Another Alabama Controversy

Posted on
Reply

http://times-journal.com/news/article_16355b2a-4c64-11e1-a0b1-001871e3ce6c.html

I think all of you out there knew this was going to happen sooner than later.  One of the Alabama Legislators opened his mouth and now has caused national attention.  Sen. Shadrack McGill R-Woodville, AL said something conversational during a prayer breakfast in Fort Payne, AL.  He told the crowd that there was a Biblical principal that if teachers were paid more money it would attract people who weren’t called to teach.  But it gets better!  Taken from the Times-Journal Newspaper.

http://times-journal.com/news/article_ba3712ea-4df4-11e1-886a-0019bb2963f4.html

Near the end of the breakfast, Joel Saffels, a Fort Payne Street Department worker, asked McGill a question.

“I knew it was winding down,” Saffels said. “I raised my hand, and he called on me. I told him I had worked in construction for all my life and for the city for the last 18 years. And, I would retire in about seven years and I’d appreciate his support when he voted.”

McGill responded by saying, “Well, you know what? I think we’re going to get raptured out of here before it comes that time for you anyway.”

Just crazy!  The legislators in Alabama are going against education.  Teachers have to pay more for insurance; they have seen there classroom money disappear; they have classrooms with not enough books and supplies for all the students; and the students even have to bring toilet paper!  Alabama schools are so broke right now.  And there is talk of shifting money out of the education budget into the general fund.  That might be done so Alabama does not have a court order to release prisoners.

Many of the legislators have voted for radical bills that have garnered national attention like the illegal immigration bill.  I just have to wonder what is next during the upcoming session. If the legislators really cared about the people of Alabama they would repeal the 62% pay raise for themselves and they would change the tax code so everyone including the rich payed their fair share.  And they would allow some gambling in Alabama like lottery tickets so me and many other people do not have to drive to Georgia.  And it would provide much needed revenue for the state of Alabama.  But I know that is not going to happen.  That is why I am going to have some fun writing about the Alabama legislature during the upcoming session.  I have already heard of some crazy bills that are going to be considered during the session coming up.  And Young’s Blog is going to be critical of the legislature.  Someone has to hold them accountable.

Related articles

It’s Tough Losing a Pet

Posted on
Reply

http://www.wsfa.com/category/195969/video-landing-page?clipId=6693978&autostart=true

I know how hard it is to see a dog, cat or other pet you really love pass away.  It is tough for the person who has known their pet for a long time.  People get pets to have an companion.  Most people get a pet from an animal shelter and adopts the pet from being killed.  My mother has rescued a couple of pets through the years.  And one pet; an K-9 named Ginger was rescued from the Montgomery area and was even featured on WSFA-TV.  One of the dogs back legs was beaten so badly a steel plate had to be put in.  And after a few years that same leg was amputated.  Then one night while we were living along a state highway my mom found Ginger dead.  We thought she was going after a snake and a car or truck ran her over.  My mom cried for a very long time.  It was very tough on her but she eventually moved on and then she happened to encounter her current dog Georgina.

We think someone abandoned her on the side of the road and she also got hit by a car but survived.  She had one of her back legs amputated but she acts like any normal spoiled dog.  My mom has also had many cats; turkeys; chickens; turtles; fish; quail; and others throughout her life.  In fact right now she also has a cat named King Tut and a rabbit named Lucky.  So yes you can say my mom is an animal lover.  And then this week a meteorologist from WSFA named Rich Thomas lost his dog companion of 12 years named Skyy.  Mr. Thomas adopted Skyy after he appeared on TV in 1999.  And they have been together for a long time until he passed away this week.

From WSFA-TV

Mr. Thomas let everyone know on his Facebook page of the dog’s passing this week.  And then an outpouring of support came in.  It is very tough to lose your pet companion from old age or an disease.  But God is going to take care of your pet up in Heaven.  God created pets to give comfort and protection to people and of course to make people happy.  If you had a stressful or very bad day at work; your pet does not care.  The pet is going to come to you with its tail wagging and wanting some love.  If any message comes from someone losing their loved pet.  It is to go and adopt a homeless pet from your local animal shelter or rescue group.  You will never regret it.  That pet will be loyal to you for the rest of its life.  And you will get lots of love as well.  Also when you get a pet make sure you spay or neuter as well.  That will help reduce the homeless pet population and will mean less killing of pets at animal shelters.  So just remember that when you lose a pet you will see them again.  And just know that your pet is running around happy up in the sky.  Take a look at the photo below.  It pretty much sums up what it is like when you lose your pet.

Related articles

Today is Alabama Gives Day

Posted on
Reply

Today is the day to give.  Everyone in Alabama and for that matter the country can donate to their favorite charities in Alabama Gives Day.  People in the state of Alabama have gone through a lot in the last year.  And charities are the first line in helping people after disasters.  Everything from rebuilding a home, helping animals, giving supplies, and other things to help and comfort people in times if need.  So please show some compassion and donate as little as $10 dollars to Alabama Gives Day.

