Love Is a Funny Thing

Love has a funny way of bringing emotions within you never knew existed to the top; like oil in a glass of water.  Trying to separate the two can be done but when it is separated something goes missing.  I’ve always wondered the Real meaning of Love instead of the text book meaning…When you know love, it’s something you can’t live without, it’s that thing you long for, it’s that funny feeling you can’t describe, it makes your heart race and your body quiver…I don’t know how to describe love but I don’t want to use the text book version nor the dictionary version, I want to use real live meanings…Something you can feel and you know without a shadow of a doubt that it is real.

 

In the movie Seven Pounds, there is a man who has found love once again but can’t allow the new love that has found its place in his life to experience the hurt, pain, and the possibility of not living a full life because he has a mission he feels must be accomplished.  So he gives of himself, which was his initial intension prior to meeting her, but along the way he fell for and in love with this woman who has a broken wing, and he never expected to fall in love, not like this, again.  Of course I love happy endings!  However, so she could live he gave his own life so she could live life to the full; but it is sad because she never has the opportunity to live life with him.  She’s left with could’ve, would’ve, should’ve which hurts more than loosing him.  What If? It just leaves you wondering.

 

Love is a funny thing, and sometimes you have to let it go and if it is yours and is really meant to be it will come back to you.  When people love they tend to carry a lot of baggage from past relationships to a current relationship, instead of dropping those bags of disappointment, anger, distrust, low self confidence, and all the things that would not allow new love to flourish into a new place, a new thing, and new realm of possibilities.  The bag I speak of should be left at the door as you enter a new relationship so you can allow those old wounds to heal, and just love.  God sends all kinds of people into our lives, who are sometimes angels in disguise just to show and teach us new things and help you move to a place of forgiveness so you can open your self up for love.  We underestimate God when it comes to the power of love, but we should just try God once to lead and guide you to a place where love is waiting for you and you alone.  By Tina Hughes (TKay)  Author of “TKay’s Inspirationals: Walking In Your Season”  www.tinakay.net

Nigel Weatherspoon joins agency to lead HIV testing and prevention education efforts

Birmingham, Ala., May 26, 2010 — AIDS Alabama recently named Alabama native Nigel T. Weatherspoon as its new Director of Education.  In this position, Weatherspoon will lead the agency’s HIV testing and HIV prevention education efforts, which currently reach thousands of Alabamians each year.  Nigel will be charged with ensuring all departmental programs support and demonstrate effective prevention education and outreach to targeted populations, as well as overseeing adherence to all funding source guidelines and necessary governmental regulations.  Weatherspoon’s employment with AIDS Alabama began on Monday, May 24th, and he expressed his excitement about the opportunities associated with the position.  “I believe this position is just the vehicle I needed to help make a larger impact in the effort to create awareness about HIV/AIDS,” said Weatherspoon.  “Everyone is affected by this disease, not just those who are infected.”

Weatherspoon has worked in the HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention arena for more than ten years, providing service and leadership on a variety of projects.  His most recent efforts include the Mpowerment Project, an HIV prevention education program jointly sponsored by AIDS Alabama and Birmingham AIDS Outreach and targeted toward MSM (men who have sex with men).  Prior to his hiring at AIDS Alabama, he served as the Administrative Assistant to the President & CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.  Weatherspoon received his bachelor’s degree in Communication Management from Miles College and later graduated with an MBA degree from Virginia College.  During his studies, Who’s Who Among Students honored him as an outstanding student by selecting him for the Who’s Who Among American College and Universities program.

Workfare Not Welfare

The Way I See It by Hollis Wormsby, Jr.

Workfare Not Welfare

One of the greatest failures of our current welfare system is that it encourages too many people to live without having to invest in meaningful work efforts.  Whenever welfare programs are criticized, those that defend them will be quick to point out the percentage of recipients that are elderly, or disabled, or working, and the public feels differently about assisting these groups.  But there is a hard cold reality that you see if you live in any urban community, and that is the programs allow a lot of people not to work at all.

It is important to remember that welfare programs were not designed by poor people, and that it is even questionable as to whether or not helping poor people is their primary objective.  Having worked in poverty programming for most of my career, I am of the opinion that our poverty programs have become a profit center for individuals and corporations that are growing fat off of programs whose premise is that the best way to help people is to pay others to do everything for them.

