EPIC Elementary Archery Team Earns Highest Ever Score at State Tournament

EPIC Elementary Archery Team Only Birmingham School To Make National Finals in Louisville

The EPIC Elementary Archery Team scored a school record 2,633 points at last week’s Alabama State Archery Tournament held at the BJCC, and has qualified for the national finals.

The team, formed just three years ago, is the only school in Birmingham and Jefferson County to qualify for the National Archery in the Schools Tournament, slated for May 6-8, 2010 in Louisville, Ky.

The 21 fourth and fifth-graders who comprise the EPIC Eagles Archery Team are coached by physical education instructor Pete Bryan.   EPIC’s score ranked 11th statewide in the elementary school division, a good showing since the team is comprised of 4th and 5th graders and competed against some schools with mostly sixth-graders.

Several members of the EPIC Archery Team were among the top scorers in the boys and girls division at the state tournament, which attracted over 1,000 archers. Bryan, a bow hunter in his spare time, underwent an eight-hour certification course and, in January 2007, began integrating archery into his class with bows and arrows purchased with a grant.

”For a lot of these kids, it was the first time they’d ever touched a bow. A lot of them don’t have a lot have opportunities to participate in outdoor events,” Bryan said.

With Birmingham City Schools financially strapped due to cutbacks in state funding, EPIC is trying to raise funds to offset the nearly $2,400 bus transportation costs to Louisville for the students and adult chaperones. The team will be staying at a hotel in Louisville for two nights beginning Friday May 7, and is seeking donations. Contributions are tax deductible.

For details, contact Coach Bryan at fpbryan@bhamcityschools.org or (205)  231-7851.

The top 12 scorers, whose total accounted for EPIC’s national winning total, were:

1. Daunte Deloach at 253 points, which ranked 29th among the state’s 264 boys in the elementary division
2. Kennedy Foster at 234 points, ranking 44th among the state’s 175 girls in the elementary division
3. Austin Brundidge at 231 points, ranking 82nd among the state boys elementary division
4. Alexander Rouse at 226 points, ranking 100th among the state boys elementary division
5. Naja Williams at 221 points, ranking 64th among the state girls elementary division
6. Michael Moore at 220 points, ranking 111th among the state boys division
7. Alexis Nord at 215 points, ranking 72nd among the state girls division
8. Sonjee Givins at 210 points, ranking 79th among the state girls division
9. Nkechinyere Orji at 209 points, ranking 83rd among the state girls division
10. Aiyana Muhammad at 208 points, ranking 86th among the state girls division
11. Taylor Sellers at 203 points, ranking 90th among the state girls division
12. Chantrell Carter at 203 ponts, ranking 92nd among the state girls division

New Lifestyle Family Magazine Comes To Birmingham, AL (Spotlight Magazine), Launches In May

Birmingham Spotlight Magazine, Birmingham’s Newest Lifestyle Magazine will spotlight The Ultimate 50 Award at its Ultimate 50 Black and White Affair May 29 Saturday night at 7:00 pm. The event will kick off with a Black Carpet at 6:00 pm. The Ultimate 50 Black and White Affair is the only event of such caliber where prestigious individuals can mix and mingle, and celebrate achievements that have contributed to the growth and progression of Birmingham.

Birmingham Spotlight Magazine will honor the LIVING LEGENDS throughout Birmingham; these are 15 people who have gone above the call of duty to make Birmingham a wonderful place to live. This event will also Spotlight several other awards such as: College Coach of the Year, Dentist of the Year, Businessman and Woman of the Year and so much more.

The first issue of the magazine, utilizing a double cover format, will spotlight Birmingham’s Mayor William Bell and Reuben Studdard.

Nicole Means, Executive Publisher of the magazine, “I really want this event to be a night to remember it is so many people that work hard to make Birmingham a great city to live in and they never get acknowledged but Birmingham Spotlight Magazine is here to put a stop to this” Nicole (Nikki) Means has worked for Gospel Today Magazine, Hope Today Magazine, Rolling Out Newspaper, Heart and Soul Magazine and Image Magazine.

