SPEAKING OF SOAPS

October 24, 2013

BY MEREDITH COOPER

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Maya’s heart was broken when she learned that she got to Rick too late; he’s now engaged to Caroline. Bill was itching to get out in public with their engagement, but Brooke felt it’s best to avoid any possibilities of ending up on the front page of the gossip magazines. Hope refused to take back her engagement ring from Liam until she was certain that he could fully commit to her. Tensions rose between the Spencer brothers when Liam issued another warning for Wyatt to stay away from Hope. Hope warned Brooke of what their relationship will be like if Bill continued to stay in the picture. Brooke began to question a future with Bill when Hope reminded her of the effect that it would have on Katie. An apology from Bill got Katie to push her resentment towards him temporarily aside for the sake of Will. Brooke’s conversation with Hope intensified her guilt about being engaged to her sister’s husband. Bill attempted to quell Brooke’s guilt with his justifications for their relationship. Knowing that Oliver had firsthand experience in the Hope heartbreak department, Liam divulged his recent woes to him over a few drinks. Now that Hope’s back on the market, Wyatt used any opportunity alone with her to his advantage. Liam was determined to prove that Wyatt was the person who anonymously sent Hope the Steffy tribute video. Using his prior computer expertise, Liam discovered that his initial assumption was incorrect. Hope and Wyatt went to great lengths to secure sales of HFTF in the international markets. Bill became angered by the sudden time restrictions that Katie had placed upon his visitations with Will. Quinn bit back at Liam when he confronted her about sending Hope the video on behalf of Wyatt. Bill and Katie argued over the conditions in which she would allow Bill to spend time with their child.
THIS WEEK: Brooke fears that her recent actions have caused the Logan family to deteriorate. Hope and Wyatt enjoy each other’s company as they entertain international buyers at the Bikini Bar.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Jennifer gave JJ a stunning ultimatum. Meanwhile, Daniel paid Theresa a surprise visit. Jordan ripped into Kate for trying to investigate her past. Will received an amazing opportunity related to his writing – but it’s all the way in California. Sonny and Gabi urged him to take it. Nick realized just how interested Gabi is in Cameron. Eric learned an earth-shattering secret when he overheard an argument between Brady and Nicole! He later made a shocking accusation against Nicole. Kristen got the final test results from her fertility specialist. JJ flaunted his drugs in front of his mother. At the end of her rope, Jennifer made a painful decision about her son that could change his life forever. Theresa made a play for Daniel. Despite Abigail’s objections, a desperate Jennifer told Hope that she wants JJ arrested for drug possession. JJ got in over his head with Theresa. Stefano offered to help Daniel make his problems disappear. Nicole was devastated by Eric’s horrible accusation. Kristen was furious after Brady revealed what Nicole has been saying about her. High on drugs, Theresa and JJ started to make love, but something went terribly wrong, and by the end of the night, someone’s life was in danger! Jennifer feared she’s lost both Daniel and her son. Kayla had surprising news about Chad’s recovery. Lucas laid down the law with Sami – he would not allow Allie to continue living in the DiMera mansion! When Theresa overdosed on drugs, a panicked JJ turned to someone unexpected for help. Jennifer was blown away when rumors about Daniel appeared to be confirmed. Chad finally came clean with Abigail!
THIS WEEK: Sami and EJ’s happiness is in jeopardy after Lucas’ ultimatum. Will shares his exciting news with Sami.