Let us look at housing as a simple example.  Every homeowner gets a housing subsidy, each time they file their tax return.  The mortgage interest you pay on your home is tax deductible, and this is a deduction that has no limit, and no income.  So the higher your mortgage payment the larger your housing subsidy from the federal government is.  The difference is that the government trusts you to manage your own housing subsidy, and so they just give it to you in your tax return.  But for low income persons the government has created a kind of caretaker society, such that the tax subsidy doesn’t go to the low income family, but rather more money goes to a caretaker provider to provide the service on behalf of the family that is rated as not capable of managing their own housing need.

Let us look at food stamps as another example.  When you or I purchase groceries with a credit card the grocery store pays anywhere from 2-3 percent of our purchase as an exchange fee to the credit card provider.  However, when a food stamp card user purchases at the same store the store is given a fee of 2-3 percent for accepting the food stamp card.  This means that the store sees a 4-6 percent difference in net income in the transaction when they engage in a subsidized transaction via the food stamp card, as compared to serving a customer with a conventional card.

Our welfare system is based on a caretaker mentality that makes those providing service rich, while encouraging the underdevelopment of families in the system.  Even as to the idea of welfare instead of workfare.  Labor unions have been the entities most resistant to workfare over the years.  Labor unions feared that if workfare, or subsidized work for welfare recipients was allowed then ultimately it would lower the wages of all workers.  And primarily for this reason workfare initiatives have never received much support.  But the sad truth is that the failure of our caretaker welfare system to effectively integrate recipient families into the work place is probably the number one factor in the decline of our urban communities.

If you add up the value of a section 8 certificate, food stamps, free health insurance, and the basic welfare payment, you have a transfer value that is the equivalent to the purchasing power of a $25,000 a year job.  Trouble is you have given the home the purchasing power, but no obligation to do anything to earn or maintain the purchasing power.   And so we have a litany of males, who live off the resources the state provides to their mama’s, baby mama’s and grandmama’s, while selling drugs and doing petty crimes for pocket money and rims.  Is this all recipients?  The answer is no, but the cold hard truth is that Birmingham, and most urban cities, are becoming the home of last resort to populations that are benefit dependent, and that do not generate enough local taxes to support the services that will need to be provided on their behalf.

We must create an immediate change in policy where if you are in need of assistance we offer you a public job, instead of welfare.  We could create tax credits for certain jobs like nursing assistants, and let hospitals compete for them, and then use these credits to provide entry level employment to people on welfare.  The money to pay for these jobs would be coming from money currently used to pay the same people to sit and do nothing.  We could create public daycare centers and train welfare recipients to run 24 hour affordable day care centers.  This would address one of the greatest impediments many low income families have to returning to work, and that is access to affordable day care.  Again most of the money going to pay the day care workers would be the money you were formally giving them to sit on the porch.

We need public works jobs for disengaged youth.  Whether it is cleaning up the parks or painting a public facility, we need available job training, and we need job training that can be assigned as a condition of bail.

Crime is bad in our communities in part because there are too many people wondering our communities without employment.  We must change the emphasis of our subsidy programs immediately.  We must end the caretaker state that allows individuals and corporations to profit off of the poverty, and allows too many individuals the freedom to indulge in irresponsible behavior while being subsidized on the public dime.  We must restore the perceived value of doing a hard day’s work in the parts of our communities where it has been lost.  Or at least that’s the way I see it.

The Tribute to Roscoe Robinson

Gerri Records and the Birmingham Record Collectors present an international tribute to the legendary and Hall of Fame gospel and R&B singer, Roscoe Robinson, June 25th at 8:00 pm at Birmingham’s Cedars Club. Roscoe Robinson has shared the stage with the greats of all time from Sam Cooke to Jackie Wilson, from the Five Blind Boys to the Mighty Cloud of Joy. The world recognizes him as one of the greatest voices of all time.  Celebrating and performing the tribute to Roscoe Robinson will be JoJo Benson and Leon McMullan.  Invited guest include Clarence Fountain of the Five Blind Boys of Alabama and The Controllers.  Roscoe Robinson will also perform some of his old hits and selected songs from his new CD “Oh What a Joyous Day.”  Don’t miss this international tribute to Roscoe Robinson, June 25, 2010 at the Cedar Club.  The Cedar Club is located at 301 Green Springs Avenue S. For more information call (205) 919-8451.

Tickets can be purchased at Music -N- More, 2247 Bessemer Road,  (205) 780-0914; Charlemagne Records, 1924 11th Avenue South, (205) 322-5349; 8th Avenue Records, 500 8th Ave N, #B, (205) 324-3932; Moe’s BBQ, 731 29th Street South, (205) 252-5888; Foot Soldiers call Shirley @ (205) 214-5740.

