Community Journal 44

Community Journal

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April - May 15, 2015

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Change Your Mindset

Attorneys Ricky Anderson and Melvin Houston Host Welcome Back Reception at Hotel ZaZa for Thurgood Marshall School of Law Alumni PAGE 10

Bishop James W.E. Dixon, II Hosts Criminal Justice Reform Meeting at Rice University

PAGE 14

PAGES 4-5

Dr. Sloan Helps the Masses to Stand

Dr. Sloan Launches First Book in Series This Spring

The Game Changer

By Pastor Alan In sports there is one skill that successfully separates the average athlete from the sensational superstar.

PAGE 16

PAGE 6

Texas Southern University Names Dr. James W. Ward as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research Join our e-mail list for the latest updates @ d-mars.com

PAGE 8

RARE Pearls, Inc. Empowers Girls to Change the World

You really can change the world if you care enough. – Marian Wright Edelman

April - May 15, 2015 3

Journal Behind The

Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

Office Manager Johnny Ray Davis, Jr.

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine Tiffany Black

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa

DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Karen Curry Pastor Alan Minister Eugenie Doualla

As a proud and active member of the Houston community, I have seen amazing results when you change your outlook. The theme of this edition of the Community Journal is Change Your Mindset, because when you change your perspective, great things can happen. This month’s cover story is on Dr. Timothy W. Sloan and his first book titled Stand: Learning to Lead Through Conflict, where he provides encouragement through his personal struggles and learning experiences. Dr. Sloan encourages leaders and readers to change their mindset when it comes to leadership. This cover story and other stories featured in this edition will inspire you to Change Your Mindset.

When you change your perspective on a situation, you can produce great things in your life. A new and positive mindset can create a domino effect of empowerment and prosperity in our community. Houston is a great city. When our community comes together with a changed mindset, we can continue to flourish and thrive.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

Contents

Dr. Sloan Helps the Masses to Stand.............................................................................................................................................................................. 4-5 Texas Southern University Names Dr. James W. Ward as Provost............................................................................................................................6 RARE Pearls, Inc. Empowers Girls to Change the World...............................................................................................................................................8 Attorneys Ricky Anderson and Melvin Houston Host Thurgood Marshall Reception..........................................................................................10 The Secret to Mother’s Day Gift Giving Success............................................................................................................................................................10 The Core of DeP........................................................................................................................................................................................................................12 How to Go From Being Credit Invisible to Credit Visible..............................................................................................................................................13 Bishop James W.E. Dixon, II Hosts Criminal Justice Reform Meeting at Rice University...................................................................................14 The Game Changer .................................................................................................................................................................................................................16 Creative College Savings....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Celebrating African-American Female Poets for National Poetry Month................................................................................................................18 6 Tips to Keeping Seniors Safe at Home...........................................................................................................................................................................18 Think About What You’re Thinking About........................................................................................................................................................................20 Child Abuse: Raising Awareness This Month..................................................................................................................................................................22 Stepping Up the Fight Against Identity Theft and Data Hacking.............................................................................................................................22 Busted: The Truth About Top Cellphone Myths Costing You Real Money...............................................................................................................23 Time Saving Tips.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................24 5 Simple Ways to Disconnect and Enjoy 15 Minutes of ‘Me Time’............................................................................................................................24 Spring Cleaning Secrets........................................................................................................................................................................................................24 6 Things You Can Do to Be More Productive...................................................................................................................................................................25 The New SAT: What Students and Parents Need to Know to Prepare....................................................................................................................26 Health Trumps Wealth in Importance to Retirees’ Well-Being..................................................................................................................................26

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4 April - May 15, 2015

Dr. Sloan Helps the Masses to Stand “Conflict is an inevitable part of leadership.

How you handle it is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.”

—Dr. Timothy W. Sloan

Dr. Sloan Launches First Book in Series This Spring

By Dawn Paul

D Associate Editor

r. Timothy W. Sloan is a proud Texan and one of the most respected pastors in our great city. His educational resume includes Morehouse College, Princeton University, and Rutgers University.

Dr. Sloan has held leadership positions at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston (IM). Since 2002, Dr. Sloan has served as Senior Pastor of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, also known as “The Luke.” The Luke brings something great to the Houston area, in that it commits to ministering the total person through social, economic, health, and spiritual empowerment. Under Dr. Sloan’s leadership, The Luke’s congregation has grown from under 300 to over 5,000 members. Dr. Sloan’s leadership has created prestigious partnerships with the American Heart As-

sociation, the NAACP, and the AARP, just to name a few. With the support of his wife, Sonya M. Sloan, M.D. and The Luke leadership, Dr. Sloan’s commitment to the spiritual needs of people extend well beyond the Houston area, with global missionary initiatives in South Africa and Haiti. Dr. Sloan was recently inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College. Last year, Dr. Sloan received the honor as “2014 Un-

stoppable Leader” from Houston Community College. Dr. Sloan and leadership definitely go in the same sentence.

This is an exciting year for Dr. Sloan.

In May he celebrates 13 years as pastor of The Luke and the release of his first book titled Stand: Learning to Lead Through Conflict, where he provides encouragement through his personal struggles and learning experiences.

The leadership calling to be a pastor is not an easy one. Being a pastor

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means you, your family, and those associated with you, are under a microscope. Also, you have to be transparent to be an effective leader. The pressure of being a pastor or leader can be overwhelming for many people, and if you don’t effectively deal with the pressure, it will break you. Stand: Learning to Lead Through Conflict will give readers an intimate look at Dr. Sloan’s personal experiences. He hopes to inspire readers with the experiences that have shaped him as a leader. Starting out, Dr. Sloan admits he was young, energetic, and a somewhat naïve pastor.

However, over the years, he has grown and learned the true requirements of leadership. He was inspired to write a book empowering leaders because he too has wrestled on the path of this high calling.

Conflict comes with the territory of leadership. You must be able to deal with conflict as an effective leader.

Luke 12:48 is one of the most wellknown scriptures about leadership. It reminds us that much is required when

April - May 15, 2015 5

much is given. Leadership is a great gift, but much responsibility comes with being a leader. Dr. Sloan has a definition of leadership. He says, “A leader is someone with a vision for the future. A leader has a willingness to guide others toward that destination.”

Like so many other pastors, Dr. Sloan was thrust into organizational leadership with the great responsibility of leading an established congregation through a transition period. Some didn’t welcome and support Dr. Sloan’s change. He faced the great challenge of dealing with individuals who didn’t agree with the new direction. Those individuals did things to derail the vision and try to deflate Dr. Sloan’s confidence, but with prayer and patience, he learned how to see things from their eyes without compromising his beliefs and his calling. “I overcame the conflict by standing firm and facing it with complete confidence in God to guide us through it,” says Dr. Sloan. Stand: Learning to Lead Through Conflict encourages leaders and readers to look at situations from multiple perspectives, because you may have the challenge of push back from individuals trying to get them to see the vision. Dr. Sloan believes that you have to lead with purpose, especially in the midst of conflict.

We are often unaware that leaders not only need mentorship, but they need the support of the followers as well. Part of being an effective leader is knowing that you need that positive influence to guide and advise you when you are leading through conflict.

Leaning on that mentor that has been where you are has been instrumental in Dr. Sloan’s leadership success. Dr. Sloan has had many mentors, but he names his most influential mentor as Rev. William A. Lawson, Founder and Pastor Emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. He credits Rev. Lawson in helping shape his view of leadership. Rev. Lawson also taught him the importance of valuing others. Dr. Sloan remembers Rev. Lawson telling him, “Preaching and teaching with consistency will ultimately transform the people you lead.” Though a leader can’t be dependent on the encouragement of those they lead, they do need to receive it. Leaders can be wounded too. Sometimes leaders don’t have time to seek their own encouragement because they have the duty of leading and uplifting others. Dr. Sloan says, “Leadership can be a lonely responsibility. You would be amazed at how occasionally telling your leader how well they are doing or how proud you are of them will help encourage them in their leadership efforts.” Dr. Sloan feels that everyone needs encouragement, and leaders are no different.

Addressing the next generation of leaders is of great importance to Dr. Sloan. Young leaders are looking at the more seasoned leaders for guidance and mentorship. Dr. Sloan expresses, “I believe the best tool for mentoring is observation with occasional commentary. I’ve tried to make myself more accessible now to younger leaders. You can’t negate the importance of being available to others.” He hopes Stand:

Learning to Lead Through Conflict will be a tool for young leaders as they prepare to face their own challenges.

