Waters, Brown Lead Hornets’ Comeback Over UAPB

January 23, 2014

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Jamel Waters tied his career-high with 27 points and Bobby Brown added 17 as Alabama State came from 12 points down to defeat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 77-64 in an important Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) game.
ASU (9-6/3-1 SWAC) trailed by 12 in the first half before using 22-9 run that ended the first half and went through the first four minutes of the second half to get back into the game. The Hornets took a 40-39 lead after an old fashioned three point play from Brandon Graham. It was ASU’s first lead since scoring the first basket of the game to lead 2-0.
“We knew they had a lot of veteran players coming back and they are a real seasoned ball club,” Head Coach Lewis Jackson said. “It was a great win for us because of the experience they have. They know what they are doing and run it very well and they do all their schemes on defense very well.”
“They had us rattled there in the first half. They had us in a hurry to do things and we had a talk at halftime to settle down a little bit and we got things going our way.”
Even though ASU fought their way back into the game, neither team led by more than three points over the next 10 minutes. UAPB’s Shawn Tingle scored with 5:46 left in the game to even the game at 58, but just like the end of the first half, ASU closed out the game outscoring UAPB 19-6 for the final 13 point win.
Waters and Brown energized the run with Waters scoring seven points during the run and Brown adding nine points on three consecutive three point field goals to put the game away.
“Bobby is our shooter,” Jackson said. “He is our best three point shooter and if he has an open look and it is within our offense he can take those shots. The thing about him is he believes he is going to make every shot he shoots and that is a good thing for us because with that type of confidence you will get shots to fall for you.”
DeMarcus Robinson struggled from the field but finished with 11 points joining Brown and Waters in double digits. Maurice Strong came close to his second consecutive double-double finishing the game with nine points and a game-high nine rebounds.
Not only did Waters score a lot of points, he once again got everyone involved in the game finishing with a game-high seven assists. He also played solid defense and had a game-high four steals. He was an iron man that night as he played all 40 minutes.
Marcel Mosley scored 18 points, all in the first half, as the Hornets held him in check in the second half. Davon Haynes joined Mosley with 18 points of his own and Tevin Hammond scored 10. Hammond was UAPB’s leading scorer coming into the game but only hit two of his 10 field goal attempts.
ASU shot 59 percent in the second half to off-set their struggles in the first half and finished shooting 47 percent from the field for the game. The Hornets also connected on nine of their 22 three point field goals for 41 percent and hit 21 of their 28 free throws for 71 percent.
ASU’s defense held UAPB (4-11/2-1 SWAC) to 41 percent shooting in the second half and 44 percent for the game. They were able to force 17 turnovers and turned those into 21 points.
“They had us back on our heels and it seemed everyone was in foul trouble so we were just putting guys in,” Jackson said. “We told them to just play hard and make good decisions with the basketball and it would work for us, and guys got into it and put their body on people and got rebounds and we made some small runs. Everybody has a job to do when they hit the floor so we expect everyone to do that when they get an opportunity to play.”
UAPB came out on fire to open the game with hitting four of their first five shots and all four were three point field goals. UAPB went on to lead by as many as 12 at 30-18 with 5:48 left in the half.
The Hornets were able to fight their way back into the game by halftime out- scoring UAPB 13-6 from that point on to only trail 36-30 heading into halftime.
ASU struggled shooting the ball against the taller Golden Tigers and finished the half only shooting 38 percent from the field and hit 23 percent of their three point attempts. ASU also struggled at the line only hitting five of their nine attempts.
Waters led ASU’s scoring effort with 10 points and Robinson had seven.
Mosley, who came into the game averaging 9.7 points per game, scored 18 in the opening half and Haynes added 11.
By comparison, UAPB hit 46 percent of their field goals in the opening 20 minutes, and hit 40 percent from beyond the three point line. They were also able to get to the free throw line 16 times where they hit 10.
The Hornets will host their final game of the three game home stand when they host rival Alabama A&M Saturday, Jan. 18 at 5 p.m. The game can be seen live on HornetVision and can be heard live on WVAS 90.7.

