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SUN DAY, F E B RUA RY

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T ’S

Joan Allen was great in the movie Room. Did she reach out to mothers of kidnap victims to research her role? —Jenny P., Abilene, Texas

TINA FEY

How would you describe your role? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is an adaptation of a book called The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan by Kim Barker. I play a woman who goes abroad at a time when journalists were stretched thin. Anyone who wasn’t married or didn’t have kids could get a chance to go work abroad.

Did you base the characters in the hit Netflix series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, which you created and executive produce, on real people? The series was in a lot of ways inspired by its star, Ellie Kemper. Robert Carlock and I were asked to develop a show for Ellie, and so we thought a lot about her qualities. We were certainly aware that there’s a certain type of woman, both in fiction and nonfiction, that you see over and over again—this kind of ebullient young woman who survived something awful and comes out the other side still optimistic.

I’ve heard Jason Bateman is giving up acting for directing. Is that true? —Will L., Monrovia, Calif. A: Definitely not. Bateman, 47, wants to do it all. At 19 he directed three episodes of TV’s The Hogan Family. He recently directed the movie comedy Bad Words and the drama The Family Fang (in which he also starred). And he voices the fast-talking scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde, in Disney’s animated caper movie Zootopia, opening March 4. “I’d like [my career] to be like George Clooney’s or Ben Affleck’s as far as splitting the time between acting and directing,” he says.

Do you binge-watch anything? I do sometimes. Now that we’re done filming season two of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, I will have some time. I just started watching Aziz Ansari’s show, Master of None [Netflix].

Email your questions for Walter Scott to personality@parade.com

Are you a star earner? Go to Parade.com/work PL and tell us about your E E job and salary. You could be featured in the most popular annual issue of Parade.

Will Fey make an appearance this season on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt? Go to Parade.com/tinafey to find out.

WHAT

New Mexico is a stand-in for Afghanistan in Fey’s new movie, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. How much has your sense of humor changed since the beginning of your career? I’m a little older now, and I’m a mother. I wouldn’t say it is necessarily gentler, but it is more human, more emotional than it used to be.

A: No, but Allen, 59, recently acclaimed for her role in Room as a mother reunited with her kidnapped daughter, says she can only imagine what it must feel like to have a child go missing. “I’ve been in a mall when my daughter was little and I look around and within a flash she’s not there,” says the actress, who also plays a mother whose child was kidnapped in ABC’s The Family, premiering its first season March 3.

It’s a long way from New York’s concrete comedy canyons of 30 Rock to the Middle East absurdity of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. But that’s where Fey, 45, is headed March 4 in her new movie, in which she stars as a journalist sent to Kabul who gets caught up in the adrenaline rush of her assignment.

ROCK ON Funnyman Chris Rock, 51, returns tonight to host the Oscars for the second time— after an 11-year absence. This time the world will be watching to see what kind of jokes he’ll crack about a subject that’s no laughing matter: a serious lack of diversity among the nominees and a possible boycott of the event spurred by the #OscarSoWhite campaign. Here are five facts about the host. 1. Eddie Murphy gave Rock his first credited movie role, a parking attendant in Beverly Hills Cop II. 2. Rock was one of the “bad boys” of Saturday Night Live from 1990 to 1993, along with Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider and David Spade. 3. His great-great-grandfather Julius Caesar Tingman was a slave for 21 years and later fought in the Civil War. 4. His grandfather was a preacher. 5. A DNA test showed he is descended from the Udeme people of northern Cameroon.

Matt Damon

Academy Award Nominee for Best Actor, The Martian He made an estimated $25 million last year.

2 | FEBRUARY 28, 2016

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: XAVIER COLLINS/SPLASH NEWS/NEWSCOM; JEROD HARRIS/WIREIMAGE/GETTY IMAGES; ANDREW ECCLES/ABC; THEO WARGO/NBC/GETTY IMAGES; RAYMOND BONAR/NBC/GETTY IMAGES; JASON MERRITT/GETTY IMAGES; JEROD HARRIS/GETTY IMAGES FOR NJPR; PARAMOUNT/ZUMA

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tarting March 4, motorcycle enthusiasts from around the globe will trek to Daytona Beach, Fla., for the 75th annual Bike Week. From organized rides to moto merch, it’s a celebration of all things two-wheeled. officialbikeweek.com

Full House Comes Full Circle

d l i Hog W 47

The average age of motorcycle riders

Percent of motorcycle owners who are married

Percent of riders who are female

SOURCE: Motorcycle Industry Council Owner Survey, mic.org

LYRICAL LADIES

THE KIDS’ POPE

The latest book from the prolific Pope Francis, Dear Pope Francis: The Pope Answers Letters From Children Around the World (Loyola Press), is a collection of sweet letters from children and the pope’s thoughtful answers. $9, amazon.com Visit Parade.com/pope to read some of the best letters.