Birmingham Spotlight Magazine is a free bi-monthly full color family publication that strives to empower the community in the Birmingham Area. The magazine will discuss a variety of subjects such as parenting, entertainment, relationships, finances and fashion.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an interview, please contact Brittny Sturgeon at bsturgeon@montgomeryspotlight.com.

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Missed Opportunities Bring Regret

Have you made the most of opportunities that stand before you? Opportunities are ever before you everyday of your life, and there are things that you can do to make the most of every opportunity.

It has been said that a group of elderly men were once interviewed about their lives. When asked what was the one thing that they regretted the most, many, if not most, said that they should have taken more risks in their lives. When you fail to take advantage of significant opportunities that are set before you, they will bring regret in your life. The key is understanding how to capitalize on each opportunities that present themselves. Here are three things that you can to do make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.

1. Carpe Diem (Cease the Day) To cease the day means that you make the most of every situation that lies before you. The noted Roman lyric poet Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) wrote a theme in one of his poems that admonished the reader to Carpe Diem or “pluck the day”. In other words, make the most of each day. When you cease your day, you take advantage of opportunities that will not only make your day, but will significantly make memories and encourage you for a lifetime.

2. Forget the Past. If there is one thing that you must do in order to advance on in life, you must forget the past. When you forget the past, you will recognize the wind at your back, so to speak, to propel you forward towards a better day ahead. What is done is done. Yesterday is over and it is in the history books, so to speak. You have but today, so take advantage of today and set your sights on what’s ahead of you. By forging ahead, you will get rid of all of the should have’s, would have’s, and could have’s.

3. Enjoy Life. Opportunities are presented to you so that you can enjoy life. When your kids want to play ball with you, the excuses that you give them today will pale in comparison with tomorrow when you see them on their way to college. Enjoying life means that you take advantage of the people and the situations around you by making the most of them. Take your wife or husband out for ice cream on those hot summer nights. Go camping with the kids. Attend your local church and be a light where you’re at. You will not only brighten the people around you, but it could very well be that could impact all of your tomorrow’s.

The only difference between those who enjoy life and those that don’t is simple. Some have decided to Carpe Diem or Cease their day, while others did not make the most of the opportunities that stood before them. Take advantage of today, because missed opportunities bring regret.

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How To Help Someone Quit Smoking – 12 of Life’s Best Idea To Help Someone Quit Smoking

PR Log (Press Release) – Apr 01, 2010 – How do you exactly help someone, at often, people you care to quit smoking? It pains every time as you are constantly reminded of how your loved ones are trapped and imprisoned in this deadly habit. Smokers realize the harm they are causing themselves and to ensure their way to a smoke-free lifestyle would need them commit greatly. However, you are not entirely helpless when it comes to playing your part to help someone give up on their cigarettes. You can always play a decisive role in providing them support and motivations throughout their process for you to help someone quit smoking.

Here are the 12 ways on how you can provide support in a meaningful and fun way to show how much you care for loved ones.

1.   Be the listener. Do not tend to give in advice or demand unless asked by them. It is always better to ask them what they think, or get their suggestions. Just be there to listen wherever they need someone.

2.   Don’t nag or criticize them. Let them instead know that they are worth it and whatever they are doing the right thing to quit. Let them know just how important they are to you. They will feel overwhelming to know that their life means so much to somebody, in favor, they will tend to stick on their goal to quit much more effectively.

3.   Encourage them to talk and open up their feelings be it bad or good. If you talk to them, make it as lighthearted and enjoyable as possible. Refrain from frowning or looking worried, but invoke up the goodness of their well being in the near future to come.

4.   Provide an enjoyable moment as they go along. Suggest silly things to do or maybe watching a comedy. The more fun they are in the going process, the more they will take their heads off of the craving.

