twittr time!""

The most puzzling thing about this, however, is the amount of people who seem to care about said highlights or that whomever is missing their "twittr time!" updates without so much relevance or insight as bathroom wall graffiti. Among the women mentioned in the article, social strategist Julia Roy has 31,000 followers, publicist Sarah Evans has 33,000 followers and travel journalist Stefanie Michaels has a whopping 1.4 million (putting her, as the author puts it, "between Serena Williams and Denise Richards").

So, while Vanessa Grigoriadis, the author of the VF story, seems to agree that no one has quite figured out why we need Twitter in our lives, it's not hard to see that she understands why so many of us want it.

South Africa's Hidden Slave Trade

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 08:18:37 -0800

With the 2010 World Cup just months away, the eyes of the world are increasingly on South Africa, the continent's wealthiest country, which will soon play host to half-a-million soccer fans.

South Africa, while among the most stable and progressive of African Nations, has only been a democracy since 1994. While it has made huge strides, millions of its citizens live in abject poverty in shanty towns, and it has one of the highest rates of HIV in the world. Its government has also been marred by several revelations of widespread corruption.

As the World Cup nears, South Africa will come under increased scrutiny for these, among other issues. One recent example is a TIME magazine story focusing on widespread human trafficking.

In his story, E. Benjamin Skinner, a journalist and author who has spent the last eight years researching human trafficking around the world, exposes South Africa's thriving industry, one which, due to apparent indifference by the South African government, stands to benefit immensely from the influx of foreign visitors.

The article itself is worth reading, but here are a few of the most hard-hitting quotes.

"[In] the poorest district in Eastern Cape, one of the poorest provinces in South Africa, ninety-five percent of the residents...fall below the poverty line, more than a quarter have HIV, and most survive by clinging to government grants."

"At best, the South African government's response to child sex trafficking has been superficial or piecemeal; at worst, some officials have actually colluded with the traffickers."

"Despite more than a dozen international conventions banning slavery in the past 150 years, there are more slaves today than at any point in human history."

"...the U.S. currently spends more in a single day fighting drug trafficking than it does in an entire year fighting human trafficking."

The World Cup presents an enormous opportunity for South Africa to benefit from the world's attention and tourist dollars. However, it's also an opportunity to hold the nation accountable for its inattention to slavery.

Why Didn't We Connect the Dots?

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:16:42 -0800

President Obama recently announced that changes must be made in order to close the gaps in intelligence and avoid a failure like the one that occurred on Christmas Day with Northwest Airlines Flight 253.

The Obama White House also released a report recently citing several deficiencies on the part of U.S. intelligence communities. Upon reading the report, many would like to know, given the amount of information we had, why didn't officials connect the dots?

The U.S. intelligence community is supposed to have some of the best technology and some of the brightest individuals working for our nation. All of this, yet we managed to drop the ball. The problem is when we drop the ball, lives can be lost.

No one in the intelligence community will argue that they are ever given perfect information. What they can do, however, is work smarter and more collaboratively with other intelligence gathering agencies to ensure that when there is "actionable intelligence," we actually move on it.

Based on what we've seen, there was no glaring reason why information surrounding Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab wasn't acted upon sooner. The fact that we didn't is what's most damning in this case -- at the very least, unsettling. I mean, seriously speaking, how confident should Americans feel knowing that with all of the tools and resources available to their government, cracks like this in the system still exist?

As Americans, we have learned some of the greatest lessons in our history at some of the gravest moments imaginable. This failed terrorist attempt was one tragedy that was averted, in part, by luck. The sobering thought that Americans, as well as The White House, have to face now is that we may not be so lucky next time.

Children Victims of Assault

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:15:38 -0800

Earlier this month, a report was released by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics which stated the startling fact that more than 12% of young people in detention centers are sexually assaulted. The report goes on to indicate that a staggering 80% of those who were abused said detention center staff were the attackers.

We should all be outraged at this level of behavior. Seriously people, at what point did we stop rehabilitating and start abusing children?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't there a time when the locking up of individuals was actually designed to rehabilitate them, in hopes that they could be reintroduced as contributing members of society?

These young people may have gotten placed in detention centers for any number of different reasons, but if the system is not working in some capacity to help these individuals move forward in their lives, rather than regress, we're in for a huge problem.

'Treme' - The Return of David Simon

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:31:06 -0800

It's been almost two years since the series finale of The Wire, David Simon's groundbreaking HBO drama about urban decay in Baltimore. Often called the best show on television while it was on (President Obama has said it was his favorite show), and still attracting fans via DVD, The Wire stands as a remarkable achievement in television, one that will not easily be matched.

Now, Simon is poised to return to HBO with a new series called Treme (tre-MAY), and this time his subject is New Orleans. Little is known about Treme, apart from the fact that the cable network ordered a 10-episode season from Simon last spring, and that it's set to premiere sometime in April.

Among the cast are Wire alumni Clarke Peters (Lester Fremon), Wendell Pierce (Bunk Moreland) and Kim Dickens (Deadwood's Joanie Stubbs).

Simon has remained remarkably tight-lipped about the project since its inception, giving few interviews on the subject. What is clear, however, is that Treme will not be another Katrina story, nor will it center on the French Quarter. "It's a metaphor for where we are in America right now," he told MSNBC last May, "We had to get inside New Orleans traditions. You can't do that from the French Quarter."

A media preview of Treme is reportedly scheduled for later this month, but until then, we have only our imaginations to rely on. However, if Treme does anything close for New Orleans what The Wire did for Baltimore, we are in for something very special.

Update: We have a trailer!

Five Things to Like about 'Jersey Shore'? Really?

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:07:00 -0800

Leave it to The New York Times, ever the interpreters of any Northeastern zeitgeist, to turn their critical eye to the last big meme of 2009.

As I blogged about recently, Jersey Shore is an MTV reality show starring a cast of absolutely appalling examples of humanity. It has drawn fire from an Italian American anti-defamation league, criticism from many cultured sorts and the rabid, car accident-like attention of the MTV-watching world.

This week, NYT weighs in, offering its two cents on the matter. Writer Neil Genzlinger, a Times entertainment critic and "actual resident of New Jersey," comes up with some decent arguments in favor of the show, including #2, "MAYBE 'JERSEY SHORE' WILL FINALLY KILL OFF THE KARDASHIANS," a sentiment this blogger can wholly endorse.

Whether you genuinely enjoy the show or just pretend not to, I don't think anybody out there actually believes these people are good examples for our youth -- our youth included. So, at least, we can all mock them together.

What I Won't Miss from 2009

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:36:29 -0800

Believe it not, 2009 has finally come to an end. When asked about their feeling on 2009, most Americans said that it was a bad year for them.

