2015 Toyota Camry

January 8, 2015

By Frank S. Washington

PONTE VEDRA, Fla. – The Toyota Camry has been the bestselling car in the United States for 12 years. 10.2 million have been sold and more than half, 6.6 million, are still on the road. So why change it?
We never got a definitive answer. Explanations like we made it more premium, more fun to drive or more emotional were tossed around but that doesn’t really answer the question. That tells what was done, not why it was done.
A reasonable guess is that the competition is getting better and in an effort to stay in front of the pack it was decided to improve the Toyota Camry now rather than later when it might be too late.
The oomph remained the same. There was a four cylinder-engine that made 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. It got 25 mpg in city driving, 35 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg combined.
The V6 made 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. It got 21 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg combined. Both engines were mated to six speed automatic transmissions. The Hybrid still put out a combined 200 horsepower generated by its electric motor and 2.5-liter four cylinder engine.
That is about all that went unchanged on the 2015 Toyota Camry. The automaker made about 2000 adjustments on the latest model. All of the changes were designed to improve the car’s riding characteristics, styling and its interaction with drivers and passengers.
To improve the 2015 Camry’s ride, Toyota reinforced the body structure with more spot wells to better rigidity. They stiffened the suspension and widened the track to get more responsive handling.
On short test routes here the car did handle better, turn-ins were crisper and the suspension seemed sturdier. It was hard to tell whether resistance to noise, vibration and harshness had been improved; in this part of the country the roads were smooth, elevation was nonexistent and surfaces were pretty homogenous.
Toyota also wanted a Camry that was more expressive. So they gave the 2015 edition a new bumper and an attention grabbing grille. The character line was more prominent and it extended from the front fender flares through the doors and through the rear quarter panels. The car did look good and the design was expressive; that was something really new for any Toyota.
It would be foolish to make these sorts of changes to the substructure and to the exterior of the Camry without improving the interior. Designers restyled the center stack, they installed a 4.2-inch TFT screen between the gauges and they installed some soft touch surfaces on the dash. A quick tactile test revealed that they could have been softer but it was a step in the right direction. And as with any competent mid-size sedan, the back seat was spacious and capable of carrying average size adults in comfort.
Toyota upped the ante in terms of equipment too. The 2015 Camry can be outfitted with a wireless charging system for cell phones.
It also tightened the seals on windows and doors and increased insulation to make an already quiet Camry quieter for 2015. It worked; we never heard the engine or the transmission during normal surface street driving; no matter what trim line we tested, all that was heard was the sound of the car cutting through the wind.
There are five versions of the 2015 Toyota Camry including the hybrid. The LE with a four-cylinder engine starts at $22,970, the SE starts at $23,840 with a four cylinder engine, the XLE with a four cylinder starts at $26,150 and the XSE with a four cylinder engine starts at $26,150. Only the XLE and XSE can be equipped with the six cylinder engine and they both start at $31,370.
The Hybrid comes in three trim lines the LE, the SE and the XLE. Starting prices are $26,790, $27,995 and $29,980 respectively. Prices do not include the $825 freight charge.
With the new Camry, Toyota has served notice that it is becoming more aggressive in terms of styling, engineering and equipment. That could be bad news for its competitors.

Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com.

‘Bazzle Dazzles with Sweet Swing

Birmingham Times

January 8, 2015

By Al Muskewitz East Alabama Sports Today
OXFORD – A wiry, senior golfer made his way onto the tee and stared down the wide fairway laid out in front of him. At the proper moment, he unfurled a smooth, fluid swing and sent the ball well past every one of his younger playing partners.
Glennon Bazzle will be 71 in nine days, but his golf swing was as fresh and uncomplicated as any of the best ball strikers on tour. It’s the product of a lifetime of study – not only of the swing, but the mechanics that go into it.
He regularly sent his drives 235-240 yards in Monday’s stroke play round of the Masters Games of Alabama at Cider Ridge Golf Course, an outcome much younger players would envy. He says there’s no reason recreation players his age can’t be swing as smoothly.
“What I know is no one can swing like anyone else and that’s where the problem is: Most people are trying to do like somebody else,” he said. “That’s why instructors run into a whole lot of problems, because they want to go by the book and if you’re not doing it this way then the student feels as though they are failing and they lose interest, and that’s not going to work.
“Most people want to hit a golf ball, they don’t want to swing a golf club. When I realized it’s a swing and not a hit, then that’s what I do.”
Chances are you haven’t heard of Bazzle, but some of the biggest names in the game have. His theories on the swing grew out of his days as a master masseur at some of the most prestigious hotel resorts and country clubs in the country. It was through that experience he discovered a correlation between improper swing mechanics and the injuries he was seeing on his table.
In time he wrote a best-selling book – Anatomy of the Perfect Golf Swing. Oddly enough, it started out as a coloring book for children, but now has been printed in four languages and is on the shelves of some of the most famous personalities – teachers, pros and players — in the game.
Steve Akers, a starter at Cider Ridge, recognized Bazzle and regaled him with a story about buying a book from the author personally at Highland Park. “It had some good stuff in it,” he said.
Some believers didn’t have to read the book to know the New Orleans native was on to something.
“We were playing in a tournament one day,” Bazzle said. “I’m taking a practice swing – it wasn’t even my turn – and this guy was sitting on a cart about two groups behind me, he jumps up and says, ‘Oh man, that’s what I’ve been looking for. That’s what I want.’ He knew it when he saw it.”
Now, the younger guys he plays with believe he’s taking advantage of them playing a forward tee. On Monday he shot 85 to finish second in his age division.
“They tell me you can’t play up there; they want me to go back to the blues or the whites,” Bazzle says with a laugh. “I tell them when you get old enough you can come up here with me.”