Alpha Phi Alpha Founder’s Day

Birmingham Times

January 23, 2014

At the 107th Founder’s Day program held Dec. 4, 2013, Birmingham City Councilor, Brother Steven W. Hoyt (l) and Brother Heager L. Hill, LHD, (middle) received a “Certificate of Recognition” for Excellence in Public Service.
Brother Michael German, Director, Bham Field Office, U.S. Dept HUD® presents the award.

Creflo Dollar’s 2014 Annual ‘Change Experience’ Tour Goes International Comes to Birmingham Soon

Birmingham Times

January 23, 2014

Michael Smith to join Dollar in two cities to ignite life-change in thousands

COLLEGE PARK, Ga. – Creflo Dollar, pastor, teacher and founder of Creflo Dollar Ministries (CDM), has announced that his annual “Change Experience” 2014 schedule will expand beyond U.S. borders. The conference series that has drawn thousands in previous venues will be offered next year in Tallahassee, Fla.; Birmingham, Ala.; Dallas, Texas; Montego Bay, Jamaica and Toronto, Ont., Canada.
Dollar, pastor of the 30,000-congregation World Changers Church International in the Atlanta area, will be joined in Tallahassee and Birmingham by guest speaker Michael Smith, founder and senior pastor of THE CHURCH Group Worldwide.
“Change Experience” conferences are free and open to the public.
“The critical component missing in the lives of searching people is a willingness to embrace and experience true change that only Christ can bring,” said Dollar. “The time is now for people to forsake worry and fear, rise above their problems and step out in faith that God imparts to those seeking a better way.”
The 2014 “Change Experience” was held January 9-10 in Tallahassee; is scheduled May 1-2, Birmingham; June 11, Montego Bay; August 14-15, Toronto; and October 16-17, Dallas.
Dollar, nationally known preacher and motivational speaker, founded World Changers Church International in College Park, Ga., in 1981. In addition, World Changers Church-New York is home to 6,000 weekly worshippers. More than 25 WCC fellowship churches are established across the nation. Creflo Dollar Ministries sponsors a “Change Experience” tour annually and began its first “Grace Initiative” earlier this month in Montgomery, Ala.
With more than 25 years of ministry service, Smith began at age 16 at World Changers Church International, where he eventually served as youth pastor, associate minister, chief of staff and director of International Covenant Ministries. In December 2002, he and his wife planted the first community church of THE CHURCH Group Worldwide in Jacksonville, Fla., a ministry that is shared globally through worldwide television and media, leadership development and I-CHURCH, the Internet congregation of THE CHURCH Group Worldwide.
“Change Experience” conferences are designed to inspire people to rise above problems common to all through the wisdom of the Word of God. The conferences feature inspirational music, worship and teaching to encourage those who attend to power through trials and find the path to triumphant living.
In each “Change Experience” venue city, Creflo Dollar Ministries is dedicated to presenting a major financial gift to a local nonprofit ministry that is benefiting people in the community on this road to changing lives.
Each of the 2014 conferences, with the exception of the conference in Montego Bay, opens with an evening session of worship and teaching on Thursdays and a full day of morning, afternoon and evening sessions on Fridays.
To reserve seats or receive more information, visit www.creflodollarministries.org or call (866) 477-7683.
Creflo Dollar is founder and senior pastor of World Changers Church International (WCCI) in College Park, Georgia, which serves over 30,000 members, and World Changers Church-New York, which hosts over 6,000 worshippers each week, as well as many fellowship churches located throughout the U.S. With over 30 years in ministry, Dollar is committed to bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to people all over the world, literally changing the world one person at a time.

