By Gwen DeRu

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAMIA BRYANT-DERU!!  Many, many more!

It’s Spring!
….What are you doing this weekend?

IT’S HERE….What we have been waiting for…..AARON’S DREAM WEEKEND!!

DON’T MISS…. THE GOOD TIMES AND THE NEW THINGS…..at Talladega Superspeedway!!

People are asking….
CAN DALE JR. REPEAT HISTORY WITH A TALLADEGA TRIUMPH?  DAYTONA 500 AND TALLADEGA WIN IN THE SAME YEAR?

Witness the attempt with the ‘Special Ticket Packages’ – Many NASCAR fans are hoping history repeats itself this season for Dale Earnhardt Jr. Dale Jr. claimed the Daytona 500 in 2004 and he went on to win at NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track – Talladega Superspeedway – that same year. Dale Jr. won the season-opening Daytona 500, this year, and fans hoping to see a repeat performance at Talladega live and in person have some incredible ticket offers to choose from for the Aaron’s Dream Weekend, May 2-4. These amazing ticket packages include:
•       2-day Grandstand tickets starting at $50 (Saturday-Sunday, May 3-4)
•       2-day Tower tickets starting at $100 (Saturday-Sunday, May 3-4)
•       $50 off regular pricing for Kids 12 and Under in Grandstands & Towers on Sunday, including FREE tickets in the Gadsden & Talladega Grandstands (2-day ticket package sections)
•       Kids 12 and Under FREE in all sections on Saturday, May 3
Fans always see many Dale Jr. flags flying high around Talladega during an event weekend. It started with an affinity for Earnhardt Sr., and has since been passed to Earnhardt Jr., who sees all the support from Jr. Nation from behind the wheel. “You feed off of that so much,” admits Earnhardt Jr., who currently ranks fourth in the Sprint Cup title chase, of his fan support. “You never forget that, just looking up into the grandstands, seeing all those people cheering, so happy, especially when you get the (checkered) flag. You get right up on them, like they are coming through the fence. It’s just incredible, the energy from that side of the fence.”

NEW….. “Knockout” Coors Light Pole Qualifying at Talladega Superspeedway – which will set the starting field for the Aaron’s 499 – is the most widely anticipated NASCAR qualifying of the year. The new format pits drivers against each other in three segments, with the first holding more than 43 drivers on the track at once during a 25-minute session. After a five-minute break, the fastest 24 drivers advance to a second round of non-stop action for 10 minutes. The fastest 12 will then move to the final five-minute dash for glory, with the quickest driver in the anchor segment taking the Coors Light Pole Position.
What makes Talladega’s qualifying different from any other session this year? No other track is like it – it’s the biggest, baddest and most competitive racing venue on the planet at a mammoth 2.66-miles and 33 degrees of banking. It’s a place where 4-wide at 200 mph is the norm. Couple that with a host of questions about strategy. Lead the pack or lag back and suck up to the driver in front when drafting? Who to team up with – teammates or others? Go with the same manufacturer, or go outside the box? How long to stay on the track during each session? Use all of each session, or just make one bonsai run?  Lots of questions and no one has the answers – at least not yet. Saturday will tell the tale. FOX announced last week that it’s moving its coverage of the event from FOX Sports 2, marking the first time a non-Daytona 500 qualifying session has aired on FOX. And, the knockout qualifying is just one of three action-packed races of the day. This incredible Saturday kicks off with the ARCA Racing Series’ International Motorsports Hall of Fame 200, where Fairhope (AL) native Grant Enfinger will try to rewrite history by winning his fourth triumph in a row to open the ARCA season. Later in the day, the NASCAR Nationwide drivers take to the unpredictable track for the Aaron’s 312.  And what are some of the drivers saying about “Knockout” at Talladega?  Here is one…“If I weren’t in it, I would be tuned in to watch because it will be entertainment,” said Carl Edwards.