What Happened?

Birmingham Times

January 8, 2015

by Jesse J. Lewis, Sr

This is what’s on everybody’s mind. At one period of time the Southeastern Conference (SEC) had at least 16 teams in the Top Ten in America. I was shocked at Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Alabama. I was not shocked by Auburn (even though I thought they would win) or LSU. Once upon a time there were three teams in the Top Five.
According to ESPN, in one season, the College Football Playoff turned what has historically felt like a regional sport – from the Pac-12 operating in its own time zone to the Southern traditions of the SEC to the East Coast ACC – into one giant melting pot of rooting interests. By doubling the number of teams contending for the sport’s greatest prize, the playoff simultaneously broadened the scope of interest in the entire season and drew the attention of fans and coaches to more games outside their region into a race that criss-crossed the country like never before.
The SEC went from having the top football teams in America to the bottom. Of the 12 Bowl games SEC teams played in, only five teams won. I predicted that Oregon St. would beat Florida St. and Alabama would beat Ohio St. Even though Ohio St., played very well, I was shocked at how composed and good they were, but Alabama should have won.
The football players at Florida St. just quit playing; the only person who did not quit was Jameis Winston, the quarterback. After they got so far behind they decided they couldn’t win, so why play hard?
Next year both Alabama and Auburn have a lot of rebuilding to do, they will lose a lot of players and I don’t think they will have National Championship quality teams. I do think they both will be undefeated until they meet each other in the Iron Bowl.
The year 2015 is going to be an interesting year for football. In Alabama, we play football half the year and make it headlines news the rest of the year. In other words, football first, religion second

Classifieds

Birmingham Times

January 8, 2015

Employment

International Construction Estimator – B.L. Harbert International LLC, Birmingham, AL.
Review & analyze Request for Proposal (RFP) documents for international construction
projects in the commercial, government, or light-industrial markets. Perform detailed quantity
surveys of grading & earthwork using estimating software. Position requires BS in Civil
Engg, Const. Mgmt, or Building Science. 10 yrs of exp. to include int’l construction projects in
commercial, government, or light-industrial markets. Pre-bid analysis of contract plans &
specifications to determine scopes for various work packages such as grading & earthwork,
reinforcing steel, structural concrete, landscaping, & various architectural finishes. Exp. w/
preparation of material quantity surveys for construction projects using industry standard
software packages such as AutoCad, On-Screen Takeoff, & In-Site Earthwork Estimating,
pre-bid communication & coordination w/ overseas construction material suppliers &
subcontractors. Exp. w/ technical & procurement support to ongoing int’l construction projects.
Ability to provide quantity surveying & pricing of contract change order requests, & review,
analysis, & updating of construction schedules using Primavera software. Ability to prepare &
review of reinforcing steel placement drawings & fabrication schedules. Up to 2%
international or domestic travel may be required. Resume only to Tim Wilkerson, B.L. Harbert
International, LLC, 210 London Parkway, Birmingham, Alabama, 35211.
BT01/08/15

________________________________

Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing
BJCC has an immediate full-time opening for an Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing to coordinate, develop and execute sales and marketing strategies for the organization. Sells, prospects new business, prepares license agreements, account follow up, makes customer contacts and other duties to maximize bookings and revenue for the BJCC. Negotiates licensing terms for Complex venues. Expected to travel and make sales calls as necessary. Candidate needs a minimum of 5 years experience with a Bachelor’s degree in a related field (see full JD at bjcc.org). Interested applicants can apply online at http://www.candidatelink.com/1336750.
BT01/08/15

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Director of Arena and Event Management
BJCC has an immediate full-time opening for a Director of Arena and Event Management for directing, managing, planning and organizing all aspects of the BJCC Arena and management oversight of the venue and event management team for the BJCC Complex. Responsible for the direction, coordination, and supervision of the activities, Complex personnel, subcontractors, and vendors required to successfully execute events in the Arena, Concert Hall and Theater events as well as events in other Complex venues. The candidate needs 10+ Years Experience with Bachelor’s degree in related field (see full JD at bjcc.org). Interested applicants can apply online at http://www.candidatelink.com/1336750.
BT01/08/15

________________________________
Director/Senior Manager
City of Brighton
3700 Main Street, Brighton, AL 35020
Submit resume Monday – Thursday 10a.m to 3p.m
Deadline – January 10, 2015
BT01/08/15

_______________
DRIVERS

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Or Walk Away Lease, No Money Down.
For more information Call 1-855-971-8522
BT01/08/15

_______________

AUTOMOBILE

2005 Chevy Silverado
Fully loaded Black
Crew cab , Leather
steerinG wheel control
Call Sam at
205-815-6454

2012 Dodge Charger
Factory Powertrain
Warranty Low miles
Call Ladarious
205-380-0593

2007 Mercury Mountaineer
Fully loaded with T.V.
3rd row seat, navigation
Call Sam at
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2008 Chevy Cobalt
Leather, sun roof
White, alloy rims
Gas saver Call
Ladarious at
205-380-0593

2010 Scion T.C.
5 speed Low miles
Sunroof, Silver
Call Sam at
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BT01/08/15

_________________________________
LEGAL
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION

The Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority will receive pre-qualification requests from Alabama Contractors for:

Forum Meeting Space Renovation

This will be for the use of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority, Birmingham, Alabama. Pre-qualified General Contractors will be required to make a good faith effort to include MBE and DBE companies in the execution of this project.

