It’s August in Alabama, and that means hot. It means hot days filled with sweltering temperatures. It means the young and hot are out in their skimpiest outfits. It also means that once again, hot flames are being fanned at Sloss Furnaces, and not in an attempt to make iron once more.

Quickie: Guillermo Castro Dies Birmingham has lost a treasure. Guillermo Castro, owner of Sol y Luna and Cantina, passed away Monday morning following a heart attack.

“Songs are like people,” according to Seth Richardson, lead vocalist, lyricist and founder of Birmingham’s Voices in the Trees. “Each one has its own personality. Some come to me quickly and want to be heard often, while others come in whispers over a period of months and want to be only rarely played.”

It’s that time of year again. The season of hellfire sometimes known as “summer in Alabama.” I detest the heat and am always looking for ways to stay cool. Not surprisingly, beer is a key part of my keeping-cool methodology.

Once upon a time two boys went to the old ball game. We had giant snow cones that were bubblegum flavor and were great.

U.S. economy slowing: American firms added fewer workers than forecast in May, a sign job growth is struggling to pick up, according to data from a new private report based on payrolls.

LEGISLATIVE GREEN UPDATE: We welcome Adam Snyder of Conservation Alabama for his latest update of the status of eco-related bills under consideration in the Alabama legislature:

A collection of Birmingham Weekly Photography of the devastation caused by tornadoes on April 27, 2011.

Survivors of the recent storms and tornadoes in Alabama who suffered damage should apply for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, even if they have insurance or aren’t sure they are eligible.

APRIL 21 & 22 “Earth Day at Samford.” Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Homewood. Activities include films, convocations and the “Renewing the Earth” fair featuring student and faculty exhibits related to the environment. For the schedule, visit www.samford.edu/earthday/schedule.html.