Two of Dr. Sloan’s favorite scripture verses are Joshua 1:9 and Matthew 5:16. These verses touch on courage and being a light. Stand: Learning to Lead Through Conflict is a book that gives insight to leaders of every facet with a spiritual context. Dr. Sloan will help a leader become more effective in their leadership position by encouraging them to embrace the inevitability of conflict. He doesn’t talk about getting through the conflict as quickly as possible, but explains how you can allow the conflict to shape you as a leader.

Dr. Sloan delves into the importance of not running from difficulty, but trusting God to carry out the plan He has for you as a leader. Stand: Learning to Lead Through Conflict provides the tools to effectively navigate the rough terrain of leadership.

In Stand: Learning to Lead Through Conflict, Dr. Sloan is transparent about the depression he went through. So many leaders deal with depression. Unfortunately, they shy away from talking about it, because they fear they will be looked at as weak. By sharing his own personal stories, he wants readers and leaders to know that they can get

“Leadership involves learning not to run, but rather confronting the challenges that come your way.”

—Dr. Timothy W. Sloan

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through it too. Through his own personal journey, leaders will be encouraged and not ashamed to seek a skilled therapist to assist them in learning strategies to manage their depression. Dr. Sloan says, “Let’s not bury our heads in the sand about depression any longer.

When a leader openly confronts it, they inspire others to do so as well.”

We all have failures as humans, but we sometimes put leaders on a pedestal and forget that they too are human beings. “Failure is another prerequisite for effective leadership. Anyone who has ever been great has had their share of failure,” says Dr. Sloan. Dr. Sloan encourages leaders to move beyond failure by showing authenticity to those you lead. As a leader you can’t be afraid of exposing your heart to those who need it most. Dr. Sloan adds, “People want to know you’re genuinely concerned, and you do that by sharing what genuinely concerns you. Every relationship requires trust. Trust takes time to earn and sometimes rebuild.”

In Stand: Learning to Lead Through Conflict, Dr. Sloan has also learned something about himself as a leader. Dr. Sloan expresses, “Wow! I have learned so much through this process. The lessons have been invaluable. Conflict while casting vision was the best thing that ever happened to me. Conflict has allowed me to grow tremendously as a person and a leader. I’ve learned the importance of valuing others and not overlooking people along the way. I’ve learned that if I weren’t good enough, God wouldn’t have entrusted such a major assignment to me.”

Dr. Sloan hopes that Stand: Learning to Lead Through Conflict will start a movement of inspiring individuals and organizations to commit to standing. Dr. Sloan wants leaders after reading this book to know that whatever you face in life, you can’t allow it to put you on the run, because you’ll be running for the rest of your life. “Stand for what you believe in and let God fight your battles,” says Dr. Sloan. Dr. Sloan also looks for Stand: Learning to Lead Through Conflict to become a series. Life is full of challenges. Dr. Sloan gives a great reminder that the challenges you face are ones uniquely tailored by a loving God who wants to prepare you for what’s coming. Dr. Sloan ends with these words, “Don’t rush to get through what has come to build you and make you better. There will come a day when you will offer gratitude to your storms for making you stronger. Having done all you can do – STAND!” The book release and signing for Stand: Learning to Lead Through Conflict will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2015, from 11:00AM-1:00PM at The Luke Church (2380 S Houston Ave., Humble, TX 77396). The much anticipated book release is the same weekend as Dr. Sloan’s 13th pastoral anniversary with special guests Dr. Marcus A. Cosby and GRAMMY® Award-nominated, GMA Dove Award and Stellar Awardwinning recording artist and songwriter, Kierra Sheard. To read more about Dr. Timothy W. Sloan and Stand: Learning to Lead Through Conflict, please visit www.timothywsloan.com.

6 April - May 15, 2015

Texas Southern University Names Dr. James W. Ward as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

F

ounded in 1927, Texas Southern University is an educational gem in Houston, Texas. Texas Southern University is a comprehensive metropolitan university educating the next generation of great leaders. Though it continues to build on its legacy as a historically black institution, it provides programs that prepare a diverse student population for success after graduation. This institution of higher learning is one of the nation’s largest historically black universities, but also one of the most diverse universities in Texas. Graduates receive opportunities for public service that will benefit those beyond the Houston community.

Texas Southern University’s curriculum and effective instruction create an innovative learning and teaching environment for the student body. Texas Southern University has grown its enrollment from over 2,000 students to more than 9,700 graduate and undergraduate students. Texas Southern University produces a significant number of AfricanAmerican students who have obtained post-secondary and advanced degrees.

The legacy of Texas Southern University is a rich one and the university prides itself on producing the best, and that is partly due to faculty, staff, and leadership. To continue the respected legacy and tradition of quality education, President Dr. John M. Rudley officially named veteran administrator Dr. James W. Ward as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research of

Texas Southern University.

Dr. Ward served as interim in this position since May 12, 2014, and prior to this appointment, Dr. Ward served as Dean of the School of Communication.

As Dean of the School of Communication for 9 years, under his leadership, the school had the largest percentage of students to graduate on time. The school’s graduates are now working in every field imaginable in the communication arena. Dr. Ward does not take credit for this accomplishment, but credits this achievement to a compassionate and dedicated team of staff and faculty.

Dr. Ward is more than qualified for this great task and honor. Being that Dr. Ward is a proud graduate of Texas Southern University, he understands the mindset of the university in educating and preparing students for greatness.

Dr. Ward sees himself as a servant of the students and Texas Southern University.

He knows the students by their first name and they know he has a genuine interest in their lives. Dr. Ward’s open door policy gives him a good rapport with the students. Dr. Ward also holds a master’s degree from Texas Tech University and a Ph.D. from Wayne State Uni-

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versity in Detroit. Dr. Ward is committed to Texas Southern University and its development, vision, and goals. Texas Southern University continues to have a promising future and Dr. Ward will be working diligently so people continue to know Texas Southern University by its quality curriculum and impressive faculty and staff. “And TSU’s future is promising and I will be working toward that end to position TSU in a global and far-reaching arena where people will know TSU by its expert faculty, and the quality of our programs and our products, the students,” Dr. Ward says.

April - May 15, 2015  7

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8 April - May 15, 2015

RARE Pearls, Inc. Empowers Girls to Change the World

By Dawn Paul

G Associate Editor

irls can change the world and RARE Pearls, Inc. is dedicated to empowering girls to change the world. Barbara Harris Curtis is the founder of RARE Pearls.

Since she launched the organization last year, it has been fulfilling its mission and serving the need of under-served young ladies in the community. Curtis says, “I firmly believe every girl deserves the same opportunities I had - the opportunities to see beyond economic and environmental barriers, to envision a positive future and to pursue and achieve her dreams.” With so many negative influences impacting our young girls and to combat any negative statistics on our young female generation, RARE Pearls has taken immediate action and is providing these young ladies with positive mentors and role-models. There are so many negative influences that are impacting our young girls, like television and environment, so RARE Pearls is providing opportunities for these young ladies to see beyond their circumstances. RARE Pearls believes that girls can change the world. Earlier this month, RARE Pearls held an empowering and inspirational inaugural Pumps and Pearls Scholarships and Awards Luncheon at The Junior League Houston to celebrate women in Houston and the future generation of women leaders.

RARE Pearls recognized four outstanding women as Women of Excellence. The Women of Excellence Award reflects the organization’s commitment to recognize the personal and professional achievements of compassionate and extraordinary women in the Greater Houston area. This year marked the long standing tradition of honoring women who are not only successful in their own professions and personal lives, but also selfless in service. Women of Excellence are committed to helping pave a path to success for these young girls. Women of Excellence are who these young girls can look up to for mentorship. The recipients of the RARE Pearls Women of Excellence Award were Deavra Daughtry, Annetra Piper, Judge Clarease Yates, and Dodie Osteen.

Curtis believes it takes a village to raise a child and the Women of Excellence recipients are committed to being a part of the village empowering and supporting the young girls who are being served through RARE Pearls. The organization also has The Strand, which is comprised of a dynamic network of individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of these girls. Curtis has made the mission of

RARE Pearls to equip high school girls with skills, values, confidence, and faith needed to reach their full potential and become productive women of excellence.

