Morning music: “Macarena”
"Macarena"
This song had the longest climb ever to no. 1 in the history of the charts, but it was worth it. “Macarena” held that position for 14 weeks, tying with six other songs for the second-longest run at no. 1 since the chart began...
Morning music: “Put Your Records On”
One of the best singers Britain has produced in decades, Corinne Bailey Rae is a breath of fresh air. She's gonna guide you right on in to work with a smile on your face this morning! Here's "Put Your Records On."
Bio from www.corinnebaileyrae.com:
From Leeds,...
Morning music: “Here Comes the Sun”
I was in the ninth grade when this song hit the airwaves, It was such a happy song that you'd have a hard time believing that anybody could be blue if they tuned in to it and put the top down, cruised down old...
Attention all nerds: Happy Pi Day!
Welcome to March 14, or 3.14, commonly known in math geek circles as “Pi Day.”
“Pi” or π is the Greek letter that represents the English letter P. In geometry, the P stands for “perimeter,” the distance around a circle (also known as circumference). Mathematicians...
Morning music: “Oh Happy Day”
"Oh Happy Day" is a spiritual song that will move you for many reasons...the beat is astounding, the heart and soul of the song are exuberant; it spreads through your spirit, and will give you a great start to your Tuesday! Play on, brother!
"Oh...
Morning music: “Young Hearts Run Free” by Cullman County’s Candi Staton
We have a very special edition of Morning Music today! A native of Hanceville/ Colony, Candi Staton is a hometown girl who made good, but has never forgotten her roots!
A couple of years ago, she was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame...
Foxgloves & Fireflies: A little thought with eyes
I have a friend who was revived after being coded, and later on her sister, who is a nurse, looked up the hospital records to see how long she was "gone." We were all shocked to learn that the official time was 22 minutes.
The night...
Morning music: “Happy”
"Happy" is a song written, produced, and performed by American singer and record producer Pharrell Williams, from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack album. It also served as the lead single from Williams' second studio album, Girl (2014). It was first released on Nov. 21,...
Morning music: “I Will Survive”
Ready for the number one dance song ever?
Lauded as the no.1 song of the 100 Greatest Dance Songs in 2000, "I Will Survive" was the FIFA World Cup un-official anthem of the French team, who went on to win the competition 1998.
In...
Morning Music: “Don’t Leave Me This Way”
This song was one of the biggest hits of the disco era. With a driving, rhythmic beat that will have you longing for those glitzy disco balls and white polyester suits like John Travolta wore in "Saturday Night Fever," it will bring back lots...
Morning music: “Everybody Plays the Fool”
Morning listeners! This morning's selection also has a trivia question...Anyone know whose father was the lead singer of this 1973 hit song by the Main Ingredient? Here's a hint...the son is a very well-known movie star whose most famous line to-date is, "Show me...
Morning music: “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”
This morning's feel good song makes it almost impossible to be sad..."Don't Worry, Be Happy" is one of those tunes that just plain makes you smile. Happy Monday, y'all !!!
Bobby McFerrin Jr. (born March 11, 1950) is an American jazz vocalist and conductor. He...
Part 5: There but for fortune: a mother’s story
This is the true story of heartache, physical, sexual and alcohol abuse, love, hate, financial burdens and finally, finding joy, happiness and hope.
We trust that you will understand why the names and some of the circumstances had to be changed to protect the privacy...
Morning music: “I Can See Clearly Now”
Good morning! What more perfect song for today than this 1972 chart buster by the guy who discovered Bob Marley! Open your sunroof, put on your shades and turn your newspaper up LOUD ! It's Friday, y'all !!!
"I Can See Clearly Now," written and...
Morning music: “Good Morning”
Good morning ! We got ‘cha rolling this morning with Mandisa’s “Good Morning” requested by reader Becky Lee. Thanks for listening and spreading the love, Becky!!!
Mandisa Lynn Hundley (born October 2, 1976), known professionally as Mandisa, is an American gospel and contemporary Christian recording...
Morning music: “If You’re Ready, Come Go with Me”
This is the fourth installment of a new weekday morning post called "Morning music." From The Tribune's Loretta Gillespie: "We are about to make your mornings a little brighter, happier and a whole lot more fun than listening to a lot of bad news!...
