One Man’s Opinion

September 5, 2013

Can Alabama three-peat?
by Jesse J. Lewis, Sr.

The answer to this question is yes. They can. The broader question should be, will they? The answer to this question is no. Playing football is the same as playing golf… in order to win, two things have to happen: you must play well and the ball must bounce your way frequently. In other words, you must play good and have some luck.
It just so happens that Alabama had all their luck last year. They should have lost two more games than they did. They should have lost to Georgia and LSU. I have seen the Alabama /LSU replay at least three times. Every time, I think LSU is going to win the game and I know they didn’t because I was at the game.
Do I think Alabama will improve? Yes, they will. What has happened is Alabama approached the game with Virginia Tech believing their own hype from the press that they are too good to fail. The teams that look as though they will win a National Championship are Oregon, Clemson, Louisville, and LSU, and most impressive is, Florida State.
When I make my final statement regarding Alabama, Mrs. Jackie Washington, the wife of George Washington, retired from Alabama Power Co., will go to the emergency room at Princeton with an anxiety attack. THANK GOD ALABAMA DID NOT PLAY TEXAS A&M FIRST. FOR IF THEY PLAYED THEM LIKE THEY PLAYED VIRGINIA TECH, THEY WOULD HAVE LOST.
There is no way you can write an article about football unless you mention Johnny Manziel, the insane, spoiled quarterback of Texas A&M. Not only is he spoiled, his support personnel are the ones who spoiled him. His father bought him a Mercedes S500 at 19 years old, he got four speeding tickets. Once these were settled, he got in his Mercedes and drove away at 115 MPH. He should not be disciplined by the police, but his parents. His parents also bought a house right outside the campus , so they could be near Johnny while he practiced football.
Last week, the most pitiful and gutless organization in the world, the NCAA Rules Committee, gave Manziel the punishment for receiving money for signing autographs, suspended him for 1/2 game. This decision is mind boggling; beyond comprehension. It would have been better for them to say we could not find any evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that Manziel profited from signing autographs, therefore he received no punishment. Last week he was benched because of an altercation with a player, referee and coach. This young man is totally disrespectful to the game of football. He is under the impression that nobody should tackle him or rush him, and he should be allowed to run for touchdown after touchdown and the front line of the defensive backs should just move out of his way. If Alabama kicks off to Texas A&M and the defensive players hit him real hard three straight times, I do believe that he will walk off the field and accuse the Alabama players of targeting him and roughing him up. In the event that Alabama roughs him up a little bit, he’ll quit.
Last week was filled with impressive performances by Hiesman Trophy favorites and National Title contenders:

C.J. Brown (98.1 QBR – quarterback rating), the Maryland quarterback, posted the highest QBR of Week 1 for Maryland in the past 10 years.

Marcus Mariota (97.7 QBR) averaged more than 23 yards per play in the first half of Oregon’s 66-3 victory over Nicholls State.

Teddy Bridgewater (97.2 QBR) tied a career high with five touchdown passes against Ohio.

Brett Hundley (96.9 QBR), the nation’s leader in sacks taken last season, did not take a sack or turn the ball over in UCLA’s 58-20 win over Nevada.

Derek Thompson (96.6 QBR) surpassed a career-best performance against Indiana in 2001.

Had it not been for Jones, Alabama wouldn’t have been mentioned.

