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Married to Medicine Returns

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Married to Medicine(Premiers April 6, on Bravo)

Returning this season are Toya Bush-Harris, Mariah Huq, Dr. Jacqueline Walters, Quad Webb-Lunceford, Dr. Simone Whitmore, along with newcomers, entrepreneur Lisa Nicole Cloud and Dr. Heavenly Kimes. Mariah and Quad’s once inseparable friendship is barely hanging onto life support. Mariah, the self-proclaimed “Queen Bee,” has demanded credit for making Quad “relevant” in the exclusive circle of Atlanta medicine, while Quad feels Mariah has a bad case of jealousy. While Toya’s search for her dream home continues, her friendship with long-time friend Simone comes to a surprising halt. As for the doctors, life isn’t all roses.  Dr. Simone realizes that her busy career and recent financial blunder has taken a toll on her marriage. Meanwhile, Dr. Jackie, a two-time survivor of breast cancer, is ready to finally experience motherhood, either through adoption or by using a surrogate with her biggest obstacle being her husband. Add to the mix the larger-than-life Dr. Heavenly Kimes, who is both a dentist and married to a doctor, and Lisa Nicole, a successful entrepreneur and fashion designer, and the result is a recipe for sass, class, and one of the most explosive – and brutally honest – confrontations yet.
Season one of “Married to Medicine” marked Bravo’s highest-rated non-franchise/non-spinoff freshman “Married to Medicine” averaged over 1.1 million P18-49 and over 1.9 million total viewers, making it the network’s highest-rated non-franchise/non-spinoff freshman series since “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” (summer 2003- spring 2004) among P18-49 and P25-54.

Chris Brown arrested on warrant

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Chris BrownLOS ANGELES (AP) — Chris Brown was arrested Friday and will be held without bail on a warrant issued by probation officials in the latest legal entanglement for the R&B singer who has struggled to put his 2009 attack on Rihanna behind him.
The warrant was issued by officials overseeing the singer’s sentence for the Rihanna case.
Sheriff’s officials said Brown was cooperative when he was arrested at a Malibu treatment facility where he had been staying.
Brown had been ordered to remain in rehab for treatment related to anger issues.
No other details on why the warrant was issued were released. The judge overseeing his case set a hearing for Monday afternoon.
An email sent to Brown’s attorney Mark Geragos was not immediately returned. A probation spokeswoman declined comment on what prompted Brown’s arrest.
Brown’s probation for the Rihanna assault had been scheduled to end this year, but a judge revoked it last year after Brown was arrested on a misdemeanor assault charge in Washington, D.C. That case is pending.
Superior Court Judge James R. Brandlin rejected a Los Angeles prosecutor’s request to send Brown to jail because of the Washington case, citing his progress in rehab.
In addition to getting treatment, the singer remained under strict orders to complete 1,000 hours of community labor this year. A probation report dated Feb. 26 stated that Brown had completed 250 hours and that he was being cooperative with probation officials.
Brown’s attempts at treatment have not been without difficulties.
A rehab center where Brown was voluntarily staying reported to Brandlin that the singer threw a rock through his mother’s window during a joint counseling session in November. The judge then ordered Brown to remain in treatment for another three months and renewed that order at a hearing on Feb. 28.
A probation officer interviewed Brown for the February report, saying the singer was grateful to be in rehab and “looks forward to staying out of trouble.”
“He remains thankful to the court for the opportunity to find out and learn more about himself, his anger issues and the type of person he wants to become, which is a man who is able to better himself and be a positive role model,” the report states.

 Tickets Are Now On Sale for Eric Essix’s Jazz Escape!

