Cash for Crooks

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November 7, 2013

Cash For Crooks, Div. of Refuge In (RITT) Trouble Times Community Development, Inc., would like to shed light on the years of youth killing. From 2006 thru 2009 most of the murders that happened across the country, happened here in Birmingham, Ala. They were from the ages of 25 and under. They were accused of murder and who was murdered. The victims were mostly shot to death. With this info, my question is, what shall we do about the rate of males leaving this earth at such a large number. How long must we endure or when do we plan to stop this vicious trend. During the Classic weekend last week, nearly seven people were shot and two died. Early this week there were two more murders with our lastest victim, Mr. Tywaun Theon Perkins, 33.
More young people now have guns to shoot it out than fighting it out with fists as it was done years ago. Young people as young as seven have had guns in schools; some with drugs. The children we bore, raise, who live in our homes are cold hearted, stuborn killers. They have status groups. Eighty-six percent of the homicides done in Birmingham were done with guns. Homicides of whites were up as well as Blacks; but substantialy it dropped while Blacks during this time rose. We must come to a fast solution to this fast genocide of the children. People never realize that when we settle fights with bullets instead of fists, the results can’t ever be reversed. Please Stop The Violence.
Cash For Crooks has for the past 2½ years shown case after case in hopes that you, our readers, would remember something about the Homicides listed here. If you do, call Crimestoppers at 205-254-7777: DO NOT GIVE NICK NAMES. Give police as much info as possible. If there is an arrest/conviction you may be paid. No One Will Ever Know Your Name.
RITT is working with local and state police to help bring an end to these crimes. If you know of any story you’d like relived here on these printed pages; contact Minister Ward at 205-240-9910, mail story to address above or e-mail: odussasplace@yahoo.com . Let’s Unite to take this bite out of crimes worldwide. And remember, Reality is, “when it happens to you.”
Thank you.

CITY COUNCIL BRIEFS

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Birmingham Times

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November 7, 2013

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During the Birmingham City Council Meeting held Tuesday, November 5, 2013, Council:

1. Approved an Ordinance “to further amend the zoning district map of the city of Birmingham” (Case No. ZAC2913-00014) to change zone district boundaries from R-3, Single Family District to M-1, Light Industrial District, filed by Steve Stinson, representing the owners, Diesel Equipment Company, Inc., and Norfolk Southern Combined Railroad for properties located at 912, 914, 916, and 918 37th Street North, and at 913 36th Way North, and situated in the SE¼ of Section 19, Township 17 South, Range 2 West. For more information, contact the office of Councilor Valerie Abbott at 254.2355.

2. Approved an Ordinance “to further amend the zoning district map of the city of Birmingham” (Case No. ZAC2013-00016) to change zone district boundaries from R-6, Multiple Dwelling District to “Q”B-1, Neighborhood Business District, filed by John Forney, representing the owner, Avondale Turn LLC., for properties located at 4112 and 4116 4th Avenue South; and situated in the SW¼ of Section 29, Township 17 South, Range 2 West. For more information, contact the office of Councilor Valerie Abbott at 254.2355.

3. Referred to the Budget and Finance Committee an Ordinance “to further amend the grants fund budget” by amending the amounts in the FY2014 Council Approved Budget for the Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Shelter Grant, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS and the Home Investment Partnership Program for a total of $948,267.00 to reflect the amounts granted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

4. Referred to the Budget and Finance Committee an Ordinance “to further amend the General Fund Budget” by appropriating $750,000.00 to Non Departmental – Transfer to Fund 102 Capital Improvement Fund, and “TO FURTHER AMEND THE CAPITAL BUDGET” by appropriating $750,000.00 to PEP – Demolitions for the demolition of Adams Inn.