e-mail: jjlewis@birminghamtimes.com

MUSICAL NOTES

Birmingham Times

September 5, 2013

By Esther Callens

Set with a release date of September 24th is At The End Of The Day, the awesome new recording by soprano saxophonist Tsuyoshi Niwa. Presenting a wonderful collection of compositions, At The End Of The Day offers an excellent musical experience.
Randy Brecker (trumpet/flugelhorn), Yuichi Inque (piano), Phil Palombi (acoustic/electric bass) and Billy Kilson (drums) joined Tsuyoshi Niwa on this amazing project that was recording in a mere 24 hours. Tsuyoshi Niwa states, “We had one day to record all six tunes. One day sounds long enough in terms of time. The question was the quality of the first takes. I strongly believe that they are the only ones that would make sense musically. Doing take-twos could make the performances more accurate, but less inspiring. How do I produce the best results without breaking the natural flow? Fortunately, we’re the best five musicians to tackle the challenge. Not only did we record just one take for each tune, we did it in the same order as the album. It means that you’re virtually attending our recording session.” I am certain that fans will surely agree that this is one recording session not to be missed.
The tracks on At The End Of The Day were all composed by Tsuyoshi Niwa with the exception of “My Favorite Things” which Tsuyoshi Niwa arranged. In addition to the above, the listing includes “I Miss The Idea Of Her”, “Away And Home”, “Memories In Water”, “I Came Back For You” and the title track. The End Of The Day features a few musicians having a good time that resulted in some beautiful tunes.
Tsuyoshi Niwa is a genius in more ways than one. He is a native of Tokyo where at the young age of 10 he became a computer programmer and began playing the trumpet. Although he graduated with a degree in Chemistry, his love of jazz took precedence. He eventually moved to New York where he studied with George Garzone and Phil Markowitz. During his career he has had the pleasure of working with Robert Glasper, Otis Brown III, Amalia Gre and numerous others.

Merck and The American College of Endocrinology Offer a “Game Plan” to Help Patients “Tackle” Type 2 Diabetes

Birmingham Times

September 5, 2013

(NAPSI)—Nearly 26 million Americans live with diabetes, and 90−95 percent of them have type 2 diabetes. For many of these people, managing blood sugar can feel overwhelming. Not only do they need to manage high blood sugar, but they should also be aware of ways to manage low blood sugar, which can make a person feel dizzy, shaky and sweaty.
Certain diabetes medications, skipping meals, irregular mealtimes or excessive exercise may cause low blood sugar, and if it’s not treated quickly it can have serious consequences such as fainting and could require emergency medical care. Since a low blood sugar episode can happen at any time, including while driving, exercising or while at work, it’s important to know the causes and symptoms, and have a diabetes management plan in place.
With that in mind, the American College of Endocrinology and Merck teamed up to create The Blood Sugar Basics Game Plan, a step-by-step educational program designed to help educate people with diabetes, their families and their loved ones about the importance of controlling high and low blood sugar as part of a successful diabetes management plan.
“One of the toughest things about managing type 2 diabetes can be the feeling that you have to change everything about your lifestyle all at once,” says Dr. Etie Moghissi, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. “That’s why we’ve developed The Game Plan, available on BloodSugarBasics.com to offer easy-to-understand goals to help people with type 2 diabetes make important lifestyle changes and help manage both high and low blood sugar.”
The Game Plan offers the following tips as part of a successful diabetes treatment plan:
• Goal #1: Huddle—Get Organized and Set Goals: Meet with a diabetes healthcare team member (primary care provider, endocrinologist and/or diabetes educator) to set personalized goals with The Playbook, and learn about the causes and symptoms of high and low blood sugar.
• Goal #2: Enter The Nutrition Zone—Develop Meal Plans: Take small steps toward meal planning with the Healthy Meals and Snacks Planner, a tracker for patients to help make sure they are eating healthy meals and diabetes-friendly snacks at the right times.
• Goal #3: Get In The Game—Get Active: Find easy ways to get active using the Weekly Activity Tracker, a resource designed to help patients work with their healthcare provider to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine and record progress.
• Goal #4: Check The Scoreboard—Review Your Progress: Schedule follow-up appointments with a healthcare team member to assess what worked and what didn’t, and continue to work toward and/or maintain goals by managing the ABC’s of diabetes-A1C (also known as blood sugar), blood pressure and cholesterol.
More information can be found at www.BloodSugarBasics.com, which offers resources to help work with a healthcare provider to develop a “game plan,” including diet, exercise and, if appropriate, medication.