Loretta Lynn

Bonnie Raitt

Dig In Deep, the multiple Grammy winner’s first new album since 2012, features five self-penned tracks as well as covers of INXS’ “Need You Tonight” and Los Lobos’ “Shakin’ Shakin’ Shakes.” Visit Parade.com/raitt to find out why she stayed out of the studio for seven years. CD $13, vinyl $25, download $9.50, amazon.com

Great-Uncle Jesse! D.J. is a mom! Somebody married Gibbler! A lot’s changed between Full House’s 1987 debut and this week’s Fuller House premiere on Netflix. Visit Parade.com/fullhouse to celebrate the return of the Tanner family with a then-and-now photo gallery.

A 26-year-old Raitt graced the cover of Parade on March 28, 1976.

“Her lyrics caught your ear and made you feel like, She wrote that for me,” Sheryl Crow says of Loretta Lynn in Still a Mountain Girl, a new documentary about the coal miner’s daughter that includes neverbefore-seen interviews and footage. March 4 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS

Rita Wilson

The actresssinger-songwriter (and wife of Tom Hanks) releases her second album, Rita Wilson, March 11 and will tour starting March 29 in Solana Beach, Calif. $14, amazon.com; tour dates at ritawilson.com

4 | FEBRUARY 28, 2016

FROM TOP LEFT: ISTOCK; ABC ARCHIVES/GETTY IMAGES; AP PHOTO/GREGORIO BORGIA; DAVID MCCLISTER/PBS; BRIAN CAHN/ZUMA

Edited by Alison Abbey /

DID YOU KNOW? Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who shared the role of Michelle, were chosen because they were the only twin toddlers who didn’t cry at their audition.

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How to cut your cell phone bill in half. Ask Marilyn

1. Grab your phone.

By Marilyn vos Savant

Some plastic containers are labeled "microwave safe." Aren't they all microwave safe? Sometimes the thinnest ones deform when they get too hot, but how scary is that? —Gina Gresham, Cleveland, Ohio

Plastic containers are not all safe to use in a microwave, but droopy containers aren’t the problem: It’s that some plastics leach harmful substances into the food when they become too hot, regardless of whether they appear to stay in perfect shape. So you shouldn’t use any plastic containers or other plastic items in a microwave unless they’re labeled "microwave safe" on the item itself or on the packaging, or they are packaged as part of a microwaveable food product. Don't use foam cups, bowls or plates intended for hot foods, and don’t microwave cold-food-storage containers such as cottage cheese and yogurt cartons.

2. Use our BYOP® SIM Activation Kit. Keep your 4G LTE† network and number.

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3. Sew extra big pocket on pants.

Do you have any idea why people seem never to be content with their situations in life? —Akeem Nicholas, Los Angeles, Calif.

We’re raised to be endless strivers—to aim higher and higher and never give up. Consider the well-known statement "Let your reach always exceed your grasp," which summarizes the attitude. It's a recipe for national progress, but it's also a recipe for personal discontent. Add envy, and selfsatisfaction takes a nosedive. Send questions to marilyn @ parade.com

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FEBRUARY 28, 2016 | 5

Table BASH S Community

OSCAR NIGHT

PARTY

ometimes impromptu get-togethers are the most enjoyable. This last-minute Oscar party, inspired by celeb party planner Mary Giuliani’s The Cocktail Party: Eat Drink Play Recover (Ballantine Books), wins our vote for fast food and fun. Set up an easy savory waffle bar, mix up an Academy Award–worthy cocktail and get ready to play a round of Oscar bingo! —Alison Ashton

Zorba the Greek Waffles

TOAST

TIP

SET OUT A TOASTER OVEN SO GUESTS CAN HEAT UP THEIR WINNING COMBINATION (LIKE PANASONIC’S FLASHXPRESS TOASTER OVEN WITH DOUBLE INFRARED HEATING, $150, PANASONIC.COM).

