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The Best Source for Cultural and Consumer News

Fall 2011

Dream Realized: MLK Memorial Open At Last

Auto Manufacturers Generously Support MLK Memorial

For the Holidays Our Experts Show You: > High-Tech Gifts Everyone Will Want > The Hottest Holiday Movies > Romantic Winter Vacation Destinations

> Clever Entertaining Tips > How To Be A "Wrap" Star > Smart Winter Skin Care Tips

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Written by Lyndon Conrad Bell

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2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible

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Sound Board Theater MotorCity Casino Hotel Detroit, Michigan

SunDay January 8, 2012

sixteenth annual urban wheel awards The Official MulTiculTural evenT Of The nOrTh aMerican inTernaTiOnal auTO ShOw Proceeds to benefit the Emerging Diversity Education Fund (Scholarships, Internships, and Mentoring)

Join celebrities, executives, international media, government representatives, and the multicultural community to celebrate diversity in the automotive industry

award categorieS: Company of the Year Executive of the Year Supplier of the Year Dealer of the Year Urban Car, Truck & Green Vehicle Awards Lifetime Achievement/Pioneer Awards

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The Best Source for Cultural and Consumer News Volume 3 | Issue 3 | fall 2011

Publisher: Randi Payton Editor-in-Chief: Lyndon Conrad Bell.

Editorial Director: Joyce Gates

The holiday Issue!

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Art Director: Fran Sherman Editors-at-Large: Mary M. Chapman, Christopher Jackson, Valerie Menard Senior Editors: Warren Brown, Brian Armstead contributing writers: Sheryll Alexander, Lori Downes, Gayle Fleming, Wendy Ida, Chris Mendoza, Joan Stanford, Joanne Tucker

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Multimedia Manager: Rich Baron web development: Thuan Ngo decisive Media Headquarters: 8201 Corporate Drive ,Suite 500 Landover, MD 20785 T. 301,850.2858 • F. 301.390.1825

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President & CEO: Randi Payton Vice President: Karen Payton Production/Distribution: Joyce Gates Business Manager: Damon Redmond

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Sales Director: Karen Payton DECISIVE MEDIA DETROIT: Leonard Corbin EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Jane Godshall Multimedia Marketing: Richard Baron event director: Marjorie Staten DECISIVE magazine © 2011 is published four times annually as a newspaper-delivered publication and digital e-magazine by Decisive Multi-Media, Inc. Your complete resource for research and opinion on consumer products and services.

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For licensing and reprints of Decisive/Decisive Auto content, contact Nick Iademarco at Wright’s Media, Niademarco@wrightsmedia.com, Toll Free 877-652-5295

A sexy winter vacation can have a positive effect on a romantic relationship. Whether you prefer being sequestered away among snowy peaks or desire a tropical flair in the air, we’ve got you covered.

keep the glow you know Cold winter weather is tough on Black skin. The hawk just loves to sap the moisture right out of it. These tips will help you maintain a healthy glow all winter long. Yes, you can be all bundled up without being ashy too. Here’s how.

going gren to save green Does it really make sense to spend money to heat the outside of your home? Of course not. That’s why we’ve got these tips for you on how to winterize your home in a green fashion. Blue jean insulation anyone?.

a dream realized The MLK memorial stands proudly on the Capitol Mall at last. One of the driving forces behind its arrival was a spate of generous contributions by some of the largest auto companies in America. And yes, we’re naming names and pointing fingers.

departments:

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Cover II: Urban Wheel Awards – UrbanWheelAwards.com Page 1: Decisive Digital – DecisiveMagazine.com Page 18: Hyundai Motor America – HyundaiUSA.com Page 19: Toyota Motor Sales – Toyota.com Page 20: Volkswagen of America – VW.com

04 Holiday Gift Guide 06 Budget Gift Wrapping Tips 07 Holiday Entertaining Tips 08 Avoiding Winter Illnesses 09 Best New Holiday Movies

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publisher notes

Urban Wheel Awards:

savethedate Decisive Media and the Emerging Diversity Education Fund will be producing the 16th Annual Urban Wheel Awards (UWA), on January 8, 2012, at the SoundBoard Theater in the MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit. The 16th is of special importance, as the executive committee of the world's largest auto show and number one revenue-producing event in the U.S. has named UWA the only Official Multicultural Event of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

This world class premier networking event and global marketing initiative is attended by hundreds of media, automotive executives, businesses, politicians, celebrities, and community and trade organizations who come together to promote multicultural consumer awareness of auto manufacturers, vehicles, technology, suppliers, dealers, community service, and other areas within the auto industry.

