Wade on Birmingham

Heads and tales: Famine or feast

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corn

Cropped out: One of the most notable casualties of the Drought of 2006 may be corn. The state crop has been nearly wiped out, thanks to prolonged dry conditions and corn’s need for large amounts of water. The remaining crops now and in the future will be used primarily as feed for cattle and other animals. Other farmers have suffered as well, with low yields of cotton and hay (used for cattle). Out of 67 counties, the state has declared agricultural emergencies in 48 counties. Looks like a bumper crop of misery this season.
• Death of a crop: Drought ends corn as south Alabama farm staple [Associated Press]

Pound for pound: There’s less of the mayor to lambast love: Kincaid has lost 20 pounds in less than two months. As reported earlier, the mayor has put himself, his wife and the city on a diet. Birmingham, one of the fattest cities in America, kicked off the Get Healthy program Saturday with a walk-a-thon at Legion Field. More than 400 people joined leaders and churches for the event. The University of Alabama at Birmingham is also working with the city for a healthier, slimmer citizenry. Kudos to Kincaid for leading, and losing, by example.
• Fat city starts health initiative [Birmingham News]

Fortunes from fame: Dear Idol hopefuls: Welcome to Birmingham. We hope your stay will be comfortable, successful and extremely profitable. Among the 15,000 singers expected to visit us on Aug. 21, perhaps one of you will be the next Taylor Hicks, who went all the way to Las Vegas to audition. Naturally, you’ll want to stay in accommodations befitting a future pop star and dine in our finest restaurants. Why skimp on quality when you can sing better than anyone else? Be sure to read the official registration page, make sure to register ahead of time (we can’t stress this enough), study the rules and if you can’t sing, at least manage to annoy Simon somehow. Hugs and kisses, Wade on Birmingham
• American Idol auditions music to ears of host cities financially [Associated Press]

Also:

  • Auburn planning controversial “no pass, more play” option for athletes
  • Criminals expect city takeover to be completed by 2008
  • Roebuck twins resent repeated references to dual status

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