It’s as easy as toasting frozen waffles—and making them the star of a buffet full of storebought or takeout components. Try one of these themes inspired by Oscar-winning movies.

Zorba the Greek waffles + tzatziki sauce (or hummus) + cucumbers + tomatoes + olives + feta

Slumdog Millionaire waffles + tandoori chicken + saag paneer + chutney

Some Like It Hot waffles + fried chicken + hot sauce + maple syrup

DRINK Golden Boy Punch Combine 1 (750-ml) bottle sauvignon blanc, ¾ cup orange juice, ¾ cup lemon juice, 1½ Tbsp triple sec and 1½ Tbsp rum. Pour into an ice-filled punch bowl. Just before serving, stir in 1 (750-ml) bottle sparkling wine and 2 (1-liter) bottles club soda. Garnish with lemon and orange slices, pineapple and berries. Add bitters to taste. Serves 12.

PLAY

Don’t just watch the Academy Awards tonight at 7 p.m. ET on ABC. Go to Parade.com/ oscarbingo to print out our game cards.

(Adapted from The Cocktail Party: Eat Drink Play Recover by Mary Giuliani.)

6 | FEBRUARY 28, 2016

MARK BOUGHTON PHOTOGRAPHY; STYLING BY TERESA BLACKBURN

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Stand up at work. Being sedentary is so dangerous for your heart that studies show even regular exercisers who sit for prolonged periods have a heightened risk of dying from many causes. Cho recommends getting up once an hour to stretch or switching to a standing desk. Go to Parade.com/hearthealth for results from the Cleveland Clinic Heart Health Survey. FEBRUARY 28, 2016 | 7

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hristopher Chapman, 27, walks down a hallway past historic Disney memorabilia encased in glass at Marvel Studios in Burbank, Calif. He looks like any other young talent, in a gray sweater and jeans with a backpack slung over his shoulder. Chapman comes across as a quiet soul, someone colleagues might easily label the “office loner.” His conversation—typically one- to three-word answers—is torturously slow and delivered without expression. Has he seen Ant-Man, the hit for which he created the credits—nearly eight minutes of scrolling names? He shakes his head. Then, very quietly, “Nope, some of my friends have.” Do they think what he does is cool? Another awkward silence. “Yep.” Ask him what the best part of his job is and finally Chapman cracks a tiny smile. “It’s when I walk home and see the Disney Tower characters illuminated,” he says. “It makes me feel like I did something magical today.” Chapman is part of a new wave of digital effects artists: He has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental disability characterized by repetitive behaviors and difficulty with social interactions that affects 1 in 68 American children. He found his place in the entertainment industry thanks to Exceptional Minds (EM), continued on page 13

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LOCATION COURTESY MARVEL STUDIOS; WARDROBE BY STEPHANIE STRATE/AMAX; OPPOSITE PAGE FROM LEFT: EXCEPTIONAL MINDS (2); JOHN LEYBA/THE DENVER POST/GETTY IMAGES

FEEL GOOD EVERY DAY 000160622-670_DiabetesParade_Feb28_4page_PRINT.indd 1

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But just as e’d it’s smart to eat never a colorful variety limit ourselves of fresh produce, to just one it’s also a good type of fruit or idea to eat plenty vegetable. But of diff erent whole when it comes to grains. “The nutriwhole grains, we tional composition tend to stick with of broccoli is not what’s familiar: the same as the nua bowl of oattritional composition meal for breakfast, of peas. And the same whole wheat bread stands true for diff erent for our sandwich or the whole grains,” says Nicola ocasional scoop of brown McKeown, Ph.D., director rice alongside chicken and of nutritional epidemiology vegetables. at Tufts University. Not that eating lots of That’s not all. Eating oatmeal, whole wheat bread the same old brown rice or or brown rice is bad—far By Marygrace Taylor whole wheat pasta can be as from it. All whole grains are boring as wearing the same a good source of belly-filling outfi t every day. By switchfiber, which might explain ing things up, we can keep meals interesting—and stay more why one major review found that people who eat them have motivated to continue making healthy choices. less body fat than people who don’t. Research also shows that “While they’re all versatile and healthy, different types of diets rich in whole grains are associated with reduced risk for whole grains offer a chance to explore a variety of textures, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and depression as well shapes and flavors,” says Frances Largeman-Roth, R.D., food as colon and breast cancer.

