On November 18th at the Davis Center in Birmingham, The Birmingham Retired Educators Association celebrated the following events: National American Education Week ─ Theme: “Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility” and Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Birmingham Civil Rights Movement and National Community Education Day (NCED). The theme for NCED was “Connecting Community Education To You.” During the luncheon, guests enjoyed watching an interpretive dance performed by Ms. Robin McDonald, a student at Tuskegee University, as well as listened to music performed by Ms. Olivia McGaha, Mr. John Mark Gaha, Ms. Annie C. McCray, Ms. Lillie J. Minard and Mr. Darrell Morrison. Ms. Cleopatra Gore gave A Tribute: “Four Little Girls” which was followed by Senator Rodger Smitherman’s introduction of the guest speaker, his wife, Judge Carole C. Smitherman. The members paused for a moment of silent prayer in honor of Birmingham City Council President, Ms. Maxine Parker.
Other activities consisted of: door prizes and members donated canned goods to the United Way Food Drive. Pictured above center is Judge Smitherman and others who spoke at the luncheon.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham Urban League will hold its bi-monthly homebuyer education seminar to provide homebuyer education and financial literacy training for individuals seeking to become homeowners. This FREE workshop provides participants with an opportunity to address the overwhelming misconceptions surrounding the home buying process. Participants learn how to realistically prepare to purchase a home.
Adjustable Rate vs. Fixed Rate, which is better? Are down payment assistance programs still available? Why is my credit score important?
Find answers to these questions and more… Saturday, December 7, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 1229 Third Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Urban League housing counselors and industry professionals cover topics that include residential loan applications; closing documents; home insurance, inspections, maintenance; neighborhood safety; fair housing laws and CreditSmart℠ – a curriculum to help consumers understand, build and maintain better credit. To reserve your seat, call Kimberly Callines (205) 326-0162, by Wednesday, December 4, 2013. Continental breakfast and lunch provided.
Jefferson County has closed the sale of nearly $1.8 billion in new debt and emerged from the nation’s second largest municipal bankruptcy.
Jefferson County Commission President David Carrington said the paperwork on the new debt was signed Tuesday. Commissioner Jimmy Stephens said a great weight has been lifted.
Jefferson County filed for bankruptcy in 2011, citing more than $4.2 billion in debt. It had been the nation’s largest municipal bankruptcy until Detroit filed this year, citing $18 billion in debt. A federal judge approved Jefferson County’s plan to exit bankruptcy last month, but it was conditioned on closing on the new debt Tuesday.
A group of residents is appealing the judge’s approval of the county’s plan.
The plan means higher rates for customers of the county sewer system.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB) recently released its 2014 Operating Budget totaling $90.1 million, which reflects a reduction in budgeted expenses of nearly $4 million. The approved budget comes as a result of managements’ efforts to reduce costs, continuously improve efficiency, and provide quality service.
“We are always concerned about our operating cost and we also want to run an efficient operation, as well as limit the impact on our customers,” said BWWB General Manager Mac Underwood. “Some of our customers experience financial challenges; therefore, we are very mindful of our spending.”
As a result of the BWWB holding its rate increase to 3.9 percent, the average customer can expect a $1.40 increase to their 2014 water bill – which is equivalent to a family of four consuming 7,500 gallons of water per month or 10 cubic feet. However, customers consuming less than 7,500 gallons will see a much smaller impact on their monthly water bill.
Although the utility’s rates are increasing, the BWWB’s rates are comparable to other water systems around the state. On a regional level the BWW’s rates are reasonable, with the average customer’s water bill being $45.71.
“The Board plans to continuously consider and review efforts that will reduce expenditures and we realize that our customers continue to face challenges in this tight economic environment,” said BWWB Chairman Jackie Robinson.
In order to meet increasing government regulations, in addition to maintaining high quality water, the board uses stringent operational parameters. The six primary drivers that determine the budget are purification costs, system upgrades, energy costs, labor costs, funding of employee benefits, as well as capital and regulatory requirements. Additionally, the BWWB’s bond rating is very important to the company’s long-term financial viability and the budget fully funds the utility’s debt service cost.
Principal funding contributors for the fiscal 2014 budget of $90.1 million are labor costs which amount to $32.7 million, employee benefits which encompasses a significant reduction of $4.8 million, along with purification and power costs which remain stable.
In addition to the operating budget, the board approved the 2014 Capital Budget of $55 million, which will allow the board to meet regulatory requirements, maintenance and replacements, risk management, capacity, performance and cost efficiency requirements.
