Featured Feed: The Terminal
- Follow-up: Skirt’s not shelved yet The reports of the demise of skirt! Birmingham may be greatly exaggerated - at least for right now.
- Thanks for coming out! A quick word of thanks to those that came out to the Bottletree Bailout on July 2. The fun continues during lunch today in one of Birmingham's best venues.
- Who do you trust politically, Birmingham? The question of trusting local politicians in
- What’s next for skirt! in Birmingham? Readers and supporters of skirt! Magazine's edition in Birmingham, AL learned that their favorite publication was entering a new phase today.
- Slowing down: The Waterfalls at Boutwell Have you ever taken even 30 seconds to stop and listen to the waterfalls located between the Boutwell Auditorium and the Birmingham Museum of Art? Or check out the Birmingham Urban Mural?
AL.com
- South Korea says North fires seven missiles off east coast Were ballistic and are believed to have flown more than 250 miles. The North has a record of timing missile tests for the U.S. Independence Day.Associated PressA North Korean mock Scud-B missile, center, and other South Korean mock missiles are displayed at the Korea War Memorial Museum in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, July 4, 2009. North Korea fired ballistic missiles off its eastern coast Saturday, South Korea said, a violation of U.N. resolutions and an apparent message of defiance to the United States on its Independence Day.SEOUL, South Korea -- North Korea fired seven ballistic missiles off its eastern coast Saturday, South Korea said, a violation of U.N. resolutions and an apparent message of defiance to the United States on its Independence Day. The launches, which came two days after North Korea fired what were believed to be four short-range cruise missiles, will likely further escalate tensions in the region as the U.S. tries to muster support for tough enforcement of the latest U.N. Security Council resolution imposed on the communist regime for its May nuclear test.South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said three missiles were fired early Saturday, a fourth around noon and three more in the afternoon. The Defense Ministry said that the missiles were ballistic and are believed to have flown more than 250 miles (400 kilometers). "Our military is fully ready to counter any North Korean threats and provocations based on strong South Korea-U.S. combined defense posture," the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted military officials as saying the missiles appeared to be a type of Scud missile. North Korea's Scuds are considered short-range, the South's military said. But Yonhap also said it is possible they could have been longer-range Rodong missiles fired a shorter distance. Scud missiles have a range of up to 300 miles (500 kilometers), which could hit most of South Korea. The Rodong has a range of up to 800 miles (1,300 kilometers), putting most parts of Japan within striking distance. North Korea is not allowed to fire Scuds, medium-range missiles or long-range missiles. They are banned under U.N. resolutions, including Resolution 1874 passed after North Korea's May 25 nuclear test, that prohibit any launch using ballistic missile technology. Thursday's launches, on the other hand, did not violate the resolution, according to South Korea's Foreign Ministry. Kim Tae-woo, vice president of the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, said it was believed North Korea launched cruise missiles Thursday. Ballistic missiles are guided during their ascent out of the atmosphere but fall freely when they descend. Cruise missiles fly low and straight to their target. The North has a record of timing missile tests for the U.S. national day, which fell on Saturday. "The missiles were seen as part of military exercises, but North Korea also appeared to have sent a message to the U.S. through the missile launches," a senior official in South Korea's presidential office said, without elaborating. The official told The Associated Press that North Korea could fire more missiles in coming days, but said there was little possibility it could fire an intercontinental ballistic missile, as it threatened in April. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to media. Daniel Pinkston, a Seoul-based analyst for the International Crisis Group think tank, said both political and military reasons were behind the launches. "I think it's a demonstration of their defiance and rejection of the U.N. Security Council Resolution 1874, for one thing, and to demonstrate their military power capabilities to any potential adversaries," Pinkston said. He also pointed out that July 4 is not only U.S. Independence Day but also the anniversary of a 1972 joint communique in which the two Koreas agreed to work toward peacefully reunifying their divided peninsula. During the U.S. Independence Day holiday in 2006, Pyongyang fired a barrage of missiles, including a long-range Taepodong-2 that broke apart and fell into the ocean less than a minute after liftoff. Those launches, which occurred on July 5 in North Korea, also came amid tensions with the U.S. over North Korea's nuclear program. North Korea's state news agency carried no reports on the launches. But the North had warned ships to stay away from its east coast through July 10 for military exercises -- an indication it was planning launches. The chief of U.S. Naval operations, Adm. Gary Roughead, said Saturday the American military was ready for any North Korean missile tests. "Our ships and forces here are prepared for the tracking of the missiles and observing the activities that are going on," Roughead said after meeting Japanese military officials in Tokyo before news of the launches. South Korea and Japan, which are within easy range of North Korean missiles, condemned the launches as a "provocative" act that violates the U.N. resolution. South Korea "expressed deep regret over the North's continuous behavior that escalates tensions in Northeast Asia by repeatedly defying" the resolution, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. In Tokyo, Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura said in a statement that the launch of missiles "is a serious act of provocation against the security of neighboring countries, including Japan, and is against the resolution of the U.N Security Council." In Beijing, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said he had no immediate comment. China is the North's closest ally.
- Pair of robbers end American dream for man who came to U.... Trieu Duong and his family arrived in the U.S. on the most American of days. It was the Fourth of July. In 1976.Mark Almond/The Birmingham NewsTrieu Duong was killed Thursday afternoon during a robbery at his Fairfield jewelry store. Edward Morsby III was arrested in Virginia and charged with capital murder Perry Cauthen was arrested in southwest Virginia and charged with capital murder Trieu Duong and his family arrived in the U.S. on the most American of days. It was the Fourth of July. In 1976. And that made it their adopted nation's bicentennial, and a perfect time to embark on the American Dream. Duong's was a stirring story. He, his wife, and their then-only child fled Vietnam after the war there ended. The family endured rough seas as they made their escape, survived a pirate attack and spent time in a Thai refugee camp before finding an American sponsor, a longtime friend said. But they made it to America, and for 33 years lived its dream. Then on Thursday afternoon, during a Fairfield robbery, it became a nightmare. Duong, 54, was shot dead by robbers at Jewelry For Less, his jewelry store on Martin Luther King Drive. Two men went inside about 5 p.m. and broke a glass jewelry case, Fairfield Police Chief Pat Mardis said. When Duong appeared from the rear of the store, one of the men shot him in the head. Duong was dead on arrival Thursday at UAB Hospital. Although his wife was in the store at the time of the shooting, she was not injured. Both suspects in the slaying were arrested Friday by police and U.S. Marshals and charged with capital murder. One was caught in Virginia wearing a shirt that read "I'm the one that got away," officials said. "Wrong," Mardis said. "He didn't get away." Edward Morsby III -- who Mardis described as the shooter -- was arrested Friday morning on Interstate 81. Also arrested Friday was 27-year-old Perry Cauthen Jr. U.S. Marshals and police took Cauthen into custody about 1 a.m. at a house on Pearson Avenue in southwest Birmingham, said U.S. Marshal Marty Keely. Dr. Thomas Gaskin, a longtime friend of the Duong family, remembered Trieu Duong as a shy man with a big, winning smile. "They endeared themselves to all who knew them," Gaskin said of the family. "It is a tragedy for his family and our community to lose Trieu." Gaskin, 66, is a member of First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, which first sponsored the Duong family. "I thought they were the perfect example of what desirable and responsible immigrants ought to be," he said. The Duong family -- police initially offered a different spelling of the name-- did not comment. A woman waved a reporter away at the family's Hoover home. Mardis called the suspects "cold-blooded killers." "Lucky for us, the entire crime scene was caught on videotape," Mardis said. Morsby -- who is believed to be from Brighton -- was being held in a southwest Virginia jail Friday night, awaiting extradition. If he doesn't waive extradition, it could be a few days before he is brought back to face capital murder charges, but even if he does fight his return, it won't be too long, Mardis said. "We look to have him back here in Sweet Home Alabama in the next two weeks." Details of his arrest were unavailable Friday, and it was unclear whether the shirt he was wearing was meant as a reference to Thursday's homicide. "That shows the coldness of this guy," Mardis said Friday. "We're just elated they are both in custody. The true heroes here are my investigative team and the Marshal's office." Gaskin said he and others worried about Duong owning a jewelry store in Fairfield. He noted other incidents of robbery and violence involving immigrant store owners. "We have people who see them as vulnerable and want to prey on them," he said. The Duong family along with thousands of other Vietnamese fled their country following the war there. They left by small boats, which were often subject to pirate attacks. Though the United Nations established refugee camps in various countries, it didn't provide much refuge to many Vietnamese who were beaten, raped and killed in the camps. The Duongs, assigned to a Thai refugee camp, were among the fortunate ones, Gaskin said. "They were desirable because they were young, in their 20s and this was a husband and wife with a kid," he said. Gaskin said the Duongs now have three children. The church's sponsorship involved helping the family through the maze of social services, government bureaucracy, readjustment and resettlement, Gaskin said. Gaskin, a cancer specialist, served as their medical adviser. Lucile White's late mother, Ellie Smyer White, served as the family's chief representative for the congregation. Lucile White remembers the family's regular visits to her mother's home in Vestavia Hills. "They would come over for lunch and to help mother in the yard weekly," White said. Duong's death is not just a loss to his family and the church, but to the Fairfield community, Mardis said. Duong was known there, and sometimes did jewelry repair work for free. "He was well respected in that area," Mardis said. News staff writers Eric Velasco and Malcomb Daniels contributed to this report.
- Clear tonight, sunny and hot for the Fourth Clear skies and a low around 68 are in tonight's forecast, while hot, sunny weather is on tap for Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Expect a high near 93 on Saturday, and an overnight low around 71. Saturday night, there is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m., with increasing clouds. Sunday's forecast calls for a 40 percent chance of rain and storms, with mostly cloudy skies and high near 92. Sunday night, there will be a 50 percent chance of storms and a low around 72.
- Lawyer: Richard Scrushy not that rich Lawyer for the HealthSouth founder said information in documents -- filed in an attempt by shareholders to freeze Scrushy's assets and collect a $2.8 billion civil judgment -- are based on "double-hearsay."News fileLawyers for shareholders of the Birmingham-based HealthSouth have started their attempts to collect as much of a $2.8 billion judgment against Richard Scrushy as possible. This afternoon, Scrushy's lawyers said the claims are outrageous.Claims that Richard Scrushy hid $600 million in offshore bank accounts are "outrageous and ridiculous," a lawyer for the jailed HealthSouth founder said in a statment Friday. Scrushy lawyer Art Leach released the statement the day after lawyers for HealthSouth Corp. shareholders made the allegation in documents filed in Jefferson County Circuit Court. Those documents are part of an attempt by shareholders to freeze Scrushy's assets and collect a $2.8 billion civil judgment levied against him last month after a Jefferson County Circuit judge found him liable for the fraud at Birmingham-based HealthSouth. Leach argued that some information in the documents was based on "double-hearsay" and said Scrushy has never been that rich. "There has never been a claim that Mr. Scrushy ever had a net worth of even half that amount. Additionally, due to continuous litigation since 2003, Mr. Scrushy's assets have only declined, not inclined, over time, to include huge payments made to the very plaintiff lawyers who filed the latest suit. Scrushy, 56, is in federal prison in Texas, about two years through a seven-year sentence levied for bribing former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman for a spot on the state agency that authorizes the construction of new hospitals.
