By Gwen DeRu

HAPPY HOLIDAYS…..TO ALL OF YOU….
….FROM ALL OF US!!!

During the Holiday Season more than ever, our thoughts turn grateful to those who have made our progress possible.  And in this spirit we say, simply but sincerely…. Thank You and Best Wishes for the Holiday Season and a Prosperous New Year.

ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS!! Share the Joy of the Season!

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LeKAMEREN DeRU!

NOW…,Hurry to check this out, first…..

INTERESTED IN MAKING A FILM – ABFF “American Black Film Festival” is Accepting Feature And Documentary Submissions for 2014 – Film Life is seeking exceptional narrative feature and documentary films made by or about people of African descent for consideration for the 18th annual ABFF (American Black Film Festival). The 2014 ABFF is scheduled to take place in NYC, next June 19-22. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131107/NY12968LOGO)
“2013 has certainly been a tremendous year in Black cinema, providing great inspiration for Black artists. They are looking for more original and dynamic work in 2014. Films must be completed post January 1, 2013. Documentaries should have a minimum running time of 45 minutes, and narrative features a minimum of 72 minutes. Submission deadlines are February 7, and March 10, 2014, respectively. For full eligibility criteria, please visit www.abff.com or www.Withoutabox.com where submissions are being accepted online only.

AND…. Enjoy the weekend…
AT THE CARVER THEATRE…Music, performances and dance … I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, an Urban Musical Drama, Saturday, 7 p.m. and Sunday at 4:30 p.m. This is the first time Brenda Rivers has gotten the family together for Christmas since their father’s funeral. Witness the comedy, drama, romance, and suspense that goes down when you spend Christmas with the Rivers Family! Ultimately a story about love, family unity, and acceptance.  Don’t miss this urban musical that will warm your heart.   DECEMBER 29, Sunday… Dr. Frank Adams will play the National Anthem for UAB Blazes at the UAB Men’s Basketball game vs. Alabama A & M in Bartow Arena.  JANUARY 5 – PASQUALE RETURNS, 3 p.m. Get out and dance with Pasquale on Sunday.

HELP THE …….MS SANTA “ADOPT-A-FAMILY” – Please consider being a MS Santa and Adopt-A-Family.  You will be partnered with a family and you can be the MS Santa by donating a gift or gifts from their Wish List.  You would purchase items of your choice from their list and deliver to the Chapter’s Birmingham office.  The family‘s name is kept confidential, but the wish list is provided to you. Let’s count you in.  Join this movement.  Call (205) 879-8546 for more.  Tell Jan Bell that Gwen sent you.

PLEASE…..SUPPORT UCP HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE – This holiday season, give back to a United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) child or adult in need.  Help make their holiday a little merrier and brighter!  UCP will be accepting new and unused items such as developmental and sensory toys for children birth to age 5, pretend play toys and dress up clothing, children’s books, art science, music items for children and adults, and for adults jewelry, cologne, makeup, wallets, purses, watches, lap blankets/throws, card games, playing cards, dominoes and popular CDs and DVDs for adults until tomorrow, Friday.  Call (205) 944-3909 or contact creno@ucpbham.com for more.

FOR FARMERS….producers or ranchers….. Here is a little information for you…from USDA – Value Added Producer Grant Solicitation, USDA, Department of Agriculture, Business and Cooperative Programs, Value Added Producer Grant and Grant. http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=248375
A. Eligible Applicants – 1. Type of Applicant: You must demonstrate that you meet
all definition requirements at 7 CFR 4284.902 for one of the following applicant types: Independent producer, agricultural producer group, farmer or rancher cooperative, or majority controlled producer-based business venture.  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Grants Division, Cooperative Programs,
Rural Business-Cooperative Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., MS–3250, Room 4016-South, Washington, DC 20250–3250, or call (202) 720–8460.

HERE ARE A FEW MORE THINGS GOING ON…
THIS WEEKEND….
**GREG MORTON at the STARDOME COMEDY CLUB. Greg has been described as having “an animated presence.” Not surprising when you read his credentials. Greg worked as an animator on such shows as the Scooby and Scrappy Doo Show and the New Flintstone’s. His voice-over talents can be heard on such shows as Robocop and Police Academy (the cartoon series). He has directed several Saturday morning cartoon hits including ABC’s Hammerman (MC Hammer) and The Legend of White Fang for HBO.     AND MORE AT THE STARDOME…DON’T MISS……, next weekend, LAVELL CRAWFORD, JAY PHAROAH on December 31, TWO KINGS AND A QUEEN, January 3-5, CARLOS MENCIA, January 10-11, COREY HOLCOMB, January 17-19 and HENRY CHO on January 30-February 2.  Tell Bruce that Gwen sent you.  Enjoy some good laughter and fun times while you eat some great food with your great friends.  See you there!  For more, call (205) 444-0008.