The Birmingham Water Works serves 600,000 people in Jefferson, Shelby, Blount, St. Clair and Walker counties. For more information about your Birmingham Water Works Board, please call us at (205) 244-4000 or visit our Web site at www.birminghamwaterworks.com.
The Five Points West Community hosted its 20th Anniversary Tree Lighting Ceremony Saturday, November 23rd at 5 p.m. on the corner of Avenue “W”/Bessemer Road in Five Points West. The Honorable Mayor William Bell Sr. brought greetings on behalf of the City of Birmingham. The Honorable Councilor Sheila Tyson, District 6, shared comments and greetings to citizens and officers of the western area. Mistress of Ceremony, Mrs. Alma P. Dennis, President, Bush Hills NA. Pastor Derrick Houston and Choir, “Warriors of the Word International” performed Prayer followed with the choir and all attendees singing “Joy to the World” in the spirit of the holiday season, as all did the countdown to flip the switch to light up the tree.
Special thanks to all Community, neighborhood officers, city officials in attendance to support this event: Myra Tarver, Secretary, Bush Hills NA; Susan Palmer, President, Central Park NA & President of Five Points West Community; Robert Brown, Vice-president, Ensley Highlands & Vice-president of Five Points West Community; Pastor Joe Gray, Vice-president, Fairview NA; Patricia Henderson, Vice-president, Green Acres NA; Delois Crayton, Vice-president, Arlington-West End NA; Byuanca Godbolt, Secretary, Arlington-West End NA, parents, children and other residents. Dora Sims, Vice-president, Bush Hills NA, Chairperson.
The greatest game ending ever! As a result of Auburn upsetting Alabama the great state of Alabama received $500 million worth of free advertising. Most experts and others believe that Alabama was going to remain undefeated. Had Alabama won, the state would have received $50 million worth of free advertising.
The Iron Bowl was on every radio and newscast sports show all over the world including Japan, China, Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
Coach Gus Malzahn, Coach of the Year
At the beginning of the season, most experts predicted that Auburn would win four-five games and would not be Bowl eligible. There was an article written in the Birmingham Times by me and I quote: “Auburn University will win eight games or more.” I must have received 10,000 emails, all saying the same thing, quote: “What kind of funny cigarettes have you been smoking?”
What people fail to remember is in 2012, Auburn had a top-ten recruiting class, which means everything was in place. All they needed was a coach and someone to convince them that they could and Gus Malzahn did this. It would be almost un-American if he were not named Coach of the Year. (I’m using the term un-American because this is the term Jay Johnson, the Athletic Director, used to express his opinion.)
Can Alabama play for a National Championship?
The answer is no. I have thought of every possible solution and I still come to the same answer, no. If Auburn, Ohio State, and Florida State all lose their last games, it still would not include Alabama, simply because Auburn beat Alabama and Florida State, unquestionably the best team in the country. In all probability it would be Ohio State and Florida State, and bring Missouri in the mix, having lost one game and Auburn has lost two. The game still would be between Florida State and Missouri.
The only way Auburn would play for a National Championship is if they beat Missouri, if Ohio State loses and Florida wins then Auburn would jump over Ohio State.
Who was the biggest loser?
The biggest loser is Alabama University. Here’s what they lost:
1. The only school to ever win three National Championships back to back.
2. A chance for A.J. McCarron to be in the mix for the Heisman Trophy.
3. Nick Saban would have gone down in history as one of the greatest coaches who ever coached at
Alabama.
However, Alabama should count their blessings. I arrived at this conclusion when I watched Joel Osteen Sunday morning. Joel Osteen said most people dwell on the negative instead of the positive. If I were the coach, in the locker room I would discuss with the seniors and all other players the accomplishments they have made at Alabama this year; all the games won, all the games played and how fortunate they are to be in this place at this time. They should be discussing the plans for 2014, and a future that looks bright.
Embracing Auburn
Everyone in the State of Alabama, including the dyed-in-the-wool Alabama fans, should be pulling for Auburn to win the National Championship. I am one of those Alabama fans. My first choice is Alabama, second choice is Auburn, third choice any team in the Southeastern Conference. I understand a divided house. At my house, two people finished Miles, one finished A&M and one finished Alabama State, but we all get together to root for any Alabama team that has a chance to play for a National Championship. I’ll start with Missouri and Auburn. I think that the Auburn team is better than the Missouri team and if Auburn does not have a chance, I’ll pull for Missouri because they are in the Southeastern Conference.
Did Nick Saban make any huge mistakes?
