Loretta Nall

at 8:24 PM

Suspect is pictured below in full technicolor

Think maybe these guys are a little too tense? I mean....they blew up Meatwad for God's sake!!

at 12:34 PM

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at 10:01 AM

Looks like it :(
Police seize 445 lbs of marijuana
Then again probably not. 445 lbs. is but a smidgen and I'd wager that much is bought and sold in neighborhoods all over Montgomery on a daily basis.

at 8:02 AM

Near the end of the 2006 Gubernatorial Election when all of the national and international press hit over the fact that I have mammory glands I got a strange invite.

A friend and fellow drug policy reformer in Texas told me that she is a member of MENSA and that they are having their annual gathering in Birmingham this year. She asked me if I would be interested in speaking to the group. I told her that I would and this morning I got an email in my inbox from the MENSA folks in Alabama extending the official invite. This will take place in July at the Sheraton. I will be discussing what it was like as a female running for Governor of Alabama. I am very excited.

Who would have ever thought that a dope-smoking, high school drop-out would be invited to speak to the most intelligent people on earth in the state of Alabama? For all those that say "Pot makes you stupid" I have one comment.....I'm speaking at MENSA and YOU'RE NOT!!!

at 7:40 AM

By Mike Linn
Montgomery Advertiser

An Alabama journalist wants a federal appeals panel to unseal documents in the case against a Birmingham coal company accused in the killings of union leaders at its operations in Colombia.

Stephen Flanagan Jackson, a professor of journalism at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, said he would ask the panel to unseal "mountains" of documents Thursday at a hearing in U.S. District Court in Montgomery.

"Just on the principals, we should be able to monitor this case -- as members of the press and the public," said Jackson, associate editor of www.LatinAmericanPost.com.

"What I'm trying to do is make all this behind the scenes maneuvering that reaches from Washington D.C. to Alabama to Colombia, available to the public and the media," he said. "It's an important case."

A March 2002 civil case filed in U.S. District Court in Birmingham alleges that "agents or employees" of Drummond Company, a Birmingham coal company doing business in Colombia, killed three union representatives in 2001, allegations the company denies in court papers.

A woman who answered the phone at the Drummond Company's public relations department in Birmingham said the company had no comment.

Jackson said he appealed a federal judge's ruling to seal the documents.

Jackson said one of the documents, which he says he has, reveals sworn testimony of a Colombian who saw a former high-ranking Drummond official pay hitmen $200,000 "to kill trade union leaders" at Drummond's coal mines in La Loma, Colombia. The Miami Herald reported on the sworn affidavit in May before a judge ordered it sealed.

Drummond Company has mined coal since 1935, according to its Web site. Drummond produces coal from Shoal Creek in the Warrior Coal Basin, which stretches across Jefferson, Tuscaloosa and Walker counties in Alabama.

Drummond Ltd. produces steam coal in La Loma in northern Colombia, according to the Web site.
--------------------

I am very happy to see this happening. Colombia has the highest rate of murdered union workers and labor organizers in the world. In 2003 I believe 97 were murdered inside Colombia. These include labor organizers and union workers trying to organize in Drummond Coal and Coca-Cola to name a few of the US companies, who at the very least are complicit in these murders and in the worst case scenario may have been actively involved by hiring para-military groups to carry out the murders.

I traveled to Colombia in the summer of 2004 to study the effects of aerial fumigation on peasant subsistence farmers and the environment. It was a life changing experience. If you have never read it you can do so HERE.

at 6:22 PM

Yahoo News
By PHIL DAVIS, Associated Press Writer
Tue Jan 30, 3:43 PM ET

TAMPA, Fla. - A woman who told police she had been raped was jailed for two days after officers found an old warrant accusing her of failing to pay restitution for a 2003 theft arrest.

While she was behind bars, according to the college student's attorney, a jail worker refused to give her a second dose of the morning-after contraceptive pill because of the worker's religious convictions.

The 21-year-old woman was released Monday only after attorney Vic Moore reported her plight to the local media.

"Shocked. Stunned. Outraged. I don't have words to describe it," Moore said. "She is not a victim of any one person. She is a victim of the system. There's just got to be some humanity involved when it's a victim of rape."

Moore said the woman was not allowed to take the second emergency contraceptive pill until Monday afternoon, a day late, after reporters called police and jail officials.

Tampa police said they were changing their policy to give officers more discretion on when to arrest a crime victim who has outstanding warrants.

"Obviously, any policy that allows a sexual battery victim to spend a night in jail is a flawed policy," police spokeswoman Laura McElroy said. "So our city attorney is writing a new policy right now."

The woman is not being identified by The Associated Press because she reported being the victim of a sex crime.

Moore said it was too soon to say if his client would sue. Her first priority was making sure detectives find her attacker.

"She is brave," Moore said. "We are going to work with police to catch this monster."

She was in Tampa on Saturday for Gasparilla, an annual pirate-themed parade that draws thousands of people. She said she was walking alone to her car when a man pulled her behind a building and raped her, McElroy said.

She reported the rape Saturday afternoon, and officers took her to a rape crisis center where she was given the first of two doses of the morning-after pill, McElroy said. The second dose is supposed to be taken within 24 hours.

Later, as she was riding in a patrol car trying to locate the crime scene in the dark, police found the warrant stemming from a 2003 juvenile arrest for grand theft and burglary. It said she owed $4,585.

"They stopped the investigation right there," and put her in handcuffs, Moore said.

Authorities arranged a special bond hearing Monday. "When the chief's office learned we had a rape victim in jail, we began working very aggressively to get her out," McElroy said.

Jennifer Dritt, executive director of the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence, wanted more explanation from the jail, saying the woman's arrest "makes people think law enforcement doesn't have a victim-centered approach."

Moore said his client believes she paid the fine for what he described as a childish mistake. He didn't have details of that arrest, but the woman has no criminal history as an adult, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The sheriff's office, which runs the jail, said in a statement Tuesday that it is investigating the complaint and declined to comment further.
-------------------

That is fucking atrocious! If it had happened to me then I would be in jail for murder not long after they let me out. I'd get the cops I reported the rape to who put me in jail for a bullshit fine and then I would get the jail worker who denied me medication based on her 'religious convictions.' Then they'd have a reason to put me in jail.

I seriously question any 'religious conviction' that holds it is perfectly alright to lock up a rape victim and deny her medication that would prevent a pregnancy of the most unwanted sort.

I can't imagine a fitting enough punishment for these fucktards!!

at 12:38 PM

The FBI appears to have adopted an invasive Internet surveillance technique that collects far more data on innocent Americans than previously has been disclosed.
Instead of recording only what a particular suspect is doing, agents conducting investigations appear to be assembling the activities of thousands of Internet users at a time into massive databases, according to current and former officials. That database can subsequently be queried for names, e-mail addresses or keywords.

Such a technique is broader and potentially more intrusive than the FBI's Carnivore surveillance system, later renamed DCS1000. It raises concerns similar to those stirred by widespread Internet monitoring that the National Security Agency is said to have done, according to documents that have surfaced in one federal lawsuit, and may stretch the bounds of what's legally permissible.

Call it the vacuum-cleaner approach. It's employed when police have obtained a court order and an Internet service provider can't "isolate the particular person or IP address" because of technical constraints, says Paul Ohm, a former trial attorney at the Justice Department's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. (An Internet Protocol address is a series of digits that can identify an individual computer.)

That kind of full-pipe surveillance can record all Internet traffic, including Web browsing--or, optionally, only certain subsets such as all e-mail messages flowing through the network. Interception typically takes place inside an Internet provider's network at the junction point of a router or network switch.

The technique came to light at the Search & Seizure in the Digital Age symposium held at Stanford University's law school on Friday. Ohm, who is now a law professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and Richard Downing, a CCIPS assistant deputy chief, discussed it during the symposium.

In a telephone conversation afterward, Ohm said that full-pipe recording has become federal agents' default method for Internet surveillance. "You collect wherever you can on the (network) segment," he said. "If it happens to be the segment that has a lot of IP addresses, you don't throw away the other IP addresses. You do that after the fact."
"You intercept first and you use whatever filtering, data mining to get at the information about the person you're trying to monitor," he added.

On Monday, a Justice Department representative would not immediately answer questions about this kind of surveillance technique.
"What they're doing is even worse than Carnivore," said Kevin Bankston, a staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation who attended the Stanford event. "What they're doing is intercepting everyone and then choosing their targets."

When the FBI announced two years ago it had abandoned Carnivore, news reports said that the bureau would increasingly rely on Internet providers to conduct the surveillance and reimburse them for costs. While Carnivore was the subject of congressional scrutiny and outside audits, the FBI's current Internet eavesdropping techniques have received little attention.

Carnivore apparently did not perform full-pipe recording. A technical report (PDF: "Independent Technical Review of the Carnivore System") from December 2000 prepared for the Justice Department said that Carnivore "accumulates no data other than that which passes its filters" and that it saves packets "for later analysis only after they are positively linked by the filter settings to a target."

One reason why the full-pipe technique raises novel legal questions is that under federal law, the FBI must perform what's called "minimization."

Federal law says that agents must "minimize the interception of communications not otherwise subject to interception" and keep the supervising judge informed of what's happening. Minimization is designed to provide at least a modicum of privacy by limiting police eavesdropping on innocuous conversations.

Prosecutors routinely hold presurveillance "minimization meetings" with investigators to discuss ground rules. Common investigatory rules permit agents to listen in on a phone call for two minutes at a time, with at least one minute elapsing between the spot-monitoring sessions.
That section of federal law mentions only real-time interception--and does not explicitly authorize the creation of a database with information on thousands of innocent targets.
But a nearby sentence adds: "In the event the intercepted communication is in a code or foreign language, and an expert in that foreign language or code is not reasonably available during the interception period, minimization may be accomplished as soon as practicable after such interception."

Downing, the assistant deputy chief at the Justice Department's computer crime section, pointed to that language on Friday. Because digital communications amount to a foreign language or code, he said, federal agents are legally permitted to record everything and sort through it later. (Downing stressed that he was not speaking on behalf of the Justice Department.)

"Take a look at the legislative history from the mid '90s," Downing said. "It's pretty clear from that that Congress very much intended it to apply to electronic types of wiretapping."
EFF's Bankston disagrees. He said that the FBI is "collecting and apparently storing indefinitely the communications of thousands--if not hundreds of thousands--of innocent Americans in violation of the Wiretap Act and the 4th Amendment to the Constitution."

Marc Rotenberg, director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center in Washington, D.C., said a reasonable approach would be to require that federal agents only receive information that's explicitly permitted by the court order. "The obligation should be on both the (Internet provider) and the government to make sure that only the information responsive to the warrant is disclosed to the government," he said.

Courts have been wrestling with minimization requirements for over a generation. In a 1978 Supreme Court decision, Scott v. United States, the justices upheld police wiretaps of people suspected of selling illegal drugs.

But in his majority opinion, Justice William Rehnquist said that broad monitoring to nab one suspect might go too far. "If the agents are permitted to tap a public telephone because one individual is thought to be placing bets over the phone, substantial doubts as to minimization may arise if the agents listen to every call which goes out over that phone regardless of who places the call," he wrote.

Another unanswered question is whether a database of recorded Internet communications can legally be mined for information about unrelated criminal offenses such as drug use, copyright infringement or tax crimes. One 1978 case, U.S. v. Pine, said that investigators could continue to listen in on a telephone line when other illegal activities--not specified in the original wiretap order--were being discussed. Those discussions could then be used against a defendant in a criminal prosecution.

Ohm, the former Justice Department attorney who presented a paper on the Fourth Amendment, said he has doubts about the constitutionality of full-pipe recording. "The question that's interesting, although I don't know whether it's so clear, is whether this is illegal, whether it's constitutional," he said. "Is Congress even aware they're doing this? I don't know the answers."

at 6:09 PM

In Jacksonville Florida police officers have killed an 80-year-old grandfather when he tried to stop them from conducting a drug buy in his front yard.

From what I gather Mr. Singletary was a man who did not tolerate any kind of criminal activity around his home and the whole neighborhood knew it. So, when he saw a drug deal taking place in his front yard he went outside with his gun and was BLOWN AWAY by the UNDERCOVER COP who was making the drug buy.

How about that?

at 7:40 AM

Dear All,

Thanks you all so much for the help and support during my recent campaign for Governor of Alabama. Together we made a huge impact in the way people in Alabama think about drug use, marijuana and prisons. I plan to run again in either 2008 or 2010 and hopefully by that time I will have been able to either gather enough signatures for ballot access or perhaps will have gotten the law changed so that third parties and independents are not discriminated against and kept off the ballot in what should be a fair and open process for those who wish to participate.

In the meantime, I have a big project on my plate with the passage of the Alabama Compassionate Care Act and if you reside in Alabama then I need your help with this.

The first things I need is for those receiving this email who wish to help in some way to please send me contact information for my database. I need names, phone numbers, mailing addresses and email. No one will see this database but me and your information will not be sold or shared. It will only be used to contact you regarding the passage of the Medical marijuana bill. The next legislative session begins on March 6 so time is of the essence. Please send me this info ASAP.