- Sarah Palin resigning as Alaska governor Will leave office at month's end.WASILLA, Alaska -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin made a surprise announcement Friday that she is resigning from office at the end of the month without explaining why she plans to step down, raising speculation that she would focus on a run for the White House in the 2012 race. The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, Robert DeBerryAlaska Gov. Sarah Palin announces that she is stepping down from her position as Governor in Wasilla, Alaska on Friday July 3, 2009. The former Republican vice presidential candidate made the surprise announcement, saying she would step down July 26 but didn't announce her plans.The former Republican vice presidential candidate hastily called a news conference Friday morning at her home in suburban Wasilla, giving such short notice that only a few reporters actually made it to the announcement. State troopers blocked late-arriving media outside her home, and her spokesman, Dave Murrow, finally emerged to confirm that Palin will step down July 26. He refused to give details about the governor's future plans. "Once I decided not to run for re-election, I also felt that to embrace the conventional Lame Duck status in this particular climate would just be another dose of politics as usual, something I campaigned against and will always oppose," Palin said in a statement released by her office. Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell will be inaugurated at the governor's picnic in Fairbanks at the end of the month, Murrow said. Palin was first elected in 2006 on a populist platform. But her popularity has waned as she waged in partisan politics following her return from the presidential campaign. Her term would have ended in 2010. Palin said she planned to make a "positive change outside government," without elaborating. She also expressed frustration with her current role as governor. "I cannot stand here as your governor and allow the millions of dollars and all that time go to waste just so I can hold the title of governor," Palin said. Later, on Twitter, she promised supporters more details: "We'll soon attach info on decision to not seek re-election ... this is in Alaska's best interest, my family's happy ... it is good. Stay tuned" Palin's decision even took Parnell by surprise. He said he was told on Wednesday evening, and was not aware that any presidential ambitions were behind the move. Palin emerged from relative obscurity nearly a year ago when she was tapped as then Republican presidential candidate John McCain's running mate. She was a controversial figure from the start, with comedian Tina Fey famously imitating her elaborate hairstyle and folksy "You betcha!" on "Saturday Night Live." Most recently, she led a public spat with "Late Show" host David Letterman over a joke he made about one of her daughters being "knocked up" by New York Yankees baseball player Alex Rodriguez during the governor's recent visit to New York. Palin's 18-year-old daughter, Bristol, is an unwed, teenage mother. Letterman later apologized for the joke. Palin's family and the ridicule they endure being in the public eye was part of her decision. She complained that her 14-month-old son, Trig, who was diagnosed with Down's syndrome, had been "mocked and ridiculed by some mean-spirited adults recently." She didn't elaborate. Palin campaigned on ethics reform in the 2006 election, defeating incumbent Gov. Frank Murkowski in the Republican primary and a former two-term Democratic governor, Tony Knowles, in the general election. She enjoyed an extended honeymoon with lawmakers and voters alike. Her popularity was in the 80 percentile range, even though that fell after the bruising, partisan presidential campaign. Palin's delivery of two weeks' notice rattles a Republican Party plagued with setbacks in recent weeks, including extramarital affairs disclosed by two other 2012 presidential prospects, Nevada Sen. John Ensign and South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford. Ensign, a member of the Christian ministry Promise Keepers, stepped down from the Senate Republican leadership last month after admitting he had an affair for much of last year with a woman on his campaign staff who was married to one of his Senate aides. Ensign later disclosed he had helped the woman's husband get two jobs during the affair. A government watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, wants the Senate ethics committee and the Federal Election Commission to investigate. Just days after news of Ensign's affair broke, Sanford admitted an affair with a woman in Argentina. Some lawmakers are now calling for his resignation. Before the admission, Sanford had been missing from the state for five days visiting his lover. He had slipped his security detail, lied to his staff about where he was and failed to transfer power to the lieutenant governor in case of a state emergency. Sanford admitted he also saw the mistress during a state-funded trip to Argentina last year. He promised to reimburse the state for part of the trip's costs. The state Commerce Department said the trip itinerary originally included only Brazil, but the governor requested economic development meetings in Argentina. The GOP troubles seem to have left two prominent 2012 prospects, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and 2008 presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, unscathed, however.
- Families displaced in apartment fire get hand from Red Cross Fire started before 4:30 a.m. in the 1200 block of 15th Street North, displacing people from 12 apartments, Red Cross says.Red Cross case workers helped two dozen people find emergency shelter after a Birmingham apartment fire this morning displaced people living in 12 units, a Red Cross spokesman said.The fire, which started before 4:30 a.m. in the 1200 block of 15th Street North, caused damage to 13 apartments, including one that was not occupied, the Red Cross said. Members of the Disaster Action Team from the Birmingham Chapter of the American Red Cross met with the affected residents to offer assistance ranging from a place to stay to food, clothing and mental health counseling. The 19 adults and five children were placed temporarily in a local motel for the holiday weekend, said Chris Osborne, spokesman for the Birmingham Red Cross chapter.
- Alabama appeals court upholds revocation of doctor's license Birmingham physician has been named in more than 120 malpractice cases, including two in Alabama. In September the Alabama Medical Licensure Committee voted to pull John Anderson King's license The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals has upheld a 2008 decision by a state board to revoke the medical license of a former Birmingham physician who has been named in more than 120 malpractice cases, including two in Alabama. In September the Alabama Medical Licensure Committee voted to pull John Anderson King's license to practice medicine in Alabama, stemming from complaints by two patients he treated in 2006 at an American Family Care Clinic in Irondale. The Alabama Court of Civil Appeal unanimously upheld the decision Thursday, effectively ending the medical career for King, 50. He had been licensed to practice medicine in more than a dozen states, but has lost his license, voluntarily surrendered it, had it suspended or let it lapse in most. Revocation in one state can lead other states to move for revocation. The incidents that led him to lose his license in Alabama occurred during his brief tenure at the Irondale clinic in 2006. In one case, he overprescribed medicine then failed to pass on crucial information when the patient was treated in an emergency room for an overdose. In the other case, he underprescribed medicine, leading the patient to scream in pain as he treated her.
- Updated and corrected: Marshals say second Fairfield slay... Updated with suspect photos. Vietnamese immigrant Trieu Duong, the 54-year-old owner of Jewelry For Less, was shot and killed shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday during a holdup at the business. Perry Cauthen Jr.Both suspects in the slaying of a Fairfield jewelry store owner were captured early this morning. U.S. Marshals and police took the first man into custody, Perry Cauthen Jr., 27, about 1 a.m. at a house on Pearson Avenue in southwest Birmingham, said U.S. Marshal Marty Keely. E. J. Edward Morsby III was captured this morning on Interstate 81 at mile marker 38 in Virginia wearing a T-shirt that said "I'm the one that got away," Keely said. He is believed to be a Brighton resident. Neither has a record of violent crimes. E. J. Edward Morsby IIIA 54-year-old Vietnamese immigrant and owner of Jewelry For Less was shot shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday during a holdup at the business. He was Trieu Duong, Deputy Jefferson County Coroner Chris Moore confirmed at 4:25 p.m. Friday. Authorities say the men entered the store on Dr. Martin Luther King Drive and broke a jewelry case. Duong came out from the rear of the store and was shot in the head. His wife was in the store at the time, but wasn't injured. Duong was taken to UAB Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Mr. Duong's name was corrected at 4:29 p.m. once it was confirmed by the county coroner's office. The name used in an earlier post and in today's newspaper report was given by a Fairfield police official and the coroner's office on Thursday evening. Click on the link below the map to see details of slayings in Jefferson and Shelby counties, and Birmingham, in 2009. View Slayings in Birmingham area, 2009 in a larger map
- Holiday weekend forecast: Highs in low 90s, slight chance... Rain chances increase Sunday and Monday.The National Weather Service forecast for today and the Fourth of July calls for sunny skies and a high of 93, with a calm wind of 5 mph. Tonight should be mostly clear, with a low around 68. Saturday night, a 20 percent chance of showers and a low of 71. Rain and thunderstorm chances increase Sunday, to 40 percent during the day and 50 percent at night. Sunday's high: 92; low 72. There's also a 50 percent chance of rain on Monday. Follow developments statewide in the al.com Weather Center
- Birmingham police beating video: Two supervisors suspended Birmingham police supervisors were suspended in the beating of a motorist.Bernard Troncale/Birmingham News fileIn this May 20, 2009, photo, Mayor Larry Langford, right, and Police Chief A.C. Roper, left, hold a joint press conference about the police beating incident. Two Birmingham police supervisors have been suspended in connection with the 2008 police beating of an already-unconscious suspect that was captured on videotape, Police Chief A.C. Roper announced Thursday. A sergeant will receive 30 days suspension without pay and will be reassigned from an investigative unit to the patrol unit. A captain, who was a North Precinct lieutenant at the time of the incident and now is a precinct commander, will receive 15 days suspension without pay. Roper didn't name the two disciplined supervisors and declined to elaborate, citing ongoing federal and state investigations into the incident. Another sergeant and lieutenant who had hearings before the chief this week concerning the incident were not disciplined, authorities said. The highest-ranking officer who had direct knowledge of the video at the time of the incident has since retired from the department. A video of the beating surfaced in March when an assistant prosecutor with the Jefferson County District Attorney's office discovered it, prompting an investigation by the police department. The video, called "shameful" and "disgusting" by police and city leaders, was made public in May and led to firing of five veteran police officers. When announcing the firings May 19, Roper vowed that investigators would track down all supervisors in the department who were aware of the beating, even those who had retired. The disciplinary action against the two supervisors followed an extensive internal investigation, police officials said Thursday. During the course of the internal probe, more than 50 present and past employees and personnel from outside agencies were interviewed, according to a prepared statement. The investigation consumed in excess of 1,500 man-hours. The video of the beating of Anthony Warren, now 38, was made public May 18. The following day, Roper fired officers David Doran, Heath Boackle, Thomas Cleveland, Barrett Dewitt and Kenneth Prevo, finding they had used excessive and unnecessary force when they arrested Warren on Jan. 23, 2008. The officers are appealing their firings to the Jefferson County Personnel Board. The 2008 incident happened when a police officer tried to question Warren about possible drug activity. A 22-minute chase followed, during which Warren struck a Hoover police officer and then was thrown from his own van after it crashed. Authorities said Warren was unconscious when the five officers began kicking him and beating him with a billy club and fists. The battering was captured on police video until a sixth officer turned off the lights and siren in the cruiser that held the camera, automatically shutting off the camera. Warren was charged with attempted murder of the Hoover officer, but later pleaded guilty to first-degree assault and is serving a 20-year prison sentence. City sued After the tape surfaced in May, Warren filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Birmingham and Roper charging, among other claims, excessive force, assault and battery, negligent supervision and a conspiracy to cover up the whole thing. In that lawsuit, Warren said he fled from police that day because an armed man who approached him and insisted that he get into a vehicle didn't identify himself as a police officer. Gayle Gear, attorney for the Fraternal Order of Police, said Thursday she is prepared to defend the supervisors. "We'll stand firm on the fact that this whole event was turned into a political hot potato," Gear said. "We look forward to having a fair opportunity to bring out the real facts, not the ones we supposed are the facts in what we saw in 11 seconds of videotape." Earlier from The Birmingham News: Hoover police explain their editing of the video. Mayor Larry Langford incorrectly says incident happened during earlier administration. First video given DA did not show beating. Birmingham police beating video: FBI will investigate Police announce officers will be disciplined for beating incident; Five officers are fired; Beating victim's attorney filed claim with city. See the full 20-minute chase
MyFoxAL
- Raw Video: Michael Jackson in Birmingham Check out this video from the WBRC vault of Michael Jackson at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama in the early 80's...
