Temp: 54.5 degrees F (12.5 degrees C)
Rainfall (past 24 hours): 0.1 inches.
Humidity: 75 percent (Humid)
Conditions: Mostly Cloudy.
Winds: Winds out of the East-Northeast.
Barometric Pressure: 29.75 inHg.
Week to Date Rainfall: 0.7 inches
Month to Date Rainfall: 0.7 inches
Year to Date Rainfall: 5.9 inches
NOTE: 44th day of Winter. Lots of birds out and about this morning.
Readings taken at 0700 hrs Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily, just west of the Monroe-Conecuh County line, near Excel, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.42834°N Lon 87.30131°W. Elevation: 400 feet above sea level.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Politics were cranking up in Conecuh County a century ago
It’s that time of the month again, time to take a trip down memory lane and review all of the interesting things that took place in Conecuh County 100 years ago, way back in February 1912.
The year 1912 was an election year in Conecuh County and the Feb. 1, 1912 edition of The Conecuh Record newspaper contained a number of local political announcements.
“John Donald Skinner is an aspirant for the office of tax assessor. Mr. Skinner is the son of Dr. Skinner of Belleville, one of Conecuh’s oldest residents.
“Professor H.T. Lile announces in this issue for the office of superintendent of education. Mr. Lile has been principal of the agricultural school here several years past and is thoroughly competent to discharge the duties which will be imposed upon him should he be elected to the office which he seeks.
“Mr. J.F. Irwin is a candidate for the office of tax collector of this county. He served the county as sheriff for one term, discharging his duties to the satisfaction of the general public.
“It will be seen by reference to the growing list of announcements that C.G. Russell is a candidate for county treasurer. He is an old Confederate veteran and has resided in the county for 30 years.”
Also that week, correspondent “Jason” reported from the Finklea community that “a turpentine still will soon be in operation near here on lands formerly owned by the Michigan Land Co.”
He also reported that “Walter Culbrith had the misfortune to lose his foot in a railroad accident in Pensacola recently. He is at home and recovering.”
The Feb. 8, 1912 edition also contained a number of political announcements.
“Walter G. Johnson announces this week for the office of superintendent of education.
“F.P. Hines is a candidate for county commissioner. He is a resident of Belleville, in which community he stands well.
“J.W. Hobbs, a resident of Repton and justice of the peace at that place, is also a candidate for commissioner and solicits the suffrage of the voters of the county.
“S.H. Purnell, a representative of Mill beat, is in the race for commissioner and will appreciate any favors shown him in the coming election.”
Whitcomb also reported that week that “the fire at the oil mill Wednesday morning was quickly quenched and very little damage done.”
That week’s paper also contained the following announcements, under the headline, “Attention, Baseball Boys!”
“If you are interested in baseball and want to become a member of a national association or want to become a professional baseball player, increasing your present salary, write to the United Fraternal Baseball Union of America, southern branch at Jasper, Ala., Box 298, enclosing 10 cents and learn full particulars. It’s easy money.”
The Feb. 15, 1912 edition also included a few more political announcements.
“E.D. Mancill, a graduate of Highland Home college, is an aspirant for the office of superintendent of education. He holds a first-grade certificate and is now teaching school in this district.
“J.A. Feagin, a member of the firm of Rabun & Feagin at Brooklyn, has served on the board of county commissioners for the past four years. He is a candidate for re-election.”
In news from the Hampden Ridge community, correspondent “Lick” reported that “J.S. Daw, whose home was destroyed by fire on Jan. 31, is preparing to rebuild.”
Readers that week also learned that “the farmers who have been holding their cotton for a better price are now turning it loose on a 10-1/4 cent market.”
Whitcomb also reported that week that “in a difficulty which occurred near Herbert last Saturday afternoon, Chas. Perdue was shot and killed by Martin Sheffield. Sheffield is now in the county jail. Perdue leaves five small children.”
In the following week’s paper, Whitcomb reported that “Martin Sheffield, slayer of Chas. Perdue, had a preliminary hearing and was released on a $2,000 bond.”
Also in the Feb. 22, 1912 edition, Whitcomb reported that “an embryo cyclone shook up things in a lively manner in and around Evergreen Wednesday morning about three o’clock and evidences of its destructive power are to be seen on every hand today.
“E.C. Lee, who was spending the night at his 75-acre strawberry farm, eight or 10 miles from the city, had his arm broken by being picked up by the wind and dashed against an out building. Two or three buildings on Mr. Lee’s farm were also demolished.
“Large trees which had withstood the onslaughts of time and storm were uprooted in every part of the city, which fencing in every direction was blown away like chaff.
“The agricultural school building was badly damaged, amounting, it is estimated, to about $300.”
Readers that week also learned that “Eli Giddens, accompanied by two of his daughters, Misses Maud and Lula, is attending the carnival in Mobile.”
Whitcomb also reported that “today being a legal holiday, nearly everyone who owned or could borrow a gun, went bird hunting.”
In the Feb. 29, 1912 edition, readers learned that “Agent Hawkins informs The Record that more freight was received at Evergreen during the past 30 days than any other point between Montgomery and Mobile during the same length of time.”