Second, I am trying to put together a meeting this weekend for my core group as well as expand my core group. This meeting will most likely take place in BHAM on Sat. Feb. 3. Please let me know if you would be able to attend on that day. I'll get a time and place established before the end of the week.
For those of you who cannot make it to BHAM but want to help in your area of the state...simply let me know what day is good for you to meet and where, round up as many people as possible to attend and let me know when and where to show up.

I hope to hear from all of you very soon.

Best,
Loretta Nall
lorettanall@gmail.com

at 8:34 AM

More Federal Government Militarization of Local Police Forces

at 7:47 AM

This is the end of week 6 for Saul with his new family. I still absolutely adore him.

Saul has had a fairly busy week. On Monday I had to go to Montgomery for a meeting with my state partners on medical marijuana, probation and parole reform and prison reform. I decided to take Saul with me to try and get him a little more used to riding in the car and to socialize him more. I packed him up in his crate with his toys and took off. Unfortunately squeaky moose, which is one of his favorites, got caught up in a torrent of doggie vomit when Saul lost his cookies. Squeaky Moose can be saved after a good washing.

He did pretty well other than getting sick. He is very quiet when riding. Doesn't make any noise. I have to check on him often to make sure he is still breathing. After the meeting I got him out to walk around and meet people. Everyone loved him and commented on his unusual color. A few people walking by asked what he was. One said he raised pit bulls and asked if I fought my dog.

Dog fighting is cruel and I think anyone who engages in it should be put in jail for a very long time. That is one of the few things I would actually pick up the phone and call the cops for.

On Wednesday I had to go to BHAM. I didn't know how long I would be gone and did not want to leave my baby in his crate all day long with no one here to let him outside. So I packed him up again. This time he didn't get sick. After my meeting I sat with him on the street in Five Points. He sat down with his back againist my leg and watched everyone that walked by. People admired him greatly....mostly from a distance. He did not get hyper and try to run away or jump around. He didn't bark or growl at strangers. He was an absolute gem.

Saul also seems to have gotten over his jumpiness around the kids in the house. Yesterday my son was out of school and all day long he and Saul played fetch and scratch my tummy and all sorts of things Saul usually only let's me do. I was very pleased.

We have been building him an outside pen which should get finished this weekend. I know he will be very happy to have a place outside where he can conduct covert surveillance of the cats, join in the neighborhood barking chain and sniff all of the wonderful things there are to sniff in the country air. He will still be coming in at night to sleep in my room. Dad Nall isn't very happy about that. He claims Saul lays in the floor on his side of the bed at night and let's farts that smell so bad they wake him out of a dead sleep. He said if we could bottle the funk then we could put the smelling salts people out of business. All I have to say is that the smell has never woken me up although it has made my eyes water when awake.

There has been no progress on getting him enrolled in obedience school taught by the drug dog cop. That is a real shame as I was looking forward to the challenge that adventure would have presented. For now Saul and I will jut have to make do with a couple of books, lots of determination and unconditional love to turn him into a well mannered member of the Nall family. I'm sure we will do just fine.

at 6:54 AM

Wheeler over at Alablawg is reporting that Rep. John Rogers (who I am a big fan of) reportedly said he thought forced integration was bad for the African-American community on the Matt Murphy radio show.

According to reports;

Rogers was trying to explain why the House Black Caucus won’t allow new Rep. Patricia Todd to join the group, even though she represents a majority black district. When confronted by Murphy that his group was not about black interests or ideas but only about race, Rogers said, “Integration may have been the biggest mistake ever made.” He then went on to say that he never was so down on seperate but equal, just that he wished it could have been equal.

Apparently this has caused an uproar.....which I find very odd. Many African Americans think forced integration was a bad idea. I can’t say that I disagree completely. When you think about it in terms of what African American children are taught in integrated schools you can see that maybe it was a bad idea. What public school in Alabama has ever taught accurate black history to black children? Not one. They do not know where they came from, who their tribes were, what their history was before they were sold into slavery. Hard to have any pride when you don’t know what to be proud of.

Malcolm X was for seperate but equal and against forced integration. He believed in black businesss hiring black workers and so forth to help the community economically prosper.
If you have never read is autobiopgraphy I’d recommend picking it up. It covers much of this line of thinking and is an excellent book.

at 10:47 AM

Is most unfortunately one that has the government's stamp of approval. The Police.

From the Mobile Register

Ride dirty -- and lose your wheels
Thursday, January 25, 2007
ROBERT McCLENDON
Staff Reporter

If Prichard police catch you ridin' dirty -- carrying illegal guns or drugs in a car -- they will take your wheels, and you might just see the officer who busted you patrolling the streets in your former ride.

Prichard police are seizing criminals' cars along with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cash and other property in a new effort to take the war on drugs and violence to the perpetrators. Billboards emblazoned with a simple message announce the program across the city: "Drugs + Guns + Cars = Ours, Don't get caught Ridin' Dirty in Prichard."

The Ridin' Dirty initiative, which began in April of 2006, is more than just a new slogan slapped on old police habits, said Chief Lawrence Battiste.

(yeah right....it's plain fucking thievery)

A slogan on a billboard sends a message to criminals, but driving around in one of their cars, as Assistant Chief Jimmie Gardner does, sends a message of another kind.

His canary yellow 2006 Dodge Charger, complete with 5.7-liter eight-cylinder HEMI engine, was seized in an August 2006 drug arrest when, police said, they stopped the driver, Christopher Seals. A K-9 unit sniffed out marijuana hidden in his car, investigators said. Police also found $3,000 in cash in the car and more money and drugs at the man's apartment, investigators said.

Seals is awaiting trial on felony drug charges, court records show.

Battiste said Seals bought the car, which retails for about $36,000, with an $11,000 down payment, taking out a loan for the rest.

"We took his car and used his drug money to pay off the bank," said Lt. Marvin Whitfield, coordinator of the teams that do many of the raids associated with the program.
----------------

Property seizure and asset forfiture are INCENTIVES for police corruption!!!

Say some young black man has a nice car that he came by through honest, hard work. What is to keep the cops from pulling him over, planting evidence and taking his car and any cash that he has? NOTHING!! And they do it every day.

Just riding down the road with more than what is perceived to be a 'normal' amount of cash is reason enough for that cash to be seized by the police. They somehow got to decide what a 'normal' amount of cash is, although they haven't shared this new guideline with the public, and if your amount of cash exceeds what they think is 'normal' for you then they take it. You generally don't get it back.

In California Donald Scott, a 61 year-old millionaire was shot dead in front of his wife in a raid where the county DA later discovered that police had lied to obtain the warrant to search for marijuana and that the raid was motivated by a desire to forfeit the multi-million dollar ranch. There are many other cases such as this.

I am sick of living in a police state in what is suppossed to be a free country. Laws such as asset forfiture breed hatred and contempt for law in general and more directly for the officers charged with carrying out those laws.

This government enforced policy of harm maximazation with regard to the drug war has got to change.

at 4:56 PM

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at 3:25 PM

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A new site called Intern Town has recently launched and provides a place for Interns and companies seeking Interns to advertise what they have available. If you are looking for an internship or have an internship available and wish to advertise it this is the place to do it. They have local internships available as well as Internships Abroad.

at 1:30 PM

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at 7:38 AM

I submitted the following letter to the Mobile Press-Register yesterday in response to Drug Cases Dominate Mobile Docket. Thanks Press-Register for printing it so quickly.

Justice system keeps drug war going

In response to the Jan. 20 article, "Drug and murder indictments dominate in January grand jury report," I offer the following.

The fact that 70 percent of the indictments are for drug offenses is astounding. How many of those offenses actually involved violence of depriving another person of life, liberty or pursuit of happiness?

Without the "drug war," the employees of the criminal justice system wouldn't have that much to do. This just goes to show that the drug war is nothing more than a government jobs program that creates the crime it claims to protect us from, while destroying our constitutional and civil rights in the process. It is an attempt to centralize power with local police officers who are loyal to the federal government and not the citizens they are sworn to serve and protect.

Without the drug war, police and prosecutors would have to find a different line of work. As long as drug use is dealt with by the criminal justice system, you can always expect the results to be terrible.

The criminal justice system has a vested interest in keeping the drug war raging, which is why things always seem to get worse and not better.

LORETTA NALL

Alexander City

at 7:44 AM

By Antoinette Konz
Montgomery Advertiser

It was shortly before noon one day last spring when Monique Jones got the phone call from the principal at her son's Montgomery school.

Michael, 9, was in trouble for talking back to his teacher and disrupting his class.

"She asked me if I wanted her to use corporal punishment or if she wanted me to come pick him up and have him serve a one-day suspension," Jones said. "I went with the paddle."

According to new figures released by Montgomery Public Schools, corporal punishment was administered to students in 1,571 incidents last school year. That number is down 7 percent from the 2004-05 school year when 1,693 incidents were reported.

Although more than half of the United States has outlawed corporal punishment, Alabama law permits it, allowing each school district to decide whether to use it.

In Montgomery, the use of corporal punishment depends on where the child goes to school, said Lois Johnson, an administrator in MPS' Parents Advocate & Liaison for Students (PALS) office.

"Our school board has left it up to the principal of each school to decide whether or not they want to use it as a form of discipline," she said.

Incoming Superintendent John Dilworth said Friday he does not think corporal punishment is a good idea.

"I think there are other ways to deal with misbehavior," said Dilworth, who officially becomes Montgomery's next superintendent on March 1. "I would be interested in talking with my principals and school board about this policy after I take over.

READ MORE
-------------

I am glad to see that the new superintendent is against corporal punishment and has plans to address it when he formally takes over.

I am against corporal punishment for a number of reasons. I do not strike my children and I'll be damned if I will let someone else strike them. Using corporal punishment is a lazy persons cop out. It promotes and condones violence while doing nothing to teach the child why what they did was wrong. When I was a kid and would do things I wasn't suppossed to do I got my ass tore slam up with a hickory switch but no lesson in why what I did was wrong. All spankings ever did were make me angry and more determined not to get caught next time.

It's hypocritical to tell kids that violence won't solve their problems yet resort to violence as the first option when a kid is a problem or creates a problem. It's that "Do as I say and not as I do" mentality that never works in any other situation.

For all of you out there who would say "Spare the rod and spoil the child" I'll have you know that I have to very well behaved children that mind their manners, are not spoiled, are very polite and know how to employ problem solving techniques when problems arise instead of lashing out in a violent way at the person who is causing the problem. My kids argue with words but never with blows.

I hope that corporal punishment is soon BANNED in all public schools. It is barbaric, humiliating and a weak, stupid persons cop out.

at 6:00 AM

By now everyone is probably more than aware of the whole Michael Vick/Marijuana story. If not then here is the short version.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick had a water bottle confiscated by security officials at Miami International Airport yesterday. A police report says the bottle had a hidden compartment and that it contained a small amount of residue that is "closely associated with marijuana."The police report says Vick was at first hesitant to turn the bottle over to security screeners and that the compartment was hidden by the bottle's label. The effect was that the bottle appeared to be full of water when held upright.
The bottle and its contents were sent to a crime lab and police say the results of the investigation may not be known for weeks.
No charges have been filed.

A police report says the bottle had a hidden compartment and that it contained a small amount of residue that is "closely associated with marijuana."

That sentence doesn't even make sense. A residue closely associated with marijuana??? What does that mean?

Many professional athletes use marijuana. Let's see Ricky Williams comes to mind. Thurman Thomas, Randy Moss, Nate Newton, Mark Stepnoski....the list goes on and on. I say if these guys are able to smoke pot and still perform in a 60 minute brutal slam-fest that is the NFL....then what's the problem? It obviously isn't having a negative effect on their athletic abilities.

at 9:52 AM

Drug and murder indictments dominate in January grand jury report
Saturday, January 20, 2007
By GARY McELROY
Mobile Press-Register Staff Reporter

The deaths of a 3-month-old boy by beating and shaking, a woman killed in a DUI-related car crash, the slayings of two women in domestic violence incidents and the strangulation of a 70-year-old man were among cases processed this month by the Mobile County grand jury.

In a relatively modest 47-page report, January grand jurors announced they considered 338 cases, and of those handed down 232 indictments -- 201 felonies and 31 misdemeanors.

Drug crimes accounted for 70 percent of the grand jury's docket, along with a smattering of cases such as resisting arrest; criminal mischief; dog fighting and cruelty to animals in a related incident; obstruction of justice; and impersonating a police officer.

READ MORE
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You know....they wouldn't have that much to do without the drug war. This just goes to show that the drug war is nothing more than a government jobs program that creates the crime it claims to protect us from while destroying our constitutional and civil rights in the process. It is an attempt to centralize power with local police officers who are loyal to the federal government and not the citizens they are sworn to serve and protect. Without the drug war they would have to find a different line of work. They have a vested interest in keeping it going.

at 9:22 AM

Montgomery Advertiser

Woman escapes officer's arrest

A woman escaped during her arrest Wednesday, pushing a police officer in the side of the head and fleeing on foot, still wearing handcuffs on one of her wrists.

According to police, Channell Morrell, 24, is accused of giving a false name to a police officer in the 500 block of Auburn Street about 7 p.m. Wednesday. The officer, Cpl. F. Farrin, had placed one handcuff on Morrell's wrist when she pushed him and ran.

In his report, Farrin said he tried to chase Morrell, but she escaped.