This empowering fundraiser not only raised necessary funds for scholarships and activities for young girls, but the luncheon highlighted the mission, details and goals of RARE Pearls. Some of the empowerment topics that the organization teaches the young ladies are self-esteem, life plans, professional development, and leadership development, just to name a few. Curtis has a vision for these girls to know their value, discover their own unique voice, and

have a faith-filled vision for their future.

RARE Pearls holds regular interactive workshops and seminars for young girls

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led by mentors. These sessions not only motivate, but are designed to influence positive attitudes. Because of Curtis’ passion and dedication, and the support of partners and volunteers, these young girls now have a mission for their lives.

Because of successful events like these, Barbara Harris Curtis and RARE Pearls, Inc. can continue to fund educational scholarships for girls and equip the next generation of female leaders to achieve success and excellence. To find out more about RARE Pearls, Inc., please visit www.rarepearls.org.

April - May 15, 2015  9

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10 April - May 15, 2015

Attorneys Ricky Anderson and Melvin Houston Host Welcome Back Reception at Hotel ZaZa for Thurgood Marshall School of Law Alumni

The Secret to Mother’s Day Gifting Success: Give Time, Not Stuff

S

By d-mars.com News Provider

he nursed you through countless cases of childhood sniffles, taught you to tie your shoes and make a mean omelet, and she’s still your go-to source for good advice and your favorite home-baked cookies.

Are you really going to just give Mom a pair of socks and some flowers for Mother’s Day? You can do better than that.

In the tradition of a current pop-culture meme, here’s a “give this, not that” list of Mother’s Day ideas: Give: Your time. Last year, 44 percent of mothers surveyed by online deal site PriceGrabber said they wanted quality time with their family for Mother’s Day. Whether your family includes adult children who live and work far from their childhood home (and Mom) or a busy family with young children, it can be hard to find time to spend with each other on a regular basis. On Mother’s Day, make a point of devoting the day to Mom. Whatever you choose to do together – dine out, visit a botanical garden or just hang out at home – you’ll be giving her the gift she wants most: time with you.

Don’t give: Stuff. There’s a difference between a thoughtful gift that has meaning to the recipient, and something clearly bought out of desperation just so the giver has something to hand over on Mother’s Day. Moms know the difference. Things like cowboy boots, sunglasses and even designer purses were among the items mothers said they didn’t want in a survey by Ebates. Don’t wait until the last minute to buy something she may not want. Put some thought into the gift a week or two before the big day so you can be sure you’re giving her something she really wants, like a piece of unique jewelry, her favorite bath products, or an attractive scarf.

Give: A great meal out. It’s easy to understand why dining out was on the list of most-wanted gifts for mothers in every geographic area surveyed by Ebates. What could make Mom happier than enjoying a great meal with her family? Not having to cook it herself or clean up afterward! Taking Mom out for meal is a time-honored Mother’s Day tradition and restaurants can be busy on the first Sunday of May. In fact, Chris Ciavarra, senior vice president of marketing for Cracker

Barrel Old Country Store, reports that Mother’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for their restaurant locations across the country. When choosing a place to take Mom, look for a place that will please her palate with familiar flavors, good food and the kind of warm, comforting ambience she creates in her own dining room or kitchen. Familystyle restaurants like Cracker Barrel are a good choice for Mother’s Day because there’s something on the menu for everyone. Plus, when Mom’s done with her meal, she can pick out the perfect gift from the store’s collection of nostalgic items.

Don’t give: Practical kitchen items.

No matter how much Mom says she wants a new electric can opener or how much she needs a new set of pots and pans, don’t give these items on Mother’s Day. Moms are more than just the sum of the time they spend in the kitchen. If she really needs and wants those things, why not give them to her at some other time of year, for no other reason than she’s a great mother? Or, if you must give something kitchen-related for Mother’s Day, consider something that’s pretty and fun, too, like

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decorative serve ware. Buy from a store that offers free gift wrapping services – like Cracker Barrel – and it’s even easier to give a good-looking gift.

Give: Gift cards. A gift card to her favorite store was another popular selection of moms surveyed by Ebates. But don’t think giving her a gift card is all you have to do. Research to find just the right card for her, and then offer to accompany her on a shopping excursion to her favorite store. That way, you’ll be giving her two things she wants most – a gift card and time spent with you.

Don’t give: Technology. Do you really want to give Mom a smartphone that will be obsolete by next Mother’s Day? Or a tablet so complicated she’ll never figure out how to use it on her own? If your mother’s digitally inclined, chances are she already has the tech she needs and wants. And if she doesn’t, trying to choose it for her can be like trying to pick a pet for someone else – never a good idea. Instead, keep gift items simple, personal and nostalgic.

For more Mother’s Day gift ideas, gift cards and to learn about special menus for Mother’s Day, visit www.crackerbarrel.com. – BPT

April - May 15, 2015  11

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12 April - May 15, 2015

The Core of DeP

T

Karen Curry

Contributing Writer

ime for another look at HTown turned Tinsel-Town triple threat performer, DeP. He can now add Grammy performer to the artistry notches on his belt! Millions of viewers watched DeP’s live performance with Beyonce at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on the Staples Center stage. In a surprise performance, Beyonce sang Take My Hand Precious Lord as part of a tribute to the inspirational movie, Selma. We scratched deeply to get the inside track on his experiences.

When asked how it felt to work with Beyonce, DeP said, she is the hardest working artist he knows because she gave more than 100% of herself in the many hours they spent rehearsing. On Grammy Sunday, he said, “I was filled with every emotion a person could have; excited, anxious, grateful, determined, amped, and then right before we started, nervous as whoa!” DeP also shared his opinion on Beyonce’s choice to perform a gospel song instead of one of her own songs. He said, “She chose to use her influence to demonstrate that she is aware of the tragic loss of Black lives in America and that Black lives matter tremendously. In the wake of Ferguson and other traumatic events, she decided to take a stand and did that at the Grammys. Precious Lord is also a personal favorite song of hers because her mother sang it to her as a child. It just made sense for her to connect that song’s legendary spirituality to John Legend and Common’s performance of Glory”.

Lightning struck twice in the same month when DeP performed with Beyonce again at the Stevie Wonder Grammy Salute. The all-star event at the Nokia Theater in L.A paid homage to one of Stevie’s most recognized albums, Songs in the Key of Life, and DeP was ready. This time the charmed artist sang and danced a vigorous Fingertips routine in the opening number. DeP shared that the energy that night was incredible; the performance happened so quickly behind the Grammys that it was a confirmation of what he always felt. “These are the stages I live for,” he said. The highlight of DeP’s Stevie Salute experience for him and his fans was singing and dancing right next to Queen Bey on center stage. The recorded show (aired February 16 on CBS) featured various musical greats, including Stevie Wonder himself.

DeP reflects and remarks on his two big stage experiences, “Both were momentous and huge, but different. I got to

perform with the biggest artist of my generation on major platforms! The Grammys was very emotional and powerful, while the Stevie Wonder Salute was an opportunity to let it all out. It’s the classic singer versus performer mode.” For him it was like Beyonce and Donald performed at the Grammys, and Sasha Fierce and DeP performed at the Stevie Salute.

When asked if he planned to trade in his lead singer persona for backup performances, his response was, “I think we get so caught up in labels. I am a performer. I love the stage, and I love to use my talents and gifts, whether that is as a lead singer, a backup singer, a dancer, or an on-stage juggler. Show me the budget, the cause and the content, and I’m ready.”

Fans can expect the release of Think DeP Reloaded, which will include singles Red Light and Rough, which features another Houston native, Liz Vaugh. Fans can also look forward to experiencing Release the Beast, a limitless-mode project. DeP is also busy on the silver screen, appearing in the highly anticipated Dr. Dre and Ice Cube Straight Outta Compton film, as well as several BET feature movies.

DeP is an artist who is not defined by stereotypical R&B profiles. He welcomes opportunities that allow him to transform his talents from stage, to television, to movies, and show his profundity, charisma, energy, and versatility. Characterization is his strength, yet his theology remains, “Nothing is Happenstance, Think DeP.”

For event bookings and updates, please visit www.thinkdep.com.

