School starts again today for a lot of people, including me. I am not sure what my blogging schedule will be because I have morning classes on some days and afternoon classes on others. I will have to develop a new routine.
Ever since I have been driving I have wondered when self-driving cars would come about. Once we had cruise control and phatpimp curb feelers what more would we need. Now GM and its partners are working to make it a reality.
The Birmingham News had this story in its print edition, but it is not online, so here is the story from the Boston Herald.
Here is a video of self driving vehicle from Daily Motion.
Talk about a change in society and the way we live. Read the paper on the way to work? Apply makeup? Eat breakfast? Shave?
Oh wait. People already do all of those things. But maybe with the new driverless cars they can do them without running into the car in front of them!
Look for the car insurance industry to fight this, as there are expectations that the 42,000 traffic deaths and other accidents would be greatly reduced, meaning auto insurance premiums could go way down even for teenage drivers. The auto insurance industry, while airing commercials that promote safer driving, actually needs people to keep having wrecks to be able to charge the high premiums we pay and remain a necessary industry.
Sort of like the tobacco industry actually recruiting "replacement smokers" while pretending to promote anti-smoking campaigns. Laughable, but sick.
********************************
The weirdest story of 2008 so far (7 days) has to be the allegation in Andrew Morton's book "Tom Cruise: An Unauthorized Biography" that Tom is not Suri's father but rather Katie Holmes was inseminated with semen from Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. Ooh. Yuck and Gross.
I wouldn't put anything past the cult, though, so David Beckham and Posh Spice need to watch out. The book says they are targets of Scientology. Run. Run. RUN...
If I have offended Scientologists...oh well. I mean, scientology has nothing to do with "science" and little to do with "ology", so here's a site that claims to expose Scientology for the fraud that it is: Operation Clambake. I don't like offending people for their beliefs, but Scientology, the Pope and Southern Baptists often need offending.
The Year of Moving Forward
At our 4 person wedding reception in DC
Monday, January 7, 2008
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Bhutto: Bin Laden Murdered
On November 2, 2007 Benazir Bhutto was interviewed by David Frost on "Frost Over the World." She made the statement that Osama Bin Laden had been murdered.
Watch that portion of her interview here. Then try decide what she meant. Why didn't David Frost react? Then think who would benefit from information about Bin Laden's death not being released. Both in Pakistan and in the United States.
You can see the whole interview here.
While you are thinking about that, Parade magazine had an article obviously written before Bhutto's assasination in today's issue. Sort of weird. Online there is a statement that the issue went to press before the killing of the former prime minister. Their statement and the entire interview can be found at parade.com.
Watch that portion of her interview here. Then try decide what she meant. Why didn't David Frost react? Then think who would benefit from information about Bin Laden's death not being released. Both in Pakistan and in the United States.
You can see the whole interview here.
While you are thinking about that, Parade magazine had an article obviously written before Bhutto's assasination in today's issue. Sort of weird. Online there is a statement that the issue went to press before the killing of the former prime minister. Their statement and the entire interview can be found at parade.com.
Friday, January 4, 2008
1. Iowa 2. Creationism 3. Recipe for left over ham
1. The big winner in last night's Iowa caucus was...the Democratic Party!
Barack Obama walked away with 38% support, and John Edwards followed with 30% and Hillary Clinton with 29%.
Clinton would have like to have won, no doubt, but this is not a death knell for her candidacy. Look at history, in 1988 Richard Gephardt won the Iowa Caucus, but fizzled after that, and Michael Dukakis became the nominee. The results were so close, that any one of the three leaders could go on to secure the nomination.
But the Democratic Party attracted over 220,000 participants, compared to only 114,000 Republicans. This was almost an 80% increase in the number of particpants for the Democrats, compared to an increase of about 30% for the Republicans. The White House will be painted Blue in 2008! Figuratively, don't worry.
The Democratic Party also showed that in conservative (60% of Republican identified as evangelicals), white (>90%) Iowa they are not afraid to support a minority candidate. This is in a system where your vote is not secret...you stand in a corner with like minded voters and somebody counts heads. You wouldn't see this in the Republican party, that's for sure.