Pre-qualification submittals will be received by Jerry Nelms at 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N, Birmingham, AL 35203 until Friday, January 16, 2015 at 5:00 PM CST. The original and two (2) duplicates of submittals are required for pre-qualification approval.

A. SCOPE OF WORK:

The project consists of a complete architectural finish upgrade to the second and third floors of the BJCC Forum Building (approximately 56,000 SF), in addition to engineering modifications including lighting and AV upgrades, as well as minor plumbing, HVAC, fire alarm, and fire sprinkler work.

B. PRIME CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

Prime contractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre-qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975. A copy of current Alabama Contractors license is to be included in pre-qualification submittal.

Only prime contractor bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and that have been approved will be eligible to submit a bid for the Project. Prospective Bidder’s Pre-qualification Package must be received by Jerry Nelms no later than 5:00 PM CST on January 16, 2015 after which no further requests will be considered.

Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Architect upon written request.

The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent prime contractor bidders relative to the requirements of the Project. Each prospective prime contractor bidder will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification, no later than 5:00 PM CST on January 21, 2015.

The Owner reserves the right to waive technical errors in applications, or abandon the pre-qualification process, should the interests of the Owner appear to be promoted thereby. Prime contractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre-qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975. A copy of current Alabama Contractors license is to be included in pre-qualification submittal.

Progress Design and Construction Documents:
Beginning January 07, 2015, a 90% review set will be available for examination by interested bidders at the following location:

Architect:
Ghafari Associates, LLC
2816 6th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233
1-205-585-5535
sheywood@ghafari.com

Questions concerning the specifications of this solicitation should be directed to Jerry Nelms, Facility Engineer, at (205) 458-8409 or email Jerry.Nelms@bjcc.org.
Sharon Proctor
Purchasing Coordinator
Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority
BT01/08/15

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Request for Proposals (RFP)
Special Needs Rental Housing for the Elderly

The Jefferson County Commission receives funds from the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to address the housing needs of lower income residents of the Jefferson County Community Development Consortium. Per its Consolidated Plan, Jefferson County, through its Office of Community & Economic Development is soliciting Non-Profit (501 (c) (3)) and For-Profit Housing Developers to submit proposals for the development or rehabilitation of Special Needs Rental Housing for the Elderly to be built/rehabilitated on a single site within the Jefferson County Community Development Consortium (all of Jefferson County outside of the cities of Birmingham, Bessemer and Hoover and the towns of County Line, Sumiton, Helena and Argo).

Sealed proposals must be submitted to the Office of Community & Economic Development (in-hand) at the below address by no later than 5:00 P.M. on January 30, 2015 for those seeking to also apply for funding in the 2014 Alabama Housing Finance Authority Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Application cycle. All other proposals must be submitted to Community & Economic Development (in-hand) by no later than 5:00 P.M. on March 31, 2015.

Suite A-430
716 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. N.
Birmingham, Al. 35203

The complete RFP may be viewed on the Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development website at http://jeffconline.jccal.org/comdev/home/Home.html. Copies of the RFP can be picked up at the above-address or requested via e-mail to Cheryl Collier at collierc@jccal.org. All requests by means other than by in-person visits to the above noted Office will be responded to via e-mail or United States Postal Service. All questions should be addressed to Lynn McKinley Smith or Cheryl Collier at 325-5761.
BT01/08/15

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THE FAIRFIELD ALABAMA HOUSING AUTHORITY (FAHA)
INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)
FOR MODERNIZATION
OF 2 UNITS/ 1 BUILDING AT MATTIE GILL JACKSON GARDENS

Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority is seeking proposals from highly qualified and insured individuals or firms, to complete a modernization of 2 units/ 1 building located at Mattie Gill Jackson Gardens (AL 10-2), Fairfield, AL 35064 funded under the Capital Fund Program until 2:00 p.m. (Central Time) on January 20, 2015 at the central office of the Authority, 6704 Avenue D, Fairfield, AL 35064 at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope, clearly marked MOD to Mattie Gill Jackson Gardens (AL 10-2)
A Pre-Bid Conference followed by an on -site inspection of the premises, will be held on January 13, 2015 at 11:00 AM at the central office of the Authority. Contractors are highly encouraged to attend the pre- bid meeting, but attendance is not mandatory.
The Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids to waive any informality in the bidding.
The Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority reserves the right to retain 10% of payment during the work performance. Proposals will be received until January 20, 2015 at 2:00pm.