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April - May 15, 2015 13

How to Go From Being Credit Invisible to Credit Visible By d-mars.com News Provider

Y

Are you credit invisible? ou may have never heard this term before, but if you are credit invisible, then you’ve certainly felt its affects.

Those who are credit invisible lack a credit score due to non-existent, limited or dated credit histories. More than 30 million Americans have been unable to get a credit score at one time in their lives according to VantageScore Solutions LLC, a credit score model developer. This group of people – the credit invisibles – fall prey to this category primarily because they either: • lack a credit history as a young adult (41 percent); • avoid credit and/or rely on cash (22 percent); or • lack a credit history when moving to the United States (16 percent).

A few examples of those who are credit invisible include students who just started building their credit files, people who only make cash purchases and don’t own a credit card, and veterans who have just returned to the United States and haven’t used credit in years. Another example of how a consumer can become credit invisible is the retiree who may pay cash for large items versus financing. Flash forward to that person wanting or needing to finance an unplanned item or event; they often find they have lost their credit score due to non-credit usage. So as you can see,

credit invisibles can easily be your neighbor, a son or daughter, family member or a friend.

Across the nation, there are an estimated 30-35 million credit-invisible Americans typically not scored by conventional credit scoring models. Based on research commissioned by VantageScore Solutions, this number is significantly higher than consumers initially estimated. In fact, half of Americans estimated the number of credit-invisible Americans to be less than 25 million; clearly showing the problem is larger than most people realize.

Creating credit magic So how do we help credit invisible con-

sumers become visible? There are effective and safe methods that consumers can use in order to establish credit and thus become more scoreable.

Open a secured credit card. A secured credit card is a credit card issued by a mainstream bank, credit union or credit card issuer. Consumers have to apply for the account which requires a deposit that will open up a line of credit usually in the amount of the deposit. As a true extension of credit, an issuer can report the account to credit reporting agencies. Credit scoring models can use this information to generate a credit score.

Become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card. An authorized user is someone who has been added to a card-

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holder’s credit card, giving him or her access to the cardholder’s line of credit. Most credit card issuers report the activity of the account to the authorized user’s credit reports. And if the account has always been paid on time and has a low balance relative to the credit limit, then it will benefit the authorized user’s credit profile. Conversely, also be aware that missed payments and high balances will negatively impact both the cardholder and the authorized user.

Take out a credit builder loan. Credit builder loans are modest loans - normally less than $1,000 - issued by credit unions to a borrower. While the borrower pays off the loan over a compressed period of time, the lender reports that activity to the credit reporting agencies, thus helping build a credit report.

Having and maintaining a high credit score is a foundational element of personal finance. If you are credit invisible, this can cause higher financing rates or even a loan rejection. That’s why simple steps to building credit can help, not only to get you in the practice of paying off debt consistently, but also to get you on the right track to becoming more credit visible to lenders.

There are many other ordinary activities that can impact your score. The Consumer Federation of America and VantageScore Solutions offer a website to learn more at www.CreditScoreQuiz.com. The website is also available in Spanish at www.CreditScoreQuiz.org/Espanol. You can also visit www.yourvantagescore.com to learn more about credit scoring. – BPT

14  April - May 15, 2015

Bishop James W.E. Dixon, II Hosts Criminal Justice Reform Meeting at Rice University

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April - May 15, 2015 15

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16 April - May 15, 2015

The Game Changer

By Pastor Alan

Contributing Writer

I

n sports there is one skill that successfully separates the average athlete from the sensational superstar.

This special skill which is apparent in basketball, football and golf, among other sports, is called follow through.

The follow through is the part of a stroke, swing, or throw that continues after the ball has been struck, touched, or thrown. It is the act of completing an action or process.

If you are a shooter in basketball, a quarterback in football, or a golfer on the golf course, the follow through is what separates the best from the rest.

NBA’s Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors won the Foot Locker ThreePoint Contest during NBA All-Star Weekend. Curry is one of the league’s most productive and prolific shooters because of his follow through. Tony Romo of the Dallas Cowboys led the NFL in passing rating stats for the 2014 season. Romo was most accurate with his follow through after his passes, in spite of tough opposition. Rory McIlroy is the number one ranked golfer in the world. He has what many consider one of the purest swings in golf because of

his follow through.

It is the follow through after the confrontations with opposition and contact on the pass or shot attempts that determine the success of the player on the court, field, or course.

In the game of life, confrontations and contacts are a part of our everyday encounters.

How we handle the obstacles, opinions, and opposition we face is evident in our follow through.

If we want to be a better student, a better spouse, a better friend, a better employee, or a better business owner, we can’t allow circumstances or conditions around us to cause us to capitulate or quit. These challenges and conundrums are nothing but opportunities for us to overcome our odds. We must choose to effectively follow through in our actions, ambitions, and attitudes in every situation in life.

So many of us have missed out on divine opportunities because we quit and wave the white flag of surrender to soon.

Remember, no matter what we encounter, it is always too soon to quit. This is our season and our year if we just learn to follow through.

My motto is “Live the Dream in 2015.”

Below is some encouragement that has helped me change my mindset and fol-

low through, and I hope it will help you as well.

• If you are in school and it is taking longer than planned to graduate, don’t stop now, but follow through.

• If you’ve been dreaming about starting your own business but are facing too many obstacles, don’t stop now, follow through.

• If your goal is to advance to the next level position on your job, but the odds seem to be against you and you are overlooked, don’t quit now, follow through.

• If your goal is to develop your spiritual life and draw closer to God, but every time you try to make time to

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attend church something comes up, don’t give up now, follow through.

It doesn’t matter how this first quarter has gone thus far in 2015, we still have 3 more quarters to go. If we follow through our adversities, burdens, circumstances, dilemmas, and encounters, we will find favor with God and man. Develop the game changer attitude, FOLLOW THROUGH, and be victorious.

“The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” –Ecclesiastes 7:8 Pastor Alan is a minister at Mount Corinth Church located at 4901 Providence Street, Houston, Texas 77020.

April - May 15, 2015 17

Creative College Savings: Unique Scholarships to Help Offset Rising Costs By d-mars.com News Provider

D

oes the cost of higher education scare you?

If so, you’re not alone.

College tuition prices have skyrocketed. Over the past 30 years average tuition and fees at public four-year institutions rose by 225 percent, according to The College Board. Factor in room and board, books and living expenses, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to afford the hefty price tag of higher education.

For many, applying for scholarships is essential. Valuable scholarship dollars are available to any and all kinds of students – artists, athletes, writers, mathletes and more. With a little digging you can find the perfect opportunities for you and your talents. Here are five unique scholarships examples:

Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest Students who enjoy art and fashion design, or just happen to be duct tape enthusiasts, should enter the annual Duck brand Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest. With more than $50,000 in scholarship prizes up for grabs, this one-of-a-kind opportunity emphasizes originality and imagination by challenging students to create their own unique Duck Tape prom wear. Duck brand

has a history of “sticking” by students, awarding more than $300,000 in scholarships over the last 15 years.

The contest is open to high school students in the U.S. and Canada attending prom in 2015. For more details and full contest rules visit StuckatProm.com.

Greeting card designs must be appropriate for business and consumer use. Visit www.gallerycollection.com for more information.

Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation, Inc. scholarship

If you’re passionate about the food you eat, you’re already winning with a healthy body ... and now you could win scholarship dollars, as well. Every year, the Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) awards $20,000 in scholarships to students who are active in promoting vegetarianism in school or the community. If you can demonstrate a strong commitment to being a vegetarian and to making the world a better place through diet and lifestyle – this scholarship is for you. The application requires an essay that addresses various challenges and successes experienced as a vegetarian.

The group offers a $10,000 scholarship as the top prize, and two additional $5,000 scholarships. Application details can be found at www.vrg.org.

Ready to get creative with your college costs? All these original scholarships – and more – can be found on resource sites, such as Fastweb.com. If you meet the requirements, it can’t hurt to apply. Just remember, any scholarship helps reduce college costs in the long run and every little bit helps. – BPT

Trivia talent and knowledge of random facts have probably always impressed friends, but now those skills may finally “pay” off – college costs that is. Students (and parents too) can simply register for one of the Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation, Inc. online scholarship quizzes. Throughout the year, the foundation offers quizzes that test general knowledge across a variety of subjects – music, books, movies, etc. – with prize amounts ranging from $250-$2,500.