TODAY… UP, 8 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.

FRIDAY…
**FRIDAY AFTER WORK, 4:30 – 9:30 p.m. at 25 West Oxmoor Road, Suite 26 in Homewood.  Call (205) 572-1295 for more.
**ALL NIGHT HAPPY HOUR, 5 p.m. at Jazz Underground.
**P.J. SPRAGGINS & P.J. SPRAGGINS BAND, 10 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
**AFTER MIDNIGHT OLD SCHOOL AFTER PARTY, 11:59 p.m. at Jazz Underground.
SATURDAY….
**SEAN MICHAEL RAY TRIO, 10 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
**AFTER MIDNIGHT OLD SCHOOL AFTER PARTY, 11:59 p.m. at Jazz Underground.
SUNDAY….
**PHASE II BAND AND SHOW, 9 p.m. at Tide & Tiger Lounge, 409 Graymont Avenue (across from Legion Field.)  For more, call (205) 229-4829 or 502-3880.
**Birmingham’s Own MAD SKILLZ 10th ANNIVERSARY at WorkPlay, 500 23td Street South.  Celebrate 10 years of Mad Skillz Dance Company with Art in Motion 10, the all-time favorite PARENT DANCE OFF and with DJ CJ THA STICMAN.   See you there!!
**SALSA SUNDAYS, 8 p.m. at Jazz Underground.
MONDAY….
**NAPPY NIGHT – Music at Boujee Lounge, every Monday at 204 Avenue U in Pratt City, 8 p.m. with good jerk food, vendors and music.  See you there on Mondays!
WEDNESDAY…   MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

COMING SOON…..
AT THE NEW TIDE AND TIGER – In the neighborhood… Around the corner… Down the street…and across from the Legion Field Stadium on Graymont is the ‘new’ TIDE AND TIGER…. Here are a few events that you will enjoy at the ‘new’ Tide and Tiger Lounge…. -XMAS PARTY, Saturday, 8 p.m. until 2 p.m.
DECEMBER 27 – BOBBYE ‘DOLL’ JOHNSON – THE ARTIST, 9 p.m. Showtime. Doors open at 8 p.m.  Don’t miss this performance.
December 31 – NEW YEAR’S PARTY, 8 p.m. until the cows come home, meaning it is ‘all night long.’  For more call (205) 503-3880. Don’t say that I did not tell you when you hear about this ’best kept secret’ around.  You can even play cards on some nights or get Dance Classes by PASQUALES on Saturdays at 4 p.m.  Check out the ‘new’ Tide and Tiger Lounge.  Tell them Gwen sent you.
IN 2014 –

MARCH 8 – UNCF MASKED BALL at the Sheraton Hotel, Grand Ballroom in downtown Birmingham presented by the Central Alabama Sickle Cell Foundation.  Make your reservations now.

NOW…. a BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU  LeKAMEREN DeRU…AND 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)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) will celebrate the spirit of family and community with its annual Kwanzaa program on Thursday, December 26. The event kicks off with a hands-on workshop at 5 p.m. in the Abraham L. Woods Community Meeting Room. Elinor Burks will lead this creative activity for families.
The community celebration begins at 6 p.m. in the Odessa Woolfolk Gallery, highlighting the principle, Umoja or “Unity,” which is the principle of unity in family, relationships, and heart.  It is one of the seven principles or “Nguzo Saba” of Kwanzaa and is celebrated and practiced on a single special day during Kwanzaa and ideally continued throughout the year. Additionally, the celebration will feature music, youth discussion on the principle of Unity, African drummers and a performance by Spoken Word artist, Glenwood.
Kwanzaa – which means “first fruits of the harvest” in Swahili – is an African American cultural holiday with a focus on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. It was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga and is celebrated December 26-January 1.
“Kwanzaa is wonderful time for people to gather and reflect on the spirit of family,” says Ahmad Ward, BCRI Director of Education and Exhibitions. “Each year we enjoy seeing the community come together for this very important celebration.”
The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
For more information, contact Ahmad Ward, BCRI Head of Education and Exhibition, at 328-9696 x 234.