The Urban Wheel Awards also honor companies and individuals who have significantly embraced diversity in their business practices.

This recognition by the NAIAS Executive Committee is a true testament of the level of global awareness we have fostered to ensure all aspects of diversity are acknowledged, promoted and celebrated during its premier automotive event. This year is even more significant because William “Bill” Perkins serves as the first African-American chairman of the North American International Auto Show for 2012.

Make your plans to attend the UWA and honor Bill at his reception that day.

We will also salute four Company of the Year winners, as well as the Dealer of the Year, Supplier of the Year, and the Urban Car, Truck and Green Vehicle of the Year. Additionally, a myriad of other awards will be presented for diversity marketing and advertising initiatives. And here, it is my pleasure to announce

for the first time anywhere, the 2012 UWA Company of the Year awardees will be Chrysler Group, LLC, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. The most significant community project of this decade is the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. As such, we are featuring a special section in this issue on those auto companies who have stepped up to the plate to help fulfill this dream by donating millions to the project. We will also recognize those companies in a special tribute at the UWA. As we’ve said many times, our mission is to help you make informed decisions on autos, consumer products and services.

To more readily facilitate this, starting with this issue, the digital mobile editions of our magazines are now available to you at no charge. Subscribe, then take us with you on your iPhone, Android, iPad, laptop, and other mobile devices. Please share this news with your family, friends and co-workers.

Visit us on the Web for more, and sign up for our newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter feeds to receive the latest consumer news—from a culturally relevant perspective.

Randi Payton Publisher Decisive Media

fall 2011 | www.DecisiveMagazine.com

3

technology

technology

personal

2012 Holiday Hi-Tech Gift Guide written by Lyndon Conrad Bell.

With the gift-giving season right around the corner, we spent some time scouring the tech shelves to bring you the most interesting hi-tech gift ideas we could find. With these devices, those on your gift list will be able to better share home video with friends; use an iPad as a productive tool; route audio and video over their home network; talk on their cell phone—handsfree—with absolutely no background noise; get an extraordinary 3D TV experience bigger than ever before; and never get lost again.

3M Camcorder Projector The new Camcorder Projector from 3M blends mobile projection technology with a digital camera capable of recording HD video and 5MP still images. Perfect for capturing footage from kids’ soccer games, school plays and concerts, or holiday celebrations, the Camcorder Projector from 3M makes it easy to shoot – and share – photos and videos at the touch of a button, virtually anywhere. Available in white with red or black accents for an estimated price of $299, the Camcorder Projector from 3M also features a built-in speaker and microphone. www.Shop3M.com

Belkin Keyboard Folio The iPad is a wondrous device, but typing on its virtual keyboard doesn’t give the same tactile response a normal keyboard does. Plus, your friend is going to have to get some sort of a case for their iPad anyway. For just $99, you can get them the Keyboard Folio—an all-inone Bluetooth keyboard and protective folio solution for the iPad 2. The Keyboard Folio features TruType keys for a comfortable, computer-style typing experience and complements the functionality of the iPad 2 with separate, adjustable modes for viewing and typing. www.Belkin.com