These scholarships are available to high school, undergraduate and graduate students in the United States. Visit cksf.org for full details and how to register.

Tall Clubs International scholarship It’s a “tall task” to enter this scholarship.

In fact, that’s it – you just have to be tall.

The Tall Clubs International Scholarship

Vegetarian Resource Group scholarships is available to students of above-average height, who plan to start college in the fall.

Tall Clubs International (TCI) identifies “above-average height” as at least 5 feet 10 inches tall for women and at least 6 feet 2 inches tall for men. Those of elevated stature could win a $1,000 prize.

To apply, contact the local TCI Member Club to request sponsorship or visit www. tall.org.

Create-a-Greeting-Card Scholarship Have you ever searched for the perfect holiday or birthday card only to be left unsatisfied in the greeting card aisle? Now students with a knack for finding the perfect words or design can capture the moment, while also creating the opportunity to win a $10,000 prize. The annual Create-AGreeting-Card Scholarship from The Gallery Collection not only offers funds to the winner, but the art photo or graphic design piece will also be produced and sold as a real greeting card.

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18 April - May 15, 2015

Celebrating African-American Female Poets for National Poetry Month

By Dawn Paul

T

Associate Editor

his month we recognize National Poetry Month and celebrate poetry’s important place in our culture. Since 1996, April has highlighted the legacy and ongoing achievements of American poets. African-American women have made great contributions in the literary arena, bringing awareness to social issues and making history. Nikki Giovanni, Alice Walker, Maya Angelou, and Sonia Sanchez are just a few of the African-American females that have made their mark in the poetry world.

It’s important in the African-American community to celebrate and recognize women of color who have used the power of the pen to create awareness and change.

National Poetry Month was actually inspired by the success of Black History Month and Women’s History Month. In 1995, the Academy of American Poets discussed the need and usefulness of a similar month long holiday to celebrate poetry. This month increases awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States and in Canada (since 1998).

The first examples of literature written

by African-American women appeared around 1859, as part of a general renaissance of African-American literature in the 1850s. The Civil War era also gave rise to some memorable autobiographical works by African-American women.

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper wrote Sketches of Southern Life (1872), that was a volume of poetry based on her travels among freed people in the Reconstruction-era South.

Over the first two decades of the 20th century, racial injustice and violence

inspired literature of protests. The Depression refocused African-American literature. Gwendolyn Brooks was the first African-American poet to win the Pulitzer Prize. Brooks used her poetic talents to bring awareness to everyday life in the Black urban communities.

Though during the 1950s and 1960s African-American women had their difficulties with acceptance in the mainstream of American art, their strong message and talents could not be ignored.

African-American female poets played a very active role in the civil rights movement. For the Black Arts movement, poetry was a central form of expression.

Jayne Cortez, Nikki Giovanni, Carolyn M. Rodgers, and Sonia Sanchez were among those African-American female poets instrumental in this movement.

They emphasized solidarity and raised awareness on issues impacting the African-American community during that time period.

African-American female poets have gained more notoriety and respect over the years and they have proved themselves unafraid of touching controversial

issues. In more recent years, many African-American female artists have proved themselves unafraid of provoking controversy. The growth of the woman’s movement, and its impact on the consciousness of African-American women in particular, helped fuel a “black women’s literary renaissance.” Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, and Toni Morrison were among those who inspired young African-American female poets.

The next generation of African-American female poets are carrying on the torch of those poetic powerhouses before them. Warshan Shire is a British-Somali poet who gained immediate following when For Women Who Are Difficult to Love went viral in 2011. In this poem, Shire delves into the power of feminine individuality, and how it should not be refined, but celebrated. In April 2013, Shire was presented with Brunel University’s inaugural African Poetry Prize.

Patricia Smith is an acclaimed spoken word poet. Spoken word poetry has gained popularity and visibility. This performance poetry has become an important art form within the African-

American community and other communities of color. She is thought of by many as a pioneer who moved the craft forward into what it is today. Smith has received prizes from the Library of Congress and The Academy of American Poets for her book of poetry, Shoulda Been Jimi Savannah, which address history, race, and other social issues.

For years, female African-American poets have changed us with their work.

African-American poets have used their talents to bring awareness, inspire, and encourage. To read more about the contributions of African-American women poets, visit www.history.com.

Below enjoy And I Have You by one of our most celebrated African-American female poets, Nikki Giovanni.

And I Have You

By Nikki Giovanni

Rain has drops Sun has shine Moon has beams That make you mine Rivers have banks Sands for shores Hearts have heartbeats That make me yours Needles have eyes Though pins may prick Elmer has glue To make things stick Winter has Spring Stockings feet Pepper has mint To make it sweet Teachers have lessons Soup du jour Lawyers sue bad folks Doctors cure All and all This much is true You have me And I have you

6 Tips to Keeping Seniors Safe at Home

S

By d-mars.com News Provider

afety is a big concern for seniors and their families, especially as more baby boomers are embracing aging at home.

Homes they’ve owned for decades that were perfect for raising children may not be as accommodating for people who may suffer from poor eye sight, unsteady balance or memory issues.

Many home updates can help protect senior family members, allowing them to enjoy their homes for many more years.

These tips will help protect the privacy and safety of older residents.

• Home exterior security – A security alarm system is always a good idea, and many will also connect to fire protection services as well. Sliding and patio doors are among the least secure entrances to a

home, so install a Master Lock 265DCCSEN Door Security Bar to resist any type of forced entry into the home.

• Keep extra keys secure – Many family members of seniors like to have access to a home so they can check on their loved ones. Instead of hiding the keys under a fake rock in the yard, protect them with a Master Lock 5422D Key Safe. The safe attaches over the door handle for easy accessibility and requires a four-button push code to reveal the keys. It’s also great for emergency situations if a family member accidentally locks the keys inside the house on a cold night.

• Install security lights – Exterior lights help discourage unwanted guests, so install additional lights on all sides of the home and out in the yard’s landscaping. You can install motion-sensor lights if you don’t want them shining all night

long, but you might notice nighttime critters like owls and raccoons will set the lights off.

• Give valuables a safe home – Many baby boomers have accumulated a lifetime of treasures with real and sentimental value. Smaller items like jewelry, credit cards and cash can easily be stored in the portable Master Lock 5900 SafeSpace, which is perfect for traveling around the world or even to visit grandchildren. For important documents like wills and legal documents, a fire-resistant safe from Sentry Safe is a good option.

• Create a flexible schedule – Because they’re retired, seniors are able to leave the house for different activities during the day. Oftentimes, seniors will get into a regular schedule like meeting a group of friends for breakfast at 7 a.m. every Tuesday. Create an irregular schedule for your

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weekly activities so people won’t be able to anticipate when you’re home or away. * Digital safety is important, too – In today’s digital world, computer passwords are the keys to valuable personal information. It is recommended that you use a unique smart password - one that contains capital and lower case letters, numbers and symbols – for every digital account.

It’s difficult for most people to remember multiple passwords, so many write them down, which can make them vulnerable to theft. The Master Lock Vault is a free, digital safe deposit box perfect for securing passwords, credit card numbers and digital copies of important documents, and it can be accessed from a smartphone at any time.

With these security tips, seniors can enjoy spending many more years – comfortable and safe – in their homes. – BPT

April - May 15, 2015  19

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20 April - May 15, 2015

Think About What You’re Thinking About

Minister Eugenie Doualla

T

Contributing Writer

he Bible presents detailed instructions on what kind of things we should think about. Philippians 4:8 instructs us to think on good things that will build us up and not tear us down. We all need to learn to control our thinking.

Our thoughts certainly impact our attitudes and moods. Everything the Lord tells us is for our own good. He knows what make us happy and what makes us miserable. When people are full of immoral thoughts they are miserable. Some of us have learned from personal experience that miserable people usually end up making others miserable also.

Take inventory on a regular basis.

What have you been thinking about?

Spend some time examining your thought life. Thinking about what you are thinking about is very valuable. Satan usually deceives people into think-

ing that the source of their misery or trouble is something other than what it really is. He wants them to think they are unhappy due to what is going on around them, but the misery is actually due to their thoughts.

We have a multitude of testimonies of successful people whose background didn’t determine their future. They had a dream and they refused to give up, no matter what came their way.

In Romans it is written, “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (New International Version, Rom. 8.6).

