The H Bar adds Top Secret to its line-up

The popular music group Top Secret will kick off a regular Wednesday night live music session at the H Bar starting Wednesday, September 1, 2010.  The trendy martini bar has become a cool hang out for jazz lovers and business professionals looking for live music in a great environment. Located inside the very hip Hotel Highland in Five Points South,  The H Bar offers food and top shelf drinks in an atmosphere that is simply magical.

H Bar Weekly Line Up

• Monday Night Jazz returns this fall with Monday night football.
• Tuesday night catch Jack and Jazz featuring Shaun Pezant, Norris Jones and Mike Ham.
• Top Secret performs live every Wednesday night.  Live music coming to the patio this fall!
• Thursday night Jack and Jazz returns with Shaun, Norris and Mike
• Friday the All Stars deliver the best live band karaoke in the city.
• Saturday get the Blues with the legendary Elnora Spencer.

For additional information visit www.thehbar.com

I Used To Love You

The truth is we loved each other a long time ago and there is no way to get back what we once had.  At one point in my life I would do whatever you asked, I would go where ever you said go, I would hang onto your every word, and wait for you…longing for our next appointment with destiny…You would never miss a beat always saying the right thing when it needed to be said, always giving me what I wanted, always being there when I felt no one else was there for me…I pushed all my family and friends away so you could occupy every free moment in my life…I loved you, I depended on you alone, I waited in anticipation for you…what would our next thrill be and what would we do next to give me an adrenaline rush, I would sit on the porch looking down the street for your car to come along, I would watch my phone for your number to appear so I could hear your voice…I would check my computer for your messages and check the mail for just a simple letter.

 

But today, I look back on how I adored you and wonder was it adoration or simply stupidity on my part…You tricked me so many times….Your lies were like the words to my favorite love song…Your actions and touches would make me melt like an ice cube…You could sweep me off my feet with the I’m sorries and please forgive this and that and I would accept it because I loved and missed you…and I would fall head over heals for it each time, not knowing I was being literally pulled in to a dark hole with every thing I accepted and believed from and about you….

 

So I stand here in this deep dark hole where you’ve placed me while you prey on your next innocent and clueless victim…Here I stand, just me and darkness and I am looking up for the light that will guide me back to the only One who called and considered me His beloved.  I stand here alone thinking what have I done and how did I allow these tricks and lies to bring me to a hole for me to die a slow death all alone…but I began to call out to my Adonai (my God who is the Master of my life), El Shaddai (you are sufficient), El Roi (you see everything),  My God My God you are the comforter of my soul, you are the only One who can wrap me in your wings so that not even my feet are harmed or hurt the enemy…I cry out with a wail that I’ve never heard come out of belly before this day at this moment in time….I wail because I realize I’ve been bamboozled by the Master of Lies, Satan himself….he fed my flesh, brainwashed my thinking, and kept me running in circles so I would not understand or even recognize his plan of trying to take my life for his own…But what Satan failed to realize is, God planted a seed in my soul that could never be removed when I accepted Him so many years ago…he thought he could woo me, trick me, and leave me in a hole to suffer in silence…Satan did not know God already had a plan in place and a dance with destiny for my soul…Satan can trick you and lure you, but Jesus has already paid the ultimate price for you to belong to our Father if we would only accept Him…God takes even those of us who have hit our bottom who are looking up for the light…

 

You see my dance with destiny was my choice, but as I laid in that hole waling from the deepest place in my belly God heard my cry, and told me My Beloved I love you, I’ve never forgotten you and I knew you would come back to me as He held His arms out to embrace this wounded and broken soul….no longer confused but now I have a better understanding of unconditional love…God wants me no matter how I look or what I have to offer; whereas, Satan used my weaknesses to lure me into his traps….I thank God for taking me back and loving me with no conditions attached, and His forgiveness, huhh He throws all my shortcomings into the sea of forgetfulness….Yes God rescued me from that hole and He has never stopped loving me in and through all of my foolishness…He was only waiting on me to come to myself and realize no one or thing can ever love me like He can…Now I realize and recognize and I am very weary of those who come into my life….I ask God, should I allow this person into my space, my life, and my secret place….Now I wait for God to let me know who is good for me and who is not.  The truth Satan, is we loved each other a long time ago and there is no way to get back what we once had. 

By Tina Kay Hughes, Author of “TKay’s Inspirationals:  Walking In Your Season” www.tinakay.net

BIRMINGHAM HUSBAND AND WIFE MIX MAKE-UP AND MARRIAGE FOR THE PERFECT BLEND

Birmingham, AL–Not your average husband and wife team, Darrius and Meagan Peace are taking the business of make-up to beautiful new heights. Launched in 2007, after years of research, the Birmingham-based couple’s Hayah Mineral Cosmetics line carries a roster of representatives nationwide who sell the products specifically designed for women of color.