GENERAL HOSPITAL
Robin had an emotional reunion. Anna and Robert continued their search for Robin. Sabrina still had doubts that Patrick’s able to move on from Robin. The custody battle for Baby Connie got more intense with both sides taking drastic next steps. A tense standoff occurred on Cassadine Island – Anna and Robert found themselves locked in the Cassadine Island lab. They feared that Robin may have been alive – but was now in mortal danger or already dead. Mac visited Maxie at work and told her that Robert’s with Anna and that he came home because of what’s going on with her and her baby. She told him about her plans to get Connie away from Dante and Lulu, and Mac tried to prepare her for how difficult it will be. When Heather dropped off her paintings to Franco, she overheard Franco taking credit for her work. Franco, however, covered and assured her that she misunderstood, so she took him at his word and left. Lucy assisted Scott’s campaign for DA. Diane assured Michael that Scott’s reelection could mean good things for AJ’s trial. Kiki signed her annulment papers. Sam wondered if Julian was Ava’s brother that Kiki and Silas mentioned. Alexis asked Lucy if she knew of any of Victor’s mistresses. Morgan suspected that Ava and Derek are sleeping together. Sonny’s world was attacked, affecting his legit and illegitimate businesses. Derek made it clear to Ava that he’s going to have Morgan taken out. Diane confronted Franco about his paintings and who really painted them. Sam told Silas that they should head to NYC together to look into Sam’s past. Scott’s stunned to see Heather. Morgan witnessed further evidence of the special relationship he perceived Sonny shares with Michael. Derek gave the order to have Morgan killed before he can spill his guts to Sonny. Meanwhile, Michael was unsettled when he witnessed Sonny meeting with the DA. On Cassadine Island, imprisoned Scorpio and Anna weighed their chances of rescue. At the hospital, Sabrina told Felix that Patrick received a call from someone claiming to be Robin. Felix wondered if Britt was the party responsible for the call.
THIS WEEK: Sabrina leaves the door open with Carlos? It’s the anniversary of Robin & Patrick’s wedding.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Dylan showed Avery the legal document he received saying his parental rights to Connor have been revoked. While Kevin worked diligently to find the person that hit Delia, Alex urged him to take a break and just spend time with Chloe. Later, a witness told Alex that she saw a black SUV at the time of the accident. Alex told one of the officers to notify all the body shops that they’re looking for a black SUV. After Alex ran the license plate of a SUV he found on a security camera, he went to tell Paul that he made an important discovery in the case. Nikki came to see Paul at the police station and wanted to know if he’s close to finding the driver who hit Delia. Paul assured her that they’re working nonstop. When Chloe returned to the Chancellor mansion, she was forced to tell a heartbroken Esther about what happened to Delia. Meanwhile, Adam ran into Billy and offered his condolences. Billy said that prison’s too good for whoever killed his little girl. Adam got a call from an organ dealer who said that he’ll be able to help Connor. When Chelsea worried if they should go through with it, Adam assured her that the doctor’s an excellent surgeon, and their son’s sight will be saved. Later, the doctor informed Adam and Chelsea that the corneas they bought aren’t viable. Nikki reached out to Avery and hired her to help her update her will. Avery was floored when Nikki revealed that she needs to add her son to her will. Alex told Sheryl that they narrowed down the brand of tires from the marks on the road at the accident site. He also told her about the piece of glass he found that could be from the accident. Chloe started going through the evidence from the police and pulled out Delia’s costume and wondered why her scarf is missing. Christine and Paul discussed the madness surrounding Michael being in prison for killing Carmine. Christine admitted that all she can do is try to get Michael the lightest sentence possible. Lauren and Michael arrived for the hearing as Paul and Christine came by to support their friends. Michael testified how Carmine harassed his family, and the judge admitted that he sympathized with Michael. After considering the evidence, the judge issued his ruling in the case.
THIS WEEK: Jack reaches out to Jill to try and figure out a way that they can help Billy. Devon takes action and decides to offer a reward.

Ray and Gertrude Lassiter proud parents

Birmingham Times

October 23, 2013

The Lassiter Adult children and their families

As I look back on my life, I can remember growing up in an environment that was a lot different from the one we live in now. Our neighborhoods were a lot safer and we enjoyed playing outside, going to school and going to church. We didn’t live in fear of drive-by shootings on the school playground or at the church. In today’s society, we often see innocent individuals robbed of their God-given life for no reason at all.
Looking at my family lineage, my grandmother instilled values into my mother who in turn instilled those same values into her 14 children. My mother was a small woman on the outside, but a giant on the inside. After becoming an adult, God blessed me with a wife who had been raised in a family with the same values. As parents of three beautiful children, we have instilled those same values into them. Our first born is Anthony D. Lassiter and our daughters are Keona M. Lassiter Elliott and Eboni Lassiter, a student at Alabama A&M University.
Anthony has two wonderful children, Adam and Zoe. I have not seen a young man take control and be the kind of father like my son. He is a very hard working young man who loves God. Anthony also
cooks, cleans and washes. As his parents, we are very proud of him.
Keona is also a God-fearing young woman who we are proud to have as our daughter. She took charge and stepped in to be a great big sister to Eboni. As an adult, she is a lovely wife and most of all, a beautiful mother. She has two daughters, Gabrielle and Aubrey.
We would like to take this time to honor our children for who they have become. We were recently
blessed to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham, Ala. We
celebrated the legacies of many of our forefathers who paved the way for us. We thank God for
enabling us to raise up good children who will be able to keep our legacy alive. We pray that their
children will be able to enjoy life.
Thank God for Anthony, Keona and Eboni who been our peace in a not so peaceful world. We
should keep God first in our lives. We should also give our children back to God because He is good and
He knows best.