If apprehended, Morrell will be charged with one count of escape and one count of theft for the handcuffs, which were valued at $45.
---------------

You know....I don't think it is stealing if you are physically unable to detach yourself from the object in question. Besides, who is gonna stand there after pushing a cop in the side of the head during an escape attempt and ask him to please remove the cuffs? I wonder....if you are running away and they shoot you do you get charged with stealing a bullet?

at 6:30 AM

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at 6:55 AM

This will be a short one because I have contrated the flu. JOY! I feel like maybe I have been eat by a bear and shit off a cliff. My chest hurts, my head hurts....my everything hurts.

My puppy Saul is still progressing nicely. He is so sweet. Yesterday, the first day of the flu, he was so good. He took naps with me, didn't get into things he wasn't suppossed to get into, was very calm and he didn't even try to chase the cats when I would take him out. I think he knew I was sick and didn't feel like any foolishness. I was so weak yesterday that, had he tried to pull away from me I would have lost his leash. But he didn't try...he didn't even lollygag at the door looking for kitties like he usually does. He is a sweet baby.

We started building him an outside pen last weekend. We got the metal stakes in the ground and tomorrow we will put up the wire and gate. He will still be a mostly inside dog, and always in the house at night. I like him laying in the corner by my head at night. I know he will enjoy a place outside where he can watch the cats til his heart is content. He will also enjoy having some dirt to bury his bones and things in. Every time I give him a chewy bone or a rawhide trip or hell even an empty milk jug he picks it up in his mouth and walks around whining and looking for a place to bury it. His current favarite places are under the couch and under my bed. His whine is so pitiful and urgent.

Last night I was sitting on the floor in front of the fire and daddy Nall came up behind me and put his hands on my shoulders. Saul was up immediately and checking out what was going on. He looked dad in the eye for a long second, then looked at me as if to ask "Should I eat him?". I petted him and told him it was ok. He curled up at my feet and went back to sleep. I think even at almost 5 months he would really hurt someone if he thought I was in danger. That gives me a very secure feeling.

Still no call back from the drug dog cop on training. I think Saul and I will do just fine with the book that I have. We don't need no stinkin' cop to help us. He already knows the basic stuff and I don't think I need to train him in personal protection as that comes natural to him where I am concerned. So wadda we need a trainer for?
Thanks to everyone from across the country that has written me with advice and stories of their own shepherds. I now understand why these dogs are so beloved. I love my baby like he was of my own flesh and blood.

at 5:39 PM

It is a question I have been asked before. It is something every person should have no matter what their age or health condition. My answer to the will question is no, I do not have a will. I am not planning on dying soon, but who does? I'm young and fairly healthy....but death comes in other than health related forms. I could give up the ghost in a car crash for instance. Today I asked myself, 'What would happen to my kids if something happened to me and my husband? Who would raise them? Where would they live?' I realize how important it is that my wishes for them be made known and have a legal standing.

It would be so awful to lose your parents and then not know where you would live or if you might be seperated from your siblings. What of your parents had no living relatives? Your children might risk becoming wards of the state. Without a will there is no guarantee that your wishes will be followed.

I found a place online called www.itsmylife.com where you can create a last will and testament and do things like name your child's guardian in the event that something happens to you.

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at 5:29 AM

Stop the Drug War is reporting that Rep. Dennis Kucinich has been named chairman of the Domestic Policy Subcommittee of the House Government Reform Committee, giving him jurisdiction over the Drug Czar's office.

This is WILDLY GOOD NEWS for Drug Policy Reformers like myself and the millions of Americans who have been adversely affected by the US war on drugs.

Back in 2004 I traveled to Austin, TX to attend a Kucinich for President fundraiser. While there I got to attend a concert bash with Willie Nelson, Bonnie Rait, the Doobie Brothers, Michelle Shocked and members of the Dave Matthews band. I was also able to ask a question about marijuana legalization at a press conference.

Congressman Kucinich & Willie Nelson

You can watch that video HERE. I also worked as a drug policy advisor to Congressman Kucinich's presidential campaign in 2004.

Loretta Nall & Congressman Dennis Kucinich speaking at a fundraising event in 2004

I predict huge changes in the very near future for the drug czars office. It is astounding to see the complete shift of power in this case. You could not get any worse drug warrior than Mark Souder and you cannot get a better drug policy reformer than Dennis Kucinich.

OH!! I am so EXCITED!!!!

at 3:17 PM

Up until very recently my family was one of millions of American families that did not have health care coverage. We have it now and I must say it is nice to see how the other side lives. It was always very difficult to take my kids to the doctor and have the money to pay for the office visit, as long as nothing major like lab work was required, but not be able to for prescriptions. The doctors would always ask in an accusatory tone, "Why don't you have health insurance?" as if not having it was something that I chose.

When my husband or I would have to go to the doctor they always herded us through like cattle. They gave us minimal treatment, ineffective remedies and no follow-up appointment. My husband has recently been diagnosed with disk space narrowing and suffers from constant sciatic nerve pain. Since his insurance kicked in the doctors office has actually treated him like a human being. The transformation has been quite amazing.

Before our health care coverage went into effect I was looking into private health care coverage plans. There are some affordable ones available for families in todays insurance market. Health Insurance Finders has a Health Insurance Knowledgebase where consumers can find answers to all of their health insurance questions.

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at 3:10 PM

Cause of inmate's death undetermined
The Jefferson County Coroner has not yet determined a cause of death of a man who died in the Gardendale City Jail early Monday morning.

Christopher Shane Dingler, 20, of Brookside was picked up Sunday afternoon on suspicion of shoplifting and booked into the jail about 4 p.m.

Gardendale Police Sgt. Roland Crawford said routine checks throughout the night revealed no problems, but when breakfast was carried in at about 7:30 a.m., on Monday, Dingler was not breathing. Paramedics were called, but were unable to revive Dingler.

Coroner Jay Glass said his office is awaiting toxicology reports, which may not be ready for another week.

Wayne Martin

at 1:45 PM

What a rukus!!

It appears that state embarassment, Nancy Worley, has decided to further damage her party by announcing that she will run for the Vice Chair of the Alabama Democratic Party. Her decision to run against current Vice Chair Amy Burks suppossedly has something to do with Burks decision to support Patricia Todd (Alabama's first openly gay legislator) in the big bruhaha that followed Todd's (who is white) election to a majority black district by 59 votes.

The story is long and convoluted....butu you should read it anyway.

at 12:45 PM

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I looked around the site and I must say I am very impressed with their high definition product....it makes it seem like you are all in the same room together no matter how many miles lie between you.

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at 10:29 AM

Chief Justice Cobb promises changes in prisons, elections
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
KIM CHANDLER
News staff writer

MONTGOMERY - Sue Bell Cobb took the oath Tuesday as Alabama's first female chief justice and told young women they can achieve whatever they put their minds to.

Cobb is the first female chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court and one of only six women to serve on the court during its 188-year history. Her election is part of a slow trend of women gaining political power in the Deep South.

Cobb, after being sworn in in front of an audience of about 450 people, said her priorities will be dealing with Alabama's crowded prisons and changing the way judges are elected in the state.

"I hope what we are going to be known for is fixing people rather than filling prisons," said Cobb, who has 25 years experience as a judge.
----

GO SUE BELL GO!!!

at 9:49 AM

Woman charged in traffic death, tests positive for pot

DOTHAN, Ala. (AP) -- Police say a Dothan woman charged with the traffic-related death of a Ozark man tested positive for marijuana use. That's according to Dothan Police Chief John Powell. He said 24-year-old Tabitha Shae Farmer, who was already charged with murder, was rearrested last night and now faces a single count of endangering the welfare of a child.

Powell said Farmer's two-year-old daughter was a passenger in her vehicle when she allegedly struck 60-year-old Larry Downing in the parking lot of Southern Family Market. He died several hours later at a local hospital.

Powell said officers also found drug paraphernalia in Farmer's vehicle and she could face additional charges.
------

What does testing positive for marijuana use have to do with this case? NOTHING!
Driving under the Influence of Drugs laws are non-sense because they do not measure impairment of the driver. They simply check to see if there are any by-products of drugs that have already been metabolized. So, say you smoked a joint last week and you get in a traffic accident today. Nothing major....say you are tapped from behind...the cops take a blood sample and WHAMMO! you are charged with driving under the influence of drugs....even though you were not under the influence of drugs and the accident was not your fault.

Additionally, many studies have been conducted that show people who smoke marijuana and drive are NOT more likely to have an accident and some studies show they are even less likely to have an accident. You see, when people have pot in the car or they have been smoking it they are MORE CAREFUL because they do not want a police encounter.

at 9:12 AM

Dan over at Between the Links has a number of great articles with commentary on recent political happenings in the Alabama Senate, a running tally of all of Attorney General Troy King's major fuck-ups (they are getting to be numerous)and an article from the Birmingham News against a payraise for our legislators. Well, at least the BHAM News got something right for a change.

Jeff over at Politics in Alabama gives us a rundown on the Inaugurationand tells us about the new house he and his wife are buying. Congrats on the new house Jeff!!

BlueGal is stocked with her usual hilarity and brilliant commentary on US politics and, as always, panties.

Bitter Old Punk is MIA since early November. Hey man if you're out there let someone know you are alive....would'ya?

Wheeler at AlaBlawg has some other opinions on Attorney General Troy King, and some great clips on the new war on trans-fat in doughnuts.

Kathy over at Birmingham Blues is mourning the loss of her beloved father. You and your family are in my thoughts Kathy.

Alabama Moderate has a state political roundup as well.

at 7:54 AM

The Montgomery Advertiser has posted a list of Alabama Senate committee assignments which were made yesterday during the organizational session.

List of Senate committee appointments

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- State Senate committee appointments announced Wednesday, with three senators - Majority Leader Zeb Little, D-Cullman; Deputy President Pro Tem Wendell Mitchell, D-Luverne; and Minority Leader Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills - allowed to vote on every committee except the local legislation committees:

Economic Expansion and Trade: Pat Lindsey, D-Butler, chair; Lowell Barron, D-Fyffe; Arthur Orr, R-Decatur; Myron Penn, D-Union Springs; Hank Sanders, D-Selma; and Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro.

Rules: Lowell Barron, D-Fyffe, chair; Pat Lindsey, D-Butler, deputy chair; Ted Little, D-Auburn, vice chair; Roger Bedford, D-Russellville; Tom Butler, D-Madison; Bobby Denton, D-Muscle Shoals; Vivian Figures, D-Mobile; Steve French, R-Birmingham; Parker Griffith, D-Huntsville; Hinton Mitchem, D-Union Grove; Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery; Harri Anne Smith, R-Slocomb; and Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham.

Confirmations: Myron Penn, D-Union Springs, chair; Roger Bedford, D-Russellville; Linda Coleman, D-Birmingham; Vivian Figures, D-Mobile; Ted Little, D-Auburn; Del Marsh, R-Anniston; Hinton Mitchem, D-Union Grove; Arthur Orr, R-Decatur; Hank Sanders, D-Selma; Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro; Harri Anne Smith, R-Slocomb; and Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham.

Finance and Taxation-Education: Hank Sanders, D-Selma, chair; Phil Poole, D-Moundville, deputy chair; Bobby Denton, D-Muscle Shoals, vice chair; Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery, vice chair; Roger Bedford, D-Russellville; Tom Butler, D-Madison; Bradley Byrne, R-Fairhope Linda Coleman, D-Birmingham; Larry Dixon, R-Montgomery; Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile; Jimmy Holley, D-Elba; Ted Little, D-Auburn; Del Marsh, R-Anniston; Larry Means, D-Attalla; and Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham.

Finance and Taxation-General Fund: Roger Bedford, D-Russellville, chair; Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, deputy chair; Parker Griffith, D-Huntsville, vice chair; Lowell Barron, D-Fyffe; Kim Benefield, D-Woodland; Charles Bishop, R-Jasper; Steve French, R-Birmingham; Rusty Glover, R-Semmes; Pat Lindsey, D-Butler; E.B. McClain, D-Midfield; Hinton Mitchem, D-Union Grove; Arthur Orr, R-Decatur; Myron Penn, D-Union Springs; Jim Preuitt, D-Talladega; and Hank Sanders, D-Selma.

Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability: Ted Little, D-Auburn, chair; Wendell Mitchell, D-Luverne, vice chair; Scott Beason, R-Gardendale; Kim Benefield, D-Woodland; Ben Brooks, R-Mobile; and Parker Griffith, D-Huntsville.

Judiciary: Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, chair; Myron Penn, D-Union Springs, deputy chair; Roger Bedford, D-Russellville; Kim Benefield, D-Woodland; Ben Brooks, R-Mobile; Bradley Byrne, R-Fairhope; Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile; Pat Lindsey, D-Butler; Ted Little, D-Auburn; Del Marsh, R-Anniston; Hank Sanders, D-Selma; and Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro.

Governmental Affairs: Wendell MitchellGovernmental Affairs: Wendell Mitchell, D-Luverne, chair; Scott Beason, R-Gardendale; Kim Benefield, D-Woodland; Linda Coleman, D-Birmingham; Bobby Denton, D-Muscle Shoals; Larry Dixon, R-Montgomery; Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile; Larry Means, D-Attalla; Myron Penn, D-Union Springs; Jim Preuitt, D-Talladega; Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery; and Harri Anne Smith, R-Slocomb.