THEN, THERE IS DANICA PATRICK…The GIRL TO WATCH!!  This is the weekend that you do not want to miss – the sun, the fun and the entertainment.
See you there!!!
JAZZ ON THE PORCH – Spring Brings Music!  Don’t Miss ‘Jazz on the Porch,’ Every ‘First Thursday’ May – October, 5:30 – 9 p.m. with a Cash bar and the ‘best’ Burgers in town.
2014 FOX 6 KIDS  & JOBS DEADLINES – (I just love Toni Hendrix…she keeps me on top of everything from the City of Birmingham Youth Services Division and its great team under Cedric Sparks.)  Don’t miss …DEADLINES: MAY 2 – For youth applying for summer jobs.  May Go to www.myfoxal.com/category.184251/kids-and-jobs.

Here are a few things going on this weekend and soon.  (Look around for other things that you may want to enjoy and share with others.  See you around.  Say Hi!)
**LAUGHTER at the STARDOME COMEDY CLUB with this weekend and coming soon.
THIS WEEKEND…Don’t Miss…  SINBAD – Sinbad never tells jokes- “I don’t know any,” he admits-but rather stalks the stage, telling real-life stories. He doesn’t deliver payoff lines; he slam-dunks them. His comedy is large, physical, and impetuous. Psychologically, he jams us, poking holes in our lifestyles. His stories mirror our foibles. His is the explosive energy of the neighborhood; his phrasing is manic, musical and right on time. He doesn’t write his material; he relives it as he remembers it.  Call (205) 444-0008 for more.  Tell them Gwen sent you.  See you there.
FOR LAUGHTER…… The STARDOME COMEDY CLUB is always the place to be.
COMING SOON… JAMES GREGORY (May 9-10 and 16-17), RONNIE JORDAN (May 23), EDDIE GRIFFIN (May 24-25), JEN KOBER (May 2-June 1), ROMMY DAVIDSON (June 5-8), RUSSELL PETERS (June 13-15), CRAIG SHOEMAKER (June 20-21) all at the StarDome Comedy Club.  See you around.
NOW… through Sunday…
TODAY….
**ENJOY TODAY…IT IS NOT RAINING!!!
FRIDAY…
**FRIDAY AFTER WORK, 4-9 p.m. at 25 West Oxmoor Road, Suite 26, Homewood, Ala. 35209.
**MIKEY JR. AND STONE COLD BLUES BAND will be playing at the Red Wolf, 9:30 p.m. at 3108 Park Avenue SW . Mikey is an amazingly talented harmonica player and vocalist. With a very high energy, he played the first Bob Sykes BB & Blues Festival and everyone has been asking for his return. He headlined the Magic City Blues Society Blues Ball a few years ago, and what a party it was. Mikey hails from New Jersey and it is rare he travels this far south. But he is passing through town this Friday on his “Travelling South” CD release tour. This may be the best $10 show you will ever see! Check out his website www.mikeyjr.com for information on Mikey, or see him on YouTube http://youtu.be/iSP-_BtA_mE . The Red Wolf was recently featured on APTV http://journeyproudalabama.com/journey_episode/juke-joints/
Here is a link to get the map – http://mapq.st/1izw3RW
SATURDAY…
**PEPPER PLACE MARKET, 7 a.m. – Noon at Pepper Place.

SUNDAY…
**Lawson State Presents Creative Arts Show – Lawson State Community College Graphic Art Communications students will hold their second Creative Arts Show at 5 p.m. in the Alabama Center for Advanced Technology & Training Building (Birmingham, West Campus, 3060 Wilson Road, Birmingham, AL 35221).  Creative works focusing on advertising, graphic design, illustration, multi-media design, photography and fine art will be on display, along with personal statements by students regarding their chosen fields of study.  The event is free and open to the public. Industry professionals looking for fresh talent and high school students interested in an affordable way to begin creative careers are encouraged to attend and meet with the graphic communication, and fine art students and instructors.