EAT THE

N B I O A W R G Prevent diabetes and other chronic conditions by expanding your whole grain horizons. These new additions to your repertoire aren’t just healthy—they’re tasty.

WHOLE GRAINS VS. REFINED GRAINS You probably know that foods like bread, pasta, rice and cereals are made from grains, but do you know what makes a product “whole grain”? Every grain kernel contains three parts: the bran, germ and endosperm. Refined grains—white flour, bread and pasta—have been processed to remove the bran and germ, which also removes some of the fiber and vitamins. Whole grains contain all three parts and pack a more powerful nutritional punch, so they should make up at least half of your grain consumption, says the USDA.

ut ! ll O ve a u S P &

FEBRUARY 28, 2016 | 9

Find what you need to 000160622-670_DiabetesParade_Feb28_4page_PRINT.indd 2

and nutrition expert and author of Eating in Color. Where should you start? Right here. Each of these grains is versatile and tasty—and offers something surprising and unique in the nutritional department.

Amaranth Why it’s great: It’s one of the best whole grain sources of magnesium, a mineral that plays an important role in regulating blood pressure. “It’s also good for overall muscle health and helps your muscles relax after exercise,” says Kelly Toups, R.D., program manager of the Whole Grains Council. How to eat it: Sweet and mild, tiny amaranth grains (which are technically classified as seeds) cook up like a thick, creamy porridge that’s delicious topped with sautéed spinach. “It’s part of the spinach family, so it goes well with greens,” says chef Robin Asbell, author of The Whole Grain Promise.

Buckwheat

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Why it’s great: To do good by your gut, eat more of this fluffy, dark red grain. Buckwheat delivers prebiotics, a type of fiber that feeds the probiotic (or “good”) bacteria in your belly, supporting healthy digestion, says Toups. How to eat it: Look for toasted buckwheat groats—their rich nuttiness goes well with other intense flavors. Asbell recommends adding the uncooked groats to chocolate cookie batters for added crunch, or serving cooked buckwheat with caramelized onions and a dollop of sour cream.

Barley Why it’s great: At 6 g of fiber per cooked cup, barley packs more roughage than almost any other whole grain. Some of that fiber comes in the form of beta-glucans, an important type of soluble fiber that may play a role in preventing weight gain and high cholesterol as well as high blood sugar and diabetes. “Most grains provide insoluble fiber, but soluble fiber like betaglucans can slow digestion and bind with cholesterol inside the small intestine to help it exit the body,” Toups says. How to eat it: Mild and quick-cooking, pearl barley is ideal for adding to soups. “It’s great at absorbing flavors, so use a nice flavorful stock like beef or mushroom,” says Asbell.

Kamut What blood glucose levels should I aim for? If you have diabetes, a good fasting reading is between 70-130 mg/dL. When you’re testing an hour or 2 after you started eating, less than 180 mg/dL is ideal. For your A1C test–a measure of your average levels over a few months–a normal reading is less than 7%. WebMD does not endorse any products or treatment.

Why it’s great: This ancient strain of wheat is surprisingly high in protein, which helps you stay fuller longer and plays a role in building and maintaining muscle mass, Toups says. In fact, a cup of cooked Kamut packs nearly 10 g of protein. How to eat it: Sweet, buttery and chewy, Kamut can hold its own in grain salads with other hearty ingredients—like nuts or dried fruit, Asbell says. 10 | FEBRUARY 28, 2016

live better with diabetes Rye

2/1/16 5:12 PM

Why it’s great: Fruits and vegetables aren’t the only places to find the antioxidants that fight damaging free radicals in the body. Rye is rich in polyphenols, a family of antioxidants that may play a role in preventing heart disease and cancer. How to eat it: Try swapping up to ½³ cup of the wheat flour in baked goods for sweet rye flour, says Asbell. Rye flour retains its antioxidant activity even after baking, Toups says. (So you really can have your cake and eat it too.)

Teff Why it’s great: Not all grains pack a calcium punch, but tiny teff does, says Toups. A cup of the cooked stuff delivers more than 120 mg of this bone builder—about equal to what you’d find in half a cup of cooked spinach. How to eat it: Teff has a sweet, molasses-like flavor and a creamy texture that can help thicken soups and stews. “You could add it to chili or to a chunky sweet potato and tomato soup,” Asbell says.