I personally can't blame them. With stock portfolios on a roller coaster, national crises at every turn and a series of unfortunate events occurring this year, many people are happy to see the end of 2009 and the beginning of a more prosperous 2010.

In the spirit of letting things go and moving forward, I would like to share my top 5 moments that I hope not to see relived or addressed in 2010.

5. Any updates regarding John and Kate.

4. Any Twilight movie or book references of any sort.

3. The balloon boy stunt.

2. Joe Wilson screaming out "you lie" at the President of the United States.

1. High unemployment numbers in the U.S.

I chose these moments because each one of them in some way showcased disturbing behavior ranging from the serious lack of respect and civility in our government to people being overly obsessed about reality TV stars.

Now don't get me wrong. There were plenty of other debatable moments that folks don't want to see a repeat of in 2010. If you don't believe me, just catch an episode of VH1's That Really Happened in 2009.

Despite the challenges we all faced in 2009, let's just hope that after the ball dropped at midnight, we're all moving in a much better direction.

Family Genius

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 07:09:09 -0800

As we close out the year, many students are waiting to hear back from colleges and universities regarding one of the biggest decisions of their lives: where to attend school in the fall.

I remember the days I waited, going to the mailbox, hoping to hear I would be admitted to my college of choice.

While it's well known that many students dread waiting to hear back from the colleges and universities that they apply to, for one family in Connecticut it was well worth the wait.

Kenny, Martina, Ray and Carol Crouch, all four high school students at Danbury High School in Connecticut, received a special holiday gift -- four acceptance letters from Yale University.

Needless to say, this is one holiday season the Crouch family won't soon forget.

These promising young students, quadruplets no less, were raised by parents who instilled in them the importance of a good education and are certainly on their way to a very interesting future. The New York Times article featuring the four siblings' accomplishment spread like wildfire across chat rooms and Internet sites worldwide.

Just think about all of the studying, late nights, personal sacrifices and discipline these guys must have had in order to accomplish a feat like this. I think it's very cool and certainly worthy of praise.

The biggest challenge now for the students is whether or not to accept the offer. I can't say that's a bad trade for time well spent. To the Crouch siblings and family, congratulations on this extraordinary achievement. Folks all across the country are celebrating your success.

Is 'Jersey Shore' Racist?

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:59:10 -0800

It's worth watching the new reality show Jersey Shore, but only briefly, and only if you're not already depressed about the condition of humanity. The MTV program, which follows a group of fake-tan-sporting 20-somethings during a summer at New Jersey's infamous party zone, is a sobering reminder of just how ignorant, self-obsessed and awful people can be. It's also quite delicious.

Anyhow, UNICO, an organization responsible for policing the image of Italian Americans in popular culture (they came out vociferously against The Sopranos a few years back) has set its sights on Snooki, The Situation and the show's other dubiously-nicknamed characters, claiming that they are doing more than their part to tarnish the reputations of Italian Americans.

In the show, a group of self-proclaimed "guidos" and "guidettes" drink to excess, cheat on their boyfriends, obsess over their tans and generally act horrifically. UNICO sent a letter to MTV, highlighting their objections to the program, but so far it continues unabated.

So is Jersey Shore racist? I really don't think so. It's not as if they created these characters; they're just exploiting them for our entertainment. Which isn't probably the most morally rigorous thing to do, but it sure is fun to watch.

Keep Calm, Carry On

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 07:52:13 -0800

In terms of air travel, the outgoing decade will forever be remembered as the time when everything got much, much worse in the name of public safety. Certainly no one enjoyed airport screening before, but we all accepted walking through the metal detector as something necessary to keep anyone from hijacking the plane and flying it to some landlocked dictatorship, 1970s style. What's that? You need to wand my belt buckle and the rivets on my jeans? Please, feel free. As long as it keeps Alan Rickman and his ilk off the plane.

Then there was the jihad against liquids and gels (full tube of toothpaste? Sorry, into the bin. But for some reason giant bottles of contact lens solution were A-okay) that sent us all digging in our carry-ons for our little plastic satchels filled with travel-sized toiletries. Sure, it was inconvenient, but if you can disguise a bomb as a tube of toothpaste (only a full-sized one, of course, for some reason, half a dozen travel-sized tubes wouldn't do the trick), then it was in all of our best interests to keep them off planes, right?

Then, thanks to Richard Reed, air travelers across the land were all treated to the sight of feet, so many feet, shuffling across the airport carpet while their estranged shoes traveled through the x-ray machine. Sure, there's nothing dignified about it. Sure, nobody should ever have to look at a plane full of strangers' feet, but if it kept us safe; we were all for it.

Last week, however, just when we thought it couldn't get any more difficult to get on a plane, it somehow did. When Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab tried to kill a planeload of people headed to Detroit, only to have his bomb malfunction and be tackled by his fellow passengers, we entered a new era of in-flight scrutiny.

The Dutch are now using full-body scanners that had been banned previously because they allow TSA screeners to essentially see you naked. Canada has affected a temporary ban on carry-on baggage. (Sorry, travelers, you know all that other stuff we've been doing? Turns out it doesn't make much of a difference.)

Sadly, as far as air travel is concerned, it seems like it can still get much, much worse. We're all incredibly lucky that Abdulmutallab's bomb didn't go off, but he surely won't be the last one to try it, and until we're all zip-tied to our seats for the duration of the flight, we can expect air travel to get more difficult, and less dignified on a regular basis. And for the benefit of all, who can argue?

Horseback Riding in the Chilean Andes

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:42:25 -0800

This slideshow is about appreciating the beauty in life. That's it. And that's enough.

During my visit to Chile, I traveled an hour outside of Santiago to the Maipo Canyon of the Andes Mountains. I went horseback riding in the foothills and took in views of the Maipo River.

Rediscovering Neruda

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:12:27 -0800

On a recent trip to Chile, I visited Isla Negra and rediscovered the late poet, Nobel laureate and diplomat, Pablo Neruda. Neruda's oceanfront home in Isla Negra is one of three that he owned -- the others are in Santiago and Valparaiso. Neruda is buried at Isla Negra alongside the remains of his third wife, Matilde Urrutia.

And if you're not familiar with Neruda's work, the Chilean poet wrote moving words like this:

Transporting a 401(k)

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:28:33 -0800

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

Q: I have a 401(k) from a previous job. The reason it's still there is because I don't know what to do with it. What should I do?

Portland, OR

A: You have a number of options with this leftover money. Here are some of those options:

50 Cent: The Difference between Reality and Art

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 06:56:08 -0800

Tavis' interview with the rapper 50 Cent airs tomorrow night (Tuesday). If you didn't get a chance to check it out the first time, I'd highly recommend you do so this week. It doesn't matter if you're a fan of his music, or even of hip-hop in general; in fact, it's just as interesting if you're not into rap.

