Thebama

Chris March 26th, 2010

By:  Christie Bohorfoush, Senior Staff Writer

The Southern Museum of Flight, located in Birmingham, Alabama is dedicated to presenting civilian, military, experimental aircraft, and memorabilia from the earliest history of powered flight. The 68,000 square foot facility houses over seventy-five aircraft, as well as engines, models, artifacts, photographs, and paintings. In addition, the Southern Museum of Flight is home to the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame with over sixty-five biographical plaques presenting Alabama aviation history through collective biography.

Notable aircraft on display include a Wright Flyer, a Curtis Pusher, a WWll Fokker D-Vll, an Alexander Eaglerock once owned by the first deaf pilot, WWll trainers, and F4 “Phantom” jet, Soviet built MIGs, an A12 “Blackbird” spy plane, the “Lake Murray” B-25 Bomber, and a vast array of experimental aircraft.

Featured on display at the Southern Museum of Flight is a diorama exhibit honoring Alabama’s famed Tuskegee Airmen. A state-of-the-art theater with surround sound, realistic flight simulators, tours, and a children’s “Little Pilots Room” are also available.

The Southern Museum of Flight truly has something for everyone! I cannot stress enough how much I enjoyed my visit to the museum. It is a rare jewel that we have in Birmingham that is often over-looked; but should not be missed. On my visit, I saw every kind of plane from the earliest attempts of flight – to aircraft and choppers flown in Viet Nam- to the latest aircraft used for spying purposes. To be up close and personal with so many aircraft is something very special and everyone is sure to take away something new that they have learned.

Read the extended article with photos Here

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Mike July 22nd, 2009

Country music artist Ryan Daniel will be performing on September 4 at Maxwell AFB from 11am-1pm and on September 12 at Fort Rucker, AL from 11am-1pm.

Ryan Daniel’s debut CD, Love Life and Memories, includes a memorable track titled Unknown Soldier.  Written about 15 years ago by Bob Dellaposta and Todd French, Unknown Soldier is a timeless patriotic song and the perfect fit for a Memorial Day playlist!  ”The song hit me because I served 10 years in the Air Force”, says Ryan, “and once a soldier, always a soldier. You feel those emotions of war for the rest of your life.”

“If the President says we are going to war, whether you agree or not, you go,” Ryan continues.  “That’s what we signed up for, that’s our duty, that’s just what we do. And in some cases you might be the Unknown Soldier.”

Ryan was deployed to the Middle East several times to serve in our fight for freedom overseas. While in the service, he was selected to join the elite musical touring group “Tops in Blue.” As a member of this prestigious Air Force production, Ryan toured all over the world, entertaining an estimated 250,000 troops and civilians alike. This opportunity led to him meeting his producer, Barry Best.  In August of 2005, Ryan left the military to pursue his dream of music.

www.RyanDaniel.org

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Mike March 31st, 2009

What gives with pre-empting the Osbournes’ tonight for a weather repeat? I have no doubt it won’t be a “quality” show and probably won’t last more than a few episodes; but Fox is the home of “see what sticks” programming, and with the crap they run from week to week I find this selective censorship rather insulting.

I’ve got 500 channels, if I don’t want to see the show I’m more than capable of changing the channel, but quite frankly I planned to watch it as (a) it follows idol; and (b) I like to know what people will be talking about tomorrow. Do you have so little faith in your viewers that you feel you have to make decisions for us when it comes to what to watch? You chose to be a Fox affiliate, knowing the kind of shows they are famous for… it’s too late to be playing holier than thou.

