You may think I've fallen off a cliff or something since I have not been posting on Bessemer Opinions lately. But my writing has taken me to different sites. If you have not been following, Here are some links.
Equality Alabama staged a "takeover" of Full Moon Bar-B-Que in Hoover earlier this month. I covered this for Examiner.
The Western Star printed an article about Bessemer pride that I wrote.
Then they printed a letter from Snuffy Garrett in response.
I spent some time writing responses to Garrett's ill-informed letter.
The Western Star printed my 1700 word response (here, on Scribd) to his challenge that I find support for my "lifestyle" in the Bible.
And I wrote another article for Examiner regarding the Human Rights Campaign bus tour that is coming to Alabama in October.
And all the while my thoughts on the debt ceiling crisis and the unwillingness of the Republicans to compromise are swirling around in my head. Coming soon.
Tears Dry On Their Own, by Amy Winehouse.
The Year of Moving Forward
At our 4 person wedding reception in DC
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Rolling into Bessemer
One line of storms has already rolled through, and more are on the way today.
That scene is a block from our house. Across 14th Street, near Davis Middle School, I came across this.
The weather should be better on Saturday for the BBQ and Blues Festival in Bessemer, sponsored by Bob Sykes BarBQ.
The event begins at noon and last into the evening. Here is an article from the Birmingham News about the event.
Here is the info about the event from Bob Sykes web site.
Here is Mikey Junior and the Stone Cold Blues Band, one of the headliners.
Also on tap to preform are Kenny Brown, The Pounders, Blackberry and Mr. Boo-Hoo and others. Blackberry and Mr. Boo Hoo are from France, but they have that Mississippi thing down.
Come to Bessemer on Saturday for good music and great food!
That scene is a block from our house. Across 14th Street, near Davis Middle School, I came across this.
The weather should be better on Saturday for the BBQ and Blues Festival in Bessemer, sponsored by Bob Sykes BarBQ.
The event begins at noon and last into the evening. Here is an article from the Birmingham News about the event.
Here is the info about the event from Bob Sykes web site.
Here is Mikey Junior and the Stone Cold Blues Band, one of the headliners.
Also on tap to preform are Kenny Brown, The Pounders, Blackberry and Mr. Boo-Hoo and others. Blackberry and Mr. Boo Hoo are from France, but they have that Mississippi thing down.
Come to Bessemer on Saturday for good music and great food!
Friday, March 11, 2011
The Music of Mardi Gras
We watched several parades during Mardi Gras and each had several marching bands, mostly from area schools.
One band during the Orpheus Parade stood out. I didn't get any pictures, but here is a video of them during the last year's parade.
The Roots of Music is a New Orleans group that fills a void left after Katrina. Some middle schools had to drop their music programs; not good in a city where music plays such a vital role. The Roots of Music offers young people an opportunity to learn and march in formation.
Notice that at least one of the members of this marching band is very young.
But music fills the streets of the French Quarter as well. There are many street musicians along Royal Street and elsewhere, and I took some pictures (and tipped the musicians).
This soloist was along the riverfront and we sat on a bench and listened to him while ships slowly passed by on the Mississippi. I could spend some time every day in this spot, watching the river and listening to music.
This one man band was on Royal Street, and two ladies from Japan walked up as he was playing. He recognized them as Japanese, spoke to them in their language, and sang a Japanese song they were familiar with.
Not far away we listened to this man on the clarinet and his friend on the steel drum.
Further down Royal the music changed a bit. This group was sort of folk/hillbilly.
As was this one. I didn't get the names of most of these groups, but this one had their name displayed, Slick Skillet Serenaders.
I found a video of them taken on Royal Street a couple of weeks ago.
Here's another pair of musicians.
And a quartet.
This is the man that was playing long side the clarinetist. Now he is playing solo.
Everyone who has been to New Orleans knows that you hear music everywhere you go. Jazz, blues, rockabilly, Brazilian, Zydeco, or any other style you want. The music in New Orleans seems to keep the city in rhythm. We even had a Jazz combo playing while we ate breakfast one morning.
Ubiquitous music and a coffee shops every other block (in the residential area we stayed in). Two things that bring people together. Things I wish we had in Bessemer.
One band during the Orpheus Parade stood out. I didn't get any pictures, but here is a video of them during the last year's parade.
The Roots of Music is a New Orleans group that fills a void left after Katrina. Some middle schools had to drop their music programs; not good in a city where music plays such a vital role. The Roots of Music offers young people an opportunity to learn and march in formation.
Notice that at least one of the members of this marching band is very young.
But music fills the streets of the French Quarter as well. There are many street musicians along Royal Street and elsewhere, and I took some pictures (and tipped the musicians).
This soloist was along the riverfront and we sat on a bench and listened to him while ships slowly passed by on the Mississippi. I could spend some time every day in this spot, watching the river and listening to music.
This one man band was on Royal Street, and two ladies from Japan walked up as he was playing. He recognized them as Japanese, spoke to them in their language, and sang a Japanese song they were familiar with.
Not far away we listened to this man on the clarinet and his friend on the steel drum.
Further down Royal the music changed a bit. This group was sort of folk/hillbilly.
