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Five for Families: Movies that teach acceptance, tolerance
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Denzel Washington in "Remember the Titans" (2000). - photo by Deseret Connect
Movies can teach lessons such as acceptance and tolerance. To celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, here are five movies for families to consider.

Amazon Instant: 'Remember the Titans'

Based on a true story, "Remember the Titans" portrays a high school football team as the players experience their first season in a racially integrated program. The Dove Foundation awarded the film its Dove "Family-Approved" seal for ages 12 and over, stating that the plot is rooted in overcoming ignorance and hatred as it stands on the merits of good storytelling, a dependable performance from its star and several very funny moments. Parent Previews notes the characters act as powerful examples of cooperation (and) standing for what they know is right, adding that the movie will likely leave parents and teens positively impressed. The film is rated PG for thematic elements and some language. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 10 and older.

iTunes: 'Babe'

MovieGuide.org praises Babe for its message of kindness toward others and for its animation, stating, With seamless computer animation, the animals appear as if they are talking quite naturally. ... Babe is winsome and heartwarming because it is created with care and tenderness. Regrettably, Babe contains a few mild vulgarities. On the other hand, it has many moments of purity and pleasure that will compel its viewers to love their neighbors. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 4 and older.

Amazon Instant: "Ice Age"

A woolly mammoth, a saber-toothed tiger and a sloth reluctantly band together to rescue a human baby. The Dove Foundation awarded the prehistoric adventure its Dove Family-Approved seal for all ages, calling it a great story of friendship with characters that are fun to watch and draw you in immediately. The website notes two scenes that may frighten young children. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 6 and older.

In Theaters: "The Good Dinosaur"

A young dinosaur, Arlo, becomes separated from his family. He befriends a young boy and the two embark on an epic journey to find the dinosaurs family. Common Sense Media notes the stunning visuals, moments of clever humor (and) strong messages about loyalty and bravery" but also cautions that "many scenes of danger, trauma and peril may frighten young viewers. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 7 and older.

Amazon Instant: "John Carter"

A former Civil War captain is transported to Mars, where he encounters an alien race on the brink of its own war. Common Sense Media recognizes strong female characters and an overriding message that theres a particular honor to being selfless, even if it puts your own life in danger. The film is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 12 and older.
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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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