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D-Link HD Media Router 2000 These days, TV sets can pull programming off the net, mobile devices can communicate wirelessly with home networks to display audio and video on big screens, and of course there’s still the traditional ways to use the Internet—all going on at the same time—over the same router. Designed to optimize a home’s Wi-Fi signal and provide increased and continuous Internet strength, the HD Media Router 2000 offers advanced wireless connectivity enabling seamless high-quality HD streaming, gaming without lag time and uninterrupted VoIP calling. For $169.99, D-Link’s new HD Media Router 2000 also provides increased signal strength and uninterrupted streaming of HD videos and music across the home network, or extra bandwidth for secure, fast connectivity to otherwise hard-to-reach places. www.DLinkshop.com Mitsubishi 3D DLP Home Cinema TV Those New Year’s bowl games and holiday specials will look absolutely spectacular on a new $2599, 73-inch, MITSUBISHI WD-73840 3D DLP set. And, if 73-inches isn’t big enough, how does an 82- or even a 92-inch screen strike you? Mitsubishi’s DLP screens deliver a high quality picture, ideal for fast action like sports, gaming and movies. Complete with Internet connectivity, Mitsubishi’s 3D TVs can stream the latest content from the Web or a compatible mobile device. Further, DLP TV technology delivers the most compelling 3D pictures, and is the same technology used in 90 percent of 3D movie theaters. www.Mitsubishi-TV.com Jabra Supreme The first Bluetooth telephone headset incorporating Active Noise Cancellation technology, the Jabra Supreme actively reduces background noise to enhance the listening experience during a call. Its wind noise reduction technology also makes calling in windy weather conditions smooth and hassle-free. The patented Flip-Boom arm unfolds to switch the Supreme on. Folding it back switches it off for storage. The $99 Jabra Supreme’s headset is adjustable to achieve the best fit and placement according to individual needs. Its flexible ear hook is easily adjustable and its on-the-ear shape sits securely in place – ensuring maximum comfort for all day usage. www.Jabra.com

TomTom GO LIVE 1535 M The world’s first portable navigation device to come with a suite of popular travel apps, the TomTom GO LIVE 1535M combines the most comprehensive road and traffic information from TomTom HD Traffic—with the insight of travel-related apps. These new features provide the information needed on a dedicated device designed to offer the best navigation experience.

With these apps, users can read restaurant reviews, find hotel availability, or automatically tweet arrival times without ever leaving the car. Additionally, they’ll have access to updated fuel prices, weather forecasts, and Local Search. The $249 TomTom GO LIVE 1535M comes with a free 12-month subscription to TomTom LIVE Services. www.TomTom.com d D

fall 2011 | www.DecisiveMagazine.com

5

money

how to be a

“wrap�star

Five Tips For Wrapping Beautiful Gifts On a Budget

A beautifully wrapped gift can make any present look like a million bucks.

Fortunately, you don't have to be a gift-wrap expert to make your gifts shine. Follow these simple, inexpensive tips for giving the perfect present every time.

1. Be prepared. Stock up on wrapping paper, tissue paper, bows and gift bags at discount stores like Dollar General. Pre-and post-holiday sales provide great opportunities to stock up on the essentials. Pick some neutral designs, and you'll be ready for birthdays and other celebrations as well as the holidays. And don't forget necessities such as tape, scissors and pens.

2. Keep it simple. Wrapping doesn't have to be elaborate to be beautiful. Combine a solid wrapping paper with a patterned bow. Or, go for a funky look by mixing polka dot paper with plaid ribbon. Use pre-made bows to ensure the perfect bow. No time to shop for gift-wrap?

Use the comics section from the Sunday paper for fun and colorful gift-wrap.

3. Box it up. Wrap your gifts easily with boxes, tins or bags that need no adornment or accessorizing. Solid color gift bags can be used yearround by simply placing your gift in the bag with a few sheets of tissue paper. Take advantage of the festive, fun and inexpensive boxes and tins at discount stores. They make baked goods and small gifts look special with little effort.

4. Use scrapbook trim. Put your scrapbooking expertise to work when wrapping gifts. Stickers and embellishments typically used for scrapbooking are great for putting special touches on presents. With the variety of tools and accessories available, it's easy and inexpensive to personalize your gift.

5. Accessorize with style. Adorn your package with something other than a bow. Does the recipient have a sweet tooth? Top things off with a candy cane or wrapped cookie. Add a personal touch with a keepsake ornament or small picture frame with the photo of a grandchild or favorite pet. Unique accessories will impress friends and family before they even open the present.d D

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home life

making“merry”!

Six Tips to Ease the Holiday Hustle

The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but they are also the busiest. As your guest list grows, so does your grocery list and the piles of laundry and dirty dishes.

