"BO BIKES BAMA"

(Henagar, AL.) --Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson and nearly 100 riders have started their five-day, 300 mile bicycle ride across Alabama to raise money and awareness for tornado relief.

Dressed in his bikers garb, plus a black skull cap to protect his clean shave head,  the former Auburn running back was cheered on by a large crowd in Henagar early Tuesday.  Celebrity riders include Major League Outfielder Ken Griffey, Jr and retired NBA star Scottie Pippin. All of the riders have taken a pledge with Bo Jackson to help those hit hard by killer tornadoes last April.  Organizers say the ride started in Dekalb County, where more than 30 people died that day.  The ride ends Saturday in Tuscaloosa.   Bo Jackson hopes to raise $1 million dollars for Governor John Bentley's relief fund.

I've known Bo Jackson for a number of years and was not surprised when I heard rumblings about this project about three months ago.  Bo Jackson lives in Illinois, but he calls "Alabama Home!" Central Alabama and it's people are never far from his mind.  Like so many, he watched helplessly as the killer storms tore through Alabama last April.  But, unlike so many others, Bo decided to use his celebrity and the bond he has with the NFL, NBA and MLB to make a difference. I'm sure Scottie Pippin and others could have simply written a check, but if you're truly a friend of Bo Jackson, you know you've got to put a little sweat equity behind it.  In other words, when it comes to being friends with this man with a "big heart" membership has it's privileges.

I can't wait for my opportunity to reconnect with my friend and cheer him on with this heartwarming effort. Come on Alabama join me in not only wishing Bo well, but in helping those who lost everything to the killer storms.  Please click onto the link below and donate to Bo Bike's Bama.

       


Click Here:  Bo Bike's Bama Website
http://bobikesbama.com/




Photos: Courtesy AP Photos

MATTERS OF FAITH: "Ministering The Word of God Through Song"

   

Evangelist and National Recording Artist- Vetrea Slack Ruffin and The Ruffin Family 


(Huntsville, AL)  Their family tight vocals and rich harmony are gaining critical acclaim and turning the heads of some gospel greats.  This mother-daughter trio has performed with such Gospel Greats as  Dorinda Clark-Cole and studied under the direction of Donnie McClurkin.

Vetrea Slack-Ruffin and The Ruffin Family, from Huntsville, AL, is an anointed mother-daughter trio who bring a message of deliverance, healing and freedom.  They're ministering the word of God through song.  Their impeccable style smoothly blends traditional and contemporary gospel  music without compromise. VISIT "VISION/VOICE/VARION" and find out why The Ruffin Family is the focus of this month's MATTERS OF FAITH!


SWITCH NOW:
www.varionwalton.com       


FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE RUFFIN FAMILY:
VISIT:  http://www.vetreaslackruffin.com/

EXCLUSIVE: IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FILE YOUR BP CLAIM

(Mobile, AL.)--The man at the helm of the BP Oil Spill Claims is talking and Varion Walton has the story!  Former Secretary of Agriculture Mike Espy beat out more than 100 other lawyers for the job of monitoring the NEW claims process. Now that Kenneth Feinberg and THE GCCF (Gulf Coast Claims Facility) are out of business, "NEW LEADERS" are in place and they're operating under "NEW RULES." In a story you'll see only on "VISION/VOICE/VARION"--Attorney Mike Espy promises the new BP Oil Claims Fund will be 'flexible, fast and more transparent!'

Espy and several other lawyers from Morgan and Morgan, a prominent law firm in Louisiana will take the next 8-to-10 weeks to advise plaintiffs and potential plaintiffs in this case of their rights.

VISION/VOICE/VARION has learned under the new agreement, Espy and the other attorneys are fighting for a bigger payoff, plus a longer term for monitoring those with medical conditions related to oil spill. A federal judge in Louisiana hearing from both sides is expected to sign off on the paperwork by April 15th.

A temporary claims center, hosted by Capital Claims, LLC will be held on the campus of NEW BIRTH COMMUNITY CHURCH for the next 8-to-10 weeks.  NBCC is located at 1329 Forest Ridge Road in Mobile, just off the Overlook Shopping Center in Mobile. The Claims Center office will be open on Saturday from 8am-until 5pm.

"VARION'S VIEWS"--NO TIME FOR BRONCHITIS!

(Oklahoma City, OK)--"Hide your kids, hide your wife, hide your husband" there's a new "viral babe" in town!  In this week's "Varion's Views"--a video that's going viral and racking up the hits! This unsuspecting resident woke up to the smell of smoke and realized her building was on fire. Her attitude is infectious as she recalls those frighting moments.

I don't know about you, but I think she could easily defeat that other unsuspecting resident who didn't wake up to fire, but a prowler on the hunt in his sister's bedroom. Move over Antoine Dodson, I smell another remix on the way!

EDDIE LEVERT RELEASES FIRST SOLO ALBUM!

