Thursday, May 08, 2008

Jordan grave modest, special

Ever stumbled upon something and couldn’t believe where you were standing? That happened to me Wednesday evening.

Part of a long walk I took through a few Auburn neighborhoods included a path through Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery. I veered off the main path to walk among the grave markers, just checking out a few names. Then one name caught my eye.

James Ralph Jordan.

Is that? No. Yes? The most celebrated coach in Auburn football history is laid to rest right here. I didn’t realize a grave of someone so legendary would be no different than anyone else in a cemetery. I guess I figured he’d have something elaborate. Then I thought about it. No, Shug, as folks call him, didn’t want all the glamour and attention. He was a man just like anyone else.

I always respected coach Jordan, though I never met nor saw him. Heard some great things about him. After seeing his modest grave marker, I respect him even more.

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Opelika’s most treacherous intersections

After I wrote my five-most dangerous intersections in Auburn blog the other day, I got to thinking: most of those intersections are simply more prone to fender-benders because of high volume rather than high-speed accidents. Oh well. Maybe this should be referred to as “accident prone” rather than “dangerous.” Regardless, here’s my list of the five-most dangerous or accident-prone intersections in Opelika, in no particular order.

* Anything around TigerTown: Lots of roads here. There’s Gateway and Frederick, Gateway and TigerTown, Gateway and Enterprise, etc. TigerTown is a center of commerce, which obviously creates traffic—in many different directions.

* I-85 entrance ramp from U.S. 280/431: Cars/trucks gotta merge with high-speed traffic. Now here’s a recipe for disaster.

* Veterans Parkway or Grand National Parkway and U.S. 280: Good thing there are red lights here now. Still, 280 is a high-speed situation, which lends itself to the potential for bad accidents.

* Gateway Drive (280) and Pepperell Parkway: High traffic volume, often slow, but most dangerous aspect is people rushing to beat red lights.

* South Long Street and Frederick Road: No stop signs on South Long Street, while motorists on Frederick Road often turn onto South Long. The chance for a driver to pull out in front of another is high.

I’m sure there are others, probably a few I didn’t think about.

Monday, May 05, 2008

Purple ribbons represent Relay for Life

If you’re wondering why the Second Avenue Bridge in Opelika is adorned with pretty (I can’t believe I just used that word. Please, somebody fix me a steak and taters) purple ribbons, I’ve got the answer. The ribbons are in place to remind folks about the upcoming Relay for Life of Lee County, which will be Friday at Southern Union’s track and athletic field.

Word has it that ribbons are also being placed on Opelika city hall. There may be purple ribbons elsewhere across the county, but I haven’t noticed them.

The Relay for Life is an event that helps raise funds in the fight against cancer. The event begins at 6 p.m. Friday and lasts through 6 a.m. Saturday.

For more information about Relay for Life, email Robbi Beauchamp at or call (334) 742-0011

Sunday, May 04, 2008

Auburn’s most dangerous intersections, maybe

Driving across town the other day, I couldn’t help but remember how much traffic has greatly increased in the area over the last 10 years. Obviously, Lee County is an attractive place to call home because so many people continue to flock to our little oasis in Alabama. But traffic isn’t always a good thing, particularly when you’re as impatient as I. It can be dangerous too because the more people on the road means an increase in the number of people incapable at safely operating a vehicle.

Then I began to think (scary, huh?) ... what are the most dangerous intersections in the area? Tonight I’ll try to come up with Auburn’s five-most dangerous. Tomorrow, it’s Opelika’s turn.

Without further adieu and in no particular order, here are what I believe (with no statistical data other than driving experience) are the five-most dangerous intersections in Auburn:

* East University and Opelika Road: The mall and Flint’s crossing generate crowds to an extent, but these are major arteries coming together. The speed limit is 45 mph, so that doesn’t help. Bumper-to-bumper congestion can also create a low-mileage fender-bender or two if folks aren’t paying attention waiting for a green light, not that these minor dents will result in broken necks.

* Magnolia and South College: When you mix lots of cars and lots of people, you get a recipe for potential bad things. It’s a good thing electronic crosswalks are installed. But that doesn’t mean folks use their brains all of the time.

* South College and East University: Two main roads, once again. At 5 o’clock, it’s crowded and people want to get home.

* North College or Donahue and Shug Jordan: This may be a stretch, but North College and Donahue’s intersections on the loop road are pretty much the same—high speed. If there’s an accident, it’s got a good chance at being a bad one.

* Glenn and Gay: Speed limits aren’t high, but congestion can be in this area close to Auburn’s downtown. I wouldn’t think a Life Flight helicopter is in order for anything at this intersection, but it might help keep a few body shops in business.

I’m sure there are others, but these came off the top of my head. What do you think, and what can be done to remedy the problem?

