Spiders and Cigarettes

Jason Bond, an East Carolina University biologist, has named a new variety of trap door spider after Neil Young. The spider is named Myrmekiaphila neilyoungi. Here it is, from ECU News Service.


Why is this important to Bessemer Opinions?

1. The specimen that resulted in the naming of a new species was found in Jefferson County, Alabama.


2. I grew up listening to Neil Young, both when he was part of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and also solo Neil. Here he is in 1971, live with Heart of Gold. Songs like this are part of the reason adults today are the way we are? Is that good or bad? Good, of course.

Bond said Young is worthy of the honor because he's been an activist for social and political issues.

Smoking Ban Update

If the Alabama House passes the smoking ban Governor Riley says he will sign it. On Monday we will see whether public health trumps special interests, as the Alabama Restaurant Association opposes it. They do have a point, and support a more inclusive bill that would ban smoking in stand alone bars also. But as is the case in so many things, sometimes you have to take what you can get. Pass this bill, get it signed in to law, then work to pass a bill that places the same restrictions on bars.

Monday will be an interesting day in the state legislature. Smoking ban, hate crimes...such progressive issues. Is this Alabama?

And I wrote a short addendum at the end of yesterdays post.