GRAMMY NOMINATED SINGER, ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAMER EDDIE LEVERT

RELEASES NEW SINGLE “LAST MAN STANDING”ON ITUNES

(LAS VEGAS, NV)--Grammy nominated singer/songwriter/musician Eddie Levert has released his first single “Last Man Standing” off his debut solo album entitled Eddie Levert: I Still Have It, which will be released later this spring.  The single, which is currently available on iTunes, features Levert’s signature rich and powerful baritone vocals that have enticed fans over the years. As part of this solo release, Eddie Levert will be performing in cities across the country for fans. 

“This album is an extension of me as an entertainer. With all my years in this business, I still love performing,” states Levert.  “This is my first solo album and I am so excited to share this with my fans.”

As part of the iconic R&B/Soul group The O’Jays, who were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005, Levert is known for chart topping hits like “I Love Music,” “Love Train,” “Back Stabbers” and “Use ta be My Girl.”  Their single  “For the Love of Money”  has become part of pop culture as it has been covered and sampled by several artists and has been featured  in movies and television shows including The Apprentice, Celebrity Apprentice, WWE, Family Guy, Friends and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air among others.   As R&B Royalty, The O’Jays have had seven Top 20 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles and eight Top Twenty albums on the Billboard 200 pop album chart.

Eddie is actively performing and touring the world with the O’Jays as well as performing as a solo artist touring with Johnny Gill, Keith Sweat and others.  He is also in the studio working on his next major project; the much anticipated release of the latest O’Jays CD.

"VARION'S VIEWS"-CUTE ONE POUND KITTEN!

(Mobile, AL.) --I must admit I'm not much of a cat lover, but I love this video.  This is just one of "VARION'S VIEWS" from my viral video collection.  Enjoy, this little guy is going to steal your heart!

   

CLICK HERE:
Prepare to be conquered by a cute one-pound kitten

GAS GIVEAWAY EASTER WEEKEND "EASES" PAIN AT THE PUMP

LOCAL CHURCH GIVES THOUSANDS IN FREE GAS

NEW BIRTH COMMUNITY CHURCH SPONSORS- 
‘A DAY OF HOPE’
-  Announcement to Be Made Live On Air at 8AM on Saturday -


A local church is planning a novel way to help its neighborhood deal with soaring gas prices this Easter weekend. Members of New Birth Community Church are giving away thousand of dollars worth of free gas on Saturday, April 7, 2012, starting at 10am. Volunteers will pump up to twenty dollars’ ($20.) worth of gas per car, as well as offer free Bluebell Ice-cream through a generous donation from BlueBell Creamery.

Cumulus Broadcasting radio stations, 98.3FM WDLT, 92.3FM WBLX, and 900AM WGOK will announce the location of the “Day of Hope” free gas giveaway on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 8am live on all three stations!

Commenting on the event, New Birth Community Church's Senior Pastor Cederick D. McMillan said “as we wrap up this holy week it’s important for our congregation to remember those who are still struggling in our slowing economy!  Easter is a time of sacrifice and we freely give of ourselves to a community in need of financial healing!”

New Birth will commemorate its Easter services with an “all white affair”-entitled “THIS IS IT” Michael Jackson said it, but Jesus did it!  Join us for 75 minutes of “Word and Worship” Sunday morning at 9am. Everyone is welcomed!

For more information call: 

New Birth Community Church

251-709-1664


www.newbirthcc.org

RESTAURANT SCORECARD: Food Police Probe Salmonella Outbreak; Sushi Eyed

(Washington, D.C.)-- Health officials are "going fishing" this week, checking to make certain your raw seafood creation isn't baited with dangerous bacteria!  Nearly 100 people reported getting sick from something they ordered off the menu.  The outbreak may be linked to sushi and has caused at least seven people to go to the emergency room.  No deaths have been reported to date.  Right now the food police are focusing their investigation on six clusters of restaurants in Texas, Wisconsin, Maryland, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

CLICK HERE FOR "THE TODAY SHOW" REPORT!
Health agencies probe salmonella outbreak; sushi eyed

'Anchorman' Sequel: Ron Burgundy Returns! | Video - ABC News

(March 30, 2012) --STOP THE PRESS! There's no bigger news than the return of "Ron Burgundy!"  Its the news that has "tongues wagging" in newsrooms all over America.
Will Ferrell who won the hearts of newsmen everywhere promises the new sequel will be the funniest yet.

CLICK HERE:
'Anchorman' Sequel: Ron Burgundy Returns! | Video - ABC News

Olympic Superstar Jackie Joyner-Kersee Visits Alabama

(MOBILE, AL.) It isn't everyday a Mobile County High School student gets to meet a 3 time Olympic champion. Track star and Olympic Icon Jackie Joyner Kersee was the guest speaker at the YWCA's Empowerment Summit at The Marriott Hotel. Taylor Mixon, a sophomore at Davidson High School was one of hundreds who lined up meet Kersee. Taylor, who is an aspiring track star in her own right got some pointers from the legendary track star on how to "go for the gold."

During her brief visit to The Port City I got a chance to chat briefly with this popular wife and mother being an Olympiad and what she thought of her first visit to The Gulf Coast?