By submission of a proposal, the bidder agrees, if its proposal is accepted, to enter into a contract with the Housing Authority in the form included in the contract documents to complete all work as specified or indicated in the contract documents for the contract price and within the contract time indicated. The bidder further accepts all of the terms and conditions of the RFB. All packages should be submitted to:
(NO ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PROPOSED PACKAGED)

Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority 6704 Ave D
Fairfield, AL 35064 Attn: Executive Director
seady@fairfieldha.org

Contact Information: To receive the IFB documents with full requirements please contact Account Payable Specialist 205-923-8017 ext 220
BT01/08/15

__________________

Birmingham City Schools
Request for Proposal
Enterprise Document Solutions

Birmingham City Schools’ is seeking proposals for the acquisition of an Enterprise Document Solution System for the school district. The objective of this Request for Proposal is to create a strategic partnership with a Multi-function Device (MFD) manufacturer and their authorized reseller and service provider and/or Value-added-Reseller (VAR) to deliver necessary equipment and services for enterprise document services. Multi-Function Devices (MFD) should be capable of printing, scanning, copying and faxing. The Enterprise Document Solution shall deliver full time and onsite ongoing turnkey top-to-bottom support services (covering hardware, software and supplies) for a fully managed printing solution.

Proposals are due Monday, January 19, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. CDT. A non-mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. CDT, Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at the address indicated below. Please submit questions to Edward McMullen, Director of Purchasing, no later than 2:00 p.m. CDT, Thursday, January 8, 2015.

Please contact Birmingham City School’s Purchasing Department to request a copy of the RFP at (205) 231-4885 or emcmullen@bhm.k12.al.us or download a copy from BCS website @ www.bhm.k12.al.us.

Edward McMullen
Director of Purchasing
Birmingham City Schools
Central Office
2015 Park Place, North
Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Birmingham City Schools reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive formalities and technical errors if, in Birmingham City School’s judgment, the best interest of Birmingham City School’s will thereby be promoted.
BT01/08/15

_________________
INVITATION FOR BIDS

The Jefferson County Commission will receive bids for Warrior Trafford Road Storm Shelter at Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse until 9:00 a.m. local time on the 13th day of January, 2015, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Any bid to be delivered by hand or mail prior to the above time or at a different place shall be at the full risk of the bidder. Such bids may be delivered or mailed to the Jefferson County Office of Community and Economic Development, at 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. If for any reason such bid does not reach Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse prior to the opening, it may be rejected. No bids shall be accepted after the time stated for receipt of bids. This requirement shall not be waived.

All bids must be submitted on bid forms furnished, or copy thereof, and must be in a sealed envelope. The outside of the envelope should contain the following:

(1) “SEALED BID”; (2) “DO NOT OPEN”; (3) PROJECT NAME AND NUMBER; (4) PROJECT OFFICER: “Yolanda B. Caver”; (5) CONTRACTOR’S NAME AND ADDRESS
(6) ALABAMA LICENSE NUMBER (7)DUNS #

Bids are invited upon the work as follows:

Construct a dual use storm shelter.

Bids must be accompanied by a certified check or bank draft payable to the order of Jefferson County, Alabama negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (at par value) or a satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the bidder and an acceptable surety, in the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total of the bid amount but not to exceed $10,000.00, for the Warrior Trafford Road Storm Shelter. The bid security is to become the property of the owner in the event that: (1) the bidder fails to meet any of the qualifications required in the bid specifications stated herein; (2) the bidder misrepresents or falsifies any information required to be provided by the owner; (3) for any reason that the bidder fails to qualify, causing his bid to be withdrawn or rejected and such withdrawal or rejection results in delay or substantial additional expense to the owner; (4) the contract and bond are not executed within the time set forth, as liquidated damages for the delay and additional expense of the owner caused thereby.

Bid documents are on file and will be available for examination at the JEFFERSON COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203; and at the BIRMINGHAM CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AUTHORITY, 601 37th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35222.

The bid package may be obtained by depositing $150.00 with Thompson Architecture, Inc., 2913 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223
for each set of documents so obtained. Such deposit will be refunded in full on the first set issued to each general contract bidder submitting a bonafide bid, upon return of documents in good condition within ten days of bid date. Other sets for general contractors, and sets for subcontractors and dealers, may be obtained with the same deposit, which will be refunded as above, less cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution of the contract documents.

Bidders are advised that submitted bids bind the bidders to the “Bid Conditions Setting Forth Affirmative Action Requirements for all Non‑Exempt Federal and Federally‑assisted Construction Contracts to be awarded in Jefferson, Shelby and Walker counties, Alabama, “also known as the Birmingham Hometown Plan.

Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages as set forth in the contract documents must be paid on this project, and that the contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.

All bidders be advised that this contract is subject to Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development act of 1968, as amended, (12 USC l701U) which if it is in excess of $100,000, requires that to the “greatest extent feasible”, opportunities for training and employment be given lower income residents of the project area and contracts for work in connection with the project be awarded to business concerns which are: (1) 51 percent or more owned by section 3 residents; or (2) Whose permanent, full-time employees include persons, at least 30 percent of whom are currently section 3 residents, or within three years of the date of first employment with the business concern were section 3 residents; or (3) That provides evidence of commitment to subcontract in excess of 25 percent of the dollar award of all subcontracts to be awarded to business concerns that meet the qualifications set forth in paragraphs (1) or (2) in this definition of “section 3 business concern.”