On the program, 50 Cent (also known as Curtis Jackson) discusses his music, his film project and his rise from drug-slinging 12-year-old to multi-millionaire rap mogul. Along the way, he shares some of his philosophies for success, stories from his childhood and frustrations with the entertainment industry.

This comment stood out in particular:
"When I created Get Rich or Die Tryin' and we had the poster boards up, they saw me with a gun and they started protesting... I was like wow. Now it's so intense that I remember Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in Mr. and Mrs. Smith. They had guns, you know, and James Bond's posters are like this. You know what I'm saying? So I'm like wow. This one is in my back like, and they had a problem with it. I had the baby in the front, and I thought I was capturing the protector at that point. Obviously, the message then was like, no, he really has that gun right now. You know what I mean?

They don't understand the difference between reality and art on some levels. I think the average person that's watching the film can identify with the difference between the two. If not, they'll be jumping off of buildings like Bruce Willis do it all the time, so why we ain't got more people jumping off of buildings? You know, it's obvious that they're not going out and doing exactly what they're seeing."

Jackson's comment about the difference between life and art is a particularly fraught one, especially where rap music is concerned. One can understand his frustration -- he's someone who has pulled himself out of poverty by his own intelligence and determination, and some people still see him as a common thug, someone who might actually be carrying a gun.

The difference here, in my mind, is quite apparent. When Brangelina take to the screen as hired assassins, the assumption is there from the start that they are actors playing roles. When 50 Cent, an artist who made his name by rapping about slinging drugs and violent crime, appears holding a gun, the distinction is far less clear.

Regardless of what kind of man Curtis Jackson is now, and no matter how legitimate his business, he is still associated with the violent image that got him where he was. It's curious to me that he finds it so surprising.

Downtown Santiago

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:01:41 -0800

On a recent trip to Chile, I visited La Moneda Presidential Palace, the seat of the President of the Republic of Chile in the capitol of Santiago.

Check out the photos from my visit. And for more on President Michelle Bachelet, check out my post about Chile's first woman president.

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

A Woman President: I Can Dream, Can't I?

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 19:00:51 -0800

Ah. We came so close. So close to having a woman in the White House as President of the United States. For anyone who was excited about the idea of universal healthcare and of being able to hear the words "Madam President," Hillary Clinton was the first real chance.

But alas, the country got its first African American president (I am not complaining), and Clinton is now Secretary of State. Those who were disappointed that the United States wasn't getting its first woman president either got over it or began speculating that Clinton will run in 2016.

I had certainly moved on, until recently, when I visited Chile. Among my tourist stops in Santiago was a visit to the presidential palace where I got an earful about Salvador Allende, Augusto Pinochet and the nation's current and first-ever woman president, Michelle Bachelet.

I began swooning over some of her accomplishments since she took office in 2006. They were the very things that I had dreamed the United States would accomplish under a President Hillary Clinton. In one term, Bachelet:

- Appointed women ministers to half of her cabinet
- Instituted universal healthcare -- a policy that her predecessor began
- Extended pensions to homemakers (a first-time policy in Chile)
- Increased the budget of the national ministry for women
- Increased the number of free day-care centers.

But all is not rosy for Bachelet's party -- Concertacion. Voters are concerned about the economy, the country's education problems and the money that goes into the social programs that Bachelet has created or expanded.

And although Bachelet enjoys an 80% approval rating, she is limited to one term by the constitution. It looks as if her party's presidential candidate, Eduardo Frei, will not be able to eke out a victory over conservative opponent Sebastián Piñera. In the December elections Piñera received 44% of the vote to Frei's 30%. The run-off is January 17.

Either way, the "Bachelet Factor" has been significant for women in Chile and abroad. Even Hillary Clinton has been inspired by Bachelet's political career.

And, after my visit, I've decided to hold out hope that in the United States another Hillary Clinton will come along in my lifetime. Or that Hillary Clinton will come along again in my lifetime. I can dream, can't I?

Check back this week for more from my trip to Chile. And for more on Hillary Clinton, be sure to check out Tavis' hour-long primetime special about Secretary Hillary Clinton, which premieres Wednesday, January 27, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.

All Comedy or Part Truth?

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 10:21:54 -0800

We all know that getting a job can be one of the most challenging tasks there is. I wonder though, has it ever felt like this?

In the featured short, The Job, writer-director Jonathan Browning put his take on how jobs for even the most skilled laborers have become harder to get. The short has taken on a life of its own and has been seen across the globe.

There were so many layers to this scenario that I could barely keep myself from laughing.

Is this a fair depiction of how it feels to some people looking for work or is this just comedy?

Rihanna's Moving On

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 09:13:07 -0800

Rihanna, the R&B singer known for her 12-million-selling hit "Umbrella," as well as for being assaulted by her boyfriend, Chris Brown, is ready to move on. At least, that's what she's telling a handful of select journalists in semi-exclusive interviews corresponding to the release of her new album, "Rated R" ("R" for Rihanna, presumably).

In her soft-focus interview in November with Diane Sawyer that aired on Good Morning America and 20/20, she talks about the assault, her desire to distance herself from Brown and the hope that she can use this experience to help other young women in similar situations to get help. Taken at face value, it's a positive statement on an issue that doesn't get nearly enough mainstream attention.

In this month's GQ, however, in which Rihanna appears topless on the cover, the interview tells a slightly different story. It makes reference to a violent song called "G4L" (short for Gangsta for Life) on the new album, and alludes to Rihanna's gun tattoo. Then there's her manager who hovers a few feet away from the singer and interrupts the interview any time talk of Chris Brown goes on too long. No doubt Rihanna does want to help other women who are struggling through abusive relationships, but the GQ story reveals just how trapped she seems to be between her public image and her private life.

More than anything, it seems, Rihanna wants to move on, get past this and resume what was already a meteoric rise to the top of the pop charts. Rihanna seems to have learned from her experience, but those lessons seem to be as much about the realities of domestic violence as the realities of being a celebrity.

A Gift for the Holidays

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 05:48:29 -0800

For those looking for some inspiration this holiday season, I've got the perfect program for you.

As I channel-surfed looking for something to watch on television around Christmas, I came across a program that really brought into perspective what we all can accomplish if we really put our minds to it.

The show is called Born Without Arms. The documentary features three individuals living their lives in an extraordinary way.

Being born without arms, Mark Goffeney, Nadia Miller and Jessica Cox take viewers inside their world, where each one of them is living extraordinarily in their own right.

