Allen’s Last Second Shot Lifts TSU Past JSU in Overtime

January 8, 2014

NASHVILLE, TENN. — In a game that came down to the final seconds, the Tennessee State University women’s basketball team came away with a, 78-76, overtime win against Jacksonville State Saturday night in the Gentry Center.
Tennessee State (4-11, 1-1 OVC) overcame a double-digit deficit to pick up its first OVC win of the season and second straight victory at home.
For the first time this season, TSU had five players to score in double-figures led by Chelsea Hudson’s 30 points and eight rebounds. Jayda Johnson scored 11 while Rachel Allen, Brianna Lawrence and Alana Morris each finished with 10 points.
Jacksonville State (4-12, 0-3 OVC) was led in scoring by Destany McLin’s 24 points and nine rebounds while Candace Morton added 20 points and eight rebounds. Gia Banks tallied 11 for JSU.
After getting off to a slow offensive start, TSU outscored JSU 10-4 to knot the score at 14-all. The Gamecocks, however, answered with a run to regain the lead, 21-14 at the 9:51 mark.
TSU suffered another scoring drought and fell behind by double-digits with 6:07 left in the half.
Over the next several possessions the momentum shifted as TSU turned up its defensive pressure and held JSU scoreless for nearly four minutes. During the span, The Lady Tigers cut the deficit down to four points.
With 7.8 seconds on the clock Brianna Lawrence knocked down a triple from the corner to make the score, 33-31, in favor of Jacksonville State going into the break.
After both teams briefly traded buckets in the opening moments of the second half, JSU created a little distance behind an 8-2 run.
An old fashioned three-point play by Chelsea Hudson coupled with a lay-up from Alana Morris pulled TSU within two, 52-50, with 9:29 remaining.
At the 6:44 mark, TSU briefly took the lead, 57-56, following two made free-throws by Morris. JSU recaptured the advantage on the next possession and from there the teams battled.
The score was tied, 62-62, at the final media timeout. Down the stretch, TSU was trailing, 70-67, when Chelsea Hudson buried a triple from the top of the key with 46.5 seconds left.
With time winding down both teams missed their final shot attempts and the game went to overtime.
In the extra frame, TSU managed to go ahead, 74-73, after Chelsea Hudson scored in the paint. JSU answered with a bucket on its trip down the floor to make the score, 74-73, in favor of the home team.
The Gamecocks scored once again and took the lead, 74-75, before forcing the Lady Tigers to turn the ball over. After making one-of-two free-throws, JSU led, 76-74. On the ensuing possession, Brianna Lawrence hit a floater to pull TSU even.
Lawrence then forced a turnover to give possession back to the Lady Tigers. After missing two shots and hauling in two offensive boards, TSU called a timeout to draw up a play with 12 seconds left.
Out of the timeout, Rachel Allen drove to the lane and sank a short jumper with 2.7 seconds remaining.
JSU’s final shot attempt was off the mark.
Tennessee State shot 37.7 percent from the field despite only connecting 2-of-15 from long range. TSU, however, was able to make 18-of-28 from the free-throw line.
Jacksonville State shot 45.1 percent from the field, including 22.2 percent from beyond the arc while hitting 28-of-40 free-throws.
TSU held the advantage in rebounds, 44-40, points in the paint, 34-20, bench points, 25-10 and steals, 16-6.

TSU Records First OVC Win of the Season Over JSU

Birmingham Times

January 8, 2014

TSU Miller — (l-r) Gophers #13, Maverick Ahanmisi; Tennessee State Tigers #2, Patrick Miller; Gophers #32, Trevor Mbakwe; and Tennessee State Tigers #1, Kellen Thornton (in background) Photo by Eric Miller

(l-r) Gophers #13, Maverick Ahanmisi; Tennessee State Tigers #2, Patrick Miller; Gophers #32, Trevor Mbakwe; and Tennessee State Tigers #1, Kellen Thornton (in background) Photo by Eric Miller — (l-r) Gophers #13, Maverick Ahanmisi; Tennessee State Tigers #2, Patrick Miller; Gophers #32, Trevor Mbakwe; and Tennessee State Tigers #1, Kellen Thornton (in background)
Photo by Eric Miller