5.   Encourage their effort, maybe a little reward as they go along.

6.   Never blame them for what they have become. Remember, nicotine and smoking is the fiend not the smokers themselves. Never use words such as “should have”. Instead of pointing the fingers at them, blame it on nicotine and continue to care.

7.   Provide genuine praises for their effort. Say something like “Anything that is worthwhile doing takes effort and you are doing well on that.”

8.   Make yourself available. When helping someone to quit, be prepare to always be there by them. Take the effort to see how they are progressing to assure them that they always have you to be around.

9.   ‘Tickle’ or ‘tease’ them.  Let them know that learning to quit smoking does not necessarily means it’s the end of the world. You could try leaving on small tickles notes stating ‘good onya’ comments on common ground easily spotted by them.

10.   Help occupy their time and keeping them busy. Often boredom one of the main reason why they smoke therefore, keeping them away from it would distract them of their temptation to smoke.

11.   Try not to take their ‘outburst’ personally. Better yet, give them a hug or some reassurance whenever they these bothersome stuffs happen. Be aware that they are going through an emotional and physical change and at times could be hard on them. Always remember when you help someone quit smoking, despite their moods, they want to feel secure you are there to help keep their motivation going.

12.   Be ‘strict’ and steer them away from their temptation. Constantly remind them of their goals and commitment. But that doesn’t mean it has to be done seriously. Point out the obvious, such as, “We’re going to this pub tonight, because it’s smoke free.” Or “Don’t forget you’re a non-smoker now.” … say when some others in a meeting go out for a smoke.

These are exactly the steps that have to be taken as a support if you are trying to have someone quit smoking. Now remember that support and motivation is the key. Being fussed up and tensing the situation will do both no good. I hope you have benefited from this article and I can assure you that you will be doing a huge valuable favor when you help someone to quit smoking.

Smoking kills! To find out more on how to quit smoking effectively and get a hold of yourself on a free copy on the oldest and guaranteed 5 days proven action blueprint, Go Here http://best-way-to-quit-smoking-for-good.blogspot.com Now !

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View of the City – A television show that will help Birmingham grow!

I took some time out of my day to watch the first episode of View of the City and I must admit this show is pretty entertaining.  Not only is it funny but very insightful in so many ways. The comedy news show, which makes light of Birmingham and surrounding areas including some of Birmingham’s public figures, is destined to win over the hearts of citizens.  By using the World Wide Web as one of its distribution mediums View of the City will reach out beyond the city limits and show the rest of the world that Birmingham is a diverse city with a sense of humor.  This is certainly a more appealing image than most people get when they think of Birmingham, AL.  Plagued by civil rights injustices, stereotypes and other negative stigmas View of the City offers a great new insight to the people of Birmingham and what the city actually has to offer.

Host Chris Davis does an excellent job keeping the shows guest on their toes by throwing away the old Q&A interview style and delivering quick witted responses and timely jokes.  Like a seasoned late night talk show host Chris finds a way to keep his guest laughing while entertaining the audience with a combination of serious and not-so-serious questions.

One of the best segments of the first episode is Eunice Elliot’s interview of the preacher that stands out on Lakeshore Drive with all of his signs preaching the good word.  If you are ever on Lakeshore Drive then you certainly know who I am talking about.  The first episode also includes an opening segment on former Mayor Larry Langford, an interview with Shelia Smooth and some very funny sketch comedy segments and commercials.  I must also let you know that the production on this show is magnificent.  Hollywood has nothing on this crew of dedicated writers, photographers and producers as you will see when you watch the show.

You can catch new episodes of View of the City every Sunday night at 6:00 pm on Channel 21 or just log on to www.viewofthecity.net.

Raising Awareness on Health Impacts of Botox Application

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The Next Mayor of Bessemer? A video interview with D.M. Blue

We recently sat down for a candid interview with D.M. Blue  Mayor candidate for the city of Bessemer. It was a very interesting interview to say the least.