Justin’s Story: Finding A Partner For The Journey Of Recovery

Birmingham Times

January 23, 2014

(NAPSI)—Justin McKinley thought he was holding it together, even as he battled delusional thoughts and paranoia. In 2009, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, but Justin had a difficult time accepting his condition—he was depressed, angry and didn’t want to listen to his family, friends and doctor, or take his medication.
“There was just a lot of turmoil going on in my life,” recalls Justin, 28, who had left college and had become homeless. His life had hit rock bottom.
Justin, who is known to family and friends as a jokester with a contagious laugh, loves to express his imagination and creativity through art and music.
He especially values his friendships and is grateful that his friends stayed by his side even when his illness interfered with doing the things they all enjoyed, such as playing video games, shopping, and making music.
After his diagnosis, his friends noticed that Justin was not himself when he didn’t take his medication and had a heart-to-heart talk with him. They were afraid that if he did not seek help, their relationship would deteriorate. This frank conversation helped Justin come to terms with his diagnosis and recognize the importance of following his doctor’s orders.
Today, Justin lives independently. And while his friends have made a huge difference in his journey of recovery, so, too, has his nurse.
Fredrico James, RN, is certified in crisis intervention and prevention and as a medication assistant supervisor. He currently works as the clinical assistant to the medical director at Birmingham’s Jefferson-Blount-St. Clair Mental Health Authority in Alabama, where he educates patients and caregivers on symptom management, medication, recovery and community resources.
Fredrico, who goes by Rico, met Justin four years ago through a homeless services program. Over time and as a result of Rico’s warm and open demeanor, Rico became a key member of Justin’s treatment team.
Justin says of his nurse, “He’s very down-to-earth and caring. I feel lucky to have been introduced to Rico. People with schizophrenia don’t always have a health care provider who sees them as more than a patient or who talks about more than medication or symptoms.”
Rico sees himself “as a cheerleader.”
“I believe Justin and all patients should know that there are people who care about how they are doing—both in recovery and in their personal lives,” he says.
Justin and Rico have worked together to make decisions about Justin’s recovery, such as choosing a long-acting injectable (LAT) medication to treat Justin’s symptoms. This conversation was then brought to Justin’s psychiatrist, who agreed to review the risks and potential benefits with Justin.
“Patients and their health care providers should have a dialogue to choose—together—the best treatment plan. I’ve heard from some patients that they hadn’t been offered certain treatment options or weren’t given a choice in the decision—that was the case for Justin,” Rico says. “It is so important for patients to talk to their health care providers to learn about all available treatment options and find the one that is right for them.”
Their relationship has enabled Justin to become an active participant in his journey of recovery and to accept his diagnosis. Since meeting Rico, Justin says he is happier and takes comfort in knowing someone is rooting for his progress, understands his struggles and won’t judge him on those days when he feels he has come up short.
For more information on Justin’s story, visit www.TreatOnceMonthly.com. The site also provides resources for individuals living with schizophrenia to help them understand treatment options and choose a medication that is right for them with the help of a health care professional.
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., provided the content for this article.