You only have 24 hours to donate on Thursday.  And they are keeping track on how much donations and donors that have donated money.  So what are you waiting for?  Go donate now at http://algives.razoo.com/ and let’s make history!

Roadscapes Wednesday

Posted on
Reply

This week on Roadscapes Wednesday I went to take photos of an old one-lane bridge with the wooden deck.  This bridge on Mellon Bridge Rd. in Oxford, AL is getting to be outdated with all of the new development going on in the area.  And that is resulting in more traffic.  So in the future this bridge is going to be replaced.

Great view of the creek off the one-lane bridge.

Much of this bridge is painted with an lime-green color.  I would enjoy this bridge while you can because this will be replaced within the next couple of years.

Related articles

Soul Train Founder Dead and Romney Win

Posted on
Reply

Don Cornelius Found Dead:

Many people are in shock today that Don Cornelius was found dead this morning from an apparent gunshot wound to his head.  It is sad that he took his own life.  He helped to start Soul Train in the 1970′s and it changed television culture forever.  It helped to launch many music careers in the soul, R&B, and the hip-hop genres.  Singers like the Jackson 5, Prince, Elton John, Barry White, Aretha Franklin, and Marvin Gaye performed on Soul Train and it helped to further their careers.  And of course Soul Train was most famous for all the people dancing.  And the one thing in every Soul Train was the dance line.  Men and women dancing together in front of the camera and performing unique dance moves.

The dance line has made it into everyday culture today and you see them in many weddings and parties.  It is sad that Mr. Cornelius took his own life.  People that are thinking about suicide needs to reconsider.  Killing yourself will only hurt the people who love you.  So please re-consider taking your own life and talk to someone if you are thinking about committing suicide.  Rest in peace Mr. Cornelius and as the closing phrase on Soul Train would say.  And as always in parting, we wish you love, peace… and SOUL!

Big Romney Win in Florida:

No huge surprise that Mitt Romney won in Florida last night.  Over the last week he has performed much better in the debates and it meant he won big.  Newt Gingrich is still not out of this race.  Other conservative southern states will probably vote for Mr. Gingrich.  And for the other two Ron Paul and Rick Santorum.  They pretty much might as well drop out now and save some time and money.  Because unless something is uncovered that would severely damage the reputations of either Romney or Gingrich.  It is over for the bottom two candidates.  Did any of you catch Mitt Romney singing lately?

Here is the problem that Mr. Romney will be facing when he wins the Republican nomination.  A lot of people here in Alabama by just reading the comments online are saying that they do not like Romney or Obama.  They think they are both evil.  They are thinking that Mr. Romney is not conservative enough and will get beaten badly by Obama.  So Romney is going to have his work cut out for him trying to convince conservatives here in the Heart of Dixie he would be a good president to get this country back on track.  Good thing he has a lot of money because Obama is racking in the money right now for his re-election campaign.  One thing is for sure; this is going to be one nasty campaign for president.

Related articles

Alabama Gives Day: Local Charities

Posted on
Reply

Alabama Gives Day is coming up on Thursday, Feburary 2nd.  We are asking everyone to help donate and make this a record breaking event.  Everyone in the state of Alabama has gone through a lot in the last year.  And the charities need support now more than ever.  I found this list from 97.9 WVOK that lists all the charities that have signed up for this event in the Anniston/Gadsden areas.  Click on any of the charities below and please donate on Thursday online at http://algives.razoo.com/

 UNITED WAY OF EAST CENTRAL ALABAMA

United Way of East Central Alabama is investing in the building blocks of a good life for all – Education, Income and Health.

TRIUMPH YOUTH AND ADULT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

We are an organization whose mission is to meet the needs within communities in an effort to help improve the quality of life for families.

INTERFAITH MINISTRIES INC OF CALHOUN COUNTY ALABAMA

Bringing God’s people together to serve God’s people in need

2ND CHANCE INC

2nd Chance provides safe shelter and supportive services to victims of domestic violence escaping abusive situations.

THE NORTHEAST ALABAMA CRISIS CENTER INC

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST ALABAMA

Our mission is to wisely assess needs and channel donor resources to maximize community well-being.

East Central Alabama United Cerebral Palsy

Serving children and adults with developmental disabilities in East Central Alabama.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF EAST CENTRAL ALABAMA

NORTHEAST ALABAMA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

SAVING ANIMALS VOLUNTEER EFFORT INC

SAVE is dedicated to to reducing the population of unwanted dogs & cats in order to empty all the shelters in our area through spay/neuter.

