We talk water use, water policy and water rights with Mitch Reid, program director for the Alabama Rivers Alliance, in this week's episode of the Shine Springs Farm Shinecast. The focus of this episode is how water policy and a comprehensive water resources management plan helps to ensure everyone who needs water has reasonable access. Water uses include drinking and residential use, … [Read more...]
Tuesday afternoon, July 17, I tuned in for the White House Hangout on Local Foods. The specific focus: Women leaders in agriculture and food policy who are working to build local food systems in their respective regions. The program was fast-paced, but fortunately there's a YouTube video: See below. Speakers: Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan Baltimore Mayor Stephanie … [Read more...]
Anyone else see a physical resemblance between Rick Perry & Rod Blagojevich? Blago could be Perry's younger, even more well-coifed, brother. … [Read more...]
We hear a lot about what the Founders of our nation intended. Politicians chastise judges with whom they disagree for not following the requisite "originalist intent." Elected judges campaign for office by swearing they will follow the intent of the founders. Supreme Court Justices (past and present), legal scholars and TV pundits write books about Constitutional originalism. So whatever happened … [Read more...]
Alabama is a water-rich state. Alabama has 77,000 miles of rivers and stream and ranks sixth in the nation for the most continuously-flowing streams. Our waters sustain us physically, recreationally and economically. Alabama also has 47 reservoirs larger than 500 acres that cover 551,220 acres and 23 Alabama State Public Fishing Lakes. The waters of Alabama provide a major economic … [Read more...]
I'm saddened by the news of the passing of Elizabeth Edwards. Can't say it better or differently than I wrote here: From my Facebook post yesterday, Dec. 6, when I first learned of Elizabeth Edwards’ poor prognosis: Elizabeth Edwards is a woman of strength, class and grace and I hope, when faced with life's challenges, that I can emulate her strength and courage. My comment on a … [Read more...]
As Poor Richard, Ben Franklin popularized the ancient adage: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." We all know that an apple a day isn't going to prevent all health problems. But the general principle is sound. Fruits and veggies should be at the center of our diets. It surprises me that the importance of a healthy diet doesn't get more respect among policymakers who want to deal with the … [Read more...]
“... We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed....” Many people celebrate Independence Day as a … [Read more...]
