Simple Steps to Zero Debt
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach
Are you ready to get rid of those dreadful credit card
bills? Then follow these simple steps to having zero debt.
bills? Then follow these simple steps to having zero debt.
1) Put your debts in writing
The first step in becoming debt-free is
knowing exactly how much credit card debt you owe. Don’t
“guesstimate” about your bills. Get honest about your situation and list all
your bills in black and white. Use whatever method works for you. But do get
everything on paper, by either writing it down or using a spreadsheet
Web site resource: www.AnnualCreditReport.com
Get your credit reports free from TransUnion, Experian and
Equifax for a complete listing of all your credit accounts, including
mortgages, student loans, car notes and credit cards.
Equifax for a complete listing of all your credit accounts, including
mortgages, student loans, car notes and credit cards.
2) Negotiate with creditors
Have you tried calling your credit card companies and requesting a lower
interest rate? You might be surprised at how readily you can get a “yes.” A
study from Synergistics found that 75 percent of all consumers who asked for a
lower rate got it. If you’ve been paying on time, and a creditor won’t budge on
a sky-high interest rate, consider switching cards.
CardRatings.com lets you comparison shop online for the best available credit
card rates.
A windfall is any “extra” lump sum of money that comes your way. It could be a
year-end job bonus, an income tax refund check, a stimulus payment from the
government or even life insurance proceeds or money from a divorce settlement.
Don’t blow this money! Use it to knock out debt.
Web site resource: www.IRS.gov
Instead of getting a big tax refund check each year, adjust your W-4
withholdings at work, so you get a bigger paycheck. The IRS Web site has
detailed instructions–see IRS Publications 505 and 919–on how to adjust your
withholdings.
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) Get free, quality financial helpDon’t allow shame and embarrassment to keep you from receiving professional
help. Being in debt doesn’t mean you’re a bad person, nor is it a knock against
your intelligence. Unfortunately, most of us simply didn’t learn about managing
credit and debt wisely at home, or even in school.
Web site resource: www.NFDM.org
The National Foundation for Debt Management is a
reputable non-profit agency that helps people struggling with debt. Their
HUD-certified credit counselors negotiate with creditors to lower your interest
rates and can create a plan for you to quickly eliminate debt.
5) Create a realistic budget to stop over-spending
It sounds simple enough. But 70 percent of all Americans don’t have a working
budget. And even most of those who do create a budget can’t stick to it–even
though a well-made budget can help you avoid going into debt
The #1 rule of proper budgeting is to spend less
than you earn.It sounds simple enough. But 70 percent of all Americans don’t have a working
budget. And even most of those who do create a budget can’t stick to it–even
though a well-made budget can help you avoid going into debt
Web site resource: www.mint.com
This is a great
online budgeting Web site with tools to help you track your spending and stay
out of debt.
online budgeting Web site with tools to help you track your spending and stay
out of debt.
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Protect Your Identity
She didn’t see it coming. In March of 1993, Gwendolyn Lewis
anxiously prepared to start a new chapter of her life in Florida, where
she was relocating with a new job and home. The furniture had been
shipped, her Virginia home placed on the market. Everything seemed to
be going smoothly, that is, until she received an alarming phone call
the evening before her departure. It was from a furniture company,
threatening to garnish her wages if she didn’t pay more than $3,000 in charges made in her name. The problem: Lewis never made
those purchases.
anxiously prepared to start a new chapter of her life in Florida, where
she was relocating with a new job and home. The furniture had been
shipped, her Virginia home placed on the market. Everything seemed to
be going smoothly, that is, until she received an alarming phone call
the evening before her departure. It was from a furniture company,
threatening to garnish her wages if she didn’t pay more than $3,000 in charges made in her name. The problem: Lewis never made
those purchases.
“I really didn’t know
what to make of it,” recalls Lewis, who now works as an attorney in
Washington, D.C. “They verified that it was my Social Security number
and my name.” With that personal identifying information, the
perpetrator left a trail of ruined credit that Lewis is still dealing
with more than a decade later as yet another victim of identity theft.
“I will feel violated until I find this woman, if I ever do,” she
admits.
what to make of it,” recalls Lewis, who now works as an attorney in
Washington, D.C. “They verified that it was my Social Security number
and my name.” With that personal identifying information, the
perpetrator left a trail of ruined credit that Lewis is still dealing
with more than a decade later as yet another victim of identity theft.
“I will feel violated until I find this woman, if I ever do,” she
admits.