ANNISTON COMMUNITY EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Anniston Community Education Foundation (ACEF) is dedicated to holistic development and empowerment of the youth in Calhoun County, AL.

WEST ANNISTON FOUNDATION

We provide services that promote the health,education and community development of current and former residents of West Anniston.

BAYSIDE MEDICAL MISSIONS AND EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH INC

Help volunteer surgeons offer hope for better quality of life by correcting deformities for people with unavailable specialty surgical care

ATC Men’s Training Center (Lincoln)

Alabama Teen Challenge is part of the oldest, largest, and most successful faith-based addictions recovery programs in the world.

TALLADEGA COUNTY CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER INC

Talladega County Child Advocacy Center-Palmer Place

Alabama Teen Challenge

Alabama Teen Challenge is part of the oldest, largest, and most successful faith-based addictions recovery programs in the world.

NORTHEAST ALABAMA CENTER FOR COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

The Northeast Alabama Center for Community Initiatives (NACCI) is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, public charity corporation

CALHOUN CLEBURNE CHILDRENS CENTER INC

The Calhoun/Cleburne Children’s Center provides free counseling and therapy to child abuse victims.

JESUS IS THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE MOBILE MINISTRIES

Our goal is Feeding Hope to God’s People by bringing awareness to the invisible problem of hunger/poverty in our community through mobility.

KID ONE TRANSPORT SYSTEM INC

Transporting Children to Better Health

PIEDMONT EMERGENCY RESCUE SQUAD

Piedmont Rescue is a not for profit ambulance and rescue service providing care to the citizens of a 400 square mile area around Piedmont AL

PIEDMONT BENEVOLENCE CENTER

The Piedmont Benevolence Center is a Charitable organization that assist needy in the 36272 postal zip code.

ALABAMA BAPTIST CHILDRENS HOME AND FAMILY MINISTRIES

We exist to protect, nurture & restore children and families through Christ-centered foster care, group homes, family care & counseling.

·FAMILY LINKS

We provide a continuum of support services for children and youth by maximizing their school readiness and encouraging positive life choices

SIGHT SAVERS AMERICA

We provide children with vision screenings, eye exams, eyeglasses, medications, surgeries, low vision assessments, vision aids and more.

THREE HOTS & A COT

Provide services for homeless veterans while transitioning into affordable housing. Serving those who have served our nation.

THE NORTHEAST ALABAMA CRISIS CENTER INC

ALABAMA 4-H CLUB FOUNDATION INC

Head. Heart. Hands. Health. For 103 years, Alabama 4-H has been a guiding force to help youth across state achieve life success….

A ROCK FOUNDATION

A Rock Foundation is a Disater Relief and Community Revitalization 501 c 3 non profit organization.

SAMARITAN HOUSE

The Samaritan House of Talladega was founded in 1978 as a ministry to meet the physical and financial needs to those facing challenges.

·TALLADEGA COUNTY CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER INC

Talladega County Child Advocacy Center-Palmer Place

THE ARC OF NORTH TALLADEGA COUNTY INC

ALABAMA INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND FOUNDATION INC

AIDB is the world’s most comprehensive education and service program for children and adults of all ages with hearing and vision loss.

SHOCCO SPRINGS BAPTIST CONFERENCE CENTER INC

Shocco Springs is a Christian Conference Center in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains near Talladega, Alabama.

SYLACAUGA ALLIANCE FOR FAMILY ENHANCEMENT INC – SAFE

SAFE is a community-based, nonprofit organization whose purpose is to provide meaningful opportunities for families.

SUSAN G KOMEN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION

To save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.

Related articles

More Pictures With Georgina

Posted on
Reply

Well I visited my mom’s house over the weekend.  And of course Georgina the dog came right up to want some love.  I had to love the dog for over two hours.  And I gave her a couple of treats as well.  I really know how to spoil dogs!  But we went for an walk and I really think she knows what a camera is.  She posed very well for the pictures below.   I think these pictures turned out great!

Related articles

Save Our Jobs Rally

Posted on
Reply

I went to attend a meeting of the Anniston Army Depot temp workers who are about to be displaced and without a job.  The AFL-CIO union for the depot workers spoke to the crowd of over hundred people.  This rally was for saving the jobs at the depot.  And I got some juicy information.  Here are some pictures of the start of the rally.

After a prayer Anniston Mayor Gene Robinson spoke to the crowd and he was fired up.  He told the crowd that the federal government was lying about the unemployment numbers; which I think is true.  And the city council not working together to create an Commercial Development Authority for the city of Anniston.