Part 4: There but for fortune: a mother’s story
This is the true story of heartache, physical, sexual and alcohol abuse, love, hate, financial burdens and finally, finding joy, happiness and hope.
We trust that you will understand why the names and some of the circumstances had to be changed to protect the privacy...
Morning music: “You Make Me Feel Like Dancin’”
This is the third installment of a new weekday morning post called "Morning music." From The Tribune's Loretta Gillespie: "We are about to make your mornings a little brighter, happier and a whole lot more fun than listening to a lot of bad news!...
Morning music: “Love Train”
As Thursdays, yesterday was one of the best. Mainly, I think, because before daylight yesterday I heard “Love Train” on the soundtrack of a movie. Now, I don’t know about you, but to me, there is just something happy about that song, and so...
Part 3: There but for fortune: a mother’s story
This is the true story of heartache, physical, sexual and alcohol abuse, love, hate, financial burdens and finally, finding joy, happiness and hope.
We trust that you will understand why the names and some of the circumstances had to be changed to protect the privacy...
Part 2: There but for fortune: a mother’s story
This is the true story of heartache, physical, sexual and alcohol abuse, love, hate, financial burdens and finally, finding joy, happiness and hope.
We trust that you will understand why the names and some of the circumstances had to be changed to protect the privacy...
Foxgloves & Fireflies: life in the South
I was asked recently what I love about life in a small town. It caught me off guard, but after thinking about it, I realized my answer, which was that I love getting to see practically everyone I know on any given day, in...
EDITORIAL: ATRIP2 and how it will affect Cullman County
The following editorial was submitted by Association of County Commissions of Alabama Executive Director, Sonny Brasfield:
Tomorrow morning millions of folks in Alabama will turn the switch, throw the car in reverse and head out for the daily responsibilities. Before leaving they'll give a great...
A tribute to my friend, Tom Drake
Tom Drake and his best buddy, Miss Minnie
Did you ever wonder if people dance in Heaven? What about pets, do you ever wonder if there are pets in Heaven?
If so, then Tom Drake is jitterbugging his way through the Pearly Gates and down the...
Part 1: There but for fortune: a mother’s story
This is the true story of heartache, physical, sexual and alcohol abuse, love, hate, financial burdens and finally, finding joy, happiness and hope.
We trust that you will understand why the names and some of the circumstances had to be changed to protect the privacy...
Why I’m pro-life
The following is an opinion piece submitted to The Tribune by U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Alabama. The opinions expressed are Aderholt's.
Our beliefs, our ideals and our very way of being are almost entirely rooted in the way we were raised. The values that are...
Foxgloves & Fireflies: Teachers
In writing an article for another paper I recently came across the story of a fourth-grader who initiated a fundraiser for a new animal shelter in her area. The fact that it was a child who came up with the idea was amazing, but...
News from the Pond: Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizens named
The Dripping Springs Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented Good Citizens Awards to Owen Griffith Lovell, of Cullman High School, Jefferson Lee Wayne Boyett, of Cold Springs High School, Taylor Lee Dover, of Fairview High School, Dawson Foust, of Holly Pond...
Foxgloves & Fireflies: Love is all you need
Adel and E.H. Mize, who were from Cullman, on their wedding day - Feb. 1, 1942 (photo contributed by family)
The Bible mentions the word “love” 310 times. In the 60s the Beatles told us that “all we need is love” and for most of...
Foxgloves & Fireflies: Cooking with holiday leftovers
Cooking with leftovers can be as easy as popping something into the microwave or it can be a new adventure in creating with what you have on hand.
If you’ve tired of turkey sandwiches, here’s something you might not have tried. My daughter and her...
Foxgloves & Fireflies: Clever clutter cover-ups
Now that the holidays are almost over, some of us are already dismantling our decorations. It feels kinda good to see the normal room reappear, but sad in a way because the decorations held the gray skies at bay for a few weeks.
If your...
Countdown to Christmas: Decorating with food
Decorating with food is fun and although some vegetables can become very complicated, others like the ones I’m about to show you, are relatively simple.