Developed after multiple failed attempts to find a suitable cosmetic line that “worked” for the diverse spectrum of African American complexions, the Peace family researched and developed a deep, rich line of foundations, lip shades, eye shadows and more made from naturally occurring minerals. All of this was successfully done while rearing three young children under the age of three.

Co-founder Darrius Peace says Hayah is a family business that is not just about cosmetics. It’s about confidence. “Hayah means ‘Iam’. So each time a woman wears our products she can say ‘I am Sensational’ or ‘I am Beautiful’, which are the names of two of our popular products,” said Darrius.

Hayah Mineral Cosmetics

is sold online at www.hayahcosmetics.com and through national consultants. The Peaces say they are gearing up for expansion in other cities across the country and that the success in Birmingham and surrounding areas is only the beginning. “Meagan and I are driven, not only in our goal to continue to thrive in business, but more importantly in our quest to help each woman know how uniquely special she is,” said Darrius.For more information on Darrius and Meagan Peace or Hayah Mineral Cosmetics contact Meagan Peace at mpeace@hayahcosmetics.com or call 1-877-81-hayah (42924).

Smash House TV delivers new Mr. Mal video “Celebration”

Glenn Jones, keeping R&B alive

At long last, R&B music is making a change for the better and it’s not by coincidence that GLENN JONES will be present for the evolution. “After such an intensive focus on the youth-oriented market, this music is now gaining more substance. It seems that R&B is coming back to the raw deal – real music, real singers,” he notes…happily.  With a voice as memorable as his lyrics sincere, GLENN JONES has crafted some of R&B’s most significant love songs to date. After enjoying success with chart-topping hits including “Here I Go Again,” “We’ve Only Just Begun (The Romance Is Not Over)”, “Baby  Come Home” “I’ve Been Searching” “Show Me” and  His Current Single “I Wonder Why,” JONES returns to the music scene a little older, a lot wiser and with his warm, distinctive riffs in tow. Having lent a helping hand in laying the groundwork for many of today’s most celebrated male vocalists (Joe, Donell Jones, Case and Jaheim, among them), JONES releases his debut CD, “Feels Good” on Peak Records.

The album, which boasts 12 solid tracks, features the songwriting talents of JONES alongside frequent collaborators Barry Eastmond (Barry White, Rachelle Ferrell) and Ross Vannelli (Celine Dion, Howard Hewett) as well as Herb Middleton (Ann Nesby, Al Green) and Grammy Award®-winning songwriter, Gordon Chambers (Anita Baker, Brownstone). “I really wanted to be myself on this album and for the first time, I was able to write freely. Anybody can relate to the songs, regardless of demographics,” he adds. “This is the kind of record I’ve always wanted to have.”  “I Wonder Why,” the album’s lead single, poses unanswered questions to a distant lover. Co-written by JONES and Vannelli, the song takes the listener on a seemingly unsuccessful quest to make things right as JONES replays the episode through song. In addition to the interlude, “I’ll Always Be Here,” which he performs with his wife and creative partner, Genobia Jeter Jones, he also shared the recording booth with fellow label mate, Regina Belle. On their heartfelt collaboration, “From Now On,” their voices are flawlessly matched. And against the backdrop of a gentle guitar, JONES makes his point, subtly, on the infectious track, “When Love Breaks You Down.” Long before the chorus fades, the message is clear.

No stranger to pen and paper, JONES was nominated for a Grammy in (2003) and has received the Stella award for his crafty lyrics, superior vocals and for lending his production talents to the gospel quartet, Canton Spirituals (Verity Records), garnering favorites including “Never Let Go” and “They Need to Belong.” In conjunction with his writing, producing and recording schedule, JONES has spent time on the road gigging and most recently, added acting to his repertoire. Between album projects, he joined the casts of both “The Devil Made Me Do It” and “When a Woman’s Fed Up,” touring across the nation for nearly two years. “We performed eight shows a week and I gradually saw my skills improving,” he notes. “Learning to act has been great training for me as a performer.”