As was this one. I didn't get the names of most of these groups, but this one had their name displayed, Slick Skillet Serenaders.
I found a video of them taken on Royal Street a couple of weeks ago.Here's another pair of musicians.
And a quartet.
This is the man that was playing long side the clarinetist. Now he is playing solo.
Everyone who has been to New Orleans knows that you hear music everywhere you go. Jazz, blues, rockabilly, Brazilian, Zydeco, or any other style you want. The music in New Orleans seems to keep the city in rhythm. We even had a Jazz combo playing while we ate breakfast one morning.
Ubiquitous music and a coffee shops every other block (in the residential area we stayed in). Two things that bring people together. Things I wish we had in Bessemer.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Maps and charts and such
Some people have too much time on their hands. Maybe you think I'm one of them.
Here's a chart comparing attitudes in Europe with those of the United States.
I thought I would share a few things from my friend Joe My God
We need to be more like Europe.
Speaking of the U. S. needing improvement, here is the U. S. map of Shame, where you can see what your state is shameful of (or should be).
You can click on the pictures to make them bigger so the labels are easier to read.
And not to be all negative, here's the United States of Awesome! Here you can see what your state does well.
Speaking of awesome, how about Adele. I've posted her video's before, here's one of her singing "Rolling in the deep."
I am re-posting a video of another of her songs, just because it is awesome too.
Here's a chart comparing attitudes in Europe with those of the United States.
I thought I would share a few things from my friend Joe My God
We need to be more like Europe.
Speaking of the U. S. needing improvement, here is the U. S. map of Shame, where you can see what your state is shameful of (or should be).
You can click on the pictures to make them bigger so the labels are easier to read.
And not to be all negative, here's the United States of Awesome! Here you can see what your state does well.
Speaking of awesome, how about Adele. I've posted her video's before, here's one of her singing "Rolling in the deep."
I am re-posting a video of another of her songs, just because it is awesome too.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Bessemer's future lights up
An indication of the good things to come in Bessemer is the announcement by Dollar General that they are building a distribution center in Bessemer, just a bit from our house.
We've been noticing some site work at the property on Lakeshore Drive at Highway 150. Years ago the site was cleared, something awful was found there during that work, and the property sat unused until a few weeks ago, when some access work began to be done.
Correction: the new facility is not at the site that has been prepared. I misunderstood the newspaper article, which stated "at Alabama 150 and Lakeshore." Turns out, the Dollar General site is a little further down Lakeshore. Anyway, it's good news for our part of Bessemer. And, inquiring minds are still curious about the previously prepared site.
The facility will bring about 550 warehouse jobs and 100 dedicated trucker jobs to Bessemer.
This development would not have taken place without the new council and mayor working together to land it. Other sites were in the running, but quick and heavy action beginning on day one of the new administration sealed the deal. Council president Jesse Matthews praised the council and mayor's actions, saying it took the "newly elected officials to bring this center to the city."
City attorney Shan Paden said that he had heard positive comments from county and state officials about how the council and mayor had worked together on the project. This is in contrast to the way things worked under the previous administration.
Thank you Mayor Gulley and the Bessemer City Council for working since day one to make this a better place to live. There's a lot of work still to be done, but we are moving in the right direction and this gives us hope for the future.
Also, the Bessemer School System has fixed some problems, and won't be losing $1.7 million in state funding as previously feared. Still, you need to return phone calls and emails!!!
Enjoy Shawn Mullins - Light You Up.
We've been noticing some site work at the property on Lakeshore Drive at Highway 150. Years ago the site was cleared, something awful was found there during that work, and the property sat unused until a few weeks ago, when some access work began to be done.
Correction: the new facility is not at the site that has been prepared. I misunderstood the newspaper article, which stated "at Alabama 150 and Lakeshore." Turns out, the Dollar General site is a little further down Lakeshore. Anyway, it's good news for our part of Bessemer. And, inquiring minds are still curious about the previously prepared site.
The facility will bring about 550 warehouse jobs and 100 dedicated trucker jobs to Bessemer.
This development would not have taken place without the new council and mayor working together to land it. Other sites were in the running, but quick and heavy action beginning on day one of the new administration sealed the deal. Council president Jesse Matthews praised the council and mayor's actions, saying it took the "newly elected officials to bring this center to the city."
City attorney Shan Paden said that he had heard positive comments from county and state officials about how the council and mayor had worked together on the project. This is in contrast to the way things worked under the previous administration.
Thank you Mayor Gulley and the Bessemer City Council for working since day one to make this a better place to live. There's a lot of work still to be done, but we are moving in the right direction and this gives us hope for the future.
Also, the Bessemer School System has fixed some problems, and won't be losing $1.7 million in state funding as previously feared. Still, you need to return phone calls and emails!!!
Enjoy Shawn Mullins - Light You Up.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Don't Ask Don't Tell Haiku
I admit it. I follow the Washington stories a little too closely. Often if I am working at home I have the TV on in the next room and can hear MSNBC so when a critical vote is taking place or a particularly interesting comment coming from a legislator I can run in there and watch. I'm a political wonk, or at least I would be if I were younger (by definition a wonk is a young person).