Lewis is not alone in
her struggle. An estimated 9 million Americans are victims of identity
theft each year, according to federal government statistics, a figure
that isn’t surprising to experts. “This is the fastest growing
financial crime in the nation,” says Tanja L. Darrow, an attorney for
Littler Mendelson in Los Angeles, who regularly advises employers on
identity theft.
her struggle. An estimated 9 million Americans are victims of identity
theft each year, according to federal government statistics, a figure
that isn’t surprising to experts. “This is the fastest growing
financial crime in the nation,” says Tanja L. Darrow, an attorney for
Littler Mendelson in Los Angeles, who regularly advises employers on
identity theft.
While Lewis doesn’t
know who stole her identity, most victims of this type of fraud can’t
say the same. In fact, Darrow says that “more than 50 percent of the
time, it’s somebody you know,” like a friend, neighbor or family
member. Whether the thief is known or unknown, that person is still
stealing someone else’
s personal information–such as a name, Social Security number or credit
card number–for use in committing fraud.
know who stole her identity, most victims of this type of fraud can’t
say the same. In fact, Darrow says that “more than 50 percent of the
time, it’s somebody you know,” like a friend, neighbor or family
member. Whether the thief is known or unknown, that person is still
stealing someone else’
s personal information–such as a name, Social Security number or credit
card number–for use in committing fraud.
And in an era where
technology reigns supreme, connecting the dots of someone’s life is not
that hard. Just check out social networking sites like Facebook and
MySpace, which have become increasingly popular for people of all ages
to reconnect and network on both a personal and professional level. “It
would shock you how much personal information people expose about
themselves because they are not in the mindset that everybody’s out to
get you,” Darrow says. “People just need to be more cautious.”
technology reigns supreme, connecting the dots of someone’s life is not
that hard. Just check out social networking sites like Facebook and
MySpace, which have become increasingly popular for people of all ages
to reconnect and network on both a personal and professional level. “It
would shock you how much personal information people expose about
themselves because they are not in the mindset that everybody’s out to
get you,” Darrow says. “People just need to be more cautious.”
Such sensitive personal
information can also be gleaned from stolen purses or mail, which may
hold credit card offers or other sensitive financial information.
Thieves may resort to dumpster diving, where they dig through trash
searching for bills and other documents rich in personal identifying
information. And anyone who has received e-mails from imposter
companies or financial institutions requesting personal information,
like confirming a banking account number online, has witnessed
“phishing” firsthand.
information can also be gleaned from stolen purses or mail, which may
hold credit card offers or other sensitive financial information.
Thieves may resort to dumpster diving, where they dig through trash
searching for bills and other documents rich in personal identifying
information. And anyone who has received e-mails from imposter
companies or financial institutions requesting personal information,
like confirming a banking account number online, has witnessed
“phishing” firsthand.
“People get duped
through phone or written correspondence,” explains Darrow, who warns
against opening e-mails from unknown people or clicking on to un
known hyperlinks. “Do not do it!” she insists. Instead, Darrow urges
computer users to make smart investments in personal firewall and
anti-spyware software to protect against information hijackers. Most
experts agree identity theft is a crime without prejudice, striking
regardless of race, creed, color or economic status. So is there any
way to avoid becoming a target?
through phone or written correspondence,” explains Darrow, who warns
against opening e-mails from unknown people or clicking on to un
known hyperlinks. “Do not do it!” she insists. Instead, Darrow urges
computer users to make smart investments in personal firewall and
anti-spyware software to protect against information hijackers. Most
experts agree identity theft is a crime without prejudice, striking
regardless of race, creed, color or economic status. So is there any
way to avoid becoming a target?
“There’s no fool-proof
way to prevent identity theft completely,” says Harrine Freeman, a
personal finance expert with H.E. Freeman Enterprises in Bethesda,
Maryland. But there are ways to reduce the risks of victimization. However,
most of those steps require individuals to do something that is often
easier said than done: become their own best advocates.
way to prevent identity theft completely,” says Harrine Freeman, a
personal finance expert with H.E. Freeman Enterprises in Bethesda,
Maryland. But there are ways to reduce the risks of victimization. However,
most of those steps require individuals to do something that is often
easier said than done: become their own best advocates.
“You should never give
anyone your Social Security number unless they have a good reason. And
the two questions to ask to find out if it’s a good reason are: Why do
you need it? And what will happen if I don’t give it to you?” stresses
Linda Foley, who founded the Identity Theft Resource Center in San
Diego after a former employer stole her personal information and
“within two days bought a cell phone and within three weeks had started
applying for credit cards.”
anyone your Social Security number unless they have a good reason. And
the two questions to ask to find out if it’s a good reason are: Why do
you need it? And what will happen if I don’t give it to you?” stresses
Linda Foley, who founded the Identity Theft Resource Center in San
Diego after a former employer stole her personal information and
“within two days bought a cell phone and within three weeks had started
applying for credit cards.”