And here is a reason Hillary's third place finish is not as significant as it looks. As an example of how the Democratic caucuses work, CNN took actual numbers from the first round of a caucus, then showed how those with less than 15% of the votes had to drop out, so their voters had to re-align with other candidates. In the example they showed, Clinton had the most votes in the first round, but of the re-aligned votes, she got none, so Edwards and Obama benefitted. As Bobby said, Obama won in a state where people get to vote twice. If in Iowa everyone got to vote just once, Clinton probably would have won.
If anyone felt the death knell, it was Mitt Romney. Good. He is so lame, here is what he said trying to explain his lie that he once saw his father march with Martin Luther King, Jr. "You know, I'm an English literature major as well. When we say, 'I saw the Patriots win the World Series,' it doesn't necessarily mean you were there. Excuse me, the Super Bowl."
The Patriots play at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro in Romney's home state, and he can't even keep it straight what sport they play? Romney thinks his looks can get him elected, but if looks were all it took then Tom Brady would be running as Massachusetts' favorite son:
Barack Obama walked away with 38% support, and John Edwards followed with 30% and Hillary Clinton with 29%.
Clinton would have like to have won, no doubt, but this is not a death knell for her candidacy. Look at history, in 1988 Richard Gephardt won the Iowa Caucus, but fizzled after that, and Michael Dukakis became the nominee. The results were so close, that any one of the three leaders could go on to secure the nomination.
But the Democratic Party attracted over 220,000 participants, compared to only 114,000 Republicans. This was almost an 80% increase in the number of particpants for the Democrats, compared to an increase of about 30% for the Republicans. The White House will be painted Blue in 2008! Figuratively, don't worry.
The Democratic Party also showed that in conservative (60% of Republican identified as evangelicals), white (>90%) Iowa they are not afraid to support a minority candidate. This is in a system where your vote is not secret...you stand in a corner with like minded voters and somebody counts heads. You wouldn't see this in the Republican party, that's for sure.
And here is a reason Hillary's third place finish is not as significant as it looks. As an example of how the Democratic caucuses work, CNN took actual numbers from the first round of a caucus, then showed how those with less than 15% of the votes had to drop out, so their voters had to re-align with other candidates. In the example they showed, Clinton had the most votes in the first round, but of the re-aligned votes, she got none, so Edwards and Obama benefitted. As Bobby said, Obama won in a state where people get to vote twice. If in Iowa everyone got to vote just once, Clinton probably would have won.
If anyone felt the death knell, it was Mitt Romney. Good. He is so lame, here is what he said trying to explain his lie that he once saw his father march with Martin Luther King, Jr. "You know, I'm an English literature major as well. When we say, 'I saw the Patriots win the World Series,' it doesn't necessarily mean you were there. Excuse me, the Super Bowl."
The Patriots play at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro in Romney's home state, and he can't even keep it straight what sport they play? Romney thinks his looks can get him elected, but if looks were all it took then Tom Brady would be running as Massachusetts' favorite son:
from Most Beautiful Man
But even this didn't just happen. Here's Brady's NFL Scouting Combine picture from 2000:
from The Big Lead
How quickly the focus can shift from politics to...
2. Science, Evolution and Creationism. This is the title of a new book published by the National Academies that was featured on NBC nightly news last night and is being released today. The book explains why Creationism or Intelligent Design should not be taught in Science classes, although it may have a role in other subjects in schools. Read the Summary Brochure or view or buy the book here .
Read my post on Intelligent Design is not Science here.
3. Tired of leftover ham. Ham or other parts of the pig are commonly served on New Years Day, and leftover ham sandwiches get old. Try this soup. I cooked it last night and got good reviews. Of course, the cornbread I made to go with it helped.
Ham and Bean Soup.
1 pound dried Great Northern beans
6 cups of water
1 1/2 pounds cubed cooked ham
2 tsp salt
1 tsp dried thyme (whole or powdered)
4 peppercorns
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
2 cups water
4 potatoes, peeled and quartered
3 carrots, scraped and cut into 1/2 inch slices
1 medium onion, chopped
With the beans, sort and wash and cover with water and let soak overnight, or do like I did and bring to a boil and gently cook about an hour or so. Drain. Then add 6 cups of fresh water, and the ham and the next 6 ingredients. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat and simmer about an hour or so, then add the remaining water and vegetables. Cover and simmer about 30 more minutes until the veggies are tender.
