Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Begins

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October 3, 2013

Birmingham, AL – Health Insurance Marketplaces, the link to benefits to affordable health care, will be launching October 1, 2013 for open enrollment. Birmingham Councilmembers are encouraging eligible residents to sign up and seek information for the benefits.
President Barack Obama and Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, held a conference call with state and local elected officials to discuss the launch of the Marketplaces. On the call, the President stressed the importance of getting the information about open enrollment out to the local communities, especially the uninsured and young people, who are less likely to have coverage.
Councilor Jay Roberson, who was on the call, said: “It is time for us as elected officials to work collaboratively to make sure we build awareness among the constituency on how to apply for affordable healthcare.”
Councilor Roberson is encouraging his colleagues and neighborhood leaders to form partnerships throughout the community and work together over the next six months to get as many people signed up for affordable healthcare as possible. “I also challenge my colleagues to take leadership in each of their districts, to get the word out, in any way that they can, to get their constituents to sign up,” said Roberson.
The Marketplaces open on Tuesday, October 1, 2013, and if residents sign up before December 15, 2013, their benefits will begin January 1, 2014.
Councilwoman Sheila Tyson, who was recently nominated as a national champion for change for her health Education efforts by Secretary Sebelius, added: “The first part of open enrollment ends in December but the second part ends in March, 2014.” So the push is to sign up as many residents as possible in six months.
Residents can inquire about eligibility and the different options available in Alabama at www.healthcare.gov. A telephone number, available 24/7, is also set up to help residents complete applications at 1-800-318-2596. Navigators and certified application councilors are also in communities across the country. Plus, a team of regional directors has been deployed to assist locally.
Councilor Tyson said several events are planned locally to help educate residents on the new healthcare opportunities. On Tuesday, ClasTran will be picking up senior citizens from various locations to take them to UAB for classes on the new healthcare law.

Pretty With a Purpose: Brighton’s 2013 Power of Pink Campaign Marks its 11th Year of Supporting Breast Cancer Charities

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Birmingham Times

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October 3, 2013

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Brighton announces the arrival of their 2013 Power of Pink bracelets – which have been created by their own designers to support local breast cancer charities. Through the years, the company has donated $4,750,000 to worthy organizations that are working towards the cure we all hope will come soon. This year’s bracelets will be available from September 27th through the month of October.
The jewelry is truly “pretty in pink” with Swarovski crystals on the heart charm and a link bracelet. In addition, there are coordinating earrings and a necklace, plus leather and microfiber accessories in a beautiful pink hue to give women options for completing their look. Brighton will donate more than $500,000 from the sales of the Power of Pink jewelry and accessories to breast cancer charities in 2013.
Inspired by our top selling Meridian bracelet, this year’s Power of Pink bracelet is valued at $60! Brighton Collectibles at The Summit will donate $10 from the sale of each bracelet to two amazing charities here in Alabama, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama and Steele Magnolias! “Our goal this year is to sell 200 bracelets and raise $2000 for our charities!” Said Dee White, Summit Store Managing Partner, “We will be offering coordinating necklace and earrings with pave hearts and the new ‘antique rose’ color Swarovski crystals to coordinate with other Meridian pieces! This will be a must have for all Brightonistas! Help us continue to search for a cure to this disease that affects so many of us!”
Breast cancer strikes adults of all ages, including many in their 20s and 30s. Each year an estimated 250,000 women and men in the U.S. will be diagnosed. 40,000 American women die each year from breast cancer. With treatment breakthroughs from the charities’ continuing research, death rates have been decreasing each year.
As Brighton’s Owner and Founder, Jerry Kohl explains, “We hear many stories of survival, yet we don’t want people to suffer as they fight this disease. We are committed to seeing the day when breast cancer is a disease of the past – the sooner, the better. Together we can change the lives of many people, so let’s do it now.”
In addition to jewelry, Brighton offers a broad-ranging assortment of finely crafted handbags, belts, footwear, small leather essentials, eyewear, luggage, fragrances and gifts. To see their entire line, visit brighton.com.

Please visit Brighton Collectibles at The Summit, 220 Summit Blvd., to purchase the “Power of Pink” bracelet during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For more information, please contact Dee White at 205-972-4662.