5. Approved an Ordinance to amend “The Business License Code of the City of Birmingham, Alabama,” as adopted by Ordinance No. 97-183, as amended, to amend Article I, Section 1, “Schedule of Business Licenses,” to further provide for the use Of NAICS Identification to classify taxpayers, to repeal NAIC 454, “Non-Store Retailers,” Schedule 131, “Ice Cream Peddler,” and NAICS 722, “Food Services and Drinking Places,” Schedule 153, “Lunch Wagons,” and to adopt Schedule 7223, “Mobile Food Services.” For more information, contact the office of Councilor Johnathan Austin at 254.2678.

6. Placed on consent a Resolution accepting the unit price bid of Dunn Construction, Inc., Birmingham, in the amount of $1,506,971.00, for Ensley Complete Streets Project – TIGER Phase 2, this being the lowest bid submitted meeting specifications, and authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Dunn Construction, Inc. in accordance with said bid, providing that the total contract not exceed the appropriation.

7. Set a public hearing December 10, 2103 to consider the adoption of an Ordinance to amend Title Two: Zone Districts, Article II: Commercial Classifications, Section 1, Subsection 2.21, Section 3, Subsection 2.38; Article III: Industrial Classifications, Section 2, Subsection 2.21; and Title III: Miscellaneous Regulations, Article VI: Supplementary Regulations and Modifications, by adding Section 21: Payday Loans (Deferred Presentment) and Title Loans, to the City of Birmingham’s Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance No. 90-130 as amended), filed by the Zoning Advisory Committee of the Birmingham Planning Commission, in order to regulate payday and title lending institutions within the City of Birmingham. For more information, contact the office of Councilor Valerie Abbott at 254.2355.

8. Set a public hearing December 10, 2013 to consider the adoption of an Ordinance to amend Title One: General Provisions, “Non Conforming Uses” and “Definitions”, of the City of Birmingham’s Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance No. 90-130 as amended), filed by the Zoning Advisory Committee of the Birmingham Planning Commission, in order to clarify the regulation of legal non-conforming (grandfathered) uses, (City Wide), Case No. ZAC2013-00021. For more information, contact the office of Councilor Valerie Abbott at 254.2355.

9. Placed on Consent a Resolution authorizing the City Clerk to publish a notice advertising that on November 19, 2013, the Council will consider the request of WF Real Property LLC to waive the vacation fee for Case No. SUB2013-00032.

Announcements and Reminders:   

1. The City Clerk announced a vacancy on the Medical Clinic Board. Councilor Johnathan Austin, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, is accepting letters of interest and resumes. Candidates should e-mail the aforementioned information to kamilah.graylewis@birminghamal.gov and courtney.hunter@birminghamal.gov For more information, call 254.2678.

2. The Transportation and Communications Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, November 6, 2013, 12:30 p.m., Conference Room A.

3. The Joint Public Safety and Technology Committee Meeting scheduled on Wednesday, November 6, 2013, is canceled.

4. In observance of Veteran’s Day, City Hall is closed on Monday, November 11, 2013.

Are you unable to attend the Birmingham City Council meetings? Watch Council Meetings on demand. From anywhere in the world you can log on to www.birminghamalcitycouncil.org and click on the tab Watch Council Meetings; or from the comfort of your home, tune to Bright House Cable Channel 244. The Birmingham City Council meetings are free and on demand.   The City of Birmingham will make reasonable accommodations to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunity to enjoy all city services, programs and activities. If accommodations are required for public meetings, please contact John Long, Senior Public Information Officer, with reasonable advance notice by emailing John.Long@birminghamal.gov, or by calling 205-254-2036.