- Commission at odds about budget cuts Jefferson County Commissioners refused to consider a new $31 million budget cutting plan on Thursday. In an agenda setting meeting, the commissioners did not sign off on voting on the budget reduction next week.
- Politicians testify in Katopodis trial The names and faces of several Birmingham and Jefferson County elected officials was heard all throughout this fourth day of the john Katopodis federal fraud trial. The U.S. government accused Katopodis of stealing money from his charity, Computer Help for Kids, and using it for his own personal needs.
- Fairfield escapee recaptured Fairfield police recaptured a man who had escaped custody in handcuffs overnight.
- City Stages going out of business BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - City Stages, the long-time music festival in downtown Birmingham, announced Thursday its intention to go out of business, according to staff at McMillan Associates...
- Submerged boat suspected as stolen The St. Clair County sheriff's department has said they have no evidence there was ever anyone on a boat that capsized in Logan Martin Lake...
- Bettye Fine Collins Testifies Jefferson County Commission President Bettye Fine Collins testified in the charity fraud trial of John Katopodis.
- Mountain Brook Fatal Crash One man is dead after a fatal crash in Mountain Brook.
- Jefferson Co. Delays Cuts Jefferson County Commissioners delay additional cuts.
- Submerged boat found in Logan Martin Authorities are on the scene of a sunken boat on Lake Logan Martin and are trying to find out if any people were involved.
ABC 33/40
- Car Dealerships Launch 'New' Incentives to Buy 'New' Turning clunk into cash... some local car dealerships are pulling out all the stops to get consumers back in the showroom.from ABC 33/40 News
- Fighting Mosquitoes It"s mosquito season which means dealing with the pesky pests as best we can.from ABC 33/40 News
- No Permit, No Pit-Bulls in Fayette Woman Mauled Lead To Today"s Pit Bull Deadlinefrom ABC 33/40 News
- Gulf Shores Attraction To Reopen Prepare To Go Fishing On The Pier Againfrom ABC 33/40 News
- Zoo Elephant & Calf Die Elephants" Cause of Death Releasedfrom ABC 33/40 News
- Stillman Under Investigation College Tampers With Water Meters?from ABC 33/40 News
- Police: Homicide Suspect Showed No Remorse Edward Morsby III is the man who thought he got away. Morsby is now behind bars with his accomplice... Perry Cauthen... Jr. Both men face capital murder charges for killing a jewelry store owner Thursday nightfrom ABC 33/40 News
- Pro-Life Display Upsetting to Some Gadsden Residents Church says it wants to personalize abortion issue. Some in the community say they are disturbed by what they see.from ABC 33/40 News
- Anniston Architect Pleads Guilty As Part of Two-Year Coll... Julian Jenkins will spend six months at home and be on probation for three years because of a scandal involving Alabama"s two-year college system.from ABC 33/40 News
- State Concerned About Risk of Fire with Dry Weather The state is concerned about the combination of dry weather and Fourth of July fireworks.from ABC 33/40 News
NBC 13
- VIDEO: Two face murder charges in jewelry store rob... Two men are in custody on capital murder charges in the fatal jewelry store robbery in Fairfield.
- Tips to keep unwanted critters out of your home It’s become a problem for homeowners, but a boon in business for a local company.
- Central Alabama 4th of July Celebrations List of local celebrations for the holiday weekend.
- Alabama man looks to declare missing wife dead An Alabama man whose wife disappeared off a cruise ship two weeks ago has hired an attorney to help him get a death certificate for the woman.
- Richard Scrushy accused of hiding cash HealthSouth Corp. is accusing fired chief executive Richard Scrushy of hiding money in offshore bank accounts and transferring assets out of his name to avoid paying court judgments.
- Update: AK Gov. Palin Resigns, Effective July 26th Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says she is resigning from office.
- Just In: Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin Says She Will Resign Fro... Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says she will resign from office July 26.
- One Person Dead, Two Injured In Pratt City Wreck One person is dead from a single car wreck in Birmingham’s Pratt City area.
- Auto theft suspect captured in Tuscaloosa A suspect wanted in several auto thefts has been captured in Tuscaloosa.
- Victims in Birmingham apartment fire get help from the Re... Two dozen adults and children are getting help, after an apartment fire in Birmingham.
CBS 42
- Community reacts to Fairfield murder A community is still reeling from the murder of a well-known jewelry shop owner in Fairfield. But as neighbors try to cope, one area business owner and Fairfield's Chief of Police have some strong advice: arm yourselves. Fairfield's Police Chief Patrick Mardis says, "I have a daughter, I have a wife and they shop in this area, and I've had an officer lose her life in this area. We've got to say enough is enough!" Thursday's murder of Lee Buong hits too close to home for Chief Mardis. It was just 3 years ago Officer Mary Smith was gunned down in the line of duty. Now he says something has to give and neighbors agree, business owners and workers need to take strong precautions. Benjamin January is a resident of Fairfield and says, "The first time they go in business and the areas not good, they need to get some security guards over there. That way they'll be safer for them and the customers would be safe." Glenn Hardy of Glenn Hardy Hair Institute in Midfield says he's worked in this area for 20 years now and it's not that bad of an area. However he advices small business owners not to get too relaxed. He says, "I would advise anybody to keep themselves armed and have your weapons in areas you can get to them." Hardy says these days anything can happen at a moment's notice and it's best to go with your gut feeling. "You want to make sure you're well aware of your surroundings, Midfield and Fairfield are good areas but some things just can't be avoided."
- Gadsden Abortion Protest Goodyear Heights Baptist church in Gadsden is raising some eyebrows.The church off U.S. Highway 278 has 945 baby dolls representing the 945 lives, they say are lost in a month due to abortions. They are trying to raise awareness about abortions by displaying the dolls on stakes. There are mixed reactions from residents about the protest.For more information click on the video link.
- Suspects in Jewelry Store Robbery, Murder Caught Both men sought in the robbery of a Fairfield jewelry store and the shooting death of the store’s owner have been caught.54-year-old Lee Buong, a well known jewelry store owner, was shot in his store Thursday during an apparent robbery. He was later pronounced dead at University Hospital.One suspect, Perry Cauthen Jr., was arrested late Thursday night at 1437 Pearson Avenue Southwest.Meanwhile, Edward Morsby III was arrested in Virginia along Interstate 81 at mile marker 38 around 10:30 Friday morning. When Virginia police stopped Morsby, he was reportedly wearing a t-shirt that said “I’m the one that got away.”"I've pledged to the citizens, we will treat people who have been victimized just like they're one of us, and so that's what we did," says Fairfield Police Chief Pat Mardis. Morsby is expected to be returned to Alabama.
- HealthSouth accuses Scrushy of hiding assets BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - HealthSouth Corp. is accusing fired chief executive Richard Scrushy of hiding money in offshore bank accounts and transferring assets out of his name to avoid paying court judgments. Documents filed Thursday by the Birmingham-based rehabilitation chain claim Scrushy has told people that he has some $600 million in accounts outside the United States. They also ask a judge to freeze real estate assets that Scrushy has put in the name of others. An attorney for Scrushy didn't immediately respond to a message seeking comment. A judge ruling in a shareholder lawsuit filed on behalf of HealthSouth has ordered Scrushy to pay $2.8 billion for his role in a massive fraud at the company. Scrushy denies any wrongdoing, but the judge found him liable anyway. ©2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
- 2 Birmingham supervisors suspended in beating case BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Police Chief A.C. Roper says two Birmingham police supervisors have been suspended in connection with the 2008 police beating of an already-unconscious suspect that was captured on videotape. Roper said a sergeant will be suspended 30 days without pay and be reassigned from an investigative unit to a patrol unit. He said a captain will get 15 days suspension without pay. The chief did not elaborate and did not identify the two, citing federal and state investigations into the incident. A video of the beating surfaced in March when an assistant prosecutor with the Jefferson County District Attorney's office discovered it, prompting an investigation by the police department. The video was made public in May and led to firing of five veteran police officers. ©2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
- Jewelry Store Killing Witnesses were understandably shaken up and upset, after Lee Buong, a well known jewelry store owner, was killed in his jewelry store in Fairfield. One local resident says, "I think it's a thug loose and we need to catch him and take him out of society, that's what needs to happen." The 54 year old was shot once in the head and pronounced dead at University Hospital. Chief Patrick Mardis, with the Fairfield Police Department says, "We are following up with several leads at this point. We are looking for 2 black males. One black male is approxiatmately 6'2" tall wearing dark clothing. They are driving a black Nissan Maxima."Chief Mardis says officers found the jewelry counter broken when they arrived on the scene, but it is not quite clear if anything was taken.