When we pray “The Lord’s Prayer” and we read, “Your will be done in our lives as it is in heaven,” this part reminds us to apply His will (The Word) to our lives so we can experience His goodness.

I remember being jealous of a friend who seemed to have it all. My mother saw me upset and when I explained to her how I was feeling she said, “It’s human to be jeal-

ous, but it’s what jealousy turn us into that is evil.” She was trying to explain to me that when those feelings come, turn to JESUS and ask Him to transform it into something beautiful. We need to have patience and wait on our turn. My turn came in due time.

Since then, I have learned not to let uninvited thoughts poison my mind.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jer. 29.11). Each of us will have a place in the sun. It’s just a matter of time before we walk into our own blessing.

My prayer today is, “Lord we thank you that you know what is good and what is miserable for us. We are bringing forth our load so you can give us the peace and rest to the negative thoughts that rage into our mind as we are pursuing our dream. Help us not to be conformed to this world, but by the renewing of our mind. Help us to seek first your kingdom so that everything will be added to us. In the precious name of JESUS CHRIST we pray, Amen.”

Source Used: Joyce Meyer, www.joycemeyer.org

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April - May 15, 2015  21

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22 April - May 15, 2015

Child Abuse: Raising Awareness This Month

By Dawn Paul

A

Associate Editor

pril is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

This month promotes the emotional and social well-being of children and families.

During this month and throughout the year, this country is encouraged to share child abuse and promote prevention of child abuse. What is child abuse? Child abuse is doing something or failing to do something that results in harm to a child or puts a child at risk of harm.

Child abuse can be emotional, physical, or sexual. Another form of abuse is neglect. Child abuse is a serious problem that causes children to suffer emotional and physical damage, and the damage can go with them into adulthood.

There are many proven facts about child abuse, but unfortunately there are myths out there about child abuse, and that is why this month is important.

This is a community issue and the community must be properly educated and work together to stop this problem.

According to DoSomething.org, in the United States, more than 4 children die from child abuse and neglect on a daily basis, and over 70% of these children are below the age of 3. 90% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator in some way and 68% are abused by a family member. Almost 3 million cases of child abuse are reported every year in the United States. Abused children are more than likely to be arrested as a juvenile, more than likely to be arrested as an adult, and more likely to commit a violent crime.

Safe Horizon reported that while

boys and girls are equally as likely to be victims of abuse and neglect, the rate of child fatality is higher for boys. More than 85% of the child fatalities in 2012 were white children. However, when comparing the number of child fatalities to the population data, Pacific Islander and African-American children had the highest rates of child fatalities.

Children and youth in this country experience an alarming rate of exposure to violence and victimization. The National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence indicates that more than 60% of children from birth to 17 years of age experience victimization and 38% witness violence sometime during childhood. Compared with other segments of the population, victimization rates for African-American children and youth are even higher. Evidence suggests that African-American youth ages 12 to 19 are victims of a violent crime at a significantly higher rate than their white peers. Also, African-American youth are three times more likely to be victims of reported child abuse or neglect.

This month is also about educating the community on facts versus myths when it comes to child abuse. Some people’s beliefs have been shaped by common misconceptions and popular myths. Myths can silence victims and encourage the community’s denial about child abuse.

Below are common myths about child abuse from HelpGuide.org:

MYTH #1: It’s only abuse if it’s violent.

Fact: Physical abuse is just one type of child abuse. Neglect and emotional

other way to parent. Others may be struggling with mental health issues or a substance abuse problem.

MYTH #3: Child abuse doesn’t happen in “good” families.

Fact: Child abuse doesn’t only happen in poor families or bad neighborhoods. It crosses all racial, economic, and cultural lines. Sometimes, families who seem to have it all from the outside are hiding a different story behind closed doors.

MYTH #4: Most child abusers are strangers.

Fact: While abuse by strangers does happen, most abusers are family members or others close to the family.

MYTH #5: Abused children always grow up to be abusers.

abuse can be just as damaging, and since they are more subtle, others are less likely to intervene.

MYTH #2: Only bad people abuse their children.

Fact: While it’s easy to say that only “bad people” abuse their children, it’s not always so black and white. Not all abusers are intentionally harming their children. Many have been victims of abuse themselves, and don’t know any

Fact: It is true that abused children are more likely to repeat the cycle as adults, unconsciously repeating what they experienced as children. On the other hand, many adult survivors of child abuse have a strong motivation to protect their children against what they went through and become excellent parents.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month promotes the emotional and social well-being of families and children in our communities. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call law enforcement or your local child welfare agency. This is a community issue and as a united front, we can provide our children a safe place to live.

Stepping Up the Fight Against Identity Theft and Data Hacking

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By d-mars.com News Provider ueled by the recent epidemic of data breaches, identity theft has become a major concern for millions of Americans. Major companies like Target, Home Depot, eBay, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield and dozens of others have experienced data breaches affecting millions of consumers over the past two years.

Experts have found a strong correlation between being affected by a data breach and the risk of identity fraud.

Fully two-thirds of victims of identity fraud in 2014 also received a data breach notification according to Javelin Strategy & Research. Not surprisingly, in February, identity theft was named the top consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for the 15th consecutive year. In March, FTC Commissioner Terrell McSweeny affirmed these concerns citing a recent study that found that Americans are “more concerned about ID theft than violent crime, natural disasters or terrorism.”

While inaction on data security issues by policymakers and businesses has exacerbated the problem, there are effective steps consumers can take right now to protect themselves. “Many actions don’t require a lot of time or energy but they can go a long way in helping to reduce the risk of identity theft,” says John Breyault, vice president of public policy for telecommunications and fraud at the National Consumers League (NCL).

Steps NCL promotes to consumers include: • Use strong passwords that are different for each website • Enable two-factor authentication when possible (this is the code sent via text to your mobile phone which you use to log into a website) • Secure your home wireless router and network • Don’t click on links in emails or download attachments you aren’t expecting • Know what companies store your personal data and limit what you share

“If you have been notified about a data breach, don’t sit by,” says Breyault.

“Change your passwords, watch out for suspicious email and take advantage of credit monitoring or identity theft protection services if they are offered. Better yet, consider putting a credit freeze on your credit reports with the three major bureaus.”

NCL is quick to assert that while there are steps consumers can take individually to safeguard their personal information, more needs to be done at the national level by Washington officials in the fight against hackers who steal information and identities for financial gain.

Advocates are raising the alarm about the increased risk of identity fraud stemming from data breaches. “Businesses are profiting handsomely from the unprecedented amount of consumer data they are now collecting,” said John Breyault, vice president of public policy for telecommunications and fraud at the National Consumers League (NCL).

“Unfortunately, when they fail to protect that data, it’s consumers who are

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often the ones harmed when crooks use their information to commit identity theft.”

FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez told Congress last year that, “Never has the need for legislation been greater.

With reports of data breaches on the rise, and with a significant number of Americans suffering from identity theft, Congress needs to act.”

Groups like NCL are pushing the federal government to dedicate more resources to combating these kinds of crimes. “Agencies like the Federal Trade Commission should work with businesses that store consumer information to share information and strategies on how to better prevent hackers from breaching their systems,” says Breyault.

Specifically, NCL has called on the FTC to convene workshops specifically focused on data security. Such events would bring together stakeholders to begin the process of turning the alarming trend of mega-data breach around.

For more information, visit www.fraud. org or NCLNet.org. – BPT

April - May 15, 2015 23

Busted: The Truth About Top Cellphone Myths Costing You Real Money

M

By d-mars.com News Provider

ost people today have a cellphone that rarely leaves their side. In fact, cellphone usage is at an alltime high, with 91 percent of adults owning one, reports the Pew Research Center. While the technology has drastically improved many aspects of daily life, the cost of devices and service plans – as well as the complex contracts – leaves many people feeling like they’re being hustled.

T-Mobile believes you have a right to know about the commonly believed misconceptions about the cellphone industry that are causing people to spend more than necessary. Get the facts by learning the truth about the most common cellphone myths.