Education: Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, chair; Kim Benefield, D-Woodland; Bradley Byrne, R-Fairhope; Bobby Denton, D-Muscle Shoals; Hank Erwin, R-Montevallo; Rusty Glover, R-Semmes; Parker Griffith, D-Huntsville; Myron Penn, D-Union Springs; Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery; and Hank Sanders, D-Selma.

Constitution, Campaign Finance, Ethics and Elections: Pat Lindsey, D-Butler, chair; Lowell Barron, D-Fyffe; Roger Bedford, D-Russellville; Ben Brooks, R-Mobile; Parker Griffith, D-Huntsville; Arthur Orr, R-Decatur; Myron Penn, D-Union Springs; Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery; and Hank Sanders, D-Selma.

Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry: Kim Benefield, D-Woodland, chair; Roger Bedford, D-Russellville; Charles Bishop, R-Jasper; vice chair; Tom Butler, D-Madison; Hank Erwin, R-Montevallo; Pat Lindsey, D-Tom; Hinton Mitchem, D-Union Grove; Myron Penn, D-Union Springs; Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro; and Harri Anne Smith, R-Slocomb.

Banking and Insurance: Bobby Denton, D-Muscle Shoals, chair; Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, vice chair; Lowell Barron, D-Fyffe; Roger Bedford, D-Russellville; Kim Benefield, D-Woodland; Steve French, R-Birmingham; Parker Griffith, D-Huntsville; Jim Preuitt, D-Talladega; and Harri Anne Smith, R-Slocomb.

Small Business and Economic Development: Jim Preuitt, D-Talladega, chair; Scott Beason, R-Gardendale; Linda Coleman, D-Birmingham; Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile; Rusty Glover, R-Semmes; Parker Griffith, D-Huntsville; and Ted Little, D-Auburn.

Industrial Development and Recruitment: Larry Means, D-Attalla, chair; Scott Beason, R-Gardendale; Kim Benefield, D-Woodland; Tom Butler, D-Madison; Bobby Denton, D-Muscle Shoals; Hank Erwin, R-Montevallo; Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro; and Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham.

Commerce, Transportation and Utilities: Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery, chair; Lowell Barron, D-Fyffe, vice chair; Roger Bedford, D-Russellville; Charles Bishop, R-Jasper; Linda Coleman, D-Birmingham; Rusty Glover, R-Semmes; Pat Lindsey, D-Butler; Hinton Mitchem, D-Union Grove; Jim Preuitt, D-Talladega; Hank Sanders, D-Selma; and Harri Anne Smith, R-Slocomb.

Health: Linda Coleman, D-Birmingham, chair; Parker Griffith, D-Huntsville, deputy chair; Pat Lindsey, D-Butler, vice chair; Roger Bedford, D-Russellville; Larry Dixon, R-Montgomery; Steve French, R-Birmingham; Larry Means, D-Attalla; Hinton Mitchem, D-Union Grove; Myron Penn, D-Union Springs; Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery; and Harri Anne Smith, R-Slocomb.

Energy and Natural Resources: Parker Griffith, D-Huntsville, chair; Pat Lindsey, D-Butler, deputy chair; Roger Bedford, D-Russellville; Kim Benefield, D-Woodland; Charles Bishop, R-Jasper; Rusty Glover, R-Semmes; E.B. McClain, D-Midfield; Larry Means, D-Attalla; Myron Penn, D-Union Springs; Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery; and Hank Sanders, D-Selma.

Tourism and Marketing: Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, chair; Lowell Barron, D-Fyffe; Charles Bishop, R-Jasper; Pat Lindsey, D-Butler; Del Marsh, R-Anniston; E.B. McClain, D-Midfield; Myron Penn, D-Union Springs; Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery; and Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham.

Business and Labor: E.B. McClain, D-Midfield, chair; Charles Bishop, R-Jasper; Bobby Denton, D-Muscle Shoals; Jimmy Holley, D-Elba; and Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham.

Children, Youth Affairs and Human Resources: Tom Butler, D-Madison, chair; Scott Beason, R-Gardendale; Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile; Parker Griffith, D-Huntsville; Ted Little, D-Auburn; and Phil Poole, D-Moundville.

Veterans and Military Affairs: Jimmy Holley, D-Elba, chair; Larry Dixon, R-Montgomery; Hank Erwin, R-Montevallo; Pat Lindsey, D-Butler; Hinton Mitchem, D-Union Grove; and Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery.

Local Legislation No. 1: Zeb Little, D-Cullman, chair; Lowell Barron, D-Fyffe; Roger Bedford, D-Russellville; Pat Lindsey, D-Butler; Arthur Orr, R-Decatur; Hank Sanders, D-Selma; and Harri Anne Smith, R-Slocomb.

Local Legislation No. 2: Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, chair; Steve French, R-Birmingham, vice chair; and all other Jefferson County senators.

Local Legislation No. 3: Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, chair; Pat Lindsey, D-Butler, vice chair; and all other Mobile County senators.

From what I have alredy witnessed in the first few days of the organizing session it will be a very long four years. Yesterday the senate voted of adjournment and the vote was 18-17. It was the same a few days ago when they were voting on the new senate rules. Why the people tolerate this bullshit is a mystery to me.

at 7:21 AM

My son Alex will be 15 this year and he is already excited about getting his learners permit. Needless to say, I am less than excited to think about him out on the roads. I remember when I took drivers ed. in 10th grade. I wrecked the car. Not bad...but bad enough that my instructor jammed his knee slamming the extra brake in his floorboard.

One of the things that scared me the most when I was just learning to drive, and one of the things I still hate to this day are 18-wheelers on the interstate....especially in the rain. They are so dangerous and getting sandwiched between two of them is the worst.

I was looking at my insurance policy online at Geico and I noticed that they have added to their online library of safe teen driving tips. The brochure includes valuable information for teens on how to safely share the highway with large trucks. I found it to be very helpful and I will be using it when Alex starts to drive. If you have a teen and need auto coverage please take the time to compare car insurance at Geico and also download their informative brochures on teens and driving.

at 1:44 AM

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at 7:36 AM

Mobile Press-Register

Monday, January 15, 2007
By RENA HAVNER
Staff Reporter
Bayou La Batre parents can now be arrested and fined $100 if their children misbehave in school or have excessive unexcused absences, according to a recently passed city ordinance.

State education officials say Bayou La Batre is the only municipality in Alabama to have such a policy.

To that, Bayou La Batre Mayor Stan Wright said: "Shame on all the other cities."

The ordinance applies to about 3,000 students enrolled at the four Mobile County public schools that are inside the city's limits: Booth Elementary, Dixon Elementary, Alba Middle and Alma Bryant High.

Wright said it's up to a principal's discretion to determine when legal action is warranted. He said principals at the four schools now have forms in their offices, requesting what is known as a citizen's arrest.

From there, a police officer would arrest the parent, who could avoid actual jail time by putting up $500 bail, Wright said. The case would eventually go to municipal court.

"Right now, we're just not seeing parents supporting the discipline that's going on in schools," Collier said. "Twenty years ago, when you got in trouble at school, you got a second dose of it when you got home. That's not happening anymore.

In Bayou La Batre, action can now be quicker, he said, adding that the city plans to arrest the parents as soon as students have five unexcused absences or the principal reports that a child is being too unruly.

"If the student misses another five days, we'll arrest (the parent) again," Wright said. "We're going to prosecute them every time they mess up."

The ordinance states that parents or guardians who fail to have a child enrolled or regularly attending school is guilty of a misdemeanor, as are parents who "fail to compel the child to properly conduct himself or herself ... in accordance with the written policy on school behavior." Those parents can be fined up to $100 and sentenced to hard labor for the city for up to 90 days.

Wright said the four schools have sent copies of the ordinance home for all parents to sign, saying they have seen it.

"We're going to enforce it as soon as we get the first warrant signed," Wright said. "We're waiting on them."
------------------------------

And there you have it folks...schools have become nothing more than an additional weapon of the state against the family unit.

principals at the four schools now have forms in their offices, requesting what is known as a citizen's arrest.

Future headline for the next story in this series:
"Principal gets ass kicked by parent who got a gut-full of state meddling"

"Right now, we're just not seeing parents supporting the discipline that's going on in schools," Collier said. "Twenty years ago, when you got in trouble at school, you got a second dose of it when you got home. That's not happening anymore.

Translation - Many parents no longer engage in barbaric corporal punishment and we are going to pass a law that says they have to beat the snot out of their children.

Wright said the four schools have sent copies of the ordinance home for all parents to sign, saying they have seen it.

"We're going to enforce it as soon as we get the first warrant signed," Wright said. "We're waiting on them."

He sounds like he wishes he was a cop instead of a city councilman. He is just a little too eager to arrest someone if you ask me. I genuinely hope he meets up with a red-neck, deep-country shrimper who hands him the worst ass whoppin' he's ever had. I know I shouldn't wish that....but I do just the same. Maybe it will teach him to mind his own damn business.

at 5:07 AM

Montgomery Advertiser

Groups seek shuttering of Alabama women's prison

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) -- An Atlanta-based law firm that has fought to improve conditions at the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka is now shifting its focus to shutting down the prison altogether.

The Southern Center for Human Rights has been involved in a legal battle over conditions at the 65-year-old facility for the past five years. But the center said in a recent job announcement that it is seeking someone to lead a campaign "to close the brutal Tutwiler Prison and transform Alabama's women's criminal justice system into one that is small, family-oriented, community-based and rehabilitative."

"The kind of real solution that Alabama needs isn't something you can litigate your way into," Lisa Kung, the center's director, told the Press-Register in an interview last week.

The e-mailed announcement set a Dec. 15 deadline for applications, but the position remains open, she said.

Alabama Department of Corrections spokesman Brian Corbett was unfamiliar with the planned campaign but said such a makeover would require the Legislature to change state sentencing laws. Last month, Corrections Commissioner Richard Allen said that he wanted to replace Tutwiler by next year.

Corbett last week called that "a best-case scenario."

Finding alternatives to prison "is not a women-specific issue," Corbett added. More than half of Alabama's 67 counties now have community corrections programs offering drug courts and other options to keep minor or first-time offenders out of jail.

"The goal is to expand that statewide," Corbett said.

Joining the center's campaign are two Montgomery-based groups, Kung said: Aid to Inmate Mothers, Inc., and the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

A campaign of this type would apparently be unprecedented for Alabama, but there are some successful parallels elsewhere, said Jason Zeidenberg, executive director of the Justice Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C., organization that promotes alternatives to incarceration.

A confluence of circumstances typically drives such changes, he said: Among them: "the mix of a budget crisis, people pressing for different policies and the prisons themselves are of such decrepitude that it makes sense to close them."

As of November, Tutwiler, Alabama's lone prison for women, held 985 inmates, well above its current capacity of 702, Corbett said, citing the latest corrections department numbers.

In 2002, the Southern Center filed a federal lawsuit alleging that conditions at the maximum-security lock-up north of Montgomery violated the U.S. Constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment. In a ruling that same year, U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson of Montgomery described conditions as "essentially a time bomb ready to explode facility-wide at any unexpected moment."

While Gov. Bob Riley's administration agreed to reduce overcrowding and make other improvementsofficials have since struggled to comply with the settlement. In August, after inmate lawyers sought to have the state found in contempt, the Corrections Department agreed to six years of court-ordered monitoring instead of the original four years.

at 3:59 AM

I've been hanging around my friends at The Mises Institute and they have about convinced me to invest some of my meager cash into gold and silver. I like the idea because precious metals retain their value. Sometimes the Libertarian Party of Alabama will hold contests and the prize is in gold or silver. And, I once saw Dick Clark (our former chair) pay for an Arby's meal with silver and he paid a signature gatherer with gold.

One of the companies I am looking at is Monex. They have been around for over 30 years. You can purchase gold, silver and other precious metals and they will arrange for personal delivery or delivery to a safe at a bank or independent depository.

With the world in the awful shape it is in and the dollar losing value every day I think now is a great time to look into this. If you are interested in the current silver price or prices on other precious metals be sure to pay Monex a visit.

at 3:37 AM

Friends,

It's that time of year again. The time of year that poor people love and rich people hate. Poor people love it because they generally get a refund check and rich people hate it because they usually have to write a big fat check to Uncle Sam.

I am talking of course about tax season. For years I had my taxes done at one of the popular tax refund chain stores who always took a sizeable chunk of my money for helping me with my taxes. Last year I did my own taxes online for the first time. I then understood wht the chain tax refund places charge what they do.

However, there are websites, such as United States Tax Forum where you can find useful information related to DIY taxes. If you plan to file your own taxes online this year and have questions then pay United States Tax Forum a visit.

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at 8:01 AM

Friday, January 12, 2007
JOSEPH D. BRYANT
News staff writer

Birmingham's homicide rate is directly related to drug activity, and the Police Department should be reorganized to address the problem, City Council President Carole Smitherman said.

Smitherman said she will ask Mayor Bernard Kincaid and Police Chief Annetta Nunn to make adjustments and transfer more officers to the drug and vice unit.

"One of the major reasons for our increase in homicides is drugs," she said. "I would like to see an increase in funding for vice and narcotics."