Blocking Help

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Birmingham Times

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November 7, 2013

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Some of us in our comfortable homes, with our nice cars, and our balanced household budgets may not know it, but thousands of people in Alabama are poor and needy. Thousands don’t have health insurance; therefore, many will suffer, and some will die.
Their suffering can be helped. The U.S. Government has recognized their needs and made large sums of money available for them through a real sweetheart of a deal. Alabama can get $1.5 billion each year for 2014, 2015, and 2016 without paying anything. Starting in 2016, the state would only pay 10 percent. The money is available to help over 300,000 needy women and children through the expansion of the Alabama Medicaid Program, which will be funded by the Affordable Care Act.
The money will aid and assist all 67 Alabama counties and it will create jobs. It is estimated that Georgia, with a cooperating governor, could gain 70,000 jobs and Alabama at least 35,000. That would be the greatest job increase in the history of the State of Alabama.
This money is for our use, but we have a problem. Robert Bentley is blocking it from coming to Alabama. We might ask why a governor of a poor state like Alabama would block such aid and assistance. It may be because he is a Republican and cares very little about the poor and needy. It may be because he dislikes President Obama and wants to do everything he can to make the president and his programs look bad, regardless of how much it may hurt his own people. It may be because he wants to be re-elected and believes there are enough uncaring Republicans and Tea Partiers to elect him if he stands in the State House door and refuses to let aid come in. We don’t really know his reason, but we hope and pray for the sake of the poor that he will change his mind.
We would say to him have a heart, love the people of Alabama, not just the rich and powerful, but the poor and needy as well. As a physician, you took an oath, the essence of which admonishes a physician to do no harm. You will do great harm to thousands of people if you continue to block these funds. Remember the words of the Great Physician Jesus Christ, who said, “Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”

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

Women with history of amniotic fluid embolism needed for new study

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Birmingham Times

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November 7, 2013

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HOUSTON – Women who have experienced an amniotic fluid embolism, a rare but severe complication in pregnancy, are needed to participate in a new study at Baylor College of Medicine (www.bcm.edu) that seeks to understand the genes and mechanisms associated with the complication.
With support from the Amniotic Fluid Embolism Foundation (www.afesupport.org), researchers at Baylor have established a new, one-of-a-kind international patient registry to help further research about this poorly understood and often-fatal pregnancy complication, said Dr. Gary A. Dildy III, professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the section of maternal fetal medicine at BCM and vice chair of quality & patient safety for the department of obstetrics and gynecology at BCM. “This registry is an important step in beginning to understand this devastating and clinically challenging complication.”
Dildy also serves as chief quality officer of obstetrics and gynecology at the Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women.
Amniotic fluid embolisms are obstetric emergencies in which amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds a baby in the uterus during pregnancy), fetal cells, hair or other debris enters the mother’s blood stream and triggers an allergic-like reaction. This reaction then results in heart and lung collapse, blood clotting and bleeding disorders and, often, death.
Researchers at Baylor will collect comprehensive information by reviewing the medical records of women who have experienced an amniotic fluid embolism.
“The collection of this information will allow us to pursue future investigations pertaining to the genes and mechanisms associated with an amniotic fluid embolism,” said Miranda Klassen, survivor and founder of the AFE Foundation. “The AFE Foundation patient registry will allow for greater visibility into incidence rates, survival rates and commonalities among those affected. It will also provide a comprehensive database that will be used as the basis for clinical research on amniotic fluid embolism.”
Survivors and family members of women who have died of amniotic fluid embolism should contact 713-873-3041 or email aferegistry@bcm.edu for more information on participation.

Trinity Medical Center Named ‘Top Performer on Key Quality Measures®’ by The Joint Commission