Artichokes are an architectural marvel. They come tightly woven but with a little preparation you can safely maneuver to the...
Countdown to Christmas: Homemade ornaments and gift tags
If you love making Christmas memories with your kids, here is a great way to have fun with them while making ornaments to put on your tree, in a wreath or on a package.
These little cookie-like ornaments have a story at our house. We...
Countdown to Christmas: Gift wrapping ideas
I love plain brown wrapping paper, or plain white, because you can dress them up so cleverly that they look like artwork or arrangements made from clipped greenery.
First wrap your gift in either of the above papers, or with burlap, if you are really...
Countdown to Christmas: Make-ahead appetizers
Here is a list of recipes that are tried and true, they’ve stood the test of time and people never seem to tire of them!
Most recipes are on the boxes of ingredients listed, if not, the recipe will be furnished.
Sausage/Cheese Balls (recipe on Bisquick...
Countdown to Christmas: American-made stocking stuffers
If you are looking for American-made products this year, here are some ideas that might help you fill those stockings!
The New York Times dubbed zkano founder Gina Locklear the "Sock Queen of Alabama," and for good reason. The organic sock company is located in Fort Payne, which was known as the Sock...
Letter to the Editor: For official use only
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY -
The Department of the Army issued orders today to COL S. Claus, recalling him to active duty, with a report date of 24 Dec 16.
A reservist, with 1,742 years of service, this airborne soldier specializes in vertical delivery of high-value...
Countdown to Christmas: making your home smell festive
Over the next few days leading up to Christmas, Tribune columnist Loretta Gillespie will be sharing Christmas tips with our readers. They will include recipes, craft projects, unique home decorating ideas and more.
Our countdown has included a feast for the palette, for the eyes,...
Countdown to Christmas: Fresh greenery wreaths with spending a dime
Over the next several days leading up to Christmas, Tribune columnist Loretta Gillespie will be sharing Christmas tips with our readers. They will include recipes, craft projects, unique home decorating ideas and more.
With just days left until Santa arrives it’s time we started decking...
Countdown to Christmas: Great gifts for not a lot of money: salt candles
Over the next several days leading up to Christmas, Tribune columnist Loretta Gillespie will be sharing Christmas tips with our readers. They will include recipes, craft projects, unique home decorating ideas and more.
Most people start out with good intentions about holiday spending, but by...
Countdown to Christmas: How to make awesome Brussels sprouts
Over the next several days leading up to Christmas, Tribune columnist Loretta Gillespie will be sharing Christmas tips with our readers. They will include recipes, craft projects, unique home decorating ideas and more.
Brussels sprouts are ridiculously cheap so it makes good sense to...
Foxgloves & Fireflies: Savers of strings and other things
I spent all day yesterday in my attic. Hunching over to avoid the gabled beams, I labored for hours packing away Halloween and Thanksgiving/fall decorations, stacking items collected over a lifetime to the rafters.
I was especially nostalgic this year, taking care to pack carefully...
Health & Wellness: Hiking
Aristotle once said, “In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.”
Residents in Cullman County and the surrounding areas are lucky to have areas such as Hurricane Creek Park and Duck River Reservoir for hiking. Taking a moment to unplug and spend...
Foxgloves & Fireflies: Turkey platter obsession
I’m not sure just what started it, but more than likely it was just like any other collection, you just find something that speaks to your heart and you purchase it and put it in a place where you can enjoy it and it...
ALGOP statement on Sen. Jeff Sessions’ nomination for U.S. attorney general
Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Alabama
MONTGOMERY - On Friday morning, President-elect Donald Trump announced that U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Alabama will serve in his cabinet as U.S. Attorney General. Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan issued the following statement on the nomination:
"The Alabama Republican Party is...
Shedd: We need to implement a hay transportation program now
CULLMAN - The current drought is really hurting the cattle industry in my legislative district and relief is no where in sight. This week, I met with numerous agribusiness officials in Montgomery, including Alabama Cattlemen Association officers to discuss ways to help cattle farmers...
Foxgloves & Fireflies: How to grow healthy, happy succulents
Succulents require little care, and they reward you with beautiful foliage and occasional blooms.