All bidders must be licensed by the State of Alabama Licensing Board of General Contractors, as required by Chapter 8 of Title 34 of the Code of Alabama 1975 as amended.

The Jefferson County Commission reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding.

This project will be funded in its entirety (100%) with Federal Community Development Block Grant Funds.

No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of Sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of bids to allow the Jefferson County Commission to review the bids and investigate the qualifications of bidders, prior to awarding the contract.
BT01/08/15

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INVITATION FOR BIDS

The Jefferson County Commission will receive bids for the Midfield Community Center Renovations Project #CDBG12-03F-M02-MCC at Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse until 9:00 a.m. local time on the 27th day of January, 2015, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Any bid to be delivered by hand or mail prior to the above time or at a different place shall be at the full risk of the bidder. Such bids may be delivered or mailed to the Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development, at 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. If for any reason such bid does not reach Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse prior to the opening, it may be rejected. No bids shall be accepted after the time stated for receipt of bids. This requirement shall not be waived.

All bids must be submitted on bid forms furnished, or copy thereof, and must be in a sealed envelope. The outside of the envelope should contain the following:

(1) “SEALED BID”; (2) “DO NOT OPEN”; (3) PROJECT NAME AND NUMBER; (4) PROJECT OFFICER: “FELICIA SMITH”; (5) CONTRACTOR’S NAME AND ADDRESS
(6) ALABAMA LICENSE NUMBER; (7) CONTRACTOR’S DUNS NUMBER

Bids are invited upon the work as follows:

Addition of a Men’s and Women’s restroom to the rear of the existing Community Center. There are also minor refurbishments to the existing exercise room and minor life/safety work in the existing gymnasium.

Bids must be accompanied by a certified check or bank draft payable to the order of Jefferson County, Alabama negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (at par value) or a satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the bidder and an acceptable surety, in the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total of the bid amount but not to exceed $10,000.00, for the Midfield Community Center Renovations Project #CDBG12-03F-M02-MCC. The bid security is to become the property of the owner in the event that: (1) the bidder fails to meet any of the qualifications required in the bid specifications stated herein; (2) the bidder misrepresents or falsifies any information required to be provided by the owner; (3) for any reason that the bidder fails to qualify, causing his bid to be withdrawn or rejected and such withdrawal or rejection results in delay or substantial additional expense to the owner; (4) the contract and bond are not executed within the time set forth, as liquidated damages for the delay and additional expense of the owner caused thereby.

Bid documents are on file and will be available for examination at the JEFFERSON COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY & Economic DEVELOPMENT, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203; and the BIRMINGHAM CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AUTHORITY, 601 37th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222
The bid package may be obtained by depositing $100.00_ with Thompson Architecture, Inc., 2913 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223
for each set of documents so obtained. Such deposit will be refunded in full on the first set issued to each general contract bidder submitting a bonafide bid, upon return of documents in good condition within ten days of bid date. Other sets for general contractors, and sets for subcontractors and dealers, may be obtained with the same deposit, which will be refunded as above, less cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution of the contract documents.

Bidders are advised that submitted bids bind the bidders to the “Bid Conditions Setting Forth Affirmative Action Requirements for all Non‑Exempt Federal and Federally‑assisted Construction Contracts to be awarded in Jefferson, Shelby and Walker Counties, Alabama, “also known as the Birmingham Hometown Plan.

Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages as set forth in the contract documents must be paid on this project, and that the contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

All bidders must be licensed by the State of Alabama Licensing Board of General Contractors, as required by Chapter 8 of Title 34 of the Code of Alabama 1975 as amended.

The Jefferson County Commission reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding.

This project will be funded in its entirety (100%) with Federal Community Development Block Grant Funds.

No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of bids to allow the Jefferson County Commission to review the bids and investigate the qualifications of bidders, prior to awarding the contract.
BT01/08/15