Smitherman's comments come a week before a planned meeting between the council's Public Safety Committee and John Sloan, chairman of the UAB Department of Justice Sciences, to discuss ways to better fight crime in Birmingham. Smitherman is not a member of the committee, but she said she will attend the meeting.

Smitherman said 34 percent of the city's homicide victims had some form of controlled substance in their systems.

"We want to have more undercover police and informants working to get the information to the police," she said. "I'm saying we need to have a zero tolerance for drug users and abusers. Let's look at a new approach."

Smitherman said a new focus on drugs should come even if it means cutting funding and staffing elsewhere in the department.

Police Capt. Mike Fisher, head of vice and narcotics, said Thursday he was unaware of Smitherman's initiative and expressed caution.

"I think that before you come to that conclusion you need to talk to the people that work in homicide that can tell you the exact cause of the homicides," Fisher said.

Cutting drug activity to reduce violent crime sounds like a good plan, but it doesn't work, said Robert Sigler, a University of Alabama criminal justice professor.

"Whether they're using drugs or not, they're hurting people because they are nasty people," Sigler said.

Drug and alcohol use does change the personality of some individuals, Sigler said, but those personality changes are not frequent enough to account for the city's homicide rate. In addition, Sigler discounted the frequency of violence caused by drug turf fights.

Sigler said he wouldn't be surprised to find drug use prevalent among violent offenders, but that it is not the root cause of their violence.

"People who have little regard for the law and for the rules of society are more likely to use drugs," he said.

Sigler repeated a frequent statement by Kincaid and Nunn that most of the city's homicides were the result of domestic situations where friends, family and associates killed one another.

"If you really want to get murder under control, you need to aggressively enforce and discourage low levels of friendly violence, violence among neighbors," Sigler said. "Those low levels of violence we tolerate, and then it gets out of hand."
---------------

I waited a few days before posting this because Mrs. Smithermans husband is a state Senator whose support we will likely need to pass the Compassionate Care Act and I didn't want to piss him off.

I'm over that now and am going to say what I have to say whether it pisses him off or not. He really needs to muzzle his wife.

First, thank goodness for people like Mike Fisher, head of the vice and narcotics squad for being honest and calling bullshit when he sees it!! How humiliating to talk a bunch of smack about drugs and crime and have the head of the drug squads in Birmingham slap you down like that. OUCH! As Mark Twian once said, "It's best to check the weather before praying for rain."

Second, thank goodness for people like Professor Sigler who understands the issue and took the time to explain to the News that while this 'sounds good' it won't work and fails to address the underlying issues.

As to Mrs. Smithermans comments....anyone got a barf bag handy?

"I'm saying we need to have a zero tolerance for drug users and abusers. Let's look at a new approach."

A NEW APPROACH would not involve doing THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AND OVER! Increasing funding for drug units is something we have been doing for many years. They fail to do their job (because it is an impossible job that in reality is designed to fail) and then demand more money because they failed. If a private business worked in that fashion they would all be out of business. You are not suppossed to reward people for failure!

A new approach (if it was intended to actually reduce drug crime and deaths caused by drugs) would look at regulating the markets and not punishing the consumers. Unregulated markets lead to black markets which lead to copious amounts of money because of the high risk being taken. In short, the current prohibitionist laws are the REAL CAUSE OF CRIME in relation to drugs. Think about this....when is the last time you saw the Budweiser man and the Michelob man having a gun battle in Wal-Mart over display space?

What a loon to come out and say we should cut funding to all other departments (violent crime, sex crimes against children, highway patrols for drunk drivers, domestic violence and so on)and give those funds to the drug squads so they can terrorize people for smoking a joint.

The problem with the police department in Birmingham now is that they over-fund the narcotics squad and leave all of the other departments struggling to get by. That is why there were 109 murders in Birmingham last year...oh yeah and according to Police Chief Annetta Nunn Satan is responsible.

at 7:46 AM

The Montgomery Advertiser has an article this morning entitled "Drug courts help non-violent offenders mend lives" in which it states that Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, Sue Bell Cobb, wants to have drug courts established in all 67 of Alabama's counties by the end of her term.

I want to start by saying that I am very happy that Chief Justice Cobb was elected as the first woman Cheif Justice in Alabama. I think having a feminine mind on the bench will bring more rationality and compassion to our judicial system. Sadly, I have my doubts that she will get to do many of the things she has laid out in her agenda because she is the ONLY Democrat on the bench at the Supreme Court.

I am also very pleased by her adamant belief that trying to keep people out of jail for drug use is always best for everyone involved. While I do not agree with drug courts for ANYTHING having to do with marijuana I think that there is room for a drug court in cases of extreme addiction where users pose a threat to others. For example, a young mother with 2 children under the age of three has become addicted to meth and her children are suffering from neglect. It makes way more sense to try and help this young woman through drug court than to send her to jail and place her children in state cutody. That destroys the family unit and takes away the one thing that might help this young mother get back on the right track....her babies.

Read the whole article HERE

at 1:24 PM

And I must say it is about time!! It will be fantastic to finally have a place to go when staying overnight in Montgomery and not have to worry about being shot or having your purse stolen (which is what happened to me the last time I was in Montgomery overnight...stolen purse...not shot) and decided to check out the nightlife.

By DARRYN SIMMONS
Montgomery Advertiser

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- Area clubs are getting sophisticated, dropping hip hop and rap for poetry and comedy.

Hip-hop shows and clubs that made Montgomery a popular stop for artists such as Lil Jon, the Ying Yang Twins, Juvenile and others are being replaced by clubs targeting a more mature, professional crowd.
For many in the Capital City, it's a change that is long overdue.

"It's definitely time," said Paul Davis, a local promoter and owner of Davis Entertainment.

"People are asking for this as they grow from an economic standpoint," Davis said. "The 30 and older crowd are really looking for more mature acts and places where you can dress up and enjoy an atmosphere where you don't have to worry about something happening."

People tired of "something happening" is another major reason for the change.

Deana Graves of Montgomery is one of these people.

"After awhile, you get tired of going out and there being fights and shootings or whatever," she said. "You just want to go out and it be a real laid-back scene."

READ MORE

at 12:58 PM

I know there are many people who would like to make money at home and they, like me, have probably tried various avenues with little or no success.

I normally do not send out bulletins about how to make money with your blog....but I started using a site about a week ago and I have already earned nearly $200 simply by posting neutral comments or questions about products on my blog. I figure if I can make money doing this then you can too.

Posts pay anywhere from $4 to $100 and sometimes there are even $1000 opportunities. You are limited to two posts per day per blog that you have that has been approved. At a bare minumum of two $5 posts a day you could make an additional $70 per week....just for typing a short blurb about a company or product. These reviews do not have to be positive and you do not have to lie and say that you like the product or have used it. For products that I have not used I have simply posted to my readers and asked if any of them have used it and their results. Easy money.

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at 6:38 PM

Well folks my puppy Saul has finally started to settle in with his new family and has begun to calm down and take an interest in the kids. I am very happy about this new development. While, he isn't quite ready to move into the kids rooms or let them take him for a walk, he is initiating fetch games with Alex, as long as I am close by and he loves Bell so much he wags his tail and licks her hand every chance he gets. He also has started to go right up to the kids when he sees them for a sniff as opposed to running away and hiding. He is still a little jumpy when they reach their hand out to him but that will soon pass. I am beginning to think he has some sort of issue with men in general.
Here is Saul with is favorite toy....rollie ball

While Saul has made progress with the kids, we have had no such breakthrough with the cats. He sees them and he wants to chase them and probably eat them. It's as simple as that. I can understand his frustration though. Everytime I put him out on his run to play with him and exercise him every cat I own comes over and sits just out of his reach. They never even fflinch when he reaches the end of the run. Those snotty bastards! It must be maddening for him. I'm sure if I were him and the cats did that to me I would want to eat them too given the chance. It's both funny and a little sad.

Today Saul was fishing underneath the couch (he is a very brave dog...braver than me) and he rooted out a toy dog my daughter got for Christmas a few years ago. It is one of those toy dogs that barks, wags its tail, pants and moves its feet. Saul absolutely LOVES IT. He gnaws and chews and licks and bites and barks and just gets beside himself when the toy comes alive. I'll have to be sure and keep batteries around. My daughter was sweet enough to relenquish ownership once she saw how happy it made him.

This weekend we are building Saul a nice, big outside pen so that he will have a place when I am away from home on buiness stuff. I can't bare the thought of him having to stay in his crate all day until someone gets home to let him out. He'll still be a mostly inside dog though.

As for training....funny thing....the police officer who trains dogs has never returned my call...Imagine that! Looks like it is up to me to train him myself. He is bright and a very quick learner and I know we will do well.

That is about all I have to share for this week. Stay tuned...

Loretta Nall

at 6:37 PM

Female trooper shot dead in domestic incident
Montgomery Advertiser

OZARK, Ala. (AP) -- A female state trooper was shot to death last night by her ex-husband, who then shot himself. Authorities said it happened around 8 p.m. at a residence on Highway 123 in Ozark.

Trooper spokesman Tracy Nelson declined to release the trooper's name, but said she was recently transferred to the Dothan post and had been a trooper since 2005.

Nelson said the former husband, whose name was also withheld, is listed in critical condition at Dale Medical Center.

Ozark police, the Dale County Sheriff and the Alabama Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case.

at 1:00 PM

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at 2:24 PM

Posing with his favorite toy

at 9:36 AM

Ever had a run-in with an automated phone answering service and no matter what option you chose you could not reach a live, human being?

That happens with my bank often. Here are some of the things I hate most about an automated phone system.

1. Automatically puts you on hold

2. The need to punch in a long string of numbers

3.Your call may be monitored or recorded

4. "We're sorry to keep you waiting" message that always sounds like your call is being answered.

5. Speech recognition technology....I'm southern and apparently these robots don't understand southern. "I'm sorry...could you repeat that?" or "I'm sorry I didn't understand that" coming for a robot makes me want to cuss

6. You are never given the option to speak to a live person...even if you punch the 0 key til your finger bleeds...which makes you want to cuss even more

That's what I hate most...an automated system never gives me someone live I can cuss!

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at 4:40 AM

UPDATE:

A Montgomery police officer who resigned last night was arrested at police headquarters and charged with seven counts, including attempted sodomy and sexual abuse, police said.

Cpl. Billy Doss, 46, is accused of two counts of enticing a child, one count of sexual abuse and one count of attempted sodomy of two 14-year-old girls, said Montgomery Police Chief Arthur Baylor.

Doss is also accused of one count of enticement, one count of attempted sodomy and one count of sexual abuse of a 15-year-old boy, said Montgomery Police Chief Arthur Baylor.

All the children are students at Capitol Heights Junior High School, 116 Federal Drive. The school serves students between 7th and 9th grades.

Doss is being held at the Montgomery County Detention Facility on a $110,000 bond, Baylor said.

An investigation by the police department's Internal Affairs and Juvenile divisions yielded Doss as a suspect, Baylor said.

More charges and victims are "probably" forthcoming, said Montgomery Police Capt. Huey Thornton.

Baylor said an investigation began when Capitol Heights principal Lorenza Pharrams alerted officers to the allegations against Doss, who was brought in for questioning Wednesday at about 3 p.m.

Almost eight hours later, Doss resigned from the police department, gave a "slight confession" and was arrested, Baylor said.

Maj. Terry Reid of the police department's Juvenile Division said most officers on the School Enforcement bureau request to be placed on there

In cases of potential sexual abuse at the school, Doss would be the initial investigator into such an incident, Reid said.

So, he got to investigate himself for molesting school kids? How convenient! Seeing as his career as an SRO is a long one I'd say there will be MANY more people who come forward.

From the Montgomery Advertiser

A Montgomery police officer, who is the subject of an investigation involving inappropriate activity with a juvenile, has quit the department .

Montgomery Police Chief Arthur Baylor issued a statement late Wednesday that said Cpl. Billy Doss resigned from the department. Doss was assigned to the School Security Bureau.

"I directed the juvenile division commander and the internal affairs commander to immediately initiate criminal and internal investigations of Cpl. Doss," Baylor said in a statement sent to the Montgomery Advertiser via e-mail.

Baylor said the case was initiated after he learned from the principal at Capitol Heights Junior High School that Doss was "possibly involved in inappropriate and criminal activity of a sexual nature with two students."

Baylor will hold a news conference at 10 a.m. today at police headquarters to offer additional information on the criminal investigation, according to the statement.
---------------------------

Sick bastard!! You'd think police departments would conduct thorough background checks on these assholes they assign to be shepherds over our children. I remember when I went out to the school my kids attend last year on open house night, the first thing you saw when entering the grounds was a police cruiser with a K9 in the back. As I was walking down the hall with my kids I saw the DARE/SRO officer surrounded by a group of young, tender teenage girls just showering them with attention. The hair on the back of my neck stood up.

I think we should get all cops out of schools and only call them when there is a problem that requires their attention. Cops are not teachers and apparently they cannot be trusted not to screw young girls when no one is looking!! And....iof we must have full-time cops in schools could we at least neuter the bastards first?

OFF WITH HIS HEAD!!!

at 4:24 AM

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at 4:29 PM

Jeff Vreeland over at Politics in Alabama has compiled a very handy list of Alabama House Committee Assignments.