Why Expanding Medicaid can be good for States

Birmingham Times

September 5, 2013

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion can mean the difference between a colonoscopy now and undergoing rounds of chemotherapy in the future. Access to primary care can help identify diseases early, preventing the pain and costs associated with treating a progressed problem.
In a few short months, Medicaid will be expanded to previously excluded individuals and families. If you made $15,282 in 2012 as a single person or $25,975 as a family of three, you may qualify for Medicaid coverage, depending on where you live. Under the ACA, Medicaid eligibility will be extended to all groups of people under the age of 65 with an income below 133 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) who were not previously eligible for Medicaid. This includes childless adults, parents and children.
Men’s Health Network is promoting a “Welcome to Medicaid” first visit for the new enrollees (http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/library/Medicaidwelcomephysical.pdf). For the substantial population off new enrollees who have undiagnosed or neglected health issues due to their previous lack of coverage, this visit could empower and provide them with peace of mind by integrating them into the healthcare system. It would help them understand how their Medicaid benefits work, it would allow them to establish a relationship with their healthcare provider, and will assess their health risks based on family history and other factors. Moreover, the savings or identifying and treating these issues before they would progress could be particularly large. Detecting chronic or pre-chronic conditions will significantly reduce costs in the long-term, as more expensive procedures and emergencies can be avoided with appropriate primary care.
It is advantageous for states to choose expansion sooner rather than later, as the federal matching rate will decrease incrementally. Initially, the federal government will cover the expenses of most newly eligible Medicaid beneficiaries at 100 percent for calendar years 2014 through 2016. This, however, will decrease to 95 percent in 2017; 94 percent in 2018; 93 percent in 2019; and 90 percent from 2020 forward.
If you are not sure whether you live in a state which has decided to expand its Medicaid program, there is a report by state on the status of State Action on the Medicaid Expansion Decision, as of July 1, 2013 as presented by the Kaiser Family Foundation (http://kff.org/medicaid/state-indicator/state-activity-around-expanding-medicaid-under-the-affordable-care-act/).
Men are most likely to be underinsured, but there are also many women and children living without health coverage. In addition, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Minnesota and at Harvard Medical School, which was published in the online medical journal Medical Care, men tend to put off health care when it costs more. Failure to take care of their health does not affect these men alone, but also their families, employers, and community as a whole. States need to make a special effort to enroll men in Medicaid.
For a list of Medicaid benefits covered in each state, limitations applied to those benefits, cost-sharing charges, and the reimbursement methodologies used for those benefits as of October 1, 2010. see this data collection at http://kff,org/data-collection/medicaid-benefits/.
There is a lot of disagreement about the ACA, but we can all agree that preventive services are a wise choice in the long run. By expanding Medicaid programs and implementing Welcome to Medicaid visits, states will not only provide those at risk and uninsured with better healthcare and quality of life, but will also produce state savings in the future.

Men’s Health Network (MHN) is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to reach men, boys and their families where they live, work, play and pray with health prevention messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and patient navigation. Learn more about MHN at www.menshealthnetwork.org and follow them on Twitter @MensHlthNetwork and facebook.com/menshealthnetwork.

“Evening of Flavor”

Birmingham Times

September 5, 2013

AKA — Left to Right: Karla Barnes, Allison Owens, Malera Traylor Wright, Rolessa Powell, Michelle Harris, Wanda Jackson

Left to Right: Karla Barnes, Allison Owens, Malera Traylor Wright, Rolessa Powell, Michelle Harris, Wanda Jackson

Upsilon Eta Omega Chapter
Valley Pearls Service Foundation

Valley Pearls Service Foundation, an affiliate of the Upsilon Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, will hold their annual “Evening of Flavor” fundraiser on Friday September 6, at the Birmingham Boutwell Auditorium from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
This is the Upsilon Eta Omega Chapter’s annual fundraising event; all proceeds benefit Upsilon Eta Omega’s various community service initiatives. These initiatives include the Emerging Young Leaders mentoring program for middle school aged girls, Partnerships with Project Homelessness, Reading and Financial Literacy with area schools, prevention of health disparity and poverty, helping children of incarcerated parents, Asthma Community Network, Susan G Komen Breast Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, health fairs and forums to combat Childhood Obesity, partnerships with the American Heart Association, School Supply Drives and Scholarship Program for high school seniors.
“Evening of Flavor” will feature a silent auction. Auction items will include jewelry by Greg Sanders of Sanders Jewelry; art by Larry Thornton; health and wellness packages by Skin Wellness Center of Alabama and Mi Bella Wellness, 2013 Alabama Football Tickets, Kevin Brown of Xtreme Fitness, Zumba by Jeri Haslem, massage packages, Edible Arrangements and Southern Bella Cupcakes certificates, art class by Pam Truitt of Alabama Art Supply, Travel package, portrait special by Handy Photo Media, Birmingham Zoo and McWane Science Center passes, and much much more.
“Evening of Flavor” will offer live music entertainment, tasty treats and something special for everyone.
Corporate Sponsors include: Skinwellness Center of Alabama, Dr. Cory Hartman; Birmingham Eastern Dental Care, Dr. Wilson Wright; First Impressions Marketing and Jarvis Escott; Summit Media and James Gettys; Law Offices of Rolessa L. Powell; Ms. Brenda Adams; and CPAMs. Brooke Adams. Patrons include: Coca Cola, Mr. Jeff and Mrs. Tracey Morant Adams, Mrs. Levoria Bushelon, Mrs. Gloria Carter, Ms. Michelle Harris, Mrs. Connie Cobb Madsen, Ms. Ayla Russell, Mr. Paul and Mrs. Apryl Simmons, Mrs. Sharon Ward, and Attorney Malera Traylor Wright.
Individual “Evening of Flavor” tickets are $30 or may be purchased online at www.upsilonetaomega.com for $35. Corporate Sponsorship levels are $500-$2,500; for more information about sponsors please contact: 262-939-6429 or email at ueoaka@gmail.com.