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, JONES fondly recalls, “Since the age of 4 or 5, I’ve always loved music.” Reared in the Pentecostal church, he often found himself risking punishment just to sneak a listen to the secular sounds of Stevie, Bobby, Marvin and Donny, in particular. Heavily influenced by the sounds of the time, JONES formed his first group, “The Modulations,” at the age of fourteen and was later discovered by the late, great gospel legend, Reverend James Cleveland. Although he initially made his mark in the gospel arena, JONES’ voice caught the ear of acclaimed musician, Norman Connors, with whom he toured and ultimately began performing R&B music.    Having officially made the transition from gospel to R&B, JONES joined the roster at RCA Records.  Four years later, he signed with Jive Records and enjoyed success with his self-titled album, which spawned the hit singles, “We’ve Only Just Begun (The Romance Is Not Over)” and “Stay,” respectively. His move to Atlantic Records produced contemporary up tempo hits “Here I Go Again” and “I’ve Been Searching (Nobody Like You).” During 1998, JONES signed with SAR for the independent release of “It’s Time,” which sold nearly 200,000 copies, via a combination of internet, event and retail sales. In addition, the album included the hit single “Baby Come Home,” a Top 5 R&B single that was one of the Top Ten Most Played Records for 2000, according to Billboard Monitor. Jones was overwhelmed by the success of his last project and feels blessed to have an underground fan base that has sustained his career for over a decade.
Having endured the full spectrum of euphoric highs and creative pitfalls associated with the major label system. During early 2002, JONES reevaluated his focus and opted to follow an independent path, thus inking his current deal with Peak Records. At ease with his new label home, JONES notes, “The ‘indie’ route is best for me.  There’s no red tape – I can pick up the phone and speak with anyone at the label. They are always open and willing to work with me, individually, without trying to force me into a mold.”

Marketing, imaging and sleek packaging aside, GLENN JONES clearly understands the dynamics of creating a solid vocal performance and has consistently delivered – “Feels Good” is no exception! “My primary goal for this album was to make some feel good music. I want listeners to feel the sincerity in my songs and be open to giving the Adult Contemporary chart a chance, too.”

Showplace home in West End combines old with new

A home for sale at 3017 Wenonah Circle in Birmingham’s West End is worthy of any television makeover show.

The one-owner, 1968 red brick rancher with white trim still maintains its mid-century era’s best assets, including original hardwood floors and mature trees. However, extensive remodeling has resulted in an updated neighborhood showplace.

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To inquire about this beautiful home click here

Update: Birmingham Mayor William Bell’s office developing early retirement plan for city employees

Nearly 10 percent of Birmingham city workers would be eligible for a voluntary retirement plan under development from Mayor William Bell.

Bell’s staff and City Council members are meeting in a special work session this afternoon to discuss the proposed early retirement program, which officials say would save the city money in the long term. Salaries add up to more than 70 percent of the city’s operating budget.

“It is going to reveal substantial savings, even if just half of those eligible take it,” said Chuck Faush, Bell’s chief of staff. “The mayor has brought in an entire team to make a presentation.”

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Takes A Village Mentoring Program Announces their official kickoff celebration Saturday August 21st 2010

Birmingham, Al August 17, 2010:  Takes A Village Mentoring Program in collaboration with New Direction Church kick off our mentoring program Saturday August 21st 2010 5pm-8pm at Abbey Wooley Park in Alabaster, Al We invite parents to come out and encourage them bring their children for an afternoon of Food, Fun, Fellowship and Entertainment! Our target age group is for children between the ages of 12 to 18 We are a group of concerned and empowered young Christian professionals that see a need for positive influence in our children lives. Our purpose is to help lead the next generation to their divine potential and destiny by providing positive examples of how to become great men and women. Our goal is to provide a safe and healthy environment that promotes growth spiritually and mentality. Our foundation is Proverbs 22:6 “Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

We truly believe it Takes A Village to accomplish this goal! Therefore we are inviting all mentoring programs around the city far and wide to come out and take part in this event. By working together as one common unit we can do so much more. This event is a FREE event!! We look forward to seeing you Saturday August 21st 2010 at Abbey Wooley Park in Alabaster, Al

Press Contacts:

Sly King
205-427-0602
slyking48@gmail.com

Pastor Roderick Sailes
205-492-6006
pastorsailes@hotmail.com

Takes A Village Mentoring Program
P.O Box 614  Montevallo, Al 35115
tavmentoring@gmail.com

Birminghams Fair Park on schedule; seeks private developers

Birmingham’s $46 million overhaul of Fair Park is on budget, with the publicly financed portion to be ready in the spring, city officials said.

The city’s next task is marketing the site to private commercial developers interested in opening businesses around the public track and indoor swimming facilities, said Chuck Faush, Mayor William Bell’s chief of staff.

“Everything is on schedule,” he said. “The mayor is very pleased how things have been progressing at Fair Park — not just the timetable, but the controls that were put on the table that have been met and are being watched very closely.”

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Sports pack potent economic punch for Birmingham area

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — A prep football double-header at Hoover High School ruled the sports world on ESPN on Saturday afternoon, providing a boost to local hotels and restaurants — and burnishing the Birmingham area’s growing reputation as a sports town.

Games pitting Prattville against Saint Thomas Aquinas of Fort Lauderdale and Hoover against South Panola of Bates Valley, Miss., attracted fans who filled up at least five Hoover hotels and had an estimated economic impact of $2.4 million.

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