The popularity of succulents has exploded over the past couple of years. That might be because these are such unusual looking, hardy plants – they practically thrive on neglect.
Most, but not...
Foxgloves & Fireflies: Winter care and feeding of houseplants
This time of year is transitional for people and plants. When it’s time for us to get out warm sweaters and scarves, it’s also time to bring plants indoors for the winter.
Even when temps are not freezing, the wind this time of year can...
Foxgloves & Fireflies: Why didn’t someone tell me?
Why didn’t someone tell me that it was going to be like this? Getting old, I mean. When I was younger I thought my grandparents had it all figured out. They were the wisest people I knew, the ones who gave the best advice,...
Foxgloves & Fireflies: Red-eye gravy
There are two things that I had to struggle to learn how to make. For one thing, my grandmother never used recipes, just a pinch of this and a smidgen of that, you know, I'll bet your grandmother was the same way.
The other reason...
Foxgloves & Fireflies: Propagating garden and house plants
It’s been a long time a’ comin’ but fall is finally beginning to show up in the early mornings, the leaves have changed to a lesser green, and although not entirely orange and yellow yet, I can see the promise of it coming.
This has...
Foxgloves & Fireflies: rumor has it
Remember the game we all played in elementary school called, “Telephone?” I’m not sure why, since it had nothing to do with a telephone unless maybe it was thought up back when people had party lines. I remember when there were up to seven...
Hunting season 2016
Crisp autumn mornings. Guns and ammo on sale in the sporting goods stores. This can only mean one thing- hunting season is upon us. That time of year when every guy becomes an outdoorsman, tunes up their 4 X 4, buys new orange camo...
Foxgloves & Fireflies: Things Southern women say
If you are one of Facebook’s gazillion users, you’ve probably seen the videos that start out with some pretty, well-dressed women walking across a street, then striking a pose for the camera to the sound of glass breaking.
You know the one I’m talking about,...
September 11- have you forgotten?
New York City Firefighter Tony James cries during a funeral service for New York Fire Department Chaplain Rev. Mychal Judge, Sept. 15, 2001. Judge died when he was hit by debris while giving last rites on 9/11. (Getty)
Like November 22, 1963, or December 7,...
Billy Bob’s Stories and Stuff: To catch a mockingbird
Those silly dogs of mine will chase anything that moves and a few things that don’t. They rarely catch the things they chase except the ones that don’t move. The non-moving objects have included rocks, trees, paper someone threw down in the yard and...
Foxgloves & Fireflies: People are complicated…
Does it break your heart that Khloe Kardashian sold her house for a mere $5.49 million? Or that her net worth of $20 million allows her to purchase a new home for $7.2 million?
What is heartbreaking about this is that half of those figures...
Billy Bob’s Stories and Stuff: I’ve had that surgery
Occasionally, someone will ask me how many times I’ve been in the hospital. For a little fun, I often reply, “Oh, I’ve lost count, but probably thousands of times.” They usually look at me like I’m either crazy or just plain lying. Then I...
Foxgloves & Fireflies: if granny had a leaf blower
The leaves are just starting to turn orange on my sugar maples, and some are already falling. It makes me think of my Granny. I can just see her raking leaves as hard as she could go. She didn’t just rake them for the...
Foxgloves & Fireflies: grandmothers
Photo: "This is my daughter, Eva "Sassy." She was about 5-6 years old in this photo. She loves to play in the mud!” LeeAnn (and Todd) Garrison of Mt. Hope
Growing up, I had the best of both worlds. I had city grandparents and country...
NASA, so what? The hometown connection
Photo shows James Webb Space Telescope mirror segments.
“Yeah, sure, NASA launches rockets and sends probes into outer space. It’s neat I guess. But, so what? What they do doesn’t affect me personally.” I’ve heard a few folks say this in my 23+ years with...
Chocolate milk
If you have ever seen a movie or a documentary about people shooting heroin into their arms, you’ve seen that dazed look come over their faces just before their eyes roll back in their sockets. That’s me on chocolate milk. I admit it –...
