White supremacist seeks to create whites only town

September 26, 2013

photo:Paul Craig Cobb

By Michael Mullins
NewsMax.com and Wire Reports
A white supremacist is trying to make his small town in North Dakota a home for whites only.
Paul Craig Cobb, a white supremacist blogger, has purchased a dozen property plots in Leith, N.D., with the aim of attracting other like-minded bigots to form a small community where minorities aren’t welcome.
The 61-year-old, Missouri-born white supremacist sat down recently for an interview with CNN’s Gary Tuchman, in which he explained his desire to establish a whites only town in North Dakota with the goal of triggering a trend in other communities throughout the country and around the world.
“There are many organizations (in) which whites have to support other cultures. … Where is the organization of people from around the world that says let’s keep these white people?” Cobb said. “We’re being genocided in our own country.”
Cobb’s quest to make Leith whites only started two years ago when he purchased 12 plots of land for as little as $500 each, CNN reported.
Located 70 miles southwest of Bismarck, N.D., Leith has a population of just 24 residents, many of whom do not embrace Cobb’s beliefs.
“It saddens us, because of what they stand for,” Miller Ferrie, a Leith resident of seven years, told CNN. “If they were coming to hold a rally for Christ we would be thrilled, but what they stand for is the opposite of what we believe.”
“It is very shocking, because I didn’t even know these big groups existed,” added Leith’s Mayor Ryan Schock, who has lived in the small town his entire life.
The town is predominantly white already, however there is one Black resident, Bobby Harper, who told CNN that despite feeling threatened, he has no intention of leaving.
When asked if he would stay even if other white supremacists relocated to Leith, Harper said, “Yes. … Because it’s my home and I have a right to be here.”
Cobb, who lived in Canada for several years, is presently wanted north of the border for the willful promotion of hate speech through his writings on blogs.
Grant County Sheriff Steven Bay said Canada likely won’t extradite him for prosecution.
“It’s not a crime for which they will extradite someone from the U.S. back to Canada,” he said.
On Sunday, a white supremacist group called the National Socialist Movement staged a rally in Leith supporting Cobb’s attempt to make the community an all-white town.
They were met by Leith residents opposed to the racist takeover of their small town as well as others who voiced opposition to Cobb’s bigoted goals, the Indian Country Today Media Network reported.
A dozen or so state troopers were on hand at the rally, the Indian Country Today reported, however, there were no apparent incidents of violence.

Bravo Media Presents a November to Remember

Birmingham Times

September 26, 2013

Series Premiere of “Thicker Than Water” on Sunday, November 10;
Two New Glamorous Ladies Join “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”

NEW YORK – Bravo Media is packed with passion, pride and big personalities this November with premieres of returning favorites “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” “Fashion Queens,” “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” “Vanderpump Rules,” and “Shahs of Sunset.” Bravo’s newest family members hail from Nashville and follow Ben and Jewel Tankard along with their blended and extended family as they live, love and laugh through the perils and pleasures of life, proving that blood is “Thicker Than Water.”
“The Real Housewives of Atlanta” season six kicks off the network’s November premieres on Sunday, November 3 at 8p.m. ET/PT. For a sneak peek at the new season, visit: http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta/season-6/videos/a-birth-an-eviction-and-not-knowing-who-nene-is

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Birmingham Times

September 26, 2013

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**LEGALS

Jefferson County Center for Workforce Development

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Paid Internship Program

DEADLINE October 18, 2013; 4 p.m.

The Jefferson County Center for Workforce Development is seeking proposals from organizations to provide paid internships to eligible Workforce Investment Act participants. These internship opportunities should provide rewarding work experience in various high demand occupations. The internships will last 3 months and interns will be paid $12.00 per hour. Each intern will work a maximum of 40 hours per week. The program will end June 30, 2014 and is subject to renewal.

The RFP information packet will be available September 27, 2013 at the JCWIA office at 3420 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222 or it may be downloaded from our website at http://www.jeffconline.jccal.org/comdev/.

Proposals must be returned and logged in by 4PM, October 25, 2013. No proposals will be accepted after the time listed above.

A Bidder’s Conference will be held October 14, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Jefferson County Workforce Investment Area Office on the second floor at 3420 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222.

DOORS WILL BE CLOSED AT 2:00 p.m. AND NO OTHERS WILL BE ADMITTED***

For more information, please contact Pamela Mapp at (205)307-6701
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ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
AT BIRMINGHAM
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) requests bids for: New Floor Finishes, Floors 2-4, SHP. *UAB Project No. 128166AD.