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Catching up with Martha Stewart at jury duty

I’m 39 years old and I had never been called for jury duty until this week. Through four days of being in the jury pool, I still have not been selected to a case, which is probably good. I mean, it’s hard to put the editorial page together from the justice center.

In the jury pool, you are asked to provide a number of facts about yourself, including your job, military service, etc. Since I worked at the newspaper, I figured I’d be shown the door rather early, but I wasn’t.

Here are a few things I learned about the jury and court:

* Chairs in the small jury room are the most comfortable I’ve ever sat in. They’re leather and they swivel. If I were selected, I’d want to deliberate in that room all day. I’d like to take one home. Good to see the county’s taxpayers are providing the jury with excellent comfort.

* Chairs in the courtroom are not comfortable. Maybe it’s just me. Maybe I don’t like to sit in one place for more than 15 minutes.

* I lost my green jury identification number badge the other day. We don’t have names, just numbers. By Thursday morning, it was recovered. Must have left it on the witness stand or something.

* New magazines are necessary in the larger jury pool waiting room. There’s only so much Martha Stewart Home and Southern Living this guy can handle. I need some football. At least I’ve learned new ways to make casseroles, and how to arrange flowers for a more welcoming living room.

* Many cases reach plea bargains before the jury is selected and court begins. That’s good. We get to go home early.

* Being in the jury pool isn’t bad work for $10 per day. At jury duty, I never developed carpal tunnel syndrome and I never got blisters.

Monday, April 28, 2008

She’s breaking daddy’s Achy Breaky Heart

Oh no, another teen star mired in controversy ... This time it’s the allegedly wholesome 15-year-old Miley Cyrus, who has been pictured recently in Vanity Fair magainze apparently topless and had other photos of her on the Internet, which she admits were real, flashing her bra.

If Miley wants to start getting naked for the camera, that’s her prerogative. But she’s such a role model for young girls, what kind of message is she sending? How many Disney stars, or former Disney stars, end up with controversy of a sexual nature? Sounds pretty goofy to me.

Regarding Miley’s camera-happy expose, does this break her daddy’s Achy Breaky Heart?

Below is a link to a story on the subject, with examples of the incidents.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24350239#24350239

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Tiger tandem taken on draft’s first day

I’m not sure if it was as long as The Godfather Trilogy, but I sat through the entire first and second rounds of the NFL Draft Saturday afternoon and evening. That’s about seven hours of flipping between ESPN, ESPN2 and the NFL Network.

I spent the first part of the draft hoping the Jets would not land RB Darren McFadden. Thanks, Raiders. I spent the second part of the draft hoping my woeful Dolphins would fill their quarterback needs. It took them long enough, but they finally called Chad Henne’s name with the 57th pick.

After some first round speculations, I was somewhat surprised to see Auburn defensive end Quentin Groves not be chosen until the 52nd pick overall, halfway into the second round, by Jacksonville. Six defensive ends were taken before him, so I suppose Groves has an opportunity to prove some NFL scouts wrong.

Groves was the first of two Auburn players chosen Saturday. Green Bay selected Tiger cornerback Patrick Lee, who had a strong senior season, with the 60th pick overall. Lee will get plenty of chances to prove his worth against fellow Packer draftee, quarterback Brian Brohm.

Sunday, I’d expect Auburn defensive tackle Pat Sims to be the first Tiger drafted, possibly in the third round. Others that might be selected today include offensive lineman King Dunlap, fullback Carl Stewart, defensive back Jonathan Wilhite, defensive back Eric Brock and tight end Cole Bennett. Auburn has a long history of proven fullbacks in the NFL (Tony Richardson, Heath Evans, Harold Morrow, Fred Beasley, William Andrews, to name a few), so you’d think Stewart, who has excellent hands, could be given a look.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Wallace Avenue pretty, despite gun battle

News of a shootout Friday morning along Wallace Avenue in Opelika was concerning to me, particularly since I routinely drive that strip of road. It’s a shortcut between South Long Street and Frederick Road and allows me to go around the TigerTown traffic.

Wallace Avenue is pretty, with nice little homes decorated with flags and yards blooming with azaleas and dogwoods. Friday, bullet shells joined the decorations. I’ll still drive that road because I like the scenery. I feel bad for the good residents who live there knowing that some may tag the subdivision as dangerous. Maybe it is. Maybe it isn’t. It’s still a good shortcut.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Beware those upper midwestern drivers

Saw a report on CNN this morning that citizens of Wisconsin lead the nation in the percentage of drivers over 18 (26 percent) who admitted by poll to have driven under the influence of alcohol. That’s an alarming number, despite the stiff laws in place for DUIs.

