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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 04 March 2010 13:24 |
Land Rover recently introduced it's reengineered LR3 replacement the LR4, and as you might expect based on its last upgrade from the old Discovery to the LR3, the new LR4 represents giant leaps in development over its former self. Although not immediately obvious to those unfamiliar with the exterior design of the old LR3, the new LR4 doesn't represent giants leaps in exterior design, as a matter of fact, if you just took a quick look you probably wouldn't even notice the subtle exterior changes in the form of grill enhancements, and revised lighting to the front of the LR4 – the addition of LED lighting. The real story of the new LR4 lies in its interior upgrades in terms of passenger environment and technology enhancements and the addition of much need power under the hood.
There is only one trim line available on the new LR4; however, options can be added in the form of an HSE package and an HSE Plus package. The HSE package adds 19-inch wheels, heated exterior mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel, a power tilt-and-slide front sunroof, front and rear fog lamps, Bluetooth, an iPod/MP3 interface, in-dash CD changer, nine speaker system, satellite radio and a hard-drive based navigation system with 7-inch display.
The HSE Plus package adds High Definition Radio, mood lighting, keyless entry and ignition, a back-up camera, elevated leather grade, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, a center-console cooler box and driver seat memory settings. A third HSE LUX Plus package adds a 360-degree camera parking system. Although the LUX package and some of the other enhancements can be added as stand alone features.
Power comes from a 5.0-liter V8 engine taken from Jaguar that produces 375 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed transmission with normal, sport, and manual shift modes. Power is laid on the ground through Land Rover's permanent four-wheel drive system with Terrain Response.
Standard Equipment:
Performance & Handling – Terrain Response System with General/Snow/Mud/Sand/Rock Crawl settings, 5.0-liter Aluminum Alloy V8 with Direct Fuel Injection, Permanent Four-Wheel Drive system with Traction Control, Two-speed electronic transfer gearbox with variable locking center differential, Six-Speed electronically controlled automatic with Command-shift Normal, Sport and Manual Shift Modes, 19" Aluminum Alloy wheels with temporary spare tire on steel wheel. Four-Channel Power-Assisted four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, all-terrain anti-lock braking system, All-terrain Dynamic stability control, Electronic brakeforce distribution, Cornering brake control, Hill descent control, Emergency brake assist. Four-corner electronic air suspension, multiple modes: access, standard, and off-road, Independent front and rear suspension.
Safety - Six-airbag supplemental restraint system: Dual-Threshold driver and front passenger, side thorax for driver and front passenger, Side-curtain for 1st and 2nd row outboard passengers, Side-Door impact beams for front and rear doors, Height-Adjustable front seat belts, Driver and Front passenger seat belt pre-tensioners, Child locks for rear doors and windows, Lower anchor and tether for children for child seat, Electric rear-window defroster, Front and rear fog lamps, Twin-pocket quartz Halogen headlights with headlight washers, auto dimming interior rearview mirror, Rear park distance control.
Security – Keyless entry system with perimetric sensing security system, foldable and removable rear load-space cover, 24-hour Recovery Service.
Comfort and Convenience – Asymmetrical split tailgate, Dual-Zone automatic climate control system, Straight-Grained walnut wood, Leather seating surfaces Leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic steering wheel, Electronic cruise control with steering-wheel mounted controls, Power adjustable Driver's and Front-Passenger seat with armrest, Power windows with backlit controls, Message information center in instrument panel, Front and Rear cup-holding door-mounted bottle holder. 240-Watt, 9-speaker Harman/Kardon audio in-dash CD player, Steering wheel-mounted audio controls, Glass-mounted diversity antenna system.
Base price of my test 2010 Land Rover LR4 is $47,250, plus $850 transportation charges for a total of $48,100.
Optional Equipment:
Heavy Duty Package – Full Size Spare & Locking Differential ($750). Special Paint Charge – Extended Global Palette ($950). 5 Seat HSE Package - Navigation System, Hard Disc Drive, Bluetooth Connectivity, Front Park Control, SIRIUS Radio, HSE Badge, Cold Climate Pack ($3,650).
Total "as tested" price of my Land Rover LR4 $53,450 (cheap for this level of refinement and equipment).
Fuel Numbers are 12 miles-per-gallon city and 17 miles-per-gallon highway due in large part to the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and off road equipment that is always at your fingertips. |
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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 04 March 2010 13:19 |
The leaders of Birmingham’s largest denominations and religions issued a “joint resolution” this week calling upon all ‘to pray’ for Larry Langford and his family during the week of March 1 through 7.
Consistently maintaining his innocence of a bribery charge, embattled and convicted Mayor of Birmingham Larry Langford is scheduled to be sentenced this week. A jury in a Tuscaloosa federal courtroom believed over $200,000 paid to creditors and Langford was a bribe and not a loan, as alleged in testimony by Langford, Wynton Blount and Al LaPierre.