Viewers watching the show won't focus on these individuals simply because they don't have arms. Instead, viewers will begin to see these individuals for who they are, rather than what they don't have.

Everything from driving a car, putting on makeup, to even brushing one's teeth will have a new meaning once you see it. What I enjoyed most about the film is that through the laughs and the lessons, the show leaves viewers with the sense that anyone can go beyond their circumstances to make the most out of life.

The show also demonstrates how true courage along with a passion for life can help anyone succeed, no matter what the obstacles.

The story of these individuals' lives is definitely a testament to what anyone can do when we focus on the blessings we do have, instead of the one's we don't.

Perspective like that my friends is a true gift for the holidays.

Born Without Arms airs on The Learning Channel for the next couple of weeks. Take the time to check it out and be sure to tell a friend.

Best of 2009: Prince

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:38:35 -0800

Prince is one of the most talented musicians working today, but the man behind the music is equally compelling as the music itself. In April, Tavis spoke to Prince in a rare one-on-one interview, in which the self-taught multi-instrumentalist discussed his upbringing, his influences and the secrets to his success.

Prince talks about teaching himself the piano, his relationship with Miles Davis, and the kinship he feels with the legendary boxer Jack Johnson. He also talks, for the first time ever publicly, about being epileptic as a child.

"...I was born epileptic and I used to have seizures when I was young. And my mother and father didn't know what to do or how to handle it, but they did the best they could with what little they had.

And my mother told me one day I walked in to her and said, "Mom, I'm not going to be sick anymore," and she said, "Why?" And I said, "Because an angel told me so." Now, I don't remember saying it - that's just what she told me. And from that point on, I've been having to deal with a lot of things - getting teased a lot in school - and early in my career I tried to compensate for that by being as flashy as I could and as noisy as I could."

Check out the video of the second half of Prince's interview here.

Happy Holidays

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:03:23 -0800

Tavis wishes everyone a happy holiday season and discusses what's coming up in 2010.

Unloading Real Estate

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:21:21 -0800

Q: We purchased a house two years ago in Alabama, in anticipation of retirement in June 2010, when my husband turns 62. Currently, we also have a home in Illinois--our primary residence--which we haven't been able to sell. Now that retirement is near, we are panicking. The prospect of renting long distance horrifies us!

Financially, we can afford both homes with our current jobs. Loan modification has not worked for us due to our good financial standing. Our credit is excellent, and we've been thinking of walking away from the house, knowing that this will wreck our credit.

Is it better to stop making payments on the primary home in Illinois or just walk away from it? Are there any options available to us other than renting long distance?

Richton Park, IL

A: I am really sorry you can't sell your current home and move into retirement with the peace of mind I'm sure you deserve. But, if your credit is good, and has been, then don't start making decisions like someone who hasn't been financially responsible.

Don't just walk away from this problem. You have a legal and moral responsibility to try to find the best solution for you and your lender. Remember, you did sign a promissory note, meaning you gave your word to pay the mortgage.

So, I would encourage you to reconsider renting until the housing market regains some stability. Like you, I hate the idea of being a landlord. I was one for several years, and I didn't like it one little bit. But I kept my place until I could sell. It took some time, but I was eventually able to sell without having to bring money to the closing table.

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

If you truly loathe the idea of renting, consult a good real estate agent in your area. Find one that is very experienced, and see what you can do to make your home more marketable. You may also be pricing your home too high. Many homeowners are still clinging to old home values. Times have changed, and you may not be able to get anywhere near what you would have sold your home for several years ago. If you are desperate to get to your retirement home, then price the home below what others are selling for in the area, even if it means you may not walk away with any equity return.

And, your last resort could be what's called a short sale, which is when the lender accepts less than the full mortgage amount, often forgiving the debt that's left. For example, if your mortgage is still $200,000, but you can only sell the home for $180,000, the lender will agree to the sale of the home for the $180,000.

You should also know that debt that is forgiven, or canceled, by a lender must be included as income on your tax return and is subject to tax. However, the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act allows borrowers to exclude from their income certain canceled home loan debt on their principal residence.

You will still need a good real estate agent to help with a short sale, which is far better than just walking away from this obligation.

(Photo by TheTruthAbout)

Dems: Know What You're Voting on

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:51:45 -0800

For weeks, we've listened to lawmakers emphasize the importance of having reform in the healthcare system. Most Americans will agree that, despite various differences, some level of reform is needed.

What is most concerning is that the actual details of the bill won't be made known to Americans until after it is voted on. That could spell trouble for some Democrats.

Here's why: Should the legislation actually pass and most Americans find the plan dreadful, it could mean disaster for Democrats looking to run for reelection in 2010.

That fact alone actually gives Republicans a legitimate reason to stifle progress or filibuster a vote towards the massive bill. It allows them to take the lead in being America's advocate
for real reform.

Democrats seemed to have already lost the public option via Sen. Joe Lieberman's change of heart.

To avoid any more losses, my suggestion to Democrats would be to make sure to continue to communicate the needs of the bill, and find out what the details of the bill are so you don't find yourselves out of office next year.

Question: Is America moving in the right direction on healthcare?

Were You There?

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:37:21 -0800

On April 4, 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his Beyond Vietnam speech at Riverside Church in New York City. Tavis is looking for personal stories, photos, and/or news articles of this historic moment for use in connection with an upcoming PBS special airing March 2010. If you were in the audience and are willing to share your story or materials, please get in touch by January 29, 2010.

A Safe Investment

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:03:48 -0800

Q: Just recently came into a lump sum of money. I would like to invest a portion into a safe investment that would have a significant return. Are CD's a safe investment?

Rodney A, Sacramento, CA

A: I want to divide this question up, because there's a lesson to be learned here about what it means to invest.

Let's take the first statement: "I would like to invest a portion [of the lump sum money] into a safe investment."

When you put your principal at risk, in return, you get to grow your money. That's why you invest--to make your money work for you. The more risk you take, the greater chance for you to make more money. However, if you can't afford to lose any of your principal, then don't invest, or find an investment with a lower risk, such as U.S. Treasury bonds. Your return won't be great, but you are assured to get your money back, plus a little interest.

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

One more thing about investing: There is no such thing as a low risk, high return investment. Doesn't exist. And if someone tries to convince you that you can get a significant return for your money without taking a lot of risk, they are a low-down dirty liar.

So, my friend, there is no investment that is very safe that will yield you a significant return.

Finally, if you are concerned about the safety of your principal, it's probably best to put your money in CDs (certificates of deposit).

A CD is a special type of deposit account with a bank or thrift institution that typically offers a higher rate of interest than a regular savings account. Unlike other investments, CDs feature federal deposit insurance up to $250,000.

By buying CDs from FDIC-insured financial institutions, you get safety for your money, up to the insurance limit.