Be healthy. Get rewarded.

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Go Grain Shopping You don’t have to hit an exotic health food store for a wide variety of grains—many major manufacturers are beginning to include them in cereals, bars, crackers and rice blends. Here are a few of our easy-to-find favorites.

Cheerios + Ancient Grains In a 110-calorie bowl, you’ll get a dose of crunchy quinoa/oat clusters, puffed spelt and Kamut.

Kashi Organic Promise Sprouted Grains Cereal Oats, barley, amaranth and more make up this low-fat breakfast pick.

Quaker Super Grains Apples & Cinnamon Instant Hot Cereal This filling breakfast contains 7 g of protein, thanks to oats, barley, rye, quinoa and flax.

Cape Cod Ancient Grain Tortilla Dipping Shells With quinoa, black sesame and amaranth, these dippers pack 19 g of whole grains per serving.

Seeds of Change Seven Whole Grains Swap out plain old rice for this pilaf blend made of barley, quinoa, bulgur, rye and other whole grains, available at major grocery stores. Visit Parade.com/grainbow to learn how to sneak more whole grains into your diet. FEBRUARY 28, 2016 | 11

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from page 8

a visual effects animation studio serving Hollywood that’s also a nonprofit vocational training program for young adults with autism.

ARTISTS IN TRAINING

At Exceptional Minds, located in a nondescript building close to Hollywood’s major studios, visual effects artists on the spectrum are hard at

flake melt on the actors’ faces in postproduction. Upstairs, students in the three-year training program learn the trade. Tiana Fazio, 23, giggles as she shares a picture of herself as a Simpsons character. The exaggerated cartoon likeness is spot-on. “My favorite thing is learning all the new computer programs,” says Fazio. “I like things that I have to figure out.” Fazio worked with classmate Noah Schneider, 21, on an animated short for Sesame Street called Benny’s Story, about a boy with autism. Next to her, Schneider, who is learning how to do animation sculpting

Exceptional Minds students learn visual effects in the vocational training program’s studio in Hollywood (above). Director Peyton Reed looks on as artists help bring his sci-fi adventure Ant-Man to life.

work. Ant-Man and Avengers: Age of Ultron feature their talents, as do The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2; Dawn of the Planet of the Apes; The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water and Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip. On the small screen, their work is seen in Martin Scorsese’s new HBO drama, Vinyl. In Game of Thrones, these talented artists made every fake falling snow-

in 3-D, shows off a bird flying through frames of changing backgrounds and textures. The bird seamlessly transforms from cartoonish to wood with leafy feathers. The precision work is perfect. In the downstairs professional studio, seated at rows of computers in a darkened room to reduce monitor glare, graduates of the program—now officially junior artists—are doing

the less creative but necessary work to get films ready for the big screen. They’re meticulously removing movie markers— the tiny red dots physically placed on sets to show actors where to move and editors where to trim frames—from an upcoming film. Others are intently creating lengthy credits or doing paint-out— removing unwanted objects and then filling in to seamlessly match the backdrop. All are now paid employees of EM’s studio, which wins contracts in the highly competitive postproduction bidding business. And most are earning their first-ever paychecks. It’s tedious, repetitive work requiring intense focus, meticulous attention to detail and a masterful, logical mind— unique traits of many people with autism. Matching people who have autism with work that suits their unique talents is key, says nationally renowned autism advocate and animal scientist Temple Grandin, 68 (played by Claire Danes in a 2010 Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning TV biopic). “There are different types of autistic minds: mathematicians, word thinkers, visual thinkers, pattern thinkers,” she explains. “Visual and pattern thinkers are perfect for what EM is doing.” “People with autism are totally underestimated,” says Exceptional Minds co-founder Yudi Bennett. More than 80 percent of people with disabilities, including autism, are un- or underemployed, and isolated with limited opportunities

Hiring Heroes

Autism advocate Temple Grandin (pictured), who is on the autism spectrum herself, believes people of all autistic levels can be matched to suitable jobs. “There’s a national shortage of mechanics, welders, electricians, plumbers—all highly skilled jobs that autistic people can be trained to do,” says Grandin. “Even lowerfunctioning people can do jobs like folding towels in a hotel or assembling lamps.” She says employers don’t need training to hire them. “It’s simple: Give clear tasks and outcomes and don’t give them long strings of verbal instructions.” In addition to Exceptional Minds, companies in other industries are hiring workers with special needs. •In 2007, Walgreens opened a distribution center staffed nearly 40 percent by disabled employees. The program has been a model for others, including Procter & Gamble, Best Buy and Lowe’s. •Through a partnership with the Autism Self Advocacy Network, the mortgage company Freddie Mac has been hiring paid finance interns. • Microsoft has a pilot program that hires autistic adults for coding, software programming and math jobs. •Rangam Consultants and Autism Speaks teamed up to create Spectrum Careers, a program that matches employers with workers on the autism spectrum.