UAB is a Signatory Sponsor to and affirms The Birmingham Plan – Construction Industry Program (see the requirements thereof as stated in Paragraph 12 of the Supplementary Instructions to Bidders, Specification Section 00120 and Standing Addendum No. 1 to the Supplementary Instructions to Bidders).

A Mandatory pre-bid Conference will be held Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 2 p.m. at the Facilities Administration Building Conference Room 205A, 801 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL.

Bids will be received until 2 p.m. CST on October 8, 2013 and will thereafter be publicly opened and read aloud in Room 205A of the Facilities Administration Building, 801 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-4554. Bids must be submitted on Proposal Forms furnished. Bids shall be clearly identified on the exterior of the package with the bidder’s name, address, State license number, the name of the project being bid, time and place of the bid opening. Sealed bids shall be properly identified.

On the date of the bid opening Bids may be hand delivered or received by Express Service mail at the Office of the Senior Facilities Officer, 801 6th Avenue South, Facilities Administration Building, Room 154, Birmingham, AL 35294, or received by US Postal Service mail at the Office of the Senior Facilities Officer, FAB 154 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-4554 respectfully until 9:00 a.m. After 9:00 a.m. of the date of the bid opening, bids must be hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. One original copy of the sealed bid shall be submitted and shall be properly identified. All bids received after
2 p.m. on October 8, 2013 will be returned unopened.

Construction Contracts shall be awarded only to qualified Contractors, licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors, as required by Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama. Construction Contracts in excess of $50,000 shall be awarded only to Contractors licensed as required by the 1978 Code of Alabama, Title 34, Chapter 8 as amended. Formal pre-qualification for bidders is not required, however, bidders must be “responsible” in accordance with criteria in the bid documents and as stipulated by Title 39-2-4-(e) of the Code of Alabama.

A Cashier’s Check drawn on an Alabama Bank or bid bond, executed by a Surety company duly authorized and qualified to make such bonds in Alabama, payable to The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama in the amount of 5% of the amount of bids, but in no event more than
$10,000.00, must accompany the bidder’s bids. Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in the amount of 100% of the contract price will be required when the Contract is presented by the Contractor to the Owner.

UAB has designated that bid documents will be available for examination at the Plan Room of McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge, 3000 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233; at AGC Internet Plan Room, 5000 Grantswood Road, Irondale, AL 35210; at The Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 3600 Fourth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222; and at the Reed Construction Data Office, 30 Technology Pkwy. South, Suite 500, Norcross, GA
30092-912.

Bid documents are available for purchase at Alabama Graphics, 2801 Fifth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233.

The scope of work for this project will be floor finish replacement in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor main corridors of the School of Health Professions. The new floor finish will be sheet vinyl flooring. All walls and door frames within these main corridors will be painted as a part of this project.

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

Pre-qualification submittals will be received by the Owner’s Representative/Project Manager, Stan Cordrey on behalf of Office of the Associate Vice President, Facilities & Capital Projects, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Alabama Board of Trustees at UAB Hospital Planning, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35294 until 4:00 PM Central Time, October 1, 2013. The original and two (2) duplicates of submittals are required for pre-qualification approval; however, facsimile transmission copies may be transmitted to the Project Manager at (205) 975-7000 to expedite the review process with hard-copies of the submittals to be delivered within 24 hours.

RENOVATIONS OF UAB HIGHLANDS
TRIAGE AND SECURITY CHECK POINT
For The
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
Project No.: UH130475

A. SCOPE OF WORK:

Work consists of renovating portions of the existing UAB Highlands Emergency Department Waiting Room for a triage room and security checkpoint including demolition, metal studs and drywall, doors, frames and hardware, architectural finishes, fire protection, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work. Work will be performed within the operating hospital facility using high levels of infection control measures and the contractor should have experience with the implementation and maintenance of infection control measures and interim life safety measures in a hospital environment as well as experience in performing construction in an operating hospital.

B. PRIME CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

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

Only prime contractor bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and that have been approved will be eligible to submit a bid for the Project. Prospective Bidder’s Pre-qualification Package must be received by the *Owner’s Project Manager no later than 4:00 PM Central Time, October 1, 2013 after which no further requests will be considered.

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

The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent prime contractor bidders relative to the requirements of the Project. Each prospective prime contractor bidder will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification, no later than October 4, 2013 by 5:00 PM Central Time.