The answer is no. Auburn played well enough to win and they made their own breaks. Two great plays came in the last minute of the game when Auburn’s quarterback tried to make a first down, had the ball in his left arm and in the last second changed to his left hand, flipped the ball five yards and made a touchdown all within three seconds. The second great play was the field goal attempt. Auburn set up a return putting everybody in place. Alabama had the wrong mix on the field – the big linebackers who couldn’t run fast. Most people say if they had been the coach, they would have made the same decision that Nick Saban made.
The Jameis Winston saga continuous
The state district attorney needs to make a decision on whether to indict Winston on rape charges or say he’s free. This case has been going on for a year. It’s now time to bring it to an end so the Heisman Trophy voters can make a decision. It would be a shame if they voted against Winston because of a potential case where he could be found completely innocent. It would also be a shame if they voted for him and he is indicted and found guilty. The district attorney already has enough evidence to make a decision. They just need to announce it.
At the end of October, supplemental aid to the federal food stamp program — officially called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP — ran out.
USA Today reported “[v]ulnerable populations will be hardest hit.” CNN posted a column by Feeding America’s Bob Aiken that warned of the new “strain on millions of families struggling with food insecurity.” Currently, there are 47 million Americans receiving SNAP entitlements. There were just over 28 million enrolled in 2008.
What’s largely missing from the coverage is why cuts happened in the first place.
Heartless conservative politicians are not responsible for sending kids to bed hungry. The expiration of this expanded spending was embedded in the infamous stimulus bill that was rammed through Congress by Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi in 2009 at the behest of President Obama. Stimulus spending provided for only a temporary increase. After all, people were only supposed to need more SNAP money until the economy recovered. Surely, they figured, the economy would rebound in four-and-a-half years.
But that was before things such as ObamaCare and the Obama Administration’s war on fossil fuels.
Back in 2009, the $847 billion stimulus bill — called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) — only $45 billion of that spending went to feed hungry children. The rest went to programs to, supposedly, stimulate economic growth.
Therein lies the problem.
It is difficult to make the claim that stimulus spending actually worked as intended — creating jobs and growing the economy — while also lamenting that people who should now be self-sufficient still need to be fed through government entitlements. At some point, it can’t be denied the original program failed. Obama himself joked back in 2011 that “Shovel-ready was not as… uh… shovel-ready as we expected.”
The problem is that the stimulus, increased regulations and now ObamaCare are failing. Instead of creating jobs, the policies of the Obama Administration are making people increasingly reliant on entitlements such as SNAP.
Rather than admitting defeat, liberals’ next step is to push for more regulation and more spending to subsidize and prop up their failures without ever having a conversation about why the original grand ideas did not work. All the while, more people are signing up for entitlements — straining the government’s safety net more and more.
Predictably, those who criticize conservatives as heartless for not supporting Obama’s parade of jobs proposals following the ARRA do not have the wherewithal to admit the stimulus actually failed. Then again, they are the same who say the rich aren’t taxed enough and seem to believe there is an infinite amount of money among the rich and the business community to solve society’s problems.
This is a problem because, no matter how much is taken from the rich or the boss, the resources of middle-class and lower-class households — who manage a finite set of resources, or businesses whose managers are judged on the ability meet customer expectations while keeping costs low — are also affected.
Neither businesses nor families assume infinite resources are available to solve their problems. They are accountable when they fail to manage their finite resources properly. Meanwhile, they now must present a growing share of those resources to a government that assumes there are no limits.
That’s unfortunately how there can be so little discussion of how nearly a trillion dollars in stimulus spending missed the mark so badly. That is how people assume government can replace families as a social institution. That is how programs that discourage self-accountability and promote government dependency (and control) continue unabated.
Of course, conservatives already know that just taking money from the rich and future generations (in the form of America’s current $17 trillion of debt) and redistributing it as politicians see fit is not a cure-all.
The unfortunate thing is that too many people who must deal with the challenges of finite resources in their daily lives support politicians lacking the ability to do so.
Hughey Newsome, a business consultant in the D.C. area, is a member of the national advisory council of the Black leadership network Project 21. Comments may be sent to Project21@nationalcenter.org.
Note: New Visions Commentaries reflect the views of their author, and not necessarily those of Project 21.