If you need the cornbread recipe, let me know. Yum
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Bessemer Updates, and Birmingham's Wi-Fi Plan
First and foremost, this website, and this website as well attribute excerpts to Joe Openshaw that are not mine and that lead to columns that were not written by me. I should be glad that somebody thinks I am popular enough that they need to hijack my name to get people to view their sites, but I am not (either happy...or that popular).
Today I was going to just post pictures of my favorite camellia which is blooming and others:
And this poor outdoor Cherub has frozen his wings and looks like something else off. The fountain is in our backyard, and I know I posted a frozen fountain picture last year, but here's another anyway.
Today I was going to just post pictures of my favorite camellia which is blooming and others:
But there is too much Birmingham and Bessemer news to report on.
For instance, there is the story in The Western Tribune reporting that the Greater Birmingham Humane Society and The Foundry will be teaming up to take care of needy dogs. This is something that the Bessemer Neighborhood Association supported months ago and we spoke with pastor Bill Heintz about his vision in doing this. We are certainly glad to see this happening, and although it does not solve the dog abuse problem associated with the city dog pound, it is a start. Right now, or at least beginning January 29, the GBHS will be placing hard to place dogs in the care of the Foundry in a doggie daycare program. This will be good for the dogs as it helps them adjust to new people and places but also for the residents of the Foundry as they benefit both from the responsibility of caring for the dogs and from the unconditional love that pets give.
Also out of Bessemer and reported in The Western Tribune is an article about the budget which the City Council will begin to pour over in earnest this week. The 50% increase in pay for the city attorneys ($800,000 a year for Charlie Waldrep and firm) is not what caught my attention, as ridiculous as that is. No, this is:
"Meanwhile, the business community, still incensed that it lost more than $100,000 a year when (Mayor Ed) May sequestered the lodgings tax three years ago to help run the government - a fund that was established for the chamber three decades ago - will be seething when it finds out that the mayor has pulled the remaining $52,500 that the organization got last year."
Last year when I ran for council I campaigned on returning funding to the chamber (among other things) and still believe the chamber performs an important function in giving a face to the business community, recruiting business to the areas, and promoting tourism. The mayor's assistant told us at a Bessemer Neighborhood Association meeting recently that it would be nice if the Chamber actually did those things. I asked if he was telling us that the mayor's opinion was that the Chamber does not promote tourism or business and he agreed.
As a former business owner and former member of a Chamber of Commerce I believe the organizations play an important role in helping current members improve their businesses in various ways as well as promoting the business community. The mayor needs to get over his animosity toward the Chamber and learn to play friendly with others.
The Western Tribune also listed their Top 10 Stories in Bessemer, quite different from my Top 12, but of course I did not restrict myself to Bessemer and its suburbs.
People say they don't watch or listen to the news because it is all bad. Of these 10 top stories, only 2 could be thought of as bad. The murder story and the arrest story. The rest is all good news.
1. U. S. Pipe picks Bessemer over Birmingham and China.
2. Alabaster water pipeline finally gets approval.
3. Walmart tabs Hueytown.
4. Colonial Tannehill Promenade shopping center in Bessmer. Target, Publix, Movies.
5. Housing development in McCalla booming.
6. Bessemer Academy wins second state championship in a row.
7. McAdory Dixie youth baseball team wins world series.
8. Three people killed in arobbery of the Wachovia Bank on Ninth Avenue in Bessemer.
9. Former Bessemer official arrested - twice. Ryan Rancher.
10. Premiere Chevrolet opens its new dealership.
The favorite Camellia pictured above looks nice when being carried by a winged cherub:
And this poor outdoor Cherub has frozen his wings and looks like something else off. The fountain is in our backyard, and I know I posted a frozen fountain picture last year, but here's another anyway.
Last year the goldfish survived the freezing and I hope they do again this year.
And just a brief comment on Birmingham mayor Larry Langford's plan to use churches for the routers needed to make Birmingham wi-fi citywide. This is just my opinion, but city wide wi-fi is best accomplished placing antennas on utility poles or other public places that are easily accessed by trained repair people, because there are going to be glitches and problems that require attention, sometimes in the middle of the night or during church services and repair persons may not be able to gain access during those times.