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eric_essixBIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Eric Essix’s Jazz Escape at Marriott’s Renaissance Ross Bridge, (Labor Day Weekend – Aug. 29-31) is the ultimate weekend getaway combining intimate jazz concerts with luxury accommodations, a full service spa and world class golf courses in a secluded, woodland environment only minutes from
Birmingham’s airport, city center, shopping, attractions and great restaurants.
In addition to great music, the Jazz Escape’s focus is on convenience, smaller crowds, luxury appointments, a comfortable, covered outdoor listening environment, relaxation and good old southern hospitality.
Eric Essix is a veteran contemporary jazz guitarist on the Essential Recordings label with 20 albums to his credit as a solo artist. His latest release, Evolution, enjoyed unprecedented success on smooth jazz radio with the single, Foot Soldiers, in 2013. He founded Hoover, Alabama’s Preserve Jazz Festival in 2007 which quickly became a coveted touring destination for industry favorites like Spyro Gyra, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright,
Jonathan Butler, Alex Bugnon, Earl Klugh, Jeff Lorber,  Rick Braun, Boney James and Eric Darius to name just a few. “I have personally toured with and/or shared the stage with most of the acts I’ve presented,” Eric says. Making sure they are taken care of is a priority for me and, I’d like to think, a big part of the reason the Preserve Jazz Festival was so popular with artists.” In an effort to bring a fresh approach to the festival model
in Birmingham, Eric created the Jazz Escape with plans to bring in the same level of talent and reach out to individuals worldwide who want a complete travel and jazz music experience all in one location!
The event kicks off on Friday afternoon with a jazzy Mix & Mingle featuring a live performance by the band Roman Street! On Saturday, guests can either check out all the resort has to offer with its pristine golf courses, great dining and a relaxing spa or take in some of the many attractions, restaurants and shopping destinations in Birmingham. Saturday night, the always exciting Brian Culbertson performs followed by the Jazz Escape After Party in the hotel ballroom with live music and dancing featuring The Kelley O’Neal Band! Sunday morning, Jazz Escape attendees who are staying at the Renaissance Ross Bridge will be treated to a Jazz Brunch at the hotel featuring live music by the Chad Fisher Group. Later, on Sunday afternoon, the Jazz Escape showcases an exciting lineup featuring Frank McComb, The Eric Essix Project, Kim Scott, Tracy Hamlin, Karen Briggs and closing with a surprise Jazz Escape All Star Band!
For over 20 years, Eric Essix has reached out to literally thousands of students each year bringing jazz performances and instruction into schools that are located in some of the poorest counties in the state of Alabama and beyond. To further those efforts, proceeds from the Jazz Escape are used to benefit the nonprofit, Eric Essix Foundation for the Arts and Education which seeks to enrich, inspire and elevate the lives of young
people everywhere through music.
General admission tickets for the entire three-day weekend of concerts and events are $135 while VIP tickets are $175. Three-day hotel packages are $650.16 while two-day packages are $468.90. Both hotel packages include admission to the delicious Sunday Jazz Brunch for two guests! A limited number of tickets are available for those who are not staying at the Renaissance Ross Bridge. Tickets can be purchased ONLY on the events
website at www.jazzescape.com. Reservations for the Renaissance Ross Bridge are secured and/or purchased on the website or by phone at (205) 916-7677.
Hotel Reservations must be purchased no later than July 29, 2014.

Out and About

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CHESTER OUT

BOOK NEWS

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Book NewsBy Esther Callens

Due to the numerous writers – many tend to question (in whole or part) the validity of the Bible.
Surprisingly, this query is not limited to the unbeliever.  Written in laymen’s terms, based upon a biblical foundation, is Fitly Framed Together – The Bible by Mike Culpepper. Offering a comprehensive study of the Word, it is Mike Culpepper’s purpose to prove that the Bible is most surely the Word of God.
Living in a word of skepticism can affect one’s faith.  This is when belief in God’s promises must be unwavering.  Some often ponder – Are these assurances from God? Or man? Help in answering this question can be found in Fitly Framed Together. It presents a brief commentary that shows how the Bible was divinely inspired and “fitly framed together.” It provides a thorough outline of God’s Word and its effect on past and present mankind. Bible history, genealogy, chronology, as well as Who Is God, What Is Sin, and the Importance of Numbers are some of the topics that are addressed.
Fitly Framed Together-The Bible is a wonderful testament of who God is and His plan for Salvation. It is an invaluable tool that offers additional support in comprehending God’s Word. Additionally, it is a vital asset to any Bible study curriculum.
Dr. Michael I. Culpepper has published numerous articles that have appeared in many publications. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry, a Master’s degree in Physiology and Biophysics and a Doctorate in Exercise Physiology and Physical Education. It is in Alabama where he has taught varying levels of education that includes high school and college academia.  The former director of UAB Kerner-Quarterback Sports Medicine Institute, he is currently teaching Chemistry. He has travelled around the world visiting Asia, Europe and various other continents. He is very active in his church as he is a Sunday School teacher and he has served as deacon for forty plus years.  He and his wife Cindy have three daughters and six grandchildren. They reside in Chelsea, Ala.