If I must deliver myself from the world of politics and social progress, I change the channel to Adult Alternative music and have in the background music by such artists as Dave Barnes (Little Lies):
or T J Moss Band (It's Over):
Anyway,last year I made it a point to be in front of the TV on Christmas Eve to watch the Senate vote on Health Care Reform.
Tomorrow the Senate is supposed to vote on the Dream Act and on Don't Ask Don't Tell repeal.
Supposedly Reid has 61 votes for DADT repeal, but not for the Dream Act.
The votes are being scheduled for Saturday because a Democrat Senator's prostate gland has got to go next week. He's having pre-surgery testing done today, but will be on the Senate floor on Saturday, and out next week.
Only mean spirited Republicans would think that denying legal status to someone who has laid their life on the line for our freedom is cool.
The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act would give conditional legal status to qualifying undocumented youths who attend at least two years of college or join the military, provided they arrived here under age 16 and meet several other strict criteria.
But recall, most Republican Senators also think it is cool to have those fighting for you to lie about themselves if they are gay or lesbian. I wrote a poem.
Anyway, there is so much going on tomorrow that I can't sit around waiting for the Senate to act. Santa's got some shopping to do.
But I will have my Android with me, so I will be able to follow what is going on and at least give a shout out on Facebook if something good happens.
And on Sunday, don't forget "Hollywood Holidays: Songs from the Silver Screen," a collection of seasonal songs from the cinema by the Magic City Choral Society, at 6:00, at the Alys Stephens Center. It's Free!!!
If I must deliver myself from the world of politics and social progress, I change the channel to Adult Alternative music and have in the background music by such artists as Dave Barnes (Little Lies):
or T J Moss Band (It's Over):
Anyway,last year I made it a point to be in front of the TV on Christmas Eve to watch the Senate vote on Health Care Reform.
Tomorrow the Senate is supposed to vote on the Dream Act and on Don't Ask Don't Tell repeal.
Supposedly Reid has 61 votes for DADT repeal, but not for the Dream Act.
The votes are being scheduled for Saturday because a Democrat Senator's prostate gland has got to go next week. He's having pre-surgery testing done today, but will be on the Senate floor on Saturday, and out next week.
Only mean spirited Republicans would think that denying legal status to someone who has laid their life on the line for our freedom is cool.
The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act would give conditional legal status to qualifying undocumented youths who attend at least two years of college or join the military, provided they arrived here under age 16 and meet several other strict criteria.
But recall, most Republican Senators also think it is cool to have those fighting for you to lie about themselves if they are gay or lesbian. I wrote a poem.
Don't Ask Don't Tell Haiku
We serve with honor
Life on line and we could die
For this we must lie
We serve with honor
Life on line and we could die
For this we must lie
Anyway, there is so much going on tomorrow that I can't sit around waiting for the Senate to act. Santa's got some shopping to do.
But I will have my Android with me, so I will be able to follow what is going on and at least give a shout out on Facebook if something good happens.
And on Sunday, don't forget "Hollywood Holidays: Songs from the Silver Screen," a collection of seasonal songs from the cinema by the Magic City Choral Society, at 6:00, at the Alys Stephens Center. It's Free!!!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Jana
Some of you heard this voice at our house this week as the cd American Indian Christmas was part of the music lineup.
Jana is a Native American singer and she has recorded 10 Christmas favorites in 10 different Native American languages. This is O Holy Night sung in Navajo.
The cd can be ordered from Southwest Indian Foundation, and probably other sites as well.
Just in case you want to see some of her regular music, here's a video from her cd, New Moon Born. You can find it at Southwest Indian Foundation also. This is a great song too, and nice video.
Jana is a Native American singer and she has recorded 10 Christmas favorites in 10 different Native American languages. This is O Holy Night sung in Navajo.
The cd can be ordered from Southwest Indian Foundation, and probably other sites as well.
Just in case you want to see some of her regular music, here's a video from her cd, New Moon Born. You can find it at Southwest Indian Foundation also. This is a great song too, and nice video.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Asking for advice
I need advice. We want to stick with Verizon, and get droids or androids or one of those types of smart phones. Which phone do you use? Pro's and con's? Answer in the comments section, please.
Last night's first of three political forums took place in Bessemer, giving (not very many) voters a chance to see and hear (some of the) candidates make their case.
Council Candidates from districts 1, 2 and 3 and School Board candidates from district 2 were invited.
I am surprised that so many candidates did not take part in the forum. I hope there is a more complete showing at the forum on Monday which will have candidates from council districts 4,5,6 and 7 plus school board candidates for district 7.
I don't have a lot to say yet and will be withholding comment until all the candidates from all the districts have spoken.
Here's a still from the new Scissor Sisters video Any Which Way.
And here's the video. "Good queer music," a commenter on this video wrote. This should get you ready for the weekend. Dance!!!
Last night's first of three political forums took place in Bessemer, giving (not very many) voters a chance to see and hear (some of the) candidates make their case.
Council Candidates from districts 1, 2 and 3 and School Board candidates from district 2 were invited.
I am surprised that so many candidates did not take part in the forum. I hope there is a more complete showing at the forum on Monday which will have candidates from council districts 4,5,6 and 7 plus school board candidates for district 7.
I don't have a lot to say yet and will be withholding comment until all the candidates from all the districts have spoken.
