BULLYING:
Bullying, what is it? Bullying is a demonic force that has arisen in our children, and this has happened because we have walked boldly away from what the Lord, the God of Creation told us to do. Children are the heritage of the Lord. The Lord gave you your child/children, and they belong to Him. [Psalm 127:3] Therefore, He tells parents to, “Train a child the way he should go.” [Proverbs 22:6] The Lord made a plain declaration to parents in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, in regards to training your children. God first speaks to you parents ( in Verse 3), by telling you to be watchful to obey what He has commanded, that it may be well with you, and that you may increase exceedingly. What a great and prosperous promise the Lord made to parents and that is because of His great love for you.
It is most embarrassing to me, parents, to see those who God has placed in authority to govern society and protect it against the disobedient, to have to take on the role of teaching your children. This is because parents have not done what God has commanded them to do. Each mother – who births a child into the world – has the same responsibility, and that is to train your child. THERE ARE NO EXCUSES, if you birth the child, you have the responsibility to obey what God has commanded.
Sure – I know, what you are saying. I worked in the area of discipline and attendance 18 years. I know you have no excuse. You just do not do what the Word of God says to do. THE WORD OF GOD SPEAKS TO FATHERS AND MOTHERS – THEY BOTH ARE THE PARENTS. THE WORD OF GOD IS QUITE CLEAR. Read It. www.thealmightyeyes.com
The Annual Math & Science Day conducted by Kwanzaa Year Round, Science for Kids Ministry, and hosted by the Five Points West Library, 4812 Avenue W, Birmingham, Ala., will be held Saturday, July 26, from 1-4 p.m. in the Main Auditorium. The emphasis this year will be on “Slave Science – African Contributions to Science before Slavery.”
The topic is based on studies compiled by historian Dr. Joseph E. Holloway in an article titled “African Contributions to American Culture.” His research documents Africans who helped establish rice growing, cattle raising, variolation (early vaccination), musical and architectural styles that were incorporated into American culture. Other specialties include metal working, midwifery, ship building and navigation.
“Before the enslavement, Africans were closely observed for their various skills,” said Elinor Burks, one of the event’s planners. “Many skills Africans brought were not appreciated until several generations after their arrival in America.”
In addition to the historical emphasis, the math table will challenge students to solve Einstein’s puzzle using movable objects. The creativity table will let kids use their hands to make recycled objects from toilet tissue rolls as an example of protecting nature’s resources. The nutrition table will show young people how to create fun foods included in Japanese packed lunches called Bento, while learning about that ancient culture.
Parents are asked to remain with their children the entire time and not drop them off unsupervised.
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Central Alabama Chapter, Inc. will host a nationally simulcast panel discussion on modern day voter discrimination Thursday, May 1, 2014, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (CST) at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, 520 16th Street North. The discussion will cover the history of voter discrimination in Alabama and the impact of the new photo I.D. law on minorities and the elderly populations. This event will be broadcast LIVE at www.ncbwcentral-al.org. Last year in a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision -Shelby County v. Eric H. Holder, Jr., Attorney General, et. al. – the State of Alabama fought the inclusion of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act requiring certain states and local governments to obtain federal pre-clearance before implementing any changes to their voting laws or practices and Section 4(b) of the Act, which contains the coverage formula that determines which jurisdictions are subjected to pre-clearance based on their histories of discrimination in voting. The State of Alabama contended that it “still grapples with race relations issues,” but that the effects of its racist past have “faded away.”
“Alabama has made great progress over the years concerning voter equality and race relations and it is our hope that all new legislation will move us forward and not backwards, said Bea Tatum, President, NCBW Central Alabama Chapter, Inc. This event brings the new voter requirement to the forefront and gives the citizens of Alabama and the world (via simulcast) an opportunity to discuss the potential discriminatory effects of this new law and any changes needed to create voter equality. On June 25, 2013, the Court ruled by a 5-to-4 vote that Section 4(b) is unconstitutional because the coverage formula is based on data over 40 years old, but did not strike down Section 5. The Court, in its wisdom, concluded that sufficient progress towards eliminating voting discrimination had been made, although vestiges still exist. The Court also contends that unless it could be proven that state laws were enacted for offensive purposes, states could still use election practices that prevented black voters from electing candidates of their choice. Furthermore, the U.S. Supreme Court decision cleared the way for Alabama’s new, potentially discriminatory, voter photo I.D. law to be in effect beginning with the June 2014 primary election.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans blocked an election-year Democratic bill on Wednesday that would boost the federal minimum wage, handing a defeat to President Barack Obama on a vote that is sure to reverberate in this year’s congressional elections.