- Coal Ash Controversy Who would want somebody else's garbage? Look no further than Perry County. A huge landfill there was cleared on Thursday so it could store millions of tons of coal ash from Tennessee.TVA's coal ash spill in Tennessee covered 300 acres. Now, the EPA has approved shipping millions of tons of it to the Arrow Head Landfill near Uniontown. Perry County Commissioner Albert Turner calls the deal an economic boom.With unemployment topping 14% in Perry County local leaders say this is about jobs and revenue. The plan to bring in coal ash and dispose of it will bring in $3 million to the county coffers.But is it safe?“This is a lump of dirt. It feels like mud, doesn't have any smell, nothing toxic about it,” said Commissioner Tuner.Critics say coal ash contains toxins like lead and arsenic, and liken this move to environmental racism; targeting a poor community to dump in.Perry County resident Debbie Finney said, “It will ruin Perry County forever. If it was okay why didn't Tennessee keep it? Once it gets here…become a dumping ground for anything and everything.”“I've been around a power plant that uses coal. It gets all over everything…it's nasty,” said Jim Gilliand.But Commissioner Turner says the TVA coal ash may only be the beginning. He'd like to see other companies dump their waste here as well.Since the TVA spill, the EPA is considering regulating where coal ash can be stored. Usually it’s dumped in ponds near power plants, raising concerns about groundwater contamination.List of power plants with coal ash ponds in Alabama:Alabama Electric Cooperative Inc. - Washington County - 28,400 tonsAlabama Power Co. - Mobile County - 282,900 tonsAlabama Power Co. - Etowah County - 34,100 tonsAlabama Power Co. - Walker County - 304,900 tonsAlabama Power Co. - Greene County - 211,900 tonsAlabama Power Co. - Jefferson County - 61,500 tonsTennessee Valley Authority - Colbert County - 29,200 tonsTennessee Valley Authority - Jackson County - 407,600 tons
- New Sales Tax Outside of Adamsville As of July 1st, those living outside of Adamsville city limits, yet within their police jurisdiction, are now paying 1.75% more sales taxes to the city of Adamsville, all thanks to an ordinance passed by Adamsville in may."We don't need any more taxes the way the economy is at this point, you know," says resident Valarie Henry.In a letter to taxpayers dated June 2, 2009, Alabama state law, Section 11-40-10, was highlighted as the reason why this is legal. It states in cities with less than 6,000 inhabitants, like Adamsville, the police jurisdiction shall extend to adjoining territory within a mile and a half of its corporate limits...this includes Forestdale where Westwood auto parts owner Donny parker can't believe this is happening. "If it’s what is said, if it’s legal, we'll do it but it, still I think it's taxation without representation."City of Adamsville Mayor Pam Palmer was unable to go on camera today, however through email tells me the increased sales tax is to make up for the effects of the Jefferson County budget cuts and help them maintain their roadways.Mayor Palmer says they now have to pay for maintenance on Minor Parkway, Union Grove Road and Hazelwood Road. But still, residents paying the new increase aren't happy."Maybe we need to strike, maybe we need to just keep fighting and maybe even I guess stop shopping in certain places until they decide to back off," says resident Adrianne Parker.
- How to Protest Your Property Tax In Jefferson County, about half of the property tax evaluations that are protested are reduced. One local man is using his experience to make challenging property taxes easier.If you own property, then you know about the yellow card. It comes every year complete with estimated property taxes to be paid. But in many cases those estimated taxes may be too high.The reason?The county only physically examines your property every four years. That means only 25% of the homes in Jefferson County are ever examined at one time. Otis Brown serves as director for the Jefferson County Board of Equalizations. He says rating the other 75% of properties comes down to court records."The values are determined by the sales that are recorded in probate court," said Brown.As a result, thousands of property taxes are protested each year. That's something Blake Ballentine is doing on this day."I'd hate to fight and lose, so I'm going to do my research and see what I can do."Much of that research has already been done by Michael Pfaff. He spent two years struggling just to understand how property values are determined."I went down there after my property evaluation went up 50% and just asked them to explain how they develop this price for my land and they refused to do that," said Pfaff.Part of the tax increase comes down to incorrect values Pfaff says were on record with the department of equalization.“Such things, as square footage, I found was wrong on my house. I was being significantly overtaxed on that," said Pfaff.Pfaff says he also found that the BOE was not taking into consideration the age of his home and the resulting depreciation. But finding those values took more work than Pfaff says the average person would be willing to do. And that's why he took his knew knowledge into cyberspace."I took it upon myself to research it, and because my background is information systems, I was able to produce a website that explains as much as I can how the valuation process takes place," said Pfaff.Pfaff says his Web site, www.alproptax.org, is saving others from the aggravation he's gone through. And he's got the letters to prove it. And now with the information out there, Pfaff says he's taking the next step, a step that will require help from Montgomery."I think there is a bigger issue. The lack of audibility of the property tax process leads to potential corruption and somebody’s got to look at this," said Pfaff.You only have 30 days from the date property tax appraisal notices are issued to protest that tax. In Jefferson County, that makes the deadline July 9, 2009.More Deadlines:Bibb, July 20Blount, August 17Calhoun, July 22Cherokee, Date Not SetChilton, June 30Clay, Date Not SetCullman, Late JulyJefferson, July 9Etowah, July 27Fayette, July 23Greene, Date Not SetMarion, July 3Pickens, Date Not SetShelby, July 17St. Clair, July 8Talladega, Date Not SetTuscaloosa, June 19Walker, July 15Winston, June 8
- Grilling 101: Being Safe & Staying Healthy A major part of any Fourth of July celebration is the cookout just before the fireworks, but unfortunately, lots of people get sick… because they don't know proper food handling and cooking techniques.Click on the video for your July 4th grilling tips.
Birmingham Business Journal
- AuburnBank added to national stock index The parent company of AuburnBank, Auburn National Bancorp. Inc., is being added to a national stock index in the “small cap” category.
- Lawsuit against Regions moved back to JeffCo courts A lawsuit against Regions Financial Corp. filed by shareholders will be heard in a Jefferson County courthouse – not federal.
- Media General shuts down Birmingham's Skirt! Magazine Media General said Thursday it has decided to stop publishing Skirt! Magazine in the Birmingham market.
- State increases unemployment benefits Individuals filing unemployment claims may receive a little more assistance.
- Boomers show entrepreneurial spirit Aging baby boomers aren’t headed out to pasture — they’re starting new businesses, according to a Kauffman Foundation study that predicts the United States may be “on the cusp of an entrepreneurship boom.”
- State launches high-speed Internet survey The state has launched a new Web site to find out which communities don’t have high-speed broadband access.
- National unemployment hits 26-year high Employers cut more jobs in the U.S. in June causing unemployment to rise to 9.5 percent from 9.4 percent in May, the highest since August 1983.
- Wachovia unit takes on Wells Fargo name Wachovia Insurance Services Inc. has changed its name to Wells Fargo Insurance Services USA Inc. (WFC)
- Sonata sales drop, Santa Fe up in June Sales of the Alabama-manufactured Sonata fell for the month of June, according to numbers released by the Korean automaker Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile sales numbers for the Santa Fe increased.
- June job cuts lowest in 15 months June job cuts were the lowest in 15 months and consultant Challenger Gray & Christmas Inc. pointed to the numbers as a sign that the worst of the global recession is over.
The Terminal
- Follow-up: Skirt’s not shelved yet The reports of the demise of skirt! Birmingham may be greatly exaggerated - at least for right now.
- Thanks for coming out! A quick word of thanks to those that came out to the Bottletree Bailout on July 2. The fun continues during lunch today in one of Birmingham's best venues.
- Who do you trust politically, Birmingham? The question of trusting local politicians in
- What’s next for skirt! in Birmingham? Readers and supporters of skirt! Magazine's edition in Birmingham, AL learned that their favorite publication was entering a new phase today.
- Slowing down: The Waterfalls at Boutwell Have you ever taken even 30 seconds to stop and listen to the waterfalls located between the Boutwell Auditorium and the Birmingham Museum of Art? Or check out the Birmingham Urban Mural?
- Farewell, Johnny Ray’s A Birmingham favorite had a quiet but noticeable change start yesterday as Johnny Ray's had its last full day of business.
- Parking rates go up today in Birmingham We hope you're carrying some extra change if you're heading towards downtown Birmingham, AL or the airport as new parking rates went into effect today.
Wade on Birmingham
- Independence Day weekend activities around Birmingham and... Looking for some hot and/or cool ways to spend your Independence Day weekend around town and across the state?
- a neighborhood, pre-hipster haiku for 6/30/09
- the parasites haiku for 6/29/09
- the pantry time capsule haiku for 6/28/09
- Heads up: John Katopodis guilty of mail, wire fraud John Katopodis, former Birmingham city council member and Jefferson County commissioner, was found guilty of wire and mail fraud.
- top of the hops haiku for 6/27/09
- chopsticks and forks haiku for 6/26/09
- a box of indian food haiku for 6/25/09
- garden of shadows haiku for 6/24/09
- Win prizes from Birmingham sponsors on Twitter If you're on Twitter, you can follow me at @WadeOnTweets. Then you can enter my crazy 1,000 follower prize blowout.
Mixed Media
- Larry Langford: The Year in Review The week's cover story features a month-by-month recap of Larry Langford's first year as mayor of Birmingham.
- Music and Movies at the Alabama Theatre The next three days feature a wide variety of music-themed movies at the Alabama Theatre, any one of which will please the music or movie fan in you. On Friday night, there’s a showing of Widespread Panic: Live at Oak Mountain, a concert film featuring the legendary jam band in concert in 2001with songs from [...]
- Updating Obama’s New Hires… UPDATED - NOV 20., 1:05 a.m., Napolitano to lead Homeland Security MORE ELECTION 2008 COVERAGE HERE! THE PRESIDENTS CABINET: Secretary of State - ??? Secretary of Treasury - ??? Secretary of Defense - ??? Attorney General - ??? Secretary of the Interior - ??? Secretary of Agriculture - ??? Secretary of Commerce - ??? Secretary of Labor - ??? Secretary of Health and Human Services - [...]
- Vino advice for the holidays Susan Brock, wine director at The Grape, has a few tips for upcoming holiday gatherings.
- Indie film alert – Who’s Camus Anyway? The UAB Foreign Film Series continues with a 2006 film by Japanese director Mitsuo Yanagimachi
- Drinking Alphabet Juice Fans of the NPR program Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me already know that Roy Blount Jr. has got mad verbal skills. Blount will be in Birmingham tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 18, to read from and sign copies of his latest book, Alphabet Juice: The Energies, Gists, and Spirits of Letters, Words, and Combinations Thereof; Their Roots, [...]
- Priscilla Ahn at WorkPlay IT WAS A GOOD DAY On June 10 of this year, when Priscilla Ahn released her debut CD, A Good Day. It’s bound to be a good night on Monday, Nov. 17, when the L.A.-based singer-songwriter comes to WorkPlay, opening for Blue Note label-mate Amos Lee. Ahn was born in Georgia, grew up in Pennsylvania and [...]
- Music: Triple-bill to perform at White Oaks CD release party On Friday, November 14, Workplay will be exhibit-A for the musical talent that lies within our city limits. The White Oaks will hold a CD release party with John P. Strohm and Through The Sparks opening the 8:30 p.m. show. Forming in 2007, The White Oaks includes members Noel Johnson, Scott Thrift, Matt Jackson and [...]
- Music: J.J. Grey Interview J.J. Grey’s swampy, soulful music could only come from the South. Backed by his band, Mofro, the Jacksonville, Florida native has built a loyal following on both a regional and national scale. On Friday, November 14, J.J. Grey & Mofro will perform at Zydeco. Currently, the band is touring in support of Orange Blossoms, its [...]
- What I’m Eating This Week I invite those of you who regularly enjoy a fast food breakfast to stop by Lucy’s and grab a McLucy, instead.
Bham.fm
- Daily Dose: The Dirty Lungs Yee-ha! Happy pre-fourth holi-daze to y'all. Here's some festivity for you consumption: The Dirty Lungs / Wess Floyd & The Daisycutters / Henry Dunkle @ The Nick Admission: $6 Time: 10 PM [...]