Here's a still from the new Scissor Sisters video Any Which Way.
And here's the video. "Good queer music," a commenter on this video wrote. This should get you ready for the weekend. Dance!!!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Local events
Some things going on.
In Bessemer, tonight is the first of three political candidate forums, and candidates for Council in Districts 1, 2 and 3 and School Board candidates for District 2 will take questions (be there before 5:45 to submit questions). The forum will take place at Bessemer City High School at 6:00.
In next door Lipscomb, they are about to celebrate their centennial. Lipscomb was incorporated in 1910. It was first called "Wheeling." The name Lipscomb came from a store name established by the three Lipscomb brothers on the rail line in 1890.
At 5:00 PM Friday there will be a tour of the elementary school, followed by an unveiling of a historical marker at city hall at 6:00, and a banquet at the school at 7:00 PM. Former University of Alabama football player Bobby Humphrey will speak.
On Saturday a parade will take place along 5th Street at 10:00.
Mayor Melanie Bouyer says the city if moving forward and there are proposals to add housing for veterans and a grocery store, possibly with the development of a community cooperative.
For more information call city hall at 428-6374.
I haven't posted any fun videos in a while, so here are two.
Brett Domino is the alter-ego of British musician Rob J Madin that uses unusual instruments such as a keytar and kazoos and this weird deal with an antenna to make music. Here he is with Steven Peavis performing a medley of Justin Timberlake.
And here he is performing Bad Romance. Lady Gaga, watch out.
In Bessemer, tonight is the first of three political candidate forums, and candidates for Council in Districts 1, 2 and 3 and School Board candidates for District 2 will take questions (be there before 5:45 to submit questions). The forum will take place at Bessemer City High School at 6:00.
In next door Lipscomb, they are about to celebrate their centennial. Lipscomb was incorporated in 1910. It was first called "Wheeling." The name Lipscomb came from a store name established by the three Lipscomb brothers on the rail line in 1890.
At 5:00 PM Friday there will be a tour of the elementary school, followed by an unveiling of a historical marker at city hall at 6:00, and a banquet at the school at 7:00 PM. Former University of Alabama football player Bobby Humphrey will speak.
On Saturday a parade will take place along 5th Street at 10:00.
Mayor Melanie Bouyer says the city if moving forward and there are proposals to add housing for veterans and a grocery store, possibly with the development of a community cooperative.
For more information call city hall at 428-6374.
I haven't posted any fun videos in a while, so here are two.
Brett Domino is the alter-ego of British musician Rob J Madin that uses unusual instruments such as a keytar and kazoos and this weird deal with an antenna to make music. Here he is with Steven Peavis performing a medley of Justin Timberlake.
And here he is performing Bad Romance. Lady Gaga, watch out.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Bad news for Bessemer
OK, after a couple of good news stories about the Marvel City, some bad news.
Actually one bad news, and one odd, and sort of bad story.
The bad news is that regional planners want to remove the "Western leg" of the Northern Beltline from the plans. That would put off completion of the beltway for more than 25 years.
They think that Trussville and Gardendale are more important than Bessemer, and would end the roadway at Hwy 78 in Graysville.
I wonder what our city leaders think about that.
The project has always been referred to as the "Northern Beltline" and this is the first I have heard of it having a "leg" that could be amputated.
More planners channeling Bettye Fine Collins' misunderstanding of the importance of the Bessemer cutoff is what it is.
The other story is this "altar call" at Bessemer City High School during school time at an assembly. The assembly had a good purpose, it was the second annual Young Men's Conference, and included discussion on safe sex as well as abstinence, self respect and acceptable behavior.
But when social studies teacher Tarus Lyons asked the guys if they had done anything wrong in their lives and to come to the front things began to sound a little "revivalish".
And by the time school counselor Rick Owens led them a prayer seeking forgiveness and said JC was the only way to salvation, things had gone a little bit too far.
I am a little bit confused by principal Jerome Cook's explanation that the assembly was "required" but that attendance was "voluntary."
I think Bessemer City High officials have learned from the experience. The principal also said that part two of the conference would not feature a prayer.
But, can you say ACLU?
Here's the unofficial video to Airplanes by Local Natives.
And here is the official one. Both are good, but which do you like best?
Actually one bad news, and one odd, and sort of bad story.
The bad news is that regional planners want to remove the "Western leg" of the Northern Beltline from the plans. That would put off completion of the beltway for more than 25 years.
They think that Trussville and Gardendale are more important than Bessemer, and would end the roadway at Hwy 78 in Graysville.
I wonder what our city leaders think about that.
The project has always been referred to as the "Northern Beltline" and this is the first I have heard of it having a "leg" that could be amputated.
More planners channeling Bettye Fine Collins' misunderstanding of the importance of the Bessemer cutoff is what it is.
The other story is this "altar call" at Bessemer City High School during school time at an assembly. The assembly had a good purpose, it was the second annual Young Men's Conference, and included discussion on safe sex as well as abstinence, self respect and acceptable behavior.
But when social studies teacher Tarus Lyons asked the guys if they had done anything wrong in their lives and to come to the front things began to sound a little "revivalish".