The measure’s rejection, which was expected, came in the early months of a campaign season in which the slowly recovering economy — and its impact on families — is a marquee issue. It was also the latest setback for a stream of bills this year that Democrats have designed to cast themselves as the party of economic fairness.
The legislation by Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, would gradually raise the $7.25 hourly minimum to $10.10 over 30 months and then provide automatic annual increases to account for inflation. Democrats argue that if fully phased in by 2016, it would push a family of three above the federal poverty line — a level such earners have not surpassed since 1979.
“Millions of American workers will be watching how each senator votes today. To them, it’s a matter of survival,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said before the vote.
He pointedly added, “For Republicans, this vote will demonstrate whether they truly care about our economy.”
Republicans, solidly against the Democratic proposal, say it would be too expensive for employers and cost jobs. As ammunition, they cite a February study by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office that estimated the increase to $10.10 could eliminate about 500,000 jobs — but also envisioned higher income for 16.5 million low-earning people.
“Washington Democrats’ true focus these days seems to be making the far left happy, not helping the middle class,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
“This is all about politics,” said No. 2 Senate GOP leader John Cornyn of Texas. “This is about trying to make this side of the aisle look bad and hard-hearted.”
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., talks to reporters as Congress returns from a two week re …
The vote was 54-42 in favor of allowing debate on the measure to proceed, six votes short of the 60 that Democrats needed to prevail. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., was the only Republican to cross party lines and vote “yes.” Reid switched his vote to “no,” which gives him the right to call another vote on the measure. No other Democrats opposed the bill.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who has been seeking a deal with other senators on a lower figure than $10.10, said Wednesday that she will continue that effort. Maine Sen. Angus King, an independent who usually sides with Democrats, said he too favors finding middle ground.
But Democratic leaders have shown no inclination to do that — a view shared by unions that favor an increase and business groups that oppose one.
“We’re not going to compromise on $10.10,” Reid told reporters after the vote.
In a clear sign of the political value Democrats believe the issue has, Democrats said they intend to force another vote on the increase closer to this year’s elections.
The White House issued a statement urging the bill’s passage and saying the administration wants legislation “to build real, lasting economic security for the middle class and create more opportunities for every hardworking American to get ahead.”
Supporters note that the minimum wage’s buying power has fallen. It reached its peak value in 1968, when it was $1.60 hourly but was worth $10.86 in today’s dollars.
The legislation is opposed by business groups including the National Council of Chain Restaurants and the International Franchise Association. The National Restaurant Association has hundreds of members at the Capitol this week lobbying lawmakers on several issues, including opposition to a higher minimum wage.
Also opposed were conservative organizations including Heritage Action and Americans for Prosperity, which is backed by Charles and David Koch. The billionaire brothers are spending millions this year to unseat congressional Democrats, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and his allies are casting them as unfettered villains.
Other Democratic bills that have splattered against GOP roadblocks this year would restore expired benefits for the long-term unemployed and pressure employers to pay men and women equally. Democrats plan future votes on bills easing the costs of college and child care.
Opposition from Republicans running the House makes it unlikely that chamber would debate minimum wage legislation this year.
According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, about two-thirds of the 3.3 million people who earned $7.25 an hour or less last year worked in service jobs, mostly food preparation and serving.
More than 6 in 10 of those making $7.25 or under were women, and about half were under age 25. Democrats hope their support for a minimum wage boost will draw voters from both groups — who usually lean Democratic — to the polls in November, when Senate control will be at stake. The GOP’s hold on the House is not in doubt.
Harkin’s bill would also gradually increase the minimum wage for tipped workers like waiters to 70 percent of the minimum for most other workers. It is currently $2.13 hourly, which can be paid as long as their hourly earnings with tips total at least $7.25.
The minimum wage was first enacted in 1938 and set at 25 cents.