Joy-Ann Reid Keynote Speaker at Chapter of the Links, Incorporated White Rose Luncheon

Birmingham Times

October 23, 2013

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The West Palm Beach Chapter of the Links, Inc. will host its 35th annual White Rose Luncheon at the Kravis Center on Saturday, December 7, at 11:30 a.m. and will feature Joy-Ann Reid as its keynote speaker. Joy-Ann Reid is the Managing Editor of the Grio.com – a daily online news and opinion platform devoted to delivering stories and perspectives that reflect and affect African-American audiences, powered by NBC News. Her responsibilities include leading editorial coverage and strategy for the site, as well as managing all of the Grio’s correspondents and contributors. Reid is also an on-air contributor to MSNBC.
Reid joined theGrio.com with experience as a freelance columnist for the Miami Herald and as editor of the political blog The Reid Report. She is a former talk radio producer and host for Radio One, and previously served as an online news editor for the NBC affiliate WTVJ in Miramar, Fla.
She graduated from Harvard University in 1991 with a concentration in film, and is a 2003 Knight Center for Specialized Journalism fellow.

The Links, Incorporated, founded in 1946, is one of the oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of women who are committed to enriching and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. The Links, Inc. has a membership of over 12,000 professional women of color serving in 272 chapters in 42 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Through its philanthropic arm, The Links Foundation, Incorporated, has contributed more than 24 million dollars to charitable causes since its founding. Locally, members of the West Palm Beach Chapter of the Links, Inc. have contributed over 1700 documented hours of volunteer services in the past year to assist communities throughout Palm Beach County. For more information on The West Palm Beach Chapter of the Links, Inc., please visit www.wpblinks.org.

For additional information on tickets, advertisements and sponsorships, please contact Chan Bryant Abney or Kori Searcy at (772) 463-4222 or E-mail cba@williegary.com.

Omicron Omega Presents Global Leadership Retreat

Birmingham Times

October 23, 2013

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Members of Omicron Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., recently held a retreat for its members. The retreat featured the Honorable U.W. Clemon, Esq. Retired Federal Judge, who, using his own experiences as an example, spoke forcefully on how to position oneself for federal appointments. Birmingham City Councilman, James Roberson, Jr., informed participants on how to get involved in the leadership of city government; State Representative Juandalynn Givan informed members of how best to know when vacancies have occurred at the state level, and how to apply for such vacancies; and Dr. Earnestine McNealey, the sorority’s international historian, informed members as to how to prepare themselves for appointments on the international level in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
The information provided by the workshop presenters was invaluable. “This is the type of information we need to circulate within our community and to the leaders of tomorrow,” stated Terricetta McCall, Chapter President. More than 75 women filled the Homewood Library auditorium in various shades of pink and green for the informative and inspiring seminar.   “Preparing members for leadership positions in local government, civic boards and international appointments is one of the international objectives of the sorority,” said Geraldine Bell, Chair of the Leadership Training Committee.

It’s “Time To Talk” About Stroke

Birmingham Times

October 23, 2013

Having the Conversation now could make a difference later

(NAPSI)—A stroke can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of race, sex or age. It is a leading cause of death and serious long-term disability that affects nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. each year. Immediate medical attention may limit the effects of stroke, but most people are unaware of the signs and symptoms and what to do if they think someone is having one.
That’s why the National Stroke Association is working with Genentech to launch “Time To Talk,” a national stroke awareness campaign to encourage people to take action by talking with family and friends about the signs and symptoms of stroke and what to do if a stroke occurs.
Bob Steele of Marietta, Georgia learned the importance of being able to recognize a stroke after suffering one himself five years ago. Fortunately, Bob was able to alert his daughter when he realized he was experiencing symptoms of stroke.
“I was outside mowing my lawn when all of a sudden I felt dizzy and fell to the ground,” Bob recalls. “I was lying there, watching my life flash before my eyes, when my daughter thankfully came outside. I knew to tell her I was experiencing a stroke and to call 9-1-1.”
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries blood and oxygen to the brain is blocked by plaque or a blood clot (acute ischemic stroke) or breaks (hemorrhagic stroke). The visible signs and symptoms of stroke include speech impairment, arm numbness and weakness, severe headache, sudden confusion, trouble seeing out of one or both eyes, as well as uncontrollable drooping of the face.
“According to one estimate, approximately 1.9 million brain cells may die after being deprived of oxygen, which is why it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention,” said Sarah Parker, M.D., stroke neurologist at Illinois Neurological Institute in Peoria, Illinois. “There are treatments available if a patient’s symptoms are recognized quickly and they are transported to an emergency room early enough.”
Bob was rushed to the hospital, and thanks to the immediate medical attention he received, Bob is here today to help spread the word about stroke awareness.
“My stroke taught me that life is precious,” said Bob. “I encourage everyone to have the conversation about stroke with family and friends and learn about the signs and symptoms of stroke and what to do if a stroke occurs.”
“Time To Talk” asks individuals to pay it forward by sharing vital information about stroke and the importance of acting quickly. You never know when you might need to help someone around you or yourself. Have the conversation today!
In the event that you or someone you know begins to show signs and symptoms of a stroke, the F.A.S.T. test can be used as a quick screening tool.
For more information, go to www.stroke.org/TimeToTalk.