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

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

Architect:
Birchfield Penuel & Associates
2805 Crescent Avenue, Suite 200
Birmingham, Alabama 35209
Mr. Jared Bussey
205-870-1876
205-870-3058
jaredb@bpa.net

C. BIDS BY PRE-QUALIFIED PRIME GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIDDERS

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

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

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

Bids:
Bids must be submitted on proposal forms or copies thereof furnished by the Architect. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject bids if such action is determined to be in the best interest of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to revoke pre-qualification of any bidder in accordance with Section 39-2-12, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended in 1997 (by Act 97-225). The Bid Date is October 29, 2013 at 2:00 PM Central Time at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Hospital Planning, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama 35294.

Proposals may be hand delivered or received by mail on the date of the bid opening at the Office of Juan DeOnis, Director of Program Planning Facilities and Capital Projects, 2020 Building, 2020 8th Avenue S
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outh, *Birmingham, Alabama 35233, until 12:00 noon. After 12:00 noon of the *date of the bid opening, proposals must be hand delivered and presented at *the bid opening. Sealed proposals shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be *properly identified. All proposals received after 2:00 p.m. on October 29, *2013 will be returned unopened.

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

D. PRE-BID CONFERENCE
A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on October 14, 2013 at 2:00 *p.m. at the site of the work. Meet at the UAB Highlands Hospital first floor *main lobby. It is mandatory that all pre-qualified prime contractor bidders attend the Pre-Bid Conference.
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____________________________________________________________________________________
*PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF *INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

Thursday September 26, 2013,
Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development
716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Room A-430
Birmingham, AL 35203
(205) 325-5761
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Jefferson County Office of Community& Economic Development.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about Friday, October 11, 2013, the Jefferson County Commission, acting as Community Development agent for Jefferson County and Consortium municipalities, will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development for the release of Federal Community Development Block Grant funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL93-383) to undertake the following projects:

Clay Senior Center Renovations Project (CDBG12-03A-M04-CSC)

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The Jefferson County Commission through its Office of Community & Economic Development has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North – Room A-430, Birmingham, AL 35203 where the record is available for review and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments to the Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development. All comments received by Friday, October 11, 2013, will be considered by the Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

RELEASE OF FUNDS
The Jefferson County Commission through its Office of Community & Economic Development certifies to HUD that the President of the Jefferson County Commission consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities, and allows the Jefferson County Commission to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the Jefferson County Commission’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (which ever is later) only if they are on one of the following basis: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the Jefferson County Commission; (b) the Jefferson County Commission has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to: Environmental Clearance, Mr. Charles Franklin, Director of CPD, U.S. Department of HUD, Birmingham Office, Region IV, Medical Forum Building, Suite 900, 950 22nd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last date of the objection period.

W. D. Carrington, President
Jefferson County Commission
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4 Reasons Why Human Trafficking  is on the Rise

Birmingham Times

September 26, 2013

Despite increasing awareness, victims’ numbers continue to increase, researcher says
Rather than diminishing, reports of children victimized by human traffickers are increasing. Worldwide, children comprised 20 percent of all victims from 2003 to 2006 – that rose to 27 percent over the next three years.
The report estimates 20.9 million adults and children are trafficked every year, and that 1.5 million of them are within the United States, says Sharon Buchbinder. They’re sold for forced labor, organs and sex.
“Prostitution, statutory rape and kidnapping are all illegal, so we must have quite a robust criminal underworld,” says Buchbinder, an award-winning, multi-published novelist who recently published “Obsession,” (www.sharonbuchbinder.com), which deals with international kidnapping.
The FBI recently announced the biggest sex-trafficking bust in U.S. history, featuring the arrests of 150 alleged pimps and the rescues of 105 children. However, this is by no means a rare occurrence in our country, Buchbinder says.
“If you’re not familiar with these cases, you may ask yourself, ‘How is this possible?’ ” says Buchbinder, who reviews some of the major, enabling factors.
• Sexually exploiting women and girls is big business. A human trafficker can potentially earn 20 times the amount paid for a girl. Unlike drugs and guns, the same girl can be sold over and over again. Poor girls can be found in all corners of the world, and a wealthy country like the U.S. is a prime market. Once a girl has been sufficiently frightened by her victimizer – told that she’ll be found and punished if she flees, or that the lives of her family in another country may be at stake – she will follow a pimp’s demands.
• The internet is a free channel for the criminal underworld. According to one estimate, 76 percent of transactions for sex with underage girls start on the internet. A website called Backpage.com is thought to be the largest U.S. forum for sex trafficking of these girls. While the site connects many consenting adults, it’s also rife with girls and women forced into prostitution. A New York Times expose revealed the site is owned by private equity financiers, with a 16 percent stake formerly owned by Goldman Sachs. It sold its shares after the newspaper’s inquiry. The internet also allows traffickers to find and “befriend” girls who reveal through their postings the characteristics traffickers are looking for.
• Diplomats can take advantage of immunity. Diplomats to this country are allowed to obtain special visas to bring workers from their home country. Some of these officials take advantage of this and exploit workers. After confiscating passports, an abusive diplomat may force workers to toil for long hours with little or no pay. Several women have been sexually abused under these conditions. And, because of diplomatic immunity, these officials are not prosecuted.
• Major events provide opportunity for traffickers. As reported by Forbes, the 2011 Super Bowl in Dallas included 133 underage arrests for prostitution; more than 10,000 prostitutes were packed into Miami for the Super Bowl in 2010. These are facts that officials know about; however, former victims say they were trafficked to various major events throughout the United States decades ago.
“Human trafficking is not a foreign problem; it’s a sad fact throughout the world and in our own backyards,” Buchbinder says.