Mo’ne Davis Wins AP Female Athlete of the Year Honors

Birmingham Times

January 8, 2015

By ROB MAADDI, AP Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA — No one in the sports world had heard of the 2014 Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year until August.
That’s when 13-year-old Mo’ne Davis became an instant celebrity as she took the mound in the Little League World Series and mowed down batter after batter, giving “throw like a girl” a whole new meaning.
She was the first girl to win a Little League World Series game, and her performance dazzled fans young and old. Her steely gaze and demeanor on the mound were intimidating, while off-the-field, she shined in interviews. She told admirers that if they thought she was good at baseball, they should see her play hoops. Only in eighth grade, Davis already plays for her school’s high school varsity basketball team.
Davis appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, has her jersey displayed in baseball’s Hall of Fame and was named Sports Kid of the Year by Sports Illustrated Kids.
She met the Obamas at the White House, starred in a Spike Lee-directed car commercial (the NCAA said it wouldn’t hurt her eligibility), marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade along with her Taney Dragons teammates and presented Pharrell Williams with Soul Train’s “Song of the Year” award.
The talented three-sport star — she also plays soccer — and honor student from South Philadelphia handled all the attention with poise, modesty and maturity.
“A lot of adults around me help out, taught me to be respectful, to be calm during everything and not let anything get to you,” Davis said after learning of her latest honor.
A vote by U.S. editors and news directors selected Davis as The Associated Press 2014 Female Athlete of the Year. The youngest winner in history, Davis beat out Mt. St. Joseph freshman Lauren Hill — who played her first college basketball game while battling terminal brain cancer — and three-time winner Serena Williams. The selection was announced Monday.
Davis tossed a two-hitter to help Philadelphia beat Nashville 4-0 in the Little League World Series opener for both teams. Davis, the first girl to appear for a U.S. team in South Williamsport since 2004, had eight strikeouts and didn’t walk a batter. Her team was eventually eliminated after losing to teams from Las Vegas and Chicago. Davis gave up three runs in the Las Vegas game, and could not take the mound against Chicago because of pitch limits.
After the tournament, Davis was everywhere.
She threw whiffle balls to Jimmy Fallon on NBC’s Tonight Show, threw out the first pitch at Game 4 of the World Series and signed a book deal.
“It’s been really fun, got to do a lot of things, meet a lot of cool people,” Davis said. “My favorite thing to do was playing in Williamsport or going to the White House. (The Obamas) just seemed like a regular couple, no different from anyone else.”
While others are still talking about her Little League performance, Davis, a point guard, is concentrating on basketball.
“It’s making me a lot better, helping me make decisions,” Davis said of playing varsity. “In middle school, I can get away with small things. The girls now are a lot taller so I’m working on my jump shot and ball handling a lot.”
Davis aspires to play for the University of Connecticut and reach the WNBA. She plays midfielder on her soccer team and hopes to play three sports in high school, though she’s not sure about baseball.
“I know the boys will be much stronger so that depends,” she said. “Hopefully, I can continue playing as long as I can.”
Davis isn’t just a jock. She excels academically despite such a great demand for her time.
“It’s all about time management, how you plan your projects and not waiting until the last minute,” she said.
Steve Bandura, a recreation leader for the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department and director of the Anderson Monarchs sports programs, has helped coach Davis since she started playing sports. His son, Scott, was the catcher for Taney. Bandura said Davis has maintained her “natural personality” no matter how many cameras or microphones are in her face.
“She’s still the same person, still a kid who wants to do kid things,” Bandura said. “She has fun meeting celebrities and all that but the bottom line is she loves to play sports, go to school and have fun. The adults make a bigger deal out of it. Her teammates understand she’s breaking down barriers and they’re proud of her. They’ve been together so long, it’s like she’s their sister.”
Davis knows she has become a role model.
Her message to everyone, especially girls: “Always follow your dreams. If there’s something people tell you that you can’t do it, go for it.”

Missing Money: HBCU Athletic Apparel and the Hip-Hop Community

Birmingham Times

January 8, 2015

By Thomas Scott

Guest Contributor
Budget. Revenue. Income. By now we all have heard the same tired narrative surrounding these terms. We get it. Many HBCU athletic departments are struggling financially; however, there may be a solution.
The market for collegiate apparel is booming. It generates $4.6 billion in sales and has some 60 million minority fans.
Typically colleges, athletic conferences and some sporting events rely on licensing companies to protect, promote and grow their brands. These companies specialize in everything from creating product designs to placing apparel in distribution channels.
The largest of these companies, the CLC (Collegiate Licensing Company), is responsible for 80 percent of the market share and has paid its partners more than $1.5 billion in royalties. Cory Moss, managing director of CLC, explains the importance of these figures. “When [these companies] are targeting colleges well, they’re targeting a younger demographic that will grow up with their brand.”
Has a younger demographic been properly introduced to HBCU brands via apparel? One simple answer…no.
Of the CLC’s 200 clients, only six are HBCUs (Florida A&M, Howard, Morgan State, Tuskegee, Grambling State, and Southern). Two other licensing companies, License Resource Group and Strategic Marketing Affiliates, have a total of 23 HBCU clients. This means that only 29 HBCUs are conducting business with the top licensing agencies. Without the support of these agencies, many HBCU alumni and fans can only find their team’s apparel when visiting their campus bookstore or attending homecoming. Even worse, many are left to buy non-licensed HBCU apparel in which the schools collect no royalties. Failing to pair with licensing companies could be the reason many HBCUs limit the reach of their brand. It’s a strategy which doesn’t make much sense in today’s marketplace.
HBCU apparel is unique because it has yet to tap into its potential mainstream appeal. Back in the day, it was commonplace to see Black actors and rappers such as Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, and Queen Latifah donning HBCU apparel on television. From Run DMC’s song “My Adidas” to Nelly’s “Air Force One’s”, the hip-hop community has always been in the forefront of fashion trends.
According to Nielsen and the National Newspaper Publishing Association (NNPA), 73 percent of whites and 67 percent of Hispanics believe Blacks influence mainstream culture. Nielsen and the NNPA describe young African-Americans as key influencers and a strong base for building brands.
Today, hip-hop is still being used to sell collegiate apparel. Only this time the Black actors and rappers are selling PWI’s collegiate gear. Just this month, Syracuse University announced a collaboration with New York rapper A$AP Ferg. The collaboration consists of limited edition hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other athletic wear designed by A$AP Ferg. The aim of this promotion is to create excitement and expose new fans to the Syracuse University brand. To some, the collaboration between Syracuse and A$AP Ferg may seem unusual. However, Syracuse and other PWI’s understand the influence and buying power of the hip-hop community and use it as tool to generate revenue. Imagine the excitement and sales a collaboration between a rapper and HBCU could generate.
Hip-hop is no longer a niche market; it transcends racial, social, and economic demographics. If HBCUs really want to become players in the 4.6 billion dollar collegiate apparel industry, they must tap into the buying power of the hip-hop community and take their apparel mainstream. By collaborating with successful licensing companies and top hip-hop figures, HBCU apparel could reach new levels of success and relevancy.
Thomas Scott is a Tuskegee University alum, father and avid HBCU Sports fan. You can follow him on Twitter @TommieKukoc.