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bamaleigh123 March 10th, 2009

STARS FALL ON ALABAMA AS PART OF NEW ENTERTAINMENT CIRCUIT

To confront the growing fear of the nation-wide economic meltdown and the direct loss of revenue and jobs to the State of Alabama, Ronnie Gilley (CEO, Ronnie Gilley Properties/Ronnie Gilley Entertainment and developer of Country Crossing, Dothan, AL), James Stroud (President of Ronnie Gilley Entertainment and award-winning music producer) and country superstars, Tracy Lawrence (“Paint Me A Birmingham”), Marty Stuart (“Tempted” & “The Marty Stuart Show”-RFD-TV) and Darryl Worley (“Have You Forgotten”) barnstormed Alabama today and will do so again tomorrow, Wednesday, March 11, 2009, with stops in Dothan, Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville and Mobile to announce plans for a series of major entertainment complexes.

Entertainment destinations will be located in Jefferson, Macon and Houston Counties creating thousands of jobs and millions of tax dollars and charitable contributions. Gilley is outspoken about economic development and the need for new job opportunities.

“Alabama is in dire need of job opportunities. The state coffers are empty and we need to create a solid tax base for our future. Tourism is the answer and the only way to make that happen is to create destinations that people want to visit. Entertainment is the key and Alabama needs to do everything in its power to make this happen. Gilley Entertainment will partner with various electronic operators to create ’boutique’ versions of Country Crossing throughout the state.” says Gilley.

The Birmingham Race Track and Victoryland in Shorter will be part of the entertainment circuit with showrooms and celebrity venues being planned.

Gilley is building the world-class entertainment destination, Country Crossing, in Dothan, Alabama. Designed to be a family-friendly resort with luxury hotels, an RV resort, bingo pavilion, celebrity themed venues and restaurants, a family entertainment center and one-of-a-kind entertainment events at the festival grounds, Country Crossing will also create thousands of jobs. [www.countrycrossingalabama.com]

Gilley launched last year’s extremely successful BamaJam Music & Arts Festival in Enterprise. The inaugural 3-day event drew more than 200,000 music fans to Coffee County and featured more than 30 acts on three separate stages. This year’s BamaJam Music & Arts Festival secured Verizon Wireless as title sponsor. The mega outdoor entertainment event will take place June 4 – 6, 2009 and features Grammy award-winning and platinum selling headliners including Taylor Swift, Kid Rock, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, The Black Crowes and many more. [www.bamajammusicfestival.com]

Gilley has also just announced the Jones Jam–a free music concert to be held Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the Peanut Festival Fairgrounds in Dothan. The concert will star Country Legend and Gilley National Spokesman, George Jones, as well as Clint Black, Lee Greenwood, Aaron Tippin and others. The mini festival will start at 2PM, with gates opening at 12 Noon.

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Mike February 22nd, 2009

Watch out for I.C.E.

No, not the frozen stuff, Iron Cage Extreme – the new Mixed Martial Arts promotion based in Birmingham. ICE hosted their first event Friday night at the Bessemer Civic Center (BCC), a steel cage exhibition of some of the areas more promising amateurs, plus two pro bouts. I was two wrapped up in the action to take notes, so no ESPN-style play-by-play here; but I can tell you they put on a great night of fighting, with only one matchup making it into the second round. The others fell to chokes, arm bars and knockouts, thrilling the crowd of several hundred fight fans.

It doesn’t take much to match-up twenty four fighters and assemble a ring; but it takes a LOT more to put together an exciting, well-controlled and family friendly event – and that is where ICE delivered. They chose a perfect venue in the BCC – providing clear views of the ring to all; and an in-your-face experience you don’t always get with the bigger companies. A professional DJ and entertaining MC kept everyone’s toes tapping between bouts and the ICE Ring Girls were happy to pose for pictures with all the kids… and a few of the older guys. Ice cold coke, hotdogs and wings were available for those of us on the floor, while the VIP’s enjoyed steak and chicken. I snatched up a few limited edition ICE tees and an American Fighter shirt from another vender. And with the economy in the pits, ICE treated the fans nice, with $25 general Admission seats and $35 ringsides, plus massive discounts for the kids.

Watch out for ICE, these guys have class and I suspect we’ll be seeing more great events from them soon.