Affordable Care Act: A New Weapon in the Fight Against AIDS
Marc H. Morial President and CEO National Urban League
“Blacks account for more new HIV infections, people estimated to be living with HIV disease, and HIV-related deaths than any other racial/ethnic group in the U.S.”– Kaiser Family Foundation Last Sunday, December 1, marked the 25th observance of World AIDS Day. It was a reminder of how far we have come since 1981 when several previously healthy gay men in Los Angeles were found to be infected with a mysterious and fatal immune deficiency. In the three decades since, the disease has claimed more than 35 million lives and has become a global pandemic. The World Health Organization reports that 35.3 million people worldwide are living with HIV today. But, according to the United Nations, “New HIV infections among adults and children were estimated at 2.3 million in 2012, a 33 percent reduction since 2001…AIDS-related deaths have also dropped by 30 percent since the peak in 2005 as access to antiretroviral treatment expands.” Here in the United States, a little more than a million Americans are living with HIV infection today. Partly because of longer life expectancies for people with HIV, over the past decade, the number of people living with the infection in the U.S. has increased, while the annual number of new HIV infections has remained stable. But we should not mistake better manageability of the disease as an indication that it has become a minor problem. The pace of new infections continues at far too high a level – particularly among gay men, African Americans and Latinos. And African Americans continue to experience the most severe burden of HIV, compared with other races and ethnicities. Blacks represent approximately 14 percent of the U.S. population, but according to the latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they account for an estimated 44 percent of new HIV infections and nearly half (44% ) of people living with HIV infection. Since the epidemic began, more than 260,800 Blacks have died of AIDS. Unless the course of the epidemic changes, at some point in their lifetime, an estimated 1 in 16 Black men and 1 in 32 Black women will be diagnosed with HIV infection. But more help than ever before is available, including new benefits in the Affordable Care Act that remove barriers to insurance coverage, and provide better coverage options for many people living with HIV. Starting January 1, 2014, no one can be denied health insurance or charged more because of a pre-existing health condition, such as HIV. Insurers will also no longer be allowed to limit how much they will spend on a person’s medical care – over a year or a lifetime, including people living with HIV. And plans sold through the health insurance marketplaces must provide a minimum set of benefits that should prove helpful for HIV care, including prescription drugs, doctor visits, hospital care, mental health care and certain preventive services, including HIV tests. The National Urban League also remains a major source of help. We are a partner organization in the Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative (AAALI), a network of national-level organizations that focus on African Americans, Black men who have sex with men (MSM), and the Latino community. Launched in 2009 by CDC and the White House, AAALI is a five-year national campaign to combat complacency about HIV and AIDS in the United States. Urban League affiliates around the country also offer HIV awareness services and campaigns in their local communities. While much progress has been made, the fight against AIDS is not over.
“An Inconvenient Truth” by Al Gore – Written in 2006, it documents the Fast Pace and Wide scope of Global Warming:
Global warming is measured by the amount of CO2 emitted in the atmosphere in parts CO2 per million atmosphere or PPM.
The Conclusion that even if we act promptly and resolutely, the world is on a path to reach 650PPM by the end of the century is almost too frightening to accept.
So if Global emissions peak in 2020 and then fall by 3 percent a year for a few decades – we have no chance of preventing emissions rising well above a number of critical tipping points that will spark uncontrollable Climate change. The Earth’s climate would enter a chaotic era lasting thousands of years before natural processes eventually establish some sort of equilibrium. Whether human beings would still be a force on the planet or even survive is a moot point. One thing seems certain: There will be far fewer of us.
“Leading – Edge Research from top scientists around the world has documented that the hottest years (on this planet or 3rd rock) was year 2005 due to the pace and wide scope of Global Warming.”
The last Ice Age was 11,000 years ago; it is predicted that we will have another Ice Age within the next 50 years (Al Gore, “Inconvenient Truth.”)
Over time from about 550,000 years back to the year about 2000 the parts per million of atmosphere (PPM) and CO2 has gone from about 70 PPM 550,000 to about 330 PPM 2000.
Over time from about year 2000 to year 2014 the PPM will raise from about 330 PPM to about 450 PPM in some parts of the Globe and that about year 2050 the PPM could reach over the tipping point and hopefully below 650PPM.
Global Warming:
A large part of the resources of the global marketing and PR industries are now devoted to trying to convince the public that Fossil Fuel emissions are good for us. In one of the most creative tactics in advertising history, the coal industry is now trying to persuade us that coal-fuelled electricity is an environmentally sound form of energy.
To do so they have deployed the intentionally misleading term “Clean Coal.” The phrase is used in the climate change debate to give the impression that coal is or can be benign because of the possibility that carbon emissions might be captured and stored underground.
In truth, as we will see in Chapter 6, carbon capture and storage for coal-fired power plants is a technology still on the drawing board that will not have any effect on emissions for at least 20 years, if at all.
Put a crab in cool water it jumps out; put a crab in hot water it jumps out; but put a crab in warm water and gradually turn up the heat and we have crab meat.