The Valley Pearls Service Foundation of Upsilon Eta Omega Chapter is a 501 (c) 3 organization. All donations are tax deductible.

For Victims of Abuse, Forgiveness is the Foundation of Healing

Birmingham Times

September 5, 2013

Nurse shares steps for releasing pain, forgiving  yourself and others
From child abuse and domestic violence to human sex trafficking and atrocities against civilians in war-torn countries, our world creates new victims daily.
Broken bones and bruises heal, but for many victims, the emotional damage is lifelong and life altering, says Amrita Maat, a nurse, child abuse survivor, and author of the inspirational new book, “Wearing a Mask Called Normal,” www.maskcallednormal.com.
“Experiencing abuse can affect how you feel about yourself and how you respond to other people,” Maat says. “These effects might be easy to see if you’re observing them in someone else, but they can be nearly impossible to recognize in yourself without help.”
The emotional and physical abuse that Maat grew up with set the stage for her to become a perpetual victim as an adult, she says. The choices she made and her interactions with others were often unwittingly self-destructive.
“Lifestyle changes that involve healthy choices include eliminating dysfunctional patterns, such as manipulation and abusive behavior – the things children of abusive parents learn from their role models,” she says. “A healthy lifestyle comes first through recognizing unhealthy behaviors and then laying the groundwork for positive change.”
For Maat, that groundwork begins with forgiveness.
“You have to forgive,” she says. “You have to forgive yourself and you have to forgive those who’ve hurt you. When you’re a victim, you’re often angry – because you have every right to be angry, right? But anger, focusing on blame and thinking of yourself as a victim only perpetuates the dysfunction and the pain it brings.”
So, how does one begin to forgive oneself and others? Maat shares the steps she put together, which helped her learn how to identify what would move her forward on her healing path. She started by creating a list of the people and circumstances she needed to forgive and systematically working through the process:
1. Identify the people who have caused you pain and why you feel that pain. This validates your pain; it was real and deserves to be acknowledged.
2. Identify the pain you feel from others and consciously release it to the universe in a personal ritual that has meaning for you. You might write it down on a piece of paper and burn it. Or speak the words out loud and blow them away.
3. Allow yourself to forgive those who have caused you pain as a means to your physical, emotional and spiritual healing.
4. Identify the people you have caused pain and recognize why you caused them pain. It’s important to acknowledge that you, too, are capable of causing pain in order to forgive yourself and those you’ve hurt.
5. Identify the pain you have caused others with your actions.
6. Allow yourself forgiveness for the pain you have caused others as a means to your physical, emotional and spiritual healing.
While forgiving others for hurt caused intentionally is difficult, Maat says the hardest is forgiving yourself for pain you caused. But this is vital; in order to forgive others and to open yourself to positive energy, you must forgive yourself.
“From every hurtful moment, I learned something, and part of my process is to acknowledge each lesson and to be grateful for it,” Maat says. “Forgiveness was possible when I released the hurt because it no longer served a purpose.”
Amrita Maat is a nurse who reached a turning point in her life when she was injured while trying to avoid the advances of a physician who had sexually harassed her for years. For the first time, she stood up to an abuser by taking the man to court. But she had waited too long under the statutes, so she did not get her day of justice. Because of the nature of her memoir, Amrita Maat is a pseudonym.