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Mike January 6th, 2009

Country Funny Man Cledus T. Judd is “Waitin’ On Obama”

[Editor's Note: I got to hear this single today, and it is hillarious! A perfect run-down of what's getting us down; and the nation's hope for change!]

After a three-year hiatus, Country music’s most popular comedian, Cledus T. Judd, re-signs with KOCH Records and will release a new single this month, “Waitin’ On Obama.” The song is a parody of Brad Paisley’s hit single, “Waitin’ On A Woman,” and a video was shot yesterday at the Factory in Franklin, Tennessee for Cledus’ version of the song. The single is available on iTunes and the video will be released on inauguration day, January 20th.

“I‘ve had a great time during my radio detour and will continue to make strides in the broadcasting world, but returning to originally what brought me to town is key,” says Judd. “And to do it with my friend Chuck Rhodes and KOCH Records makes it really complete. It’s time for America to start laughing again, and I hope they can begin laughing with me!”

“When Cledus called me a told me the idea about ‘Waitin’ On Obama’, I knew we had to get in and cut it,” explains Chuck Rhodes, Director of KOCH Records’ Country Division. “We went from words on a page to finished product out the door in about 2 weeks. It’s great to be back in business with one of the funniest guys in country music today.”

Judd began his career by parodying popular country songs and he has released over 20 music videos, nine studio albums and two EPs, with several of the singles entering Billboard’s Hot Country Songs charts. Many major country artists have lent their time in support of Judd’s career through appearances on his videos and albums, which include Alan Jackson, Buck Owens, Vince Gill, and Charlie Daniels. He has also toured with some of the biggest names in Country Music such as Brooks and Dunn, Toby Keith, Shania Twain, Brad Paisley and Trace Adkins. Judd’s television work includes a stint as the co-host of CMT Most Wanted Live from 2002 to 2004 and as a “special correspondent” on the 2005 season of Nashville Star. Additionally, he was one of the featured contestants on Season Five of VH1’s reality show Celebrity Fit Club. Judd has signed a new publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music and Rascal Flatt’s Joe Don Rooney’s publishing company as a songwriter. Judd was co-writer on a bonus track “The Way” from the Rascal Flatts CD Still Feels Good.

Judd is currently living in Georgia and married to physical therapist Amy Cameron. He is also the proud father of his four-year-old daughter, Caitlyn Rose and fourteen-year-old stepson C. J.

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Mike October 21st, 2008

BAMAJAM MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL STACKING UP WITH STARS

Ronnie Gilley Entertainment has set the date for the second annual BamaJam Music & Arts Festival. The mega outdoor entertainment extravaganza will take place, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 4 – 6, 2009, in Enterprise, AL. Sprawling across 450 acres of breathtaking, rolling countryside (along Boy Scout Road and Highway #167), the fields of green will transform once again into a community entertainment and recreation center dedicated to offer the festivalgoer a once-in-a-lifetime musical experience.

More than 30 acts will round out the entertainment line-up at BamaJam 2009. Currently confirmed to perform at the 3-day/3-night musical affair are Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Taylor Swift, Montgomery Gentry, Charlie Daniels, 38 Special, Jason Aldean, Heidi Newfield, Jamey Johnson and Houston County.

“This year’’s event will supercede last year, and I”d venture to say any other music festival in 2009,” said Ronnie Gilley, Ronnie Gilley Entertainment. “We have a spectacular, jam-packed artist line-up to attract music lovers of all ages, FAN-tastic food, more tents to provide shade from the heat, expanded campsites and larger-than-life video screens.”

The gates open to the outdoor entertainment & performance arena on Thursday, June 4 @ 12:00PM.

For the true outdoorsman (and women), BamaJam is a place you won”t need to leave. More RV campsites and tent areas will be created this year where festival-goers (after seeing the stars) can sleep under the stars. BamaJam will accommodate more than 1,500 RV’’s. (Rates: RV Camping – $150.00/Tent Camping – $75.00/Additional Vehicle Charge – $50.00) Day parking is $15.00.