Still, there are some calculated measures every person can take to limit their exposure to identity theft.
- Shred, shred, shred! The biggest mistake people make is not
shredding credit card offers and other confidential information before
tossing them into the trash, Darrow says. Invest in a crosscut–cuts
vertically and horizontally–paper shredder that can be picked up at
your local office supply store.
- Put personal information on lockdown. Keep mail safe and out of
the wrong hands by having a locked mailbox. And don’t carry your Social
Security card in your wallet or purse. Instead, stash it away with
other sensitive personal information in a locked, fireproof safe.
- Be a savvy online shopper. When shopping online, look for the
VeriSign seal, a lock symbol or changes in the browser’s address bar
from “http” to “https” or “shttp” as clues that the site is secure.
Also, look for a contact number and a physical address on Web sites.
“An e-mail address only is a red flag,” Freeman warns.
- Request credit reports. Don’t get caught up in companies
offering credit reports as a perk for signing on for their fraud
monitoring services. Under federal law, consumers have the right to
check their credit reports for free once a year and can click on to annualcreditreport.com or call (877) 322-8228.
- Get your eagle eye on. Closely monitor monthly bills, bank and credit card stat
ements for any irregularities. “I go through line by line of my credit card statements every month,” Darrow shares.
– Arnesa A. Howell
It’s Inexpensive Living Green
The buzz word these days is “green.” And while you may want to do
your part to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle,
advertisers only serve to confuse you. But experts say there are quick,
easy tricks to living a more cost-effective green lifestyle. “Green
living is more important when considering health care costs and the
impact to our planet,” says green living expert Amy Todisco, who runs greenlivingnow.com from Vermont. “You have to do your research.”
your part to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle,
advertisers only serve to confuse you. But experts say there are quick,
easy tricks to living a more cost-effective green lifestyle. “Green
living is more important when considering health care costs and the
impact to our planet,” says green living expert Amy Todisco, who runs greenlivingnow.com from Vermont. “You have to do your research.”
Todisco recommends:
- Switch to nontoxic cleaning products. “Advertising tells us that
we need 10 products to clean our homes, but the truth is we need maybe
three,” she explains. Bon Ami cleanser, which costs less than a dollar
at most stores, cleans well and is nontoxic, Todisco says. Or make a
mixture of 50 percent distilled white vinegar and 50 percent water to
clean your home.
Los Angeles-based Jessica Jensen, co-founder of lowimpactliving.com, offers more tips on how to save green:
- Change to compact fluorescent lighting bulbs. These are major energy savers and will pay for themselves.
- Turn down your hot water heater to medium or 120 degrees.
- Run full loads of laundry or dishes. “It takes the same amount
of energy to run a half load as to run a full load,” Jensen says. - Turn the thermostat to 78 degrees in summer and 68 degrees in winter. “Better yet, get programmable thermostats so you are not heating and cooling your home while you are at the office,” she says.
- Buy an insulation blanket for your hot water heater. They cost about $25, and it’s an easy way to save energy.
- Install low-flow shower heads, which can save 3,000 gallons of
water per person per year. Also, install similar attachment to your
sinks. - Get a low-flow toilet, which can save 10 gallons of water per day.
- Freecycle: Reuse or swap unwanted items with others to save from
filling landfills. ”Look on Craig’s List and eBay when you want to buy
something or get rid of stuff,” Jensen says. “It will save you tons of
money and save the environment at the same time.” - Air dry your clothes. It will make your clothes last longer and saves money.
–Beverly James
Continuous Care
If a layoff is imminent and the time left on your health insurance
is short, be selective about what medical care you have performed.
Follow these tips:
- Do schedule screenings, like teeth and eyes, but don’t have every
test under the sun performed. Some tests (i.e., mammograms) might turn
up something that will make it difficult for you to get reasonably
priced insurance in the future if you’re diagnosed with a pre-existing
condition. Hold off on elective tests or screenings that could show a
serious illness until you have a new job with health insurance, advises
Delia Chiaramonte, M.D., a Baltimore, Maryland, patient advocate.
- Do get immunizations–for you and your children. Take care of this
while your insurance is still paying. Check with the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov/vaccines) about the correct adult immunization schedule.