MUSICAL NOTES

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Musical NotesBy Esther Callens

Rarely a musical compilation comes along with exceptional tunes that go so far and above the norm that it should be in a class by itself.  This is the best way to describe Prairie Modern. It is the latest offering from the threesome that goes by the name of Hutchinson Andrew Trio (HAT). With a lineup of 13 original tracks, Prairie Modern gives HAT the international attention these Canadian superstars deserve.
HAT is comprised of Western Canadian Award nominated bassist Kodi Hutchinson, CBC Galaxie Rising Star pianist Chris Andrew and Downbeat award winning drummer Karl Schwonik. For the past eight years HAT has been carving quite a niche for themselves in their country’s jazz scene.  Their music is representative to the Prairies and Rocky Mountains expressing the beauty and tranquility of their home. HAT incorporates elements of modern swing, Latin, simple and complex beats and acoustic jazz.
The title track has a beautiful mid-tempo that really expresses what HAT is all about. It alone establishes that these fellows are adamant about their music and have the expertise to prove it. “The Fog” features an unusual, challenging arrangement that HAT pulls off very well. It is an excellent exception to HAT’s norm.
Special Guest includes Grammy-nominated saxophonist Donny McCaslin and percussionist Rogério Boccato. McCaslin takes center stage on “The Realm” (part I and II).  He is proven to be an awesome talent and he brings a lot of depth to the pieces. He and Boccato give “Ponderado” (and intro) a wonderful essence with percussion and soprano dancing with each other.  The trio gives a compelling performance on “Beautiful Thorn” that is quite emotional. It is a superb masterpiece.
HAT is a fantastic trio and they are the 2013 winner of the TD Grand Jazz Award – Montreal International Jazz Festival. With albums such as this, numerous accolades are in their future.

Album listing:  Mountain Rose; The Fog; Waltz for Clay; The Realm-part I; The Realm-part II; Wilds; Ponderado Intro; Ponderado; Prairie Wind; What Next; Mintaka; Beautiful Thorn; Essence of Peace Beauty & Life.
Album Personnel:  Kodi Hutchinson-bass; Chris Andrew-piano; Karl Schwonik-drums; Donny McCaslin-saxophone 1,3,4,5,8,10; Rogério Boccato-percussion 7,8,11.

SPEAKING OF SOAPS

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tv-soap-operaBY MEREDITH COOPER

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Brooke attempts to persuade Ridge that she is the woman he should be with by reminding him of all that they’ve shared throughout the years. He appears to be taken by her charm. Donna calls Katie out on whether or not she’s interested in Ridge as a means of revenge against Brooke. Eric demands to know why he was never told the truth about Wyatt and the diamond heist. Wyatt attempts to explain himself and offers to confess to the police about his crime. Rick makes a decision about Wyatt’s future. Katie is pleasantly surprised when Ridge comes home and tells her about setting Brooke straight. They come to a realization about their future together. Brooke invites Bill over and shares the news about Katie and Ridge. She is surprised by his reaction. Later, Bill comforts Brooke about losing Ridge and tells her that she is the only woman that he wants. Aly is upset after Eric tells her that Wyatt and Quinn are here to stay and demands that she stop her bad behavior toward them. Once home, an emotionally exhausted Aly believes she sees her mother Darla. Darla and Aly have a long conversation in which Darla gives her daughter advice about the Forresters. Bill visits Rick in his office and informs him that Ridge left Brooke for Katie. Bill tells Rick that his mother needs him now more than ever. Rick becomes furious with Ridge when after unsuccessfully attempting to get a hold of Brooke Bill discloses that Katie faked collapsing to stop the wedding.
THIS WEEK: Katie and Ridge revel in their new found love. Alone at the Forrester Mansion, Brooke begins to drown her sorrows over losing Ridge.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Daniel confronts Nicole with the reassembled evidence he found in her room. Jennifer takes action to figure out who’s been harassing her. EJ is mortified when Sami suggests she knows why he was sneaking around. Adrienne questions Abigail about her secret. EJ assures Abigail he will be a part of his child’s life no matter what.  They then meet with a doctor to determine whether or not she’s pregnant. Sami and Lucas bond over their past. Theresa is surprised when Liam says he wants to get to know her better. Rory and Bev play a prank on JJ – which may end up hurting his chances with Paige. EJ and Abigail receive the results of her pregnancy test.
Ben is upset to learn Jordan is staying in Salem because of Rafe. Brady is jealous when he catches Theresa with Liam. JJ is mortified when he learns what Rory and Bev have done.
Nicole sets up a seductive scene to lure Eric into lovemaking! Maggie explodes when she walks into the living room and discovers Theresa and Brady in a compromising position! Daniel and Jennifer host the dinner party from hell. Daniel and Jennifer have an awkward moment when Maxine brings up the subject of marriage. Eric realizes his future with Nicole may be more complicated than he thought.
THIS WEEK: Hope and Aiden come to a new understanding. Kate finally makes good on her promise to have dinner with Stefano.