Myth: One late payment won’t affect your credit score Reality: It doesn’t take much for your credit score to take a hit. One late payment can stay on your record for up to seven years. Because most of the top wireless carriers use your credit score to judge whether they should

give you the best deals, that means one bad decision can haunt you years later. First, always make it a priority to pay your bills on time. Second, look for a carrier that considers more than a credit check to obtain the best deals.

the United States ranks 13th in the world in terms of smartphone penetration − behind a dozen countries including Australia, Israel and Saudi

Myth: The advertised deals from carriers are for anyone Reality: Wireless carriers spend $4 billion advertising their “best” deals on smartphones, yet in reality, more than half of Americans cannot get the deals because they are reserved only for those with the “best” credit.

According to the Consumer Federation of America, credit score plays a “vital” role in many purchases. The new Smartphone Equality initiative from T-Mobile allows anyone with a monthly voice plan who pays their bills on time each month for a year to qualify for their best deals – zero down, no interest and no credit check.

Visit www.t-mobile.com for more information.

Myth: Almost all American adults have a smartphone Reality: At a time when mobile connectivity is sweeping the globe,

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Arabia. There are more than 100 million American adults who don’t have a smartphone according to Pew Research and the U.S. Census Bureau. A smartphone paired with the right plan for your needs can keep you connected and benefit your budget. Furthermore, many people choose to eliminate land lines and sometimes even Internet service at home to save and then solely rely on their smartphones to stay connected.

Myth: You pay more for smartphones with no-contract plans Reality: Consumer Reports states it’s cheaper to buy a phone through a no-contract plan. Why? Because you finance the phone separately from your wireless service and therefore once it is paid off, your monthly bill can decrease. You will not continue to pay a higher amount after that time – unlike an annual service contract plan. Research popular no-contract prepaid and postpaid plans, like Simple Choice from T-Mobile. Loyal customers can immediately qualify based on their relationship with T-Mobile, making T-Mobile’s best wireless deals more accessible. – BPT

24 April - May 15, 2015

Time-Saving Hacks Impatient People Use to Maximize Every Minute

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By d-mars.com News Provider

o you routinely honk at the car in front of you, pass slow walkers on a sidewalk or press an already illuminated elevator button in hopes of getting to your destination sooner? If so, you’re not alone. The hectic nature of modern life means more people are impatient to squeeze the most out of every minute.

In fact, this impatience is causing us to do some pretty ridiculous things. For example, more than half of Americans admit to honking after the light turns green; a majority will wait 10 seconds or less before passing a slow walker on the sidewalk; and 72 percent of Gen Yers admit to pushing an already-lit elevator button, according to a Fifth Third Bank survey. Perhaps the most embarrassing finding is that 96 percent of Americans admit to consuming hot foods or beverages that they know will burn their mouth!

These results underscore America’s need for speed in everyday tasks.

When impatience is paired with proactive strategy, it can be simple to save time on mundane to-dos without burning yourself (literally) in the process. Consider some of the most effective life hacks that impatient people use to cut time and keep life moving as quickly possible:

Banking Driving, waiting in line, filling out forms – daily banking can be timeconsuming. Instead, look for a bank that simplifies frequent banking activities. For example, the new Fifth Third mobile app eliminates unnecessary steps to help you save time. Have a check to deposit? With the App, Tap, Deposit feature, just take a photo of a check to be deposited. Need to

check your balance? The Now Balance feature lets you check your balances without signing in simply by swiping to the left on the login screen.

Bills Bills are a fact of life. No one wants them, but everyone has them – and paying them shouldn’t be a pain. Save time by setting up automatic bill pay for all regular monthly bills, such as your cellphone, cable or mortgage.

Use the Fifth Third mobile app to set up a new bill payee and pay bills from your phone. Bonus: You save money on stamps. For more information, visit www.53.com.

Morning routine

Getting out the door in the morning can be frustrating, whether you have children or not. Streamline the early hours and prevent the chaotic flurry of activity by planning outfits and breakfast the night prior. Then, make the most of commuting time. Listen to talk radio to catch up on the news, use your wireless headset to check voicemail, or pop in an audio book to catch up on the latest career book your boss recommended. Multitasking in this manner saves loads of time. – BPT

Driving Traffic is the ultimate enemy of the impatient person. To make sure you spend as little time on the road as necessary, before heading out you should always check your route for accidents and weather conditions. Know alternatives and use them when necessary.

If you can adjust your schedule to avoid rush hour, do so. If public transportation is faster, check out your options. If you have kids, implement a car-pool group so you only have to drive them to soccer or band practice just once a week, rather than daily.

Email Email is a necessity of personal and professional life, but it can be a time drain if you’re checking it constantly. Instead of always having email open and answering as soon as one comes through, dedicate time throughout the day for responding in batches. Then, turn it off so you can focus on other tasks rather than always being disrupted when a new alert pops up. Your productivity will soar.

Spring Cleaning Secrets to Cut the Clutter Without Hurting Productivity

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pring cleaning can be a tedious task, but it doesn’t have to drain your time.

With this three-step formula from Laura Stack, aka the Productivity Pro, you can increase productivity and have more time for fun in the sun.

1. Get ready to tackle the clutter.

Start by labeling five large boxes: Put Away, Give Away, Store, Shred, and Trash. Then select the area that needs to be organized first. Instead of viewing spring cleaning as an all-day task, take an hour here and there to get the job done. When you’re ready to begin, set your timer for 50 minutes. When it buzzes, use the last 10 minutes of your organization session to handle the box-

es: put things away, place charity items in the car, put items in storage, shred paper and toss out the trash.

2. Get set and put a plan in place.

Anything that goes together should be stored together. Find attractive boxes, baskets, toolboxes and totes to organize common items such as batteries, makeup, tools, cleaning supplies or gift-wrap.

As you group similar items together, avoid keeping too many of the same items. Do you really need five spatulas or dozens of sweaters? The next time you think about purchasing something you already own, give serious thought as to what you are willing to give up.

3. Go ... let go of all the clutter.

Paper piles can stack up fast around

the house, so shred sensitive documents with a reliable Fellowes shredder. The jam-proof Fellowes 79Ci works for large shredding jobs and can cross-cut up to 16 sheets per pass and run for 20 minutes. For smaller shredding jobs, try Fellowes P-12C that destroys 12 sheets per pass with a 5 minute run time. Both shredders can be found at www.fellowes.com. If you’re still having a hard time parting with certain things such as clothing or kitchen gadgets, place a tag on each item with the date one year from now.

If you use the item, take the tag off.

When that date arrives, anything that still has a tag goes.

With the ready, set and go formula, spring cleaning can be easy. Use this three-step plan to get moving on to a more organized and productive life. – BPT

5 Simple Ways to Disconnect and Enjoy 15 Minutes of ‘Me Time’

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mericans rarely take the time to unplug during the work day. In fact, we spend just short of half the day in front of some type of screen, according to research by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

The health benefits of relaxing away from digital technology are well documented, but it still is a challenge for many to find some time for themselves. If you find yourself in this category, consider scheduling a 15 minute break every morning and afternoon. It will be quality me-time, and before you know it, those 15 minutes will become a welcomed break each and every day.

Here are five simple ways you can turn just 15 minutes into an actual break that will help refresh your whole day – and may just make you more productive.

Enjoy tea time: In under 15 minutes, you can brew and enjoy a cup of tea. Choose your favorite ceramic mug, add hot water, and let your Tetley Black and Green tea bag steep for two minutes while you take a breath. No peeking at your screen while you’re steeping! Tetley Black and Green tea is a smart choice, since it does double duty while you take a break, offering the benefits of green tea with the rich, smooth flavor of black tea. So savor the experience and the tea – and disconnect and focus your energy on yourself until your cup is empty.

Meditation: Meditation is a great way to slow the heart, calm the mind and recharge the batteries. Just 15 minutes of meditation can help you improve your focus and reduce stress, bringing your energy back so you can accomplish everything on your to-do list. Follow along with a guided meditation on YouTube to help get started.

Take a walk: Get yourself out of your home or office for 15 minutes of fresh air. Pack a pair of sneakers and set a daily appointment on your calendar. Go around the block, or pick up the pace a bit and go for the mile. By removing yourself from your working environment, you can help your brain concentrate better when you return.

Play with a pet: Four-legged family members can quickly bring a smile to your face during a 15-minute break for playtime. Even sitting still and scratching Fido or Fluffy behind the ears can help calm you down and lift your spirits. Plus, your pet will certainly reward you with love and affection.