Clive Hamilton author “Requiem for a Species” Why we resist the Truth about CLIMATE CHANGE
Earth – The third (3rd) rock in our Solar System; guess what? It is not our Solar System or our 3rd Rock.
We are lucky enough to have the ability to survive on this 3rd Rock and so long as the temperature and other climate conditions remain within specific ranges and other climate conditions then we will be able to continue to survive as part of the planet.
As a species we have the ability to allow conditions to remain within livable conditions or the ability to change the temperature and or the climate of the3rd Rock.
Unfortunately, we as a species have chosen not to allow conditions to remain within a condition desirable for our species to continue to exist and that is what we must write about.
Climate Change
What could cause us to do things that we know will cause our climate to go outside of our livable range (as a species)?
As one Tobacco Company memo noted:
Doubt is our product since it is the best means of competing with the “body of fact” that exists in the mind of the General Public. It is also the means of establishing a controversy!
As the 1990s progressed and the rear guard action against restrictions on smoking faded, the advancement of sound science coalition started receiving funds from Exon (among other oil companies) and its junk science website began to carry material attacking climate change science. Monbiot wrote that this website has been the main entry point for almost every kind of climate change denial that has found its way into the mainstream press.
Having been set up by Phillip Morris, TASSC was the first and most important of the Corporate Funded Organization denying that Climate Change is taking place. It has done more damage to the campaign to halt it than any other body.
Climate Change…Between 2011 and 2012
From 2011 until November 2012 I wore light clothing (in the South); thinking that Nov., Dec., Jan. and Feb. 2012 that my attire would change.
However, Feb. same attire; Mar. 1 thru 14 same; then conditions changed in Georgia and also (in Island) it was reported that livestock had to be dug out from ice and snow and placed in indoor shelter, Eastern Europe – large amount of rain and flooding and on and on.
Detroit Michigan had little snow along with other parts of North America and so on.
To my knowledge this was a good example that my knowledge of Climate Conditions was changing; what do you think?
LINTON MATHEWS REPORTING
IN CLOSING:
I Remember as a teenager with my 1951 2 door Chevy Coup, gasoline cost about 32 cents a gallon. Now the cost per gallon is about $3.40 cents.
If the Major Oil Companies need an excuse (for not switching over to a new and cleaner form of energy) then $3.40 per gallon fuel is it even if it’s their excuse that ends up killing us all.
References: to name a few
MOVIE – THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW/DENNIS QUAID
MOVIE – WATERWORLD/KEVIN COSTNER
BOOK – “An Inconvenient Truth” Al Gore
BOOK – “Requiem for a Species” Clive Hamilton
Last month marked the 40th anniversary of a crucial event in American business history. Gasoline prices increased by 40 percent and triggered nationwide fuel shortages, crippling the economy. An odd-even rationing system was imposed, and long lines at service stations were common.
What occurred was the beginning of the Arab oil embargo that caused oil prices to quadruple by 1974. The embargo was created to punish the United States for assisting Israel following a surprise attack on that nation by Syria and Egypt in October 1973.
Ironically, during the week of the anniversary, two significant events occurred. Most important, the United States surpassed Saudi Arabia as the world’s leading producer of oil and gas, according to the respected international energy consulting firm PIRA. And, secondly, China replaced this nation as the largest importer of crude oil.
As the resurgence of oil and gas production – defined as crude oil, condensate, natural gas liquids, and biofuels – has occurred, this has brought changes in the world’s oil diplomacy. In particular, the U.S. now plays a stronger hand in relations with Saudi Arabia, the leading Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) producer.
What brought about the spike in production within the past several years? Simply put, it has been caused by the shale revolution – the increased output from shale deposits centered primarily in Eagle Ford and the Permian Basin in Texas and the Bakken-Three Forks in North Dakota.
As a result of the exploitation of shale deposits, the supply of oil has risen dramatically. Domestic output grew by one million barrels a day in 2012 and is expected to increase by the same amount in 2013.
Some energy experts contend the boom in production is just the beginning. They believe a combination of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and horizontal drilling will allow energy firms to reach deposits locked away in shale and other rock layers that have previously been too difficult to exploit.
Growth in production of oil and gas in the United States is welcome news. It is an important step in the long march to energy self-sufficiency. Moreover, increased output should compensate for disruptions in OPEC production that can be expected to occur from time to time.
Wayne Curtis, Ph.D., is a former superintendent of Alabama banks and Troy University business school dean. He is retired from the board of directors of First United Security Bank. Email him at wccurtis39@gmail.com.