LOS ANGELES – OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network has announced that its popular scripted series from Tyler Perry “The Haves and the Have Nots” and “Love Thy Neighbor” will return to the network’s primetime lineup this January along with two new series, “The Diamond Collar” and “Mom’s Got Game” and the return of comedienne Wanda Sykes with two new “Herlarious” comedy specials.
In addition, the network will premiere all new episodes of returning series favorites in January including “Oprah: Where Are They Now?,” “Oprah’s Lifeclass” and “Raising Whitley.”
“The Haves and the Have Nots” heats up this winter after its cliffhanger fall finale garnered a series high 2.6 million viewers, making it one of the most watched episodes in network history. On Tuesday, January 7 (9-10 p.m.) the Cryer family is back with even more scandals, lies and deceit as judge Jim Cryer (John Schneider) mounts a campaign for governor despite escalating family problems and the vengeful actions of his former mistress Candace Young (Tika Sumpter).
Perry’s comedy “Love Thy Neighbor,” which garnered a series average 1 million viewers, returns to the primetime lineup on Wednesday, January 8 with two half-hour episodes back-to-back at 9 and 9:30 p.m. and features even more hilarious hijinks from Mama Hattie (Patrice Lovely) and the gang at The Love Train Diner.
Friday, January 17 (10-10:30 p.m.) is the premiere of new series “The Diamond Collar” featuring former mob enforcer James “Head” Guiliani in his new life as the owner of one of Brooklyn’s top dog grooming parlors. Between the dogs, the staff, his fiery girlfriend, and his relentless passion for rescuing animals in need, life is a whole new “mob scene” for Guiliani. Saturday, January 18 at 10 p.m. is the premiere of the new series “Mom’s Got Game” featuring former WNBA star Pam McGee and her son, Denver Nuggets center JaVale McGee. For the McGees, basketball is a family business. Pam McGee is the first WNBA mother to have a son, JaVale, in the NBA. Now Pam has to juggle JaVale’s career, while jumpstarting her dating life with the help of her girlfriends and trusty “manny,” Jay.
Superstar comedienne Wanda Sykes returns with all-new installments of the popular comedy special “Wanda Sykes Presents Herlarious” at 10 p.m. on Saturday, January 4 and January 11, featuring some of comedy’s funniest celebrities doing what they do best.  The all-star lineup includes appearances by Wayne Brady, Kristin Chenoweth, Cheryl Hines, Jeff Probst, Sheryl Underwood, Jeff Ross, Lance Reddick, Camryn Manheim, Tichina Arnold, and Jackée Harry, among others.
The compelling update series “Oprah: Where Are They Now?” returns with all new episodes beginning January 3 at 9 p.m. featuring celebrities such as William Shatner, “Karate Kid” Ralph Macchio and singer Kenny Loggins to name a few.  And two new special episodes of the Emmy Award-winning “Oprah’s Lifeclass” premiere on January 3 at 10 p.m. with best-selling author Greg Berhendt (“He’s Just Not That Into You”) and January 10 at 10 p.m. with spiritual life coach Iyanla Vanzant.
In addition, the hilarious docu-series “Raising Whitley” with actress/comedienne Kym Whitley returns for all-new episodes on Saturday, January 4 at a new time (9 p.m.), and is expanding to a full hour.