ALABAMA STATE OPENS MEN’S BASKETBALL PRACTICE; ANNOUNCES 2013-14 SCHEDULE

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Birmingham Times

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October 3, 2013

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MONTGOMERY, Ala.—Alabama State University men’s basketball coach Lewis Jackson leads the Hornets on to the court today (Friday) to begin preparations for the 2013-14 season, his ninth as the Hornets head coach.

“To hear the ball bouncing and shoes squeaking and to have the guys making noise here in the gym is very exciting for us,” Head Coach Lewis Jackson said. “We are just so excited we have additional days to come in and work now. Normally we don’t start until Oct. 11, but with the relaxing of the rule we are able to get in here now and we are truly excited.”

ASU has four players returning from last season led by sophomore Jamel Waters who played in all 32 games last season and started 23 games at point guard. Junior Luther Page has started several games during his two years on campus, including 17 last season. Devonte’ Neal returns at the center position and the other returner is Bobby Brown who played in 30 games and started six last year.

ASU will work on blending in 12 newcomers with the returners this season as they begin working toward their season opener on Oct. 31 when they host Huntingdon College.

“When you have a lot of new guys like we do in the program you have to go back to the basics, teaching things you want the guys to do in the games and in practices,” Jackson said. “The teaching part is going to take some time but the good thing about that is we have additional days where we can get in, take our time and give the guys the information they need.”

This year’s schedule is made up of 31 games. 16 of the games will be played in Dunn-Oliver Acadome while 14 of the games are on the road and one opponent will be played at a neutral location.

After opening the season hosting Huntingdon and Fort Valley State (Nov. 5) in exhibitions, ASU will begin the pre-conference portion of their schedule with road games at Illinois (Nov. 8) and Bradley (Nov. 10) as part of the Global Sports Invitational. ASU will return home for their first regular season home game when they host Mobile (Nov. 13).

The Hornets will end their play in the Global Sports Invitational with a road game at Jacksonville State (Nov. 16) and a return engagement from Chicago State (Nov. 18), where the Hornets played a road game last season.

ASU will begin December action when they travel down the road to face Troy (Dec. 7). After nine days off the Hornets will come back home to host Western Illinois (Dec. 16).

For the third consecutive season ASU will participate in the Tulane Classic (Dec. 21-22) where they will face host Tulane on the first day and then play Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Sunday before taking a break for the Christmas Holidays.

After the Holidays, ASU will end the non-conference season when they host city rival Auburn Montgomery (Dec. 28) and host the final non-conference match up with Thomas (Dec. 30).

ASU opens 2014 in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) action when they hit the road to play at Grambling State (Jan. 4) and at Jackson State (Jan. 6).

The Hornets will return to Montgomery to host three consecutive conference games; Mississippi Valley State (Jan. 11), Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Jan. 13) and Alabama A&M (Jan. 18).

The final four games of the first round of conference games will be split. The first two will be on the road at Alcorn State (Jan. 25) and Southern (Jan. 27) before ending at home against Prairie View (Feb. 1) and Texas Southern (Feb. 3).

Mississippi Valley State (Feb. 8), Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Feb. 10) and Alabama A&M (Feb. 15) will start the second round of conference action, all on the road. That will leave for of the final six games coming at home beginning with Alcorn State (Feb. 22) and Southern (Feb. 24).

The final two road games of the regular season will be at Texas Southern (March 1) and Prairie View A&M (March 3). ASU ends the season hosting Grambling State (March 6) and Jackson State (March 8).

“Our schedule in the preseason has always been brutal,” Jackson said. “We try to go out and schedule some high major teams so our guys can see how the major teams play, but we tried to relax that a little bit this year and get some more home games so our fans can come out and see us play. It is kind of favorable to us, but we will go out and compete and get them one at a time.”

The SWAC Tournament has moved the Houston, Texas this year and will be played Tuesday-Saturday, March 11-15.