And by the time school counselor Rick Owens led them a prayer seeking forgiveness and said JC was the only way to salvation, things had gone a little bit too far.
I am a little bit confused by principal Jerome Cook's explanation that the assembly was "required" but that attendance was "voluntary."
I think Bessemer City High officials have learned from the experience. The principal also said that part two of the conference would not feature a prayer.
But, can you say ACLU?
Here's the unofficial video to Airplanes by Local Natives.
And here is the official one. Both are good, but which do you like best?
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
What I learned from Martha
Martha Stewart, that is.
Rhubarb. It's not red celery.
It's a perennial. The leaves contain a toxic substance, oxalic acid.
Rhubarb. It's not red celery.
It's a perennial. The leaves contain a toxic substance, oxalic acid.
But the stalks (the petioles of the leaves) are edible, and can be made in to cakes, pies, custards and chutney.
I made a Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake.
Here it is right side up, I guess, as it came out of the oven.
And here it is upside down. I had this for breakfast with fresh hot coffee and it was good, in spite of the appearance.
So, I'm thinking of adding some rhubarb to the garden. Do any of Bessemer Opinion's readers have experience growing Rhubarb? Or favorite recipes to share?
You can catch me at Eclipse Coffee in Montevallo tonight signing copies of my book, and there you will get to see the premiere of the video I created to promote Those Others.
Here is V.V.Brown singing "Shark in the Water" on the Ellen show earlier this month. Forward to the 1:15 mark in the video to skip the ad and such.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
More good news for Bessemer, and Discovery landing
Bessemer's unemployment rate dropped to 14.9% in March from February's rate of 15.3%. Currently 1,503 people remain unemployed.
Jefferson Traywick, Manager of Parks and Properties for the Bessemer Industrial Development Board said that more businesses are looking to relocate or expand their businesses and are beginning to return to their former shift schedules, thus putting more people to work. He said he expects to see continued minor decreases in the local unemployment rate.
Bessemer's Industrial Development Board is the city's leading economic development entity. Rrom help with finding a site for a business project to providing direct financial assistance, the Board has been able to serve over 800 business clients since the mid-1980s alone.
Additional information on the capabilities of the Board can be found at Bessemer.biz.
I just enjoyed hearing (and feeling) the sonic boom as Discovery raced over head to a landing in Florida.
If you missed the sonic booms, here they are, in this video of the landing. The sonic booms are at 3:11 in this video.
Welcome home, Discovery!
And for entertainment, here's a video of indies Jay Farrar and Ben Gibbard performing "These Roads Don't Move."
Jefferson Traywick, Manager of Parks and Properties for the Bessemer Industrial Development Board said that more businesses are looking to relocate or expand their businesses and are beginning to return to their former shift schedules, thus putting more people to work. He said he expects to see continued minor decreases in the local unemployment rate.
Bessemer's Industrial Development Board is the city's leading economic development entity. Rrom help with finding a site for a business project to providing direct financial assistance, the Board has been able to serve over 800 business clients since the mid-1980s alone.
Additional information on the capabilities of the Board can be found at Bessemer.biz.
I just enjoyed hearing (and feeling) the sonic boom as Discovery raced over head to a landing in Florida.
If you missed the sonic booms, here they are, in this video of the landing. The sonic booms are at 3:11 in this video.
Welcome home, Discovery!
And for entertainment, here's a video of indies Jay Farrar and Ben Gibbard performing "These Roads Don't Move."
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Catching up on the craziness
There is so much craziness going on, and all of it seems to be coming from the Party of No, at various levels.
The picture is not of Republican crazies, more on this group later.
First, Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman signed a bill that restricts abortion to less than 20 weeks based on the assertion that fetuses feel pain after that.
Based on that logic, shouldn't he also be signing a bill that bans circumcision? I'm just askin'.
*****
Hillary Clinton's name is being tossed around as a possible nominee to SCOTUS to replace Justice John Paul Stevens. A Republican friend of mine is promoting a conservative Internet "poll" which so far has 91% of respondents voting "no" to the possibility of a Clinton appointment. I would love to see Secretary Clinton appointed.
Also a lot of talk is being generated about Obama has to pick a "mainstream" nominee. What in the world does that mean? Republicans want a a progressive president to pick a conservative Supreme Court Justice. Ha! Obama could pick Mother Teresa (were she still alive) and Republicans would fight the nomination. So, President, pick whoever you want, because you are going to get a fight anyway, so you might as well fight for someone that fires up your base.
*****
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell want the big banks to fail. In fact, he says we can't get out of this recession until they do.
Not only is the GOP the Party of No, they are the Party of Fail. Rush Limbaugh wants the president and the country to fail, now their senate leader is wanting the banks to fail.
Sorry, Mitch, but the President's plan (that rescued us from economic meltdown) is working. I hate to get all "economics" on you (maybe in a later post), but we need to be hoping for the banks to succeed, just as we need to be hoping for small businesses to succeed.
*****
And John McCain. What can I say? He is just a poor old man that should have quit while he was ahead. Americans used to love and respect him. Many Democrats and independents supported his presidential bid in 2000. You know, when he was making his name known as a maverick.
Now he has just gone Borneo it seems (that's an old college phrase for "whacko").