Courtesy Tennessee State Sports Information

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee State men’s basketball team notched its first Ohio Valley Conference victory of the season with a 70-65 home win against Jacksonville State on Saturday night.
Senior guard Patrick Miller led the Tigers with 19 points and added five rebounds, four assist and four steals.
Fellow senior Jacquan Nobles was second on the team, finishing with 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including a 3-for-6 mark from deep.
Forward M.J. Rhett recorded a game-high 13 rebounds, helping Tennessee State (2-14, 1-2 OVC) to a 35-28 advantage on the boards.
The Gamecocks won the tip, but Miller stole a JSU pass, raced all the way down the court, and converted a contested layup for the game’s first basket.
Miller later converted a pair of free throws at the 12:50 mark to put the Tigers up, 13-7. Jacksonville State (7-11, 1-2 OVC) committed the first six fouls of the game, leading to seven of TSU’s first 13 points.
The Tigers continued to roll in the first half as a jumper by Ugo Mmonu made the score 22-15 with nine minutes to play before halftime.
Tennessee State made just two of its last 10 shots of the stanza, allowing JSU to go on a 15-9 run for the remainder of the period. However, TSU still led at the break for the second consecutive game, 31-30.
The Tigers were outshot during the opening 20 minutes, 46 to 37 percent, but held a 21-10 advantage on the glass.
Nobles drained a triple to start the second half, and Kennedy Eubanks added a layup on the next trip down the floor to put the Tigers back up by six.
JSU brought the TSU lead down to one with a bucket at the 15:22 mark, but back-to-back triples by Eubanks and Jay Harris made the score 46-41 in favor of the home side.
Nobles hit his third three of the game with 5:30 to go to put TSU up by eight, but the Gamecocks pulled within two with a 5-0 run later in the period.
Miller nailed a triple on TSU’s next possession to make the score 65-60 with only 1:36 left and the Tigers forced a turnover on the ensuing series.
From there, Tennessee State made 5-of-7 from the charity stripe and escaped with a five-point victory, 70-65.
The Tigers were 8-for-17 (47.1 percent) from beyond the three-point line during the game, including a 6-for-11 line for the second half.

From the Sidelines

Birmingham Times

January 8, 2014

Fourth Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Polar Plunge

Birmingham Times

January 8, 2014

Local area Law Enforcement Agencies are planning a freezing good time Saturday, January 18th, at Oak Mountain State Park Beach. Come join us at the beach, the site of the Fourth Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Polar Plunge. The plunge will begin at 10 a.m. on the beach with a costume contest prior to the plunge. All participants are encouraged to register early at www.alabamaletr.com. Registration for the Polar Plunge is $35. Participants will receive a T-shirt for their minimum registration. All the money raised will support the 136 Alabama Special Olympics athletes attending the 2014 USA Games in Princeton, New Jersey, June 14-21. See you on the beach!

Classifieds

Birmingham Times

January 8, 2014

Employment

Order Selector

Royal Cup Coffee, the leading coffee roaster and nationwide provider of gourmet coffees, teas and allied products offers an excellent opportunity for highly motivated and skilled individuals. We are currently accepting applications for an immediate opening for a full time 2nd Shift Order Selector.

This is a level 1 Warehouser Position. The primary duties are to select sales orders, maintain housekeeping/sanitation and other assigned duties such as loading, unloading, receiving, and product rotation.
Royal Cup offers competitive wages and an opportunity to grow your career. Royal Cup Coffee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To apply please visit online at www.royalcupcoffee.com/.
BT01/09/14

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DRIVERS

Drivers: $ign-on Bonus- Trainees & OTR Drivers!
Paid Orientation. Wiley Sanders Truck Lines, INC.
Recruiting: 855-777-9785
BT01/09/14

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Drivers: Home EVERY Weekend,
Dedicated Southern Lanes & OTR! All Miles PAID (Loaded & Empty)! Or Walk Away Lease:
No Money Down, No Credit Check.
1-800-397-2753
BT01/09/14

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BEDDING

Brand New Queen Pillow Top Mattress and Box,
still in bags, never used will SACRIFICE for $195
call 205-200-4523
BT01/09/14

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AUTOMOBILE

2008 Chevy Colorado
With covered bed,
Automatic crew cab
Call Floyd Morris
205-587-4313

2006 Chevy Silverado
Manual Transmission
Priced right, work truck
Call Sammy 205-814-6454

2008 Chevy Silverado
4 door Call Ivory
205-821-0491

2008 Dodge Ram
Loaded pick up
Call Sammy 205-814-6454

2004 Chevy Silverado
Automatic Crew Cab
Call Ivory 205-821-0491
BT01/09/14

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REAL ESTATE

Calling all singles ….

I have the best 2 BR with DEN home in Ensley Highlands for you. Beautiful yard, separate garage, C/A, porch and patio. Call me to take a look see; Cynthia Marzette (205) 910-7149 or Barnes and Associates (205)328-3330

Veterans looking for a home? I will work with you in any area of town to find you the best on the market. Call Cynthia Marzette (205) 910-7149 or ask for me at Barnes and Associates, (205) 328-3330.
BT01/09/14

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OFFICE BUILDING FOR SALE

Ideal for medical office or hospital equipment sales directly across from Baptist Princeton Hospital. Off street parking, private shower, beautiful reception room. & Cynthia Marzette (205) 910-7149 or ask for me at Barnes and Associates, (205) 328-3330.
BT01/09/14

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LEGALS

The Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority will receive sealed bids for:

Signage for Uptown Entertainment District at the BJCC

This will be for the use of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority, Birmingham, Alabama. General Contractors will be required to make a good faith effort to include MBE and DBE companies in the execution of this project.

The Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Birmingham, Alabama will receive bids, up to the hour of 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2014, and will thereafter be publicly opened and read aloud at the BJCC Executive Board Room 4th Floor, North Exhibition Hall in Birmingham, AL. Bids must be submitted on bid forms furnished by the Authority. Bids shall be clearly identified on the exterior of the package with bidder’s name, address, STATE CONTRACTOR LICENSE NUMBER, the name of the project being bid, and time and place of bid opening. Sealed bids shall be properly identified.

Construction contracts shall be awarded only to qualified Contractors, licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors, as required by Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama. Contracts in excess of $50,000 shall be awarded only to Contractors licensed as required by the 1978 Code of Alabama, Title 34, and Chapter 8 as amended. Bidders must be “responsible” in accordance with criteria in the bid and as stipulated by Title 30-2-3-(e) of the code of Alabama.

A copy of this bid package is available at the above address or on our website: www.bjcc.org (under Jobs & Vendor Opportunities – Open Bids section). There is no charge for downloading bid documents. Documents will also be available at the pre-bid meeting and in the BCIA Plan Room.

Bids may be sent to BJCC Purchasing Department, Attn: Purchasing Coordinator, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N, Birmingham, AL 35203. Any bid not received by 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2014, must be hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed bids shall be submitted in duplicate and shall be properly identified. All bids received after 1:30 p.m. on the bid date will be returned unopened.

A Cashier’s Check drawn on an Alabama Bank or bid bond, executed by a Surety company duly authorized and qualified to make such bonds in Alabama, payable to the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority in the amount of 5% of the amount of bids, but in no event more than $10,000, must accompany the bidder’s bids. Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in the amount of 100% of the contract price will be required when the Contract is presented by the Contractor to the Authority.

A pre-bid meeting will be conducted Monday, December 23, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. in the BJCC Executive Board Room.

Questions concerning the specifications should be directed to Jerry Nelms, Facility Engineer, at (205) 458-8409 or email Jerry.Nelms@bjcc.org.

Sharon Proctor
Purchasing Coordinator
Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority
BT01/09/14

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Birmingham City School System is soliciting sealed proposals for its 2014 E-Rate application from qualified service providers for Network Maintenance and Website Hosting. Sealed proposals shall be received by Birmingham City Schools at the office of Edward McMullen, Purchasing Department, 2015 Park Place, North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203 on or before 12:00 P.M. Central Standard Time, January 21, 2014. The services associated with this proposal is a critical component in the E-Rate application process and therefore will require all responding providers to comply with Birmingham City School System’s timeline for these projects.

Firms desiring consideration may obtain a copy of the proposals by visiting http://www.bhamcityschools.org/Page/332 or by contacting:

Edward McMullen
Director of Purchasing
Birmingham City Schools
Room 202
2015 Park Place North
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Telephone (205) 231-4885
emcmullen@bhm.k12.al.us

Pre-proposal conferences will be held Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at the address indicated above for the following:
Website Hosting – 10:30 A.M. CST
Network Maintenance – 12:30 P.M. CST.
BT01/09/14

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ADVERTISEMENT for BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION
And NOTICE of INTENT to RECEIVE BIDS
from PREQUALIFIED BIDDERS

Pre-qualification submittals will be received by the Owner’s Representative/Project Manager, Stan Cordrey on behalf of Office of the Associate Vice President, Facilities & Capital Projects, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Alabama Board of Trustees at UAB Hospital Planning, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35294 until 4:00 PM Central Time, January 28, 2014. The original and two (2) duplicates of submittals are required for pre-qualification approval; however, facsimile transmission copies may be transmitted to the Project Manager at (205) 975-7000 to expedite the review process with hard-copies of the submittals to be delivered within 24 hours.

UAB HIGHLANDS HOSPITAL RENOVATION
FOR INPATIENT PHYSICAL THERAPY
For The
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
Project No.: H135039A

A. SCOPE OF WORK:

Work consists of the renovation of two existing patient rooms into an inpatient Physical Therapy area and an adjacent area into equipment storage at UAB Highlands including demolition, metal studs and drywall, hardware, architectural finishes, fire protection, plumbing, and electrical work. Work will be performed within the operating hospital facility using high levels of infection control measures and the contractor should have experience with the implementation and maintenance of infection control measures and interim life safety measures in a hospital environment as well as experience in performing construction in an operating hospital.

B. PRIME CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

Prime contractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre-qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975. A copy of current Alabama Contractors license is to be included in pre-qualification submittal.

Only prime contractor bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and that have been approved will be eligible to submit a bid for the Project. Prospective Bidder’s Pre-qualification Package must be received by the Owner’s Project Manager no later than 4:00 PM Central Time, January 28, 2014 after which no further requests will be considered.

Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Architect upon letterhead request.

The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent prime contractor bidders relative to the requirements of the Project. Each prospective prime contractor bidder will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification, no later than January 31, 2014 by 5:00 PM Central Time.

The Owner reserves the right to waive technical errors in applications, or abandon the pre-qualification process, should the interests of the Owner appear to be promoted thereby.

Progress Design and Construction Documents:
Prior to the pre-qualification deadline, project progress plans and specifications may be examined at the following location:

Architect:
Birchfield Penuel & Associates
2805 Crescent Avenue, Suite 200
Birmingham, Alabama 35209
Mrs. Alicia Pughsley
205-870-1876
205-870-3058
aliciap@bpa.net

C. BIDS BY PRE-QUALIFIED PRIME GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIDDERS

Documents:
After notice to pre-qualified bidders is given, the pre-qualified prime contractor bidders may obtain bid documents from the Architect (see address above) upon deposit of $100.00 per set. The deposit is refundable in full on the first two (2) sets issued to each prime general contractor bidder upon return of documents in reusable condition within ten (10) days after bid opening. Additional sets for pre-qualified prime contractor bidders, subcontractors, vendors, or dealers may be obtained upon payment of the same deposit. The deposit for additional sets shall be refunded less the cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution, upon return of the documents in reusable condition within ten (10) days after bid opening.

Bid documents will be available at the following locations after notice to pre-qualified bidders is given. Drawings and specifications may be examined at the Office of the Architect; at the AGC Internet Plan Room, 5000 Grantswood Road, Irondale, AL 35210; at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 601 37th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222; and at the Reed Construction Data Office, 30 Technology Pkwy, South, Suite 500, Norcross, GA 30092-2912; and electronically through McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge.

Bonds:
A certified check or bid bond payable to the University of Alabama at Birmingham in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000 must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Statutory Labor and Material Payment Bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract.

Bids:
Bids must be submitted on proposal forms or copies thereof furnished by the Architect. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject bids if such action is determined to be in the best interest of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to revoke pre-qualification of any bidder ]n accordance with Section 39-2-12, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended in 1997 (by Act 97-225). The Bid Date is February 18, 2014 at 2:00 PM Central Time at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Hospital Planning, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama 35294.

Proposals may be hand delivered or received by mail on the date of the bid opening at the Office of Stan Cordrey, Project Manager – Facilities and Capital Projects, 2020 Building, 2020 8th Avenue south, Birmingham, Alabama 35233, until 12:00 noon. After 12:00 noon of the date of the bid opening, proposals must be hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed proposals shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be properly identified. All proposals received after 2:00 p.m. on February 18, 2014 will be returned unopened.

Nonresident Prime Contractor Bidders:
Under Section 39-3-5, Code of Alabama, 1975, nonresident prime contractor bidders must accompany any written bid documents with a written opinion of an attorney licensed to practice law in such nonresident prime contractor bidder’s state of domicile as to the preferences, if any or none, granted by the law of the state to its own business entities whose principal place of business are in that state in the letting of any or all public contracts. Resident prime contractors in Alabama, as defined in Section 39-2-12, are granted preference over nonresident prime contractors in awarding of contracts in the same manner and to the same extent as provided by the laws of the state of domicile of the nonresident.

Fire Alarm Work
In accordance with Title 34, Chapter 33A, of the Code of Alabama 1975, bidders for fire alarm work of this project, if any, must include with their bid, evidence of licensure as required by the act, by including with the bid submittal, a valid State Fire Marshal’s permit.

D. PRE-BID CONFERENCE
A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on February 3, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the site of the work. Meet at the UAB Highlands Hospital first floor main lobby. It is mandatory that all pre-qualified prime contractor bidders attend the Pre-Bid Conference.
BT01/09/14

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2014 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4x 4