(BPRW) Perception of Black Males: Seeing Should Not Always Be Believing

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Birmingham Times

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October 3, 2013

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(BLACK PR WIRE) – As a pediatric occupational therapist one of my areas of expertise is visual perception. Many people confuse this with visual acuity or simply being able to see an object. This confusion causes many problems in our community. What someone may see is one thing, however, what someone may perceive is totally another. For example, when you see a letter “B” you understand that it is the second letter of the alphabet and that it makes the “B” sound. You come to know this through your observations and exposure to the letter “B.” The mediums of exposure could be educational television, teachers, books, and a number of other things.   Now, let us take a similar scenario. One comes to know “Black Males” through observation and exposure to “Black Males.” Here, the central exposure medium to “Black Males” is television and the media. This is where perception is built in the eyes of other cultures/races as well as African-American youth.   In media African American males are given a narrowed view they see of themselves. Whether it’s the African American character with his pants hanging off his waist and underwear showing, to the super beyond belief athlete, or seeing a highly disproportionate number of African American faces on the show “Cops,” they are bombarded with negative images.   To directly confront and combat this problem I have authored a book entitled “Just Not Me.” “Just Not Me” was written to highlight these untrue stereotypes and explain to young African American males that they are much more than the simplified images they encounter in the media. It is written in a simplified “Dr. Seuss-like” manner to be appropriate for young ages. It can also be used as a point of discussion for teenagers and young adults as well.  The key to thwarting negative perceptions is to intervene at a young age. We must show these young men positive images. If the media does not give us a “Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable” (The Cosby Show) and instead gives us “Love and Hip Hop” we have to guide our youth to that which is positive. No longer can the media’s negative stereotypical images give our youth definition. We all must stand as positive beacons in the media’s dark realms and empower our young men to say that those images on TV are “Just Not Me” (www.JustNotMeBook.com).

The Day the Financial Crisis Began

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Birmingham Times

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October 3, 2013

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From humble beginnings in 1844 as H. Lehman, a dry-goods store in Montgomery, it evolved into one of the nation’s largest investment banking firms. And its demise on September 15, 2008, triggered the near destruction of the financial system and the worst recession since the Great Depression.
During the 1850s, as the firm changed its name to Lehman Brothers, cotton became one of the most important crops grown in the country. Lehman began to accept cotton from customers as payment for merchandise. The business eventually migrated to cotton trading. When the cotton business shifted to New York City, Lehman opened its first branch office there in 1858.
Shortly after the turn of the 20th century, the firm changed its focus to investment banking. It began underwriting the issuance of various securities. And that is what it remained until it collapsed.
In the years preceding its demise, Lehman borrowed large amounts, primarily to invest in housing-related assets. This made it vulnerable to the downturn in the housing market. ‘
The final nail in Lehman’s coffin was the subprime mortgage crisis. Prodded by Congress, financial institutions embraced subprime lending. This type of lending consisted of loans to those who would not normally qualify because of poor credit or lack of financial resources.
Subprime loans were characterized by high interest rates, poor quality collateral, and less favorable terms in order to compensate for higher credit risk. Many subprime loans were packaged into mortgage-backed securities that ultimately defaulted.
Unfortunately, Lehman retained large positions in the subprime industry. Throughout the first two quarters of 2008, unprecedented losses occurred in these securities. Finally, unable to find a buyer or obtain a bailout from the federal government, the company filed for bankruptcy on September 15.
On the day of the bankruptcy filing, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell over 500 points, the largest single-day decline since September 11, 2001. This marked the beginning of a three-day financial panic tied to Lehman’s collapse, the darkest moments of the ensuing financial crisis.
The subsequent fallout was devastating. During 2008 and 2009, 190 banks failed, and millions of investors lost all or substantial portions of their savings.
And it began with the failure of the firm with roots in Montgomery.
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Wayne Curtis, Ph.D., a former superintendent of Alabama banks and Troy University business school dean, is retired from the board of directors of First United Security Bank. He may be contacted at wccurtis39@gmail.com.