But there's no need to be a Grinch. Turn on the holiday cheer by taking advantage of some simple tips from the experts in Whirlpool brand's test kitchens: 1. Prepare ahead. Over-estimate the number of guests expected to attend, and bring full recipes to the grocery store to make sure every ingredient makes it home. This can help you avoid being a plate short or having to dig out old frosting for the last batch of cookies.

2. Make sure the refrigerator can handle your shopping list. French-door refrigerators offer wide shelf space to keep large cakes and deli trays fresh leading up to the big holiday meal.

A side-by-side refrigerator may fit the bill if fresh ingredients typically fill the shopping cart.

3. Make it a team effort. Kids can help wash potatoes or arrange platters, and everyone can help clean up. Also, keeping recipes handy in plastic sleeves ensures everyone is on the same page.

4. Put appliances to work for you. Convection cooking allows you to bake potatoes and roast turkeys much faster than a traditional oven, while a double oven range can cook two different meals at once, toast crusty breads or keep one dish warm.

"Holiday cooks no longer have to play musical pans when trying to broil steaks and warm rolls at the same time, thanks to new doubleoven ranges," says Monica Teague, senior manager, brand experience, Whirlpool. "In addition, knowing how to properly load the dishwasher can ease clean-up once everyone is stuffed. Greasy pots and pans go on the bottom rack face-down or at a slight angle for optimal cleaning, and delicate stemware stay up top, where water pressure is not as strong."

5. Don't overlook laundry as guests shuffle in and out. Pre-sorting clothes into designated baskets for lights, darks and whites can streamline the process, while some of latest features enable consumers to do laundry at times that fit their hectic holiday schedule.

6. Fit in a quick nap—and a load of laundry— before the guests arrive. That way the holiday season will feel more "Merry" than "Maddening." d D

The Image above is courtesy of Black Art Depot, whose line of African-American holiday greeting cards can be found at BlackArtDepot.com.

fall 2011 | www.DecisiveMagazine.com

7

health/fitness

keep

“cooties” at bay

New Probiotic Targets Harmful Bacteria

The infectious disease known to children as "cooties" may not really exist, but the idea of advancing germs jumping from classmate to classmate isn't very far off.

Despite all efforts to the contrary, schools tend to be a receptacle for all kinds of bad bacteria and germs, particularly in winter months. Most harmful bacteria are absorbed through the mouth, which can lead to ear infections, sore throats, colds, even gum disease.

Kids will be kids, and sometimes it's impossible to stop them from shoving every little object into their mouths—which is why germ-related illnesses, like cooties, can spread quickly.

Researchers at BLIS Technologies and Otago University in New Zealand recently discovered a new type of probiotic that, in early clinical trials, can help keep cooties away.

Unlike current probiotics on grocery store shelves meant for digestion, this probiotic is for the mouth. There, beneficial probiotic bacteria can help defend kids and adults from germs that cause a variety of unpleasant conditions—sore throats, ear aches, persistent sniffles and more.

In the U.S. this new probiotic is now being introduced at Walgreens stores under the TheraBreath label. TheraBreath Multi Symptom Oral Care Probiotics is the first product that effectively targets hostile bacteria in the oral cavity and throat, where the majority of

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illness-causing germs enter the body.

The probiotic also protects teeth from bacterial cavities and tooth decay as it reduces plaque and biofilm.

The patented strain has been shown to break up the natural glue that allows these substances to stick to tooth and gum tissue. As biofilm is removed, teeth even regain a natural whiter luster. TheraBreath improves overall gum health and strengthens germ resistance.

For more info about oral care, visit www.TheraBreath.com/Probiotics. d D

entertainment

2011holidaymovies While the melanin drought continues in Hollywood through the Holiday movie season for African-American thespians, there are a few spots of color to be found in the mainstream offerings for 2011.

Eddie Murphy and Academy Award Nominee Gadbourey Sidibe (Precious) team in a caper film. Hip Hop artist turned actor—Common and tap dancer Savion Glover contribute their talents to an animated motion picture. And, the screen absolutely radiates with the scintillating beauty of Paula Patton, who is nicely offset by Ving Rhames in a thrilling action turn.