New grant to broaden exploitation of promising immunotherapy to many blood cancers

Birmingham Times

October 23, 2013

HOUSTON – Researchers from the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy at Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital have received a $6.25 million, five-year grant from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to extend their promising work with T-cell immunotherapies beyond lymphoma to other types of blood cancers including myeloma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
T-cells are white blood cells that boost the body’s immune response to infection and disease. Investigators at the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy have had significant success treating patients with lymphoma using specially engineered T-cells.
Their work has led to an orphan drug designation (developmental drugs that are granted special status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of rare diseases) for the treatment of post-transplant lymphomas, and the development of advanced stage studies of lymphoma and nasopharyngeal cancers.
Led by principal investigator Dr. Helen Heslop, professor of medicine and pediatrics at BCM, the team of researchers including projects and core leaders Drs. Cliona Rooney, Malcolm Brenner, Leonid Metelitsa, Gianpietro Dotti, Barbara Savoldo, Carlos Ramos, Stephen Gottschalk, Adrian Gee, Ann Leen and Zhuyong Mei all of BCM and Catherine Bollard of Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. will seek to modify and extend the use of these immunotherapies beyond non-lymphoma blood cancers and overcome remaining obstacles to broader applications of these cell therapies including efficacy, simplicity, safety and accessibility to a broader range of patients.
“Our team is grateful to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for supporting these studies that will extend these successful immunotherapies to other blood cancers such as myeloma and acute lymphoblastic lymphoma,” said Heslop. “The collaboration with Dr. Bollard in the Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy (CETI) at the CNMC will also provide a paradigm for multicenter cell therapy studies.”
In addition to the project leaders, Bambi Grilley, Dr. Karen Rabin, Dr. Rammurti Kamble and Swati Naik all of BCM will serve as investigators for the grant.
Heslop is also director of the Adult Stem Cell Transplant Program at Houston Methodist Hospital.
The BCM investigators are also members of the NCI-designated Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center at BCM, Texas Children’s Cancer & Hematology Centers and The Houston Methodist Hospital Research Institute.

Cyrus Receives Another Award

Birmingham Times

October 23, 2013

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama State University junior running back Malcolm Cyrus has been named the Boxtorow National Player of the Week.
It is his third honor of the week as earlier he was named the SWAC’s Co-Offensive Player of the Week and the College Football Performance Award All-Purpose Player of the Week.
A junior from Autaugaville, Cyrus rushed for 241 yards on 24 carries, both career longs, with two touchdowns in leading ASU to a 48-42 overtime win over Prairie View A&M. His first touchdown came on another career-long, 80 yard run and his second score came from seven yards out in overtime for the winning score.
Cyrus completed his outstanding game with 60 yards receiving on four receptions giving him another career-high 301 yards in total offense.
He was featured on www.boxtorow.com as their national player of the week and appeared as a guest on the national sports talk show, From the Press Box to Press Row with the show’s host Donal Ware.