- MUTEMATH BACK IN BHAM Tomorrow is a good day. Not only are most businesses closed for the 4th of July holiday (just because it's on a weekend doesn't mean we shouldn't have a day off from work), but also tickets are going on sale to the general public for the Grammy-nominated band MUTEMATH.
- Daily Dose: The Deep End Thursday night's late enough in the week for a Nick crawl, right? I hope so, 'cause here we go: The Deep End @ The Nick Admission: $5 Time: 10 PM [...]
- BHAM.FM’s New Music Series: Justin Gaar Ever get stuck in a rut and need new music? This is the first installment in an ongoing BHAM.FM series of local playlist curators from all over our fair city. Our first guest post is from We Have Signal! editor and videographer Justin Gaar. Seasoned both in working on a few Hollywood film sets and filming live music, we figured he was a hell of an introduction. :]
- No booze, no backstage, no bullshit… remembering Cave 9 When bham.fm broke the news of Cave 9 closing, we discussed creating a series of stories for the site. Each writer would put together his/her fondest memories of the space, and we’d run them as a series of eulogies. Sadly, that never happened – interviews, reviews and news got in the way. But, months later, [...]
- Daily Dose: The Wooden Birds Hey there. How are things? Where did you come from? Where are you going? The Wooden Birds / Other Lives / Delicate Cutters @ Bottletree Admission: $10 (Buy Tix) Time: 8 PM [...]
- Daily Dose: Starlight Mints Monday. I'll try to remain light while I stare the doldrums down. At least there's this: Starlight Mints / Evangelicals @ Bottletree Admission: $10 Time: 8 PM [...]
- Daily Dose: Monarchs Another CD Release show by local talent! Keep 'em coming folks. Monarchs (CD Release) / The Magic Math / Preston Lovingood @ The Nick Admission: $5 Time: 10 PM [...]
- Daily Dose: Buffalo Black It's a lazy Saturday and I'm feeling like sailing on the laid back wave: Buffalo Black (CD Release) / Mary Bragg @ O Kafes Admission: $5 (Gets you a free CD!) Time: 8:30 [...]
- Michael Jackson’s time in Trussville/Birmingham ...He disguised himself one Sunday morning and went door-to-door in Trussville for about two hours.
AlabamaWx
- Best Rain Chances Come Sunday The latest edition of the ABC 33/40 Weather Xtreme video is available in the player below. You can subscribe to the Weather Xtreme video on iTunes by clicking here. It looks like our best rain chances in nearly two weeks will be coming Sunday. I know I will welcome it since I missed out on [...]
- Fireworks Safety To help you celebrate safely this Fourth of July, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety offer the following safety tips: Always read and follow label directions. Have an adult present. Buy from reliable sellers. Use outdoors only. Always have water handy (a garden hose [...]
- Summer Moon Thanks to Ed Tyler of Pell City for this image… he writes: “This image is a composite of two image I made last night. I am not totally happy with the sharpness but it will come with practice. I used a Meade 8 inch LX200 2000mm F/10.0 telescope and attached my Pentax K20d camera to [...]
- Next Week Looks Relatively Wet An all new edition of the ABC 33/40 Weather Xtreme video is available in the player below. You can subscribe to the Weather Xtreme video on iTunes by clicking here. BRING ON A LONG WEEKEND: Sure seems like most people I know are taking today off… making for a nice three day Fourth of July weekend. [...]
- Gulf Coast Storm Thanks to Dalton Thompson for this image taken this afternoon in Panama City…
- Rolling On The River The shots below were taken by a tugboat crew pushing a barge north, up the Tombigee River. They shots are in chronological order; the first ones are a sunrise over the Mobile Delta. You can see the I-65 bridge over the Delta. The tug passes under a railroad bridge in Jackson, and the most recent [...]
- Showers Return Late In The Weekend An all new edition of the ABC 33/40 Weather Xtreme video is available in the player below. You can subscribe to the Weather Xtreme video on iTunes by clicking here. PLEASANT SUMMER DAY: Temperatures are below forecast levels across North Alabama this afternoon, and nobody is complaining. Birmingham is at 90 degrees at 2:00, with a [...]
- Another Dry Summer Day An all new edition of the ABC 33/40 Weather Xtreme video is available in the player below. You can subscribe to the Weather Xtreme video on iTunes by clicking here. DRY AIR IN PLACE: A relatively dry airmass for mid-summer continues to cover Alabama this morning, and accordingly we expect no rain today with a high [...]
- Brilliant Sunset Thanks to Shirl Ganey of Brilliant for these images… she writes: “This is a picture I took Sunday (June 28) night of a sunset at Brilliant, Al. I think the sunset was so colorful from the volcanic eruption they had in Russia on June 12th which put sulfate aerosol into the atmosphere. ”
- Mostly Dry Through Friday An all new edition of the ABC 33/40 Weather Xtreme video is available in the player below. You can subscribe to the Weather Xtreme video on iTunes by clicking here. RIGHT NOW: Nothing on the radar, despite a weak surface boundary dropping south through Central Alabama. We will stay dry tomorrow, and even Friday is looking [...]
Left in Alabama
- Happy 4th, Happy First Birthday Nephew Latest Entry What do you get a one year old for their birthday? When you’re an uncle, you want it to be memorable. You want it to be something important. After the year my family has had, with the death of two grandparents, and two more in poor health, I wanted to do something special. A keepsake. When I was 14, I had to read Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird.” I instantly fell in love with its story of a single father raising some crazy kids in Alabama in the pre-Civil Rights era. I loved the naivete of Scout, the “awe shucks, don’t you get it” of her older brother Jem, and the wise sage that was Atticus Finch. Not to mention the entire mystery of the story of Boo Radley. It left an impression, and has probably shaped my own view of life and politics in a way that other books could never have. For me, the most important reason for reading TKAM is the lesson Scout learns: never judge a man until you’ve walked in his shoes. I’ve tried to apply that to my life as best I can, since I finished the novel in a Atlanta Marriott hotel foyer in 1994. So, what do you give your first nephew for his first birthday? Why, a copy of “To Kill A Mockingbird,” with the inscription: Dear Landon, As we celebrate the first anniversary of your birth, I wish you all the love and joys that is this life. As you will someday know, there are many virtues and lessons to be found and learned in life. As you mature, I hope that you will find time to read this novel, as I did as a fourteen year old boy, and realize an important lesson taught to the novel’s protagonist. Never judge a man until you’ve walked in his shoes. With all my love and admiration, Ben Tomorrow is the big shindig, and I’m having all parents, grandparents, great-grands, and everyone write a little note to him. I know he will look on it as a great thing, to see the signatures and notes of family members he’s lost, or maybe never got to know. I just hope he reads the book. =)PS: I just brought home my pre-ordered Smart Fortwo Passion Cabriolet from Smart Center Nashville. And it rocks. Just in case you want to know, I've named him Charlie, after Dominic Monoghan's character on LOST. Because he's small.. and from Europe. For those interested in Smart, let me know. I have been and am now officially, a big fan.
- Breaking News on the national level: Sarah Palin just res... She just had a news conference and announced that the Lt. Governor will take over in a few weeks. Here is what CBS is reporting.(CBS) <!-- sphereit start--> Sarah Palin has announced that she will resign as governor of Alaska and will not seek a second term. CBS Affiliate KTVA reports that at a press conference this morning Palin said she will resign the governorship within a few weeks. . Earlier today, a holiday, Palin sent out an early morning press release indicating that she would be making an announcement from her home in Wasilla. Joining Palin were her parents, family and state commissioners. Palin said that power will be transferred to Lt. Governor Sean Parnell, who will be sworn in during the upcoming governor's picnic in Fairbanks. She did not field questions, and would not give any indications about her future plans.
- A Tale of Two Town Hall Healthcare Meetings Congressman Parker Griffith (Big Time DINO) hosted a "town hall" meeting to "get citizen input" regarding Health Care issues. I want readers to compare and contrast the analysis of the meeting from two sources who were in attendance. I want readers who weren't there to tell me which one gave them the most information. I want readers who were there to compare and contrast the two reports. The first report from a "Blogger" will be on this page. The report from The Huntsville Times is below the fold. I report, you decide. For those who weren't able to attend, I wanted to let you know how the town hall went with Rep. Parker Griffith tonight ... There were about 250 people in attendance; it lasted almost 2 hours. Griffith gave a short talk about why healthcare reform is so important (businesses can't compete, CEOs say we must change it, we want everyone to have access to quality care, reduce costs and give people choice.) He also talked about problems with the shortage of primary care doctors and nurses and how we're trying to reform a system in the middle of a recession. Griffith then opened it up to comments/questions from the audience. Throughout the evening, about half who made comments or asked questions were in favor of single payer/public option. (It was good to our single payer views were so well represented in the Q&A!) The other half talked about the need for free markets and their fears of socialized medicine.Here are some specific items I took notes on: + When asked about a public option, Griffith said he would be in favor of it if it was at a level playing field with private insurance companies. However, if it was like Medicare, then he thinks it would destroy the healthcare quality that we have today. (I wasn't clear on why he thought that...) + Someone said how much cheaper the same drugs are in foreign countries than they in the U.S. + In response to a question about medical tort reform, Griffith talked about how doctors are doing extra procedures to keep from being sued. + Griffith will be introducing two bills shortly. One is that Congress members must be subject to the same healthcare plan that they devise. The other is that a healthcare bill must be on Congress members' desks one week prior to a vote -- so there is time to study it. + Someone talked about how her sister has followed all the rules (working, paying taxes, etc.) but she can't get insurance due to a pre-existing condition. If something happed to her now, she would be in big financial trouble. + Griffith said we don't want government people in Washington DC deciding what kind of medical treatment we would get or not get. Someone responded saying that it's now insurance co. bureaucrats who are doing that now. + Someone said that the 47 million uninsured includes illegal immigrants. Griffith corrected them saying it does not. He also said he is against illegal immigrants being allowed healthcare in the U.S. + Someone talked about starting a small business but not being able to afford healthcare for their employees. They said this stifles capitalism since small businesses are the important to our economy. + In response to a question about the shortage of doctors and nurses, Griffith said we need to give doctors incentives to get them to practice in areas where there are shortages. Education about diet and exercise should not be done by doctors but by other healthcare providers. + Someone talked about how her insurance company has denied treatment/medicine that her doctor wanted her to take. + Griffith said he thinks single payer is dangerous to the healthcare people want, and to innovation. (He moved onto another topic quickly, so this didn't get challenged... but it's good for us to know what he's thinking.) + Griffith did say that he sees healthcare as a right, not a privilege. + He talked about how healthcare is the largest industry in the U.S., and that the issues with changing it are very complicated. + Someone brought up that 60% of bankruptcies are caused by medical bills. Griffith said that 70% of bankruptcies have some medical costs in them.+ One person stood up and talked about how the Canadian and German healthcare systems are good. They had lived there. Another person who had lived in Canada said that routine care was good, but they knew someone who died waiting for a heart operation (they didn't say how old this person was or any complications). + A man said he is a Christian and based on that, he thinks all people should have access to good healthcare. He owns a small business and is very concerned that he saw his premiums jump from $300 to over $500 in the last two years. While most people were civil, I was disappointed to see that a few people on both sides of the issue (single payer/public option folks AND free market folks), were unkind in their questions and responses to Griffith's remarks. All in all, it was an interesting evening and I was so glad to see many of our single payer people in the audience!! In addition, there were a number of others in the audience -- not yet part of our group -- who voiced their opinion in favor of single payer. *I would add the majority of the right wingnuts who are opposed to so called "socialized medicine" are the same ones that marched to W-ar with Dubya and voted for bomb, bomb, bomb, Iran McSame. These are the same people who gave Dubya and Dick a blanck check to spend for welfare in Iraq. If Bush wanted "socialized medicine" they would be all for it. They are like petulant children (h/t mooncat) who need to grow up.Huntsville Times report below the fold. UPDATE: Here's the Huntsville Times article. There were at least twice as many attendees than what this article says. Griffith addresses health care issuesFriday, July 03, 2009 By Brian LawsonTimes Staff Writer brian.lawson@htimes.comCongressman has town hall meeting in Huntsville Huntsville Congressman Parker Griffith faced a crowd of more than 100 people Thursday night who wanted answers on plans for health care reform, an issue Congress is working on now. There were vocal advocates for a single-payer system similar to ones in Europe and Canada. Maybe a larger contingent - judging by the applause - was anxious that the government was going to take over health care. The event at the Davidson Center at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center was spirited, with cheers for tort reform and boos for higher taxes and long-winded questioners. The audience also seemed divided on whether health care is a right or a privilege. Griffith, a retired physician, offered plenty of information and good humor even when an audience member cursed at him. He said the current system does well with innovation and technology, and poorly on issues of access and consistent quality care. He said it is too early to say if he would support a so-called public option - essentially a government-run insurance company - because no details have been provided on how that system would work. Griffith also stressed the complexity of the issues involved and said the wide impact of any reforms means compromise is essential. "Bitter division without compromise will leave us in a ditch on the right side or the left," Griffith said When pressed on the single-payer approach, Griffith said he doesn't support it. He suggested a single-payer system would stifle health care innovation that has successfully brought down mortality rates for heart disease and cancer. He said it was also important to reform some insurance company practices, such as forcing insurers to accept people with pre-existing conditions. He supports plans to make insurance companies compete across state lines to bring about more competition and lower costs. Griffith also agreed there needs to be insurance company reimbursement for services provided by nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Griffith plans to offer two bills in the coming weeks. One would require congressmen to use the public option for their own health care, if such a measure is made into law. The second would require any health care legislation be submitted to all members of Congress a week before it can be voted on, to avoid last-minute deals. Griffith said there are no easy answers, and an easy vote is also unlikely. "I may have to vote on something that will split my constituents," he said. "This is one of the hardest issues we can take on as Americans."