Willie Gary and team file multi-million dollar discrimination lawsuit against Sheridan Healthcorp, Inc.

Birmingham Times

September 26, 2013

Sheridan Healthcorp, Inc. comes under fire after an African American Anesthesiologist is subject to unfair treatment, wrongful termination and retaliation based on race

Trial attorney Willie Gary and team of the Stuart, Florida-based law firm of Gary, Williams, Parenti, Watson & Gary, P.L., have filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit on behalf of their client, Dr. Dwain Hamilton, an anesthesiologist hired by Sheridan Healthcorp, Inc. The suit was filed in an effort to expose the discriminatory actions that were taken by Sheridan Healthcorp, Inc.
The lawsuit contends that Dr. Hamilton, an African American anesthesiologist, was wrongfully terminated and discriminated against because of his race and was subjected to harassment, intimidation and an offensive hostile working environment.
Dr. Hamilton was the only Black male anesthesiologist in the department and was in charge of overseeing and running the night department at Memorial Regional Hospital, one of the largest and most well-known medical facilities in south Florida. The lawsuit details that Dr. Hamilton’s performance in his position as night director was impeccable. He received glowing reviews from colleagues and awards for his outstanding professional performance. Despite his knowledge, skill, expertise and results, Dr. Hamilton was demoted and endured a significant pay reduction, allegedly for poor performance.
Furthermore, the lawsuit states that Dr. Hamilton inquired about the reason for his demotion and pay cut and asked why he was being treated differently than his similarly situated, mostly Jewish colleagues. He was told by his superior, Dr. Joseph Loskove: “I don’t have confidence that you could be the ‘face’ of the Department at night.” Shortly thereafter, Dr. Hamilton was relieved of his duties without provocation or proper notice.
“Our law firm takes these allegations very seriously,” commented Gary. “This is a prime example of injustice and we have filed suit to prove that our client, Dr. Dwain Hamilton, was illegally targeted. Blatant discrimination and retaliation because Dr. Hamilton is African American will not be tolerated. This lawsuit is about treating one another fairly and doing what is right. Dr. Hamilton’s performance was top-notch and he exceeded the expectations that were set forth when he assumed his position as night director. It is unfathomable that something like this could happen in today’s society, continued Gary.