Ticket Information
Ronnie Gilley Entertainment is offering three easy ways to purchase tickets for BamaJam 2009. BamaJamers can take advantage of the “Early Bird Special” and purchase the 3-day general admission ticket TODAY at the price of $139.50. (The early bird tickets are limited; only 5,000 tickets will be sold at the “special” early-bird rate.)

As an added incentive, ticket buyers can purchase their BamaJam tickets on the Easy-Pay Plan. The event promoters are making it easier and more affordable for any and all music enthusiasts to join the party in June 2009. Ronnie Gilley Entertainment is offering for the first time an extended payment plan wherein the 3-day Easy-Pay General Admission Ticket can be purchased online and paid for in four equal installments. Ticket fees will be charged to the ticket purchaser’’s credit card in four equal amounts (plus handling fees and tax) and tickets will be emailed to the purchaser at the time of the fourth and final installment.

In addition, the festivalgoer can go online to download a weekly payment booklet whereby they will be able to make payments each week until the 3-day general admission ticket is paid in full. A $5 down payment is required for each ticket purchased in order to take advantage of this special installment offer.

All payments should be hand-delivered or mailed to Ronnie Gilley Entertainment/BamaJam Offices, One Maverick Way, Enterprise, AL 36330. (Please do not send cash.) All tickets must be paid in full by May 31, 2009. Once tickets are paid in full, they may be picked up at the same location or they can be mailed. Please call (877) 4BAMAJAM or visit www.bamajammusicfestival.com and click on tickets for additional information.

“We are all feeling the pain of the economic crunch; we feel it every time we buy groceries or pump gas,” Gilley, added. “So, we”re hoping to make it more affordable for those who want to come on out and join us. If someone buys a 3-day ticket today, it’’s only $5.00 a week and it’’s well worth the money!”

All information surrounding artist performances, tickets, the BamaJam Payment Plan and camping can be found online at www.BamaJammusicfestival.com or by calling BamaJam headquarters at (877) 4BAMAJAM.

BamaJam is a Ronnie Gilley Entertainment Production. A portion of the proceeds from BamaJam will be donated to The Harlon Gilley Small Man Foundation, Inc. and The Bo Harrell Foundation, Inc.-501 (c) 3 public benefit corporations created by Ronnie Gilley to assist in enhancing and improving the lives of the people and community of Coffee County and the surrounding area.

For More Information: http://www.bamajammusicfestival.com/

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Mike October 16th, 2008

Rascal Flatts Lends A Hand In Birmingham

Rascal Flatts came to Birmingham Wednesday, October 15th to help build an amazing new playground in an area that had been just an empty field. Rascal Flatts were selected For Home Depot’s Humanitarian award. As the winners they chose Birmingham as the location for a brand new playground provided by Kaboom! which was constructed at the Princeton Alternative Elementary School. Other volunteers included representatives from ACM, The Home Depot and Kaboom! as well as many members of the local community. Thanks guys! See below and click on the links on the left hand side to see all the pics and video from this great community project!

Story courtesy of 102.5 The Bull who offers full coverage and photos on their website:

http://www.1025thebull.com/pages/rascal.html

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Mike October 7th, 2008

RONNIE GILLEY PROPERTIES ANNOUNCES COUNTRY CROSSINGS LAND CLOSING

Ronnie Gilley, President of Ronnie Gilley Properties and Ronnie Gilley Entertainment, Enterprise, AL has announced the land closing to secure the development location of Country Crossings-an entertainment resort and facility to be built in Dothan, AL.

Ronnie Gilley Properties, in affiliation with Resorts Development Group II, purchased nearly 400 acres from Southern Farm Inc. this afternoon. The parcel of land is located off of U.S. Hwy. 231 South in Dothan and is expected to become the home of an unprecedented resort/entertainment facility featuring a hotel, amphitheatre, family entertainment center, festival grounds, RV Park and a bingo pavilion. Country Crossings, a mega tourist destination for the entire Southeast region of the U.S., is scheduled to open in Fall 2009.