*****
Speaking of old college days and such, I'm sure glad that there are still some hippies entertaining us.
Enjoy this video by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.
The picture is not of Republican crazies, more on this group later.First, Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman signed a bill that restricts abortion to less than 20 weeks based on the assertion that fetuses feel pain after that.
Based on that logic, shouldn't he also be signing a bill that bans circumcision? I'm just askin'.
*****
Hillary Clinton's name is being tossed around as a possible nominee to SCOTUS to replace Justice John Paul Stevens. A Republican friend of mine is promoting a conservative Internet "poll" which so far has 91% of respondents voting "no" to the possibility of a Clinton appointment. I would love to see Secretary Clinton appointed.
Also a lot of talk is being generated about Obama has to pick a "mainstream" nominee. What in the world does that mean? Republicans want a a progressive president to pick a conservative Supreme Court Justice. Ha! Obama could pick Mother Teresa (were she still alive) and Republicans would fight the nomination. So, President, pick whoever you want, because you are going to get a fight anyway, so you might as well fight for someone that fires up your base.
*****
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell want the big banks to fail. In fact, he says we can't get out of this recession until they do.
Not only is the GOP the Party of No, they are the Party of Fail. Rush Limbaugh wants the president and the country to fail, now their senate leader is wanting the banks to fail.
Sorry, Mitch, but the President's plan (that rescued us from economic meltdown) is working. I hate to get all "economics" on you (maybe in a later post), but we need to be hoping for the banks to succeed, just as we need to be hoping for small businesses to succeed.
*****
And John McCain. What can I say? He is just a poor old man that should have quit while he was ahead. Americans used to love and respect him. Many Democrats and independents supported his presidential bid in 2000. You know, when he was making his name known as a maverick.
Now he has just gone Borneo it seems (that's an old college phrase for "whacko").
*****
Speaking of old college days and such, I'm sure glad that there are still some hippies entertaining us.
Enjoy this video by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Bits and Pieces for $1000, Alex
Karma
Yesterday, NBC 13 could not receive the satellite feed for The 700 Club and had to air an older program. A blessing for Birmingham. No Pat Robertson. Well, no current Pat Robertson, anyway.
Unity
On Monday Bobby and I will be attending the 24th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast, where the overall theme is "Health Care: A Personal Responsibility and A Human Right." That is right up my alley. Dr. Ed LaMonte will be the keynote speaker.
Thanks to a generous donation we will be sitting at the Equality Alabama table.
Haiti
Yesterday I thought I might be going to Haiti to help in the relief effort, but the opportunity didn't come through. But I am prepared to go. I have all the necessary vaccinations and passport and Caribbean disaster experience (here, here, here and here and ICS and NIMS training.
So if you know of an organization that needs me let me know. I've contacted several to let them know I am available.
Birmingham mayor's race.
Will Birmingham elect a mayor who is having his wages garnished (William Bell) or one who says he will forgo his mayor's salary (or donate it or whatever) in order to save the city money (Patrick Cooper)?
Here are several videos where Cooper outlines his vision and plan for the city.
Dreams
You've heard this song as background music during a commercial for a new lawyer TV show The Deep End. Brandi Carlile and Dreams. Watch the official video, where she is singing from an Avatar-like tree (well the best we can do on planet earth) and in front of Mardi Gras like props and with great outfits and instruments for the band. Thanks Brandi for allowing us to embed this.
or a live version from Studio Q.
Carlile is a lesbian, by the way.
Yesterday, NBC 13 could not receive the satellite feed for The 700 Club and had to air an older program. A blessing for Birmingham. No Pat Robertson. Well, no current Pat Robertson, anyway.
Unity
On Monday Bobby and I will be attending the 24th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast, where the overall theme is "Health Care: A Personal Responsibility and A Human Right." That is right up my alley. Dr. Ed LaMonte will be the keynote speaker.
Thanks to a generous donation we will be sitting at the Equality Alabama table.
Haiti
Yesterday I thought I might be going to Haiti to help in the relief effort, but the opportunity didn't come through. But I am prepared to go. I have all the necessary vaccinations and passport and Caribbean disaster experience (here, here, here and here and ICS and NIMS training.
So if you know of an organization that needs me let me know. I've contacted several to let them know I am available.
Birmingham mayor's race.
Will Birmingham elect a mayor who is having his wages garnished (William Bell) or one who says he will forgo his mayor's salary (or donate it or whatever) in order to save the city money (Patrick Cooper)?
Here are several videos where Cooper outlines his vision and plan for the city.
Dreams
You've heard this song as background music during a commercial for a new lawyer TV show The Deep End. Brandi Carlile and Dreams. Watch the official video, where she is singing from an Avatar-like tree (well the best we can do on planet earth) and in front of Mardi Gras like props and with great outfits and instruments for the band. Thanks Brandi for allowing us to embed this.
or a live version from Studio Q.
Carlile is a lesbian, by the way.
Monday, December 7, 2009
One eskimO and the Nostalgia Train
One eskimO, out of London, with lead singer Kristian Leontiou has a great sound, plus Kristian is pleasing to the eye. Listen, and watch this video.
And this is kind of neat, especially if you will be in the Big Apple during December. NYC Transit is going to bring back the Nostalgia Train.