Why are you running for Mayor of Bessemer?

What is your campaign platform ?

Daryl Blue on Improving Bessemer

What do you want the people to know about you personally and why should they
vote for you as the new mayor of Bessemer ?

For more information on D.M. Blue  visit:

http://www.blueforbessemer.com

or info@blueforbessmer.com

Does Her Sexiness Upset You?

Full disclosure: I’m a big Erykah Badu fan. The sister is deep. I’ve been a supporter since she arrived on the music scene draped in African cloth and wielding a bad turban. She inspired my totally sincere (but stylistically-misguided) head wrap and cowrie shell phase in college. Her music has been interwoven in the soundtrack of my life.

So when I heard her new song Window Seat and saw the video featuring Erykah stripping down butt nekkid to take a leisurely stroll on the grassy knoll where JFK was shot, I gave her a slow hand clap. Not because I cosign gratuitous nudity and inappropriate displays, but because I knew where she was coming from. (If you are living under a rock and haven’t already peeped the video, YouTube it.) Yes, she walks past children. Yes, she’s in public.

But somehow people are okay with watching Beyoncé shake it like a salt shaker and Lady Gaga drop it like it’s hot? And far too many of us don’t bat an eye when Trey Songz bares his barely legal chest. Whoa.

As Ms. Badu tweeted, “the physical nudity is nothing. i been naked all along in my words actions and deeds. thats the real vulnerable place.” She didn’t shed her threads for us to ogle her and then contemplate whether we should also go vegan to obtain similar curvage or become Five Percenters. I don’t believe she staged the daring stunt to hype her newest album. And I don’t believe we can simplistically discount Erykah’s artistic sensibilities as a desperate cry for attention or press.

By getting caught up in this superficial controversy, we obscure the real issues Badu is putting before us. Yes, black women’s bodies have been a political battleground since we were brought through the Middle Passage. For so many hundreds of years we didn’t own our physical, emotional or reproductive spaces. Badu is claiming that ownership. But even beyond that, she is making a statement about the need to express individual freedom and to step outside the soul-killing restraints of conventional behavior. With each stitch of clothing that she removes, Badu is peeling back the self-protective layers shielding her inner self from the oppression of criticism and shame. With each purposeful step, she is being brave enough to show us the imperfect parts, the hurt parts, the healed parts. She is strong enough to go out on a limb and save space for the rest of us who are hiding behind our self-importance, hiding inside our over-inflated egos, our so-called swag.

By giving us a window seat into her journey, Erykah is showing us what freedom looks like. It’s scary. Because try as we might, we still want people to approve, to clap for us. We still need people to “get” us. The reality is sometimes people are going to whisper and stare when we try to be too different or too honest. People are going to try to shame us into stepping back inside the box so they can close the lid on us. People are going to disapprove, impose fines, talk about us, and hold prayer circles for us to come back to the safety and mind-numbing boredom of the herd. People are going to misunderstand. And that’s okay. If we break away and liberate ourselves, we can come back stronger than ever, like a Rick James-beads and braids wearing Badu does at the video’s conclusion.

I’m not saying I’m going to head out to Linn Park in my birthday suit anytime soon, but it’s admirable that this sister got free in her head. I’m trying to get there.

BIRMINGHAM’S URBAN BROADWAY SPRINGS FORWARD THIS APRIL!