Happy Feet 2 Featuring Common and Savion Glover The sequel to the Oscar-winning hit Happy Feet finds tap-dancing penguin “Mumble” and his pals using their smooth moves to save the penguin nation. “Mumble” now has a family and his young son, “Erik”, is just finding his footing among his fellow emperor penguins.

When a dire new threat thrusts the future of the penguin nation into jeopardy, they band together to dance the darkness away.

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol Featuring Paula Patton and Ving Rhames The Kremlin has been bombed, and blame has fallen on the Impossible Mission Force (IMF). As a result, the president initiates Ghost Protocol, and accuses the IMF of placing the bomb in an attempt to incite a global nuclear war. “Ethan Hunt” assembles his team to

uncover the truth, using every high-tech trick in the book. But this time they're on their own, and should they be caught, the entire world could be plunged into a nightmare from which there is no waking up.

Tower Heist Featuring Eddie Murphy and Gadbourey Sidibe Workers at a posh Central Park condominium plot to steal back their pensions from a thieving Wall Street billionaire about to get away with the ultimate white-collar crime. Financial giant “Arthur Shaw” has just been placed under house arrest in his luxury New York City penthouse for cleaning out his investors to the tune of two billion dollars.

The tower staffers who entrusted Shaw with their retirement funds learn they are about to lose their life earnings, and recruit “Slide”, a crafty swindler to help get their money back, by any means he can. d D

fall 2011 | www.DecisiveMagazine.com

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Romant ic travel

top

u.s. winter destinations

To Heat Up Your Winter Written by Sheryll Alexander

Winter is always

perfect for a romantic getaway. In cold climates, couples can cozy up to roaring fires and be inspired by craggy white-capped mountains.

And what could be more sensual than fleeing freezing temps for lush, hot tropical shores? Here are four of the country’s most romantic winter destinations—guaranteed to warm up your relationship.

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stowe, Vermont Hurricane Irene’s thunder didn’t diminish the irresistible romantic appeal of Vermont’s Green Mountain towns, especially the ever-charming Stowe. More than a ski resort, Stowe is home to some of the most lover-worthy resorts, inns and B&Bs in the country. The award-winning Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa also features plenty of water therapy for couples who love the ultimate relaxation of spa living. At the resort’s luxurious spa, hot pools inside show off winter’s beauty outside through giant picture windows while you sit underneath a faux waterfall. Play it right and Vermont’s hot-cold healing water therapies can soothe and heat up your relationship all at the same time.

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on

rm

ve

San Antonio A long walk outside in the warm winter air with millions of holiday lights twinkling is really romantic, right?

San Antonio’s “River Walk” is festooned each year with 1.8 million holiday lights (which are mostly now eco-friendly LED lamps). Add 200 trees dressed in 10,000 lights each to 20 stone bridges and San Antonio becomes a lover’s paradise at night. Hotel Valencia Riverwalk’s casually elegant living room or its scenic veranda are both perfect for sipping a Mexicanstyle hot chocolate with your beloved. Ready for even more romance?

On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December, the River Walk is lined with almost 6,000 magical luminarias. Also share some of the city’s other annual events such as the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza, a tamales festival at historic Pearl Brewery, La Gran Posada and the Hecho a Meno Fine Arts and Crafts Market.

Seattle For those who don’t want to deal with snow, Seattle’s gray fog and sparkling watersides makes the heart swoon and temperatures rise. Couples cozy up at inviting coffeehouses, Euro-style bistros and gastro pubs. Seattle’s most romantic property is Hotel Sorrento. Countless couples have been engaged and married at this historic landmark, recently renovated to reflect modern elegance. The cozy Fireside Room has a warming fireplace and live jazz on the weekends, while The Hunt Club is decked out in plush velvet chairs. Hotel Sorrento is also known as having the most comfortable white fluffy beds in Seattle, especially in its penthouse suite (with a private veranda!).