Congress has passed nine laws slowly increasing it, including one each decade since the 1980s. The minimum has been $7.25 since 2009.
___
Associated Press writer Matt Daly contributed to this story.
The NAACP is pleased the NBA is taking swift and strong action against Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling for his racist and offensive remarks. Their decision to ban Mr. Sterling indefinitely from the league, seek his removal from ownership and fine him $2.5 million — the maximum amount under NBA rules — is both welcomed and supported by the NAACP.
They state, the alleged statements made by Mr. Sterling were deplorable and cannot be tolerated. Bigotry and hatred have no place in the NBA or any other arena of our society.
The New York Post’s Page Six dug into R. Kelly’s history of out-of-court settlements involving sexual misconduct allegations and discovered that not all the settlements were made public.
While Kelly’s most high-profile court cast was his infamous child pornography indictment in 2002, Page Six is reporting that Kelly was accused of sexual harassment as recently as 2010 by a 36-year-old housekeeper, but he settled the case out of court for $100,000 to avoid litigation.
According to sources, the woman worked for Kelly for about a year, beginning in 2008 when the crooner allegedly talked dirty to, and groped, his employee.
A source close to Kelly further told Page Six that there’s been discord in the singer’s inner circle lately, and further secrets about him are “starting to float to the surface about the millions he paid out over the years to a wide variety of women.”
Kelly was acquitted on the child porn charges. But veteran music writer and Kelly chronicler Jim DeRogatis said last year that there have been “dozens of girls — not one, not two, dozens — with harrowing lawsuits.”
He added in a Village Voice interview: “I think in the history of rock ‘n’ roll, rock music or pop culture people misbehaving and behaving badly sexually . . . rare is the amount of evidence compiled against anyone apart from R. Kelly.”
AN EVENING WITH JOHN LEGEND: THE ALL OF ME TOUR – Legend will perform live in concert, tomorrow, 8 p.m. at the Alys Stephens Center as part of The All of Me Tour. A singer and songwriter, musician, producer, philanthropist and entrepreneur, Legend is one of the music industry’s most innovative artists. He released his fourth solo album, “Love in the Future,” using R&B and soul to create a melodic soundscape of romance, love, hope, commitment and optimism. He also puts his gospel and pop influences, classical training and hip-hop sensibilities to use on the new recording. You don’t want to miss him! JAZZ BAND FESTIVAL – The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame Jazz Band Festival featuring the next Generation of Jazz is full of inspiring, finger-snapping and exhilarating LIVE JAZZ, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Carver Theatre. This is the 12th Annual Student Jazz Festival. FREE! Call (2054) 327-9424 for more. VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL & TRIBUTE – YOU ARE INVITED! Join the City of Birmingham, Veterans Network Community and the Birmingham VA Medical Center as they salute the Vietnam Veterans. This is a memorial and tribute to over 58,000 plus men and women who fought and died, as per the 1963 – 1975 Vietnam conflict. The event is Saturday, April 26 at Noon at the George Ward Recreation Park on Green Springs Highway. The public is welcome. The schedule will include placing wreath, prayer, taps, national anthem, a Welcome acknowledge and ‘Open Mic’ with closing remarks. Call (205) 925-5180 for more. FOR ART LOVERS…THE WORLD SPEAKS: TRIBUTES TO EDWARD O. WILSON – Don’t Miss…. A Lifetime of Honors – The Edward O. Wilson Collection April 21-25 at the University of Alabama in the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center, 620 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AlL35401, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. APRIL FREE WALKING TOURS OF HISTORIC CIVIL RIGHTS DISTRICT – Birmingham Civil Rights Institute’s (BCRI) free Saturday Milestones Walking Tours will be offered each Saturday in April, for this and next Saturday, at 10 a.m. The hour-long tour begins at the main entrance to BCRI and led by Barry McNealy, former BCRI Education Consultant and “Master Tour Guide.” McNealy is a social studies teacher at A.H. Parker High School. Birmingham is one of over 30 cities and towns involved in this April’s Saturday Walking Tours organized statewide by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel (ABTT). SPRING WALKING TOUR – Experience the Magic City from Vulcan’s view as the Vulcan Park and Museum series offers residents an invigorating way to experience the history and architectureal beauty of Birmingham’s neighborhoods and districts. The tours invite you to step into the shoes of the architects, visionaries, socialities and entrepreneurs who sparked the magic in the Magic City. There is a Maya 3 tour of Mountain Brook Estates: A Vision of Community. Go to www.visitivulcancom for more. BUILD YOUR WIDGET – Learn how to manage the