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Birmingham Times

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November 7, 2013

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Trinity Medical Center has been named as one of the nation’s Top Performers on Key Quality Measures® by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of U.S. health care organizations. Trinity was recognized for exemplary performance in using evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve care for certain conditions. These conditions include heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care, children’s asthma, stroke and venous thrombo embolism, as well as inpatient psychiatric services.
Trinity is one of 1,099 hospitals earning the distinction of Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® for attaining and sustaining excellence in the following measure sets: heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care. The ratings are based on an aggregation of accountability measure data reported to The Joint Commission during the 2012 calendar year.
This is the second time that Trinity is being recognized as a Top Performer. Previously, Trinity was recognized by The Joint Commission for its achievement on the following measure sets: heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care.
“Trinity’s first priority is providing patients with high quality, safe and effective care through proven practices that improve outcomes and the patient experience. We are proud to be named to The Joint Commission’s list of Top Performers. The credit goes to our medical staff, employees and volunteers whose hard work every day makes this possible,” said Keith Granger, President and CEO, Trinity Medical Center.
“The clinicians at Trinity are dedicated to treating patients with established protocols to give them the best possible outcomes,” said Russell G. Beaty, MD, Medical Staff President, Trinity Medical Center. “It’s an honor to have the standard of care we provide here recognized on a national level.”
Each of the hospitals named Top Performers met three 95 percent performance thresholds. First, the hospital achieved cumulative performance of 95 percent or above across all reported accountability measures. Second, recognized hospitals reached performance of 95 percent or above on every reported accountability measure where there are at least 30 denominator cases. Third, hospitals must have at least one core measure set that has a composite rate of 95 percent or above, and within that measure set all applicable individual accountability measures have a performance rate of 95 or above.
A 95 percent score means a hospital provided an evidence-based practice 95 times out of 100 opportunities to provide the practice. Each accountability measure represents an evidence-based practice – for example, giving aspirin at arrival for heart attack patients, giving antibiotics one hour before surgery, and providing a home management plan for children with asthma.  “Trinity Medical Center and all the Top Performer hospitals have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to quality improvement and they should be proud of their achievement,” says Mark R. Chassin, M.D., FACP, M.P.P., M.P.H., president and chief executive officer, The Joint Commission. “We have much to celebrate this year. Nearly half of our accredited hospitals have attained or nearly attained the Top Performer distinction. This truly shows that we are approaching a tipping point in hospital quality performance that will directly contribute to better health outcomes for patients.”

A Quest to know God

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Birmingham Times

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November 7, 2013

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SPIRITUAL and NATURAL WORLDS
There are spiritual and natural worlds, and it is your choice how you wish to live in this world of choices – a spiritual life or a natural/worldly life. I need to understand what you are talking about, because I do not have a choice, because this is a natural world, and I am natural or real.
Okay, allow me please to explain the difference in the worlds. Now I realize you understand everything you see with your sight is natural, and of course, it is definitely natural. Now when you look into space, what do you see? Space – of course, but when it is night, you see the heavenly bodies. Days – you see the sun. If those heavenly bodies are natural, why can you not touch them? Man has climbed into space by way of airplanes, and spaceships, etc., but there is nothing about space, clouds, weather, etc. man can control. Much I have omitted here, but I want you to understand the message I am trying to convey, which is in regards to the Spiritual World where God lives, rules, and controls. Of course, He is not limited, He controls everything. God is a Spirit and he who has God’s Spirit in him, must worship God in Spirit and in Truth. [John 4:23-24]
The natural world that we live in will pass away. Revelation 21:1, says it will be a new earth and a new heaven. II Peter 3:10 tells you that the earth will be burned up. In as much as this will happen, would you not want to live in the spiritual world, of course, I believe you would.
In order to live in the everlasting world, you must choose to do so in this life, by asking Jesus into your heart. You must live for Him now. In this world, you prepare for the everlasting world, therefore, you must ask Jesus to come into your heart now, and live for Him.
www.thealmightyeyes.com.

BILLUPS NAMED WINS HSRN HONOR THROUGH FAN VOTING

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Birmingham Times

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November 7, 2013

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MONTGOMERY, Ala.—Alabama State University defensive tackle has been named the Heritage Sports Radio Network (HSRN) Defensive Player of the Week.

Billups won the award that was voted on by college football fans on the HSRN website. Billups earned the honor through his standout play against Alabama A&M in the 2013 State Farm Magic City Classic. Billups was also the overall top vote-getter in the fan voting.

The HSRN Fan Poll is conducted online each week and is voted by HSRN fans across the nation. The nominees are made up of players from the HBCU conferences that were named players of the week by their respective conferences. The final winners are the top vote getters from Division I (FCS) and Division II in the categories of offense, defense, special teams and newcomers.

ASU VOLLEYBALL WINS AT STILLMAN

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Birmingham Times

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November 7, 2013

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TUSCALOOSA, Ala.—Amber Bennett had 14 kills and Myla Marshall added seven as ASU defeated Stillman 3-0 (25-8, 25-21, 25-5) in Tuscaloosa.