And this is kind of neat, especially if you will be in the Big Apple during December. NYC Transit is going to bring back the Nostalgia Train.
This is a picture from last year, via J.reed on Flickr .
MTA says:
The Nostalgia Shoppers' Special is made up of subway cars in service from the 1930s to the 1970s, running along the lettered lines from the Grand Concourse to Coney Island. Ceiling fans, padded seats and incandescent light bulbs were state-of-the-art when these cars were first placed in service.
The cars were removed from service 30 years ago and replaced by the stainless steel, climate-controlled trains that our customers have become accustomed to. Many subway riders have never experienced the charm of wicker seats and ceiling fans, but they are back for four Sundays of service, beginning Sunday, December 6. The holiday "Nostalgia Shoppers' Special" will operate on Sundays only, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., on December 6, 13, 20 and 27.
Sundays only. Who's up for a trip?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Sweet sounds and sweet taste
Notice a poll to the left. You can vote until September 29, the day of the election.
One thing we can all agree on. Susan Boyle can sing. Last night she was on America's Got Talent. Wild Horses begins at 2:40 on this clip.
The winner was chicken catcher Kevin Skinner. He's good, too, as is runner up Barbara Padilla.
Did you know, that when you buy sugar, you can buy a "certified carbon free" product.
Now I've had a lot of organic chemistry, and I am trying to figure this out. Sugar (sucrose) has a molecular structure of C12H22O11. That's 12 carbon atoms in a molecule.
One thing we can all agree on. Susan Boyle can sing. Last night she was on America's Got Talent. Wild Horses begins at 2:40 on this clip.
The winner was chicken catcher Kevin Skinner. He's good, too, as is runner up Barbara Padilla.
Did you know, that when you buy sugar, you can buy a "certified carbon free" product.
Now I've had a lot of organic chemistry, and I am trying to figure this out. Sugar (sucrose) has a molecular structure of C12H22O11. That's 12 carbon atoms in a molecule.
Oh, wait. Here is what it means. On the side of the bag it says "We are proud to share with you that the sugar you find in this bag of Domino sugar was grown and harvested on our Florida farms and has been certified Carbonfree® by Carbonfund.org, a non-profit organization that certifies products with carbon neutral footprints."
Learn more about Domino's efforts go here.
The label CarbonFree® means the product's carbon footprint is rendered neutral by cutting green house gases. And that's a sweet thing for all of us!
Our certification is unique because our Florida-farmed products' carbon neutrality is the result of our own production and supply of clean, renewable energy, which replaces the use of fossil fuels. Our renewable energy facility generates eco-friendly power for our sugar milling and refining operations as well as tens of thousands of homes.
So when you purchase one of Domino® Sugar's packages with the CarbonFree® label, not only are you sweetening your family's favorite foods, you're helping to sweeten the earth!
It's the same sugar, at the same price (at least where I bought it).
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Mary Travers died yesterday. I grew up listening to my older brothers' albums of Peter, Paul and Mary. In my opinion they helped define a generation. Thank you Mary.
What is your favorite Peter, Paul and Mary song?
Monday, September 14, 2009
Taylor, Kanye, Beyonce, Double Take
First, Taylor Swift won Best Female Video for "You Belong With Me."
Then Kanye West interrupted her acceptance speech with:
Taylor, I'm really happy for you, and I'm gonna let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time.
Tayor didn't finish her speech.
West was asked to leave the show, and later posted this on his blog:
Then, later in the show Beyonce won for Best video for "Single Ladies." During her acceptance speech she asked Taylor to return to the stage and have her moment.
Taylor Swift and Beyonce both have more class in their little fingers (with or without a ring on it) than Kanye West could ever hope to have.
This video might get taken down, but here is Beyonce with Single Ladies.
If it won't play, you can watch it on her YouTube channel.
Or, watch this parody by Double Take.
Then Kanye West interrupted her acceptance speech with:
Taylor, I'm really happy for you, and I'm gonna let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time.
Tayor didn't finish her speech.
West was asked to leave the show, and later posted this on his blog:
Then, later in the show Beyonce won for Best video for "Single Ladies." During her acceptance speech she asked Taylor to return to the stage and have her moment.
Taylor Swift and Beyonce both have more class in their little fingers (with or without a ring on it) than Kanye West could ever hope to have.
This video might get taken down, but here is Beyonce with Single Ladies.
If it won't play, you can watch it on her YouTube channel.
Or, watch this parody by Double Take.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Free Concert...and Weekend fun
On January 30, 1969, The Beatles surprised the people of London with a free concert from the rooftop of their Apple Building headquarters.
The Beatles were about peace and love. Nobody in Birmingham needs more peace and love than the growing homeless population in our city. Come, bring a blanket or coat and help the homeless enjoy the day.
Date: Friday, January 30, 2009
The BeatLads is a local Beatles tribute band that has been playing charity events and paid events for approximately five years.
In honor of the 40th Anniversary of the Beatles' Rooftop Concert, local Beatles tribute band
The BeatLads will hold a concert from the rooftop of Church of the Reconciler as a benefit for the homeless of Birmingham.
The concert is free; however, those attending are encouraged to bring a blanket or a coat for the homeless.
