Taylor Hicks Makes Birmingham Proud

First it was Reuben as the Birmingham "Teddy Bear", then we were ROCKED with Bo Bice and now the soulful sounds of Taylor Hicks.
This should not surprise any of us here in Alabama. After thinking about it for a while I realized that there is so much untapped talent in the Birmingham area, that we could get top honors with American Idol for years to come.
I work in a small plant of about 50 people. Out of that group of folks I know of one guy I work with that is in a fairly successful local band. I've listened to their cd's and they have a really great sound. You might recognize the name of "13 GHOSTS".
My church is filled with talented singers, who rival some of those in the top 12 easily. If you will notice, many of the more talented individuals competing have had church choir backgrounds. Fantasia being one of the many.
The South has had much to sing about. The hard times of slavery and prejudice has made it's mark with soulful songs from the heart. The self taught poor of the South developed the blues and country sounds that captures our souls. Jazz has taught us to celebrate life even when times are hard. Rock has shown our stubbornness and willingness to be different not because we can, but because we are proud to be. Then there is gospel, where the roots of our music stem from and where it continues to comfort our hearts, minds and souls.
There is no music like Southern music. It's not just something we do, it is who we are.

A Better Attitude

Should you ever have read my blog in the past, you would know that I had several negative entries concerning people and/or situations in Birmingham. It occurred to me that it is always easier to complain than to find good. Therefore, I am rededicating this site to the good things going on in our fair city. I will leave my negative comments and concerns to be directed to city officials that can correct or advise on any problems we may encounter.

It is my wish that you are able to use this blog to direct yourselves and others to the many wonderful attributes our city has to offer. On most of my entries you will be able to click on the title and it will take you to a web site that relays more information about said title. There are also links in the side bar that connect you to many wonderful and informative web sites of fun things to do in Birmingham. Many of which are Free!

Any comments or helpful information you can give would be appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

East Lake Makes Cents!

A recent article in the Birmingham News shows that the East Lake area is a new hot spot for investment or finding a beautiful low cost older home to set up housekeeping in. Many folks that now live in Shelby county grew up in this area or had grandparents that lived here. The quaint tudors, bungalows and four squares are plentiful. There are still many mediterranean style homes in the area also.
This area is close to everything! You have quick access to I-459, I-20 and I-59. On the average, you are about ten minutes from downtown Birmingham. Ruffner Mountain Park sits in the southern end of East Lake with East Lake Park sitting smack in the middle. You are no more than ten minutes away from the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Zoo! The whole area is screaming for a little TLC. With a little effort this area would make Crestwood or Homewood pale in comparison.
The streets in East Lake are wide and tree lined. Almost all streets have sidewalks and most utilities are run through alleys. With the gas prices as they are, why would you not move back to a place so convenient to everything?

So on your next Sunday drive, take another look at East Lake. You'll be glad you did!