Read this article Larry, and even though it is a couple of years old and technology has changed a bit since then, the principles still apply. There is more to it than just sticking a few routers in buildings and flipping a switch. Philadelphia planned to spend $10 to 15 million to build its system, at $20 to $25 per household. Their project is still on going, I don't what they have spent or how much coverage they have but they do have a web site Wireless Philadelphia that gives information on what areas are covered and when new ones will be added, etc.
Again, this is another issue that I campaigned on for Bessemer. No one else here seems to be interested in moving Bessemer forward on this issue, but my feeling is that it would be easier to do in a small city like Bessemer than in Birmingham.
Birmingham has a mayor who speaks and sometimes acts without thinking (I believe he admitted to this) and Bessemer has a mayor who thinks without acting. Which is more dangerous?
Oh and one more picture. these signs have begun to appear around Bessemer. Our primary is just one month away.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Iowa Caucus Guide for Republicans and Democrats
What is a blogger in Bessemer, Alabama doing giving advice to Iowans as they make their final decisions before Caucus Day on Thursday?
What you do in Iowa affects how Alabamians will vote next month in our primaries. And I do have a connection of sorts. I have a brother who with his family lived in Des Moines for several years, and as an aside, on a visit with my children when they were little kids one summer, we were caught in the middle of a tornado south of Iowa City during which we had to abandon our vehicle and seek safety in a water filled ditch. But that is a story for another day.
From Bessemer Opinions, this can serve as a guide for Iowa caucus participants as they express their preference for president in the upcoming caucus. Key candidates from the Republican and Democratic parties will be given a yea, a nay, or an OK, and a reason.
First the Republicans
Mike Huckabee – Nay. Huckabee has shown himself to be a joke of a candidate. His lack of knowledge regarding foreign affairs is frightening.
Think: NIE blunder and Iran nuclear program.
Think: Comments regarding immigrants from Pakistan after the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
His comments regarding HIV and quarantine are demeaning and show that when he made those remarks he had a complete misunderstanding of the knowledge that was current at the time.
His latest antic, calling a press conference to “show” his “negative ad” before claiming to be above such, then telling the media he will show it to them but not release it is just the strangest thing any candidate has done. Trying to put negative information out and…, or rather trying to get the media to do it for you is low and deceitful. We do not want this uninformed, deceitful man as president.
Mitt Romney - Nay. Romney is the prince of flip flop, as his changing positions on a woman’s choice and gay rights confirms. Whatever position gets him the votes he thinks he needs to win is the position he will take on an issue.
Rudy Giuliani – Nay. This man, after the first attack on the World Trade Center, moved emergency operations in to the buildings. That shows how much sense he has. Listen to what the firefighters of New York are saying. Giuliani wanted to “scoop up and dump” debris from the Trade Centers. This “debris” contained the remains of firefighters and others who were killed in the attack.
Here is the story on Fox News. In addition there is this: “Meanwhile America's mayor Rudy Giuliani is trying to figure out how to explain to the Christian Conservatives why he lived with two gay men, and why he married his second cousin Regina Peruggi and about being pro-choice.” (From the Archives ) .
Wait, I spent this much time thinking about what to say about Giuliani and he is not even campaigning in Iowa? What a waste of my time…and yours.
Fred Thompson – Nay. Is this guy even awake? Reagan slept through half his presidency, but at least he was awake during the campaign. Nothing about this man seems presidential.
John McCain - Nay. McCain is a hero to our country, but he is not presidential material. Plus he is too old. I am not one to discriminate based on age (I’m a 53 year old college student, after all) but I think we need a president who is not approaching the average life expectancy for someone his age. If that seems cold, sorry. McCain missed his chance in 2000.
Ron Paul – OK. Ron Paul makes the most sense of all the Republicans, especially when he is talking about the war or about corporate fascism and the military industrial complex that runs this country. But his solution to federal tyranny is giving control of issues like protecting rights and liberties over to individual states and this reeks of the racist cries of “states' rights” that we heard in the south over the years. Change that “OK” to a “Nay.”