components of a successful business, TODAY, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, 2201 Jack Warner Parkway, 2nd Floor, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. Learn to write a business plan, finance your business, market your business, complete a personal financial statement, what type of business you should have and what you need to know about your credit. For more call (205) 516-0912. This is a Project 5117 effort of the HOPE Coalition America, a division of Operation HOPE, Inc. of Alabama Central Region. Get more information about future projects that can assist you and your business. (Tell the Gwen sent you) LANDSCAPES/GARDENS & THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN EXPERIENCE – Join others for a cultural dialogue, Wednesday, 5:15 – 7 p.m. at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. FREE! Call (205) 731-2000 for more. THE STRUGGLE IS OVER MEN’S CONFERENCE – This is a men’s conference presented by Pastor Thomas Wilder, Jr., April 24th and 25th, 6 – 9 p.m. at the Bethel Baptist Church in Collegeville, 3200 28th Avenue North, Birmingham, 35205. Join Pastor John Cantelow, Pastor Michael Moore, Pastor Thomas Wilder, Jr., Pastor Michael Wesley and Pastor George Matthews. Call (205) 322-5360 for more. BARONS FACE THE SMOKIES in a FIVE GAME SERIES AT REGIONS FIELD April 13-19 – Homestand includes an appearance by BirdZerk!, 50-cent hot dog night and the first Business Person Special of 2014. The Barons will begin their second homestand against the Tennessee Smokies, Double-A Affiliate of the Chicago Cubs beginning Saturday, with a special pre-game ceremony celebrating Regions Field as the 2013 Ballpark of the Year as awarded by Baseballparks.com. Baseballparks.com’s Joe Mock will be on hand to present the Ballpark of the Year plaque. Saturday throughout the season, the Barons will also give away a free grill from All-South Appliance. Sundays are Salute to Armed Forces Days all season long at Regions Field as the Barons pay tribute to the men and women of the United States armed forces. Sunday also brings a special 5 p.m. start time, allowing fans the opportunity to enjoy the Easter holiday prior to the first pitch. Monday brings the first Business Person Special start time of the 2014 season as fans are encouraged to take in the Barons game during their lunch hour in downtown Birmingham with first pitch scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Monday will also be a School Day at Regions Field as area school children will have the opportunity for a special afternoon at the ballpark. Mondays throughout the 2014 season are YP Days at Regions Field presented by YP. On Tuesday, a fan favorite returns for the first time in 2014 with 50-cent Hot Dog Nights presented by Kayem, Flowers Baking Co., MINI of Birmingham, ALFA and CBS 42. Fans will also have the chance to interact with the Barons on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for special prizes, giveaways and promotions during Social Media Night. Tuesdays throughout the season are Birmingham Zoo Nights at Regions Field presented by the Birmingham Zoo.
The homestand concludes with AAA Wednesday where fans can get $2 off admission by showing their AAA card. Wednesday will also bring the second School Day of the homestand. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. (Photo Credit: Wikipedia.org) JOE NAMATH GRAND MARSHAL AT HONDA INDY GRAND PRIX OF ALABAMA –
Barber Motorsports Park and ZOOM Motorsports announced that former University of Alabama quarterback and Hall of Famer Joe Namath will be this year’s Grand Marshal for the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama held April 25 – 27 in Birmingham, Ala. Namath played college football under legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant at the University of Alabama from 1962 until 1964, where he led the team to a national championship in 1964. He then went on to play for the New York Jets, leading the team to a win over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, among many other division championships. He finished his career playing for the Los Angeles Rams. Nicknamed “Broadway Joe” and “Joe Willie,” he was inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1985. “We are honored to have another well-respected athlete as our grand marshal,” stated Gene Hallman, President of ZOOM Motorsports, the exclusive event promoter of the Barber Motorsports Park. “His presence will add to the fun-filled weekend, and what a great opportunity for fans to get up-close with a true legend.” Namath’s duties as grand marshal of the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama include announcing the widely recognized pre-race command, “Gentlemen, start your engines!” to kick-off Sunday’s race. Broadcast live on NBC Sports Network, Namath will be waving the green flag to start the race for some of the biggest stars of INDYCAR including Will Power, Helio Castroneves, Marco Andretti, Juan Pablo Montoya and more. (You don’t want to miss this action in Birmingham.) For more, go to: www.barbermotorsports.com
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.