Birmingham Times

January 8, 2014

by Cheryl Eldridge

This week’s tester was truly a man’s or woman’s dream. Trucks define masculinity, distinction, and driving such a big muscle as the Big Horn Crew cab, it makes you feel as if you are on top of the world. My tester came in a bright white clear coated exterior with canyon brown/light frost beige interior cloth seats.
My tester is a dressed up Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4X4 with base price of $38,250 and more than $6,000-worth of options. The bottom line on the sticker shows close to 44 grand, including almost a grand for destination charge. Seems like a big price for a pickup but it is loaded and luxurious. The base truck with V6 and no options may show a sticker price around 25 grand. The price range with all pickups these days is mighty broad depending on whether you just want a simple work truck or an urban cruiser with some machismo.
Styling gets a modest upgrade without risking the popular trucky styling from the last version of the Ram. A larger grille, LED turn signals and more modern headlight design is most noticeable. The big crosshatch grille remains unmistakably Ram as does the bulging hood and broad-shouldered fender profile.
My tester did not include running boards which are definitely needed because it’s a long step up into the cabin. Once up and into the power, 10-way, premium fabric bucket driver’s seat I find it firm and comfortable with a good driving position and lots of room. Those unfamiliar with this kind of vehicle could be overwhelmed by the size, height and commanding position up there. Adjustable pedals, and exceptional seat range will accommodate folks of many different sizes. Fit, finish and quality of materials inside are more like a mid-luxury car. As with its competitors, Ram has enhanced the center console to be essentially an office space where the guy who uses it for work can stow or spread out his computer, clipboards and everything else. He/she could even have a secretary managing things from the passenger seat if necessary.
This four-door has a generous rear seat as well – plenty to accommodate those extra crew members. The mechanisms that flip up the rear seat and fold out a little flat floor panel are easily operated with one hand – perhaps one of the easiest-to-operate systems we’ve encountered. The power sliding rear window panel is handy for ventilation when we don’t want to use the AC.
The 2014 Ram 1500 lineup sees the addition of an optional turbocharged diesel V6 engine. Meanwhile, the 4.7-liter V8 has been discontinued, and there are a few changes to trim levels.
After a significant round of improvements last year, the Ram 1500 pickup gets even better for 2014. Headlining the handful of updates this year is a new turbodiesel V6 engine. This is the only diesel engine offered in a light-duty full-size truck, and it promises impressive fuel mileage and towing capability.
One of the best things about driving the new diesel-powered 2014 Ram 1500 is that you’ll barely notice any difference compared with the gasoline-powered versions in normal driving. The cabin remains peaceful, and typical of diesels, there’s plenty of thrust for merging and passing, and it’s accessible from low rpm.
Of course, some consumers prefer the power characteristics of a traditional gasoline V8, so Ram will also continue to offer its 5.7-liter V8 engine as an optional upgrade over the base gasoline V6 engine. The torque ratings are very similar between the diesel engine and the gas V8, but the V8 has slightly higher towing capacities (depending on the cab/bed configuration you choose), and it’s actually a less expensive upgrade than the diesel. However, given that Ram expects the diesel V6 to top the base gasoline six-cylinder’s EPA fuel economy ratings, the extra up-front cost for the diesel is likely to pay for itself within a couple years.
The new engine option enhances what was already a class-leading truck. The Ram 1500 has the nicest interior of any full-size pickup. Its upgraded touchscreen interface is impressively easy to use and offers substantial technology capabilities. The 2014 Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup available in multiple body styles. The regular cab seats three and is available with either a 6-foot-4-inch or 8-foot cargo bed. The extended cab (“Quad Cab”) can seat up to six and comes only with the 6-foot-4 bed. The crew cab increases rear-seat legroom, and is available with either a 5-foot-7 or 6-foot-4 bed. There are six main trim levels: Tradesman, HFE, SLT, Sport, Laramie and Longhorn.
Many of the upper trim levels’ features are optional on the lower trims. A variety of packages (depending on trim level) are available as well. The Lone Star (Texas only) and my tester, the Big Horn (everywhere but Texas) are similar in that they bundle together a bunch of the SLT’s optional equipment along with special badging and trim. The Outdoorsman (available only on four-wheel-drive trucks) includes gray bumpers, a larger gas tank, underbody skid plates, tow hooks, all-terrain tires, a limited-slip rear differential, cloth bucket seats with console, two-tone paint and fender flares. Other notable stand-alone options include an air suspension (optional for extended and crew cab models only), integrated weatherproof bins (called RamBox) and an integrated trailer-brake controller.
Depending on the cab/bed configuration and axle ratio you choose, a properly equipped Ram 1500 V6 can tow up to 7,450 pounds, while the diesel Ram 1500 maxes out at 9,200 pounds. One with the 5.7-liter V8 can tow up to 10,450 pounds – which is less than its competitors, but not by much.
Standard safety equipment on the 2014 Ram 1500 includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, hill start assist, trailer sway control, front seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. A fully integrated trailer brake controller is optional.
A rearview camera and front/rear parking sensors are either standard or optional on all Ram 1500s. Models with Uconnect Access have an emergency telematics system that connects you with 911 operators at the touch of a button and provides stolen vehicle tracking.
The Ram 1500’s cabin is as good as it gets in the pickup segment. Even the lower trim levels boast an attractive design, with quality materials and intuitive controls that are reasonably easy to reach, while the luxurious Laramie’s wood-grain trim and leather upholstery is predictably posh. Seasoned truck owners might be thrown off at first by the rotary shift knob on the dashboard (which replaces a conventional shift lever), but it frees up useful space in the front seat, especially in Rams with a center console. The front seats themselves are soft, yet strike an adequate balance between support and comfort. The crew cab’s rear seat is very comfortable, offering loads of legroom and an agreeable seatback angle.
Two touchscreen interfaces are available (one 5 inches, the other 8.4 inches) that do a great job of controlling simple and complicated tasks. The touch buttons are large and easy to see at a glance, while physical knobs and buttons provide much appreciated redundant control. Updates to the touchscreen system have made it even easier to use and more visually pleasing than previous models. Other modern convenience features include keyless entry/ignition, adjustable pedals, Bluetooth, voice recognition, smartphone app connectivity and even WiFi hotspot capability.
The Ram provides plenty of standard and optional storage spaces. The quad cab has a clever fold-out flat floor space when you flip up the 60/40 rear seats, while the crew cab features watertight storage compartments under the rear floor as well as shallow bins under the flip-up backseat. Unique to the Ram 1500 is the optional RamBox feature, which places a pair of lockable compartments over the rear fenders inside the truck bed. With the right equipment levels, these compartments can even be locked and unlocked via remote.