New Study Finds Student Loan Debt Reduces Lifetime Wealth

Birmingham Times

September 5, 2013

For borrowers, $1 trillion in student debt causes $4 trillion of lifetime wealth loss
By Charlene Crowell

A new research report on America’s still-growing student loan debt found that its financial effects can last a lifetime. According to Demos, a national, nonpartisan public policy organization, 39 million Americans have used student loans to fund college education. An education debt of $53,000 will lead to a $208,000 lifetime loss of wealth. If current student borrowing trends continue, student debt will reach $2 trillion by 2025. Additionally, a $1 trillion in outstanding student debt will lead to a total lifetime loss of $4 trillion for affected households.
“Though a college education remains the surest path to a middle-class life, evidence has begun to mount that student debt may be far more detrimental to financial futures than once thought, particularly for those with the highest levels of debt: students of color and students from low-income families”, states the report titled, At What Cost: How Student Debt Reduces Lifetime Wealth.
Lost lifetime wealth, according to the report, will reduce two-thirds of retirement savings by $134,000 with the remaining third being lost from lower accumulations in home equity. Demos attributes these wealth losses to loan repayments and the amount of time required to repay them in full have on savings and delays in buying a first home.
Further, the report warns of the risks that spiraling student loan debt has on the nation’s economy.
“Student debt’s financial impact won’t just be felt by the nearly 39 million Americans who currently have student loans”, states the report, “the drag of student loans on indebted households’ purchasing power and ability to save will slow an already-sluggish growth for the entire U.S. economy. If we wish to avoid this fate, we need to take immediate action to both reduce the burden of existing student debt and prevent future debt from piling up even higher.”

Other key findings show:
· Nearly 80 percent of Black students in the class of 2008 graduated with student debt averaging $28,692, while student debt for white graduates occurred with 65.6 percent and at a reduced debt load of $24,692;

· Approximately 75 percent of students earning Bachelor’s degrees from families earning less than $60,000 incurred debt; by comparison, students earning the same degree from families earning more than $100,000 incurred debt at a rate of 45 percent;

· Students enrolled in private for-profit schools incurred the greatest average debt at $33,050; followed by private, non-profit schools with an average of $27,650 in debt;

· The lowest student debt was incurred at public universities with an average of $20,200.

Commenting on the Demos research, Debbie Goldstein, executive vice-president with the Center for Responsible Lending said, “This rising burden on American young people impairs their ability to build wealth through savings, homeownership or other investments in their financial future. The problem is particularly serious for students of color and also for those who attend for-profit colleges, which leave students with much larger debts and a higher risk of default.”
Similar observations were voiced by Max Richtman, president and CEO at the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. “A secure retirement has long been premised on three solid legs of the stool – that is Social Security, employer-sponsored pensions and personal retirement savings,” said Ritchtman. “This report shows that the ability of families to save for retirement is reduced by the burden of high student loan debt, leading to diminished lifetime savings and a lesser standard of living in retirement.”

Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at: Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org

Arts for Life

Birmingham Times

September 5, 2013

BEYONCE’  BEFORE THE LEGEND

Birmingham Times

September 5, 2013

The Rise of Beyonce’ and Destiny’s Child by Kelly Kenyatta
Amber Communications Group, Inc.’s imprint Colossus Books has published BEYONCE’: Before the Legend—The Rise of Beyonce’ and Destiny’s Child – The Early Years by Kelly Kenyatta.
The true and timeless story of Beyonce’ and her rise to fame and fortune: from Destiny’s Child to Dangerously in Love and Jay-Z.
More than 60 photos detail the journey of Beyonce’, one of the world’s most beautiful and most talented divas to emerge in the twenty-first century.
Author Kelly Kenyatta describes the formation of Destiny’s Child, the hot girl group from Houston,Texas that went on to gain international fame in the early years before the split.
Beyoncé’s confidence in music came long before she had gained any acclaim or won any awards. The star who was born on September 4, 1981, performed in her first talent show at age 7 and received a standing ovation for her rendition of “Imagine.” Before the talent show ended, Beyoncé told her mother that she wanted to “get her trophy, get her money, and go, because she was hungry.” Her mother attempted to contain her ego by explaining that the contest was over, and they did not yet know who was actually going to win the event; however, it was not long before Beyoncé’s confidence was proven valid, as she was announced as the first place winner.
Years later, after achieving phenomenal international success with the group Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé decided that 2003 was the perfect time in her career to release a solo album. She gained immediate acclaim, because all of her mainstream exposure had made the release of Dangerously in Love highly anticipated. Audiences knew that the help she received from Missy Elliot, Jay Z, Sean Paul, Mario Winans, Big Boi, and Luther Vandross would only seal the potential success of the album.
BEYONCE’: Before the Legend – The Rise of Beyonce’ and Destiny’s Child – The Early Years chapters include: “In the Beginning”, “Destiny’s Child the First Album”, “The Writing’s on the Wall”, “A New Destination”, “On the Road with Christina Aguilera” and “Three Times a Charm”.