For more information on the Creative Arts Show, contact Roosevelt Williams at 205-929-3473 or rswilliams@lawsonstate.edu
ENJOY THE WEEKEND!!
COMING SOON…….
MAY 30 – JAZZNET 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the Harbert Center.  Join professionals as they combine great people with great music and two floors of live jazz with AMPLIFIED NOIZ on the Main stage and CADILLAC JAZZ on Stage 2.  Call  (205) 873-4572 for more.  It is hosted by Jeh Jeh of Fox 6.
AUGUST 29-31 LABOR DAY WEEKEND ERIC ESSIX’S JAZZ ESCAPE – The Eric Essix Jazz Escape at the Birmingham Renaissance Ross Bridge Gold Resort & Spa, is the first event of its kind in this region to be hosted by a world class golf resort and spa.   Check out Eric Essix Project, Brian Culbertson, Rick Braun, Karen Briggs, Kim Scott, Tracy Hamlin, Kelley O’Neal, Roman Street, The Chad Fisher Group and Frank McComb.

NOW…. a BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT FOR MAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL CELEBRATING!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL YOU BIRTHDAY BALLERS…MANY, MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!!  ENJOY!!
Well, that’s it.  Tell you more ‘next’ time.
(People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send comments to my emails: thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com or gwenderu@yahoo.com)

by Viola C. Malone
Special To The Times

“Ride Along” starring  Ice Cube and Kevin Hart is one of the biggest box office hits of 2014.
The movie follows fast-talking, jumpy security guard Ben Barber (Kevin Hart) on his ride along adventures with his potential brother-in-law James Payton (Ice Cube), an APD detective, to prove himself worthy of marrying James’s sister.
The movie is out now on DVD and Blu-ray. So what more can you expect from this box office hit that you did not see in theatres?
“Just a little more,” says Ice Cube, “We had a hard ending in the movie. This is just extra stuff that we shot. We had the cookout stuff on the movie ending but this is what we shot before the cookout stuff was in there.”
With an alternate ending and tons of extra footage, that could leave one wondering about all of the challenges and difficulties faced to get this production out. It may be hard for some to believe that a film jam-packed with action and actual comedy with two big stars with big personalities was created with ease, but Cube says there really were no challenges with him and Kevin.
“We had what I call instant chemistry. We was on the same page and on the top of our game from day one. That’s rare. You don’t usually get that. You usually take days, scenes to warm up. That [chemistry] made everything roll smoothly.”
The real challenge of this movie for Hart and Cube, believe-it-or-not, was to include as much action as comedy. Cube says the “comedy was so good” that they had to shoot more action after they finished the movie. If you were one of the ones who enjoyed the movie, saw it more than once and plan on getting the DVD be sure to keep your ears and eyes open for the sequel as it is currently in the works.
That isn’t the only thing Cube has been putting his energy into. He has his hands full with a host of projects he’s working on from film sequels to music projects. The NWA film that we’ve all been hearing buzz about is set for production in the near future.
“I’m a producer, that’s coming out through Cube Vision. (It will be) directed by F. Gary Gray (Friday, Set It Off, The Italian Job). We are in full production on it as far as pre-production; getting the script together, casting, its gon’ be shot right here in LA. Hopefully we start production in July. Still casting, whoever fits the mold.”
On the music side of things Ice Cube is back in the studio once more working on a project titled “Everything’s Corrupt” due out this summer. Aside from that there is still talk about a possible sequel to Friday and “22 Jump Street” sequel to “21 Jump Street” will be out June 13th. It looks like it’s going to be a hot summer for Cube.
Be sure to get the “Ride Along” DVD/Blu-ray version.