Until next week, drive safe, buckle up and don’t text and drive.

2014 Cadillac CTS

Birmingham Times

January 8, 2014

By Frank S. Washington

DETROIT – It was longer, lower and meaner than the car it replaced. The 2014 luxury sedan had aluminum doors, a 50-50 weight distribution between front and rear and it could be equipped with a dual turbocharged six-cylinder engine that generated 420 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.
Those are the sorts of specs expected of European luxury sport sedans. But these numbers belong to the 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan which was recently named car of the year by a respected automotive enthusiast’s magazine. After a week with the new CTS, we can say the award was well deserved.
First, we did not have the Cadillac CTS Vsport with the dual turbocharged V6 engine. We had the 2014 CTS with its normally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 that made 321 horsepower, 275 pound-feet of torque and it was mated to Cadillac’s first eight-speed automatic transmission.
The new Cadillac CTS can also be equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 272 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Although this engine put more pound-feet to the pavement, the normally aspirated six-cylinder, with more than 300 horsepower, was still a lot of fun to drive.
No matter what engine you choose, the CTS can be equipped with all-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive. The test car was rear-wheel-drive and traction control allowed it to power through a slippery curving entrance onto an expressway. Still, all-wheel-drive should be the prevailing powertrain in areas with snowy winter climes.
Cadillac’s shield grille was wider, the headlamps flowed up into the hoodline and the LED light guides continued Caddy’s new look. The automaker uses LED running lights better than most manufacturers. Vertical, they are instantly recognizable and give the car illuminated fins fore and aft.
But as good as the CTS looked the real thrill of the luxury sport sedan came from the driver’s seat. The test vehicle was equipped with an Kona brown leather interior that included jet black accents, alloy sport pedals, real wood trim, French stitching, 20-way cooled and heated performance seats and a 12.3 inch reconfigurable virtual instrument cluster.
From the driver’s seat, the magnetic ride suspension could be set on sport, touring or snow and ice. Sport seemed the appropriate setting; winter was coming but the pavement was still dry. Brembo brakes brought the car to resolute halts.
Since the CTS was lighter, it weighed a svelte 3,600 lbs., and the car was very agile. Acceleration was swift, handling was crisp and it had that knack that comes through superior engineering that let the driver feel what the car was doing without feeling what the car was doing. The sport sedan was really a pleasure to drive.
The 2014 Cadillac CTS had what you’d expect in a $65,000 luxury sedan. There was all round parking assist, automatic bright head lights, ambient interior lighting, a rearview camera, keyless entry and push button start, an enlarged sunroof, lane departure alert, blind side warning and adaptive cruise control. Plus, the usual suspects: satellite radio, a navigation system, voice control and more.
Of course, it had OnStar. But what used to set Cadillac apart was the unexpected. And the new CTS was equipped with several surprising attributes. It had an adjustable heads up display, it could park itself, there were manual shade screens on the rear side windows in addition to the power shade screen on the rear window and perhaps the slickest thing of all was a power cover for the front cupholders.
That tells us that at Cadillac they’re thinking about what’s practical and thoughtful for customers. Although the 2014 Cadillac CTS is an aggressive evolutionary design for the luxury sedan, its equipment and performance is another quantum leap forward for the brand.

Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com.

MAX Transit Makes Changes to Several Routes

Birmingham Times

January 2, 2014

New adjustments are in place to improve service performance and route times

1 – South Bessemer
1 – Express
3 – Jefferson/Wenonah
28 – South Eastlake
17 – Eastwood Mall
25 – Centerpoint
26 – Jefferson State
45 – Bessemer
45 – Express
280 – Limited Stop

Some of the major changes taking affect include:

41- Fairfield – will no longer operate the Fairfield school service
14 Idlewild / Palisades – will now operate four (4) new Express trips a day
20 Zion City – will now provide service directly to the airport terminal and to the Penfield communityThe changes are set to take affect on Monday, January 6, 2014. New schedules can be viewed at BJCTA.org or picked up at Central Station, located 1735 Morris Avenue. You can also receive more information by calling MAX customer service at 205.521.0101.
Major Changes

41 – Service will no longer operate

14 – Idlewild/Palisades – now operates 4 Express trips a day

20 – Airport / Penfield / Zion City – now serves the airport

Changes in routes will began January 6, 2014. Please visit BJCTA.org, Central Station located 1735 Morris Avenue or call 205.521.0101 for more detailed information on the recent route changes.

