Monthly Archives: March 2009

See-through

Birmingham City Council to consider government transparency policy – al.com

No, not the city government itself being transparent (I’ve a feeling that we’d find out that there’s actually nothing hidden and they just wing everything — certainly the mayor does) but groups that want to work with the government. Sounds like a fine idea to me.

He’s really popular too

Kissinger joins board for U.S. World Cup bid – U.S. Soccer – ESPN Soccernet

On the other hand, it’s just soccer. Who cares?

They just don’t care

Former president George W. Bush to throw out first pitch for Texas Rangers – ESPN

Well, if there’s anywhere the WPE won’t get booed, it’s there. But I bet there will be a few boos.

Efficiencies

Bruno’s could close stores if no buyer is found | TuscaloosaNews.com | The Tuscaloosa News | Tuscaloosa, AL

Bruno’s is a veteran, once locally-owned, grocery chain that once upon a time dominated the local market. And then, it was bought out by the geniuses at KKR, and as was so often the case, handed around to other owners who picked it clean until it was utterly ruined. And now, a large employer is on the verge of collapse, and if someone doesn’t buy in thousands of people will be out of jobs. Obviously, this is because of unions.

Worst week ever

Double A-bomb survivor: Japan says it’s true – Asia-Pacific – msnbc.com

The pope is an asshole

Really?: Heart Of Darkness

“Cletus”?

Abbot Cletus Meagher of Cullman’s St. Bernard resigns – al.com

I am guessing that relatively few monasteries outside Alabama have abbots named “Cletus”.

Best in Show 2: The Fishening

Koi enthusiast competes finny friends in fish shows – al.com

Of course there are fish shows. Hey, it\’s no dumber than professional bass fishing. You think these guys and the bass fishermen get into rumbles? I hope so.

The first inhabitant of Buck Williams’ Midfield fish pond was a goldfish named Lucky, who experienced a classic example of being in the right place at the right time about 30 years ago.

“I was at the state fair and I found him flopping in the grass in the parking lot. The bowl was nearby so I went to the restroom and put some water in it. He survived that chlorinated water,” Williams said. “I never knew what happened to Lucky. He disappeared (in the crowd) as I got more fish.”

I don’t know how to tell you this, Buck, but I’m guessing Lucky got eaten.

Seriously, I think this could be the next big thing. Maybe Westminster could spin off a fish show, put it on TV.

Who’s the dummy?

Illiteracy declines in 66 of Alabama’s 67 counties – al.com

It’s Morgan County, which rose to 20 percent illiteracy! Someone tell the people in Morgan County about this.

I knew about it

Birmingham Public Library has reopened its search for a director – al.com

Apparently, some people were complaining that they didn’t know that the library was looking for a director. I mean, I’m on the email lists and such, so of course I knew about it, but I don’t understand why the community at large really needs to know. This is a professional position, and it’s not like there are lots of people with the necessary prerequisites just hanging around.