The game went along the lines of the first time the two teams met in Montgomery on Oct. 8 when ASU won big in the first set, only to see Stillman hang around in the second set before putting them away late, and then blowing Stillman (10-14) out in the third and final set.

In tonight’s first set, the Lady Hornets only led 10-7, but ended the game on a 15-1 run for the pull away 25-8 win. In the second set ASU led 18-14, but Stillman came back to cut the lead to one at 19-18 and 20-19, before ASU pulled away late for the 25-21 win.

The third and final set was no problem as ASU jumped out 9-0 and never looked back in the 25-5 deciding set victory.

ASU (18-14) finished the game hitting .426 as a team with Bennett’s .765 leading the team. Marshall hit .400 and LaToya Ellington had six kills and hit .357.

Ellyn Jones had a game-high 21 assists while Luiza Griz added six digs. Bennett and Ellington each had two blocks in the win.

“We played well in spurts tonight, but I am not totally satisfied with the way we won,” Head Coach Penny Lucas-White said. “We let them hang around in the second set of the game instead of finishing. We have to begin to finish games when we have a chance. I am glad we picked up the win.”

ASU will now host their final three SWAC games of the regular season starting with Thursday’s game against rival Alabama A&M. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

“Our first goal of winning the SWAC East Division Championship begins Thursday against Alabama A&M,” Lucas-White said. “We have to prepare ourselves for a mental and physical challenge from A&M. They are a good team and we must be ready.”

Sneak Preview

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Birmingham Times

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November 7, 2013

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“Son of man, the Israelites are saying, ‘The vision he sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies about the distant future. Ezekiel 12:27

As I was driving to work this morning, I became excited. I began to smile and feel a sense of excitement and joy that wasn’t a result of anything that was going on. I didn’t get a phone call with any good news. I don’t have an appointment today with promising results. I don’t have a new friend, have not entered into a new relationship, didn’t get a financial blessing or anything that could explain the excitement in my Spirit. As I was talking about it to a friend on the phone, God said “I’ve given your Spirit a sneak peak of what your eyes cannot see”. Just like the picture above, I feel like I’m living my dreams, yet in front of me all I see is wilderness. WOW!

Bowling Splits Weekend Finishes

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Birmingham Times

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November 7, 2013

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HOUSTON, Texas – The Alabama State University bowling team split a pair of weekend finishes in the Texas Southern Invitational held in Houston.
On the first day of competition, the Lady Hornets didn’t fare so well in the bakers match falling to but were able to bounce back on the second day of the tournament for the overall team championship.
“I saw a lot of positives in the girls on Friday as far as the team’s communication,” said Head Coach Andrew Chatmon. “There were still some things we needed to work on for Saturday’s games,” Chatmon said.
“Danielle Walker really stood out on Friday for us as our anchor bowler. She helped close out some of the close matches for us. The team as a whole did well once we got rolling,” Chatmon said.
On Saturday, the Lady Hornets stepped up as a team and made the adjustments necessary to win overall. Both Kaila Ryan and Walker averaged 200 to help with their teams efforts to secure the win.
The Lady Hornets finished with a 2-1 record in the five person team game based on total pinfall. ASU dropped the first game to Texas Southern (1043- 907). With wins over Louisiana Tech (962- 919), and TSU (972- 903) the Lady Hornets improved to 8-6 overall on the season.
“We have an angle in the mental game called being in the present. This helps the girls focus in on the competition at hand and keeps them from dwelling on past performances,” Chatmon said. “We didn’t necessarily play the lines like we wanted to, but I saw some things we can learn from, so that was a good thing. We can now build on going into our upcoming tournament.”
Up next for the Lady Hornets, will be the Alabama State University Hornet Invitational on November 15-17, in Montgomery, Ala.
For everything happening in Hornet nation, fans can log on to www.bamastatesports or follow ASUbuzz on twitter or like us on Facebook (ASUbuzz).