From the sidelines

Birmingham Times

January 23, 2014

2014 Range Rover Sport V8: Pure Luxury

Birmingham Times

January 23, 2014

by Cheryl Eldridge

I really enjoy the finer things in life. As the Bible says: For there is no respect of persons with God.
My one-week ride with a Fuji white and black 2014 Range Rover Sport V8 was like a dream come true. Not only does it drive well, it’s very attractive and my son loved it. He enjoyed his weekly pickup in front of his peers and also enjoyed watching the DVD which is inside of the driver’s and passenger’s headset from the rear.
The 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is completely redesigned.
Although off-road capabilities have always been part of the Range Rover Sport’s appeal, owners of this midsize luxury SUV typically spend more of their time driving in town than they do fording streams or climbing over rocks. The first-generation Sport catered to that reality, as it was more on-road-focused than its bigger brother, the Range Rover.
But the original Range Rover Sport was also heavy, even by SUV standards, and that dragged down fuel mileage and kept it from feeling truly sporty around turns. Moreover, while its interior was nice enough, it wasn’t as richly furnished as some rivals in this class. The company has addressed all these issues in the fully redesigned 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. It should be right up your alley if you’re looking for a do-it-all utility vehicle loaded with high-end ambience.
The improvements on the 2014 Range Rover Sport begin with a significant diet. Thanks to a new all-aluminum chassis shared with the standard-size Range Rover, it has lost more than 700 pounds by Land Rover’s estimates. This, along with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, results in higher fuel economy ratings. And if the supercharged V8 is still too thirsty for you, there’s a new supercharged V6 that uses less fuel.
Land Rover has also applied many of the Range Rover Evoque’s design cues to the Sport, which now looks sleek, attractive and expensive. Looks do not deceive either, as the 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport costs quite a bit more than either the BMW or Lexus, or the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Only the X5 will keep up with the Range Rover Sport on a curvy road, though.
The 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a midsize five-passenger SUV with an optional third-row seat that increases capacity to seven. It’s available in two trim levels: SE and Supercharged. Within each trim, there’s a major option package (HSE and Autobiography, respectively), and certain other options are only available when this package is equipped.
Standard features on the SE trim include 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, power-folding heated mirrors, a self-leveling air suspension, front and rear parking sensors, a power liftgate, keyless ignition/entry, 14-way adjustable power front seats, front seat memory settings, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. Also standard are a voice-controlled navigation system, an 8-inch touchscreen display, a rearview camera, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker sound system with a 10-CD changer, auxiliary audio jack and USB/iPod integration.
The HSE option package adds 20-inch wheels, foglights, a panoramic sunroof, upgraded perforated leather upholstery, wood or metal interior trim and heated front seats.
My tester, the Supercharged trim level includes all of the standard SE and HSE equipment, plus a V8 engine; a more sophisticated four-wheel-drive system (with low-range gearing and a rear limited-slip differential); an upgraded suspension with both adaptive damping and roll stabilization; and steering-wheel paddle shifters for the transmission.
Adding the Autobiography package provides 21-inch wheels, adaptive headlights with automatic high-beam control, 14-way adjustable ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, an upgraded instrument panel, three-zone climate control, a front-console cooler compartment, a surround-view camera system, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, and a 19-speaker Meridian sound system with satellite and HD Radio.
Many of the items in the Autobiography package are available in smaller option packages on other Range Rover Sports. The Climate Comfort and Visibility package for the SE bundles the adaptive headlights, heated front and rear seats, and heated steering wheel. A more elaborate version of this package for the HSE and base Supercharged trim has all of the above equipment, plus 14-way adjustable power heated front seats and the front-console cooler, while the Luxury Climate Comfort and Visibility package provides all of that plus ventilated rear seats and four-zone climate control (these items can purchased separately for the Range Rover Sport Autobiography). The 19-speaker Meridian audio system is available on all these trims as well, and HSE, base Supercharged and Autobiography models are also eligible for a 23-speaker Meridian surround-sound system.
The Vision and Convenience package for the SE, HSE and base Supercharged model combines the surround-view camera system, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts and an automated parallel-parking system. The parking system is a stand-alone option for the Autobiography. Base versions of the Supercharged model can be equipped with the Dynamic package, which includes 21-inch wheels, perforated leather upholstery, upgraded instrumentation and various cosmetic upgrades.
A third-row seat is optional on all versions of the 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and on the base SE, it’s paired with 20-inch wheels. Stand-alone options for all trim levels include 22-inch wheels, all-speed adaptive cruise control with emergency braking, a rear entertainment system and a towing package (late availability).
The 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is available with two supercharged engines. Standard on all SE models is a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Range Rover Sport Supercharged models come with a 5.0-liter V8 that develops 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
All Range Rover Sport models also come with full-time four-wheel drive, hill descent control, hill start assist and Land Rover’s Terrain Response system. The SE comes standard with a light-duty, single-speed 4WD system, while the Supercharged model is equipped with a two-speed transfer case that provides high- and low-range gearing for more serious off-roading. This system is optional on SE models. Terrain Response features driver-selectable modes and optimizes the vehicle’s powertrain, suspension and electronics for increased traction in gravel, snow, mud, sand and on rocks. Supercharged models have an additional dynamic mode that optimizes handing on pavement.
Land Rover says the V8-equipped Range Rover Sport can sprint from zero to 60 in 5.0 seconds, while the V6 covers the same ground in a claimed 6.9 seconds. EPA fuel economy estimates for the V6 version are 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined, while the V8 is rated at 14/19/16 mpg. These estimates are average among comparable V6- and V8-equipped midsize luxury SUVs. A properly equipped Range Rover Sport with either engine can tow up to 7,700 pounds, according to Land Rover.
Safety for the 2014 Range Rover Sport comes standard with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, and first- and second-row side curtain airbags. Also standard are front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera.
Available safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic detection. The adaptive cruise control includes an emergency braking feature that automatically applies the brakes if a collision appears imminent.
Overall, the interior feels much higher-end than the previous Range Rover Sport’s cabin. Land Rover has eliminated the questionable plastic pieces, and the abundant leather surfaces and wide variety of interior customization options make the 2014 Range Rover Sport feel more sophisticated and worthy of its lofty base price.
The highly adjustable front seats are comfortable and provide plenty of support. You sit lower than you do in the standard Range Rover and the center console is higher, too, adding to the “cockpit” feel, but visibility is still excellent for an SUV. The pop-up gear selector knob from the previous Sport has been replaced by a conventional shifter on the console, and V8 models have paddle shifters mounted on the back of the steering wheel.
The third row of seating is only intended for use by small adults or children, as the legroom is quite tight. And when you don’t need the space for passengers, folding the rear seats flat is an easy one-button affair. Cargo capacity remains low for this class, with 27.7 cubic feet of space behind the second row and a maximum volume of 62.2 with the second-row seats folded.
My tester was $92,285. Now that’s loaded!
Until next week, drive safe, buckle up, don’t text and drive and be kind to one another.