When you purchase a CD, you invest a fixed sum of money for a fixed period of time--six months, one year, five years--and, in exchange, the issuing bank pays you interest. When you cash in your CD, you receive the money you originally invested plus any accrued interest. If you cash in your CD before it matures, you may have to pay an early withdrawal penalty or forfeit a portion of the interest you earned.

To maximize what you earn in CDs, you could do what is called "CD Laddering." When you employ a CD laddering approach, you purchase multiple CDs with different maturity dates, which allows you to take advantage of higher interest rates tied to longer-term CDs. By buying different CDs with different maturity dates, you keep access to part of your money.

You can get help figuring out how to ladder your CDs at Bankrate.com, which provides free advice and CD ladder calculators for certificate of deposit portfolios.

Finally, Kin Hubbard, the American cartoonist and humorist said: "The safest way to double your money is to fold it over once and put it in your pocket."

There is no such thing as a "safe" investment. When you invest, you put your principal at risk. That's not to say you shouldn't invest and that there aren't some safer ways to invest. But, too many people get burned trying to invest without realizing there's a chance they could lose some, if not all, of their money.

The Best of 2009: Mickey Rourke

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:03:24 -0800

This year has seen its share of particularly great interviews on the show. Over the next few weeks, I'll be revisiting a few of my favorites.

On January 29, 2009, Tavis devoted the whole half-hour to his interview with former boxer and current actor Mickey Rourke. Rourke's comeback to Hollywood through his performance in The Wrestler was one of the most fascinating events of the last year, and his interview gives much insight into how and why that happened. Beyond that, Rourke goes deep into what caused the self-destruction of his first career as a leading man.

Among the memorable quotes from that interview is this one:

What happens as the time goes by...it's all about that old school stuff from the street, it's about pride and honor and respect, and you build up an armor. And I was proud of that armor. I was proud of the way, as a man, how I became. And I was very close with Tupac, and Tupac, that was the reason that 'Pac and I were very close, because it was that thing -- we carried that thing. But it was also I remember talking to him one time and saying, "You know, brother, we can't be that and this in this industry. We got to -- we can't be both hard men."

Check out the video of the interview here.

Sympathy for the Tiger

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:35:34 -0800

One of the most interesting things to come to light in the wake of Tiger Woods' epic besmirching is the reissue of a profile of him that appeared in GQ back in 1997. Then, Woods was a wide-eyed 21-year-old, accustomed to success, but new to world fame.

Charles P Pierce, the journalist who wrote the profile, portrays Woods as a bit of ass in his story, quoting him making racist jokes and generally acting like someone who doesn't know any better (but really should). Pierce's objective seems to have been taking Woods down a peg or two in the public eye, which, up to that point had widely held him as a kind of messiah. The article, which was the source of much embarrassment to the Woods camp when it came out, is now credited as the cause of Woods' notorious shyness around the media, and reticence (at least until now) to reveal details of his private life.

The article itself, in my opinion, is magazine journalism at its best. Far from the puff pieces that dominate the celebrity profile genre, especially with people as high-profile as Woods, it reveals him candidly and unflatteringly, as a very talented kid with an ego to match and a hell of a golf swing. Not the savior of golf. Not the bringer of racial equality to professional sports. Not the messiah.

Pierce's story stands out as a brilliant piece of journalism, but also a very unusual one. Despite the public's bloodlust for the sordid details of celebrities' personal lives, or perhaps because of it, it's incredibly rare to see such a candid portrayal of a celebrity. We demand a kind of godlike perfection from our idols (especially someone as meteorically successful as Woods) and when they turn out to be only human, we act shocked.

Tiger Woods is a man, a particularly gifted man, but a man nonetheless. If there were more stories like this one, the revelations of the last week would hardly seem like such earth-shattering news. Then, perhaps, we could concentrate on talking about things that really matter in the world. On second thought, maybe that's not such a good idea. What would I have to write about?

McGraw Can Fill Actors Shoes

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:01:20 -0800

I'm no movie buff, but I do appreciate a good film when I see it. Recently, I had the opportunity to watch the film The Blind Side.

Surprisingly, one of the actors in the film whose performance I really enjoyed was that of country music star Tim McGraw. I have to say I was really impressed with his down-to-earth on-screen presence.

By now, most people have seen at least one of his or her favorite musicians or artists on the big screen -- and then we wished they never got the role because of their terrible performance. I'm happy to say I didn't have that feeling seeing McGraw act.

As I watched the film, I didn't think once about McGraw's albums, television commercials, or latest People's Choice awards or American Music Awards. I just saw him as the husband, father and believable character in a film.

If this year's performance is any indication of what's next for the singer/actor, don't be surprised if you begin to see the name Tim McGraw in a list of movies to come.

Here's a look at what you can expect.

The Future is Now! (Sort of)

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:58:07 -0800

Last week, amid much hooplah, hype and special effects, Virgin Galactic unveiled the first-ever commercial space vehicle, "SpaceShipTwo." The unveiling took place at Virgin's Mojave Spaceport, outside of Los Angeles, in front of hundreds of journalists, VIPs and future astronauts.

Virgin founder and shaggy-haired gajillionaire Richard Branson was on hand to celebrate the occasion, as was California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

SpaceShipTwo's mothership, with its unusual two-hulled design, will transport passengers to an altitude of 50,000 feet before separating and launching the middle section of the ship into space (for a cool animation of what that looks like, click here). What this means for passengers is a few minutes of weightlessness, and probably some amazing views of the planet. The ticket price: $200,000.

It may seem like poor taste to some to celebrate the launching of what amounts to the world's most expensive airline (albeit one whose departure and arrival destinations are the same place) in the midst of the worst recession in U.S. history, but Branson has never been one to worry about such fleeting matters. He's more of a long view kind of guy.

It's hard to imagine having that kind of dough to spend on a flight, even if it is to the edge of space and back. And even if I did, it's hard to imagine that that might actually seem like good value. But the real significance of this event is the precedent it sets. People are now going to space for the fun of it. They aren't doing much of anything there, and they're not staying for long, but the dawn of commercial spaceflight is here. This is, undoubtedly, just the beginning.

Condoms vs. Curriculum

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:55:41 -0800

A Milwaukee School Board committee voted to approve allowing students to receive free condoms on school campuses today. The measure was approved in an effort to reduce the number of sexually transmitted infections in teens.

As the issue surrounding the vote began to receive national attention earlier this week, it seemed as though the idea of giving condoms to teens was one of the most controversial in American history.

Here's a newsflash for you. It's not. While the vote undoubtedly ruffled some feathers, consider the facts for a moment. For all of the preaching that we do about safe sex and abstinence, the United States has the highest rates of sexually transmitted diseases when compared to any developed country in the world.