GENERAL HOSPITAL
AJ is running out of time and Michael must now make a life or death decision about his father’s medical treatment. Epiphany sees how Patrick’s emotions and even his anger over Robin’s absence is starting to show. Nathan’s true motives are revealed when a family member pays him a visit. Alexis surprises Molly and TJ by giving them her blessing. TJ and Shawn receive a shocking blast from their past. Ava questions Julian about his involvement with Ric. Sonny asks Alexis for a favor. Elizabeth is frantic when she discovers Cameron has gone missing! Lulu confides in Lucas about her feelings towards Ben. Britt feels guilty about keeping her secret from Nikolas, and Brad gives her some advice. A previous love appears and cautions Nikolas about his engagement to Britt. Patrick provides some dire news about AJ’s condition that leaves Michael feeling guilty and Monica apprehensive. Just as Ava makes a proposition to Sonny, Morgan walks in and interrupts them. Before the party, Britt decides to destroy some incriminating evidence about Ben’s parentage. Alexis’s date to the engagement party is unaware of her ulterior motive for inviting him. Shawn demands to know what his visitor’s true motives are for coming to Port Charles. Luke makes Kiki uncomfortable when he confronts her about their incident. As Britt and Nikolas’s engagement party begins, a relieved Britt believes she is in the clear about her secret. Ric gives young Cameron some love advice regarding Emma. Unaware of her true intention, Molly and Sam are surprised to see who Alexis has brought to the party. The sight of Alexis’s date causes Sam to confess to Silas about her romantic past. Dante shows off baby Ben to Sonny and Olivia, while Lulu continues to grapple with her maternal feelings. Will a guilt-ridden Brad be stopped from confessing the truth about Ben?  The engagement party really heats up when Elizabeth finally learns the secret about Ben. Now she must contemplate on how to best deal with this revelation. Meanwhile, Obrecht is beyond livid when she finds Brad ready to reveal the truth to Lucas. Sonny and Alexis team up to probe into a possible connection between Ric and Julian. Tracy consoles an upset Lulu about her feelings for Ben. Nikolas is appalled by Luke’s vulgar assessment of Britt.
THIS WEEK: Sonny consoles a heartbroken Spencer. Sam’s admission to Silas sparks a romantic moment.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Cane tells Lily that he is following up on Victor’s belief that someone set him up with the Bonaventure drug scandal. When Lily tells Cane that she doesn’t want him getting involved with Victor, Cane insists that he doesn’t want his old job back. Colin asks Cane why he is lying to his wife. Chelsea meets with Jack about the fashion show at the Athletic Club and grows uncomfortable when he starts to question her about Victor. Hilary arrives and Jack informs her that he wants her to be the liaison along with Neil to Forrester Creations. Jack tells Hilary that he’d like her to go on a business trip to Los Angeles with Neil. Victor tracks down the homeless man that the police questioned after Adam and Billy’s car accident. The man tells a shocked Victor that he saw a man crawl out of the car before the explosion. When Stitch warns Kelly to stay away from Billy, Kelly suggests that maybe Stitch is the one that needs to stay out of Billy and Victoria’s marriage.  Billy reveals to Kelly that Stitch and Victoria kissed.  Billy asks Victoria to please let him come home, but she isn’t ready to forgive him yet.  Victoria tells Billy that she is taking Johnny to spend some time with Reed. Jill tries to find information on Walter Shepherd and Rachel Berenson. Sparks fly between Jill and Colin as they bicker over their treasure hunt. Later, Jill admits to Lauren that blackmail was the reason that she married Colin. Colin tries to get Jill to admit they love each other despite the lack of trust between them. He tells her never to be scared of loving him. The doorbell rings and Jill finds that the boxes she ordered from the national archives have arrived. Abby and Tyler find a story about them being engaged on the GC Buzz gossip blog. Leslie interrupts and says that she knew it was just a matter of time before they got married. Tyler and Abby insist that they aren’t getting married anytime soon. The Cassie imposter tells Victor that she couldn’t get the secret out of Sharon. Victor tells the imposter that she should leave town.
THIS WEEK: Paul opens up to Nikki about his discussion with Ian Ward. Nikki suspects that Ian is up to something.

Mt. Hebron Baptist Church, Thomas, celebrates Pastor’s 28th Anniversary

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Rev. SmithThe Mt. Hebron Baptist Church, Thomas, will honor their Pastor, Rev. Tommy
G. Smith and Family for their 28 years of service to their church and
community. This auspicious occasion will be held Sunday, March 23, beginning
with the 11 a.m. Worship Service. The featured guest speaker will be Rev.
Walter Hill, Pastor, Greater Liberty Baptist Church, Birmingham, Ala. Theme:
“Preacher-Worthy of Double Honor.” (I Timothy 5:17-18) The church is located
at 503-5th Street, Thomas, Birmingham, Ala. 35214.