Lady Bulldogs Lead From Start to Finish to Beat Kennesaw State

Birmingham Times

January 8, 2015

HUNTSVILLE – The Lady Bulldogs jumped out to a 8-0 lead and never looked back Monday in a 73-66 win over Kennesaw State.
The win was the first of the season for the Lady Bulldogs (1-10) and snapped a 7-game winning streak for the Owls (10-3) of the Atlantic Sun conference.
Janie Myles led a quartet of Lady Bulldogs who scored in double figures – a first this season. Myles scored 26 points and had a team-high 11 rebounds for her second double-double in just four games. Brooke Dixon had 15 points on 6 for 7 shooting from the field; Brittney Strickland added 11 and Alganese Gatson had 10.
The Lady Bulldogs shot 58 percent from the field in the first half, taking a 38-32 lead at intermission, and 50 percent in the second half.
With about 14:50 left in the game, the Owls were within four points of Alabama A&M, trailing 48-44. But the Lady Bulldogs answered with a 16-5 run over the next seven minutes for their largest lead of the game – 64-49.
The Owls then rallied, cutting the margin to 70-65 with 1:06 to play, but couldn’t get closer.

Will All These People Run for President?

Birmingham Times

December 31, 2014

by Jesse Lewis

I doubt it. There’s an old saying ‘a heap start, but a few go,’ which means a lot of people say they are running, but, in the final analysis, they change their minds, or they will be eliminated in the caucuses and primaries.
The democrats will only have no more than three persons to challenge Hillary Clinton. The Republicans will have at least 10 to challenge Jeb Bush. My guess would be Paul Ryan and Mitt Romney will not run.
The most interesting part of this race will be when the Republicans start debates – their process of elimination.
The person who could run, but not shown in this photo, is Ben Carson. He will be the only Black person who has ever run for office who will receive two Black votes – his and his wife’s.

No One Ever Accused Charles Barkley of Being Einstein

Birmingham Times

December 31, 2014

Special To The Times

Last week an open letter was sent to Mr. Charles Barkley from Senator Hank Sanders. The following are excerpts from the letter:
Mr. Barkley, I understand that you said, in so many words, that slavery was not so bad and that you were tired of people bringing up slavery. I was shocked by both statements. Then I was mad. Then I was terribly disappointed. Finally, I was just in deep hurt and great pain. Now, I am trying to help you and all those who may think like you.
Mr. Barkley, allow me to tell you why slavery was “not so bad,” but very, very bad. First, African people were snatched from their families, their villages, their communities, their tribes, their continent, their freedom. African people were made to walk hundreds of miles in chains. They were often beaten, poorly fed and abused in many ways. Women and girls were routinely raped. The whole continent was ravaged and still suffers to this day. Mr. Barkley, this is very, very bad.
African people were placed in “slave dungeons” for weeks and sometimes months until the slave ships came. They were often underfed, terribly beaten, raped and stuffed together so tightly they could hardly move. African people were packed in the holds of ships with little space to even move. They performed bodily functions where they lay and then lived in it. They were oftentimes beaten, raped and abused mentally, physically and emotionally. Many died from disease and broken spirits. Some were so terribly impacted that they jumped overboard and drowned when brought to the deck of the ships. Millions died during the Middle Passage from Africa to the Americas. Mr. Barkley, this is very, very bad.
African people were broken like wild animals. Fourth, African Americans were worked from “kin to can’t;” that is from “can see” in the morning to “can’t see” at night. There was no pay for their long, hard labor. Many were poorly fed. Most felt the lash of the whip. All felt the lash of the tongue. Many were repeatedly raped. Their children and other loved ones were sold at will. Some mothers killed their baby girls so they would not have to endure the ravages of slavery. Mr. Barkley, this is very, very bad.
Black lives are worth much less than white lives. Mr. Barkley, this is very, very bad.
It required great violence to implement and maintain the worst form of human slavery known to humankind. It required unbridled violence by enslavers, slave catchers, local, state, federal governments and the entire society. Maintaining the institution of slavery created a very violent society that infests us to this day. That’s why the United States has far more violence than any country in the world. Mr. Barkley, this is very, very bad.
The Ku Klux Klan and other terrorist groups hanged, mutilated, maimed and murdered without any punishment. It was state sanctioned terrorism because the “state” did not do anything to prevent it. That’s why even during the Civil Rights Movement murders took many years before even a modicum of justice was forged. Just look at the deaths of Medgar Evers, James Chaney, the three little girls murdered by the bombing of a Birmingham Church and so many others. That is why today Trayvon Martin could not walk the streets of his neighborhood and Jordan Davis could not play loud music in his car and Eric Garner was choked to death and Michael Brown was gunned down. Mr. Barkley this is very, very bad.
Mr. Barkley, if you knew your history, you would not say slavery is not so bad and you are tired of people bringing up slavery. The legacy of slavery is everywhere. However, you are not totally to blame because you were deliberately denied the opportunity to learn your history. That is one more legacy of slavery. I hope you will seek the full history for yourself so that you will not ever say such things again.