- Do talk to your doctor about paying lower fees. In this economy,
this isn’t unheard of or rude. Just make sure to negotiate with the
correct person, says Michelle Katz, author of 101 Health Insurance
Tips. Talk to the person who makes the decisions at your physician’s
practice.
–Kendra Lee
Step Healthy
As a teenager, New York State First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson
learned firsthand how important physical fitness and healthy eating can
be to mental health and self esteem. “When I went through puberty, I
started gaining weight and going through depression,” Paterson says.
“Then I started eating healthy and running, and it changed my life.
Exercise really helped me feel better and more confident about myself.”
learned firsthand how important physical fitness and healthy eating can
be to mental health and self esteem. “When I went through puberty, I
started gaining weight and going through depression,” Paterson says.
“Then I started eating healthy and running, and it changed my life.
Exercise really helped me feel better and more confident about myself.”
Paterson’s love of
healthy living is one she’d like to share with her state’s young
residents, particularly those living in urban areas where there are few
opportunities for organized physical fitness. So when her husband,
David, became governor, she decided to launch a state-sponsored
version of her Healthy Steps to Albany program.
healthy living is one she’d like to share with her state’s young
residents, particularly those living in urban areas where there are few
opportunities for organized physical fitness. So when her husband,
David, became governor, she decided to launch a state-sponsored
version of her Healthy Steps to Albany program.
Paterson first created
a local version of the obesity-fighting program while living in New
York City. “I was bothered by the gro
wing number of overweight and obese kids,” she says. “I wanted to do
something to motivate and educate them about what happens when you eat
whatever you want and don’t exercise.” A statewide version of the
physical fitness contest, which challenges middle school students to
increase their fitness by competing with each other to walk 4 million
steps over a six-week period, launched in March. Participating
classrooms receive activity recommendations and materials for tracking
their progress. Winning classrooms lunch with the governor and first
lady, take a trip to a local organic farm and receive other prizes.
a local version of the obesity-fighting program while living in New
York City. “I was bothered by the gro
wing number of overweight and obese kids,” she says. “I wanted to do
something to motivate and educate them about what happens when you eat
whatever you want and don’t exercise.” A statewide version of the
physical fitness contest, which challenges middle school students to
increase their fitness by competing with each other to walk 4 million
steps over a six-week period, launched in March. Participating
classrooms receive activity recommendations and materials for tracking
their progress. Winning classrooms lunch with the governor and first
lady, take a trip to a local organic farm and receive other prizes.
The Healthy Steps
challenge will engage 26,000 middle school students in 2009, but
Paterson plans to expand it next year. “I want to grab them in the
middle school years,” she says, “so we can help them develop a healthy
lifestyle that will stay with them throughout adulthood.”
challenge will engage 26,000 middle school students in 2009, but
Paterson plans to expand it next year. “I want to grab them in the
middle school years,” she says, “so we can help them develop a healthy
lifestyle that will stay with them throughout adulthood.”
–Shawn Rhea
Cholesterol-Lowering Shopping Tips
Lowering your cholesterol means limiting the grams of fat you eat
(particularly saturated and trans fat), cutting back on protein foods
like meat and dairy, and cutting cholesterol consumption by eating more
complex carbs. Here’s Heart & Soul’s shopping list for your next
trip to the store:
(particularly saturated and trans fat), cutting back on protein foods
like meat and dairy, and cutting cholesterol consumption by eating more
complex carbs. Here’s Heart & Soul’s shopping list for your next
trip to the store:
Fresh fruit and veggies. Oranges, apples, pears, grapes, bell
peppers, broccoli tomatoes, dark leafy greens, kale, celery, zucchini,
squash
peppers, broccoli tomatoes, dark leafy greens, kale, celery, zucchini,
squash
Poultry and fish. Boneless and skinless chicken breasts and tenders, ground chicken or turkey, salmon, tuna, tilapia, trout
Limited dairy. Skim or 1 percent milk, nonfat or 1 percent fat
yogurt (plain or with fruit), soy-based cheeses or yogurts, egg
substitutes or egg whites
yogurt (plain or with fruit), soy-based cheeses or yogurts, egg
substitutes or egg whites
Nuts. Walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds
Salt replacements. Onion powder, cloves, paprika, bay leaves, basil, oregano
Snacks. Brown rice cakes, whole grain pretzels, plain or light microwave popcorn
Beans, grains, complex carbs. Lentils, kidney, pinto, black beans, brown rice, oatmeal, whole wheat pasta, whole-grain breads
-Kennedy Spencer
Heart Healthy Sleep
Scratch another old myth: A recent study released by the
University of Chicago proves it’s the lack of sleep that’s actually the
cousin of death. The findings, published in the Journal of the American
Medical Association, confirm what nagging mothers and teachers have
told us for years–not getting enough shut eye at night can make you
sick.