Thanks a million Jeff! By doing this you saved me a great deal of time. Thanks for making this available to the rest of us political junkies across the state. I believe Tuesday Jan. 16 the Senate Committees will be assigned. I hope that you have plans to make a Senate list as well.

at 10:32 AM

I an effort to adopt a healthier lifestyle and my subsequent internet searches looking for natural products to help me succeed in my endeavor I have come across Goji Berries.

Goji berries also known as lycium berries and Gou Ji Zi berries, have been used in Traditional Mongolian, Tibetan and Chinese medicine for centuries to nourish yin and improve the functioning of the 'water element'.

A handful a day is said to provide the energy to overcome difficult obstacles in healing, promote cheerfulness and brighten the spirit.

They reportedly have strong antioxidant, anti-ageing and anticancer properties and are used to boost the immune system, improve hearing, eye-sight, and liver function, maintain healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, strengthen bones and tendons, burn fat, build muscle, increase libido, enhance fertility and reduce morning sickness.

Goji berries have the highest content of carotenoids, including beta carotene among all known foods on earth, and can contain up to 500 times more vitamin C than oranges. The fruits also have significant amounts of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6 and vitamin E. They are rich in amino acids and trace minerals such as zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium and phosphorous.

This berry is now being used in clinical settings for a number of common maladies including the treatment of early-onset diabetes, tuberculosis, dizziness, blurred vision, bone marrow deficiency, and digestive disorders.

I believe I will try some Goji Berries. If any of my readers have tried any please report here on your experience.

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at 10:05 AM

If you are an Alabama resident and are interested in helping pass medical marijuana legislation please join the email list for Alabamians for Compassionate Care by clicking this link.

at 8:43 AM

Hey Sports Fans, (I know there are a lot of you out there)

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at 7:43 AM

The Bangor, Maine City Council approved a measure Monday that prohibits people from smoking in vehicles when children are present.

When the law goes into effect next week, Bangor will become the first municipality in Maine to have such a law. Similar statewide measures have been adopted in Arkansas and Louisiana and are under consideration in several other states.

People who smoke with children present in the confined space of a car or truck might as well be deliberately trying to kill those children, said City Councilor Patricia Blanchette, who is a smoker.

"Let's step up to the plate and lead; our children are worth the fight," she said.

The ordinance, which was approved by a 6-3 vote, applies to any motor vehicles on any public roads within the city. Violators face fines of up to $50.

An amendment that was added Monday to the original proposal makes the violation a primary offense, rather than a secondary offense. That means police can pull over vehicles if they see somebody smoking with anybody under 18 in the vehicle; if it were a secondary offense, police would have to stop the vehicle for some other reason, such as speeding.
----------------

This sort of totalitarian government control over our personal lives is spreading like a disease across the country. I have a problem with this because (if it were in Alabama)

1. I bought the damn car
2. I pay for the damn roads to drive it on
3. I birthed the children in question

Therefore, I will do what I want in my car (as long as it isn't drinking and driving), I'll do it on public roads within the city limits and outside the city limits and I'll decide whether or not my kids need to be present when I do it.

With the window down the children do not suffer...and I don't know of anyone that smokes in a car without letting the window down a bit.

This is nothing more that police state tactics. Do the police really have time to waste their already limited reources on ticketing cigarette smokers who are smoking cigarettes in thier own car?

This will lead to the eventual re-outlawing of tobacco, a crop that has historic significance in American history and the criminalization of tobacco users. Mark my words.

at 5:27 AM

It is truly amazing how many people do not practice safe sex in this age of STD's that can kill you. So today I thought I would remind people how important it is to use condoms if you are going to engage in casual sex. I know men and women alike hate condoms. In the past they were uncomfortable, made sex less pleasureable, blah, blah, blah. But, gone are the days of your regular run of the mill condoms. Today we have condoms that vibrate, condoms that glow in the dark and even female condoms and a whole lot more.

Be sure when using condoms that you apply plenty of the right kind of lubricant. Lubricant use helps to avoid irritation and also enhances pleasure.

Here is a just a sample listing of condoms offered at Undercover Condoms

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Elexa Products
Hot Rod Condoms
Inspiral Condoms
Kimono Condoms
Night Light Condoms
Pleasure Plus
Trustex Condoms

Here is a listing of lubricants available at Undercover Condoms

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Contraceptive Gels
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at 8:41 PM

Nominations for the 2007 Bloggie Awards are now open and will continue thru 10pm Wed. night. Please nominate this blog for Best Weblog about Politics if you feel so inclined.

Best Weblog About Politics

Click here to fill in the nomination form.

at 6:22 PM

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- A summary of action at the Alabama Legislature on Tuesday, the first day of the organizational session:

HOUSE

-Re-elected Seth Hammett, D-Andalusia, to a third term as speaker.

-Elected Rep. Demetrius Newton, D-Birmingham, to a third term as speaker pro-tem.

-Approved operating rules for the Senate to use for the next four years.

-Observed a moment of silence in memory of Rep. Albert Hall, D-Gurley, who died in November just days after he was elected to an eighth term in the House.

-Also observed moment of silence for former Rep. Allen Layson, D-Reform, who died Jan. 5 and for Hammett aide Eugene Smith, who died recently.

SENATE

-Elected Sen. Hinton Mitchem, D-Union Grove, as president pro tem.

-Re-elected Pat Harris as assistant secretary of the Senate.

-Approved operating rules for the Senate to use for the next four years.

AGENDA

-Senate meets at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday.

-House and Senate have a joint session at 10 a.m. Wednesday to approve election returns. House plans to meet following joint session.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"We're disappointed. We wanted to have a Senate that would be very family friendly - low taxes and pro-life." - Sen. Hank Erwin, R-Montevallo, on the election of the Senate's president pro tem.

Remember Hank Erwin is the same guy who publicly stated that God sent Hurricane Katrina to destroy New Orleans and that women should be denied the right to an abortion even in cases of rape or incest. If he is UNHAPPY with how things went today then the rest of us ought to throw a big ass party because it just about has to be good news. Should you ever find yourself on the same side as Sen. Erwin it will most definitely be time to re-examine your priorities.

at 5:58 PM

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at 3:53 PM

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Man shot in argument over James Brown's height
Two Atmore men exchanged gunfire Monday, injuring one of them when the friends got into an argument about how tall the recently deceased soul singer James Brown was, police said.

Officers said David James Brooks Jr. walked into the police station Monday, saying he had been shot. Paramedics rushed to the office and took Brooks to a local hospital. Minutes later, Dan Gulley Jr. walked into the police station, saying that he had shot Brooks.

Information on Brooks' condition was not immediately available today.

- Connie Baggett

For a full report, see Wednesday's Press-Register
----------

Sometimes all you can do is shake your head. Odds are 100 to 1 that alcohol was involved.

at 2:57 PM

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at 2:40 PM

Listen to live Senate Audio feed

Its been a fascinating first day.

at 2:35 PM

at 7:28 AM

A few weeks ago I started looking for ways to make an income with my blog. I have since come across four different sites that offer this opportunity to bloggers. The most recent is LoudLaunch. It works similar to the others that I am currently test-driving. I signed up last night and when I got up this morning my account was already approved. I posted one advertisement and made $3. When this one is posted and accepted that will be another $5. If you have multiple blogs you can post two ad posts a day on each blog....meaning you can really cash in and make some bank while doing what you love. Check out LoudLaunch today!

LoudLaunch - Compensating bloggers for their unbiased opinions, reviews, and analysis. View the LoudLaunch campaign release this post was based on.

at 5:01 AM

Everyone will remember the big 'boob bruhaha' that happened near the end of my gubernatorial camapign. Who could forget this?

And this?

So, it's no secret that I am well endowed. As a result it can sometimes be difficult to find clothes that fit properly. I've just found this new store called Eris Apparel where all of the clothes are specially made to fit women with odd dimensions. If you find yourself popping buttons up top while the rest of your outfit fits perfectly then take a moment and check out Eris Apparel. You'll be glad you did.

LoudLaunch - Compensating bloggers for their unbiased opinions, reviews, and analysis. View the LoudLaunch campaign release this post was based on.

at 2:05 PM

Dear Friends,

I just wanted to let you know that Dr. Ethan Nadlemann, executive director of The Drug Policy Alliance will be on the "The Colbert Report" tonight. It's airtime is 10:30 PM CST on Comedy Central and re-airs tomorrow (Tuesday) at 7:30 PM CST. Check the schedule at Comedy Central's website for times elsewhere.) Also, DPA will post a recording of the interview on their website, so be sure to visit www.drugpolicy.org.

Many of you will remember that Dr. Nadelmann came to Alabama in November of 2006 and was a guest on The Russ & Dee Show, The Matt Murphy Show, the Kevin Elkins Show and For the Record with Tim Lennox discussing prohibition
and how ending it would benefit Alabama.

Please tune in this evening if you are able. I will post the video on this site as soon as it becomes available.

at 8:01 PM

The internet has made reaching out to the ones we love, who are far away, very simple. It has also provided us with a large variety of neat digital greetings for every occasion. Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I thought I would get a head start on fun Valentine Cards. I mean, why not? Wal-Mart had Valentine's Day stuff out the day after Christmas.

(this post sponsored by pay-per-post

at 6:41 AM

Took some new shots of Saul that I thought I would share with you. You can see better what I mean when I say he doesn't look much like a 4 month old puppy.

at 1:02 PM

The man-made Palm Island in Dubai

When watching the news recently I saw a story on the man-made islands/property developments springing up in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is the most populous and second largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates after Abu Dhabi. Dubai is distinct from other members of the UAE in that revenues from oil account for only 6% of its gross domestic product. A majority of the emirate's revenues are from the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ) and increasingly from tourism.

There is some amazingly beautiful buildings in Dubai, like the one above. If you buy a spot in either of those buildings you get a free Jaguar with your purchase. How's that for perks?

Needless to say Dubai land is pricey for this country girl...but if you've got some change and want to live in a happening place dubai marina properties maybe just the place for you.

If y ou go please remember to leave your stash at home.

this post is sponsired by pay-per-post

at 12:22 PM

Back in October the US Congress passed a law making it illegal to open up your computer and play a game of cards or other betting game for money. While, I am not a gambler myself I have to say that I think the UIGEA is a total crock! How and where I spend money that I work for is not Uncle Sam's business.

It appears that there is a 270 day window for banks and credit card companies to find a way to halt the gambling transactions of their customers. However, no penalty will be imposed if no way to do that is found. In the spirit of thumbing my nose at the over-intrusive US government I would like to encoruage anyone who does like card games, slots, or blackjack to play all you can during those 270 days. I would also encourage you to call your US Congress and Senate persons and demand that this law be repealed. The US Constitution does not give the government the power to tell you how to spend your money therefore the law is unconstitutional.

PLAY ON!

at 11:12 AM

I have decided that one blog post on Friday will be about my new puppy Saul and his progress adjusting to his new family and with obedience training. In case you missed it, Saul will be trained by the local drug dog cop. Yeah, I know that sounds crazy given my history and all as a drug policy reformer (read LEGALIZER), thorn in the ass of local police and a proud admitted pot smoker. I figure if his drug dog ever alerts on Saul I'll tell them that Saul smokes a joint before class because he says it relaxes him, helps him focus and makes learning more fun.

Anyway, Saul went to the vet last week for his booster shots, de-worming, heartworm prevention and flea and tick medicine. He weighed 50 lbs. at 16 weeks. I think he put on 10 lbs. or so since then because he is getting harder and harder to lift in the door when he refuses to jump the last step. He can jump but sometimes won't because there is a kitty close by that he is intent on eating and that's all that matters at that partcluar moment in his life.

Menace cat. Make Cat Run Away. Try and Chase Cat.

He is going to be a HUGE dog by my estimation. German Shepherds are not fully mature until they are three years old. By 18 months their bodies are fully formed in height and length but not fully filled out. I'm thinking 130 lbs. at least. 130 lbs. of razor sharp teeth, huge sharp claws and lean muscle. He has the sharpest teeth, which makes it very difficult to play with him. I have numerous cuts and scratches from just bumping them when I am petting him and when we are playing fetch. My God he is like an alligator. His mouth even looks like an alligator's mouth.

This week Saul has really gotten to be friends with Dad Nall. There was a bad mishap a couple of days ago. I had to go to the store and Saul freaks out when I leave the house. The day before I had put up a run outside for him to get more exercise on. He had been on it for a while the first day I put up and seemed to like it so I decided to put him on it until I got back. Dad Nall was supervising.

As soon as I was out of the driveway Saul slipped his collar and took off down the driveway to where Dad Nall was standing. Dad looks around and sees a blur of sharp teeth and claws coming at him and freaks out. Saul may be a puppy age wise , but he damn sure doesn't look like one and doesn't really act like one. Dad knew he had to get him before he got to the road. So he reached out and grabbed him which made Saul snap because it scared him. Got Dad on the hand, drew blood (which is very easy to do), and then lunged for more (very) sensitive parts. Eventually, a very frightened Dad wresteled him back into his collar and back into the house. When I got home the discussion was sell him back or put him down.

I could do neither. After a while I got the calmer more rational story on what happened and bought Saul a few more chances. Then yesterday Saul just took up with Dad. Follows him everywhere, begs for his attention, and last night he actually took Dad the ball while I was playing fetch in the hall with him. He dropped the ball at dad's feet, woofed and wagged his tail. Dad took the bait and today they are best buddies. Dad Nall has dubbed Saul 'The Big Bad Wolf'. So, that's one accepted pack member down and two to go.