Thank goodness for farmers
Perhaps you had milk with your cereal this morning; if so, you can thank a farmer. Or maybe, if you buttered your whole wheat toast, used some sweet strawberry jam or some delicious apple butter on it, you can thank a farmer.
All over Cullman...
First day of school
They say that one of the strongest memory triggers is the sense of smell. That must be true because whenever I smell chalk or yeast rolls, I think of the first day of school.
It was always intimidating, and a little exciting, to enter the...
Thank you, Deputy Nunn
Last week, my husband and I were going south on Interstate 65 when we hit a piece of steel in the road. One tire blew right away. Because of it being a steel tire, it caused my minivan to go to the left, which...
To the young girl thinking of becoming a nurse…
To the young girl thinking of becoming a nurse...
The world will speak at you in many ways. You will read how the medical world is full of red tape, rules, ratios and never-ending charting, but there are a few things they are missing. The...
Suicide: an open letter from Cullman County Coroner Jeremy Kilpatrick
An open letter from Cullman County Coroner Jeremy Kilpatrick
There are dark times and then there are great times. Sometimes the dark outweighs the great. I have found that the best prescription for depression is GOD. However, your dark times may require more. I urge...
A poem written with love to my mother, Carolyn Vandiver
A poem written with love to my Mother, Carolyn Vandiver
"Mama"
Mama, so many times I've called your name and every time there came an answer just the same.
You always knew when something was wrong and with a few caring words, soon the problem was...
She Was Always There
When I was growing up the one person who was always there for me was my mother. I was born in the old DeKalb General Hospital in Fort Payne, Alabama. Guess who was there. Well, dah. If she hadn’t been there I couldn’t be...
My Story: Leanne H. West
From The Cullman Tribune, April 28, 2016 edition:
April 27, 2011 – My Story
Leanne H. West
I will always remember April 27, 2011, along with everyone else who was in Cullman County (or anywhere in Alabama) on that fateful day. I had the misfortune to be...
OPINION: An Open Letter to the Citizens of Cullman, regarding the dismissal of Tourism Director Cecelia Smith by the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce
The following is an opinion piece submitted by a member of the community. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of CullmanSense, the CullmanSense staff or any other contributors to CullmanSense.
To...
OPINION: A Letter to My Fellow Republicans
My Fellow Republicans,
My name is David Andrews. I am a loyal supporter. Tomorrow is primary day. We will go to the polls and select our favorite candidate for president. I am proudly supporting Marco Rubio. Some people are supporting other candidates. That is okay,...
OPINION: Why I Am Voting for Donald Trump
Why I am voting for Donald Trump:
Trump’s company of $10 billion has a larger budget than 15 other U.S. states’ budgets that are managed by governors and state legislatures.
Trump is one of only two candidates in the race who has ever actually balanced a...
OPINION: Anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma Reminds Us to Keep Moving Forward
CULLMAN – Fifty years ago, people of color were subjected to abhorrent treatment in our state, and while it is still not something many want to remember, it is the only way to truly move forward. On March 7, thousands gathered at the bridge...
Making Cullman’s Tail Wag: Can Our Community Be More Pet Friendly?
CULLMAN – Our town is growing in a number of ways, but what if we can make it even better? Let’s grow downtown Cullman in number… with pets! Some of the most popular cities in the U.S. are pet friendly, so let’s do something...
What’s the Best Time to Workout?
Some of us are definitely morning people. We feel a burst of energy when we wake up and we can’t wait to seize the day. Others, however, tend to get their best wind during the afternoon or in the evening. So with all that...
OPINION: No(ah)-It All: Mystery leak at crypt not so mysterious
Following wild reports of a mystery fluid leaking from crypts at Cullman Memory Gardens, I decided to go out to investigate this peculiar claim.
Upon arriving, Ron Foust, owner of Stone Bridge Farms, was speaking with a local police officer and a former employee of...
The Dash Diet: A Review
There are a great many diets floating around these days, each with some extreme weight-loss claims and an eating regime that involves either cutting something out or adding something totally weird to your normal meal system. However, there is one in particular that currently...
OPINION – News Stories that Left an Impact
News becomes old very quickly these days. Headlines that could last for weeks now disappear in days in the digital world. News stays new. Occasionally though some important ones fall through the cracks and get lost. Below we take a look at four of...