- The Economy and Summer Vacation - Things to See In And Ar... As various news outlets have reported this spring, the economic situation is causing many families to change summer vaction plans. From USA Today:People are taking shorter vacations, in distance and duration. They are searching for bargains and booking hotel rooms at the last minute to get the best possible deals. Many who normally fly are driving this year. Like the Whites, they're planning more day trips or long weekend escapes instead of week-long vacations.That got me thinking about weekend or day trips some of us might be considering here in Alabama or in nearby states.As Herding Old Cats noted in another thread, one reason for this blog is to educate people outside Alabama about our state. Show them, in HOC's words "that we're not all out chasing our pregnant cousins around" with, I assume, amorous intentions...I'll offer a couple of trip suggestions on the flip, and everyone feel free to jump in. What cool stuff is there to do in your area? I have to lead off with this, even though it isn't in Alabama: The International Museum of Muslim Cultures in Jackson, MS (of all places!). I visited it when I drove our synagogue youth group to Jackson for a weekend event. With time on my hands, I started looking for something fun to do and ran across an ad for this museum in downtown Jackson. It's really cool; I learned a lot of Islam's history, especially how historically it was tied much more closely to Judaism than Christianity. There was a special exhibit on the Legacy of Timbuktu and its importance in trade routes and written culture.Unfortunately, I was the only visitor in the museum on a Saturday afternoon, but the guide told me they get a lot of school groups during the week and also church and sunday school groups visit often as well. It's well worth a visit if you're in the area.I also wanted to visit Medgar Evers House, but didn't know to make a reservation in advance. Maybe next time! But now, back to Alabama... History Day TripsHelen Keller Festival - ok, so it took place last week, but the Helen Keller house and museum is very interesting. She was an amazing woman who, although it isn't well known, was one of the founding members of the American Civil Liberties Union. In another badge of honor, the Nazis burned her books.She responded this way:History has taught you nothing if you think you can kill ideas. Tyrants have tried to do that often before, and the ideas have risen up in their might and destroyed them.You can burn my books and the books of the best minds in Europe, but the ideas in them have seeped through a million channels, and will continue to quicken other minds. Alabama Space & Rocket Center - Learn about the history of American space travel with special emphasis on the role played by North Alabama.Alabama Civil Rights Museum Trail - Selma, Birmingham, Tuskegee, Montgomery.... it's educational and emotionally moving. USS Alabama Battleship: Ok, I LOVED this as a kid. We went numerous times and it never got old. A must see in Mobile for kids of all ages... Anniston Museum of Natural History: Natural wonders from Alabama and all over the world. A great destination if you're traveling with kids. Fun and EnteratiningAlabama Shakespeare Festival: Yes Virginia, people in Alabama do enjoy Shakespeare - and more drama, comedies, and musicals. The Festival is open year-round. Botanical Gardens in Huntsville, Birmingham, and Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile: Blooms, blossoms, and botanicals from one end of the state to the other. The gardens in Birmingham are the most visited, FREE attraction in Alabama! Waterparks and rides: Point Mallard in Decatur used to be a favorite destination when I was in high school. The Wave Pool is still in operation. Alabama Adventure in Birmingham has a large water park. Small, but still fun for the kids is Southern Adventures in Huntsville. Gulf Shores has Waterville, USA - which looks like fun but has a very annoying all-Flash driven site (their web developer should be charged with malpractice) Nature and Wildlife Alabama State Park system and national forests- enjoy the mountains of North Alabama, the soothing quiet of Bankhead Forest, or camp on the beach in Gulf Shores.Desoto Falls and Little River Canyon - spectacular falls, scenery, and more in Northeast Alabama near Fort Payne and the town of Mentone (which is worth a trip all by itself, with artists, crafts, and more in a cool mountain setting). Hike the Walls of Jericho in Jackson County. The area has been called the "Grand Canyon of the South." ...visitors continue to be drawn to the grandeur of the narrow gorge. You can travel to the bottom of its 50-yard-wide limestone bowl and look up at 200-foot-tall cliffs on each side. In a heavy rain, water shoots out of holes and cracks in the rock. Flora and fauna are abundant. I know there's a LOT more, but I have to get out to the garden before the day heats up any more.Please, add your suggestions. What cool stuff is available to do and see in your area?Alabama has a lot more to offer than crazy wingnut politics. Let's take a bit to remind ourselves of that - and who outsiders just what a beautiful state this is. Maybe with enough reminders, we can protect what we have going for us.
- OPEN THREAD Friday, July 3rd. What's on your mind?
- GOP Nonsense Karl Rove carries projection to new heights -- on FAUX News, of course.ROVE: This White House has carried pre-packaged, organized, controlled, scripted events to a new height, and they’re getting away with things that in any previous White House, the media would have eviscerated the press secretary and the White House for it.Amazingly, Rove is not referring to the White House he served. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Family Values Republican Class of '94 "plagued with scandal." In the 14 years since that star-crossed class arrived in Washington espousing an agenda that placed family values at its core, no less than a dozen of its members have been caught up in affairs, sex scandals or in messy separations and divorces from their spouses that, in more than a few instances, led to their political downfalls. The problems started almost as soon as they took office, and by the end of their first year in Congress, the marriages of at least four Republican freshmen had collapsed. Why is anyone surprised? Family Values, the Contract with on America, Christian Values and etc. was an advertising campaign, folks. As such it had very little to do with reality. Kind of like Ginsu knives ... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Speaking of false advertising ... "Mark Sanford has backed out of a promise to release personal financial records to the media proving he did not use state money for trips to see his mistress." Sanford (GOP Class of '94) is toast. And depending on what those records show, he may be toast facing corruption charges. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Republican congressional hopeful Mo Brooks is taking liberties with the facts over at Flashpoint, emphasis mine:Historically, Griffith’s tie-breaking vote in the Alabama Senate that empowered the socialist wing of the Alabama Democrat Party to control the Alabama Senate ...Of course, there is no "Alabama Democrat Party" and I dare, in fact I double dog dare, either Mo Brooks or the proprietor(s) of Flashpoint to produce any evidence of such a thing, let alone a "socialist wing" of it. Continued use of "Democrat Party" rather than "Democratic Party" makes you sound like a petulant little kid.
- Ron Sparks Hitting the Campaign Trail Ron Sparks made a major campaign address today in Montgomery and announced major themes of his campaign for governor.Today, I am asking the people of Alabama to make me their Governor. I am asking for this honor because I believe we can make a difference in the lives of working families, business owners, farmers and factory workers across Alabama. But you know, I've been around politics long enough to know talk is cheap. Vague promises don't mean a thing. You've got to have a plan. Today, I want to outline the first three planks of our platform. The three policy announcements I am making today will;Guarantee every child who seeks higher education that chance;Reduce taxes for every family in Alabama;Provide more money for Medicaid;Increase funding for education;And, create a disaster relief fund for agriculture.Pretty ambitious! Here's his entire statement with policy details.The press release went out yesterday afternoon, which was kind of short notice, but perhaps he's trying to capitalize on Sue Bell Cobb's announcement that she won't run. I'm sure there were people waiting to commit to a campaign until she made a decision.The two announced candidates, Congressman Artur Davis, and Ag Commissioner Sparks have met at two public foums so far. More about those on the flip... In Dothan, they discussed a variety of issues, including:On State Constitutional Reform ...Davis: Supports a constitutional convention to reform the Alabama Constitution with delegates to the convention elected by 2012.“We need a document for who we are today and not who we were in 1901,” Davis said.Sparks: Urges caution. He says constitutional reform should be handled in smaller chunks.“When you understand how Montgomery works, you have to be careful about opening up the whole constitution to Montgomery, Alabama,” Sparks said.On Alabama’s Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Program ...Sparks: Supports the State of Alabama fully funding the program, guaranteeing tuition to all who have bought into the program.Davis: Supports fully funding all students who have bought into the program and are currently enrolled in college. For all others who have bought in, he said the state should “search the tax code” or “find some other way to make them whole.” That last Davis answer on PACT needs more info. My daughter is an incoming Sophmore in high school... the money's expected to run out about the time she starts college. "Making us whole" means paying the tuition!At the Etowah County Jefferson Jackson Dinner, Sparks spoke about his campaign and Davis campaign staffer, Daryl Perkin, represented the Davis campaign.Sounds like a hot time:Animosity was blatant between Sparks and the Davis Campaign, represented by Perkins, a precursor to the intense primary race the two will most likely be fighting.“The roads are rough around here,” Sparks told Perkins. “You’re my friend and I don’t want anyone to have a wreck on the way home.”Ok guys... it's time to chill a bit. We want a campaign based on a serious discussion of issues, please! Let the Republicans have their mudfest; we'll just pass the popcorn and enjoy it.Did anyone make Sparks' press conference today? The timing could have been better since it's right before a holiday weekend. But we'd love to hear an on the spot report from someone! Perhaps the campaign will have some video up soon. If I find any, I'll include a link. We're also looking for video from the candidate forums and will have links to those up soon too. We hope!