FEBRUARY 28, 2016 | 13

doing unskilled, low-paying work that leaves many suffering from chronic depression. “What we’re doing here is groundbreaking,” she says. “We’re creating a model to apply to other vocations, from manufacturing and retail to music, to train and nurture young autistic adults into America’s workforce.” It’s a win for students and the industry.

A PASSION PROJECT

Bennett comes from a successful career as an assistant director of such hits as Pleasantville and Honeymoon in Vegas. Third-year student Schneider is her son. He was diagnosed with autism at age 3 and was mostly nonverbal as a child. Updated Legal Notice

“When Noah was 5, my husband Bob [Schneider] was diagnosed with cancer. He died when Noah was 8, leaving me as a single mother with an autistic only child,” Bennett recalls. “I had to decide, do I stay in my career or make my son’s life my focus?” She chose the latter. Schneider’s progress plateaued in high school (“I cried for weeks,” Bennett recalls), until a friend encouraged her to enroll him in a digital after-school program. “Within a month, Noah learned animation coding, started speaking and won age-appropriate awards for his work,” Bennett says. Propelled by his success and

SPECIAL CHARACTERS, SPECIAL MOVIES

You Could Get Money From Settlements Totaling Approximately $225 Million Eleven defendant groups and their affiliates (“Settling Defendants”) have agreed to Settlements resolving claims that they fixed the price of certain motor vehicle components. This may have caused individuals and businesses to pay more for new motor vehicles and certain replacement parts. The Settling Defendants deny any claims of wrongdoing. Am I included? You may be included if, from 1998 to 2015, you: (1) bought or leased a new motor vehicle in the U.S. (not for resale), or (2) indirectly paid for a motor vehicle replacement part (not for resale). Indirectly means you bought the replacement part from someone other than the manufacturer of the part. New motor vehicles include, but are not limited to, automobiles, cars, light trucks, pickup trucks, crossovers, vans, mini-vans, and sport utility vehicles. Visit the website, www.AutoPartsClass.com, or call 1-877-940-5043 for a full list of Settling Defendants and applicable time periods. What do the Settlements provide? The Settlements provide money for consumers in 30 states and the District of Columbia as well as non-monetary relief, including cooperation, and they also include agreements by certain Settling Defendants not to engage in certain conduct for a period of 24 months. The 30 states are: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

How can I get a payment? No money will be distributed yet. Class Counsel will pursue the lawsuits against the Non-Settling Defendants. All funds received in this case will be distributed at the conclusion of the lawsuits or as ordered by the Court. You will need to file a valid claim to receive a payment. Notice about the claims process will be provided at a later date. If you want to receive notice about the claims process or future settlements, you should register at www.AutoPartsClass.com. What are my rights? Even if you do nothing, you will be bound by the Court’s decisions concerning these Settlements. If you want to keep your right to sue the Settling Defendants regarding a particular motor vehicle component part, you must exclude yourself from that Settlement Class by April 11, 2016. If you stay in a Settlement Class, you may object to one or more of the Settlements by April 11, 2016. The Court will hold a hearing on May 11, 2016 to consider whether to approve the Settlements and approve Class Counsel’s request that up to $11.25 million be set aside for future litigation costs and expenses. Class Counsel will also request at the hearing, or at a later date, attorneys’ fees of up to one-third of the Settlement funds, plus reimbursement of costs and expenses. You or your own lawyer may appear and speak at the hearing at your own expense. If the cases are not dismissed or settled, Class Counsel will have to prove their claims against the Non-Settling Defendants at trial. Date for the trials have not been set yet.