Democrats
Barack Obama – Nay. Obama would make a fine president but lacks experience in dealing with foreign policy, and would require some on the job training. In addition while he probably is as gay friendly as any democratic candidate, he is too close to his homophobic pastor, and his South Carolina gay...anti-gay tour episode really lost favor among the community of those who believe all people were created equal. Remember what the Declaration of Independence says: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Hillary Clinton – Yea. It is no secret that I am a Hillary Clinton supporter. She has the experience and the knowledge and skills to become an effective president, and she is ready now and will not need on the job training. She is strong on defense, yet realizes we need to change course in Iraq. She understands that the focus should be in Afghanistan. She has a winning health care policy as well as progressive environmental policies. Plus she comes with someone who has White House experience who will give her worlds of advice – Chelsea Clinton. Chelsea is 27 years old and just a few years older than my daughter, and I am sure she is full of advice for both of her parents.
But Senator Clinton as President Clinton would not rely on her daughter or her husband for advice on running the country. Hillary is intelligent enough to lead the country on her on, but also smart enough to surround herself with quality advisors.
This is very important. Hillary Clinton, among all the candidates of both parties, will be able to restore our standing in the world in less time than any of the others. First we have to regain the trust of the leaders of other countries, and only then can we begin to regain their respect. And with respect comes leadership, and only then will we be able to regain that position in the world that we lost soon after 9-11.
A vote for Hilary Clinton is a vote for a secure, sound America that treats all of its citizens with respect and dignity, and an America that respects science and the environment as well.
And maybe she will choose General Wesley Clark as vice president candidate. Wouldn’t that be nice?
John Edwards – Nay. Edwards would make a good president but I don’t think he generates the excitement necessary to win the race in November. His experience does not begin to compare with Clinton’s and his negativity in the debates turned me off.
Bill Richardson – OK. Richardson has plenty of experience, both with domestic issues and in dealing with foreign policy. In addition his role as a successful governor shows that he has leadership qualities that are required to head an executive branch of government. However Richardson did give a weird answer at the so called “gay debate” when asked whether homosexuality is a choice or not. See video here Video from the debate . Some of the video here does show that he has an impressive gay record as governor, though. But again, Richardson does not generate the excitement in the party to get him elected. But look for him in the administration.
Dennis Kucinich – Nay. Kucinich has a role, but unfortunately being president is not in the cards for him. It’s too bad, because he does make sense at times, especially when he is not talking about UFO’s and Shirley McLain.
So, Iowans, your big day is almost here. Make your choice wisely, and make those of us in the rest of the country proud.
What you do in Iowa affects how Alabamians will vote next month in our primaries. And I do have a connection of sorts. I have a brother who with his family lived in Des Moines for several years, and as an aside, on a visit with my children when they were little kids one summer, we were caught in the middle of a tornado south of Iowa City during which we had to abandon our vehicle and seek safety in a water filled ditch. But that is a story for another day.
From Bessemer Opinions, this can serve as a guide for Iowa caucus participants as they express their preference for president in the upcoming caucus. Key candidates from the Republican and Democratic parties will be given a yea, a nay, or an OK, and a reason.
First the Republicans
Mike Huckabee – Nay. Huckabee has shown himself to be a joke of a candidate. His lack of knowledge regarding foreign affairs is frightening.
Think: NIE blunder and Iran nuclear program.
Think: Comments regarding immigrants from Pakistan after the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
His comments regarding HIV and quarantine are demeaning and show that when he made those remarks he had a complete misunderstanding of the knowledge that was current at the time.
His latest antic, calling a press conference to “show” his “negative ad” before claiming to be above such, then telling the media he will show it to them but not release it is just the strangest thing any candidate has done. Trying to put negative information out and…, or rather trying to get the media to do it for you is low and deceitful. We do not want this uninformed, deceitful man as president.
Mitt Romney - Nay. Romney is the prince of flip flop, as his changing positions on a woman’s choice and gay rights confirms. Whatever position gets him the votes he thinks he needs to win is the position he will take on an issue.
Rudy Giuliani – Nay. This man, after the first attack on the World Trade Center, moved emergency operations in to the buildings. That shows how much sense he has. Listen to what the firefighters of New York are saying. Giuliani wanted to “scoop up and dump” debris from the Trade Centers. This “debris” contained the remains of firefighters and others who were killed in the attack.
Here is the story on Fox News. In addition there is this: “Meanwhile America's mayor Rudy Giuliani is trying to figure out how to explain to the Christian Conservatives why he lived with two gay men, and why he married his second cousin Regina Peruggi and about being pro-choice.” (From the Archives ) .