On the flip side, it appears the “one more for the road” does not apply to Alabama motorists. Drivers from Alabama ranked seventh to last with a percentage of 11.4 drinking and driving. Not sure who is responsible for the low number, but they should be commended.

States with the other highest drinking/driving percentages were North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota. What’s up with that? All are from the upper midwest. Also, I wonder why Wisconsin topped the list. Well, there are a couple of breweries there, right?

Also released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was a similar list, this one referring to driving under the influence of drugs. Topping the list: Washington D.C. When did Cheech and Chong get elected?

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Uninvited dinner guest

I read a story Tuesday about a woman who discovered an eight-foot alligator in the kitchen of her home near Tampa, Fla. Don’t fret, the gator didn’t get her. Animal control came in and took the stray reptile back to its worried family.

Can you imagine walking into your kitchen and stumbling upon a giant water lizard? She’s lucky the gator didn’t attack. Perhaps it was more interested in chocolate chip cookies or whatever she had in the fridge.

We don’t have to worry about alligators strolling into our homes here, but we aren’t completely immune to critters. There have been plenty of incidents where snakes have been discovered inside people’s homes. In that case, it’s best to call the authorities for removal, particularly if the serpent rattles. Mice and rats have been problems.

Have you ever had a wild creature show up unannounced?

Friday, April 18, 2008

How would absent Bridges have voted?

Would DuWayne Bridges, R-Valley, voted for repealing the state tax on groceries or against it? His voting machine at the statehouse was one of four vacated machines used to vote for a bill to repeal the tax.

But he was in Korea.

Evidently, Rep. Randy Hinshaw, D-Meridianville, was spotted voting on vacated machines. There is no steadfast rule against voting on absent legislator machines. All that’s needed is permission. Did Hinshaw have Bridges’ permission? If so, then there should be no problem and any issues raised on the subject should be moot.

The tax vote needed 63 “yes” votes to pass. It received 63 votes, making Bridges’ absent vote highly important. My bet is he would have voted against it, as most Republicans did. This newspaper has been on the record suggesting the tax be repealed and the bill passed in the House and Senate. Alabama’s low-income families need a break and this would be a great way to deliver one. But it must be voted in the right way.

Friday, I attempted to reach Bridges, but he was still in Korea reportedly trying to lure industry into the area. He should be back Monday or Tuesday.

It will be interesting to see what Bridges has to say about the vote cast for him, with or without his permission. Perhaps the Legislature can solve these issues by creating measures where legislators cannot vote on other people’s machines, thus avoiding any confusion.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Round mound of city hall?

Former Auburn basketball and NBA star Charles Barkley suggested he might jump into politics after all. Wednesday on Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show,” Barkley said he might be interested in running for mayor of Leeds, where he grew up.

“I know I can do better than the people that are doing stuff there now,” Barkley told Leno. “We’ve got too many crooks on the city council. “Leeds, Alabama ... the greatest place in the world, but it needs to do better. And I’m the man for the job.”

In the past, Barkley has mentioned running for governor. But with no political experience, probably the best bet is to start with smaller aspirations. His basketball career began in Leeds, so the small town in St. Clair County figures to be a good launching pad for another career.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

A chicken meal with a side order of weed

Here’s an Associated Press story from Arkansas that caught my attention:

MAGNOLIA, Ark. — Police in Magnolia, Ark., say it wasn’t the fried chicken in Savalas Vantoli Stewart’s car that gave off a funky smell.

A deputy at the Columbia County jail says Stewart was released Monday to await a court appearance. A telephone number for Stewart in Waldo could not be found.

Was this a combo meal? Did the restaurant erroneously give him pot instead of pot-atoes. I hope the officers let him eat his chicken before hauling him off to jail.

Monday, April 14, 2008

What’s in Cheney’s sunglasses?

You may have seen it, and you may have not. But last week, questions were asked about the image that appeared in vice president Dick Cheney’s sunglasses in a photograph. Cheney was on a hunting/fishing trip in the northwest and the image showed Cheney grinning as if he thoroughly enjoyed what he was looking at.

The reflection in his sunglasses appeared to capture that of a naked woman. At least, that’s what some folks said.

People jumped on this bandwagon, whether the picture was legit or not.

The picture was released by the White House. Do you really think the White House would release a picture of the vice president in the company of naked women? Are White House photographers invited to attend outdoor hunting parties that include strippers? Please.

The image may look like a woman, but more than one person investigating the photo confirms it’s just his hand. This does not mean there wasn’t a naked woman prancing in front of Cheney or the White House photographer, but she wasn’t in his sunglasses. 

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Immelman on the mark

I’m glad to say I had the opportunity to watch Trevor Immelman during Masters week. OK, so I watched him take a few chips and putts around the second green during Monday’s practice round. But still, I think it’s cool to say I got a glimpse and took a few pics of this year’s Masters winner before the event actually started.