Then the main speaker told the crowd that the AFL-CIO is pressuring congress to bring more workload to the Anniston Army Depot and not to the private sector.  These layoffs are going to affect around 1000 people and families.  The union is going to send a delegation to Washington D.C. to try to stop the job cuts.  And there was a petition going around to pressure Rep. Mike Rogers to stop the cuts.  They even said that 99% are getting the shaft while 1% is getting a gold mine.  They also told the crowd that to not get discouraged.  Stand up and have a voice and it is not over yet.  They want everyone to send a message to Washington that this is something that does not make sense.  They also told the crowd to do three things to help.  One is to sign the petition going around in the room.  Two is to write your own letter to send to Washington.  And three is to participate in the march in downtown Anniston coming soon.  These layoffs along with layoffs coming to Piedmont will total close to 1200.  And no matter if you agree with unions or not.  All of us in NE Alabama needs to take a stand to try to stop these layoffs.  There could also be some more layoffs among small businesses that will lose business from these massive layoffs.  One thing is for sure.  This area is in a lot of trouble.

The meeting went well until this happened.  A war veteran got into a shouting match with the speakers saying the unions are stealing money and are greedy.  Security had to be called to escort him and his wife and son out.  Later during the event someone said that the shouter suffers from memory problems.  You won’t see these photos in the Anniston Star.

My opinion still matters.  And that is the leaders of every city in Calhoun County and the county commissioners need to be voted out of office.  We need fresh new leadership in the cities of Calhoun County.  Or we might see this county implode.
Related articles

Alabama Gives Day

Posted on
Reply

The Alabama Association of Nonprofits has come up with an great way to promote charities and to spread the word on TV and radio stations across the state.  Alabama Gives Day is an 24 hour period where people are asked to log on and donate.  They are trying to raise a huge sum of money in one day.  Just look at the press statement.

On February 2, 2012 the Alabama Association of Nonprofits, in partnership with the Alabama Broadcasters Association and the Razoo Foundation, is doing something in Alabama that’s never been done. We’re taking one day to harness the power of individual contributions statewide, connecting new and existing donors with thousands of Alabama nonprofits.

“The Alabama Broadcasters Association is excited to participate in what will be a historic event for philanthropy in our state and possibly across the nation. The concept of Alabama Gives Day is heartwarming for all who will be part of the event. Alabama radio and TV stations will endeavor to raise record amounts in gifts for charities across the state in a 24 hour period,” said Sharon Tinsley, President of the Alabama Broadcasters Association.

When presented with a new way to give online, community members have overwhelmingly shown their support through donations. In 2011, Colorado Gives Day raised $12 million for participating nonprofits, far surpassing the $8.4 million raised in 2010. In 2011, Minnesota’s Give to the Max raised a whopping $13.4 million for Minnesota nonprofits from over 47,000 donors in just 24 hours. While the immediate benefit is huge, the ripple effects of giving spurred other philanthropic endeavors in Minnesota and Colorado generating even more donations months later.

The excitement and anticipation leading up to this one-day event energizes a new donor base of individual donors. During Colorado’s Give Day, 98% of nonprofits featured on GivingFirst.org received a donation, and 83% of those participating nonprofits acquired new donors. A positive lesson that charities have learned from their participation in giving days, say organizers, is that the events have strong appeal to young donors. Norman Rice, president and CEO of the Seattle Foundation, host of Give Big Seattle, describes their event as, “the democratization of philanthropy, in which everyone can make a difference in the world around them.”

This historic event in Alabama, backed by the marketing power of Alabama radio and television stations, will further help charitable organizations continue to provide a broad spectrum of aid across the state of Alabama.

“We’re proud to launch Alabama Gives Day in support of an incredible sector that makes our state a better place to live. This event has the potential to dramatically increase the number of individual donors contributing to charities in our state as we’ve seen similar campaigns in Colorado and Minnesota successfully do,” said Russell A. Jackson, Alabama Gives Day Manager for the Alabama Association of Nonprofits. “Connecting individual donors to nonprofits, while also promoting the safety and ease of online giving, is critical to helping our nonprofits be even more sustainable without being so dependent on foundation and corporate grants to keep their lights on.”

I am going to promote some NE Alabama charities you can donate to in the next few days.   And join many people on February 2nd and donate!  http://algives.razoo.com/

Animation Monday: Kimmel Kartoon

Posted on
Reply

I really enjoy watching Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC.  Some of the videos they show on the program are funny.  This week in unnecessary censorship and Steven Tyler‘s creepy leer of the night are weekly treats.  And when the show takes an classic cartoon and replaces the audio with an current TV program.  It almost makes the classic cartoon look current.  Of course the mouths of the cartoon characters are off-sync.  And there is some editing done.  But you have to just laugh when you recognize audio from shows like Jersey Shore and American Idol.  And it really does make the classic cartoons like Scooby Doo and The Flintstones look much better.

Enjoy the latest Kimmel Kartoon with The Flintstones audio being replaced with audio from an American Idol audition.

I also enjoyed an segment with Regis Philbin and Butt-Head.  This was pretty good.

 

Related articles