The two to go would be my kids Alex, 14 and Bell, 10. They wanted a puppy they could play with and I feel bad because that isn't happening like we had hoped it would. Saul still will not have anything to do with them. Yesterday he did take a treat from each of them and gave each of their hands a lick. I think he is coming around. They are understandably impatient with the slow progress. He still barks at them if they walk into the room and surprise him. He looks a little too interested and unpredictable when looking at them. He freaks out if they come outside when I am walking him. If anyone has any tips on how to break him from this (tips of the non-agressive sort) please share them with me.

Saul's favorite game (aside from feline menacing) is fetch. He could play for hours on end if he could find someone acceptable to play with. Since he won't play with the kids, is only beginning to get used to dad and I get tired after an hour or so, he has learned to throw the ball himself. Yes. You read that right. This dog will take the ball in his mouth, get his head close to the ground, and then jerk it up really fast letting the ball fly. The then chases after it and repeats the process. When his neck gets tired he gets up on a little hill outside in the fetch area and drops the ball, let's it roll away from him and then proceeds to retrieve it and repeat.

Next is obedience training. I received my first obedience training book yesterday. It's Persall's Guide to Dog Training and came highly recommended by my sister-in-law who trains dogs. I have begun reading it and it all seems relatively simple. Consistency is the key to everything. We can't really get started today because of the rain and because I am lacking some equipment for certian training that I want to do. I may still take him to the drug dog cop but only if he proves too much for me to handle. Besides, the cop hasn't returned my call. Is anyone surprised by that?

Until next week...Saul says, "Keep your tails wagging and your noses to the ground."

at 10:44 AM

Like millions of other Americans I made the 'lose weight' resolution on New Years Day. I don't know why I bother making any resolutions....I always break them.

But, I really want to drop a few more pounds and I hear a great deal about Hoodia Gorodonii and was wondering if any of my readers have tried it? Over the course of the last two years I have lost over 100 pounds by using prescription stimulants from my doctor. But, those are bad for your body, can be habit forming and if taken for too long a period of time can make you somewhat psychotic...(just ask my husband)

According to what I have read Hoodia is not a stimulant and has no known side effects. It simply works to make you feel full so you eat less.

So, readers, anyone tried Hoodia Diet Pills ? Did they work for you?

at 6:18 PM

Regular readers will already know about my new puppy a 17 week old German Shepherd I got for Christmas. He had his first vet appointment last week and all is well. His behavior leaves a great deal to be desired where cats and my kids are concerned. Yesterday Saul and Dad Nall had a little run in, shall we say, and Dad Nall and I were on the verge of selling him back to his previous owner. But, I love him dearly and he is so smart...I know he can learn to be better.

Today, I called Saul's vet to inquire about obedience classes in Tallapoosa County and guess what? The only person who teaches them is this guy the Alexander City Police Department Drug Dog Handler. JOY!

How's that for supreme irony of the highest order? This shit could only happen to me it seems and serves to make my life extremely interesting.

I told the vet, "You gotta be kiddin' me. You, of course, know I am the most widely known drug policy and prison reformer in the state....is there no one else in the entire county who does obedience classes?"

Vet: "No. That is the only one."

Me: "Well, that oughta go over real well. I bet he'll teach the dog to call 911 if I fire one up in the house."

Know what's even funnier and more ironic? I am actually signing my dog up for these classes. I simply cannot resist the temptation to have him trained by the very people who want to put me in jail.
I have called Mr. Whetstone to inquire further about obedience classes and am awaiting his return call. I will keep you all posted on this little adventure.

Loretta Nall

at 12:51 PM

Dear Friends, Supporters, Readers and Fans,

2006 has drawn to a close and, as always, it is time to reflect on the year gone by, examine progress and look at the plans for the upcoming year.

I want to thank each and every one of you for the support you gave to me and my family during my recent campaign for Governor of Alabama. I would never have made it as far as I did without you and your wonderful emails, letters, phone calls, in person declarations of support and your money. You provided me with constant inspiration for this very hard and often trying work.

Politics is nasty business. Blood sport. My political issues of choice are not your average candidates issues of choice and my style is not that of the everyday politican, especially in a place like Alabama.

Normally, candidates like me are ignored by the media during campaigns even when we have ballot access and when the media does decide to cover third party candidates they do not generally do so in a positive light. But this time, even without ballot access, the media followed through with me to the end. Granted, not all of my media coverage was positive...but it wasn't negative either. It was more a matter of tone and seriousness than negative coverage. Without you out there writing letters to newspapers, posting about my campaign on your blogs, calling TV and talk radio stations and asking for fair coverage of your candidate, the media would likely not have paid much attention.

I want to take a look back at some of the major things that happened, what we gained with my candidacy and where we go from here.

Not ever having run for office before I didn't know what to expect. I am just an average person with no prior political experience. I didn't have and knew I couldn't raise anywhere near the amounts of money my opponents had. I worried in the beginning that I might fail in my effort to see it through to the end. How nasty would it get? Will I be able to handle it with wit and grace? Will it be worth it in the end? I remember thinking, "Oh man, what have I done?", after hitting the send button on my first news release announcing my run for Governor and quickly and enthusiastically embracing the next realization of "Well, it's done now...put me in coach, I'm ready to play."

So many different things happened during the campaign that I didn't really expect to happen. I guess the most surprising thing is that people from across the political spectrum paid attention. Their reasons for doing so are probably as diverse as they themselves are. Maybe people cared about the issues and wanted to help. Maybe they despised the issues and wanted to impede progress. Maybe they were simply fascinated that a woman in Alabama had the courage to address issues like REAL drug policy reform, prison reform, equal rights for the LGBT community, getting out of the Iraq war, getting the federal government out of public education and any other controversial issues that I covered in my campaign. Maybe some tuned in for the humor alone.I am sure some were laughing with me and some were laughing at me, but the important thing is that they were laughing and laughter is good.

I got invites to speak from the VFW to the Rotary Club, from the PTA convention to the African American Mayors Conference, from the Kiwanis Club to the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.

As of now, two months after the election, there is still no conclusive ending to the story. Some of the votes cast for me were not counted while others were, so we will never have an accurate vote count. Sure, I didn't win the Governors seat...but I never expected to and I don't believe that any of the people voting for me thought that I would win....at least not this go round. This wasn't meant to be an ending though as it is only the beginning of my political career.

Here is what I gained by running for Governor of Alabama.

1. A large network of Alabama citizens motivated enough to go to the polls and physically write my name in on the ballot. Many of these same people will now be helping me on the Compassionate Care Act, the push for less restrictive ballot access laws (this has been a particularly hot issue in all of Alabama's major newspapers just recently) and my possible 2008 campaign against Congressman Mike Rogers of Alabama's third district.

2. I also gained the respect of the Alabama media and met many new people in the national media. The huge role that the Alabama media and, near the end the national media, played in my campaign would be very hard to put a dollar figure on.

3. I was respected by those who heard me speak even if they disagreed with what I had to say.

4. I gained name recognition for my future political expoloits.

5. I tried to un-demonize the average pot smoker to the average non-pot smoking citizen. I put a human face on someone who smokes pot and lives a normal life. I tried to help people understand that people who smoke pot aren't a threat to anyone, we are not out to rob you, steal from you, pollute your children or otherwise cause harm to the fabric of society.

I tried to help people understand that me smoking a joint in the privacy of my own home is not a problem until the police kick in my door, terrorize my family, haul me through the courts and to jail and put it all on the taxpayers tab. I tried to show that pot smokers are not hard core drug addicts, that 99.98 percent of us never go on to become heroin or crack addicts, despite what the federal and local governments tell you. I tried to show that we are basically regular people who live next door to you, work with you, maybe go to church with you, maybe even your own flesh and blood, and that you should not fear us. The truth is everyone knows someone who smokes pot whether they know it or not.

6. The most important thing is that I ran and that I brought issues like drug policy reform to the front and center of politics in Alabama. My message was delivered to millions of Alabamians through every available media outlet. I planted seeds in peoples' minds all across the state and I am certian some of them will sprout and grow into thriving community activists and future elected officials and that will help move the state of Alabama forward.

Here is a month by month recap of the campaign beginning in October of 2005.

Oct. 2005

Marijuana Advocate Joins Governor's Race

Nall Enters Alabama Governors Race

Don Markwell Show

Nall and Libertarians in Joint Venture

Tuscaloosa News LTE

Tuscaloosa News LTE Response

Marijuana Head Seeks Governors Office

Local Hopes Run Will Influence Candidates

The Kevin Elkins Show

Get to Know your 2006 Candidates

November 2005

Montgomery Advertiser Editorial Recommending Decrim

Decatur Daily Editorial on Treatment instead of incarceration

Birmingham News Editorial on Treatment instead of incarceration

The Times Daily Editorial on Prison Overcrowding and Treatment instead of Incarceration

Guest on 90.7 FM

December 2005

Was a very slow month. No media or events for the entire month.

Janurary 2006

For the Record

Election Buzz Heating Up

First Campaign Stump Speech at the Wetumpka VFW

Feedback from the first speech

Feburuary 2006

Pot Bust Lights Fire Under State Candidate

March 2006

Nall to Address National African-American Mayors Association

Video of Address at National African-American Mayors Association

The Great Boob Flap Begins

My Reponse to the Men Who Started the Boob Discussion

Meet the Twins Letter Printed in Montgomery Independent

A Life of Its Own

Colorful Contenders in Governors Race

April 2006

More of These Boobs and Less of These Boobs

Nall Still Running, Maintains Innocence

For the Record Nomination COverage

WAKA Channel 8 Nomination Coverage

Woman Heads Libertarian Ticket

Nall on Channel 8 TalkBack Video

Libertarians Make it Official

Nall More Excited Than the Lt. Governor about Campaign

Video of Nall's Addresses State PTA Convention

Huntsville Times Coverage: Candidates Share ideas on Schools, Criminals, Taxes

Nall A Guest on Atlanta's 96 Rock

Ten Commandments Judge Trails in Race for Governor

May 2006

Alabama Gubernatorial Hopeful Flashes for Cash

Nall on Free Talk Live

Boobs, Panties & Coourage; How Honest Elections Could Change Alabama

Nall on Alan Colmes Show

Nall on Joe & The Poor Boy

Nall Makes Top 10 at Technorati

Nall on WRMN and Freedomworks Radio

Birmingham FreePress

Columbia Journalism Review Coverage

Loretta Nall on Cultural Baggage

Nall Opposes National Guard Troops on Mexican Border

More or Less

MSNBC Coverage of FLash for Cash Campaign

Nall on WRJM Wiregrass Radio

Kim Hendrix Interviews Loretta Nall & Joe Copeland

Tuskegee Sheriff's Candidates, "Nall Right on Drug Policy"

June 2006

Drug Policy Reformers Take Third Party Path in Bids for State Office

Ballot Access War...The Final Battle

Nall. "I'm Not Dropping Out"

Nall on For the Record Primary Election Night Coverage

Hoover Metro Kiwanis Club Recap

More Supporter LTE's

Nall Launches Campaign Radio Ads

July 2006

Lower than Dogs

Women's Rights & Jericho Horns

Nall Looks to Ride Colorful Campaign

August 2006

Nall Speaks at Birmingham Peace Rally

For the Record on Womens Rights

Nall on Head On Radio with Bob Kincaid

Loretta Nall on WAUD Auburn

Drug Policy Discussion on For the Record

September 2006

Candidate Due Spot in Debate

State Law Creates Roadblock to Ballot Access

Montgomery Advertiser Editorial: Ballot Access Far Too Limited

Nall Polled in Survey

Nall Heads Back to COurt

Not Being in Jail is Cool

October 2006

Unfair Rules Block Good Candidates

My First Vote

Nall Registers Ex-Felons to Vote...Addresses NAACP State Convention

Nall Addresses Birmingham Sunrise ROtary Club

Candidates Get Face Time

USA Today: "Vote Nall Y'all...She's Smokin'!

Alabama Gubernatorial Hopeful Campaigns on Cleavage

Feedback on the Twins

National Media Storm Begins

The Slippery Nipple

Nall on Fox & Friends

Loretta Nall #1 on Countdown with Keith Olbermann

Candidate Talks Issues, Not Good Looks

Nall on NBC 13 News (no video uploaded for this one yet)

Political Levity a Good Thing

Nall Endorsed by Talk Left

WAKA and WVTM Coverage

Nall's Campaign Ads Named "Most Honest" by Brandweek magazine

Nall Answers Debate Questions

NOW Takes Stand on State Issues

November 2006

Bob Ingram You are Still invited to my Inaugural Ball

Birmingham Black & White Publishers Notebook

The Race for Montgomery Heats Up

Fun Alternative News Interviews

Nall Best Qualified Candidate

Nall on Good Morning America

Nall CBS Radio Interview

Nall on For the Record

Back to the Grind

Mobile Sees Spike in Write-in Voting

Voters Deserve Right to Write-In

Some Preliminary Vote Totals

Elections Officials Complain About Having to Count Write-in Votes

Put Your Big Girl Panties on and Deal With It!

