Flakes drift before our
panoramic windows, a
brief show against gray.

• • •

Read more haiku.

Prospects good, said the
fortune in the cookie. A
slip can’t control me.

• • •

Read more haiku.

‘The Biggest Loser: Couples’ recap, episode 2

biggestloser.wadeonbirmingham.com
By Ginny

The Bama Slammers are back for week 2 of “The Biggest Loser: Couples.” Roger Shultz of Enterprise and Trent Patterson dropped nearly 50 pounds in the premiere, but can they stay strong in the face of double trainers and rib plates?

(more…)

The system, not quite
in place, will handle all our
messy, unkempt lives.

• • •

Read more haiku.

No. Easy to say,
not easy to hear. Good thing
it’s only my heart.

• • •

Read more haiku.

Former Jefferson County commissioner Gary White was convicted Thursday of bribery in the never-ending but always depressing $3 billion sewer debacle. White, 61, took bribes, up to $4,000 in $100 bills, to favor one bidding company in sewer contracts. He faces up to 85 years in prison and $2.25 million in fines. His fellow commissioners Jeff Germany and Chris McNair were also convicted in 2006.

Ah, life on the county commission. You either end up in jail or city hall.
• The Birmingham News: Jury finds White guilty of bribery

• • •

More headlines | send us your news tips.

The sickness spreads and
lingers, a lumbering weight
that drags down spirits.

• • •

Read more haiku.

The South’s version of
global warming: balmy day
in January.

• • •

Read more haiku.

Tables, columns and
rows intersect in measured
formulas and grids.

• • •

Read more haiku.

‘The Biggest Loser: Couples’ recap, episode 1

biggestloser.wadeonbirmingham.com
By Ginny

It’s a new season of “The Biggest Loser,” and in case you haven’t heard, this time it’s couples. (Next season: people and their pets).

One of the couples (which is maybe not how they refer to themselves, I’m thinking) is a pair of former Crimson Tide football players. Roger Shultz of Enterprise and Trent Patterson were something called a “center” and a “guard,” respectively. Together, they’re just 16 ounces shy of 800 pounds.

How did they fare on the two-hour season premiere New Year’s Day spectacular?

(more…)

I like reading so
much, books surround me and keep
me turning pages.

• • •

Read more haiku.

The J Records bloodbath continues. After dropping 2003 American Idol Ruben Studdard in December, the label dropped 2006 American Idol Taylor Hicks Monday. The two Birmingham singers are the first champs in show history to be dropped by Arista. Studdard released three albums, including one platinum and one gold, while Hicks released just one, which went platinum.

Looks like the Soul Patrol let their commander down. Dishonorable discharges all around.
• E! Online: You Can Spell Taylor and Ruben Without J

• • •

More headlines | send us your news tips.

Late-night escapades
catch up with you in the cold
light of getting up.

• • •

Read more haiku.

Time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. UAB Hospital continues its first blood drive of the year through Friday in its North Pavilion. What’s so special about this particular event? Fabulous prizes.

Yes, you should give because it’s the right thing to do, and supplies are low. But UAB has teamed with the American Red Cross to open a new donor facility on campus, one with wi-fi-enabled computers at your fingertips. In addition, the new Touch Points program offers prizes after five donations, including a spa kit for six donations and a $500 Marriott gift card after 12 donations.

The catch? Only donations at UAB’s donor center (1802 Sixth Ave. S., second floor) or this week’s blood drive earn points. You can still donate at any Red Cross center, but no points. Save lives, yes, but no points.
• The Birmingham News: UAB opens year with blood drive, Jan. 4-11

• • •

More headlines | send us your news tips.

The best-tasting snacks
at the movies are the ones
smuggled from outside.

• • •

Read more haiku.