Wade on August 2006

A last look at the ’06 …

Then and now

For the children, part 1: The state, along with more than 200 cities and counties, gave families a tax-free weekend for back-to-school shopping. Retailers pronounced it a success, seeing a spike in end-of-summer sales rivaling only end-of-year holiday shopping.

The sales also provided yet another electoral feather in Gov. Riley’s already crowded cap during his successful bid for re-election. Plus, extra-cheap pencils.

For the children, part 2: With $1 billion at stake, the Alabama Supreme Court approves spending funds raised by Jefferson County’s 1-cent sales tax. Systems can move forward with long-delayed construction for new schools.

Donkey bunch: It sure was a lot of fuss over one state house seat. Businesswoman Gaynell Hendricks (psst: black) lost her challenge, finalizing the runoff victory of lesbian activist Patricia Todd (psst: lesbian). The state Democrats approved Todd’s ~~heathen lifestyle~~ certified win, but not before attempting to disqualify both candidates.

Todd will be the first openly gay member of the Legislature. The Democrats still control the Senate, while its leadership of the chamber (and the party) is in flux.

Large legacy: Trust for America’s Health says Alabama is the second-fattest state in America. It’s so bad, we’ll even try the Ruben Studdard diet plan. (Try not to spit out your chocolate milkshake in pondering that.)

In other health news, the University of Alabama at Birmingham saves thousands of lives in Zambia through treatment for HIV. The clinic’s success shows that Africa can win the war against AIDS with continued effort.

A pirate’s life for me: In its 25th year, MTV has moved far beyond its humble beginnings with Birmingham VJ Alan Hunter. “Two-a-Days” premieres, representing the latest success for the pop culture channel.

The reality series focuses on the lives of athletes and cheerleaders at Hoover’s wildly successful Buccaneer high school football program. The sophomore season kicks off (football metaphor) in January.

Have Nunn, won’t travel: We call for Birmingham police chief Annetta Nunn’s resignation. The chief thought it would be a good idea to threaten cops leaving for hiring-paying jobs.

Today, the tally stands at 106 homicides for Birmingham, threatening to beat the total for 2005: 110. In 2007, we’ll call for Mayor Kincaid’s resignation, if we survive that long.