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key west The tropical scenery and laid-back attitude on Key s West makes romance almost mandatory. Plus, Key West’s remote location gives it that “what happens on Key West stays on Key West” vibe. Endless summer lives here in the crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, breezy palm trees, refreshing cocktails, super fresh seafood and charming accommodations. Consider taking your relationship to a private island. Yes, Little Palm Island Resort is located three miles off Key West on Little Torch Key. The resort features 30 thatched-roof bungalows surrounded by lush landscaping and private docks. Take a water taxi right from your love hut to Key West, which offers romantic strolls, fine dining and hot nightlife.d ke

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Sheryll Alexander, an unapologetic romantic, also runs a news media agency based in Costa Mesa, California.

fall 2011 | www.DecisiveMagazine.com

11

beauty

winter’s wonderful with 12

radiantskin Five Winter Skin Care Tips

decisive magazine | www.DecisiveMagazine.com

Written by Joan Burke Stanford

As we pack away swimsuits and pull out heavy sweaters and cute coats, keeping warm is only half the battle; protecting our skin and keeping it radiant is the other.

During winter, humidity drops and temperatures plummet, which can lead to dry, dull and ashy.

“The winter months can be particularly brutal for people of color.

Frigid temperatures can zap the moisture right out of our skin,” says Michelle Howard, President of Reviyve, a personal care e-company and creator of Blended Naturals, a handcrafted line of face, bath and body products for women of various shades and colors.

However, with proper care your skin can be beautiful year round. The following are just a few tips to help you “go for the glow” with flawless skin—while rocking boots and parkas.

1. Moisturize to hydrate skin.

Check the labels of your moisturizer. Water and oil do mix.

“There are many products on the market claiming to be moisturizers. Unfortunately, a lot of them are marketing hype. In order for a moisturizer to be so, the first ingredient must be water. Water is the only source of moisture,” says Howard. “Along with water, should be a natural oil like jojoba, coconut, shea, almond or olive. Natural oils lock the moisture into the skin. Mineral oil is not recommended. It's a lubricant that sits on top of the skin and is incapable of properly locking in moisture.”

2. Take warm showers versus hot.

Procter & Gamble beauty scientists conducted a survey and found hot showers and baths are two of the leading factors in dry skin.

Although taking a nice hot shower sounds delightful when you’ve been outdoors practically freezing, skin care specialists recommend taking a warm shower instead. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils and breaks down the lipid barrier—the skin’s natural protective membrane.

Always apply moisturizer immediately after a shower, while your skin is still damp, to help seal in the moisture.

3. Stock up on flax seed oil.

Studies show flax seed oil increases internal hydration.

“Flax seed oil is also helpful for preventing premature wrinkles. It can be taken internally as a supplement or applied externally,” says Howard. “However, if you have oily skin, it should be used sparingly.

High in essential fatty acids, flax seed oil can increase the skin’s oil production.”

4. Humidify for healthy looking skin.

Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry air.

When it’s cold outside, we crank up the central heater or furnace, which dries the air. Consider using a humidifier. Alternatively, you can buy houseplants, as they release moisture vapor during photosynthesis, silently adding moisture to the air. A good choice is the Areca palm tree, dubbed “the most efficient air humidifier” by MetaEfficient.

5. Use sunscreen.

You only need sunscreen when you’re in the hot sun is a myth.

Even with colder temperatures, the sun’s ultraviolet rays are still powerful and you should continue to protect your skin. This is especially true for skiers. For women of color, a sunscreen with SPF 15 should be sufficient.

If you pamper your skin during winter, you’ll be ready with radiant, glowing skin in spring and summer. Remember, your skin is your body’s largest organ, so treat it with care.d D

Joan Burke Stanford covers beauty, health and small business topics. Visit her website at www. jazzypen.com

fall 2011 | www.DecisiveMagazine.com

13

green living

greenerhome retrofitting a

Energy Efficiency Alone Does Not A "Green" Home Make Written by Gayle Fleming, EcoBroker

A question I get quite often from clients is; “If I want a greener home, where do I start?”

Sadly, I have to respond there are no national standards for what a “green” home really is. While the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) has the most recognized green building, retrofitting and remodeling standards in the country, there are a number of other organizations—all with different standards. Among the better known are Build It Green, The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and Built Green.

Then, there are often local standards to consider too.