MY FRIEND JESUS – PART II

Birmingham Times

January 23, 2014

“You are my friend if you do what I command” (John 15:16).

“Let me out at the next corner,” the boy said, as he was riding with four of his friends. Several of them asked why he wanted to get out of the car. “Are you chicken?” The 15-year-old ignored their questions, and said a bit more forcibly, “Please let me out!” The car pulled over to the curb. He climbed over one of his friends and got out. “See ya’ later,” he said to them, turning and walking away as the car sped off. The group was going to a party where teenage boys and girls would be drinking beer and whisky, dancing, and eventually pairing off for sex. As he rode with them, an inner voice said to him, “This is wrong. You’re a Christian. Don’t do this.” That’s why, in spite of peer pressure, he got out of the car.
As verse two in the old hymn, ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus” tells us, He can help us in our trials and temptations. Jesus helps us by warning us. Temptations don’t sneak up on Christians. We recognize them when they come.
In addition to the inner voice, the Bible tells us how to avoid being overcome by temptation. Surprisingly, it doesn’t tell us to confront it, take it on, or fight it. It simply says run from it, avoid it, don’t go near it. The inner voice we have as Christians will warn us, but it is up to us to avoid it.
It may help us also to remember what God tells us in I John 3:4, “Greater is he (Jesus) that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

Dr. Robert Wilkerson is a minister, writer, and founder of People for the Christian Way, an organization whose mission is to encourage all people to practice Christian principles in business, politics, and every area of life. drbobwilkerson@bellsouth.net, www.peopleforthechristianway.com

Got Soul Food?