- Did you know Alabama already has nearly 200,000 people on... It is called Tricare and is for active and retired military and is provided by the Department of Defense. Please check out this EXCELLENT article from Alternet about how the states that are complaining the loudest about a government option in the healthcare overhaul are the same ones with the most people already using a government funded option.In this year's health reform debate, congressional Democrats quickly took proposals for a single-payer system off the table, claiming it was "unrealistic."But more than 9 million people in the U.S. have already signed on to a single-payer system that has proved both workable and popular: TRICARE, the Department of Defense's program for active-duty military and retirees.Even more interesting: According to a Facing South analysis, nearly half of TRICARE beneficiaries live in the South -- states where congressional leadership has been most vocal in opposing public involvement in health care.Pretty interesting.....
- Hurray! Progressive Candidates for 2010 I've been hoping for a flood of progressive Democrats seeking office in 2010, and we scored a couple of good ones today: Jeremy Scherer for Treasurer and Susan Pace Hamill for House District 63 in Tuscaloosa.Jeremy Scherer to run for State Treasurer“I believe government can actually benefit the lives of the people, so long as it upholds the public’s trust,” said Sherer, a Democrat. He said he would make an official announcement about his candidacy Monday.I don't know Jeremy personally, but everything I've heard from folks who do know him indicates he is a forward looking, results oriented progressive and just the kind of person we will need to clean up the mess Kay Ivey will be leaving.Susan Pace Hamill will run for the Legislature in HD63“I believe government must serve the weak equally as well as it serves the strong,” she told friends and supporters in front of Trinity Methodist Church. “I believe tax policy should be written not by those with the most lobbyists, but those with the greatest commitment to equity and fairness.“I believe the quality of public education we provide our children should not be determined by their address, their race or the circumstances of their family. I believe the process through which government makes all policy should be premised on central moral and ethical standards.”Susan Pace Hamill is no stranger to progressive causes and I'm delighted she is running for the open seat in HD63. She has written extensively on tax policy and is the author of The Least of These: Fair Taxes and the Moral Duty of Christians and As Certain as Death: A Fifty State Survey of State and Local Tax Laws. Her knowledge and dedication to fairness would be such an asset to the Alabama Legislature.Wouldn't it be nice to see a slate of progressive candidates in 2010 from the top of the Democratic ticket to the bottom?
- Remodeling LiA is about to undergo some remodeling. Dardango has created a new, truly kickass, logo for us and the rest of the blog needs some sprucing up to go with it. You know how new curtains make the carpet look tired and if you replace the carpet that old sofa just looks ratty ... and pretty soon you've redone the whole place? That's where we are.Major changes are in order for the sidebars too. Some things will go away, never to reappear. Others will move. What sidebar items do you like/use and what would you love to kick to the curb? Speak soon, or it will be too late. Blogroll suggestions are welcome, too.Bear with us over the next day or two -- hopefully the mess will be entirely cleared away and we'll have a shiny new place to blog by Monday.
Birmingham Box Set
- Felice Brothers combine raucous music with thoughtful lyrics The Felice Brothers. Photo by Mentor Noci. I spend a lot of time seeking out new music for our...
- Update your RSS feeds! We’ve moved! Birmingham magazine has launched a redesigned website, and with that redesign...
- There's so much music ahead It may sound silly to say when it’s 50 degrees outside (where did my spring go, by the way?), but...
- Don’t stop till you get enough I know I just claimed I had seen all of my “must see” acts. I was moving on to the more obvious,...
- Maria Taylor shares her music, herself on latest album Maria Taylor. Photo by Autumn de Wilde. There are a number of reasons you might know Maria Taylor....
- Are you tough enough? I’m not embarrassed by my early tastes in music. I have Debbie Gibson and Paula Abdul on my...
- Maida Vale paints musical portraits Maida Vale. You’ve probably heard the beginning of this story a time or two: High school buddies...
- This fan girl goes on tour I think most fans of live music have a list of bands they must see perform live. I’m fortunate in...
- Even with changing lineup, Vetiver creates an enchanting ... Vetiver. Photo by Alissa Anderson. The lineup of Vetiver has shifted through the years, but through...
- Dave Barnes keeps things fresh at WorkPlay Dave Barnes. Photo by LeAnn Mueller. Dave Barnes’ name shows up on Birmingham calendars frequently...
freeThinkBham
- Birmingham: Stay Informed and Involved! Vol. 2 Reflections on the 2009 AL Legistlative Session | Rep. Patricia Todd Artur Davis: Clean Energy Bill Bad for Alabama | Progressive Electorate Why We Need a Public Option: Health Insurance Market Failure in AL | Left in Alabama Planners seek grant for electric buses to link Birmingham neighborhoods to Downtown | Bham News Birmingham LGBT PRIDE | Left in [...]
- Birmingham: Stay Informed and Involved! Vol. 1 I’m going to start posting a series of links to stories/blogs/articles/announcements/opinions that progressives in Birmingham, AL might want to read to try to stay on top of what’s happening in our city. Here are the links for the first edition. Alabama Hopes to Transform Education System with New ‘First Choice’ Program | Thicket Magazine Explanation of “Seed-Bombs” [...]
- 10 Green Tips for Dog Owners There are some simple things you can do to save money and help the planet with man’s best friend. I have a Lab-mutt and a Greyhound and this is what we do to try to stay green around the house. 1. Compost Dog Hair – You spend all day sweeping it up, why let those nutrients [...]
- Beginner’s Guide to a Weekend Backpacking Trip to Sipsey …from someone who just did it for the first time. OVERVIEW: The Sipsey Wilderness is exactly that: wild! The fact that I hadn’t been out there before and hardly ever hear of anyone going just blows my mind. It’s like time-warping back to a world untouched by humans and corporations. Unfortunately, planning a first-time backpacking trip [...]
- Dogs vs. Pigs… with Guns This was one of the dogs shot by the Birmingham Pig Dept. this week in Southside. It seems the BPD just can’t stay out of the news for overly-aggressive behavior.
- Bike to Brewfest A lot of people are probably going to the Magic City Brewfest this weekend, but probably not a lot of people were planning on riding their bikes. Well now, if saving money, being green, and having fun weren’t enough, there’s even more incentive for doing so. Birmingham’s bike advocate, Bici Cooperative, is going to [...]
- Empower Alabama Closing to Form PAC From Empower Alabama: Like the Sopranos, vacations, or the glory days of hair metal, all good things must come to an end (unless you’re a 1980s slasher film franchise…seriously, they’re remaking A Nightmare on Elm Street but Robert Englund is not playing the role of Freddy Krueger). Sadly, this sometimes includes non-profit organizations. After a lot [...]
- Cops Gone Wild… as Usual Well a few of Birmingham’s finest have finally had to answer for an increasingly typical reckless abuse of power. So far, I’ve heard this entire 20 minute chase, in which perhaps hundreds of lives were at risk, was because of “potential drug activity.” In the long version of the chase, you can see them barreling [...]
- Want Some Toxic Airborne Chemicals with those Tacos? If you’ve ever been sitting outside at a restaurant like Rojo when the bug-spraying truck drives by, you know what an off-putting feeling it is. Everyone’s wondering “What am I breathing in right now?” or “What are they spraying on the food I’m eating?” Well there’s a letter written to the Bham [...]
- Oak Mt Gets Bike Wash and Changing Room If you’re a mountain biker that enjoys riding at Oak Mountain, now you have even more reasons to enjoy it, thanks to BUMP (Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers) and the Boy Scouts. On May 16th, a ceremony will kick off the use of a changing room and bike wash area for cyclers at the park.
Active Culture
- Alabama Coastal Triathlons Event Date: 9/19/2009 - 9/9/2009Sprint and Intermediate Distance Races
- July 4th Celebration Event Date: 7/4/2009 - 7/4/2009Enjoy live music and fireworks in Morgan Creek Vineyards.
- Independence Day 1776! Event Date: 7/4/2009 - 7/4/20094th of July Celebration
- Train Rides at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Event Date: 7/4/2009 - 7/4/2009Celebrate the 4th with a train ride through the forests of Shelby County!
- UAB Summer Band Fourth of July Concert Event Date: 7/4/2009 - 7/4/2009All ages are welcome for a relaxing hour of free, family-friendly music, ending just before the launch of fireworks from atop Red Mountain.
- Southeastern Outings Dayhike, Picnic and Swim Event Date: 7/4/2009 - 7/4/20094th of July Dayhike, Picnic and Swim in Pinson
- Southeastern Outings 4th of July Activities Event Date: 7/4/2009 - 7/4/20094th of July Picnic, FREE Band Concert, City of Birmingham Fireworks, Dessert Party
- Freedom Saturday Event Date: 7/4/2009 - 7/4/2009Join us in beautiful historic downtown Gadsden on July 4th for a real home-town celebration of our nation's independence. The fun starts at 2:00 pm and ends with a fireworks show over the Coosa River
- Crescendo 4th of July Activities Event Date: 7/4/2009 - 7/4/20094th of July Picnic, FREE Band Concert, City of Birmingham Fireworks, Dessert Party
- Five Points Fourth of July Block Party Event Date: 7/4/2009 - 7/4/2009Celebrate July 4th and Thunder on the Mountain at the Five Points South Block Party
Twitter / MetroBham
- MetroBham: via @whoatemyblog: Here's the link: http://tin... MetroBham: via @whoatemyblog: Here's the link: http://tinyurl.com/lzu8b6
- MetroBham: via @whoatemyblog: Awesome: Beth Maynor Young'... MetroBham: via @whoatemyblog: Awesome: Beth Maynor Young's now famed photos have come to symbolize Cahaba River's vulnerability, diversity http://t ...
- MetroBham: via @superfreebies: Thank you for following! I... MetroBham: via @superfreebies: Thank you for following! If you like freebies, you are cordially invited to join (Free!) the VIP club at: http://fre ...