University of Chicago proves it’s the lack of sleep that’s actually the
cousin of death. The findings, published in the Journal of the American
Medical Association, confirm what nagging mothers and teachers have
told us for years–not getting enough shut eye at night can make you
sick.
That, however, is an
understatement. According to the study, which followed the sleep
patterns of men and women between the ages of 35 and 47, almost 30
percent of the participants who caught less than five hours of restful
sleep every night developed plaque in their heart vessels. On the other
hand, only 11 percent of patients who got the recommended five to seven
hours and 6 percent who racked up more than seven hours of Zs showed
any signs of calcium buildup in their arteries, which can create the
plaques that cause heart attacks and strokes. The results confirmed a
suspected connection held by the medical community for ages.
understatement. According to the study, which followed the sleep
patterns of men and women between the ages of 35 and 47, almost 30
percent of the participants who caught less than five hours of restful
sleep every night developed plaque in their heart vessels. On the other
hand, only 11 percent of patients who got the recommended five to seven
hours and 6 percent who racked up more than seven hours of Zs showed
any signs of calcium buildup in their arteries, which can create the
plaques that cause heart attacks and strokes. The results confirmed a
suspected connection held by the medical community for ages.
“Disorder of sleep is
now considered a risk factor over and above traditional risk factors,”
says Richard Staudacher, M.D., a cardiologist at ProHealth Care Medical
Associates in New Berlin, Wisconsin. “The surprising part about the
study was that [plaque accumulation] happened in a re
latively short period of time.”
now considered a risk factor over and above traditional risk factors,”
says Richard Staudacher, M.D., a cardiologist at ProHealth Care Medical
Associates in New Berlin, Wisconsin. “The surprising part about the
study was that [plaque accumulation] happened in a re
latively short period of time.”
The upside to drawing
the parallel between a good night’s rest and good heart health (besides
an excuse to snag more sleep)? “Plaque volume is reversible with proper
diet,” Dr. Staudacher advises. “In general, if somebody has coronary
disease with plaquing, there can be a reversal with modification of
risk factors like quitting smoking, losing weight and controlling
diabetes and cholesterol.”
the parallel between a good night’s rest and good heart health (besides
an excuse to snag more sleep)? “Plaque volume is reversible with proper
diet,” Dr. Staudacher advises. “In general, if somebody has coronary
disease with plaquing, there can be a reversal with modification of
risk factors like quitting smoking, losing weight and controlling
diabetes and cholesterol.”
–Janelle Harris
Seven Essential Makeup Brushes
Q: I went shopping for makeup brushes recently and was
overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. Which should I choose, and
what’s the best way to care for them?
overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. Which should I choose, and
what’s the best way to care for them?
A: Selecting the right makeup brushes can get complicated when you consider the many options. The seven essentials:
Foundation Brush. It helps you apply base evenly and won’t absorb
a lot of foundation like sponges do. Choose a wide, flat, tapered,
firm brush.
a lot of foundation like sponges do. Choose a wide, flat, tapered,
firm brush.
Concealer Brush. Slim and rounded to a slight point, this firm,
flat brush allows you to apply concealer evenly under eyes and
camouflage dark spots and blemishes.
flat brush allows you to apply concealer evenly under eyes and
camouflage dark spots and blemishes.
Powder Brush. Look for a large fluffy, round head brush to sweep
loose or pressed powder over your face for a light even finish.
loose or pressed powder over your face for a light even finish.
Blush Brush. Select a medium-angled, dense, soft, brush to deposit blush or bronzer to cheeks and sculpt cheekbones.
Eye Shadow Brush. Choose a small to medium round brush with
either flat or fluffy bristles. Flat is good for applying dense color
on eyelids, and fluffy is designed for blending color and applying
sheer color to eyelids, creases and under brows.
either flat or fluffy bristles. Flat is good for applying dense color
on eyelids, and fluffy is designed for blending color and applying
sheer color to eyelids, creases and under brows.
Eyeliner Brush. The ideal brush should be slim, angled and flat with soft, firm bristles that work well with powder or cream
eyeliner. It’s also great for filling in brows with powder.
eyeliner. It’s also great for filling in brows with powder.
Lip Brush. Look for a small, slim, rounded brush that tapers to a
point so you can apply lip color precisely and blend lip liner.
point so you can apply lip color precisely and blend lip liner.