House votes to cut food stamps 5%

Birmingham Times

September 26, 2013

By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The House has voted to cut nearly $4 billion a year from food stamps, a 5 percent reduction to the nation’s main feeding program used by more than 1 in 7 Americans.
The 217-210 vote was a win for conservatives after Democrats united in opposition and some GOP moderates said the cut was too high. Fifteen Republicans voted against the measure.
The bill’s savings would be achieved by allowing states to put broad new work requirements in place for many food stamp recipients and to test applicants for drugs. The bill also would end government waivers that have allowed able-bodied adults without dependents to receive food stamps indefinitely.
House conservatives, led by Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., have said the almost $80 billion-a-year program has become bloated. More than 47 million Americans are now on food stamps, and the program’s cost more than doubled in the last five years as the economy struggled through the Great Recession. Democrats said the rise in the rolls during tough economic times showed the program was doing its job.
Finding a compromise — and the votes — to scale back the feeding program has been difficult. The conservatives have insisted on larger cuts, Democrats opposed any cuts and some moderate Republicans from areas with high food stamp usage have been wary of efforts to slim the program. The White House has threatened to veto the bill.
House leaders were still shoring up votes on the bill just hours before the vote. To make their case, the Republican leaders emphasized that the bill targets able-bodied adults who don’t have dependents. And they say the broader work requirements in the bill are similar to the 1996 welfare law that led to a decline in people receiving that government assistance.
“This bill is designed to give people a hand when they need it most,” Cantor said on the floor just before the bill passed. “And most people don’t choose to be on food stamps. Most people want a job . . . They want what we want.”
The new work requirements proposed in the bill would allow states to require 20 hours of work activities per week from any able-bodied adult with a child over age 1 if that person has child care available. The requirements would be applicable to all parents whose children are over age 6 and attending school.
The legislation is the House’s effort to finish work on a wide-ranging farm bill, which has historically included both farm programs and food stamps. The House Agriculture Committee approved a combined bill earlier this year, but it was defeated on the floor in June after conservatives revolted, saying the cuts to food stamps weren’t high enough. That bill included around $2 billion in cuts annually.
After the farm bill defeat, Republican leaders split the legislation in two and passed a bill in July that included only farm programs. They promised the food stamp bill would come later, with deeper cuts.
In order to negotiate the bill with the Senate, Republicans said Thursday that one more step is needed — the House will have to hold a procedural vote to allow both the farm and food stamp bills to go to a House-Senate conference together. It is unclear whether Republicans who pushed to split the two bills will oppose that effort.
Once the bills get to that conference, negotiations with the Senate will not be an easy task. A Senate farm bill passed in June would only make a tenth of the cuts to food stamps, or $400 million, and the White House has issued a veto threat against the House bill. The two chambers will also have to agree on policy for farm subsidies amid disputes between different crops.
Every Democrat voting on Thursday opposed the bill. Many took to the floor with emotional appeals.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the bill is a “full assault on the health and economic security of millions of families.” Texas Rep. Lloyd Doggett called it the “let them starve” bill.
White House spokesman Jay Carney said Thursday that House Republicans are attempting to “literally take food out of the mouths of hungry Americans in order to, again, achieve some ideological goal.”
The Congressional Budget Office says that if the bill were enacted, as many as 3.8 million people could lose their benefits in 2014.
Around 1.7 million of those would be the able-bodied adults who would be subject to work requirements after three months of receiving food stamps. The 1996 welfare law put that limit into law, but most every state has been allowed to waive that requirement since the Great Recession began in 2008.
The other 2.1 million would lose benefits because the bill would largely eliminate so-called categorical eligibility, a method used by many states that allows people to automatically qualify for food stamps if they already receive other benefits. Some of those people who qualify that way do not meet current SNAP income and asset tests.
The Census Bureau reported this week that just over half of those who received food stamps were below poverty and 44 percent had one or more people with a disability.
By state, Oregon led the nation in food stamp use at 20.1 percent, or 1 in 5, due in part to generous state provisions that expand food stamp eligibility to families. Oregon was followed by more rural or more economically hard-hit states, including Mississippi, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan and Tennessee. Wyoming had the fewest households on food stamps, at 7 percent.
Associated Press writers Darlene Superville and Hope Yen contributed to this report.

Tamar Braxton, Kendrick Lamar, Miguel Lead Soul Train Nominee List

Birmingham Times

September 26, 2013

NEW YORK — Kendrick Lamar is the top nominee for the Soul Train Awards. The rapper is up for six awards, including album of the year for “good kid, m.A.A.d city” and song and video of the year for “Poetic Justice.” R&B singers Justin Timberlake, Miguel, Robin Thicke, Chris Brown and Tamar Braxton follow with five nominations each. The latest albums from Lamar, Timberlake and Miguel will battle efforts from Jay-Z, Rihanna and Fantasia for album of the year. Lamar’s other nominations include best new artist, hip-hop song of the year and collaboration. The Soul Train Awards will be presented Nov. 8 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. The awards will air Dec. 1 on BET and Centric. Actor-comedian Anthony Anderson will host the show