Secondly, teen pregnancy continues to be a huge issue in our schools, and I don't see the idea of giving away free condoms to teens as a negative. In fact, it may be a way to lower the rate of those pregnancies.

Third, parents are still shy or reluctant to talk to their children about sex and all of the implications sex can bring.

This lack of action on the part of parents leaves school administrators and teachers on the front lines to witness some of the serious challenges students have to deal with, seemingly on their own.

Today's vote is a proactive step towards administrators doing something that previously may have been swept under the rug. It allows them to be of assistance to students by offering a real and immediately tangible solution.

So while sex is no way a crime, not talking to your kids about the matter should be. If the district thinks that making condoms available to students at no charge will help in some small way, then I'm all for it. As far as parents' reluctance to initiate a talk with their student about sex, that's an issue the school district unfortunately can't solve by a single vote.

Advice for College Grads

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:56:43 -0800

Q: On personal finance, what advice would best suit a May 2010 college graduate (Tennessee State) going out into this unstable economy?

@justaaron1 via Twitter

A: No matter what economy you face, the one critical piece of advice you should follow is this: Live below your means. And by that I mean, whatever you earn, spend less.

Of course, there is more to being a good money manager; but that's the first step. Here's some other basic advice I've given to many soon-to-be college graduates, including one of my nieces who will be graduating in May 2010.

Keep your housing cost low.Consider living at home for a little while until you can build up some financial muscle. Not every person graduating from college needs to get a place of his or her own. It's not a sign of failure to boomerang home for some financial peace and relief. If you are going to live on your own, keep your housing cost to about 36% of your net monthly pay.

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

Automate your savings. Before I left for work on the first day of my first full-time job at a newspaper in Baltimore, my grandmother, Big Mama, sat me down and gave me a piece of advice that set the stage for me to become a lifetime saver. She said: "When you get to work, march your behind up to the payroll department and sign up for a credit union account."

My grandmother said it was important to save first, before I had a chance to spend any of my paycheck. So, I set up a bank account, separate from the checking and savings accounts I used to pay my bills. That account became my emergency stash. Anytime I got a raise or extra money, I would funnel the cash into this account. Do this one thing and, for the rest of your life, you will always have some cash.

Try to put away enough savings to eventually cover three months of living expenses. The expenses should cover what it costs to live every month (student loan repayment, credit card payments, car insurance, etc.). Always keep money in a savings account, or some other deposit account, to protect the principal.

Start saving for retirement right away. If you are fortunate to land a job that offers a retirement plan, sign up as soon as you can. One of the most important things you have on your side is time. The sooner you begin investing, the more you will have at retirement. At least invest enough to get any matching money your employer might offer. And, when you invest for your retirement, be sure you are well diversified. If your employer does not offer a retirement plan, you can set up an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). On this site, you will find some useful financial tools and basic information on retirement savings.

Get disability insurance. Many young adults make the mistake of thinking life insurance is more important than disability insurance. The fact is you are more likely to become disabled and need that insurance rather than life insurance. Keep in mind that life insurance is supposed to be used to take care of your dependents should you die. If no one is depending on your income to survive, then you may not need life insurance just yet. Get disability insurance to replace at least 60-70% of your income.

These are just a few tips to consider once you graduate. But the best thing is that you took the first step to good money management by even asking the question.

Biking for Obama: One-Year Reflection

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:30:45 -0800

A version of this post was first published at BikingforObama.com

BY RYAN BOWEN

This week marks the one-year anniversary of that fateful Tuesday last December when I took off on my bicycle from Los Angeles, en route to see President Obama's inauguration in Washington D.C. to document this historic moment in our nation's history.

I gained so many positive things from that 3,000-mile trip: new friends, a passion for cycling, a belief in the American people, optimism unbound and a deep knowledge that anything you dream can be achieved if the intentions are pure and your efforts are supported by like-minded individuals.

As I reflect on what the past year has brought me, I must say that I am filled with emotions -- some happy, others quite sad. This past year has been such a wild ride through life that I find myself disillusioned and fizzling on my pro-Obama platform.

And the headline this week...30,000 more troops to Afghanistan?!

If this all goes through, and Mr. Obama becomes just another war president, then I am obliged to state, along with Michael Moore, that he "will do the worst possible thing [he] could do -- destroy the hopes and dreams so many millions have placed in you...You will teach them what they've always heard is true -- that all politicians are alike. I simply can't believe you're about to do what they say you are going to do. Please say it isn't so."

If there's one thing I learned about politics in this last year, it's that it is much more challenging than anything I could ever see myself doing. But I do hope we can get some pro-peace momentum going forward.

Ryan Bowen is a photographer and social justice advocate who lives in New York. In 2008 and early 2009, he rode his bicycle from Los Angeles to the presidential inauguration in Washington D.C. and documented the experience on www.bikingforobama.com.

Bulimia Study: "Treat Blacks" and "Treat Bulimia as an Addiction"

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:54:46 -0800

In 2005, The New York Times published an article called "Blacks Join the Eating-Disorder Mainstream." The article explained that "more blacks and other minorities have been seeking help from eating disorder clinics" and that "[n]o reliable numbers exist for how many minority women suffer from eating problems, but experts suspect that cases are increasing."

Yesterday, I shared my conversation with Stephanie Covington Armstrong, author of Not All Black Girls Know How to Eat, whose story of struggle to overcome childhood trauma, as well as an eating disorder that she developed in adulthood, serves as a cautionary tale to those who think that bulimia doesn't impact members of the African American community.

Today, I wanted to share my conversation with Michelle Goeree, a USC economics professor, who, along with researchers from the University of Maryland and the Autonomous University of Barcelona, published "Caught in the Bulimic Trap?"

Their study found that African American girls are 50% more likely to be bulimic than white girls and that girls from low-income families are more likely to be bulimic than girls from middle- and high-income families.

Goeree says those results surprised her.

"Prior to this research, we also held the popular conception that eating disorders (and bulimia) were more common among girls from white, mid-to-high income families," Goeree says.

"We were less surprised after we realized that insurance may not cover the expensive doctor visit where a girl with an eating disorder gets diagnosed," she adds.

"If two girls both suffer from bulimia nervosa, but one is from a low-income family and the other from a high-income family, which girl is most likely to be diagnosed if it requires a visit to the expensive psychiatrist?" Goeree asks.

"Girls who are African American and/or come from low-income families are much less likely to be diagnosed with an eating disorder conditional on having an eating disorder," Goeree says.

In other words, we all have the idea that bulimia impacts middle-class white girls because they are more likely to receive the diagnosis when, according to the study, African American girls are more likely to exhibit and persist in bulimic behavior.