Spanning more than two decades of sheer R&B perfection, THE ESSENTIAL R. KELLY  is the first collection to cover the three-time Grammy Award®-winning artist’s entire major label recording career from 1991 (“She’s Got That Vibe” with Public Announcement) to 2012 (“Feelin’ Single”).  The deluxe 35-track, double-CD set will be available starting May 19th through RCA/Legacy, a division of Sony Music Entertainment.
In the tradition of Legacy Recordings’ top-selling Essential series, which has sold more than 20 million combined catalog sales worldwide to date, The Essential R. Kelly is a chronological history of the hit-making artist. Adding critical perspective is a liner notes essay by senior editor at VIBE Magazine, Keith Murphy.
Headlining The Essential R. Kelly are an amazing 11 hits that went to #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles and/or Hot 100 charts, comprising “Honey Love” – Radio Fade (1992), “Slow Dance (Hey Mr. DJ)” – Video Mix (1992), “Bump n’ Grind” (1994), “You Remind Me Of Something” (1995), “Down Low (Nobody Has To Know)” featuring Ronald and Ernie Isley (1996), “I Can’t Sleep Baby (If I)” – Radio Edit (1996), “I Believe I Can Fly” – Radio Edit (1996), “Be Careful” by Sparkle featuring R. Kelly (1998), “I’m Your Angel” – Radio Version duet with Celine Dion (1998), “I Wish” (2000), and “Step In The Name Of Love” – Remix (2002).
Beyond his litany of #1 hits, The Essential R. Kelly weighs in with an impressive additional 18 tracks that rose to Top 5 or Top 10 status. They range from his 1991 chart debut “She’s Got That Vibe” (with Public Announcement, his first vocal group) to 2009’s “Number One,” featuring Keri Hilson.  Among this grouping of Top 5s and Top 10s are such touchstones as 1993’s “Sex Me (Part I)” – Street Radio Edit (his debut single under his own name and his first certified RIAA gold million-seller); 1994’s “Your Body’s Callin’”; 1999’s “When A Woman’s Fed Up”; 2001’s “Feelin’ On Yo Booty”; 2002’s “Ignition” – Remix; 2003’s “Thoia Thoing”; 2004’s “Happy People” – Radio Edit; 2005’s controversial “Trapped In The Closet (Chapter 1)”; and many more.
Packed with this lion’s share of top-charted R&B and pop hit singles are original album versions, hard-to-find remixes, rare movie soundtrack cuts (several of them out of print), and career-defining collaborations.  The Essential R. Kelly is the source of several important “firsts”:
•    The first collection to include his collaborations with Ronald and Ernie Isley (the #1 “Down Low”), Nas (“Did You Ever Think” – Remix Radio Edit), Celine Dion (the #1 “I’m Your Angel” – Radio Version), T.I. & T-Pain (“I’m A Flirt Remix” – Main Version), Usher (“Same Girl”), and Keri Hilson (“Number One”);
•    The first collection to include his outside collaborations (‘featuring R. Kelly’) with The Notorious B.I.G. (“#!*@ You Tonight”), Sparkle (the #1 “Be Careful”), Ja Rule (“Wonderful,” also featuring Ashanti), and Cassidy (“Hotel”);
•    The first double-CD collection to gather three of R. Kelly’s major movie soundtrack chart hits, namely the three-time Grammy Award®-winning “I Believe I Can Fly” – Radio Edit (from 1996’s Space Jam), “Gotham City” – Remix (from 1997’s Batman & Robin), and “The World’s Greatest” – Radio Edit (from 2001’s Ali).
It was 1998 when R. Kelly made Grammy Awards® history with “I Believe I Can Fly,” the first R&B artist in 25 years to sweep three categories with one song, since the Tempta­tions at the 1973 awards (with “Papa Was a Rolling Stone”).  At the 40th annual Grammy Awards® on February 25, 1998, “I Believe I Can Fly” won for Best Male R&B Vocal, Best R&B Song, and Best Song Written for a Motion Picture or Television.  Only three R&B artists’ songs have achieved a rare triple-play Grammy® win since then: Alicia Keys with “Fallin’” (2001), Luther Vandross with “Dance With My Father” (2003), and Beyoncé with “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” (2008).
To date, R. Kelly has another 21 Grammy Award® nominations under his belt, including R&B Album Of the Year nominations for his last three consecutive albums, Untitled (for 2011), Love Letter (2012), and Write Me Back (2013). Also to R. Kelly’s credit, his Trapped In The Closet Chapters 6-12 package was nominated for the Best Long Form Music Video Grammy Award® for 2005; and the Trapped In The Closet Chapters 13-22 package was nominated for the Best Long Form Music Video Grammy Award® for 2007.  Most recently, iTunes made all 33 chapters available of the entire Trapped In The Closet video narrative.
With some 78 chart singles as lead artist (and his name attached to more than 50 more chart single collaborations, plus dozens of guest appearances on albums), combined with an astounding 18 RIAA gold and platinum awards and over 54 million records sold, R. Kelly is far and away the best-selling R&B male artist of our time.  The point is under­scored in Joel Whitburn’s authoritative Hot R&B Songs 1942-2010 where R. Kelly is ranked the #1 Artist Of the 1990s, and the #3 Artist Of 2000-2010.