Stretch out the kinks: Sitting still for too long can leave your body achy and sapped for energy. Do some desk exercises to get your blood moving, like rising up to your tiptoes for a full-body stretch. Close your office door and put your phone on do not disturb to get the break you need. A couple of yoga moves are also an option, and can help relieve any neck or back tension that might be distracting you from your work.

If you start scheduling these 15-minute breaks, you’ll soon notice they become automatic, and you’ll start to look forward to the times of the day when you can pull the plug and enjoy some time to yourself. – BPT

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6 Things You Can Do to Be More Productive

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ime. You never seem to have enough of it.

Whether it’s work, family commitments, your kids or your spouse, there’s always someone or something that needs your time. And imagine the chaos if you were to actually want a little time for yourself as well.

You can’t create more time, but you can ensure you make better use of the time you have. To help you be more productive, Hyatt Place Seamless Travel Series productivity expert Lindsey Pollak offers these tips. * Wake up earlier. Yes, it’s that simple. Waking up 30 to 60 minutes earlier gives you a great jump-start on your day.

You can exercise, catch up on email or just relax in this newfound peace and quiet. Just don’t forget to go to bed earlier at night to ensure you’re awake to enjoy the morning.

• Make a plan. Even the busiest of days will flow more smoothly if you are following a predetermined plan and schedule. So before your next busy day, week or season, take time to jot down a list of everything you have to do.

You’ll be more efficient in accomplishing these tasks and you won’t waste time panicking about how you’ll complete it all.

• Decide which decisions you’ll

make. Research has shown that the more choices you make during the day, the harder each one becomes for your brain. Eliminate routine decisions whenever possible by having the same breakfast each morning, putting out your clothes the night before or parking in the same space each day, for example. By cutting these de-

•

cisions out of your daily itinerary, you’ll be saving brain power for the truly important choices.

Delegate. You aren’t afraid to ask for help at work, so why not speak up at home? Ask family members to help you complete household projects or hire someone to help you maintain the yard, run errands or do the shopping. Any as-

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sistance you receive will save you time for other responsibilities.

• Optimize your life on the road as well. Whether you’re on vacation or traveling for work, you still want to be as productive as possible. Hyatt Place hotels help multitasking travelers stay productive on the road, offering free WiFi, free hot breakfast, a 24-hour gym and more. To help you have a seamless travel experience from start to finish, Hyatt Place brings you the Seamless Travel Series, teaming up with leading travel experts to offer advice on travel, style, technology and health.

• Be selective in what you commit to. Want to do more? Start by saying no. Life pulls you in all different directions, and every request you commit to eliminates time you could spend doing something else. Instead of committing to everything offered to you – including the things you don’t really want to do – don’t be afraid to say no.

You’ll be more productive when you can focus on the few things you actually want to do.

You can’t turn back time or make more of it, but by implementing these productivity tips, you can make the most of it. So go out and get ready to be more productive, and remember, time is ticking. – BPT

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The New SAT: What Students and Parents Need to Know to Prepare

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he SAT – widely considered to be one of the most important exams a student will take in his or her academic life – is changing drastically.

When students sit down for the test in March 2016, they’ll encounter a completely redesigned format that places significant emphasis on college and career readiness and skills such as reasoning, data analysis and critical thinking.

The SAT, which impacts high school students’ college admissions success, scholarship dollars and futures, will affect nearly 2 million students. In order to tackle the test with the right amount of knowledge and confidence, students (and their parents) must approach how they prepare for the exam in an entirely different way.

“The redesigned SAT will demand more from students than ever before,” says Dr. Raymond Huntington, cofounder of Huntington Learning Center, a tutoring and test prep company that places curricular knowledge at the center of test prep. “In the history of the SAT, preparation has never been more essential to success than it will be with the redesigned exam. Students must have deep foundational knowledge and demonstrate ability to reason, analyze and think critically in real-world contexts.

Cramming for the test or employing test-taking tricks will not get students the knowledge or scores they need to enter and succeed in college.”

To prepare properly for the exam and achieve the desired result, here are tips for both parents and students: 1. 1. Understand the changes: The exam has been overhauled with

changes to both format and content. Test length, timing and score components for the redesigned SAT will be different than its predecessor. For example, students will no longer be penalized for answering a question incorrectly.

With regard to content, students will be expected to master concepts that address college and career readiness, and key skills such as analysis and reasoning. For instance, all reading content will be passage-based and will place strong emphasis on students’ ability to understand vocabulary in

context, focusing on more commonly used words, rather than simply demonstrating reading comprehension.

2. Know the dates: The first administration of the redesigned SAT is scheduled for March 2016. The class of 2017 and 2018 are most affected by the change, but the class of 2016 still has an opportunity to take the current SAT in January 2016, which is likely the safest bet. Regardless of the format, it is never too early to start preparing for these exams, as it is the best way to ensure success

and avoid last-minute, ineffective cramming. Some students begin preparing a few months in advance; for others, it’s several months or longer.

3. Be aware that tips and tricks won’t work: The redesigned SAT requires a mastery of core academic concepts and an ability to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios. For example, in the Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing section, reading questions will feature charts and graphs similar to ones students will most likely encounter in science and social science majors as well as their careers. Math questions will also test more complex skills, and questions will build on one another.

4. Know your options: As the SAT will see significant changes, which could cause uncertainty on the part of students and parents, the ACT is another viable collegeentrance exam option. The ACT, which focuses on core high school curriculum and what a student has learned, is accepted at all fouryear U.S. colleges and has overtaken the SAT in popularity.

Huntington, whose team of educational experts analyzed the new test’s blueprint to uncover key changes and developed a rigorous curriculum to address them, is launching a new SAT prep program in July that will be available in its 260 centers across the nation.

For more information about the redesigned SAT, including key dates and considerations, visit www.huntingtonhelps. com and download a free copy of “Huntington’s Guide to the Understanding the Redesigned SAT.” – BPT

Health Trumps Wealth in Importance to Retirees’ Well-Being

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hoever said, “If you have your health, you have e v e r y t h i n g ,” must have been retired.

That’s because retirees feel more financially secure when they’re in good health according to new research. And when they feel financially secure, retirees also report they’re enjoying retirement more, they feel fulfilled and are less likely to experience negative emotions.

The study, Health, Wealth and Happiness in Retirement (www.massmutual.com/healthwealth) is part of a larger research project conducted on behalf of MassMutual by Greenwald & Associates. The research split 905 retirees with at least $50,000 in assets into two subgroups: those who characterized their

health as excellent or very good and those who characterized their health as good or poor.

“The message for both retirees and pre-retirees is that health has a major impact on satisfaction with life in retirement,” says Elaine Sarsynski, executive vice president of MassMutual Retirement Services. “We need to focus on our health as much as possible so we can enjoy life to the fullest extent in our later years. While none of us can predict how healthy we will be in the future, we can help influence the outcome by making lifestyle choices that promote good health.”

Seven out of 10 retirees in better health say they feel financially secure compared to 51 percent of retirees in poorer health, the study found.

Retirees in poorer health were twice as likely to feel anxious about their finances and lack a sense of purpose, and

three times more likely to feel lonely, the research found. Also, four in 10 retirees overall say they spend more on health care than they expected before retiring, with 43 percent spending more than $5,000 annually and 14 percent spending more than $10,000.

If you’re in retirement, or looking forward to retirement, maintaining a healthy lifestyle should be a goal to help you better enjoy your retirement years. An earlier study conducted by MassMutual and Greenwald & Associates, Hopes, Fears and Reality – What Workers Expect in Retirement and What Steps Help Them Achieve the Retirement They Want (www.massmutual.com/retire), found that nearly half of all retirees retired sooner than they anticipated. This may mean that they are retiring at a younger age, and looking forward to enjoying their retirement years as much as possible.

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Studies show that good health allows retirees to get out and enjoy life.

Playing golf or tennis, spending the afternoon on a boat, or meeting with friends and family for lunch or dinner are all enjoyable activities retirees may have time to do. However, when a person falls ill, they may not be able to get out and enjoy the retired life as much as someone who is healthy.

“Our study focused on people in the first 15 years of retirement,” says Mathew Greenwald, president of Greenwald & Associates. “In many cases, serious medical issues arise after that, in older age. But even in the healthiest part of retirement, better health clearly has an impact on most people’s ability to fully enjoy retirement. Many of these issues will only be exacerbated for retirees as they age, which puts an exclamation point on the importance of wellness.” – BPT

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