by Jessica Jones
Bobby Saleem was eliminated on last Tuesday’s episode of the Biggest Loser making him the sixth contestant to leave in the show’s 15th season.
Despite his elimination from the ranch, Saleem hasn’t stopped his journey to his weight loss goal. Over all he’s lost 135 pounds since his journey began.
“It’s been difficult, but I’m really pleased to hit over the 100 mark,” Saleem said. Since his elimination from the show, he has lost an additional 40 pounds. But he said it wasn’t something that happened all at once and there was no particular defining moment in his journey.
“It was a series of small victories,” Saleem said. “Running for the first time, being able to jump rope, seeing the weight come off of me, those were all small victories that helped my confidence overall and my conversation with Bob [Harper] was a turning point for me emotionally and I think that moment with Bob was pretty special to me and it’s something that at least changed how I view myself as a person.”
Amidst the struggle to drop the pounds, the 28-year- old attorney from Chicago also battled with his sexuality. Encouraged by Bob Harper, a trainer on the show who discussed his sexuality for the first time publicly during an episode, shared his own coming out story with Saleem. Saleem eventually revealed his sexual orientation to his father. Since his return home, Saleem said their relationship has improved.
“Everything’s been great, “Saleem  said. “Fortunately I was able to talk to my dad about my sexuality and I did come out to my father and it was probably the most liberating thing I’ve ever done in my entire life. He’s been very supportive and my family’s been very supportive and I feel completely blessed.”
His honesty with his father has not only changed their relationship, but it has also changed how Saleem sees himself.
“I think the biggest thing that has changed for me is I’m not so afraid anymore,” he said. “When I entered the ranch I was so scared of what my family would think about me or what my friends and co-workers would think about me and I always felt like I had to hide something about myself and now I’m fearful of nothing.”
“I am very proud of the skin I’m in, I’m very proud of the person I am. I think that’s the biggest change – that I am just so proud of who I am as a person and I have nothing to be ashamed about. I love me as a person. I am a great person and I’ve done so well. That’s probably the biggest shift that I’ve had. I’ve gone through years of being kind of torturing myself and I’ve been beating myself down and I really took away a lot of my confidence and now I’ve been building myself up again. I’m a much stronger person physically and mentally than I ever have been before.”
Going home meant trying to work what he learned on the ranch into his everyday life. So far, Saleem has been able to stay on the right track and sticks to a strict routine.
“I definitely have to work out early because I am working,” Salem said. “I work out early in the morning, at lunch and after work and for me it’s about finding a good balance.” Something that wasn’t on the show was that I have a huge injury. I have a torn ACL and that’s something I have to adapt [to]. I do a lot of spin classes, that’s something I absolutely have fallen in love with. In terms of nutrition, I’m keeping up with the 1500 calorie diet and making sure I eat the right things, so I’m keeping up with everything I’ve learned on the ranch.”
Saleem’s weight loss process is made even more challenging due to an injury, a torn ALC, but he attributes his determination to continue reaching for his goal to his trainer Bob Harper.
“It was great working with Bob. You know I’ve thought about it before, whether I would have worked well with Dolvette [Quince] or Jillian [Michales] and I think they’re both exceptional trainers, but I think Bob was the perfect fit for me, “Saleem said. “Bob knew how to modify my workouts in order to get the maximum burn and be effective and I’m not sure if I would have gotten that with another trainer, so physically he helped me get through the process, because I definitely don’t think I would have gotten through the process as far as I did with injuries I did have.”
The two connected on a deeper level as well when Harper shared his encouragement with Saleem on his sexuality.
“In terms of emotionally, I don’t think I could have connected with any of the other trainers like Bob,” he said. “Bob is a very special person and we connected on a level that I truly appreciated and helped me through my journey on the ranch.”
His time on the show might have come to an end, but his enthusiasm for slimming down hasn’t. He hopes to return to the finale another 105 pounds lighter than he was when he left.
“I really want to get under the 200 pound mark and that would be success for me,” Saleem said. “I’m going to do what I set out to do from the very beginning and that was to do my very best and whether that is to win the at-home prize or just lose a great amount of weight, I’ll be happy either way.”

NEW YORK, N.Y. (BLACK PR WIRE) – The 2013 Annual Soul Train Awards in Las Vegas, Nev. was hosted by actor and comedian Anthony Anderson . The evening showcased performances by the biggest names in contemporary music and was kicked off with a medley performance by Jennifer Hudson, Chaka Khan, Evelyn “Champagne” King and T.I. The evening honored legendary songstress Dionne Warwick and soulful nineties crooner Keith Sweat.
 Proving that talent never dies, but continually gets better, BET kept the celebration going with name dropping talent that produced an unforgettable awards show. Still known as the “The Best Star Rappers of the Year,” Warren G, Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh closed with an electrifying finale of the hip hop classic “The Show.” The performance was a not to be missed, ode to classic hip hop, featuring the iconic master of poetic soul Big Daddy Kane.
 Kane brought his magical swag with Hollywood touch points to the red carpet and on stage sharing, “I’m honored to be a part of such a monumental night and glad to return to the Soul Train Awards and celebrate music with my peers. Big Daddy Kane is what legends are made of and never misses the opportunity to prove there ‘Ain’t No Half Steppin.’”
 The undefeatable rapper brought his captivating energy to the stage as only he could. His presence reminds industry tastemakers, recording artists and future stars that he has set the standard in the game and longevity is not easily achieved. His talent as one of the smoothest MC’s continually brings value to the rap game and paves the way for newcomers.