BY MEREDITH COOPER

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
As Aly discussed her hatred for Taylor with Oliver, Taylor had a serious conversation with Thorne about Aly. Aly opened up to her new love about how hard it has been to get over her mother’s death. Oliver and Aly revealed to one another what has drawn them to the other. Oliver asked Aly to keep a secret. Hope revealed to Wyatt what she agreed to with Liam. Wyatt did his best to convince Hope that it isn’t a problem, but inwardly he’s upset. Brooke and Bill talked business in the bedroom. Having just reunited with Brooke, Bill contemplated how he can be reunited with his company. Brooke silently knew she could make Bill’s dream come true but was still undecided about what to do. Wyatt confided in his mother about Hope’s new terms for their romance. After Brooke left, Quinn arrived and told Bill that Wyatt’s in trouble. Hope remembered big moments in her relationship with both Wyatt and Liam. Even though she’s been sworn to secrecy by Oliver, Aly revealed the truth to Caroline. Quinn brought Bill up to speed on what’s been happening with Liam, Hope and Wyatt and made a hefty demand of him. Oliver asked Aly to take a romantic trip with him. Liam received a visit from Bob Barker who helped prepare him for his animal awareness campaign. Katie and Ridge shared a loving moment in her office. Brooke was still unsure of what to do with the papers she has as she watched Bill play with Will. Brooke arrived at the office to speak to Katie about Bill and caught her kissing Ridge. Later, she pleaded for her sister to allow Bill to have more time with his son. Hope and Liam traveled to the South Los Angeles Animal Shelter where they met Brandon McMillan and animal shelter workers who shared their stories with them. Liam and Hope continued their insightful tour of the animal shelter and met LA City Councilmember Bernard Park, spent more time with Brandon McMillan and continued to interview employees at the shelter. Brooke continued to attempt to get Katie to give Bill more access to his son and his job back. She resorted to desperate measures when she realized Katie wouldn’t give in.
THIS WEEK: Wyatt was distracted thinking about Hope and Liam but remained confident that she would choose him in the end. Brooke shared her true emotions with Bill.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Jennifer was stunned when Liam revealed his true colors – and things took a dangerous turn! Will freaked out when he read a draft of Gabi’s custody agreement for Arianna!  Jordan admitted to Rafe she’s in love with him. Abigail questioned Ben’s intense overreaction. Nicole raced to Smith Island. Daniel made a startling discovery at his apartment. A desperate Theresa made a surprising confession! Sparks flew between Abigail and Ben. After Theresa’s confession, Daniel and Eric took off to find Jennifer. Nicole and Jennifer fought to escape from Liam – and in the process, someone got shot!  EJ received new evidence to help him determine who sent the incriminating photo of him and Abigail. Ciara had a tempting proposition for Aiden. The jeopardy on Smith Island came to a deadly conclusion. Theresa feared her role in Liam’s reign of terror was about to be exposed. Paige confronted JJ when she found him on a date with Bev. EJ confronted the person who took the incriminating photo! Will panicked when he sensed Gabi just might give in to Nick’s outrageous plan.
THIS WEEK: Sami reached out to Abigail for help with Nick. Kate dropped a bomb on Jordan.

