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Fergie's controversial national anthem and missteps at the Olympics why bullying needs to stop
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USA's Shaun White won the Men's Halfpipe Snowboard at the Phoenix Snow Park during day five of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games in South Korea on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018. - photo by Carmen Rasmusen Herbert
Why is it that everyone has to be so critical of anyone in the spotlight?

We have been glued to our TV these last few weeks cheering on members of Team USA, watching these phenomenal athletes from our country ride the roller coaster of heartache and triumph. But Ive been appalled at the downright cruel comments that have streamed in over everything from Shaun White dragging the U.S. flag behind him after winning his third gold medal in the mens halfpipe, to the complaints that Nathan Chen let his country down with his short program performance (after which he said screw it and used that setback to launch himself into Olympic history by landing five clean quad jumps during his free skate).

Lindsey Vonns own father said he wasnt thrilled with her bronze medal, saying it reminded him of something that Buddy Werner used to say: theres two places in the race, first and last, and I only want one of them.

But the latest thing in sports that has received massive criticism wasnt at an Olympic event. It was at the NBA All-Star Game, and it was "The Star-Spangled Banner" sung by Fergie.

Trying to do something unique actually came across as risqu, and fans watched and listened with raised eyebrows as the pop singer infused our nations anthem with sultry blue-jazz tones.

"Here's the thing about taking risks when it comes to the national anthem, said TV host Jimmy Kimmel. Don't. Just don't.

Fergie responded to tweets of her performance being the worst rendition ever by releasing a statement that read, I've always been honored and proud to perform the national anthem and last night I wanted to try something special for the NBA. I'm a risk taker artistically, but clearly this rendition didn't strike the intended tone. I love this country and honestly tried my best.

I cant understand how we can sit here and mourn the recent loss of so many innocent lives from a horrible act of violence in Florida and talk about how this world needs more love, more understanding, more connecting, more reaching out and then turn around with internet shame on anyone and everyone who makes a mistake.

Competing on live television and showcasing your talent on a worldwide stage is a ridiculously difficult thing to do. I know Ive done it. Singing arguably one of the most technically difficult songs ever written in front of thousands of people is also a very hard thing to do, especially when its one of the most judged songs. Ive done that, too. (OK one of the most technically difficult songs in my opinion besides Never Enough from The Greatest Showman." That song is just beyond. If I ever meet those writers, I dont know if Id shake their hands and bow down in wonder or slap them upside the head because who can sing that song?!)

Getting criticized for something youre genuinely trying hard to excel at is devastating. Putting yourself out there as an athlete or artist is not easy, especially with eager hands on social media ready to praise or pounce, depending on the note you hit.

Happy, peaceful people who are content with who they are dont need to tear people down, my mom always told me. If they are insulting you, they are feeling angry, inferior or hurt inside.

There are a lot of people feeling angry, inferior or hurt. The answer to being a happy person isnt to spread those feelings around more.

If you dont like the way someone did/sang/wrote/performed something, fine. Expressing your opinion respectively is one thing. Tearing someone down to dirt is another, and its whats causing everyone to have emotional distress and self-doubt. Enough.

If we ever want to dispel this hateful darkness that creeps ever thicker, we need to do more building and less bullying. If someone falls, instead of kicking at them while they're down, let's take a lesson from Scott Hamilton's book and cheer for them to get back up.







He tweeted to Chen: "I respect you. I admire you. I believe in you. Today was a difficult day. Tomorrow is up to you!"
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New Medicare cards are in the mail and scammers are on the prowl
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has begun mailing new Medicare Health Insurance ID cards. The program no longer uses Social Security numbers to identify people. - photo by Lois M Collins
The federal government is beginning to send out new ID cards to the 58 million Americans who benefit from Medicare. But since many of the people who will receive them don't know they're coming or why, scammers are already gearing up to take advantage.

An AARP survey shows as many as three-fourths of Americans 65 and older have no idea the cards are coming, so some individuals may be duped with claims that they're supposed to pay a fee or provide personal information that will be used, instead, to defraud them.

The new cards are the first reissue in years, and the most striking part of the redesign is that the cards no longer carry the beneficiary's Social Security number. Congress mandated the removal of that number as an identifier for Medicare beneficiaries by next April. Instead, the card has a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier number, an 11-digit combination of numbers and letters.

The new Medicare cards are now being mailed out in batches, starting with the Eastern seaboard and moving west. Most Medicare beneficiaries will receive their cards over the next six months, as long as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has their correct mailing address. Once the cards are in hand, people can share the new identification number with their health care providers. During a transition period, either card is valid.

The old cards, which used Social Security numbers as the personal identification number, should be destroyed.

AARP recently launched an education campaign to warn consumers about scams related to the new Medicare cards.

The membership organization's "Fraud Watch" consultant, Frank Abagnale reformed con man, scammer and the subject of the movie and book "Catch Me If You Can" tells senior citizens the only time they need to carry the actual Medicare card is to health care appointments. Otherwise, it should be left in a safe place. If they want to carry one in their wallet or purse, he says, make a copy and black out the first seven numbers.

Since the cards were announced, scammers have already:

  • Called seniors and asked for their bank account information so that money on their old card could be returned. There is no money on the old card and CMS never asks for personal information over the phone.
  • Offered to send the new card after Medicare beneficiaries pay a $25 fee to cover expenses related to the card. The card is free.
  • Said the card will be mailed out as soon as the older person verifies his or her Social Security number, mailing address and other personal information. CMS already knows the beneficiary's Social Security number and it's no longer being used in conjunction with health care.
AARP and the Federal Trade Commission will hold a free online seminar about the cards and the fraud attempts they have spawned on Thursday, April 19, at 7 p.m. EDT. Register at: www.aarp.org/FraudWebinar. CMS also offers a "frequently asked questions" guide to the new cards.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network says consumers can sign up for its Watchdog Alert emails that deliver breaking scam information, or call a free helpline at 877-908-3360 to speak with volunteers trained in fraud counseling. Abagnale also hosts a weekly podcast for AARP, called The Perfect Scam.
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