Thirteen hurt, including three-year-old, in Chicago shooting

Birmingham Times

September 26, 2013

(REUTERS) – An overnight shooting that wounded 13 people, including a 3-year-old child, on Chicago’s South Side was believed to be gang-related, police said on Friday.
The Thursday night shooting came in the same week that a contract worker opened fire at the Washington Navy Yard and killed 12 people in the nation’s capital.
“I can tell you that it’s an ongoing investigation and that 13 people were shot,” Chicago Police Department spokeswoman Amina Greer said on Friday.
No arrests have been made so far, Greer said.
“At this time, we believe the motive for the shooting to be gang-related,” she said.
Gunfire rang out at about 10:15 p.m. Thursday, Greer said.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel canceled two cabinet meetings in Washington on opportunities for Chicago and was headed back to his city after being notified about the shooting, his press office said.
“Senseless and brazen acts of violence have no place in Chicago and betray all that we stand for,” Emanuel said in a statement. “The perpetrators of this crime will be brought to justice and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
Police said that besides the 3-year-old, the injured ranged in age from 15 to 41.
Greer was unable to confirm local media reports that said four of the gunshot victims injured in the shooting on a basketball court, including the 3-year-old, were listed in critical condition in area hospitals early Friday.
Chicago has been plagued by gun violence in recent years, with more than 500 murders in 2012, according to a report this week by the FBI.
By comparison, New York City, which has a population three times the size of Chicago, had 419 murders in 2012, the FBI said.
One Chicago murder this year that caught national attention was of Hadiya Pendleton, 15, an honor student killed at a park just days after she performed at a January presidential inauguration event in Washington.
Other notorious Chicago killings include the death of a 7-year-old girl last summer at her mother’s candy stand and the shooting of a 6-month-old baby last March by a gang member who was aiming at her father.
(Reporting by Tom Brown; Additional reporting by Sharon Bernstein and Edith Honan; Editing by David Bailey, Barbara Goldberg and Lisa Von Ahn)

People, Places and Things

Birmingham Times

September 26, 2013

Erik Johnson Photo Credit: Karim Shamsi-Basha

By:Gwen DeRu

FALL! FOOTBALL!! FUN AT TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY!! ….WITH MORE TO SEE AND DO….ALL AROUND THE STATE!!

ENJOY THE COOL DAYS AND TAILGATING FUN!!

Birmingham is still commemorating the 50th Anniversary of 1963 – a pivotal year in the City’s history and the civil rights movement. The eyes of the world are on the City.

Visitors are here taking in the old, but more the new. And, people are still exploring the history of the City, the state and the world.

Here are a few more things going on…….

**MUSEUM OF URBAN ART ANNUAL ART SHOW AND AWARDS GALA –
The Museum of Urban Art hosts the 7th Annual “Rhapsody in Red” Art Show and Awards Gala during the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham. Rhapsody in RED is today 6 p.m. reception and 6:30 p.m. Awards Gala at the Vulcan Park and Museum. Honorees are Lifetime Achievement Award – Dr. George R. French, Urban Legend Award – Leola Early, Run-D.M.C. Award – Robert “Coach Dick’ Dickerson, Run-D.M. C. Award – Alicia Johnson-Williams, Idol Award – Sebastian Cole, Urban Entertainer Award – Michael Ham, Theatrical Award – Caprenia Anthony, Youth Entertainer Award – Master Malik Kofi and Posthumous Award – James E. Lewis, Sr. Other awards will go to individuals and companies that have made significant contributions to their communities: Jarvis Escott – First Impressions Marketing, Gina Hurry – Artist/Visionary Inspero, Gloria Washington Lewis Randall – Birmingham Foot Soldier, Civil Rights Activists Committee and Leah Tucker – Executive Director, Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. As an annual treat, Dr. McDowell displays his artistic talents by developing, as we watch, an original masterpiece. That drawing is then auctioned and the proceeds benefit the Museum of Urban Art. There will be a musical tribute to the Four Little Girls. Call (205) 821-8119 for more.

**BARONS PLAYER OF THE YEAR MARCUS SEMIEN and BARONS PITCHER OF THE YEAR ERIK JOHNSON – Following their 2013 Southern League Championship, the Birmingham Barons have announced that INF Marcus Semien has been named Barons Player of the Year while RHP Erik Johnson has been named the team’s Pitcher of the Year.

SEMIEN put on a virtuoso performance in his first season at the Double-A level hitting .290 (114-for-393) with 15 home runs, 16 doubles, two triples, 90 runs scored and 49 RBI in 105 games. At the time of his promotion to Triple-A Charlotte, he ranked among the league-leaders in multiple categories including ranking first in runs, walks (84), on-base percentage (.420), total bases (190), tied for first in hits (114), tied for fifth in home runs and sixth in batting average while helping to lead the Barons to the First Half North Division Championship and the team’s 10th playoff appearance in the last 15 seasons. He was particularly dominant during the month of July. He was named Southern League Player of the Week for the period from July 22nd-28th, hitting .583 (14-for-24) with four home runs, a triple, three doubles, 10 runs scored, 11 RBI and 12 walks. After being voted as the Utility Infielder on the Southern League North Division All-Star Team, Semien received the same honors again on the Southern League Postseason All-Star team. Semien demonstrated a diverse skill set by splitting time between second base, shortstop and third base with the Barons before his promotion to Charlotte on August 1. He collected his first Major League hit in his very first big league at-bat against former Cy Young Award winner CC Sabathia in Yankee Stadium. Prior to the start of the postseason, Semien was named the 2013 Southern League Most Valuable Player, joining Aaron Miles (2002) and Joe Crede (2000) as former Barons to take home the league’s top individual honor.