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So, whose standards do you use?

Right now, in the Washington, D.C. metro area where I do business, there aren’t a lot of new homes being built to any particular "green" standards.

Many builders are building to Energy Star standards—but energy efficiency alone does not a "green" home make.

Plus, with the exception of the USGBC’s, most of these ratings are for new construction. Most of the people asking the question are just trying to figure out what they should do to upgrade and retrofit their older existing homes—either the one they’re buying or the one they’re selling—to make them more eco-friendly.

What is the first thing you should do?

Reducing your energy consumption is one of the most important and cost effective things to do first. This isn't necessarily sexy like putting in cork or bamboo floors or ice stone countertops. But it will have a measurable effect on reducing your impact on dwindling and non-renewable resources, as well as significantly reducing utility bills. Even if your home is only ten years old, it is probably pretty energy inefficient.

First, insulate.

I know—borrrrrrring.

So use the money you save on utility bills to buy an iPad or something.

Because here’s the rub—the cost of heating and cooling a home is 50 to 60 percent of the total energy bill. A few hundred dollars spent on insulation can cut a home’s energy bill by up to 20 percent per year.

There are many different types of insulation, so I’m not going to discuss them all here. However, I will say one should research and choose carefully, as there are environmental concerns for many of them. In particular, many can contribute to indoor air quality issues. My personal favorite insulation is made from blue jeans. It’s the ultimate in reduce, reuse, and recycle thinking.

Second, air seal.

Yes—equally unexciting.

But, like insulation, air sealing ends paying good money to heat and cool the outside of your home. You can find many leaks on your own simply by feeling for air coming in around doors and windows. However, many significant leaks also come from holes in attics, basements and crawl spaces.

These can be harder to find and a much bigger energy waster.

Fortunately though, it’s also an easy one to solve.

Consider a professional energy audit. Energy auditors use equipment such as infrared cameras and blower doors, to suss out all the leaks in your home. Some state energy departments have programs that are either free or available for a nominal fee.

While there has yet to be established a firm set of guidelines for what constitutes a green home, there are a number of things you can do to edge your home closer to the ideal. With insulation and careful air sealing, you can save yourself considerable money and conserve resources for all of us.d D

fall 2011 | www.DecisiveMagazine.com

15

driving the Auto Industry Funding helped build MLK Monument written by Mary M. Chapman

Conceived more than two decades ago, the vaunted Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is finally reality, a physical paean to the life and legacy of a globally known giant who gave his life for social change.

The memorial, to be officially unveiled Oct. 16, is permanently installed on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., aligned along the axis of the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials, and thus with the larger democratic ideals informing King's deeds.

And several automakers helped make it happen.

General Motors Corp. alone has contributed ten million dollars to the effort, plus other help like in-kind marketing support. "When we were asked some years ago if we'd consider helping to build the memorial, we absolutely said that was something that was the right thing to do," explained Eric Peterson, U.S. vice president, diversity, adding that Chevrolet, in particular, has been involved, marked by its "I Have a Dream" ad campaign. "It was a no-brainer to say yes. Dr. King and his legacy...this is the moral compass for our country."

Leading up to the dedication, officiated by President Obama, GM has participated in the Global Leaders for Peace International Salute Gala; the Chevrolet Media breakfast; the Women Who Dare to Dream Luncheon; and the Chevrolet Table of Brotherhood, a tour that made stops in Atlanta, Chicago and Memphis before culminating in Washington, D.C., and which helped raise awareness of the memorial through organized conversations about issues as relevant today as when King spoke of them in the 1960’s.

Said Ty Christian, the memorial project's chief marketing strategist: "We had a chance to work with GM particularly, and this year they helped us step up marketing efforts by helping us co-produce the Table of Brotherhood campaign, moderated by Roland Martin. We ended up with an outstanding spot."

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For its part, Ford Motor Company Fund contributed two million dollars to memorial realization. "Ford is a company with a long legacy and history of recognizing achievement in this country," said Pamela Alexander, director of community development, Ford Motor Company Fund. "It was important we be a major sponsor of recognition of Dr. King and all he represents to the country and the world.