Motivational Edge’s Campaign is in stretch run to reach its $200,000 goal

LOS ANGELES, Calif. –  Grammy Award-winning artist Lil Wayne is urging support for an Indiegogo funding effort to expand The Motivational Edge, a highly successful after school program, nationally.
“I grew up in a neighborhood in New Orleans, in a neighborhood called Hollygrove where I didn’t have a lot and a lot of the people there didn’t have a lot, but what I did have was education and music…,” he said.
“Then I finally learned that I wouldn’t get out of anything without education. Personally donated to this cause and now we need your help.”
The Motivational Edge, a Miami-based nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring youth towards academic achievement, has launched a fundraising campaign on Indiegogo.com aimed at expanding the program into Phoenix, Arizona and nationally. With a target-funding goal of $200,000, Lil Wayne and The Motivational Edge hope to bring more of the organization’s successful programs to youth across the country. With a Dec. 20 funding deadline and $56,000 raised, Motivational Edge needs more support. To donate, please visit: http://www.indiegogo.com/lilwayne.
Motivational Edge Founder and CEO Ian Welsch founded the organization to help youngsters succeed through art, music and other educational courses with his innovative program that’s proven its success in the Miami area.
“I started The Motivational Edge at the same time I was teaching in the classroom because I saw a dire need for more creative, more artistic more expression-based programs for inner city youth that they weren’t getting in the school system,” Welsch said.
He also said, “We really attack the problem at The Motivational Edge and solve the issues. We give kids constructive ways to spend their time.”
Those contributing to the campaign will receive a commensurate contribution or “perk” beginning with as little as a $5 donation. Each perk has been carefully curated by Lil Wayne himself and includes:
•   Artwork created by The Motivational Edge students
•   Limited edition lithographs signed by Lil Wayne
•   A personal thank you on Facebook from Lil Wayne
•   The opportunity to have a track featured on YoungMoney.com
•   Skateboarding lessons from the Trufit Skate Team in Miami
•   And, more perks to be revealed throughout the campaign to continue to drive donations to the cause.

NEW YORK – Bravo Media premieres three hot new series sure to cure those winter blues and jump start the New Year.
On Thursday, January 2nd at 10:30p.m. ET/PT, get a start on those new year’s resolutions with two new faces of fitness guaranteed to make you sweat on “Toned Up.”  Katrina Dawn and Karena Hodgson have taken the web by storm with their website ToneItUp.com which receives over 1.8 million unique visitors a month and over 600 twitter mentions per hour. Although the two are business partners, they are also best friends, roommates and much more.
Making no apologies for who they are, these women use their “yoga smarts” to push themselves and their brand to wild extremes. Whether they are speaking in their special language of “meows” or debating the merits of bug propellant, the dynamic duo have created an exercise revolution that has already inspired millions. Catch a sneak peek of the series at: http://www.bravotv.com/toned-up/season-1/videos/new-series-toned-up

By Esther Callens

New York Times’ bestselling author, Jeff Lindsay is back at it again. He returns with Dexter’s Final Cut.  Overflowing with another hilarious, dark dose of murder – this time Dexter finds himself down in a very deep pit with hope sprinting in the other direction.
The beloved sociopath has returned and the ante has been raised as Dexter Morgan finds himself under the spotlight. Well, actually the bright lights of stardom.  That’s right, Hollywood comes to Miami to film a new police series. Cast in the major role is the mega- superstar Robert Chase. Robert is a superior actor who is known to lose himself in his characters.  This leads to Robert shadowing Dexter (Miami Police Department’s finest blood splatter analyst) and his lovely co-star Jackie Forrest will shadow Dexter’s partner, Deborah.
Dexter senses an abnormality in Robert’s character and works extra hard at keeping any inkling of his spare time activities under wraps. This seems to be working out until a series of murders occurs and the victims all resemble Robert’s co-star, Jackie. With this, Dexter is reassigned to protect Jackie and all is well until Dexter finds out who the killer is.  The Dark Passenger (Dexter’s serial killing alter ego) is unleashed and he executes his own brand of justice.  Satisfied that the murders have been stopped, Dexter put his beast back to sleep. Unfortunately, two other murders occur with one being Jackie. These happen right under Dexter’s nose and he quickly realizes who this killer is and goes after him. Surprisingly, fingers point to Dexter as being Jackie’s murderer.  The shocking outcome is jaw dropping.
Dexter’s Final Cut is a funny, fascinating and fast-paced read. Lindsay is a brilliant author who never ceases to please his audiences.
Dexter’s Final Cut is the 7th installment in Jeff Lindsay’s Dexter series.  The stimulus for the Showtime blockbuster by the same name, Dexter (the books) has sold 1.7 million copies.  Jeff Lindsay, his wife and three daughter makes Florida home.