JOHNSON helped lead the Barons to the Southern League’s best record and a first half North Division Championship going 8-2 with an ERA of 2.23 (21 ER/ 84.2 IP) over 14 starts in his first season at the Double-A level. At the time of his promotion he led the Southern League with eight wins and ranks among the league leaders in numerous categories including WHIP (1st, 0.92),complete games (1st, 3) innings pitched (2nd), opponents average (2nd, .189), ERA (2nd) and strikeouts (3rd, 74).
Johnson was especially dominant at home going 5-1 with a 1.06 ERA in seven starts at Regions Field. He had scoreless outings in six of his 14 starts and won each of his last six starts while posting an ERA of 1.83 (8 ER/39.1 IP). Johnson was promoted to Charlotte on June 23rd where he continued to dominate going 4-1 with a 1.57 ERA (10 ER/57.1 IP) with 57 strikeouts in 10 starts. He joined Semien with the White Sox after September call-ups and recorded his first Major League win on September 17th against the Minnesota Twins. GO BARONS!!!!

**SOMMORE AT THE STARDOME COMEDY CLUB – MY FAVORITE COMEDIENNE….Known as The Diva of Contemporary Comedy, Sommore tells her message the only way she knows how…straight up! With a sharp wit and cutting sarcasm, Sommore speaks about the things that most women only think about, but never say. You’ve seen her tear it up on BET, Showtime and HBO – She has been in several movies and all over the place. And, we look forward to her… here in Birmingham, this weekend. (I tried to get the opportunity to ask a few questions but I was unable to do so.) Call (205) 444-0008 for more. Tell them Gwen sent you.

THIS WEEKEND…..
**LAUGHTER AT THE STARDOME with SOMMORE. Call (205) 444-0008 for more.

THURSDAY…

**MAGIC CITY LIVE AFTER 5, 5- 9 p.m. with THE URI BAND at the Outdoors at the BJCC Entertainment District on 22nd and Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. URI Band is an Alabama-based group that mixes Reggae, Blues, Jazz AND Funk! Magic City Live offers Birmingham city-dwellers a unique experience that features exclusive giveaways, trendy drink and food specials, and live music from Birmingham’s hottest bands including The Negotiators, URI Band, Just a Few Cats, Gabriel Tajeu, Gentleman Zero, Yung Vokalz and Downright. MCLAS is every Thursday until October 31st outdoors at the green space across from the new BJCC Uptown Entertainment District.

FRIDAY…
**ON PURPOSE w/DWIGHT HOUSTON, 10 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.

SATURDAY…..
**MAKE IT HAPPEN AUDITIONS, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at ArtPlay on 19th Street South. Make It Happen Performing Ensemble is under the direction of Alicia Johnson-Williams and is comprised of local youth who engage in research, acting classes and voice and dance lessons. Preparing for Black History Month the students also perform at special events and are members of the Martin Hames Mentoring Program. Call (205) 975-4769 for more.

**ONA WATSON with CHAMPAGNE, 10 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.

SUNDAY….
**JONATHAN NELSON COMES TO CBF MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL, 10 a.m. – Noon at the Parkway East office. Dr. Jhun Cook, Pastor of CBF Ministries International cordially invites you to worship with us as we welcome Multiple Stellar Award Winner Jonathan Nelson. This event will take place Sunday, September 29, at 10:15 am. September has been declared as “Supernatural September” and they want you to come and experience the abundance, the overflow and the worship experience. Curtiss Glenn & Free 2 Worship will also be ministering in the morning. This event is FREE and open to the public. No need to register, no tickets needed…, just join us!

COMING SOON…….
**NEXT SATURDAY…..PARTY WITH A PURPOSE – The national award winning Party with a Purpose returns to Ensley Park on Saturday, October 5, 2013, 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Presented by Birmingham City Councilor Steven Hoyt, the 7th Annual Party with a Purpose is a family festival that features a job fair and health fair. “I am proud of this collaborative effort with the city, law enforcement, community and business leaders who have all come together in an attempt to combat crime, poverty and health issues that affect our community. This is another opportunity to reach out and serve,” said Councilor Steven Hoyt. For more information, call 254.2363.  For more information, log onto http://www.birminghamalcitycouncil.org/

**FIGHT FOR THE CURE by Jyll’s Sweet Treats, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 600 Center Street North. There will be vendors, food, panel discussion and more.