Birmingham Times

January 23, 2014

by Electra Adams

Man was created to live forever. Adam lost his right to eternal life as a natural man, thus giving up his soul. Jesus, becoming our Ransom, redeemed the right, restoring the soul of man; by his choice of course (John 3:16)!
The following excerpts are great food for the soul….And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? The soul, housing the mind, will and emotions is truly the last great, unexplained realm on earth. Its fertile soil is enriched with divine substance, which is far more precious than all the wealth in the world. It is the essence of who you really are. “Though man has traversed the earth, built the most impressive buildings to protect himself from most foreboding mountains, fought the greatest battles, defied the most devastating natural disasters, harnessed electricity and fired rockets into outer space, we are still on a quest to find answers that are locked only within the soul of himself.
“It is not what goes in a man that defiles him, but what comes out, ( T.D. Jakes).” People all around the world are trying to find out just who they really are; to get to know who God has designed them to be. Many are seeking their authenticity and originality. There can be look-a-likes, sound-a-likes and even duplicates, but never another original you. If you sometimes feel you are not fully using your strengths and talents, or that your work is no longer meaningful or challenging, you may be facing a crossroads of life.
Taylor Caldwell wrote, “The most desperate need of men today is not a new way of life, vaccine, or religion. Man needs none of these… His real need, his most terrible need is for someone to listen to him, not as a patient, but as a human soul.
Mohandas Gandhi stated, “To deprive a man of his natural liberty, is starvation of the soul.”
The soul is not the body, but is contained within a physical body, a body created from the earth to interact with and function in the physical realm. The body is tempered and earth-bound, the spirit is eternal and heaven-bound, the spirit is eternal and heaven-bound. These two planes of existence come together in the human soul. The great battle of heaven and earth, kingdom of darkness and kingdom of Light are for the souls of humanity. These battles not only waged in our souls, but for our souls. The word soul comes from the Hebrew word [nephesh] which refers to a breathing, thinking being with passion, appetite, and emotions. The soul gives us a sense of individualism so that we can distinguish ourselves from other souls.
Dr. Cindy Trimm’s book The Soul Fast has enlightened many. I found it to be amazing that many of us are soul winners, but are not sure as to what we are saving or winning. Man has but one soul; he can house many spirits, which by authority of the Holy Spirit can be cast out. No one can cast out a soul.
This has been food for the soul.
Get your copy of my books today! Synagogues of Satan, and ‘Broken Pieces’ electra.gethsemaneministries@yahoo.com. Visit at 1024 Ethel Lane, Trussville, Al 35235…Until the next time…Good health, great wealth and the wisdom to keep both in 2014!

Enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace from October 1 through December 28, 2013

Birmingham Times

January 23, 2014

• Before the Affordable Care Act, we had a broken health care system which allowed millions of Americans to go without health insurance. In every part of our country, consumers were either priced out or locked out of coverage, and millions more found out when they got sick that their coverage didn’t actually cover anything.

• But because of the Affordable Care Act, it’s a new day for health insurance and for millions of families and individuals throughout our country.

• That’s why we’re seeing such a strong response, and such heavy demand for the Health Insurance Marketplace.

• Today, HHS released its third monthly report on Marketplace enrollment activity between October 1 and December 28, 3013.

• The numbers show that there is a very strong demand for the affordable coverage being made possible by the Affordable Care Act.
• More than 6 million Americans have been enrolled in the Marketplace and Medicaid.

• Nearly 2.2 million signed up in private insurance through the Marketplace – and nearly 1.8 million of them signed up in December. That’s nearly five times as many people as signed up in October and November combined.

• Among young adults, the momentum was particularly strong: There was a more than eight-fold increase in December enrollments in the federal marketplace.

• In addition, more than 3 million young adults have gained coverage, because the Affordable Care Act allows them to stay on their parents’ plan until their 26th birthday.

• If you’re keeping score at home, this adds up to more than 9 million of our fellow Americans who have the security and peace of mind of health insurance.