For More Information or to Register: 1-877-940-5043 www.AutoPartsClass.com

Academy Award winners Rain Man (1988) and Forrest Gump (1994) remain the seminal movies showcasing the realities of autism. Here are a few others. 1. Mozart and the Whale (2005) Josh Hartnett and Radha Mitchell play characters with Asperger’s syndrome (a form of autism) working to build a relationship in this drama based on a true love story. 2. I Am Sam (2001) Sean Penn was nominated for an Oscar for his role as an autistic single father struggling to gain custody of his daughter. 3. Little Man Tate (1991) Jodie Foster directed and starred in this feature about a single mom trying to protect her gifted son, who has Asperger’s syndrome. 4. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) Leonardo DiCaprio’s stellar performance as Johnny Depp’s autistic younger brother earned him Oscar and Golden Globe nominations.

her late husband’s dedication to answering the “What’s next?” question for autistic young adults after they leave school, Bennett got together with other families, pooled resources, formed the nonprofit in 2009 and in 2011 opened Exceptional Minds. And now her son is thriving. The vibrant red and black walls at Exceptional Minds are adorned with movie posters, and state-of-the-art after-effects technology takes center stage in the classrooms and studio. But a set of fake life-size elevator doors stuck to a wall hints at other important skills students 14 | FEBRUARY 28, 2016

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learn at EM. It’s a reminder that a concise “elevator pitch” can be the step toward stardom. If an A-list actor on the ride to the lobby asks EM grads what they do, they need to be ready to articulate it quickly. That’s challenging for anyone, but for autistic people, who vary from painfully shy to overly talkative, it’s a particularly puzzling skill. That kind of interpersonal know-how is just as important as the technical expertise students learn, says program director Ernie Merlan, who brought 20 years of experience to Exceptional Minds, including 12 as an Imagineer at Disney. “We teach them how to introduce themselves, conduct themselves in an interview, even how to dress and hygiene habits, which many autistic people just don’t get,” he explains. Fazio reels off the skills she’s mastered: “I’ve learned that it’s important to be on time, dress professionally, do the project they ask me to do, be patient when

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someone is critical and let them know where I am at all times.” Schneider has also picked up lessons that would be helpful for any young adult entering the workforce. “I learned about advocating for myself and being responsible,” he says. “I also learned about accepting feedback and applying it.” Acquiring those kinds of basic skills was life-changing for EM studio artist David Miles, 26, an exuberant fast-talker. “My story’s like a movie when a protagonist is trying to figure out what to do and I was having a quarter-life crisis and I saw a segment on the news about Exceptional Minds and animation appeals to me so”—he takes a big breath—“I talked to my parents and came on a tour and it felt like a place where I would click and I moved out of my parents’ house, which has challenges, like figuring out plumbing problems and changing my own light bulbs but”—another inhale—“I’m now more confident and optimistic.” The program earns another thumbs-up from grads and their families for how it helps students and EM graduates progress toward independent living, make friends and socialize. “It’s beyond most parents of ASD kids’ wildest dreams,” says Bennett.

MAKING THE DREAMS COME TRUE

Exceptional Minds studio visual FX executive producer Susan Zwerman has arguably the hardest job: getting incoming bids and pounding movie-lot pavement to convince industry bigwigs to hire her qualified-yet-quirky artists. The courting starts every Thursday, when she invites studio production execs to tour EM. “The minute we got to EM I knew I wanted Marvel to be a part of this,” says Victoria Alonso, Marvel Studios’ executive vice president of physical production. “People with autism have a remarkable talent we need. They need a place where they can have a future. And we [as society] need to make change. It was a perfect symbiosis. I was 100 percent in.” Zwerman was ecstatic when Marvel called with an opening she felt suited EM graduate Chapman—and anxious when he started his job. Though extremely talented at his craft, Chapman is excruciatingly quiet and shy. She needn’t have worried. He’s excelling at his job and has been able to deal with typical workplace distractions. “I knew when I committed to Chris that I’d be holding the banner,” says Alonso. “He’s relentlessly efficient. It’s a privilege to have him on the team.” Chapman’s managers strategically structure his workload to avoid abrupt change. “We give Chris work that is steady, and if there’s a change midstream we let him finish,” she explains. “We want him to succeed.” Her message to other employers? “People with autism are smart, detail oriented and dedicated. They show up. They don’t quit. That’s what we need. From the bottom of my heart, it’s a no-brainer.” Visit Parade.com/effects to see some of the amazing work done by Exceptional Minds students. 18 | FEBRUARY 28, 2016

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