Wait, I spent this much time thinking about what to say about Giuliani and he is not even campaigning in Iowa? What a waste of my time…and yours.
Fred Thompson – Nay. Is this guy even awake? Reagan slept through half his presidency, but at least he was awake during the campaign. Nothing about this man seems presidential.
John McCain - Nay. McCain is a hero to our country, but he is not presidential material. Plus he is too old. I am not one to discriminate based on age (I’m a 53 year old college student, after all) but I think we need a president who is not approaching the average life expectancy for someone his age. If that seems cold, sorry. McCain missed his chance in 2000.
Ron Paul – OK. Ron Paul makes the most sense of all the Republicans, especially when he is talking about the war or about corporate fascism and the military industrial complex that runs this country. But his solution to federal tyranny is giving control of issues like protecting rights and liberties over to individual states and this reeks of the racist cries of “states' rights” that we heard in the south over the years. Change that “OK” to a “Nay.”
Democrats
Barack Obama – Nay. Obama would make a fine president but lacks experience in dealing with foreign policy, and would require some on the job training. In addition while he probably is as gay friendly as any democratic candidate, he is too close to his homophobic pastor, and his South Carolina gay...anti-gay tour episode really lost favor among the community of those who believe all people were created equal. Remember what the Declaration of Independence says: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Hillary Clinton – Yea. It is no secret that I am a Hillary Clinton supporter. She has the experience and the knowledge and skills to become an effective president, and she is ready now and will not need on the job training. She is strong on defense, yet realizes we need to change course in Iraq. She understands that the focus should be in Afghanistan. She has a winning health care policy as well as progressive environmental policies. Plus she comes with someone who has White House experience who will give her worlds of advice – Chelsea Clinton. Chelsea is 27 years old and just a few years older than my daughter, and I am sure she is full of advice for both of her parents.
But Senator Clinton as President Clinton would not rely on her daughter or her husband for advice on running the country. Hillary is intelligent enough to lead the country on her on, but also smart enough to surround herself with quality advisors.
This is very important. Hillary Clinton, among all the candidates of both parties, will be able to restore our standing in the world in less time than any of the others. First we have to regain the trust of the leaders of other countries, and only then can we begin to regain their respect. And with respect comes leadership, and only then will we be able to regain that position in the world that we lost soon after 9-11.
A vote for Hilary Clinton is a vote for a secure, sound America that treats all of its citizens with respect and dignity, and an America that respects science and the environment as well.
And maybe she will choose General Wesley Clark as vice president candidate. Wouldn’t that be nice?
John Edwards – Nay. Edwards would make a good president but I don’t think he generates the excitement necessary to win the race in November. His experience does not begin to compare with Clinton’s and his negativity in the debates turned me off.
Bill Richardson – OK. Richardson has plenty of experience, both with domestic issues and in dealing with foreign policy. In addition his role as a successful governor shows that he has leadership qualities that are required to head an executive branch of government. However Richardson did give a weird answer at the so called “gay debate” when asked whether homosexuality is a choice or not. See video here Video from the debate . Some of the video here does show that he has an impressive gay record as governor, though. But again, Richardson does not generate the excitement in the party to get him elected. But look for him in the administration.
Dennis Kucinich – Nay. Kucinich has a role, but unfortunately being president is not in the cards for him. It’s too bad, because he does make sense at times, especially when he is not talking about UFO’s and Shirley McLain.
So, Iowans, your big day is almost here. Make your choice wisely, and make those of us in the rest of the country proud.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Bessemer Opinions Top Twelve
Two posts in one day? I figured a lot of people are at work today and bored, so here is something to amuse. But be sure and read the other post of the day as well.
The editorial board of Bessemer Opinions got together and came up with this list of the dozen top posts (or stories) of 2007. Seems that everywhere you turn there is a top 10 or so list, and we had a hard time whitling it down to ten, thus 12. These are not in order of importance, rather they are in chronological order, beginning in February, when Bessemer Opinions first began publishing. I realize there are 14 links here. But 12 stories (or 13).
February 12. Western Star and Tim Hardaway
This was one of the first stories to report the way The Western Star distorts the truth, and the story got me emails from across the nation. Bessemer Opinions will always expose lies, hypocrisy and plagiarism.