Internship puts Holy Family Cristo Rey Student on Path to Journalism

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Quanzel Story photo for BBJ story BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — For years, Quanzel Storey has known he wants to be a journalist. Thanks to an internship program at Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School in Ensley, he is well on his way to fulfilling that dream.
Storey, a junior, is interning with the weekly Birmingham Business Journal for the third year. In his freshman year, Storey worked one day a week, doing online research and database entry. Last year, he began attending BBJ events, which gave him an inside look at how the paper is put together. This year, Quanzel Storey had his first byline, in both the printed and online editions of the paper.
“I had never written an article before I came here, so it was pretty cool to see my first byline,” Storey said. “I’ve wanted to be a journalist for a long time, and this internship has given me insight into what the business world and newsroom is like.”
Storey is one of more than 200 students who participate in Holy Family Cristo Rey’s unique work-study program, which provides students aged 14 and older an opportunity to gain valuable business skills, as well as offset much of their tuition. More than 85 businesses in metro-Birmingham currently partner with Holy Family Cristo Rey in the program.
Cindy Crawford, editor of the Birmingham Business Journal, said the newspaper has had a presence on the Holy Family Cristo Rey school board for years, and was eager to participate in the internship program. Quanzel Storey was the paper’s first high school intern.  “Previously, we’ve had interns at the college level, and at first weren’t sure how to structure a program for a high school student. But Quanzel has worked out well.”
From data entry to research, Storey’s tasks at the BBJ help the paper in significant ways. “A lot of stuff that we don’t have anyone on staff to do, we save for Quanzel,” Crawford said. “Things like doing an Excel spreadsheet may seem small, but it makes a big difference for us. This year, as a junior, he started writing articles, which was a plus, as we have been understaffed.”
Storey said he has gained valuable skills and insight as an intern, and will be well prepared for a role in a newsroom. “I am gaining more knowledge about what it is like to work in the business world,” Storey said. “It has helped to improve my grades in the classroom.”
Crawford agrees.  “Now Quanzel is doing web stories.  He will write for us more as a senior next year. This will help him a lot in the future.”
Holy Family Cristo Rey is seeking more companies to employ students for its Corporate Internship Program. For details, call CIP Sales Director Scott Meinberg at (205) 263-0151, email smeinberg@hfcristorey.org, or visit www.hfcristorey.org. Follow the school on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Homicide Investigation Update and Crime Report

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Mugshot-Floyd, Vada The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives have arrested and charged a suspect in connection with a homicide investigation.  The incident occurred on Sunday, March 9, 2014 around 11 a.m. in the 900 Block of 17th Street SW.

The victim has been identified as:
Timothy Austin, B/M, 23, of Birmingham, Alabama

The suspect has been identified as:
Vada Floyd, B/M, 24, of Birmingham, Alabama. A Capital Murder warrant with no bond has been obtained against the suspect. The suspect is currently being transferred from the City Jail to the custody of the Jefferson County Jail.

 

City Releases Crime Statistics Showing Dramatic Reduction in Crime

The City of Birmingham, Birmingham Police Department reports the release of the official crime statistics for 2013. The police department reports that Part I crimes reported for 2013 are the city’s lowest numbers in close to 30 years or in the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Data, dating back to 1985 when statistics were first recorded.
Last year’s totals also included the addition of Unauthorized Use of Vehicle crimes which are misdemeanors in the Theft of Vehicle Category. In addition, included in the 2013 total are crimes reported under the expanded definition of Rape. Comparing the exact categories of 2012 totals to 2013 totals resulted in an overall -6.5 percent decrease in crime, the lowest in a generation.
According to the FBI’s expanded version for 2013 the city experienced a -3.5 percent decrease in crime in 2013.
“We have had tremendous success reducing crime in the City primarily due to our hard working police personnel and increased community partnerships. I am so proud of our officers and professional staff members who have responded to every challenge with selfless service and excellence. Having the honor of announcing the lowest crime numbers in decades speaks to the vision, revitalization efforts, and commitment of our key stakeholders. We continue to trend in the right direction but cannot get complacent. If we stay the course, I believe we’ll have another amazing year reducing crime even more,” said Chief A.C. Roper.
“It is a testament to the hard work of the men and women that serve on our police force to see results in overall crime reduction for the City. This is unprecedented and it takes a team working with citizens in the streets and connecting on a personal basis to see this type of reduction. We are very thankful for their hard work and service to this City,” said Mayor Bell.