BEYONCE’: Before the Legend – The Rise of Beyonce’ and Destiny’s Child – The Early Years was written by Kelly Kenyatta, a Chicago-based writer and freelance journalist. Kelly has written for major newspapers and magazines and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism. Other Colossus Books titles written by Kelly Kenyatta include: Eminem & Dr. Dre and Aaliyah – An R&B Princess in Words and Pictures.

Beyonce’ – Amazon Paperback
Beyonce’ – Amazon Kindle
Beyonce’ – Barnes & Noble Paperback

Retail customers order on-line – BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSTORES or wherever books are sold.

Speaking of Soaps

Birmingham Times

September 5, 2013

BY MEREDITH COOPER

ALL MY CHILDREN
JR and Colby speculated that David had to be the one who tampered with his reel. Celia and Pete had their date interrupted by the spraying of a skunk, but were determined not to let it interfere with their kiss. Opal was alarmed at the sight of Celia and Pete together. JR and Cara struck a bargain to keep each other’s secrets. JR was relieved that Cara wouldn’t tell anyone about his use of steroids. David was fed up with JR and suggested that he was less obnoxious while he was in a coma. Zach came on to Lea and told her he wanted to be with her. Lea admitted she couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss they shared. Cara found out that Oliver’s medical tab was picked up by JR. Dr. Anders lashed out at Dixie when he thought about something from his past that was tragic.
THIS WEEK: Cara thinks it may be time to leave town. AJ rebels against JR.

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
While sulking over the loss of her relationship with Rick, Carter arrives to cheer Maya up. Maya comes to the conclusion that Caroline is a better match for Rick. Caroline pulls out all of the stops in order to get Rick’s mind off of Maya. As Wyatt is packing up his belongings to move out of the Spencer house, Hope pleads with him not to leave. Meanwhile, Liam attempts to reassure Bill that his initial thoughts about Wyatt are valid. As Wyatt is leaving the Spencer house, he makes a charming and tempting proposition to Hope. Wyatt returns to Quinn and humbly admits that she was right about Bill all along. Hope attempts to get Liam to change his mind about kicking Wyatt out of their home. Bill and Brooke discuss how many of their loved ones do not approve of their relationship and what they plan to do about it. Quinn is grateful to have Wyatt home again, but wishes that it was under better circumstances. Wyatt feels that his opportunity to make a name for himself at Spencer Publications has passed, as well as his chance at a romantic relationship with Hope. Brooke attempts to convince Bill to reach out to Wyatt to mend their broken relationship. Hope comes up with an idea that she anticipates will benefit her professionally and personally.
THIS WEEK: Bill has second thoughts about Wyatt. Hope puts her plan in motion.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Brady places his future with Kristen in Eric’s hands. At the DiMera mansion, Marlena tries to get the goods on Kristen. Later, Nicole has a surprising proposal for Marlena. Sonny and Gabi argue when he realizes she slept with Nick. Gabi makes a veiled threat in order to keep him quiet. Caroline gives Nick a piece of her mind. Later, he makes mysterious plans for Gabi. As Sami prepares for her trial, Adrienne stumbles onto information that could help her case. JJ continues to spiral out of control – and lands in big trouble. Abigail tries to get Daniel to reconsider breaking things off with her mom. Stefano and Rafe face-off. Later, Kate puts Stefano on notice. Eric cannot shake his uneasy feelings about the night he got sick at the hotel. He ends up fighting with Nicole when he refuses to confide in her. Jennifer is stunned when she learns JJ has been arrested! EJ fears his manipulations will be discovered and urges Justin to move ahead quickly with Sami’s trial. Rafe sets Kate straight. Later, Kate tries to rattle Jordan’s cage. Justin confronts EJ about planting the money in Bernardi’s son’s account. Jennifer finally realizes the truth about JJ – and calls him out on all the stunts he’s pulled since coming back to Salem. Later, Daniel tries to comfort her. Theresa and Abigail get into a heated argument. Later, Theresa fears JJ will bring her down with him. Kristen has a strong reaction to Brady’s idea of them going through pre-cana with Eric.
THIS WEEK: Kate puts Stefano on notice. Theresa and Abigail get in a heated argument.