About Roscoe Robinson

Hall of famer and living legend Roscoe Robinson represents the foundation of the world’s most popular music. This giant has led the forefront of gospel and R&B music.  Archie Brown Lee, considered the most powerful gospel lead singer ever, handpicked Robinson to succeed him as lead singer of the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi.  Roscoe Robinson not only succeeded him, but through his vocal skills took the group to its highest level.

At the height of his gospel career, Roscoe Robinson became a part of the bridge that led from Gospel to R&B.  History reveals that it was the bridge that laid the foundation for the musical styles of history makers such as The Beatles, Elvis, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Ray Charles, Rod Stewart and countless others.  Roscoe Robinson led the R&B world, scoring a million seller and several top ten best sellers.

For the length of his career, Roscoe Robinson has remained involved in both the gospel and secular music scenes.  His reputation spreads throughout the world.  Historical societies and music organizations all agree that Roscoe Robinson is truly and American treasure.

Five Points South is good for Birmingham

Five Points South has always been a great place for entertainment and late night social activities.  Be it the club scene, dining, live music or simply people watching Five Points South has continued to deliver a unique social atmosphere with plenty of diversity.  Even with the development of other entertainment districts throughout the Greater Birmingham area Five Points South continues to draw people in simply because it has been a pillar in Birmingham’s entertainment and night life scene for years.

Mayor William Bell has suggested that the city of Birmingham is interested in re-investing in Five Points South.  Later this month Mayor Bell will speak with Five Points South Merchants and Residents on ways to improve the area as entertainment seekers find their way back.  Parking and police presence are two of the main issues that merchants will push as ways to keep Five Points South booming each and every night.

In addition to city involvement, merchants have taken action to continue to add value to Five Points South. The Hotel Highland has made upgrades and continues to win over the patronage of travelers due to its unique decor and active Five Points South location.  Once people visit the hotel and notice all of the activity taking place in the area they immediately fall in love with the overall atmosphere.  The H Martini Bar, which many say reminds them of a New York City or Miami establishment, has also stepped up it’s game.  The bar delivers live jazz six nights a week which has become a rare find in the city.   Despite the cost of the high entertainment budget the H Bar is doing all if can to deliver quality entertainment to its patrons and hotel guest.  Performers such as Shaun Pezant, Elnora Spencer, Cleve Eaton, Norris Jones, Foxxy Fatts, Mike Ham, Keith Williams and Glen & Libba can be found performing at the H Bar on a regular basis.

James Little who serves as both the Merchant and Neighborhood President has done an excellent job in looking for ways to re-energize the district.  Currently the disapproval of a Chick-Fil-A Restaurant moving to the area has been the hot topic.  Merchants and residents feel Chick-Fil-A may not be the best fit for the area and that a drive through restaurant would take away from the specialty shops and foot traffic that are unique to the area.  In addition to these issues Little has sought out ways to reach diverse audiences through a series of special events and having merchant meetings in the various Five Points South establishments.   Restaurant Week, which will highlight the great dinning experiences found in Five Points South will take place this fall.  In addition to Restaurant week there are plans for an Art & Music Festival, Movies in the Park, the PapaJohns.com Bowl Street Festival and much more.

All is not peachy-king in the district which like many areas has its share of vacant buildings and office space.  Homelessness continues to be an issue as beggars approach pedestrians seeking out spare change. Although there seems to be less begging as a faithful few continue to ask for hand outs.   There are still many people in the area that believe Five Points South is not a safe place to visit due to past activities.  Many of these patrons have found solitude in locations on Highway 280 and Hoover despite living in the Loft District of Downtown Birmingham.  Officer Butch and his crew have done a great job in being present around the entertainment district since those days and crime activity has been reduced. Additional officers walking or riding bikes in the area, especially at night would be a quick fix for remaining issues.  Perhaps adding an additional fee to the Merchant dues to hire a private security company to patrol the area during peak times is an option.

Despite fears of crime and an occasional beggar the most challenging thing to Five Points South continued growth is the issue of parking.  Many people don’t realize that the city runs a parking deck in the Pickwick Plaza.  It’s only $4.00 to park in this deck Thursday - Saturday night and only $2.00 Monday - Wednesday.  Now this is a really, really good deal considering it cost around $25.00 to park in Atlanta and $40.00 for parking in Chicago.  For some reason we would rather circle the block for 30 minutes looking for a spot only to realize we have to park 4 blocks away from where we are going.  I suggest you pay the $4.00 and get on with the fun!