Local, Federal Investigations Into Gym Mat Death Continue

Birmingham Times

December 31, 2014

$Gym Math Death$ By Victor Blackwell, CNN

Despite concluding there was no foul play in the death of a Georgia teen nearly two years ago, a sheriff’s office conducted additional interviews on the case as recently as this month.
The parents of Kendrick Johnson, who was found dead inside a rolled-up gym mat at his school in Valdosta, Georgia, have been unwavering in their belief that their son was murdered, even after the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office ruled the death accidental and closed the case 18 months ago.
The details of the recent interviews, conducted by the sheriff’s office between November 24 and December 15, were provided to CNN in response to a public records request.
The sheriff’s office interviewed about two dozen current and former Lowndes High School students who were on the school’s wrestling team on January 10, 2013, the day Johnson disappeared. His body was found the next day.
The additional interviews appear to be related to a video released by attorneys for Johnson’s family that challenged the whereabouts of one particular former student who was on the wrestling team.
According to investigative records, the former student confronted Johnson and told him “it ain’t over” regarding a confrontation Johnson had with the former student’s younger brother.
CNN is not naming the former student because he has not been called a suspect or been charged with a crime.
The former student would have been at a wrestling match in another city at the time Johnson is believed to have died, but lawyers say the bus did not leave Lowndes High School until after Johnson’s death.
An attorney for the sheriff’s office confirmed the recent interviews, but did not respond to a question about whether the case has been reopened.
“The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office initiated the interviews of the Lowndes High School wrestling team coach, the bus driver and wrestling team members in response to claims made known to the sheriff’s office that the wrestling team was still on the school’s campus when Kendrick Johnson was last known to have been alive,” according to a statement provided by the department’s attorney. “Investigators have tried unsuccessfully to contact some wrestling team members and will continue to attempt to reach those team members.”
The statement added that the interviews so far have not changed the facts believed by the sheriff’s office.
“The information gathered thus far indicates that the bus carrying the wrestling team had left the school’s campus prior to the time that Kendrick Johnson was last known to have been alive,” it said.
Several of those interviewed said the former student was on a school bus en route to a state tournament in Macon, Georgia, the day Johnson disappeared. Others could not say for sure.
However, there are inconsistent accounts about when the bus left the school.
Some of the current and former students told investigators the team left campus before 10 a.m. Other students said the team left just before noon. The bus driver told investigators the team left at 12:30 p.m., according to incident reports.
According to a school bus schedule provided to CNN by an attorney for the school, the bus left for the tournament at 4 p.m., hours after Johnson was last seen alive around 1:30 p.m. The wrestling coach told investigators the school bus schedule was inaccurate, as it reflected a request made by him at the beginning of the wrestling season, and not the time the bus left on the actual day of the wrestling meet.
Analysis of the coach’s cell phone bill showed the last call that accessed a tower in the Valdosta area that day occurred at 11:28 a.m. At 1:53 p.m., the phone accessed a tower in Cordele, Georgia, nearly 90 miles outside of Valdosta.
An employee at Candlewood Suites in Macon told investigators the coach checked in for the team at 4 p.m., according to incident reports.
One student told investigators that the weigh-in for the team began at 4 p.m., according incident reports.
According to a document included in the investigative file, the former student participated in the weigh-in on January 10, but when that weigh-in occurred is not indicated.
Previously released documents showed that the former student and his brother were advised by their attorney in 2013 not to speak to investigators or provide them any statements.
In August, the brothers’ parents filed a $5 million libel lawsuit in federal court against the publishers of Ebony magazine and writer Frederic Rosen. The suit claims stories written by Rosen and published in Ebony magazine and on Ebony.com imply that the brothers played a part in Johnson’s death and their father was involved in a conspiracy to cover it up. The claim that the brothers played any part in the death “is completely untrue,” according to the lawsuit.
The interviews come more than 18 months after Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office closed its investigation into Johnson’s death. Sheriff’s office investigators concluded Johnson got stuck while reaching for a shoe at the center of the rolled mat. The state medical examiner determined Johnson died as the result of accidental “positional asphyxia.”
Johnson’s parents, Kenneth and Jacquelyn Johnson, believe the story about the shoe is a cover-up and that their son was murdered. A forensic pathologist hired by Johnson’s family later found evidence of “unexplained, apparent nonaccidental blunt force trauma” to the neck. He concluded Johnson’s death was the result of a homicide.
A federal investigation into Johnson’s death, launched more than a year ago, continues.
The Department of Justice has taken possession of the gym mat where Johnson’s body was found, according to the records released by the sheriff’s office to CNN.
Last month, the approximately 6-foot gym mat was rolled in brown paper and loaded into a vehicle driven by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah Sines and U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Investigator Nelson Rhone Jr., according to the documents.
Federal authorities also reviewed evidence being stored as part of the case and were given copies of three discs with audio recordings of calls for service made the day Johnson’s body was found and two discs with video surveillance.

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