(Photo Credit: Comedyhouse.us)
THIS WEEKEND…Don’t Miss…JUNIOR from the STEVE HARVEY Show. Kier Spates has appeared on BET’s Comic View, Getting Paid and most recently and regularly you hear him on The Steve Harvey Morning Show as Junior. He truly is a force to be reckoned with. His motto to date is unforgettable. So when you think of this up and coming, stand up comedic great, please remember his belief that laughter doeth the heart good like medicine and the words of Kier himself – “This Just Got Serious” 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.
(Photo Credit: zimbio)
NEXT THURSDAY – AFFION FOR ONE NIGHT! Affion was introduced to the world on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, demonstrating his crystal clear impressions and physical comedy, for which he was labeled the next Jim Carrey. He also shows his range with dramatic turns on CSI: NY, NYPD Blue and The District. He was also the breakout star on MTV’s ‘Wild’n Out’ and ‘Short Circuitz’ with Nick Cannon. He has starred on ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ and ‘Cedric The Entertainer’s Show.’ Crockett also co-starred in the films, ‘Dance Flick’ with the Wayans Brothers, ‘Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins’ with Martin Lawrence, and ‘Soul Men’ with Samuel L. Jackson and the late Bernie Mac. He is currently co-starring in ‘A Haunted House’ parts 1 & 2 alongside Marlon Wayans and the upcoming film ‘The Wedding Ringer’ with Kevin Hart. COMING SOON…ARNEZ J (April 25-27), SINBAD (May 2-4), JAMES GREGORY (May 9-10 and 16-17) and LUENELL (May 23-25) all at the StarDome Comedy Club. See you around. NOW… through Sunday… TODAY….
**PIGPEN THEATRE Co. with THE SPRING STANDARDS, 8 p.m. at the WorkPlay Theatre. FRIDAY…
**OPEN MIC at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**BANGERS, BRATS AND BEYOND, 6 p.m. at the Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve with bluesy rock by BILL LEDBETTER PROJECT. Enjoy food, music and fun for all ages. SATURDAY…
**PEPPER PLACE MARKET, 7 a.m. – Noon at Pepper Place.
**BARONS GAMES, 6:30 p.m. at the Regions Stadium.
**ONA WATSON AND CHAMPAGNE, contemporary jazz & smooth R&B
10 p.m. at Ona’s Music room. SUNDAY…
**BARONS GAMES, 5 p.m. at the Regions Stadium.
ENJOY THE WEEKEND!!
COMING….SOON….Don’t miss… NEXT WEEK – FASHION WEEK – Birmingham Fashion Week 2014 Runway shows start with local, regional and nationally recognized designers showcasing their latest fashions and hottest trends. (Look for more right here.)
APRIL 25-27 HONDA INDY GRAND PRIX – Don’t miss Ryan Hunter-Reay as the defending champion of the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at the Barber Motorsports Park.
APRIL 25 – RACING FOR CHILDREN’S –This is a fundraiser for Children’s of Alabama Hospital ‘Racing for Children’s Dinner,’ 6:30 p.m. reception and 7:30 p.m. dinner at the Barber’s Motorsports Museum. Call (205) 638-9956 for more.
MAY 14-18 – REGIONS TRADITION – Don’t miss theRegions Tradition at the Shoal Creek again this year when David Frost will defend his title. The Regions Tradition will relocate to Greystone Golf & Country Club for 2016, 2017 and 2018.
MAY 22 – Don’t forget the Birmingham International Center and the things that they do. This is just one day’s event. Call (205) 252-7652 for more. Tell them Gwen sent you.
NOW…. a BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT FOR APRIL! 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)