Citizens Respond to Call for Ban on Write-in Voting

Don't Limit Access to Get on Ballot

Shouldn't charge fee for Write-ins

Ballot Access laws are the Real problem

Ballot Access in Alabama

Ballot Rules Too Restrictive

Alabama Voters Need More Choices

Write-in Votes Often Good for Chuckle

Well folks, there you have the majority of the last 15 months of my life in print, audio and video.

Nothing about the campaign was negative nor does any of it leave a bad taste in my mouth. Quite the opposite actually. The overall experience was incredibly positive. Despite being a write-in candidate I enjoyed widespread media coverage in print, radio and TV long before the unintended 'boobs' bruhaha near the end of he campaign. I've come to the conclusion that every politician is intimately familar with the principles of addiction . It doesn't necessairily have to be a 'substance' that one is addicted to. I can't wait to run again.

Despite what the numbers say, I won. No, not the governors seat...but I think we all knew that was the longest of long shots and no one was surprised by that outcome. I am not convinced we will ever know the actual number of votes I received, what with the poll workers deciding which votes to count and which votes to simply discard, but even that is a victory. By spotlighting the fact that apparently not everyone's vote counts I have brought it to the attention of voters who are very unhappy about it. That unhappiness is fertile breeding ground for political action and political action breeds political change. My campaign also has brought light to the larger and more critical issue of Alabama's horrible ballot access laws and has given me a base of people, which I can and will organize to carry out the political actions that breed political change. Look for a bill addressing ballot access laws in the upcoming legislative session as well as a bill on medical marijuana.

In closing and trying to sum up all of the things that I feel and that happened during this campaign I have this to say, when I was a kid I always wanted to be a rock star and running for Governor in Alabama was what I imagine being a rock star is like. For 15 months I got to be a thorn in the ass of the prohibitionist establishment in the most oppressive state in the nation and I got the media to cover it all the way down the line. I had an absolute ball. How often in ones life does the opportunity to thoroughly mock the establishment, and in Alabama no less, on such a grand public scale, knock on the door? Not often.

I'll see you at the State House during the upcoming legislative session and around Alabama as I prepare to educate the public, the media and elected officials about the issue of medical marijuana in Alabama.

I owe a very special thanks to some very special individuals who helped me in some way during the campaign.

Members of the Media

Tim Lennox at For the Record. Throughout the campaign Tim Lennox was ethical enough in his journalism to include my activities despite my not having ballot access. He inserted me into many roundtable discussions and newscasts, exchanged emails with me and had me on the show near the end of the election. FTR is my favorite news show in Alabama and having Tim be so helpful was priceless.

Phil Rawls and Robb Carr at the Associated Press. Phil was always fair, enjoyed my sense of humor and captured it well in his articles, and did not leave me out of his experienced political coverage even though he very well could have. Phil also offered me tips he had collected from his many years covering politics in Alabama. It was always sage advice. I can't thank him enough. He did the first and last major articles on my campaign and his last one launched me into the international spotlight. Robb Carr took great photos of me throughout the campaign for various AP articles and was just delightful to be around. I'll miss them between now and the next run for office. They added to the fun factor for this election.

Monica Allen, Stephanie Hicks, Chris Bailey, Jabari Pruitt and the whole gang at WAKA Channel 8 in Montgomery. Channel 8 provided more in-depth coverage of my campaign than any other major network channel in the state. I always had an absolute ball everytime I would go in to be a guest on TalkBack Live and everyone at Channel 8 treated me like an old friend.

Editor Bob Martin at the Montgomery Independent and Bob Ingram, the syndicated political columnist, for noticing that I have boobies and proceeding to alert everyone else to that fact. Without their help I probably never would have been covered in the national and international media. With their help I was second only to the Governator (Arnold S. in Cali)in national media coverage of gubernatorial campaigns. Also, I would never have made as much money as I did on the "More Boobs" merchandise. So thanks y'all for making me a star even though I am almost certain that was not your intent.

To the bloggerhood

Many thanks are owed to the Alabama Bloggerhood

BlueGal and Dr. IQ were absolutely indispensable in getting the bloggerhood buzzing with the boob story. At one time there were 109,000 posts about me in one day on blogs across the globe. I would also like to thank the following bloggers for their coverage, endorsements and support....in no particular order

Bitter Old Punk
Gun-Toting Liberal
AlaBlawg
Birmingham Blues
Captain Bama
Politics in Alabama
Between the Links
Alabama Moderate
LibertySphere
Aardvarks Plumbline

The Alabama Libertarian Party

Without the help and encouragement of the LPA over the course of the last four years I might never have made the plunge. A special thanks to Mike Rster and his beautiful wife Mia, Sarah Wires, Mark Bodenhausen, Dick Clark, John Sophecleus, Mark Thornton, Jim Greenleaf, Paul Frankel and Steve and Deborah Gordon. I love you all.

And finally thanks again to all of my supporters, fans and friends. I hope that my candidacy made you proud and inspired you to run for office yourself or, at the very least, to become more involved in politics. Remember, politics is the art of controlling your environment and if you want to have some say in the laws by which you will be governed then you have to participate in their creation and passage.

Onward!
Loretta Nall

at 5:34 AM

A lot of my readers will probably be surprised to learn that I am a fan of professional bull riding. Yes. It's true....I do have a red-neck streak in me that seems to get wider every year. It's the good kind of red though.

Why do I like bull riding? I am not sure exactly. It is amazing to me that grown men who should know better will climb on the back of a wild, mean, slobbering beast with horns attached to a ton or so of meat and try to ride it. It's exciting to watch them try and hang on and the bull jumps, twists, turns and does everything it can to dislodge the foreign object from its back. If it succeeds then it tries to gore or step on the rider. It's exciting stuff.

When the ride is bad it is fun to watch the cowboys try and get out of the way and when it is good I find myself clapping along with the audience because you really have to be talented and have a good grip to ride a bull.

I have never had the pleasure of attending a live bull riding performance but am thinking of attending the PBR Finals in Las Vegas this year. If you like bull riding and are interested in attending you can get tickets at PBR Finals tickets.

(this post sponsored by pay-per-post

at 5:14 AM

I did a lot of my holiday shopping online as I have done for the last few years. I have often wondered about 'free shipping'. I always figured that the prices were jacked up in order to cover the shipping. I came across this article and thought some of you might like to read it.

Is Free Shipping Really Free?

By Jill Bauerle

When it comes to online purchases, no two words are more likely to require a calculator than "free shipping." As with music and frequent flyer miles, consumers like their shipping free. But when they do the math, they realize that free shipping is often an oxymoron. Somebody has to pay for all of those styrofoam peanuts.

According to a recent survey by online retailer trade group Shop.org, 75 percent of online shoppers said that free shipping was important to their decision-making process. At the same time, many online retailers have upped the ante on free shipping by requiring higher price thresholds and other conditions.

It seems that retailers have studied up on Free Shipping and Repeat Buying on the Internet: Theory and Evidence, a 2005 study by Wharton Business School professor David Bell and two colleagues from other business schools. After analyzing purchase patterns at retailers such as Amazon.com, Bell and his colleagues found that given the choice, online shoppers prefer a free shipping offer that saves $6.99 versus a $10 discount.
"It's counterintuitive," said Bell. "If a company offered $10 off an order, they got more people ordering, but by offering free shipping they got an even bigger response."

Bell's study also found that shoppers became indifferent when choosing between a high price with free shipping or a low price that requires paying for shipping. Those who pay the high price ended up shopping less frequently. When Amazon.com lowered its free shipping threshold to $25 from $50, Bell said, the company found that shoppers ordered in smaller volumes, but shopped more frequently. The bottom line is that somebody has to pay for free shipping, and fewer online stores are willing to take the hit. But some do and see it as a key differentiator.

Truly Free Shipping Is Rare But Not Extinct

While the days of Kozmo.com delivering a 60 cent package of M&Ms for free by bike messenger have long disappeared, some companies have managed to transform free shipping into big profits.

One such company is Miami-based Databazaar.com, an online retailer of printers and printer supplies. When Databazaar.com began offering free shipping with no conditions or minimums five years ago, sales spiked 20 percent. With 2005 sales figures totaling $31 million, CEO Oney Seal remains committed to what he calls "truly free shipping."
"We're making a smaller profit than our competitors," said Seal, admitting that the decision to lower the price threshold from $50 to zero was difficult. "Shipping remains one of the biggest items on our P&L."

Seal said he tries to cut costs in other ways, like increasing efficiency. In the world of Internet price aggregators, he claims shoppers comparing apples to apples (such as an ink jet cartridge) are more likely to click over to Databazaar.com in search of free shipping.
Not only does truly free shipping attract more eyeballs, but more repeat business as well, according to Tony Hsieh, CEO of the Las Vegas-based Web shoe retailer Zappos.com.
Since offering condition-free shipping both ways (deliveries and returns) seven years ago, Zappos.com's sales rose from $1.6 million in 1999 to a projected $575 million in 2006.

"In the short run, it means less profit, but I think it's definitely connected to the growth," said Hsieh of the company's free shipping policy.
"Our site is driven by word of mouth and repeat customers. Every time we do something to improve our service, we see repeat numbers go up."

Free Shipping in Some Form Is Here to Stay

In the hyper-competitive world of online retailing, consumers can probably count on free shipping in some form for the long term. In some categories such as shoes, dominant retailers like Zappos.com have forced their competitors to (grudgingly no doubt) offer truly free shipping.
"As a retailer you almost have no choice," said Scott Silverman, executive director Shop.org "It almost becomes a cost of doing business. I don't mean to sound flippant, but retailers don't have a choice in the matter if they want to be competitive."

at 5:39 PM

Ever wonder what goes on at home when you aren't there? I do sometimes. I recently got a dog to warn off any unwanted guests. However, he can only try and deter unwanted guests, or eat them, but if they get away then he can't tell me what happened or who dropped by. I am thinking about getting some security/surveillance cameras to help the dog out.

While searching the internet I came across Home Security. This company seems to have just about everything one could possibly want with regard to home surveillence.

Got a new babysitter and want to monitor what they are up to ?? Look no further than this gem

and others like the teddy bear camera, the wall clock camera, the smoke detector camera and the houseplant camera in their Hidden Camera section.

And check out the video sunglasses my, my, my....those puppies would come in handy the when the police officer swears before the judge in court that you gave consent to search to vehicle or invited them into your home, or resisted arrest or a multitude of other things that police are prone to testifying to.

Everyone should have a home surveillance system, if for no other reason than to know if the feds have been in your home on a 'sneak and peek' warrant.

This post sponsored by BrickHouse Security

at 5:51 AM

Well folks it's 2007 and in just a few days the Legislative session will begin....or the organizing part will anyway. I don't expect anything to happen with the medical marijuana bill until sometime in March. Between now and then there is a massive amount of work to be done.

To help us with that work we have just launched a new website for this bill called Compassionate Care , a place where we can all gather and discuss the happenings with the bill, medical conditions, how marijuana helps different people with different conditions. It's a place for patients to connect with legislators and other patients and a place for the general public to visit and educate themselves on this issue.

Please stop by today and post a message on our forums , read our blog visit our gift shop sign up for our newsletter and become a member of our very diverse community.

Please pass this website along to everyone you know who might have an interest in seeing the Compassionate Care Act passed.

at 9:22 AM

Got extra cash left over from Christmas and want to get some new goodies for your mobile phone or PDA? Perhaps you recieved a new mobile phone or PDA from Santa and want to personalize it?

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at 7:32 AM

While channel surfing on New Years Eve I came across a Hee-Haw marathon on CMT. While I am not a fan of country music and I normally would have kept flipping I had to stop and watch.

When I was a kid growing up in Talladega, AL Hee-Haw was a primetime mainstay at our house. We watched it almost religiously. I was too young to fully appreciate the genius of that show as a kid but over the years I have had occassion to think of it and wonder if it still came on and marvel at how good it really was.

I remember when I first met my Canadian friend Marc Emery and he told me that when he thought of Alabama he thought of it being like "Petticoat Junction". I remember laughing and asking him if he had ever watched Hee Haw and he said no. I told him that he should because it gave a much more accurate representation of what Alabama is like. Unfortunately, Canada does not carry Hee Haw. I pity the citizens who will never get to see it. They have not lived.

Last night was absolutely fabulous. I got to see the crazy old housewife with rollers in her hair tell her husband (who is always drunk) that she felt like having some animal passions since it was New Years Eve...to which he responded "Why me too...so let's split up and I'll see you in the morning." Later on the old drunk husband and Junior Samples were laying around with the old hound dog and Junior says, "You was about half drunk when I first saw you this mornin'....now why's that?"
Old drunk man says, "I musta run outta money."

I also got to see Loretta Lynn in her much younger days sing "Hey Loretta, I love you more than my Irish Setter, I'll buy you a new pair of over-hauls if you'll only come back home." I was also treated to Bill Monroe and his bluegrass band singing a gospel song. I don't care for gospel music but if Bill Monroe and the bluegrass band are playing then I am listening. I love bluegrass.

I also got to see Jerry Clower talk about Marcel Ledbetter who I had not thought of in years. Man Jerry Clower is a funny guy.

So, I know some folks will think me odd because I like Hee Haw....but I don't give a damn! Are there any other Cornfield County fans in my reading audience?

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