An Unfortunate Weiner:
A month ago, Representative Anthony Weiner of New York’s 9th District was at the top of his game. He was a beloved progressive watchdog and had a very good chance to become mayor of New York in the future. Now he’s just trying to keep his job. Earlier this week it was revealed that Weiner has engaged in adulterous activities online and in text messages.He engaged in such activities with six different women, according to Weiner himself,and even sent a revealing picture of himself in boxers to a woman in Washington. I was actually an admirer of Weiner, so this comes as a disappointment to me. I guess it just goes to show that you really can’t believe in integrity in D.C.
Bearable Airport Security?
Remember when going through airport security didn’t feel like you were being forced to live through a scene from 1984? Me neither, but I’m led to believe that it wasn’t always so awful. It seems that airlines are starting to remember, as well (I’d imagine they caught on when their profits plummeted). According to the Associated Press, the International Air Transport Association is developing a 20-foot-long security tunnel that would scan for liquids and explosives in shoes and carry on luggage. You won’t even have to take off your shoes! Eye scanners would also be used to match your identity to your passport. The system still sounds like something from a dystopian novel, but it’s certainly better than the status quo. Maybe now we’ll be able to make it to the terminal with a shred of dignity.
A Burning Ban!
Jefferson County is in a literal hot seat right now, and it’s starting to leave a mark. Since Monday, a wildfire has been burning through West Jefferson County and has only grown in size over the past few days.According to Jeremy Gray of The Birmingham News, Governor Robert Bentley has issued a ban on burning across Alabama in light of the drought which is causing the wildfire. The ban means that tornado victims will be unable to burn debris, though that might before the best considering that, according to Alabama Forestry Commission officials, the fire was started by someone burning debris.For now, there’s nothing to do but ride out the ban and the drought and wait. According to Colleen Vansant, Forestry Commission spokeswoman, “It will not be under control until we get some rainfall.”
Healing the Highways:
Cleaning up after April’s tornadoes will be a long and difficult process, probably lasting years.Fortunately, we’re not alone.According to Ainsley Allison of ABC 33/40, U.S. Secretary of Transporation Ray LaHood announced after reviewing the damage that $1.5 million of emergency funds will be released to the state to help finance road and highway repairs over the next few months. “As President Obama has said, ‘We will be here to support you no matter how long it takes,’” according to Secretary LaHood. It’s good to hear that pledge, considering the condition our state is in right now. The $1.5million only reimburses initial cleanup costs.Total costs are estimated to be $10 million. It will be difficult to finance no matter what, but it’s good to know that the Federal government will be there to help lighten the load.
A month ago, Representative Anthony Weiner of New York’s 9th District was at the top of his game. He was a beloved progressive watchdog and had a very good chance to become mayor of New York in the future. Now he’s just trying to keep his job. Earlier this week it was revealed that Weiner has engaged in adulterous activities online and in text messages.He engaged in such activities with six different women, according to Weiner himself,and even sent a revealing picture of himself in boxers to a woman in Washington. I was actually an admirer of Weiner, so this comes as a disappointment to me. I guess it just goes to show that you really can’t believe in integrity in D.C.
Bearable Airport Security?
Remember when going through airport security didn’t feel like you were being forced to live through a scene from 1984? Me neither, but I’m led to believe that it wasn’t always so awful. It seems that airlines are starting to remember, as well (I’d imagine they caught on when their profits plummeted). According to the Associated Press, the International Air Transport Association is developing a 20-foot-long security tunnel that would scan for liquids and explosives in shoes and carry on luggage. You won’t even have to take off your shoes! Eye scanners would also be used to match your identity to your passport. The system still sounds like something from a dystopian novel, but it’s certainly better than the status quo. Maybe now we’ll be able to make it to the terminal with a shred of dignity.
A Burning Ban!
Jefferson County is in a literal hot seat right now, and it’s starting to leave a mark. Since Monday, a wildfire has been burning through West Jefferson County and has only grown in size over the past few days.According to Jeremy Gray of The Birmingham News, Governor Robert Bentley has issued a ban on burning across Alabama in light of the drought which is causing the wildfire. The ban means that tornado victims will be unable to burn debris, though that might before the best considering that, according to Alabama Forestry Commission officials, the fire was started by someone burning debris.For now, there’s nothing to do but ride out the ban and the drought and wait. According to Colleen Vansant, Forestry Commission spokeswoman, “It will not be under control until we get some rainfall.”
Healing the Highways:
Cleaning up after April’s tornadoes will be a long and difficult process, probably lasting years.Fortunately, we’re not alone.According to Ainsley Allison of ABC 33/40, U.S. Secretary of Transporation Ray LaHood announced after reviewing the damage that $1.5 million of emergency funds will be released to the state to help finance road and highway repairs over the next few months. “As President Obama has said, ‘We will be here to support you no matter how long it takes,’” according to Secretary LaHood. It’s good to hear that pledge, considering the condition our state is in right now. The $1.5million only reimburses initial cleanup costs.Total costs are estimated to be $10 million. It will be difficult to finance no matter what, but it’s good to know that the Federal government will be there to help lighten the load.
macky