Cinderella Leaves a Lasting Impression at St. Bernard Prep School
CULLMAN - St. Bernard Preparatory School’s production of “Cinderella” was held recently and their talented students and staff presented the story like no other. “Cinderella”, a Rodgers & Hammerstein Production, is a timeless classic enjoyed by many for generations. The junior version of the...
OPINION: The Heartbleed Bug: How Secure Are We?
It’s become known as the greatest mistake on the Internet of all time. It is the largest security breach online ever . . . and it was a total accident. The Heartbleed Bug, as it’s become known, was first reported and named by Codenomicon...
OPINION: April 27th: A Hard Lesson Learned
It’s a date most of us in Alabama know by heart now. Three years ago, a generational super storm ripped through the heart of the South, spawning 211 tornados over the course of 24 hours. Sixty-three of them were in Alabama. Of those four...
Opinion: A Reminder of the Blessings of Being American
A Follow-Up on Fort Hood
Last week a horrible event repeated itself. A lone gunman attacked the army base of Fort Hood, killing three and injuring 16 others. This was less than five years after Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan killed 13 people and injured...
OPINION: End of March, Good News for Troops
March marked the 150th month of the war in Afghanistan. Since October 7, 2001, U.S. troops have been deployed there. Their primary task had been to eliminate Afghanistan as a safe haven for terrorism, specifically the bases used to train and harbor those implicit...
Vinegar…The Eighth Wonder of the World!
The Cleaning Agent That Has Superpowers
With the many uses and capabilities of vinegar, it’s astonishing that there hasn’t been an infomercial about this amazing product. I can see the video reel now: “It cleans, it shines, it disinfects, it deodorizes, it protects. But wait,...
OPINION: How to Fix a Broken Congress
Almost 90 percent of Americans agree the 113th Congress has failed miserably at their jobs. Some blame Republicans. Others blame Democrats. Still others blame the President. A few blame everyone. No matter who is to blame, the root of the problem remains. Problems demand...
OPINION: Obamacare’s Assault on the Lower-Middle Class; Affordable Care Act Isn’t What You Think
Obamacare or the “Affordable Care Act” continues to be highly debated four years after being signed into law. Conservatives present it as the poster child of liberal big government overreach. Liberals defend it as the reason they see for government to exist, to protect...
2013 – A Retrospective Look
Just as we are sweeping up the leftover tinsel and bits of wrapping paper that have gone astray from our Christmas celebration, we are getting ready for New Year’s Eve. It seems like the same thoughts enter my brain every year at this time....
Eliminating Nuclear Weapons is Just as Important as Eliminating Chemical Weapons
The apparent employment of chemical weapons in Syria should remind us that, while weapons of mass destruction exist, there is a serious danger that they will be used.
That danger is highlighted by an article in the September/October 2013 issue of the Bulletin of the...
Letter to President Obama from a Loyal Supporter
Dear President Obama,
I supported you in both elections, with my vote and financial giving. When you were elected, I was overjoyed that the US had a leader in the White House who was bright, articulate and honest. After the Bush years, many of us...
Congress, Beware of Secret Briefings
Our Congressional Representatives and Senators were called back last week and briefed before the fall session starts. They will have to decide whether to support Obama’s call for a military attack on Syria. I shudder when I think about this whole process. I remember...
Taking the Profit Out of War
We now have a huge war machine that dwarfs President Eisenhower’s warning about the undue influence of the military-industrial complex. In an Aug. 29, 2013 editorial for Common Dreams, Bruce Gagnon of the Global Network says, “We’ve become a killer nation. We have to...
Pay Attention to Teachers Who Bully
While bullying between school children has rightly received much attention in recent years, other types of school-based bullying are rarely discussed. Bullying of students by their teachers remains a significant problem and is every bit as dangerous as peer-to-peer bullying.
Teacher-on-student bullying takes many forms,...
The Missing Choice
There is a glaring hole in the choices being considered by the United States and the international community in response to the Syrian chemical weapons attack that left 1,400 dead. The only two options that are being seriously debated are action in the form...