Care for your brushes by washing them bi-weekly. Wet the
bristles. Then soap with a small amount of brush cleanser or a gentle
shampoo. Rinse bristles under warm water, taking care not to get the
base or handle wet. Gently press water out of bristles, reshape, then
lay flat on a towel to dry. If you buy quality brushes and care for
them properly, they should last several years.
bristles. Then soap with a small amount of brush cleanser or a gentle
shampoo. Rinse bristles under warm water, taking care not to get the
base or handle wet. Gently press water out of bristles, reshape, then
lay flat on a towel to dry. If you buy quality brushes and care for
them properly, they should last several years.
Film: American Violet
The true story of a poor single black mother of four children
deciding to fight the system after getting caught up in an unfair drug
sweep of her projects is an incredible story in and of itself. But it’s
daunting that a recent Julliard graduate, Nicole Beharie, is portraying
this woman in a big screen release as her first leading role. Beharie
takes on the part of Dee Roberts, who has to decide whether to try to
stay with her daughters by pleading guilty to a weak drug dealer
charge, even though she had no prior drug arrests and no drugs were
found on the premises.
deciding to fight the system after getting caught up in an unfair drug
sweep of her projects is an incredible story in and of itself. But it’s
daunting that a recent Julliard graduate, Nicole Beharie, is portraying
this woman in a big screen release as her first leading role. Beharie
takes on the part of Dee Roberts, who has to decide whether to try to
stay with her daughters by pleading guilty to a weak drug dealer
charge, even though she had no prior drug arrests and no drugs were
found on the premises.
How did you feel when you learned you’d be portraying Dee Roberts in “American Violet”?
I actually cared about it, and I was moved by her story. I
couldn’t believe it happened to her. I remember calling my manager and
telling him that if they don’t want me for that character then I’ll
play whatever else is available.
couldn’t believe it happened to her. I remember calling my manager and
telling him that if they don’t want me for that character then I’ll
play whatever else is available.
Being that you’ve really only
been in one other major film before this one, what was the most
challenging part of portraying this role?
been in one other major film before this one, what was the most
challenging part of portraying this role?
Finding my ground and negotiating things. The cast, Alfrie Woodard, Charles Dutton and Anthony Mackie, were all very, very generous on and off the set, taking real good care of me and giving me pointers.
What was it like shooting in New Orleans?
The projects were abandoned, mildewed, destroyed. The extras, the
crew, the local hires all had experienced some kind of loss. I feel
like the connection between the real story we were telling and being in
an environment where that is the experience, where everyone is feeling
kind of disenfranchised, taught me what it means to have to move on and
to navigate this life that we’re living.
crew, the local hires all had experienced some kind of loss. I feel
like the connection between the real story we were telling and being in
an environment where that is the experience, where everyone is feeling
kind of disenfranchised, taught me what it means to have to move on and
to navigate this life that we’re living.
What did you learn on this film?
Besides all the technical stuff of just being on set, I learned a
great deal about the prison system, especially as it relates to
African-American women. When you find out exactly how the quota system
works and how so many people just plead guilty because they think they
have no other options, it’s just unbelievable.
great deal about the prison system, especially as it relates to
African-American women. When you find out exactly how the quota system
works and how so many people just plead guilty because they think they
have no other options, it’s just unbelievable.
How do you want people to be affected by your portrayal of Dee?
Hopefully when you hear that somebody has been incarcerated, you
might think twice about what they are going through and not be
judgmental. I still speak to and text the real Dee. She has a hard time
in the real world getting jobs. I wish other people could also me
et Dee and be encouraged to be courageous, confident, and step outside
the box like she did. Now her daughters have someone to look up to.
might think twice about what they are going through and not be
judgmental. I still speak to and text the real Dee. She has a hard time
in the real world getting jobs. I wish other people could also me
et Dee and be encouraged to be courageous, confident, and step outside
the box like she did. Now her daughters have someone to look up to.
–Joyce Davis
Real Green
The greens of the Amazon are effervescent. Colors skew; eyes
smart. What was green just days ago wasn’t green at all, but shadow.
Here in Earth’s sweaty womb, such torrid heat acts only as incubation
for life. Cylindrical towers climb above the forest, level upon level
of natural wood wall and floor. The Ariaú Amazon Towers eco-hotel–some
30 miles outside Manaus, Brazil–makes a last stand against the (nearly)
impenetrable beyond.
smart. What was green just days ago wasn’t green at all, but shadow.