As I mentioned yesterday, as many as 11 million Americans have an eating disorder. Bulimia nervosa, the life-threatening disorder that Goeree's study focused on, is characterized by a cycle of eating unusually large amounts of food (bingeing) followed by compensatory behavior to purge the food, such as vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, fasting or excessive exercise.

Goeree's study also found something that was equally compelling -- "bulimic behavior is consistent with an addiction."

"Prior to starting this research, we read a lot of articles and first-hand accounts from women suffering from bulimia," Goeree says. "The behavior these women describe sounds strikingly like an addiction in the sense that the women report requiring more of the behavior to get the same feeling, hiding their behaviors, and spending a large amount of time thinking about the next time they can engage in the behavior."

And her study supports those first-hand accounts as it found that bulimia "fulfills at least three of the medical criteria necessary to be classified as an addiction."

Goeree explained to me that the addiction distinction is important for a couple of reasons.

First, the longer a girl is bulimic, the less responsive she is to treatment, so education and intense rehabilitation must begin in the early stages of the bulimic behaviors.

And second, if bulimia is classified as an addiction, it will "put those suffering from bulimia on equal footing with individuals abusing drugs or alcohol."

By "equal footing" Goeree means dollars for treatment. "Treatment for eating disorders is not covered in as many states as treatment for drug/alcohol addictions."

Goeree says that she is hopeful that policymakers will revisit the issue of eating disorders, who it affects and how treatment is covered.

"First-hand accounts, such as that of Stephanie's, are very compelling and challenge the popular conceptions of who suffers from Bulimia nervosa," Goeree says. "These accounts, coupled with academic research that shows that she is not the only African American suffering from bulimic behaviors, will hopefully help policymakers to consider more preventative education outreach to groups previously not thought to be at risk."

For more information on eating disorders, visit NEDA's resource page.

Lowering Mortgage Payments

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:05:19 -0800

Q: What is the best product available for someone looking to lower their monthly payment and get into a fixed-rate loan?

@bandre1906 via Twitter

A: There isn't one product for every homeowner. Obviously, to lower your payment from what you have now, you need to lower the interest rate. The tried and true 15-year mortgage and 30-year mortgage with a fixed rate is what people are after now.

But, what you can get these days, in terms of a better mortgage product, depends greatly on your individual financial situation.

Lenders are looking hard--finally--at people's financials. So, to qualify for the best product, you better have a good income and excellent credit.

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

For example, The Washington Post reported that Fannie Mae (the giant mortgage finance company) is planning to raise its minimum credit score requirements and limit the amount of overall debt that borrowers can carry. Starting Dec. 12, 2009, borrowers with at least a 20% down payment will have to have a credit score of 620 out of 850. The old benchmark was 580. Additionally, no more than 45% of a borrower's gross monthly income can go toward paying debts.

Really, it's the basics that will get you the best product--good credit. And, don't fall for any fancy mortgage program offering some unbelievable way to pay down your debt. You might end up paying a company thousands of dollars for something you can do yourself. If you make just one extra monthly payment a year, you can trim several years off your mortgage and save thousands of dollars.

Blacks with Bulimia: Hiding in Plain Sight

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:00:14 -0800

"I thought I was supposed to be a strong Black woman at every moment of my life," author Stephanie Covington Armstrong tells an audience at a reading and signing of her memoir in Pasadena, CA. "I didn't know I could get time off."

Armstrong is a Los Angeles-based writer whose childhood in Brooklyn, NY was marked by poverty, hunger and sexual abuse. Her memoir -- Not All Black Girls Know How to Eat -- describes her struggle to overcome childhood trauma as well as an eating disorder that she developed in adulthood -- Bulimia nervosa.

You might be saying to yourself ... Bulimia?! But she's Black! I thought eating disorders mostly affected middle-class white girls.

The truth is that experts believe Armstrong has a lot more company in the African-American community than we might realize.

In a recent study called "Caught in the Bulimic Trap?," researchers found that African American girls are 50% more likely than girls who are white to be bulimic and that girls from low-income families are more likely to to be bulimic than girls from high-income families.

I had slipped further underground, hiding my disease with a calculated precision ... It took Herculean efforts not to be discovered, especially if someone came home in the midst of a binge, and I'd be forced to sit with food in my stomach. So I learned how to throw up into garbage cans.
-- "Not All Black Girls Know How To Eat"

As many as 11 million Americans have an eating disorder, according to the National Eating Disorders Association.

Bulimia nervosa, the life-threatening disorder that Armstrong developed, is characterized by a cycle of eating unusually large amounts of food (bingeing) followed by compensatory behavior to purge the food, such as vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, fasting or excessive exercise, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

I talked to Armstrong about her memoir and her disorder.

"For me, it wasn't about being skinny, because I was already skinny," Armstrong says. "It was about shoving down [food] to get away from the pain of having been sexually abused, having been abandoned, having been poor. For me, my eating disorder came as a way of dealing with the shame."

Armstrong says that misguided perceptions about ethnicity and socioeconomic status as they relate to eating disorders can stand in the way of an African American woman receiving treatment.

Because I was a black girl ... no one ever suspected I could be bulimic. Maybe it wasn't racism as much as a simple ignorance that melanin content did not guarantee me an eating-disorder-free life. My color became the perfect shield against suspicion. No one questioned why I ate three or four helpings per meal, why food went missing, why I never had any money or motivation, and why I never gained weight.
-- "Not All Black Girls Know How To Eat"

During our conversation, Armstrong shared that being a Black woman really means being a "strong Black woman" and feeling pressured to keep it together when you really need help.

"It's not acceptable to go to therapy. It's not acceptable to appear vulnerable," Armstrong says, adding, "We don't give ourselves a break. It's the expectation ... of how Black women should behave and who we should be. It's so narrow and so limited and it takes away our ability to be vulnerable."

Armstrong eventually sought and received treatment through support groups and therapy. But she had a series of starts and stops because she felt like an outsider in treatment and didn't identify with the "rich white women" she found there.

"Eating disorders are predominately treated by white people," Armstrong says. "In terms of getting treatment, you have to step outside of your race."

Though she must be mindful of her disorder every day, Armstrong is now free of her bulimic behavior and is an advocate for women with eating disorders.

"It's a disease," Armstrong says. "If you could stop this behavior you would. If you could do this all by yourself, you would be done." She adds, "I totally believe you can overcome this disease; you have to come to the reality that you're powerless over the disease."

If her words sound familiar, it's because they come from a Twelve-Step program designed to help those suffering from eating disorders. And that was the abiding message that I received from my conversation with her -- bulimia is more than a disorder. Like alcoholism or substance abuse, bulimia is an addiction.