- MetroBham: via @IPwealthproject: Thanks for follow! Wanna... MetroBham: via @IPwealthproject: Thanks for follow! Wanna See A System That Makes $576K First Year? http://bit.ly/11mCLU
- MetroBham: via @ScottBravell: Thanks for the follow. I'm ... MetroBham: via @ScottBravell: Thanks for the follow. I'm looking forward to getting to know you. Scott
- MetroBham: via @john_plants: Thanks for following, Hope y... MetroBham: via @john_plants: Thanks for following, Hope you are having a nice day!
- MetroBham: via @ikepigott: - What number can you call to ... MetroBham: via @ikepigott: - What number can you call to get time and temperature in Birmingham (without pestering a human?)
- MetroBham: via @ikepigott: - Win a Mellow Mushroom gift c... MetroBham: via @ikepigott: - Win a Mellow Mushroom gift card from @mellowbham. RT & follow @WadeOnTweets to enter! Info: http://bit.ly/B993T
- MetroBham: via @TPO_Hisself: Thank you for the Follow ! ... MetroBham: via @TPO_Hisself: Thank you for the Follow ! Please take a moment to look at my plan to take America back: http://www.aBoldStepBack.c ...
- MetroBham: via @pascal_caputo: New County Manager Poll Re... MetroBham: via @pascal_caputo: New County Manager Poll Results Posted at The Caputo Report: http://www.caputoreport.com
headsubhead.com
- Reading and the South The Alabama Humanities Foundation has a new blog up and running called the Kudzu Twines Journal and it’s off to a good start! In fact, a recent post there caught my attention as it speaks to a new “book theory” of mine that I’m working on. The more I talk to folks about books and [...]
- Book Review - Beat the Reaper This is a faaaaaaaaaast read by Josh Bazell. And I don’t just mean that it’s short or easy writing. I mean the pace doesn’t let up, even with the flip flopping between flashbacks and the storyline. If you’re looking for something deep and heavy with plot, this isn’t it. If your looking for a fast [...]
- eMedia vs. Print Media This was being passed around Twitter today. It made me laugh and sums up a lot of bloggers (and books) I’ve read lately. I wish everyone would just admit things are shifting. Even, drastically shifting, would be fair. But traditional printed media isn’t going away. Though many of the traditional print media business models are. [...]
- Alphabet Drawers File this under “W” for “I WANT”! I saw the fontastic Alphabet Drawers over on Freshome and had to share. How cool are these? I think they’d look great on the table by a reading chair or just about anywhere.
- Hatch Show Print in Birmingham Sadly, I have not been able to make it to Hatch Show Print. This pains me more than I can express here on my little site. But thanks to the Birmingham AIGA chapter, I get to enjoy Hatch Show Print coming to me! Thursday, June 25th at Bottletree Cafe, Jim Sherraden will be there to show [...]
- Remains of the Day - the Musical I found Kazuo Ishiguro’s Remains of the Day by way of the Anthony Hopkins movie and then read the book. Both are fantastic and this book has long been a favorite of mine. While, admittedly, I lack the vision that it takes to see this Booker Prize winner translate into a musical, I am very excited [...]
- Book Review: Web 2.0: A Strategy Guide Web 2.0: A Strategy Guide by Amy Shuen (O’Reilly Media) Like everyone competing in business today, I am buried in unhelpful technology trend books. But I had not made it out of Shuen’s Preface before realizing. . . this book will become the “bible” for doing business online. Her data, examples and analysis are unparalleled, outside of [...]
- Where were the publishers? I wasn’t able to go to BEA this year, so my online stalking of every attendee and panel confernce has been relentless. So far lots of slides and podcasts and enough video to keep me from running down the street mad. But one trend I started noticing a few weeks ago were the lack of [...]
- My Type of Shirt This fantastic font shirt popped up in my email and is a great way to strat the week! Seriously, this should be owned it various colored tees. Thanks WM!
- On the Same Page I have just finished reading Clive Thomspson’s WIRED artcile on the Future of Reading. The notion of unleashing the book online to prod readers into interacting with text sounds like fun and I like the idea of focusing on the reader. I look forward to all the variations and trials that publishers put forward in [...]
iloveuab.com
- Blaze Productions Is Looking For Input! There is a huge opportunity here for the UAB community to take part in pioneering an amazing entertainment community that will kick ass for years to come. Related posts:Blount Hall Productions – Soda Boy I'm sure yLaugh Out Loud Summer Comedy Jam featuring C Dawg, and Jermiane Johnson! Hello UAB!Make A Twitter Account, You’re Already Behind Really any Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
- Make A Twitter Account, You’re Already Behind Really anything that you think the whole world should know, such as the intricate details of your everyday life, is perfect for a tweet! Related posts:The Internet, I Love Thee #13 It’sThe Internet, I love Thee #4 hough it hFacebook Addicts Anonymous First Step Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
- The Internet, I Love Thee #13 It’s been awhile since I have done one of these, and I’m actually excited about doing it! The amount of entertaining crap that I have seen on the Internet in the past week has been ... Related posts:The Internet, I love Thee #4 hough it hThe Internet, I Love Thee! #11 Wow, itThe Internet, I love Thee #5 This is on Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
- Videos From The Comedy Show at UAB If you missed the comedy show this Monday night, you need to kick yourself in the ass. The show was absolutely amazing, these guys were hilarious. I, unfortunately, was one of the few white dudes ... Related posts:Laugh Out Loud Summer Comedy Jam featuring C Dawg, and Jermiane Johnson! Hello UAB!UAB Comedy Show featuring Tommy Johnagin this Thursday 3.19.09 Comedian TDo you love UAB? Show it! The UAB Ho Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
- Flash Rave at UAB, Let’s Make This Happen! Want to act like a fool with 2000 other people on the dawn of finals week? Hell yeah I do Related posts:Markings On The Sidewalk? Help Me Solve This Mystery! Have you eTuition increase at UAB? Looking likely. Last year,Videos From The Comedy Show at UAB If you mis Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
- City Stages Saturday Night 6/20/09 I kind of feel dumb with my Canon Digital Elf, but I give it hell like I'm the paparazzi. Related posts:Winners of the City Stages Tickets! The winnerQuick Wrap up of City Stages Friday Night 6/19/09 Day one ofCity Stages Tickets Are In My Hands! There’s Still Time To Win Them! 4 days lef Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
- Quick Wrap up of City Stages Friday Night 6/19/09 Day one of City Stages 2009 Related posts:City Stages Saturday Night 6/20/09 I kind of Schaeffer Eye Center Crawfish Boil Kicked Ass This Year! Friday Tons and tThe Three Kings Friday Night and Interview with DJ jerZ 856 The dance Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
- UAB shuffles the deck. Time to realign! After weeks of speculation and rumors, the UAB Academic Realignment Commission shared their recommendations for the future of UAB. Full details can be found at http://www.uab.edu/future Related posts:The UAB Restructure….what? Do you knoUAB Swine Flu Update and Recommendations This post UAB listens. Got a ques Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
- Free Movie: I Love you, Man Manloving Bromance, what more could you want? Related posts:See Twilight for Free at the HUC Alumni Auditorium If you wouYellow Cab gives Free Rides if you get to Sloshed Yellow CabUAB Summer Service Weekends There are Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
- Laugh Out Loud Summer Comedy Jam featuring C Dawg, and Je... Hello UAB! It finally looks like things this Summer are starting to pick up ever so slowly. Blaze Productions is doing a comedy show on June 22 at 7pm in the UAB HUC Alumni Auditorium ... Related posts:Videos From The Comedy Show at UAB If you misUAB Comedy Show featuring Tommy Johnagin this Thursday 3.19.09 Comedian TUAB Summer Service Weekends There are Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Market Trends: Alabama Real Estate
- Birmingham area’s housing market showing hopeful signs I think that things are still not looking too good as I told Dawn for this article: Dawn Kent reported today in the (click for full story) Birmingham News: But it’s too early to say that the nation’s foreclosure crisis is nearing an end. While many of the filings have been tied to poor lending practices to [...]
- Brookings – Quality. Independence. Impact. Brookings – Quality. Independence. Impact..(click for article) This Brookings study/map shows Birmingham as one of the 20 strongest housing price markets in the US!
- Home construction outpaces home sales We were pleased to work with Gina Hannah on this story: Huntsville Times (click for whole story) Real estate news and notes from the week: Here’s where both the local Realtor’s association and Brander agree: The bulk of current sales are for lower-priced, used homes. Indeed, in Madison County alone, more than 85 percent of the homes [...]
- Birmingham Area Residential Sales Continue at a Slow Pace... Birmingham Area MLS* Monthly Observations for May 2009 May sales were so-so. Sales increased from April, which always happens. Dollar sales were up 18.6% to $201,231,668 in May vs. $169,689,072 in April. That is off 33.7% from last May ($303,650,067). The first thing I look at every month is how the twelve month moving average line [...]
- Sales Weak, Construction Rolls on in Huntsville Market Ma... Huntsville/North Alabama Area MLS Observations Huntsville, Alabama Residential Real Estate Market May 2009: Huntsville, North Alabama market had another poor sales month in May. This pattern is showing increased weakness in the overall market the sales levels for the last two months are below the 2004 levels. May total dollar sales were $113,925,957, 6%, higher than [...]
- Lackluster Sales in Peak Season for Alabama Coast, Bottom... Baldwin County MLS* Observations for the month of May 2009: Real Estate Statistics for the Baldwin County, Alabama Coastal Areas: Sales in May improved by 10% to $76,037,703 from April’s $69,309,655 (see page A-2). We have now seen three months of increasing activity, a harbinger of spring and a sign of a bottom. It is [...]
- How much did your home drop? Values slump across Jefferso... The Birmingham News posted a great article covering house values, at least as seen by the Jeffereson County appraisers… Posted by Jeff Hansen — Birmingham News June 14, 2009 5:45 AM Full article Here. From Bessemer and Warrior to Leeds and Hoover, home values are slumping across Jefferson County. They have dropped 2.4 percent on average, according to a [...]
- Developers wait for bottom in Alabama’s slumping vacati... I enjoyed talking with Dawn Kent to provide information for for this story. I’m also glad to begin to have a bit more positive view on alt least one of our markets. Still a lot to work though but progress is beginning to be evident. See my summary of last month here. The second-home market, particularly [...]
- Birmingham April 2009 Residential Real Estate Sales Weak Birmingham Area MLS* Monthly Observations for April 2009 April sales were so-so. Sales increased slightly from March, and this is not always the seasonal case. Dollar sales were up 5.5% to $168,031,197 in April vs. $159,247,024 in March. The first thing I look at every month is how the twelve month moving average line on [...]
- Huntsville April 2009 Residential Real Estate Sales Lackl... Huntsville/North Alabama Area MLS Observations Huntsville, Alabama Residential Real Estate Market April 2009: Huntsville, North Alabama market had another poor sales month in April. This pattern is showing increased weakness in the overall market the sales levels are now below the 2004 levels which is lower than previously seen. April total dollar sales were $105,362,374, 1%, [...]
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