GENERAL HOSPITAL
Carlos made a staggering confession to the PCPD, even after Ava warned him about the consequences. Michael suggested to Kiki that Ava might be more involved with AJ’s shooting than they suspected. Despite their big blowup, Olivia wanted to try and work things out with Sonny. Anna was suspicious of Britt and encouraged Nathan to watch her closely. Meanwhile, Britt provided an update for Patrick and Sabrina regarding their baby. Despite a new development in AJ’s murder case, Carly and Franco were determined to find out what Ava’s hiding. While Julian and Alexis shared a romantic dinner, Morgan interrupted them and provided suspect news to Julian about Ava. Per Michael’s suggestion, Kiki pumped Ava for information about her involvement with Carlos. Shawn threatened to tell TJ the truth about Jordan’s past.  TJ was thrilled to tell Molly that he got accepted to college but admitted this news makes him miss his father.  Nathan surprised Britt with an astonishing revelation.  The shrewd Obrecht and savvy Madeline were both confident their individual ploys will get them out of jail. Jordan, appearing more intrigued with the Jerome family business, continued to show her loyalty. Luke suggested to Shawn that Ric might still be working with Julian. A mysterious man came to Port Charles with a special delivery.  Patrick had an opportunity to get in touch with a loved one.  Levi met Maxie’s parents, but Mac was not impressed. Madeline dropped a bombshell on Nathan and then told him to keep it to himself. The PCPD found a crucial piece of evidence in AJ’s shooting. Julian informed Luke what Ava has been up to. Luke gave Julian a deadly ultimatum.
THIS WEEK: After several years apart, Ned and Alexis reminisced about their romantic past, as well as their current predicaments. Sam questioned Patrick’s odd behavior toward her. Sabrina learned about Carlos’s confession.

YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Stitch and Victoria went on their first official date. Later, Victoria talked to Dylan about Stitch and felt even more conflicted about her feelings for Billy. Lily and Cane became wary of introducing Colin to Charlie and Mattie and worried that he hasn’t really changed and were concerned that Jill has gotten so close to him again. Meanwhile, Jill stumbled upon shocking news. Cane figured out that Devon has a thing for Hilary and told him to go for it. Meanwhile, Hilary and Neil discussed what their kiss meant and things began to heat up again. Devon decided to tell Hilary how he really feels about her. When Kevin confronted Chelsea about what’s been happening with Chloe, the two decided that something has to be done. Later, Kevin and Chloe discussed how their marriage has fallen apart. Kevin admitted this isn’t how he pictured their marriage turning out, but he’s still there for her. Meanwhile, Billy paid Chelsea and Connor a visit after learning that Connor’s sick. Later, Chloe shocked Billy with her announcement! Jack asked Kelly on a date and told Billy he’s now seeing her. Later, Jack felt torn when Kelly brought up Phyllis. Across town, Stitch lost it with Kelly after she brought up his past. Billy overheard their discussion and asked Stitch to tell him what’s his big secret. Sharon admitted to Nick that she has a secret she’s been keeping from him.  Later, Victor was surprised when Sharon asked for his help in uncovering this secret. Victor revealed to her that Phyllis knew what she’s hiding. Avery and Dylan discovered some unsettling comments about her new show and worried about where they’re coming from. Meanwhile, tensions rose between Dylan and Leslie as she continued to defend Ian.
THIS WEEK: Avery threatened to get a restraining order against Ian Ward. Nick told Sharon they’ll face the secret together and went to make love.

Birmingham, Ala. – The Birmingham Bar Foundation is hosting its Rock the Bar fundraising event, Thursday, May 8, 2014 from 6-10p.m. at the B&A Warehouse, 1531 1st Avenue South, downtown Birmingham.  The event is open to the public, and features music and dancing with Just a Few Cats, and heavy hors d’oeuvres and libations.  Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased online at www.birminghambar.org, or by contacting the Bar Foundation at bbfound@bellsouth.net or 205-251-2231.

All proceeds will benefit charitable organizations that support and facilitate access to justice in the Birmingham community.  Examples of organizations supported by the Bar Foundation include Prescott House Children’s Advocacy Center, YWCA Domestic Violence Program and the Alabama Center for Law and Civic Education.

The Birmingham Bar Foundation encourages and unifies the philanthropic and educational efforts of the Birmingham Bar Association for the betterment of our community and for the promotion of justice.