The bottom line is Five Points South is still good for Birmingham.  Opinions will be shared but it is a fact that people still love the atmosphere that defines Five Points South.  A little attention to the area will give Birmingham a re-energized and very inexpensive entertainment district that continues to deliver a great experience for anyone that visits.

To find out more about Five Points South and upcoming events in the area visit fivepoints.supportlocalflavor.com.

10 Cities. 10 Months. 10 Millionaires.

Atlanta, GA (PitchEngine.com) April, 2010-  An emerging multi-generational group of uber- successful African-Americans, redefine wealth and counteract today’s economy by truly embodying the entrepreneur spirit. Having earned their money in a relatively short period of time and at relatively vibrant ages– a group of millionaires have assembled across the nation known to the network marketing industry as Platinum Presidents and to the general population as the Amateur Millionaire’s Club. This self- made, financially successful assembly of individuals are joining together for an unprecedented tour across the country and launching a contest to find the next Platinum President. AMC (Amateur Millionaire’s Club) & Ardyss International have taken the Multi-Level Marketing industry to an entirely new level,of advancement, producing the highest number of African-American twelve month millionaires to date. Join the Amateur Millionaire’s Club as they travel across the nation for ten months, searching for the next Platinum President to mold and shape and help establish a ground breaking wealth generating empire of their own. The tour officially titled, “10 Cities, 10 Months, 10 Millionaires” will continue with its second stop in Birmingham, Alabama.  The Platinum Presidents (will be in Jackson) ready to share their dynamic stories with the masses, welcome new entrepreneurs into the business and search for Birmingham’s Contest Winner who will receive an all expense paid membership package which includes products, marketing tools, coaching by the AMC, a local on air radio and newspaper interview, and an appearance on the reality based TV TV Show, Amateur Millionaire’s Club (currently in production for a major television network). The prize is valued at $10,000. Join them on Saturday, May 22, 2010 at The Sheraton Birmingham (2101 Richard Arrington Boulevard North, Birmingham, AL 35203) from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM CST.

The Amateur Millionaire’s Club consists of a group of individuals who were faced with life’s hardships and financial shortcomings and emerged successful, using the recession to their benefit and realizing that now more than ever, being an entrepreneur was the only way to take back control over their lives.  “I was praying for a Plan B - consistently working long hours and neglecting my family, I wanted more in my life.  I wanted to work smarter, not harder.  I knew there had to be more promised to me in my life time. I could never imagine that network marketing would be the plan B that would change my life or my belief in my own dreams, my SEE IT, BELIEVE IT, ACHIEVE IT mantra that I live by”,  states Helen Dela Houssaye (Platinum President/ AMC member). The item of success that all AMC members have in common is the network marketing platform of Ardyss International. Having made national headlines across the country with their flagship garment, “The Body Magic”, Ardyss International specializes in health and wellness products, reshaping lines and financial freedom for thousands of men and women across the United States. “There was a point in my life when I understood that I was the creator of my own destiny and I knew that I had to get myself out of the (debt increasing) situation that I was headed towards” ,states Stormy Wellington (Platinum President under 30 yrs of age bracket/ AMC member). Referred to in Success Magazine as a group that spreads wealth, reaches new heights, and createa purpose driven opportunities; the Amateur Millionaire’s Club is vastly redefining wealth in the African American community as the world knows it.
Experience the 10 Cities 10 Months 10 Millionaires Tour in Birmingham, Alabama at The Sheraton Birmingham (2101 Richard Arrington Boulevard North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203) on Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM.  “If you have stopped dreaming then you have stopped living. The “10 Cities, 10 Months, 10 Millionaires” contest is about average people doing things that are not so average and changing their lives in ways they never thought possible”, states Deborah Huff (Platinum President/ AMC member).To register for the contest or to find out more details visit www.10millionairescontest.com and to join in on the twitter viral conversation use hashtag #10CityTour

The 10-city tour will include the following cities:
May 8 - Jackson, MS
May 22- Birmingham, AL
June 5- Memphis, TN
June 19- Jacksonville, FL
July 10- Charlotte, NC
July 24- Baltimore, MD
August 7- New Jersey
August 21- Cleveland, OH
September 4- Chicago, IL
September 18- Los Angeles, CA