**OCTOBER 10 – THE REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND ROAR –
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band will embark on a fall tour that will see them tear up the stage alongside Shooter Jennings, Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants, Don Flemons of The Carolina Chocolate Drops and the Dex Romweber Duo. They perform at WorkPlay Theatre on October 10.
Special guests include SHOOTER JENNINGS, CHRIS SHIFLETT & THE DEAD PEASANTS, DON FLEMONS OF THE CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS AND THE DEX ROMWEBER DUO. Bursting out of the southern Indiana foothills, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band is truly a force to be
reckoned with. The trio plays a brand of Americana and Blues that stands alone, breathing new life into old forms of music unlike any other band today. Their ironclad work ethic keeps them on the road 250 dates a year, playing for their fans with hurricane-like force. Their latest album,
Between The Ditches , reached #1 on the iTunes blues chart upon release and has since been praised by the likes of Vintage Guitar, Living Blues, Alternative Press, Classic Rock Magazine and more. Joining The Rev, Breezy and Ben are some of today’s hottest names in country, blues and Americana. The Big Damn Band will meet up with SideOneDummy label-mates and Foo Fighter Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants for a run along the west coast. They have a one off in hot ‘Lanta with the Dex Romweber Duo and finally, the relentless touring schedule concludes back in Indiana for the band’s annual Thanksgiving weekend shows, this time joined by Don Flemons
of The Carolina Chocolate Drops .

**OCTOBER 10 – AMERICA’S GOT TALENT LIVE! Coming… October 10, 7 p.m. at the BJCC Concert Hall. Call (205) 458-8400 for more.

**CRESCENDO’S OCTOBER EVENTS –
Soulful Fridays Concert Series – October 4 – LIVE IN CONCERT BERNARD BUGGS, JR., 9 p.m.
THE CLASSIC ANNUAL LUNCHEON, Wednesday October 13, 11 a.m. with food, drinks and entertainment.
KICK OFF CLASSIC CONCERT, Thursday, October 24 – LIVE IN CONCERT MBM – THE THREEE KINGS, 9 p.m.
CRESCENDO CLASSIC JAM, Friday October 25, LIVE IN CONCERT CALVIN RICHARDSON, 9 p.m. Call (205) 862-4723 or 337-6999 for more.

DON’ T MISS…
**FOOTBALL GAMES all over the place.

**AND….. TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY RACES OCTOBER 18 – 20!! SEE YOU THERE!! Tell you more next time!!

NOW….a BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT….
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL CELEBRATING!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU…MANY, MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!! ENJOY!!

Well, that’s it. Tell you more ‘next’ time.

(People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send comments to my emails: thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com or gwenderu@yahoo.com)

Seniors Should Beware of Scams

Birmingham Times

September 26, 2013

Older adults should be on the alert for scams that are increasingly occurring throughout the nation. They are particularly at risk for financial fraud.
This type of fraud is rampant because scam artists know that some seniors have accumulated substantial assets through the years. Perpetrators range from those who are relatives of the victim(s) to total strangers.
To help combat the scams, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has compiled tips on how to reduce the probability of financial fraud. Below are some of the FDIC’s common-sense suggestions.
If you – like this writer – are a senior citizen, the first order of business is to protect your personal information. Never provide Social Security numbers, bank account information, personal identification numbers (PINS), and other sensitive information to unsolicited contacts – telephone calls, letters, email, fax, or text messages.
Another means of preventing financial scams is to sign up for direct deposit, now required for most government payments. This is the fastest and simplest way to receive payments. And it eliminates the possibility of their being stolen or lost in the mail.
You should actively monitor your credit card bills and bank statements. Review statements and bills as soon as they are delivered. Check for unauthorized purchases, withdrawals, or any suspicious activity.
If fraud is suspected, report it to the proper authorities as soon as it is discovered. Many older people make the mistake of not contacting law enforcement agencies when they have been victimized. Often, they are embarrassed that someone has taken advantage of them.
Many seniors prepare for future contingencies by appointing someone to make financial decisions and transact business for them. They do this by providing power of attorney. You should be careful about whom you choose for this purpose.
If you rely on a financial advisor to assist you in making investment decisions, be diligent. While the great majority of planners, brokers, and other professionals are honest and reputable, some are not. Before committing to work with a financial advisor, you should confirm that he or she has the proper credentials and has a clean record.
All people should seek to learn more about common scams and frauds and how to respond to them.

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.

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