Letter To The Editor

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Birmingham Times

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October 3, 2013

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To the Editor:

Most should know that enrollment for expanded healthcare coverage starts this week and the far right-wing Republican lawmakers and their pundits are disseminating innuendoes, lies and false data information about the Affordable Care Act (ACA). A recent field poll (not phone calls) reveals that one in four voters knows little or nothing about the new health care law with the information gap being largest for communities of color and immigrants(African-Americans, Latinos, Non-English speakers, uninsured voters).
Pastors and their churches, youth advocacy organizations, AARP members, Fraternities and sororities, feminist organizations, parenthood members, etc., must inform the communities and audiences mentioned above of the key and correct information/data. Encourage the use of social media for quick results when possible (this is one mean where our youth can be most effective). The Ted Cruz Tea party can currently be described as feckless, fiasco and fictitious individual/party who
lacks credibility on this and many other issues.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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Birmingham Times

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October 3, 2013

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Each year, nearly 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer; 1 in 8 women will get the disease, and more than 40,000 will die. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and it is the second-leading cause of cancer death among women, after lung cancer. There have been significant strides in the fight against breast cancer, and efforts to eliminate it as a public health problem continue.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama has raised nearly $4 million to support cancer research at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. The funds stay in Alabama and are instrumental to secure and sustain research grants, develop research facilities and recruit and retain world-class scientists.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the BCRFA and other organizations are hosting several local events:

All month: Alabama Fire Departments “Pink Ribbon” Project
Throughout October, participating fire departments will sell awareness T-shirts statewide. Visit bcrfa.org for information on where to purchase T-shirts.
Sept. 27-Oct. 31: Brighton at the Summit
$10 from every Brighton “Power of Pink” Bracelet purchase, and 10 percent from Power of Pink accessory purchases will benefit the BCRFA.
Sept. 28-Oct. 31: Tameron Honda Breast Cancer Awareness Event
$100 from every new car sold at Tameron Honda and Hyundai will be donated to the BCRFA.
Sunday, Sept. 29: Breast Cancer Awareness Month “Kick-Off” Event
Center Point Fire/Rescue and the City of Clay will have a kick-off event from 3-7 p.m. at Cosby Lake Park in Clay with a pink motorcade, special guest speakers, refreshments and entertainment by the Jeff Otwell Band. Bring lawn chairs.
Thursday, Oct. 10: 4th Annual Gus Mayer Goes Pink Presented by Regions
From 6-8:30 p.m., more than 50 items will be auctioned including fabulous fashions, furs, jewelry and shoes. This is a complimentary event with a ticket; call Gus Mayer at 205-870-3300 to reserve your ticket.
Saturday, Oct. 12: Uncorked! OnThe Green
The community of Ross Bridge in Hoover will host a free craft beer and wine tasting event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature more than 50 micro brews and dozens of wines, with samplings of featured menu items from local restaurants. There will be live music on two stages and kids activities. Donations will be accepted at the door for BCRFA. Visit www.uncorkedonthegreen.com for more information.
Saturday, Oct. 12: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is the largest series of 5k run/fitness walks in the world. The local race will begin at Linn Park in downtown Birmingham. Visit www.komenncalabama.org/komen-race-for-the-cure for detailed information.
Sunday, Oct. 13: 8th Annual Belk Private Shopping Event
Attend an evening of private, VIP shopping at Belk from 6:30-9 p.m. with live entertainment, catering by Kathy G. & Co., door prizes and more. Tickets are $25. The first 50 in line receive a $20 gift card/door prizes and special VIP discounts. To purchase tickets, visit www.pinkprivateshoppingnight.com or call 205-996-5463.
Friday, Oct. 18: Angel Squad at Jim ‘N Nicks
On National Mammography Day, members of the Angel Squad will be available at participating Jim ‘N Nicks restaurants to educate the public on the importance of early detection through mammograms. The volunteers will distribute informational brochures, pink ribbons and gifts throughout the day. The Angel Squad partners with groups and organizations throughout the community to promote breast cancer awareness and raise funds for patient services at UAB.
Friday, Oct. 18: New Light support group meeting
This support group, specifically geared for triple negative breast cancer patients and their families, will have a Sisterhood Quilts unveiling reception from 5-7:30 p.m. featuring guest speaker Shirley A. Richards, D. Min., LPC. The event will be held at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer in the Wallace Tumor Institute, 1824 6th Ave. S. in the first floor lobby. Refreshments will be provided. Free parking in the 4th Ave. parking deck. Please RSVP by Oct. 11 to Kimberly Robinson at 205-975-7912.
Sunday, Oct. 20: “Calera Goes Pink” Golf Tournament
With a tee time of 1 p.m., Timberline Golf Course in Calera will host a golf tournament to benefit breast cancer research. Call Kate Keifer to register your team at 205-585-6965.
Saturday, Nov. 2: Pink Boil and Brew
From 3-7 p.m., the Cahaba Brewing Company will host a low country boil featuring craft brew and live entertainment. Sponsorships are available; call BCRFA at 205-996-5463 before Oct. 7. For more information, visit bcrfa.org. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the day of event.