The Beatles were about peace and love. Nobody in Birmingham needs more peace and love than the growing homeless population in our city. Come, bring a blanket or coat and help the homeless enjoy the day.
Date: Friday, January 30, 2009
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Rooftop of Church of the Reconciler United Methodist Church, Downtown Birmingham, 2nd Avenue North and 14th Street
The BeatLads is a local Beatles tribute band that has been playing charity events and paid events for approximately five years.
Church of the Reconciler is a multicultural, interracial United Methodist Church in ministry to the homeless. Church of the Reconciler has offered the venue for this afternoon of music and fun.
For some weekend fun:
Visit The "Blog" of "Unnecessary" Quotation Marks for a few minutes of fun. Or an hour or so. I never realized that so many people use quotes inappropriately. I mean, I know I do, ...
Here's a "sample". Oops, I just did it.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Music: Celine and NIck
This is just some fun to take us into the weekend.
Last night's concert by Celine Dion was Vegas brought to Birmingham. It's easy enough to find video of Celine singing, but here is something else she did last night.
The concert was great. It ended with "My Heart Will Go On." No videos yet of that from last night, but here is the same ending from her concert in Kansas City earlier this month.
Have you heard of Nick Pitera? Sort of a YouTube sensation. From that link you can listen to all of his songs.
Here he is sounding as good as Alicia Keys singing "No One." Alicia's version is here, in a marriage video I posted a while back.
And here he covers Jason Mraz, "I'm Yours." (Listen to Jason here, on an older post).
Last night's concert by Celine Dion was Vegas brought to Birmingham. It's easy enough to find video of Celine singing, but here is something else she did last night.
The concert was great. It ended with "My Heart Will Go On." No videos yet of that from last night, but here is the same ending from her concert in Kansas City earlier this month.
Have you heard of Nick Pitera? Sort of a YouTube sensation. From that link you can listen to all of his songs.
Here he is sounding as good as Alicia Keys singing "No One." Alicia's version is here, in a marriage video I posted a while back.
And here he covers Jason Mraz, "I'm Yours." (Listen to Jason here, on an older post).
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Caring for Veterans plus Music for Lovers
Be sure to read the post directly below this one. It is my column from today's Western Tribune, where I explain the significance of Barack Obama's election to the gay community.
This story, seen on NBC News last night, will touch your heart. Well, it did mine. Because I think we should do a better job in caring for our vets who come home with physical or mental wounds. And because it involves dogs. I am still a veterinarian, you know. And even though I focused on cats during my career, what dogs can do is amazing.
Service dogs, being trained to assist wounded service persons, are being trained by veterans with PTSD, and the training is part of their therapy as well. This is great.
Shifting gears a bit...
Boyzone, the boy band from Ireland (now more of a "man band") with openly gay heartthrob Stephen Gately, will be releasing a new song in December. "Better" is a cover of a song recorded by Tom Baxter last year and is touted as being the first "boy band" music video that shows a gay couple in love. The band first wanted to use their real love interests in the video but the partners would not agree. The other pairings are straight couples.
This song reflects the feelings that any couple, gay or straight, might have as they consider a life together. And separate but equal institutions of recognizing those lives are not right. So watch the video, consider how you feel about your husband, wife, partner, bf or gf or whoever, and think about how everyone in love should have equal rights.
At any rate, Tom Baxter recorded the song in 2007, and his video is just as diverse.
So, which video, and which version of the song, do you like?
But "gayish" videos go way back. Some of us remember Pet Shop Boys "Being Boring" from 1990. Don't let the bare bunned guy at the first scare you, the video is really just about life when you are young, and the song is actually in remembrance of people lost to AIDS.
But what memories...(although our parties never featured donkeys or chimps on bicycles).
This story, seen on NBC News last night, will touch your heart. Well, it did mine. Because I think we should do a better job in caring for our vets who come home with physical or mental wounds. And because it involves dogs. I am still a veterinarian, you know. And even though I focused on cats during my career, what dogs can do is amazing.
Service dogs, being trained to assist wounded service persons, are being trained by veterans with PTSD, and the training is part of their therapy as well. This is great.
Shifting gears a bit...
Boyzone, the boy band from Ireland (now more of a "man band") with openly gay heartthrob Stephen Gately, will be releasing a new song in December. "Better" is a cover of a song recorded by Tom Baxter last year and is touted as being the first "boy band" music video that shows a gay couple in love. The band first wanted to use their real love interests in the video but the partners would not agree. The other pairings are straight couples.
This song reflects the feelings that any couple, gay or straight, might have as they consider a life together. And separate but equal institutions of recognizing those lives are not right. So watch the video, consider how you feel about your husband, wife, partner, bf or gf or whoever, and think about how everyone in love should have equal rights.
At any rate, Tom Baxter recorded the song in 2007, and his video is just as diverse.
So, which video, and which version of the song, do you like?
But "gayish" videos go way back. Some of us remember Pet Shop Boys "Being Boring" from 1990. Don't let the bare bunned guy at the first scare you, the video is really just about life when you are young, and the song is actually in remembrance of people lost to AIDS.
But what memories...(although our parties never featured donkeys or chimps on bicycles).
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