The Esteemed Members of the AMC (Amateur Millionaire’s Club):
Chyna Bethley
Dorothy Cook
Helen Dela Houssaye
Bryant & Deborah Huff
Robert & Nicola Jackson
Kenny & Chante Lloyd
Lidia McKinney
Erika McQueen
Erwin & Twiler Portis
Stormy Wellington

Details and Rules:
Contestants must pay a $20 entry fee and submit a one page essay detailing the following:
1. Career path to date
2. Future goals
3. Background
4. Why you deserve to be a millionaire in 10 months

The selected winners in each city will receive an all expense paid membership package which includes products, marketing tools, coaching by the AMC, A local on air radio and newspaper interview, and an appearance on the reality based TV Show, Amateur Millionaire’s Club (currently in production for a major television network) Prize valued at over ten thousand dollars.

All essays must be submitted 1 week prior to the event date.To register to enter the contest visit http://www.10millionairescontest.com/contest.htm.

 

Agency of Record | Media Contact:
P: Nicole Garner
O: 866-984-5854
C: 770-256-1800
E: pr@thegarnercircle.com

Christine D. Collier
E: Christine@thegarnercircle.com

A Religious Butt Kicking

I took what could only be described as a religious butt kicking the other day in response to some comments I made in a guest appearance on a talk show on WAGG regarding the separation of church and state.  I understood at the time the intensity of emotion that my comments drew, but left frustrated that the discussion was limited to the emotions of the callers, and we could never really get into a discussion on the issue itself, because my viewpoint made the callers angry.  My motivation for sitting down and writing this column after months of absence was the frustration I felt at the end of the discussion.

The unpopular viewpoint that I expressed was that I do not believe that schools are the appropriate place to teach our children about faith, and by extension do not believe in mandatory prayer in schools.  I am a Christian, I take personal responsibility for teaching my children what I believe, just as the generation before me took personal responsibility for teaching me what they believed.  I would go one step further even, and note that my mother worked a full time job to generate the money to send my brothers and me to Catholic School, even though we weren’t Catholic.  And that at Saint Jude High School we prayed every morning and went to mass every Friday, and we were the better for it.

Saint Jude was a private school that my parents made the choice to send me to.  That is the important distinction, that my parents chose.  When our founding fathers embedded the concept of separation of church and state into our constitution it was not done to limit religious freedom, it was done to secure religious freedom.  Our founding fathers immigrated here from European nations where religious persecution was common place, the separation of church and state embedded in our constitution was not placed there to limit religious freedom, it was placed there to insure it.

During the debate I participated in, the host of the program noted that she did not mind prayer in school in general, but she would not want her child to have to pray a Muslim prayer.  Well so the Muslim child would not want to be compelled to say a Christian prayer, or the Jewish child would not want to be forced to bow to Budha.  She made the point for separation of church and state, if religion is not presented by the state, then the state cannot limit your freedoms.

A number of the callers indicated that they felt that removing God from the Schools is the reason for the decline in our communities.  I don’t agree with this point either.  As I noted on the air, I did not learn my religious values primarily from a school, or a school teacher.  I learned my values first of all from my parents, and then from my grandfather and the other elder members of my family.  They tried to insure that the seeds of faith that they planted had fertile soil to grow good roots in.  In my mind if we put God in school for five minutes and that is the only exposure that some youth get, then at best we will be planting seeds in shallow soil, and when they return to dysfunctional homes without Christ, their roots will soon expire as will what little faith they have been exposed to.

Unless those who feel that way, feel so strongly they are willing to pursue a constitutional amendment to change the definition of separation of church and state that has sustained this country since independence, then the question should not be how do get God back in our schools, it should be how do we get God back in, or in dysfunctional homes.

Lets look at this from one last angle before I let it go for now.  Schools are an extension of the state.  If we surrender the responsibility for teaching values to the schools, then we are surrendering the responsibility for teaching our children values to the state.  Parents of all income levels are already spending less and lesss time teaching their children anything of significance, or monitoring what the schools are teaching.  So because of a class of dysfunctional homes, do we all want to surrender to the state, the responsibility and the right to define the values our children will be taught?  My answer to that is a resounding no.  Welfare is the state program to enhance our families, anybody believe that the families in that system are stronger than two parent families functioning on their own?  Anybody believe the family unit is stronger because of welfare policies?  Anybody believe there is less crime in our communities because of the values taught by the state, through the welfare system?  I do not.  And I do not want to surrender to the state, the responsibility to teach my child what to believe in.  That is one my most sacred rights as a parent.