Birmingham, AL -  Birmingham’s urban theatre scene is about to spring forward thanks to Alicia Johnson, the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. For over 15 years, Johnson has brought quality, yet affordable, theatre to the underserved urban community. This spring, Johnson returns her energy as Director to eager audiences beginning with Ntozake Shange’s Obie Award-Winning choreopoem, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf, which will feature musician and spoken word artist, Sharrif Simmons, and Ray Robinson playing the drum in a unique cabaret-style staging.
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For Colored Girls is an emotionally-moving array of poems that celebrates the painful and triumphant journey of the 20th century African-American female. First published in 1975, the play was praised by the The New Yorker for “encompassing… every feeling and experience a woman has ever had.” It is a groundbreaking dramatic prose poem written in vivid and powerful language that resonates with unusual beauty in its fierce message to the world. The seven women featured in the play are represented by a color. The concept for this rendition of the show sets it in a neo-soul lounge with much urban flair and high-couture fashion sensibilities that speak to men and women alike, leaving them all wanting more at the close of the curtain. The cast includes the phenomenal local talents of Melissa Baldwin (Lady in Brown), Ebone Gilbert (Lady in Green), Tarashai Lee (Lady in Blue), Shronda Major (Lady in Yellow), Makella Moore (Lady in Orange), Jacinta Sole (Lady in Purple) and Christi Strickland (Lady in Red). For Colored Girls is being produced by the Aldridge Repertory Theatre at the historic Carver Theater, and K & K Fashions in Centerpoint is providing the wardrobe for the cast.
For Colored Girls will run April 22 through April 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Carver Theatre, located at 1631 Fourth Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203. General admission is $25, $20 for Senior Citizens and $15 for students with a valid I.D. For more information, call the Carver Theatre at 205-254-2731 or visit www.jazzhall.com. For media inquiries and interviews only, please contact LaShanna R. Tripp at 205-821-0695 or via e-mail at LRP@WordzandRhythmz.com.

2010 Gumbo Gala Cook-off set for Saturday May 8 at Caldwell Park

30 Teams will Compete for ‘Best Gumbo in Birmingham’ Title;
Attendees can Sample Gumbo, Enjoy live New Orleans Jazz and Help Episcopal Place Residents

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., (April 20, 2010) – Jo Mudd knows gumbo.

She grew up eating her mother’s gumbo, and has childhood memories of the nutty smell of roux cooking in the kitchen of her Jackson, Ala., home. She remembers watching her mother make gallons and gallons of the thick, pecan-colored soup using crabs and other seafood that her grandfather, who lived near Josephine, Ala, would catch in the Gulf.

Jo has spent years perfecting her own gumbo recipe. Three years ago, she began selling her Muddbug’s Gumbo Base in local grocery stores and online, and she offers her Gulf Coast-style gumbo on her catering menu. So perhaps it was no surprise when her gumbo was judged “Best in Birmingham” among professionals competing at the 2009 Gumbo Gala cook-off & benefit.

“Gumbo is unique to the person,” Jo says, adding that her secret to great gumbo is in her hand-stirred roux, which takes her two to three hours to make, and requires “babysitting” at the flour browning stage.

Now Jo is set to defend her title at the “2010 Gumbo Gala – Presented by Ezell’s Catfish Cabin,” which will be held Saturday May 8 at Caldwell Park on Southside in Birmingham. Tickets are $10, and all proceeds will help to pay for vital support services at Episcopal Place (EP), an affordable housing community for seniors and young adults with special needs located just down from Caldwell Park. Services such as noon meals, subsidized housekeeping, health screenings, pastoral care, and planned social activities help residents to live independently in EP’s homelike environment.

“Anyone who loves gumbo, New Orleans music and just having a good time won’t want to miss this event,” says Tim Blanton, Executive Director at Episcopal Place. “Tasting the various gumbos is always interesting, and it’s for a great cause.”

All those who attend will be able to sample gumbo made by 30 professional and amateur teams, who will compete for several titles, including “Best Gumbo in Birmingham,” “Team Spirit,” and “People’s Choice” (selected by the team that solicits the most “cash” votes from the public).