March 27 and 29.
Birmingham Falls Flat on Its Face
Birmingham: She's Fallen and She Can't Get Up
These two posts are related to Birmingham's failure to pass an inclusion resolution, which a few weeks later they passed unanimously.
March 1. Who I Would Not Like To Be
This post is about Katherine Jefferts Schori, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal church. I admire her for doing the right thing in spite of misguided opposition. I often post about Episcopal happenings, mainly because they are on the cutting edge of inclusive theology. Full disclosure, I am a wandering Methodist.
April 26. Pat Tillman, Tom Delay and Gun Control
This story just about made me sick. Hypocrisy and spinning by war crazy people.
April 23. Earth Day II, Human Responsibility
The environment is one of the most pressing issues of the day (and has been since the beginning).
May 10. Hatred in Alabama, From a Trailer in Bay Minette to Goat Hill
This one just about makes one sick as well, but hatred against gays has got to stop.
June 21. Murder - 1956
I included this story then and now because I want the people responsible for this to feel guilty, and I want those who might know something to come forward.
July 12. Joe's Theology
I am not shy about revealing my opinions about any subject.
September 15. The Changing Face of Bessemer
There was a lot of important news out of Bessemer this year, and this story is about news that has not even happened yet. But I feel (and hope) that what is offered here is more important than what our city leaders do and don't do, because this looks beyond the next election, which is something the elected officials have a hard time doing. Another very important news story about bessemer was This one announcing The Western Tribune hitting the steets.
October 29. Western Star and Global Warming
This post explores one of the stupidest statements ever in print. The reason it is important is that if people don't wake up and understand what climate change is doing to our planet, and accept that as humans we bear some responsibility for it, we are doomed.
November 2. Consider This an Announcement
This was my announcment that I am running for a delegate seat to the Democratic National Convention as a Hillary Clinton delegate. We will see how the voting goes, and if I don't win a spot that way, all is not lost. Stay tuned.
November 15. Intelligent Design is not Science
I have been a student of science since elementary school, and my current studies are scientific in nature as well. I hate to see misinformation touted as fact.
Happy New Year.
The editorial board of Bessemer Opinions got together and came up with this list of the dozen top posts (or stories) of 2007. Seems that everywhere you turn there is a top 10 or so list, and we had a hard time whitling it down to ten, thus 12. These are not in order of importance, rather they are in chronological order, beginning in February, when Bessemer Opinions first began publishing. I realize there are 14 links here. But 12 stories (or 13).
February 12. Western Star and Tim Hardaway
This was one of the first stories to report the way The Western Star distorts the truth, and the story got me emails from across the nation. Bessemer Opinions will always expose lies, hypocrisy and plagiarism.
March 27 and 29.
Birmingham Falls Flat on Its Face
Birmingham: She's Fallen and She Can't Get Up
These two posts are related to Birmingham's failure to pass an inclusion resolution, which a few weeks later they passed unanimously.
March 1. Who I Would Not Like To Be
This post is about Katherine Jefferts Schori, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal church. I admire her for doing the right thing in spite of misguided opposition. I often post about Episcopal happenings, mainly because they are on the cutting edge of inclusive theology. Full disclosure, I am a wandering Methodist.
April 26. Pat Tillman, Tom Delay and Gun Control
This story just about made me sick. Hypocrisy and spinning by war crazy people.
April 23. Earth Day II, Human Responsibility
The environment is one of the most pressing issues of the day (and has been since the beginning).
May 10. Hatred in Alabama, From a Trailer in Bay Minette to Goat Hill
This one just about makes one sick as well, but hatred against gays has got to stop.
June 21. Murder - 1956
I included this story then and now because I want the people responsible for this to feel guilty, and I want those who might know something to come forward.
July 12. Joe's Theology
I am not shy about revealing my opinions about any subject.
September 15. The Changing Face of Bessemer
There was a lot of important news out of Bessemer this year, and this story is about news that has not even happened yet. But I feel (and hope) that what is offered here is more important than what our city leaders do and don't do, because this looks beyond the next election, which is something the elected officials have a hard time doing. Another very important news story about bessemer was This one announcing The Western Tribune hitting the steets.