People, Places and Things

Birmingham Times

January 2, 2014

By Gwen DeRu

HAPPY NEW YEAR …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.

Here’s wishing you a safe, healthy 2014…plus ‘all’ that you wish for you and yours!!! Enjoy….and Share the remainder of the Season!

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. JESSE J. LEWIS, SR. (many, many more) and LeKAMEREN DeRU!!

Enjoy the Season…. It is a ‘more’ laid back time of the year when everyone is wanting to spend more time with family and friends, trying to take a few days off, wanting to head out of town for a short vacation or just getting more well-needed sleep (or rest). BUT, when ‘even that’ is too much and you want to do something outside… consider this outdoor hike… It will get everyone out of the house (or someone, anyway) to get a break from the same or too much of it.
FOR OUTDOORS LOVERS… THIS SATURDAY, Southeastern Outings Day hike at Sipsey Wilderness in Bankhead National Forest. Details: Moderately strenuous four mile hike in a highly scenic location, Upper Quillan Creek Forest Area. Much of the hike is off trail, there are lots of ups and downs, and several rock-hopping creek crossings are required. Walk along a creek and old road to a nice waterfall. The path out or in (depending on which group you are in) will be along an old road. There is a stop for lunch at the site of an old mill to see several small waterfalls on side creeks and tributaries to Quillan Creek and visit at least two other pretty waterfalls on Quillan Creek itself along the way. Bring a lunch and water for the day expecting to finish about 4 p.m. with an optional dinner after. Well-behaved supervised children age 9 and over that are able to walk four miles off trail without complaining are welcome. Reservations are required by 5 p.m. Friday, January 3, if you wish to participate in this outing. Call Dan Frederick, 205/631-4680 or email your reservation to seoutings@bellsouth.net. Leave either your phone number or email address. This outing is limited to 20 people that will break up into separate groups (to 10 people each) with its own separate leader in order to comply with U.S. Forest Service regulations. Look for the meeting time and place once you have signed up for this trip. PLEASE CANCEL…if you can’t make this trip for any reason call and cancel, right away. Others may want to go on the hike. For reservations or cancellations, call (205) 631-4680.
CLASSES FOR MANAGING ‘YOUR’ MONEY – MAKE SMART MONEY MOVES – The Birmingham Public Library will offer free classes on money in 2014 by kicking off three money management classes in January.

FIRST CLASS on Jan. 8 – Learn about saving and investing at Wylam Library, 4300 Seventh Ave., Wylam, at 10 a.m. with Andreas Rauterkus, associate professor of accounting and finance at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Attendees will learn how to understand various financial markets, evaluate different saving and investment options, develop new ways to make better investment decisions and more.

SECOND CLASS on Jan. 8 – TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCES in a 3:30 p.m. workshop led by UAB professor Dale Callahan at Five Points West Library, 4812 Avenue West. Ways to increase your income, save more and how to eliminate personal debt will be addressed. (Check out Callahan’s website: www.dalecallahan.com) Then, there is the

LAST CLASS on Jan. 23 – FOR CHILDREN….Bring the little ones to see Phillip “Mr. Mac’’ McEntee as he leads “A Penny Saved’’ in this 3:30 p.m. children’s program at Avondale Library, 509 – 40th St. South. Using Benjamin Franklin’s quote, “A penny saved is a penny earned,’’ Mr. Mac will teach children about the importance of saving money. The classes are part of a national grant program known as “Making Cents: Resources to Help Your Money Grow” and “Smart investing@your library®,” a partnership between the American Library Association and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. The Birmingham Public Library and 14 other libraries in Jefferson and Shelby counties offer the series. The programs will end in May 2014. Other BPL locations include Avondale, Five Points West, North Birmingham and Springville Road. All classes are free and open to the public. For more information, call Jim Murray at (205) 226-3690, visit www.making-cents.org.
HERE ARE A FEW MORE THINGS GOING ON…
THIS WEEKEND….