Blount, a Montgomery investment banker, and LaPierre a former Alabama Democratic Party executive – both longtime associates of Langford’s – testified at Langford’s trial that they “never offered (Langford) a bribe,” nor did Langford ever “ask them for a (bribe).” Yet the jury decided a multitude of counts and returned a guilty verdict in less than 100 minutes.
Last week, LaPierre was given a prison sentence of four years, and Blount was sentenced to four years and four months for their role in a bribery scheme that profited them millions from an awarded Jefferson County Commission contract. Former County Commissioner Mary Buckelew pled guilty and received probation for accepting a bribe from the Montgomery business investor.
‘Joint’ RESOLUTION
Whereas, the divine directive ‘to pray’ for one another is as old as the ancient scriptures;
and
Whereas, ‘love’ is the fulfillment of God’s law to mankind; and
Whereas, the citizens of Fairfield, Jefferson County and Birmingham, Alabama, at sundry
times, voted overwhelmingly to elect Larry P. Langford to offices of public
service; and
Whereas, Larry P. Langford is a visionary that demonstrated extraordinary faith and
leadership in construction of Alabama’s only theme park…and brought
economic development to Jefferson County’s most impoverished Westside; and
Whereas, to find individuals amongst us who are visionary…and have a dream;
and because this quality of leadership is rare and exceptional, the absence of his
vision is a loss to public service; and
Whereas, Larry P. Langford attracted high-paying jobs to one of Jefferson County’s
smallest cities, Fairfield, as its mayor; and also constructed its first ever Civic
Center; and
Whereas, as Mayor of Birmingham, he envisioned Olympic-style sports facilities
currently being constructed at Fair Park that are bringing jobs and economic
development to the city’s low-income west side; and
Whereas, Mayor Langford personally led city work-crews in abandoned house
removal, street-pavement and city beautification campaigns; and
Whereas, Larry P. Langford’s leadership, humanitarianism and ‘love’ provided personal
computers for the educational advancement of ‘underprivileged’ Birmingham
public school children; and
Whereas, under the skillful political leadership of County Commissioner Langford,
unprecedented, longed-for and much-needed new school construction was
experienced in municipalities across Jefferson County...and appreciated
most by schools with declining enrollments that caused them loss of millions
of education dollars annually; and
Whereas, determined to grow the city even during dire economic times nationally,
Birmingham’s mayor knew construction and labor costs would be lowest
during such times; he therefore boldly pressed forward and established initial
funding for the decades-long dream of a ‘domed’ stadium (and
Entertainment District).
Wherefore…be it resolved that we the interreligious cleric leadership of the largest denominations of faith in the City of Birmingham, Alabama [to wit, the Birmingham Baptist Ministers Conference (BBMC), the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME), the AOH Church of God, the Nation of Islam, and others] do pray for…and call upon all to love, and to pray for Larry P. Langford and his family particularly in this week of March 1 through 7, 2010. We call upon all to reflect upon the many good deeds as we pray for him and his beloved family.
CLERIC RESOLUTION CONTRIBUTORS: The Rev. Michael Reese (BBMC - Baptist), Bishop James Davis (AME Church - Methodist), Bishop Lawrence Reddick, III, (CME Church - Methodist), Bishop Larnie B. White (AOH Church of God - Pentecostal), Minister Tremon Muhammad (Nation of Islam - Muslim), the Rev. Edgar Fisher (BBMC - Baptist), Minister William Muhammad (Nation of Islam - Muslim), Bishop Calvin Woods (BBMC – Baptist/local SCLC president), the Rev. O.C. Oden (Baptist), the Rev. Collins Pettaway (National Baptist) and the Rev. Franklin Tate (National Baptist).
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Written by Cheryl Eldridge
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Thursday, 04 March 2010 12:38 |
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Alabama Power has named Bobbie Knight, a 30-year company veteran and deeply engaged civic leader, vice president of the Birmingham Division, the electric utility’s largest division.
Knight, the former vice president of Public Relations, will be responsible for providing service to about 410,000 customers in north central Alabama. The Birmingham Division encompasses all of Jefferson County, most of Shelby County and parts of four other counties.
"Bobbie Knight has proven her value to Alabama Power throughout her career," said Alabama Power President and CEO Charles McCrary. "Not only does Bobbie have the perfect resume and business experience for this position, she also has a deep understanding of, and love for, her hometown."
Knight's career with Alabama Power spans more than 30 years. She served in management positions in the company’s Western Division, Human Resources, Corporate Services and Supply Chain before being named to head Public Relations in 2002.
"I am honored that this company has the confidence in me to carry out the many responsibilities of this position," Knight said. "It is especially rewarding to be able to serve a community that means so much to me."
Integrally involved in the Birmingham community, Knight was recognized as a "Top Birmingham Woman" by the Birmingham Business Journal in 2003. A graduate of the MOMENTUM Women's leadership program and the 2005/2006 class of Leadership Birmingham, Knight currently serves as president of the Leadership Birmingham Members Council. In 2008, Knight received the 10th
Annual Women's History Award from the NAACP Birmingham chapter for her outstanding community service.