A number of celebrity-themed venues will be featured at Country Crossings. Country music artists who have already committed are George Jones (Ronnie Gilley Properties’ national spokesperson), Tracy Lawrence, Darryl Worley, Lorrie Morgan and John Anderson, with more country acts and celebrity-endorsed venues being added.

An official groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled to be held Monday, October 27. All artists are anticipated to attend.

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Chris September 5th, 2008

The Birmingham Zoo
By: Christie Bohorfoush, Senior Staff Writer

The Birmingham Zoo is Alabama’s most popular attraction, drawing more than 500,000 visitors annually. Approximately 750 animals of 250 species call the 122-acre Birmingham Zoo home, including sea lions, kangaroos, and endangered species from six continents.

In 1999, the Birmingham Zoo became an independent not-for-profit 501 organization. In the short time following this privatization, the Birmingham Zoo has hosted traveling exhibits of bats, Koalas, and Black-Footed Penguins, added permanent exhibits of a Komodo Dragon and interactive lorikeet aviary and regained accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA.) Most notably, the Zoo completed the Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo, a $15 million anchor exhibit dedicated to children and devoted to urban, rural and wild animals and environs of Alabama, in April 2005 to coincide with the Zoo’s 50th birthday celebration.

On a personal note, I think that every human alive is brought to one zoo or another in their childhood; and I have been a huge fan of the zoo, since my first field outing as an elementary school student. There is nothing more exciting for both a child and an adult than to be able to become up close and personal with live wild animals that most of us never get the opportunity to see in their native wilds. The Birmingham Zoo is an exceptional example of one of the finest Zoos that I have visited; it has a wide range of animals for everyone’s viewing enjoyment; as well as simply beautiful well placed walking paths that provide a scenic surprise around every corner.

2008 Events At The Birmingham Zoo include:

Kangaroo Kountry Now Open!
G’day mate! The Birmingham Zoo has new animals from the Land Down Under. Join them for the Zoo’s newest exhibit, Kangaroo Kountry. Located near the Lorikeet Aviary, this immersive exhibit is home to several red and grey kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of reptiles, birds, and amphibians native to Australia.

Are you ready to go hiking in the outback? In this new exhibit, you can walk right through the outback with the kangaroos! A public walk-way will wind through the bush, and allow you an-close look at these amazing animals. Kangaroos will bask in the sun and hop to their feeding station right next to you.

Sea Lion Splash Show
Join the Birmingham Zoo for their new Sea Lion Splash Show! Meet the Zoo’s two new lions, Bart and Cicely. Visitors can see the Sea Lion Splash Show daily at 10:30am and 3pm.
Butterfly Encounter
The 3,000-sqaure-foot botanical exhibit sponsored by First American Bank features butterflies of more than 20 species, all native to Alabama. This exhibit is open daily from 10am to 4pm.

Harvest Day – September 13th
You do not have to travel far and wide to learn about animals… just head down to the farm! The 6th annual Harvest Day in the Children’s Zoo will be your chance to enjoy a harvest celebration complete with music, square dancers, line dancers, quilters, wood cutters, story time on Grandma’s Back Porch, demonstrations, games, face painting, and much more!

Boo At The Zoo – October 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26.
Join the Birmingham Zoo for nine nights of spooktacular fun! Wear your favorite costume for the 17th Annual Boo At the Zoo. Make your way through safe trick-or-treat and game zones, organized by local non-profits and child-centered businesses. Ride the train and Ghastly Carousel. Enjoy live entertainment each night, see an animal up close at the Everything Creepy and Crawly barn and be sure to check out the new Halloween Light Show.

View our Photo Gallery of images from the Zoo.

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