**TWO KINGS AND A QUEEN at the STARDOME COMEDY CLUB. Three Big Comedians share one StarDome stage. Between them, they have been on BET’s Comic View, Showtime, HBO, Comedy Central plus Theatre’s, Arenas and concerts all over the U.S. Comedians Marvin Dixon, Lester Bibbs and Cocoa Brown will drive this comedy show all way home. THEN, AT THE STARDOME… DON’T MISS… next weekend, CARLOS MENCIA, on 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… THE BEST IN RECORDED MUSIC, 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.
**THE BEST IN RECORDED MUSIC, 10 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
**THE BEST IN RECORDED MUSIC, 10 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
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.
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!
TUESDAY…
**MUSIC with DJ BATMAN…at the New Tide and Tiger!!
WEDNESDAY…
**MUSIC with DJ BATMAN…at the New Tide and Tiger!!
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…. With music, good food and fun times. You can even play cards on some nights and get Dance Classes by PASQUALES every Saturday at 4 p.m. Check out the ‘new’ Tide and Tiger Lounge. For more call (205) 503-3880. Don’t say that I did not tell you when you hear about this ’best kept secret’ around. Tell them Gwen sent you.
COMING SOON…,
IN 2014 –

JANUARY 11 – THE GREAT DIVORCE, 4 and 8 p.m. at the Alabama Theatre. This is a new production. It is about a journey to heaven and hell that is a provocative exploration of human nature, featuring vivid characters drawn with Lewis’ trademark wit.
JANUARY 11 – B.B. KING with special guest ERIC ESSIX, 7 p.m. at Iron City.
JANUARY 11 – BASKETBALL LOVERS…BLITZ vs GULF COAST FLASH at the Cross Plex.
JANUARY 23 – NAREK ARUTYUNIAN, clarinetist performs Thursday, at the Alys Stephens Center.
JANUARY 24 and 26 – RIGOLETTO, Friday, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, 2:30 p.m. at the Wright Center, Samford University with Todd Thomas (Baritone, Rigoletto), Jan Cornelius (Soprano, Gilda), Michael Wade Lee (Tenor, Duke) and Steven White, Conductor. Call (205) 322-6737.
JANUARY 25 – C. S. LEWIS’ WILLIAM AND THE SENATOR’S DAUGHTER, 7 p.m. at the Brock Recital Hall, Samford University.

MARCH 8 – UNCF MASKED BALL GALA, 6 p.m. at the Sheraton Birmingham Ballroom.
NOW…. a BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU DR. JESSE J. LEWIS, SR., LeKAMEREN DeRU, ERSKINE CHILDRESS…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)

Bravo Media Kicks Off 2014 with Three New Series to Warm Your Winter Nights

Birmingham Times

January 2, 2014

NEW YORK – Bravo Media premieres three hot new series sure to cure those winter blues and jumpstart 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 Hodgson and Karena Dawn 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 here: http://www.bravotv.com/toned-up/season-1/videos/new-series-toned-up

“Blood, Sweat & Heels” steps up Bravo’s style and sass beginning Sunday, January 5th at 9p.m. ET/PT with a group of up-and-coming movers and shakers in New York’s elite circles of real estate, fashion, and media. The women featured on the show include former “video vixen” turned realtor Melyssa Ford, real estate partner Brie Bythewood, modeling agency owner Mica Hughes, affordable-style expert Daisy Lewellyn, A Belle in Brooklyn blogger and author Demetria Lucas and style and pop culture journalist Geneva S. Thomas. From Harlem to Brooklyn, life in the big city often resembles a small town when the women cross paths in their personal and professional lives. The self-starters built their reputations and successes without the help of a man, but they never underestimate the power of a girlfriend’s support. These independent ladies are aggressive in their pursuit of personal and career goals, but will the cost of success prove too steep as they climb their way to the top? Get a peek at the action at http://www.bravotv.com/blood-sweat-and-heels/season-1/videos/new-series-blood-sweat-and-heels

Steaming up the cold winter season is “100 Days of Summer” debuting Tuesday, January 7th at 10p.m. ET/PT. This new series chronicles a group of young, successful and driven Chicagoans as they navigate the ups and downs of their personal, professional, and social lives in the Windy City over one intense summer. Hooked into Chi-Town’s hottest industries, these nightlife impresarios, fashionistas, real estate moguls and entrepreneurs include Vincent Anzalone, Ray Austin, Tara Clack, Phillips Demming, Jay Michael and Pascale Wellin. They all work hard in business, play hard in life and attempt to navigate the sometimes murky waters that fall in between. In desperate need of relief from Chicago’s long-lasting winters, these go-getters only have a scant 100 days to accomplish the lofty personal and professional goals they set for themselves. Some will succeed and some will fail, but they all will be changed forever. Get a sneak peek at the cast of “100 Days of Summer” with a half-hour preview special airing on Thursday, December 5th at 10:30p.m. ET/PT or online at http://www.bravotv.com/100-days-of-summer/season-1/videos/new-series-100-days-of-summer.
“100 Days of Summer” is produced by Half Yard Productions with Abby Greensfelder, Sean Gallagher, and Nicole Sorrenti as Executive Producers.
“Blood, Sweat & Heels” is produced by Leftfield Pictures with Brent Montgomery, David George, Dominick Pupa, Tess Gamboa, and Caroline Self as Executive Producers.
“Toned Up” is produced by Fishbowl Worldwide Media with Vin Di Bona, Beth Greenwald, Bruce Gersh, Susan Levison, and Stephanie Bloch-Chambers serving as Executive Producers.

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