• Of those who have selected Marketplace plans, nearly eight in 10 (79 percent) have received financial assistance.

• More than half, 60 percent, have chosen silver plans, while 20 percent have selected bronze plans, 13 percent selected gold plans, 7 percent chose platinum plans and 1 percent opted for catastrophic plans.

• 54 percent of those who have signed up for private insurance are women. And because of the Affordable Care Act, they can no longer be charged more because of their gender: being a woman is no longer pre-existing condition.

• Thirty percent, nearly one in three, of people who have enrolled in a Marketplace plan are younger than age 35.

• Meanwhile, as another indicator of the very strong demand: HealthCare.gov and state websites have received more than 53 million visits. And state and federal call centers have received more than 11 million calls.

• So as you can see, we’re seeing a very strong response to the Marketplace. Once again, let me remind you open enrollment runs through March 31.

• There are many, simple ways to get covered, including online at HealthCare.gov (which is working smoothly), over the phone, in-person, on paper, and directly through an agent, broker, or issuer.

• It’s a new day for health care – and for the millions of Americans who finally have the security and peace of mind of health coverage.

2014 Nissan Note SV

Birmingham Times

January 23, 2014

By Frank S. Washington

DETROIT – The Nissan Versa Note SV was one of those capable vehicles that seem to have slipped under the radar.
This was not the Versa sedan; the Note was a five-door hatchback that looked like a miniature minivan that was capable of toting five people. But four adults could ride in comfort for long hauls.
The Versa Note was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that made 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. It was mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Even though the car weighed a scant 2,482 lbs., it didn’t set the world on fire in terms of speed, from any perspective. Still, the Versa Note came across as an extremely pragmatic car.
It used Nissan’s global V platform. Along with the new engine, CVT transmission and redesigned driveshaft, the 2014 Versa Note was about 300 lbs. lighter than the model it replaced.
No doubt, the weight reduction contributed to an EPA rating of 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. With only a 10.8 gallon capacity fuel tank, it is hard to appreciate the gas sipping characteristic of the Versa Note. Still, at the end of the month your fuel budget will not be expended.  The Versa Note had a steeply sloped front windshield and sculpted doors. The styling was meant to enhance fuel efficiency. The drag coefficient was 0.298 which was a 9 percent reduction compared to the 2012 Versa hatchback.
Our CVT-equipped test model, there is a five-speed manual, had Nissan’s first Active grille shutter that reduced drag force. It closed at speeds more than 20 mph and up. The grille also featured multi-reflector headlights and what Nissan called “the Notes’ boomerang rear taillights.”
This year’s model was six inches shorter than the version it replaced but the 102.4-inch wheelbase increased interior space. On a run to the airport, the passenger had a sizable roller duffle bag, a full back pack and a big tote bag. The luggage was just tossed on the back seat and there was room to spare.
It snowed here heavily the week of the Nissan Versa Note test drive. There was some slipping and sliding as the Versa Note cornered on side streets. But not once did the front-wheel-drive hatchback get stuck or come close to getting stuck.
The car had a surprising amount of equipment. In the cold weather, a smart key for push button lock and unlock as well as start and stop was appreciated. As were the heated front seats. The equipment was part of the SL package that included 16-inch alloy wheels.
A navigation system was at the heart of the technology package. It included voice controls, traffic and weather reports, points of interest powered by Google, and around view. The package also included text messaging, heated side view mirrors as well as Pandora and streaming audio via Bluetooth.
Given the snow and the cold during the week-long test drive of the 2014 Nissan Versa Note, the car proved that it is a vehicle for all seasons, literally. The Versa Note navigated through snow and over slush filled streets without a problem.
It certainly proved to be an everyday driver, especially when some of the days are less than great. The base price of the test vehicle was $15,990. Add the options as well as the $790 freight charge and the total came to $19,545. That is not bad for a car you can drive in relative comfort no matter the weather.

Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com.

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