Here in Earth’s sweaty womb, such torrid heat acts only as incubation
for life. Cylindrical towers climb above the forest, level upon level
of natural wood wall and floor. The Ariaú Amazon Towers eco-hotel–some
30 miles outside Manaus, Brazil–makes a last stand against the (nearly)
impenetrable beyond.
Francisco Ritta
Bernardino, Ph.D., opened Ariaú in 1987, inspired by French scientist
and ecologist Jacques Cousteau, whom he met when the legendary
explorer’s team studied the Amazon forest in the early 1980s. Ritta
built the towers to both protect and defend the fragile woodlands–at
first only accommodating four suites. It is now the world’s largest
treetop hotel with 268 rooms connected via a catwalk trail of more than
five miles.
Bernardino, Ph.D., opened Ariaú in 1987, inspired by French scientist
and ecologist Jacques Cousteau, whom he met when the legendary
explorer’s team studied the Amazon forest in the early 1980s. Ritta
built the towers to both protect and defend the fragile woodlands–at
first only accommodating four suites. It is now the world’s largest
treetop hotel with 268 rooms connected via a catwalk trail of more than
five miles.
Here we find the very
definition of ecotourism, a form of responsible travel that both
conserves the environment and improves the well-being of indigenous
people. The International Ecotourism Society reports that about 13
percent of 18.6 million outbound leisure travelers in the United States
are eco-tourists. And who can blame them when the reward is the
graceful curve of Rio Amazonas on its 3,969-mile trek t
o the Atlantic Ocean, the scamper of Simia sciureus (squirrel monkeys)
playing audacious games on 70-foot-tall wooden catwalks, the beauty of
the fauna and flora of the igapós (flooded forest)?
definition of ecotourism, a form of responsible travel that both
conserves the environment and improves the well-being of indigenous
people. The International Ecotourism Society reports that about 13
percent of 18.6 million outbound leisure travelers in the United States
are eco-tourists. And who can blame them when the reward is the
graceful curve of Rio Amazonas on its 3,969-mile trek t
o the Atlantic Ocean, the scamper of Simia sciureus (squirrel monkeys)
playing audacious games on 70-foot-tall wooden catwalks, the beauty of
the fauna and flora of the igapós (flooded forest)?
Anything is possible
here, where the black waters of Rio Negro and the smoky clay current of
Rio Solimões run side by side for miles, but never converge. Autazes
Amazonian Cruises offers a day trip to the meeting of rivers. The yacht
speeds across the murky waters as guests sip caipirinhas, the
sugar-lime-rum national drink of Brazil. Clouds form high and dark
above the river as the boat passes natural walls of brawny rock. The
channels meet in a quiet symphony of curves and lines, a bizarre tango
of waters.
here, where the black waters of Rio Negro and the smoky clay current of
Rio Solimões run side by side for miles, but never converge. Autazes
Amazonian Cruises offers a day trip to the meeting of rivers. The yacht
speeds across the murky waters as guests sip caipirinhas, the
sugar-lime-rum national drink of Brazil. Clouds form high and dark
above the river as the boat passes natural walls of brawny rock. The
channels meet in a quiet symphony of curves and lines, a bizarre tango
of waters.
At the hotel, trekkers
board a rickety craft as evening falls silent and heavy. Caiman come
out at night. The crocodilian reptile can be spotted in the calm
Amazonian waters at dusk. The water’s acidity provides natural mosquito
control as the voyage sets out amid flashlights and oars. The creatures
are magnificent specimens. Frozen by battery-powered light,
almond-shaped eyes gleam and pointed teeth glimmer seductively. The
caiman is a dangerous and captivating creature.
board a rickety craft as evening falls silent and heavy. Caiman come
out at night. The crocodilian reptile can be spotted in the calm
Amazonian waters at dusk. The water’s acidity provides natural mosquito
control as the voyage sets out amid flashlights and oars. The creatures
are magnificent specimens. Frozen by battery-powered light,
almond-shaped eyes gleam and pointed teeth glimmer seductively. The
caiman is a dangerous and captivating creature.
Premature fatigue
assails in blistering evening hours. Eco-explorers retire to the
tower’s austere rooms with minimal furnishings; there are no TVs, phon
es or iPod chargers. Sound moves freely through the wooden walls. A
family puts the kiddos to bed. The sounds of night forcefully descend.
Two and a half million insect species beckon from outside. Travelers
drift to torrential dreams.
assails in blistering evening hours. Eco-explorers retire to the
tower’s austere rooms with minimal furnishings; there are no TVs, phon
es or iPod chargers. Sound moves freely through the wooden walls. A
family puts the kiddos to bed. The sounds of night forcefully descend.