I talked to Michelle Goeree, one of the researchers from "Caught in the Bulimic Trap?" about the bulimia-as-addiction argument. Check back tomorrow for the details of my conversation with Goeree. And for more information on eating disorders, visit NEDA's resource page.

Is Tiger Really Out of the Woods with the Public?

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:44:07 -0800

On Friday this past week, famed PGA golfer Tiger Woods found himself in a car accident near his Florida home.

After going to the hospital to get medical attention, Woods had yet to make any statement publicly as to what happened.

As a result of neither Woods nor anyone from his camp releasing much information to the public, what ensued was a storm of reporters, media buzz and a host of unanswered questions leading to rumors and other speculation.

What people are most likely to question about the incident is why he hasn't spoken to law enforcement officials at all. State troopers have tried to speak to Woods on three separate occasions about the accident, but with no luck.

In response to the attention and interest surrounding the accident, Woods stated on his Website, "This is a private matter and I want to keep it that way."

Tiger, I know it is hard to believe, but when you are a high-profile sports celebrity, people want to know what led to a fire hydrant and tree being struck at two in the morning.

So why on earth would a car accident be considered a private matter?

Woods has canceled his appearance and participation at his upcoming golf tournament in California and continues to avoid questions from both the media and authorities.

As much as I'm sure Woods hopes this situation blows over in the next few days, I doubt he'll be so fortunate.

World AIDS Day 2009

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:57:48 -0800

Since 1988, December 1st has been World AIDS Day -- the day to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS around the world. The theme this year -- HIV: Reality -- focuses on real accounts of life with HIV and AIDS.

And at a White House event on the eve of World AIDS Day, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced that the 2012 International AIDS Conference will be held in Washington, DC.

That announcement is significant, as the United States only recently lifted the entry ban for HIV-positive travelers. The ban will be lifted on January 4, 2010.

Surviving This Economy

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:23:26 -0800

Q: For people who live on a budget and are now unemployed, what can they do, other than look for a job and cut unnecessary expenses, to make it through this horrible economy?

Los Angeles, CA

A: I've been working with a few folks who are unemployed, and it's tough. It's tough to watch them struggle. It's tough having to advise them to cut out anything and everything that makes life comfortable and fun, such as eating out, watching cable or going out to catch the latest star-studded blockbuster movie.

I've consoled people when they didn't get a job that would have ended their having to live on next to nothing.

But here's what I know. Even when you think you've done everything to make it through until the next job, you have to do more. You have to sometimes do what may be uncomfortable such as:

Do you have a financial question? Ask Michelle Singletary

Move. If you are unemployed, you may have to take in a roommate or move and live with a friend or relative. If you can cut out or significantly cut down on your housing expense, it will relieve a lot of your financial stress.

I recently advised a divorced mother of three to give notice to her landlord and move in with a friend. She just can't afford to live on her own anymore. She didn't want to do it. She still wanted the privacy and peace of having her own place. But that was just costing her too much. She's still on the hunt for a full-time job, and the expense of an apartment or house is just too much. So, she let go of her pride and is moving.
Apply for public assistance. I've seen people who once earned six-figure salaries humble themselves and apply for food stamps. People are seeking public medical insurance for themselves and their children. These programs were created to help during times like this, so take advantage of them. Hopefully, it's only temporary.
Take on a number of part-time jobs. Rather than hold out for the full-time job that hasn't come yet, take on as much part-time work as you can find. It's not ideal, but you have to do what you can to bring in some money.
Stop paying certain debt. Call your creditors, explain your situation, and see if you can get a forbearance--meaning a temporary reprieve from paying. If you can't, don't make paying these debts your priority. If you have a choice between buying needed groceries and paying a credit card bill, get the food. Your priority is food, shelter and utilities. Or, at the very least, only make minimum payments on your unsecured debt.
Don't use credit. I know times are tight, and you see your credit card as a way to fill in the financial gaps. But it's a trap. Think about it. You will be charging for stuff with no idea how you will be able to pay it off. That only makes your situation worse.
Ask for help from your community. If you have been a faithful member of your church or religious organization, find out if there is a benevolent fund. These funds are set up to help members in financial trouble. You may find that your church will help you with your utility bill or rent for a few months.

The most important thing is to keep the faith. As bad as things get, try to keep your spirits up. I mean this. Being unemployed and having to worry about money can drag you into depression. Find someone to talk to, either personally or professionally. Do what you can to keep depression at bay.

To Tweet or Not to Tweet ...

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:49:39 -0800

Social Media Rule #18,526: Don't tweet while playing in an NBA game.

If you do tweet while playing in an NBA game, Amar'e Stoudemire (@amareisreal) and Tyson Chandler (@tysonchandler), the NBA will fine you $7,500 each.

Has Dubai's Bubble Burst?

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:08:18 -0800

Back when I was in Dubai last spring, despite my gracious hosts' fervent, consistent and unerringly gracious denials that everything was A-okay in the Middle-Eastern emirate, something smelled a little fishy. And no, it wasn't the raw sewage that had been fouling the coastline around some of its nicer resorts (this was the reason, I found out after coming home, that our itinerary kept us well away from the beach).

The very notion of the place is, at best, fantastical; at worst, suspect. A glittering metropolis in the desert, built on a foundation of sand and equally copious amounts of oil money and hype. It was to be the center of commerce and trade in the Middle East, where the international could golf, ski (indoors, naturally) and buy as many Chanel bags as their Centurion cards could accommodate.

Dubai, which has very little oil of its own, built all this with money from neighboring Abu Dhabi, which has lots of the stuff. The plan was to invest the oil money in building a city from the ground up, and make it all back in the then-lucrative real estate market. This was the time, remember, when enterprising Joe Six-packs were making fortunes flipping single family homes in Tallahassee, so you can imagine how much money there was to be made from homes on islands shaped like palm trees that you can see from space. That's just how they do in Dubai.

Or how they did, anyway. Reports this week announce glumly that Dubai's foremost holding company, Dubai World, is having trouble carrying a $60 billion dollar debt. Does this mean the end of the glittering dream that was Dubai? Probably not, as long as that black gold keeps flowing next door. But this may curtail the building of any more islands shaped like things in the near future.

The quote that always comes to mind when rumblings emerge about the house of cards Dubai may turn out to be comes from the city-state's former ruler, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. "My grandfather rode a camel," he said, "my father rode a camel, I drive a Mercedes, my son drives a Land Rover, his son will drive a Land Rover, but his son will ride a camel." What it lacks in brevity it makes up for in prescience. Glittering metropolis in the desert or no, it's a brave new world out there, and Dubai's pre-recession plan may need some adjusting.

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.