GENERAL HOSPITAL
Spinelli is on the verge of spilling the beans about the baby. AJ is led to believe he’ll shortly be released, given that the police lack the weapon used to murder Connie. Meanwhile, Morgan discovers a gun hidden on the grounds of the Quartermaine estate and notifies police. Morgan becomes incensed when he realizes Kiki lied to him. Pressed by Patrick to produce a name for her baby’s father, Britt coughs up a name. Patrick is shocked – but of course, Britt has an answer for every challenge. Patrick goes off on Britt, but is tossed from the premises by a protective Nikolas. Elsewhere, Felix gets more than he bargained for when he demands answers about the baby’s paternity from Brad. Silas delivers news about Danny. Sam’s gratitude towards Silas results in a small kiss. Sam is completely frazzled by her kiss with Silas. She apologizes and tells him it will never happen again. Silas disagrees, there’s something else between them. Britt reveals the truth to Nikolas: she lied about Patrick being the father of her baby in order to ensnare him. Nikolas initially has little sympathy: the same thing was done to him once upon a time (re: Helena/Aidan). Patrick interrupts a close moment between Brad and Felix. He reveals that Brad is the father of Britt’s baby. Felix feels foolish for believing Brad’s sob story and he warns Brad to stay away from him. Morgan goes to see Sonny but finds instead a sobbing Olivia. The two bond over their recent loss. Dante receives a call implying that Sonny may be at the hospital, a gunshot victim. Olivia has a vision suggesting the whereabouts of Sonny. Diane reveals the real culprit responsible for Franco’s reign of terror. Patrick tells Emma that she won’t be getting a brother after all. At the hospital, Nikolas pressures Brad to own up to his responsibilities as the father of Britt’s child. Brad suggests that Nikolas’s vehemence originates from growing feelings for Britt.
THIS WEEK: Maxie pretends all is well for Dante and Lulu. Britt goes into labor!

ONE LIFE TO LIVE – on hiatus

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Tyler and Noah run into Courtney who flirts shamelessly with Noah. Courtney lands an internship at Jabot, and Tyler invites her to come to a concert since Noah doesn’t have a date yet. Danny Romalotti rehearses a song to sing at the memorial as old friends and family gather in the park to reminisce and honor Katherine. Danny’s face lights up when he sees Nina. Nikki tells Jill that she did a great job getting everything set and that the decorations are wonderful. As more people gather, Chloe remember Katherine telling her that she can’t fix other people and that you have to focus on yourself. Kevin tells her that he misses her and Delia. Meanwhile, Lily pushes her animosity aside to greet Amber. Nikki and Victor welcome Gina while Jill greets Brock. Devon thinks back to when he first found out Katherine was his grandmother. Todd begins the ceremony as the rest of the guests begin to gather. Friends and family share personal memories and stories about how Katherine impacted their lives over the years. When the time comes for Jill to speak, she struggles to maintain her composure and fights through her tears as she recalls her tumultuous history with Katherine. As Jill recounts their rocky relationship, she informs everyone that somehow through it all they learned how to love each other. Todd reads a favorite poem of Katherine’s while everyone lays a flower near the urn and says their final goodbyes. As the ceremony concludes, Jill and Nikki sit together and laugh over how well they managed to get along. Nick and Avery decide that the park would be a perfect place to get married. Meanwhile, Paul reads Katherine’s letter and takes her advice to heart. Adam accuses Victor of having him followed and planting a recording device in his house. Victoria asks Victor what Adam has up his sleeve.
THIS WEEK: Adam tells Jack that Victor bugged his office and is having him followed. Victor realizes that losing Adam as a business partner could also mean losing him as a son.

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