Michael Watkins

Birmingham Times

October 23, 2013

by Jessica Jones

Imagine the uncertainty of quitting a full time job that provides steady, predictable income to chase after a dream that might not turn out as expected. Michael Watkins of Birmingham took such a chance when he quit his job as a banker to become a full-time musician. A decision that great may seem optional, but for Watkins it was a gamble he felt he needed to take.
“I kind of prepared for it,” Watkins said. “I didn’t just blindly walk out. It was a step of faith, but I had some stuff lined up. Just saving up my money, and planning projected goals that I had to accomplish what I’m trying to go now matching it with funds I had saved up and how my wife and I worked together to help me get those goals.”
Watkins quit his day job to fully dedicate himself to his new album, “Brand New” which is tentatively set for release early next year. His single “He can do it Again” will be released mid-November.
“This album we’re working on, it’s going to be a mixture of everything,” Watkins said. “It’s kind of a blend of praise and worship and it’s a mix of contemporary as well as classic gospel and it kind of fits all ages.”
The youngest of four children, Watkins grew up in a family of musicians; his younger brother is an organist at their childhood church, Faith Apostolic, his sister is a singer and both his father and his mother were members of church-based singing groups. His deep love for music was behind the decision to make a commitment to being a full-time musician.
“It was really almost like a life-changing moment and a life-changing event, like when you choose to marry someone,” Watkins said. “It was actually something I planned and dreamed about for years but… I couldn’t see how it would be, so when I got to this point, the biggest thing was having my wife support me so it helped me make the decision because with her supporting me we were kind of on the same page and got down and made some plans for it.”
Watkins said his wife, Anita, understood his desire to become a musician, but her support didn’t come without her own concerns about her husband’s responsibility as a husband and father.
“She was kind of nervous, I think in the beginning and she was saying how there could have been a little selfishness in [my decision],” Watkins said. “But her whole attitude was supportive.”
When it comes to business, Watkins’ trust lies in his family and friends. His brother, Mario Watkins and Marcus Hogan, a close friend who Watkins grew up with, helps produce his music. As an entrepreneur, problems with finances are planned for and are to be expected, but what Watkins couldn’t prepare for was shady business deals.
Watkins had started work on this project, when UAB bought the studio he’d been working in to produce music. Unbeknownst to Watkins, he and his crew had to finish their project by a certain deadline, before they were kicked out of the studio. To make matters worse, a friend who was helping Watkins record disappeared and took Watkins’ music with him.
For a year and a half Watkins was unable to locate the friend who had taken his music. Momentarily defeated by the loss of his material, Watkins decided to take a break from music, during which time he married his wife.
After being robbed by a friend he thought he could trust, Watkins gave thought to the idea that mixing friendship with business might not be the best idea, but his trust in his brother and friend has put his uncertainty to rest.
“I know how they think and how they handle business and so I didn’t think it would clash too hard,” Watkins said. “I know their mentality. It’s not a tainted mentality and I know how they think about handling business, they’re professional.”
Three minds working on the same project are bound to clash at some point during the creative process, but Watkins doesn’t see their disagreements as a problem; on the contrary, their differences in opinion are what he thinks makes them such a dynamic team.
“My brother is kind of reserved,” he said. “I’m kind of in between. I can be reserved, but I can also stretch out. And then my friend Marcus, he can go real far out, so sometimes we pull it together to give it that perfect blend.”
With so much at stake, success in his new career is imperative but, if it doesn’t work out, will he ever go back to the bank?
“If I need to,” he said. “If God doesn’t bless this like I’m expecting, then as a man, I would have to do what I have to do and I wouldn’t be mad about it. “What I didn’t want to do was not try. I cannot live and die without trying and never knowing.”
“I’ve learned to trust myself. I’m building that trust and complete confidence in who I am and what God has given me, who he’s made me and the wisdom and knowledge I’ve received I try to retain it.”
Find Michael Watkins on the web at www.mikejmusic.com.
For booking information, contact Marcus Hogan at: booking@mikejmusic.com.

Affordable Health Care

Birmingham Times

October 23, 2013

ASU Football Trio Receives Weekly Honors

Birmingham Times

October 23, 2013

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama State’s overtime win over Prairie View on Saturday has produced player of week honors for a trio of Hornets.
Malcolm Cyrus, Autaugaville, has been named the Co-Offensive Player of the Week by the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). He was also named the College Football Performance Award (CFPA) All-Purpose Player of the Week.
Cyrus rushed for a career-high 241 yards on 24 carries. He scored two touchdowns. His first scoring run was an 80 yard sprint which was the longest rush of his career. His second touchdown came from seven yards out, but was the winning score in overtime. Cyrus also caught four passes for 60 yards, giving him 301 yards of total offense.
Leland Baker, Birmingham, was named the SWAC Defensive Player of the Week. The senior linebacker had a game and career-high 17 tackles (8 solo, 9 assist). He also had a game-high 3.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage (-11 yards) and 1.5 sacks (-8 yards).
Freshman Quinteris Toppings, Eight Mile, has been named the SWAC Newcomer of the Week. Toppings had not seen a snap all season, but with the injury to starting quarterback Daniel Duhart, and then the injury in the second quarter to Arsenio Favor, Toppings was forced into action.
All Toppings did in his first collegiate action was lead ASU on five scoring drives including the game winner in overtime. Toppings finished the game completing 11 of his 18 pass attempts for 157 yards and a touchdown.

1...1,6481,6491,650...1,706 Page 1,649 of 1,706