The festivities will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Caldwell Park, located off Highland Avenue next to the Virginia Samford Theatre. The event, in its fifth year, provides fun for the entire family. The Legendary Pineapple Skinners band will play New Orleans jazz. A moonwalk, face painting and other children’s activities will be provided, along with hamburgers, hotdogs and beverages. Episcopal Place residents also will host a bake sale. Rob Conrad, of Magic 96.5-FM’s morning show, will emcee. Children under age 12 get in free.

The event could not be held without the generous donation from the following sponsors and team participants:

Sponsors: Ezell’s Catfish Cabin (Title Sponsor) ▪ Supreme Beverage Company ▪ Pelham Financial ▪ The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama ▪ Borland Benefield, PC ▪ Maynard Cooper & Gale, PC ▪ St. Martins-in-the-Pines ▪ The Thompson Foundation ▪ BancorpSouth ▪ B.L. Harbert  International ▪ BREC Development Co. ▪ Commercial Floor Care ▪ Estes Automotive Center ▪ Elisabeth French, Attorney ▪ Hallmark Builders ▪ Harbin Discount Pharmacy ▪ Lake View Personal Fitness ▪ Little Hardware ▪ William G. Noland /Noland Elder Law ▪ Regions Bank ▪ SPM, Inc.▪ WideNet Consulting ▪ Amedisys ▪ Fetch! PetCare ▪ CraneWorks ▪ Mac-Gray Laundry Systems ▪ MediRest ▪ McMahon & Kelly ▪ New Beacon Hospice ▪ Royal Cup Coffee ▪ Senior Resource Guide ▪ Shaw Carpet Contract Group ▪ Target Investment Group ▪ Whole Foods Market — Mountain Brook ▪ Shannon  and Tim Atchenson ▪ Tim Blanton ▪ Darlene Green ▪ Trudie and Steve Gruman ▪ Mike Harper ▪ Kris Mueller ▪ Paula Pointer ▪ Jim Pool ▪ Dan Price ▪ Ann Purdy ▪ Terry Rogers ▪ Frank Romanowicz and Bob Hill ▪ Katy Smith ▪ Shirley Steele ▪ Lou Thibodaux ▪ Carl and Marcia Wallace ▪ Robbie D. Wood, Inc. ▪ S & W Electric ▪ Medical Properties Trust

Cook-off Teams: Crazy Cajuns ▪ Ezell’s  Catfish Cabin ▪ Garage Café ▪ Hummingbird Catering ▪ Jubilee Joe’s ▪ Michael’s Steak and Seafood ▪ Muddbug’s Gourmet Foods ▪ Sodexo ▪ Ted’s Restaurant/GEMAS Alarm ▪ Up the Creek ▪ Blue Ocean Technologies ▪ Burch Corp. /Cajun Cleaver ▪ Business Electronics ▪ CareFusion ▪ Cathedral Church of the Advent ▪ Church of the Ascension ▪ 55^th Place Thrift Shop ▪ Fire Department Firehouse Steamers ▪ Danny Hayden Team ▪ Johnston, Barton, Proctor & Rose ▪ Robinson-Adams Insurance ▪ Team Ennis ▪ Tim Rogers Team ▪ Snap Fitness ▪ St. Mary’s on-the-Highlands ▪ St. Stephens Episcopal Church ▪ St. Thomas Episcopal Church ▪ Starnes & Atchison ▪ WearTek ▪ Wednesday Morning Sinners/Robbie D. Wood, Inc.

About Episcopal Place: Episcopal Place consists of 141 apartment homes in two HUD-subsidized facilities. The non-profit’s mission is to provide affordable housing and support services for seniors and disabled adults with limited income. Episcopal Place is unique when compared to other HUD facilities due to its vast array of Supportive Services, which help residents to live and age with independence and dignity.

For more information or to buy tickets for the event, please go to www.episcopalplace.org or www.gumbogala.com, call Shannon Atchenson or Kris Mueller at 205-939-0085, or e-mail kmueller@episcopalplace.org.

To read a Q&A interview with Jo Mudd, please go to www.gumbogala.com.

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