October 29. Western Star and Global Warming
This post explores one of the stupidest statements ever in print. The reason it is important is that if people don't wake up and understand what climate change is doing to our planet, and accept that as humans we bear some responsibility for it, we are doomed.
November 2. Consider This an Announcement
This was my announcment that I am running for a delegate seat to the Democratic National Convention as a Hillary Clinton delegate. We will see how the voting goes, and if I don't win a spot that way, all is not lost. Stay tuned.
November 15. Intelligent Design is not Science
I have been a student of science since elementary school, and my current studies are scientific in nature as well. I hate to see misinformation touted as fact.
Happy New Year.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thoughts of Pompeii, The Iraq War, and Happy New Year
You have about 3 1/2 weeks left to see Pompeii at the Birmingham Museum of Art. We made it a family outing on Saturday, and it was a really educational but also moving exhibit.
I have one child who is a senior in high school and one who is in college. One of them studied Pompeii in school, and the other did not. They both went to public school.
The more I learn about other cultures, whether they be in the present or in the past, the more I realize that we are all alike, and we haven't changed much in all of history. Individuals seeking comfort and luxury, subtle and not so subtle references to sex (homosexuality as well as heterosexuality). People coming together to help one another. People of different classes dying together.
And you never know how an event will affect history. There could have been a young child who died that day who might have grown to understand science and physics in the same way that Newton or Galileo did centuries later. Of course, that can be said about every young person who dies at any time. Take for instance the 3902 American service men and women who have died in Iraq. Or the 80,196 - 87,350 Iraqi citizens who have been killed since we invaded their country. (See "Facts About the War" over to the left) Think of the potential lost.
A movie that shows how a young person's potential can be lost or found is October Sky starring a young Jake Gyllenhall as Homer Hickam, and this is the true story of the West Virginia kid who for various reasons was pressured to follow the expected path of being a coal miner, but wanted to explore rocketry instead. Has Jake Gyllenhall ever made a bad movie? I don't think so. This one is certainly worth watching.
In fact, you could rent it today, and watch it while waiting for the New Year! Right after the Auburn Game (Chick-fil-A Bowl), you should have enough time to see the movie before the ball drops, or the bullets fall, as will happen in Bessemer and some sections of Birmingham at midnight tonight. The insane practice of shooting guns into the air to celebrate. What will the story be in tomorrow's paper? Hopefully not one of somebody killed or injured because of this reckless practice.
Regardless of how you celebrate, be careful, and have a good time. Wait until the lead has finished falling from the sky before travelling home. Happy New Year!!!
I have one child who is a senior in high school and one who is in college. One of them studied Pompeii in school, and the other did not. They both went to public school.
The more I learn about other cultures, whether they be in the present or in the past, the more I realize that we are all alike, and we haven't changed much in all of history. Individuals seeking comfort and luxury, subtle and not so subtle references to sex (homosexuality as well as heterosexuality). People coming together to help one another. People of different classes dying together.
And you never know how an event will affect history. There could have been a young child who died that day who might have grown to understand science and physics in the same way that Newton or Galileo did centuries later. Of course, that can be said about every young person who dies at any time. Take for instance the 3902 American service men and women who have died in Iraq. Or the 80,196 - 87,350 Iraqi citizens who have been killed since we invaded their country. (See "Facts About the War" over to the left) Think of the potential lost.
A movie that shows how a young person's potential can be lost or found is October Sky starring a young Jake Gyllenhall as Homer Hickam, and this is the true story of the West Virginia kid who for various reasons was pressured to follow the expected path of being a coal miner, but wanted to explore rocketry instead. Has Jake Gyllenhall ever made a bad movie? I don't think so. This one is certainly worth watching.
In fact, you could rent it today, and watch it while waiting for the New Year! Right after the Auburn Game (Chick-fil-A Bowl), you should have enough time to see the movie before the ball drops, or the bullets fall, as will happen in Bessemer and some sections of Birmingham at midnight tonight. The insane practice of shooting guns into the air to celebrate. What will the story be in tomorrow's paper? Hopefully not one of somebody killed or injured because of this reckless practice.
Regardless of how you celebrate, be careful, and have a good time. Wait until the lead has finished falling from the sky before travelling home. Happy New Year!!!
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