Alabama 32 – Ole Miss 0

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Birmingham Times

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October 2, 2013

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This is what the score should have been. I made a little wager that this would be the final score. Had it turned out as I predicted, I would have traded my S500 2000 for an S550 2014 model. The only thing Alabama had to do was score another touchdown, which would have been easy because they were in the red zone with less than a minute to play but they took a knee.
Desmond Howard, who is one of the regulars on The Game Day show, predicted that Ole Miss would beat Alabama. He knew that was not realistic; he said that in case a miracle happened then he would have been a hero.
Alabama is better than most people think and they are going to improve every week. They have some powerful freshmen and sophomores that most people have never heard of, but you will hear from on Saturday at Alabama’s Homecoming game.
They have two serious games left to play – LSU and the SEC playoffs – which in all probability, if they get past LSU, they will have to play Georgia or South Carolina. Then for the National Championship, there’s Oklahoma, Ohio State and Oregon. If I were Nick Saban, I’d rather play Ohio State, second choice Oklahoma, but Lord knows I would not like to play Oregon.
For the first time, Auburn has a window of opportunity. If by chance they can beat Ole Miss on Saturday, I do believe they will move up to No. 25 in the national polls. Their chances of going to a bowl game would be excellent. I still believe they will go to a minor bowl game regardless. They are definitely going to win at least six games, and have a chance to win eight.
Alabama beat Ole Miss badly. Old Miss is already playing a lot of freshmen and several of them will not be able to play Saturday. Auburn’s chances of winning this game is greater than 50 percent.

Washington Garners Defensive Player of the Week Honors

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Birmingham Times

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October 2, 2013

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama State University sophomore linebacker Daerius Washington, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has been named the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and College Sports Madness SWAC Defensive Player of the Week.
Washington had five total tackles (2 solo, 6 assists) in the win over Grambling State. His big play of the game was his interception and return of 19 yards for a score with two minutes remaining in the first half to send ASU into the locker room with a 28-7 lead. Washington also added a half tackle for a loss as the Hornets’ defense held Grambling State to only 12 yards rushing in the game.
WASHINGTON RECEIVES ANOTHER HONOR

Alabama State University sophomore linebacker Daerius Washington was the top vote getter in the Heritage Sports Radio Network’s (HSRN) Fan Poll in week four of the 2013 season.

With his vote total, Washington was named the Defensive Player of the Week. He had eight tackles in ASU’s 52-21 win over Grambling State last week. His standout play was his interception and 19 yard return for a score with two minutes left in the first half.

His score sent ASU into the locker room with a 28-7 lead. He also sparked a Hornet defense that held Grambling to only 12 yards rushing for the game.

ReEntry

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Birmingham Times

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October 1, 2013

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How do veterans shift from combat to civilian life? And what is the price paid by families back home when husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters go to war? These are just two of the questions at the heart of the innovative new play ReEntry that will kick off the 2013-14 theatrical season at Birmingham-Southern.

The performances will be held Oct. 3, 4, & 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 6 at 2:30 p.m. in the College Theatre/Underground.

Provocative is probably the best term for the play, which is based on extensive interviews with vets and their families as they recount the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Prepare for a memorable and intimate evening of honesty, humor, and thoughtful complexity as ex-soldiers reveal the personal truths of their sacrifices.

Seventeen student actors and technicians are involved in the BSC premiere of ReEntry, written by playwrights Emily Ackerman and K.J. Sanchez.

Ticket prices are $15 for the general public; $10 for students, regardless of school. Cash, checks, and major credit cards are accepted for payment. Go to: www.bsc.edu/academics/theatre/productions.cfm to make your reservations today or call the College Theatre Box Office at (205) 226-4780, Monday through Friday, from 1-4:45 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.

Please be advised that ReEntry contains strong adult language and is recommended for mature audiences only.

Want front-row seats to campus performances? Join the BSC Fine Arts Society today! Learn more at www.bsc.edu/academics/fas.