Knight serves on the boards of the Railroad Park Foundation, the University of Alabama School of Communications Board of Visitors and the Alabama Business Charitable Trust Fund. She has served on many other local and state boards, including VOICES for Alabama’s Children, the A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club and United Way of Central Alabama.
"We are very fortunate to have Bobbie heading our Birmingham Division," said McCrary. "She grew up in a time when Birmingham was facing and overcoming daunting challenges, so she is well-equipped to help lead through today's challenges."
Knight is a graduate of Banks High School, the University of Alabama and the Birmingham School of Law. She is a 2002 graduate of the Kellogg School of Management Executive Development Program at Northwestern University.
In 2005 she was named an "Outstanding Alumna in Public Relations" by the University of Alabama School of Communications.
In 2007 Knight was recognized by the women of the Alabama State Legislature for her outstanding achievements in business and the community. Knight was also one of 22 women selected worldwide to participate in the International Women’s Forum Leadership Foundation Fellows program, which included studies at Harvard University and the University of Cambridge in England.
Knight lives in Birmingham with husband Gary Burley, a former NFL player and president of Pro Start Academy and Pro Start Scholarship Foundation.
Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), provides reliable, affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million customers across the state.
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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 04 March 2010 13:16 |
Kendra, 22 - Charlotte, NC
New spin-off hosted by comedian Bret Ernst features three former “Bad Girls” competing for The Man of Their Dreams
PASADENA, Ca. – Cupid’s arrow strikes as Oxygen debuts the new original series “Love Games: Bad Girls Need Love Too” – a spin-off of the hit reality series “Bad Girls Club” – in March. The dating competition series, “Love Games” features three former “Bad Girls Club” stars – Amber (season three), Kendra (season four) and Sarah (season three) vying for the man of their dreams. The ladies bring their feisty ways back to the airwaves in search of love from a pool of 13 eligible suitors. Comedian Bret Ernst (“Wild West Comedy Show”) hosts the eight one-hour episode series.
“Over the successful run of the “Bad Girls Club” series, the show’s die-hard fan base has demonstrated an insatiable interest in the dating lives of these flirty and outrageously energetic girls,” said Amy Introcaso-Davis, Senior Vice President, Programming and Development for Oxygen. “‘Love Games’ gives our avid viewers the opportunity to watch their favorite Bad Girls find love in a fun and wildly entertaining way.”
Each week Amber, Kendra and Sarah, have the group of bachelors competing for their attention in a series of off-the-wall challenges and entertaining group dates. The girls must try to put their bad aside in an attempt to work together to narrow the field and identify the guy that’s most ideal for them. The men that don’t catch their eye and win their heart are eliminated weekly. The games get steamy as the men try to woo the ladies with an array of alluring talents ranging from romantic serenades to impressing the girls with their cooking prowess and physical stamina during a lively beach challenge. In the end, only one Bad Girl and her beau will be left standing.
Meet the lovelorn Bad Girls:
Amber, 27 – Scottsdale, AZ
Season three “Bad Girls Club” star Amber lived life in the house focused on fun and boy chasing. Her no holds barred approach to life and bubbly energy brings out the party atmosphere no matter where she goes. Amber keeps her dating life spicy with variety – the nice guys bore this spotlight-loving bad girl quickly so she keeps the bad boys close by. This time around, she is searching for the perfect guy to call her own.
Kendra, 22 - Charlotte, NC
Fresh off of season four of the “Bad Girls Club,” boy crazy Kendra is looking to tame her intense sexual appetite and get serious about finding “Mr. Right” as opposed to “Mr. Right Now.” Kendra loves long-term relationships, but admits it takes a certain kind of guy to handle her. This pretty pageant girl, who is the rule breaking opposite of her perfect and obedient twin sister, is pursuing a degree in political science.
Sarah, 25 – Milwaukee, WI
Married by 19 and divorced by 21, Sarah spent season three in the Bad Girls house making up for lost time – indulging in countless nights of drinking and partying. Nowadays, guys have their work cut out for them when trying to catch the eye of Sarah. Between holding down two jobs and college, Sarah doesn’t impress easily. Her type of guy exudes confidence but is also honest, fun, outgoing and wants to treat her like a princess. Sarah has grown tired of casual dating and would really like to settle down with someone special.
Comedian Bret Ernst can regularly be seen headlining at top clubs across the country, and has earned the sought after honor of marquee status on the Sunset Strip. This New Jersey native will next appear in his own half hour television special this February. Most recently his stand up was showcased on “One Mic Stand” and “Comics Without Borders.” He recently appeared in the Vince Vaughn feature film “Wild West Comedy Show.” The film documents Ernst with Vaughn and three other comedians as they perform to sold out crowds in a 30-night 30-venue tour across America. On the small screen, he has a recurring character on “Weeds” and has guest starred on “CSI: NY.” Ernst currently resides in Los Angeles.
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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 04 March 2010 10:19 |
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March 6 at 7 p.m. – Free Concert
The lovable and highly acclaimed Watoto Children’s Choir of Uganda invites you to an uplifting concert at The Guiding Light Church on Saturday, March 6th at 7 p.m.
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