Alexander noted Ford is also a key supporter of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, housed in the Lorraine Motel, where King was assassinated. "There are so many ways in which we recognize the legacy of Dr. King," she said.

Toyota Motor Corp. also forked over two million dollars. Christian said Toyota was extremely helpful in its overall support. For one thing, the manufacturer created a display showing what the memorial would

a century has turned and still his dream leads us forward.

of peace and hope continue to impact the nation and the world while inspiring Hyundai to continue to be a company of bold ideas, big goals and big dreams."

Volkswagen also contributed one million dollars to the kitty. The project, estimated to cost $120 million, broke ground in 2006. "This donation is a concrete memorial to Volkswagen Group's longstanding commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion," said Jonathan Browning, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. "We see it as a way to thank our customers and employees across this great country that represent every creed and color. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood for hope, freedom and justice. Volkswagen is proud to be among the many groups to honor his life and his message. We are grateful to be part of this historic moment."

Harry Johnson, president and CEO of the memorial fund, said the thrust to involve automakers began in 2001. "GM did it because of what Dr. King stood for in terms of diversity. "Detroit in particular was very much a civil rights stage during that era— in terms of propelling men and women into unions and the middle class," he said. "In fact, Detroit helped finance Dr. King in the movement."

In terms of the memorial, he said the automakers also bring in, for support, suppliers such as Vitech International and Johnson Controls, Inc. "All those automakers brought with them their employees who participated in the effort because their companies were involved," Johnson said. "They also offered up their financial expertise."

He said the success of the 2001 automotive fundraising thrust encouraged the memorial fund to subsequently focus annually on specific industries.

"It set in motion the whole theory we should single out areas year by year, like banking," Johnson explained. "But ultimately, we are where we are based on the confidence the industry had in this overall project. d Maquette of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial’s Stone of Hope. Image credit: Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project

Generations have passed,

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look like. "They took it to a number of their key facilities across the country," he explained.

Discussion of a possible memorial began in earnest in 1984. Two years later, President Clinton signed congressional legislation proposing establishment of a memorial in Washington honoring King. Fast forward to establishment of the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial, whose mission has been to commemorate King's life and work through the project's collaborative funding, design and construction. The memorial, which is at the intersection of West Basin Drive Southwest and Independence Avenue Southwest, features cherry blossoms, water integration, a plaza and a granite inscription wall, among other things.

Hyundai added one million dollars. "Hyundai Motor America is proud to support the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial project foundation as a lead donor, and serve as platinum sponsor of the dream gala," said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai of America. Dr. King's vision

At Toyota, we celebrate differences and the people who make them. On August 28, the Martin Luther King, Jr.

Memorial opens in Washington, D.C. May all who visit be inspired to carry on the legacy of Dr. King.

The dream continues. Toyota is a proud supporter of the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc.

MLKmemorial.org

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fall 2011 | www.DecisiveMagazine.com

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This is more than a bridge.

Usually if Hyundai were going to feature a bridge in their ad, it would have a car on it. But this bridge is different. Events that happened on this bridge led to the Voting Rights Act—a huge turning point in the civil rights movement. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a symbolic march to this bridge days after peaceful demonstrators were attacked here while protesting their right to vote. The Edmund Pettus Bridge is not too far from our Montgomery, AL, plant and is a symbol to us of his dedication to his dream. Hyundai is committed to supporting his dream and is a proud sponsor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial. Visit MLKmemorial.org and HyundaiUSA.com/Diversity.

Hyundai is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor America. All rights reserved. Š2011 Hyundai Motor America.

a century has turned and still his dream leads us forward.

Maquette of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial’s Stone of Hope. Image credit: Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project

Generations have passed,

At Toyota, we celebrate differences and the people who make them. May all who visit the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. be inspired to carry on the legacy of Dr. King. The dream continues. Toyota is a proud supporter of the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc.

Š2011

MLKmemorial.org

A proud supporter of the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial, the Volkswagen Group of America is thoroughly committed to the principles of diversity and inclusiveness. Supporting the memorial is our way of expresing our thanks and appreciation to our customers and employees, who represent every race, creed and color across America.

vw.com