Jesus did not teach in a school.  For the most part he taught in open fields or wherever folks would come to him.  It is right as Christians to want to spread the word of the healing power of our faith, and of the redemptive nature of our Saviour, but it is our responsibility to find a way to spread this word of joy that does not impose on the freedoms or choices of others.

I would be very supportive of non-secular education on societal values and responsibilities being provided in our schools.   In my time these were called civics classes.  I have no objections to churches being allowed to recruit for after school programs.   I am proud of churches that provide counseling to at risk families.  But just as I have cautioned against unquestioned expansion of police and state powers in response to the fears of terrorism after 911, I would scream loudly against any efforts to impose religion into our school system as a short term fix.  We certainly need to fight to keep Christ in the lives of our children, I just think that fight is a personal responsibility that should not be delegated to the state.  And further I feel strongly that the problem is not that Christ is not in our schools, the problem is that he is not in our homes.  I believe the fight should be to reinforce traditional family values, and to return Christ to a position of prominence in our homes and communities.  I believe we have already tried too hard to replace family with state, and the welfare system is a flaming example of the failure of this way of thinking.  Or at least that’s the way  I see it.

(In addition to being a long time columnist with the Birmingham Times, Hollis Wormsby is the former host of Talkback on 98.7 and the current host of Real Talk on 101.9 WENN FM.  Real Talk can be heard on Sunday evenings from 9 to 10 pm.  Responses  to this blog are sometimes shared on the air.)

Southside Live Concert Series

The Southside Live Concert Series, which will launch June 5, 2010 in Five Points South, will deliver a nice blend of live soul, alternative and hip-hop music targeting Birmingham’s creative crowd and serious music fans. Jona Crooner, who is experiencing great success in other cities with the Fifth Element Band, will highlight local talent as well as talent from across the United States.  Crooner will bring artist that are slated as the “Next Big Thing” giving patrons an opportunity to witness these talents before they become household names.

The trio known as J.R.Nu began way before the three even knew each other. “I’ve always loved music,” says Johnny aka J. “I wrote my first song at 10. Since then, Johnny has always kept a pen and a pad nearby.” Honing his skills as a writer and composer came somewhat easily, but performing not so much. “He comes from a family of singers, but would always get nervous whenever he had to sing in front of people or in church. It was something that came with maturity. Now the stage is like his second home.” A native of Auburn, AL, Johnny attributes his success in life to God and family. Maurice a.k.a “Nu” hails from Camilia, Ga. Blessed with a distinctly soulful voice, he has been featured on mix tapes and albums all over the south, with genres ranging from Gospel to Rock. “Everyone in his family is a singer”. It’s something that brings them together,” says Nu. Once you have heard his voice, you remember it. Nu stated “he excited about finally getting this project off the ground. I think the feedback will be good.”  Ray aka “R.” was a sleeper. He was always around the music scene, but was never out there really as an artist until 2006 when he met “J. and Nu”.  I told them I sing and they invited me to come along to record one night. The rest is history.” How did the three come together? Nu and J. played college football together at Jacksonville State University. They met Ray in college as well. Coming together to do this was inevitable,” says Nu. “Nu is a soul singer. No doubt about that. He is R&B Soul at its finest. I’m more of an R&B Pop guy myself. The fusion of our styles is crazy,” adds J.  We finally have the chance to make this happen. So watch out…Here we come!!! The three audition at TMANIC RECORDS on March 27, 2010 and blew away the owner and staff of TMANIC RECORDS and was offered a contract and signed on April 10, 2010.

“Danni Rose” born Danielle Renee Roseborough, is a native of Birmingham Alabama. She began her music career at a very early age in life. She further sharpened her gift at Miles College, Fairfield Alabama, and Morgan State University, in Baltimore Maryland. While serving faithfully under the pastoral leadership of Dr Jamal Bryant , she has had the privilege of accompanying and singing with the industries best, such as Karen Clark Sheared, KeKe Sheard, Min. Jonathan Nelson, Min. Steve Lawrence, R & B sensation Lil Mo and ” Sundays Best” Shirley Addison to name a few. Her harmonious, symphonious voice when paired with her antithetical style, truly engages every listening ear.  On March 8th 2010 Danni auditioned at TMANIC RECORDS and left all the staffs of TMANIC RECORDS astonish and dazzled, she was offered a contract the same day.  On March 13th 2010 Danni signed with TMANIC RECORDS.