Two and a half million insect species beckon from outside. Travelers
drift to torrential dreams.
Day breaks early above
the Amazonian canopy. The catwalk leads to the thickly netted dining
room, fortified to keep out insects and conniving monkeys. Breakfast
includes assorted natural juices from the loins of the opaque Amazon
and succulent Brazilian fruits–goiaba (guava), maracujá (passion fruit)
and mamão (papaya). Just outside, patioed hammocks provide perfect
opportunity for post-breakfast reverie. A monkey fingers nimbly through
a forgotten purse. It tips over, and the monkey is gone.
the Amazonian canopy. The catwalk leads to the thickly netted dining
room, fortified to keep out insects and conniving monkeys. Breakfast
includes assorted natural juices from the loins of the opaque Amazon
and succulent Brazilian fruits–goiaba (guava), maracujá (passion fruit)
and mamão (papaya). Just outside, patioed hammocks provide perfect
opportunity for post-breakfast reverie. A monkey fingers nimbly through
a forgotten purse. It tips over, and the monkey is gone.
Visitors speed boat out
into the deeply azure waters of the Rio Negro and stop at an aged and
wooden swimming platform in the river’s center surrounded by weightless
ripples. Here live pink river dolphins, lured to surface by the guide’s
ready supply of fresh-water fish. Legend says the dolphins are
shapeshifters, impregnating young girls at night only to return to the
river at daybreak. It isn’t hard to imagine. These mammals are
deceptively forthcoming–all silk and elegance and grace; nevertheless,
sharp dolphin teeth keep fingers and toes at bay.
into the deeply azure waters of the Rio Negro and stop at an aged and
wooden swimming platform in the river’s center surrounded by weightless
ripples. Here live pink river dolphins, lured to surface by the guide’s
ready supply of fresh-water fish. Legend says the dolphins are
shapeshifters, impregnating young girls at night only to return to the
river at daybreak. It isn’t hard to imagine. These mammals are
deceptively forthcoming–all silk and elegance and grace; nevertheless,
sharp dolphin teeth keep fingers and toes at bay.
But the Amazon’s true
cache, the indomitable forest, waits. Trekkers snake along a trodden jungle
trail through the palatable heat. Brush crunches underfoot, and a bird
shrieks into the thick and humid air. The guide describes the formation
of the Amazon Basin, its innate fragility and the urgent need for
preservation. In fact, the Brazilian government stands firm for forest
conservation; deforestation fell 60 percent between 2004 and 2007. The
state has strengthened environmental sanctions, curbed unsustainable
logging and established dozens of monitoring and enforcement operations.
cache, the indomitable forest, waits. Trekkers snake along a trodden jungle
trail through the palatable heat. Brush crunches underfoot, and a bird
shrieks into the thick and humid air. The guide describes the formation
of the Amazon Basin, its innate fragility and the urgent need for
preservation. In fact, the Brazilian government stands firm for forest
conservation; deforestation fell 60 percent between 2004 and 2007. The
state has strengthened environmental sanctions, curbed unsustainable
logging and established dozens of monitoring and enforcement operations.
The efforts allow the
Ariaú Amazon Towers–and numerous other eco-resorts–to familiarize
generations of travelers with this emerald and moist broadleaf forest
(more than 60 percent of which lies within the Brazilian border) and
offer employment for indigenous ethnic groups. Sinuous native dances
highlight moonlight meals at Ariaú, and eco-tourists visit native homes
and learn the basin’s ancient agricultural secrets. The guides are
natives, as are housekeepers, cooks, groundsmen and boat crews.
Ariaú Amazon Towers–and numerous other eco-resorts–to familiarize
generations of travelers with this emerald and moist broadleaf forest
(more than 60 percent of which lies within the Brazilian border) and
offer employment for indigenous ethnic groups. Sinuous native dances
highlight moonlight meals at Ariaú, and eco-tourists visit native homes
and learn the basin’s ancient agricultural secrets. The guides are
natives, as are housekeepers, cooks, groundsmen and boat crews.
Nothing here in the
heart of this stifling jungle is feigned. The silent sting of
perspiration, the drone of dense and fertile forest and the strong hand
of a native guide remind you that you’ve never experienced anything so
real.
heart of this stifling jungle is feigned. The silent sting of
perspiration, the drone of dense and fertile forest and the strong hand
of a native guide remind you that you’ve never experienced anything so
real.
– Jessie States