SOLO - JacquiseRache’l Antoinette Herlong was born September 29th 1982, in Birmingham, Alabama. Her parents Antonio W. Robinson Sr.(father) and JayevernTyletraHerlong(mother) became parents at a young age. Due to unfortunate circumstances, her grandmother, Josephine McClemoreHerlong left the biggest impact on her life as she contributed to her rooted Christian “up bringing”. Her grandmother, a singer and music lover herself; introduced Jacquise to her idols Gladys Knight, Betty Wright, Chaka Khan, and many more. Jacquise and her younger brother Antonio W. Robinson Jr. both became active in the music ministry in church. Not only did she sing, but she took dance lessons for many years to follow. Singing and dancing in places like the Alabama Theater, Carver Theater, City Stages, plays, various jazz and blues clubs, and with Neo Jazz Collective as a lead vocalist. She has also recorded with numerous artists’ around Alabama. In 2010 SOLO was born. Jacquise’s alter ego. She believes that even alone, she can be perfect and effective, just like a solo. She strongly believes that she can make an impact on the young and the old, by simply telling her story. She believes that everyone has a unique story, and if someone can just know that they aren’t alone it can cause them to continue to want and live life, not just exist. SOLO also has a love for Cosmetology, Make-up artistry, and People in general. She believes that a servant is what everyone and every artist should be.

Robert Kelly Nicholas Hill, who goes by Nick to keep it simple. Keeping things simple, so to speak, has always been his creed. When Nick was only eight years old his  parents were divorced which forced his mom and sister to move into section eight housing in Clanton, Al. Nicks father was a drug addict who chose his addiction over his family. Music has always given Nick Hill the one thing that his father never did……Hope!

Nick can remember hanging out on the balcony of our apartment building when he was only 10 or so, overhearing Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Four Tops, and many other similar artists being played by the neighbors. People would sit outside there doors all day talking and listening to music. “The funny thing is, I would rather hang out with the ‘old folks’ than play with friends so that I could listen to the music.”

Nick Hill started singing in church when I was about 18. This is when he realized that he actually had some ‘soul’. Guess sitting with the ‘old folks’ listening to music rubbed off on me a little.

Nick has tried out for American Idol 3 times since it’s inception. The last time was this past year and he made the first cut in Atlanta, Ga. Unfortunately he was cut a month later. But the lesson learned was a very positive thing for Nick. After he was cut Nick started writing his own music and singing his own songs. This is something that Nick says he never dreamed he would do!  “Music is my life so I believe by writing songs I am actually writing my own book of life. My life! If others like what I do then that is cool with me, and if not I guess that is cool with me too.”

Venues played: Eddies Attic in Atlanta, GA; Old Car Heaven in Birmingham, AL, where I met the sensational Jona Crooner; Rogue Tavern Music Festival Birmingham, Al; Horse Pens 40 Natural Rock Amphitheater in Steele Al.

For event listings and music samples;
Visit my music page @ www.myspace.com/nickols7music

FREE Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening

Hello Sistah’s!  I’m sure that many of you know of at least one person affected by cancer.  Not having health insurance is one of the reasons why many of us don’t get checked regularly or have a new breast lump checked right away.   The unfortunate result is finding cancer at later stages with possibly lower survival rates.  Fortunately, there’s an easy solution that’s available today!

Did you know that uninsured Sistah’s, may qualify for a FREE preventive health visit at La MammaSpa?

That’s right!  If you qualify, you will receive a complete history, physical exam, BMI, waist measurement, pap smear, and mammogram, which is scheduled the same day of your exam absolutely FREE!  Furthermore, La MammaSpa offers low cost preventive health labs.  These labs allow you to learn more about your risks for cardiovascular disease.  These labs includes lipid levels, thyroid function, blood count, diabetes screening, urine analysis, and comprehensive metabolic profile.

If you have a finding suspicious of breast or cervical cancer, you will be referred either for additional screenings, to a participating breast surgeon, or to a participating gynecologist for diagnostic work-up - FREE!

So, stop worrying about getting breast cancer or that lump you’ve found in your breast.  Instead, get the facts.  Let’s see if you qualify:

• Sistah’s 40 - 64 may be eligible to get full screening; Sistah’s under 40 with breast complaints may be  eligible to receive breast cancer screening service only.

• No insurance or underinsured. Underinsured is insurance that does not cover cancer screening (i.e. mammograms) or has a high deductible that the you are unable to pay.

• Meet these Income Eligibility Guidelines

(Effective March 20, 2009, until revised)
Household Size      Annual            Monthly
1                               $21,660           $1,805
2                              $29,140            $2,428
3                              $36,620            $3,052
4                              $44,100            $3,675
5                              $51,580            $4,298
6                              $59,060            $4,922
7                              $66,540            $5,545
8                              $74,020            $6,168

Do you or someone you know qualifies?  If so, call for your appointment today, 205.783.7293.

Already diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer and uninsured?

If you meet these guidelines and have a diagnosis of breast or cervical cancer and haven’t started treatment, you need to apply for Medicaid for cancer treatment!  So, don’t hesitate, let’s talk soon:  205.783.7293, email La MammaSpa@live.com, or complete the contact information below.

PASS IT ON!  SAVE A LIFE!

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General Mills Names Birmingham Resident A Candidate For Feeding Dreams

is Birmingham’s Community Champion in the Southeastern 2010 Feeding Dreams Competition

BIRMINGHAM, AL – May 12, 2010 – The spotlight is on local community hero Dr. Sandra Ford when the 2010 Feeding Dreams℠ campaign launches this August. Dr. Ford is Birmingham’s Community Champion as part of the Feeding Dreams grassroots initiative supported by General Mills that celebrates African-American’s commitment to community service at the local level. Dr. Ford’s compassion for her neighbors is paired with a deep-rooted passion for creating a more vibrant city through the causes she champions daily in Birmingham neighborhoods.

Beginning August 1, 2010 Birmingham residents may cast a vote for Dr. Ford who will be among the 10 Feeding Dreams champions competing for grant monies, and her photograph and story will be featured on FeedingDreams.com. This year’s Feeding Dreams program includes 10 cities: Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Charlotte, NC; Columbia, SC; Jackson, MS; Jacksonville, FL; Memphis, TN; New Orleans, LA; Miami, FL and Norfolk, VA.

Dr. Sandra Ford: In 2002, the Birmingham News did a special report about “The Black Belt: Alabama’s Third World.” This report not only inspired Dr. Ford and her husband that they could make a difference, but it moved them to take action instead of waiting for someone else to solve the “health” and “care” issues of their community. Dr. Ford has since co-founded the Spirit of Luke Charitable Foundation that sponsors A Promise to Help (APTH), a non-profit that runs on the hope of eliminating healthcare disparities in Alabama. Dr. Ford’s unwavering compassion for underprivileged and underinsured populations of The Black Belt region has brought her household recognition where her generous spirit is felt by thousands of Alabamians since she began healthcare services six years ago.

Birmingham 2010 Feeding Dreams Community Champions

Currently the FeedingDreams.com Web site pays tribute to Birmingham’s own Kerri Pruitt, a 2008 Feeding Dreams Community Champion, and Glinda Fincher, a 2009 Feeding Dreams Community Champion. A portrait of Pruitt, taken by nationally acclaimed photographer Michael Cunningham, and a 10-minute film about her work with The Dannon Project are highlighted at FeedingDreams.com.

“We’re honored today to recognize Dr. Ford who is making a difference and improving communities. We created the Feeding Dreams program to celebrate the work of our Community Champions, and we’re excited to have consumers help us empower these amazing people in 10 cities with grant monies” said Rodolfo Rodriguez, Director, Multicultural Marketing, General Mills. “Sandra and other Community Champions have made extraordinary strides to improve the lives of so many. We encourage everyone in Birmingham to show their support by visiting the Web site in August.”

Feeding Dreams online voting begins Sunday, August 1, 2010 and runs through Sunday, October 31, 2010. The program culminates in December in Atlanta with a celebratory luncheon and awards ceremony hosted by Susan L. Taylor, Feeding Dreams spokesperson and editor-in-chief emeritus of Essence Magazine and founder of the national Cares Mentoring Movement.

About Feeding Dreams
Feeding Dreams, General Mills multicultural platform to support African-American consumers, recognizes and celebrates local heroes who have devoted their lives to: helping others; nurturing their communities; and charting a better future. In its third year, Feeding Dreams taps top minority-owned businesses to help create and implement the campaign. Visit www.FeedingDreams.com for complete details.

About General Mills, Inc.
One of the world’s leading food companies, General Mills operates in over 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios, Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, Progresso, Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A., General Mills had fiscal 2009 global net sales of US$15.9 billion, including the company’s $1.2 billion proportionate share of joint venture net sales. Visit www.generalmills.com.

Feeding Dreams is a trademark of General Mills

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