Subscribers that week also heard that “the aviation meet in Montgomery next week promises to be a great event and will be attended by many from this city.”
Whitcomb also reported that “the alarm of fire attracted quite a crowd to the home of Mrs. Robinson Thursday. Damage slight.”
Readers that week also learned that “Arthur Hines, son of F.P. Hines of Belleville, accidentally shot himself a few days ago and is reported to be seriously injured.”
Also that week, under the headline “NOTICE,” it was reported that “the old soldiers of Camp Wm. Lee, No. 338, will not meet until Sat., April 6, so that the old soldiers can go to the primary election April 1. All go and vote for your choice and good government. (signed) G.R. Boulware, Commandant.
“P.S. You can get your pension any time during next quarter.”
On a sad note, that week’s paper, under the headline “Death of Hunter Dean,” it was reported that “the death of S.H. Dean on Tuesday night about nine o’clock, after an illness of only a few days, was a great shock to the entire community.
“He was about 35 years old and has held several positions of responsibility and trust, and at the time of his death was assistant cashier in the Peoples Bank of this city.”
Whitcomb closed out the month of February with the following cryptic announcement, under the headline, “It’s Straight Goods – Read It.”
“Fi uoy era detbedni ot ehT droceR, won si eht emit ot llac dna yap pu. Ew deen eht yenom thgir won.”
Well, I guess that’s all that space will allow for this month. Next month, I plan to take a look at the events of March 1912 in Conecuh County. Until then, if you get the urge to research the county’s past yourself, take advantage of the Evergreen-Conecuh County Public Library’s excellent selection of old newspapers on microfilm and other resources. The library’s friendly and courteous staff will be more than happy to get you started.
The year 1912 was an election year in Conecuh County and the Feb. 1, 1912 edition of The Conecuh Record newspaper contained a number of local political announcements.
“John Donald Skinner is an aspirant for the office of tax assessor. Mr. Skinner is the son of Dr. Skinner of Belleville, one of Conecuh’s oldest residents.
“Professor H.T. Lile announces in this issue for the office of superintendent of education. Mr. Lile has been principal of the agricultural school here several years past and is thoroughly competent to discharge the duties which will be imposed upon him should he be elected to the office which he seeks.
“Mr. J.F. Irwin is a candidate for the office of tax collector of this county. He served the county as sheriff for one term, discharging his duties to the satisfaction of the general public.
“It will be seen by reference to the growing list of announcements that C.G. Russell is a candidate for county treasurer. He is an old Confederate veteran and has resided in the county for 30 years.”
Also that week, correspondent “Jason” reported from the Finklea community that “a turpentine still will soon be in operation near here on lands formerly owned by the Michigan Land Co.”
He also reported that “Walter Culbrith had the misfortune to lose his foot in a railroad accident in Pensacola recently. He is at home and recovering.”
The Feb. 8, 1912 edition also contained a number of political announcements.
“Walter G. Johnson announces this week for the office of superintendent of education.
“F.P. Hines is a candidate for county commissioner. He is a resident of Belleville, in which community he stands well.
“J.W. Hobbs, a resident of Repton and justice of the peace at that place, is also a candidate for commissioner and solicits the suffrage of the voters of the county.
“S.H. Purnell, a representative of Mill beat, is in the race for commissioner and will appreciate any favors shown him in the coming election.”
Whitcomb also reported that week that “the fire at the oil mill Wednesday morning was quickly quenched and very little damage done.”
That week’s paper also contained the following announcements, under the headline, “Attention, Baseball Boys!”
“If you are interested in baseball and want to become a member of a national association or want to become a professional baseball player, increasing your present salary, write to the United Fraternal Baseball Union of America, southern branch at Jasper, Ala., Box 298, enclosing 10 cents and learn full particulars. It’s easy money.”
The Feb. 15, 1912 edition also included a few more political announcements.
“E.D. Mancill, a graduate of Highland Home college, is an aspirant for the office of superintendent of education. He holds a first-grade certificate and is now teaching school in this district.
“J.A. Feagin, a member of the firm of Rabun & Feagin at Brooklyn, has served on the board of county commissioners for the past four years. He is a candidate for re-election.”
In news from the Hampden Ridge community, correspondent “Lick” reported that “J.S. Daw, whose home was destroyed by fire on Jan. 31, is preparing to rebuild.”
Readers that week also learned that “the farmers who have been holding their cotton for a better price are now turning it loose on a 10-1/4 cent market.”
Whitcomb also reported that week that “in a difficulty which occurred near Herbert last Saturday afternoon, Chas. Perdue was shot and killed by Martin Sheffield. Sheffield is now in the county jail. Perdue leaves five small children.”
In the following week’s paper, Whitcomb reported that “Martin Sheffield, slayer of Chas. Perdue, had a preliminary hearing and was released on a $2,000 bond.”
Also in the Feb. 22, 1912 edition, Whitcomb reported that “an embryo cyclone shook up things in a lively manner in and around Evergreen Wednesday morning about three o’clock and evidences of its destructive power are to be seen on every hand today.
“E.C. Lee, who was spending the night at his 75-acre strawberry farm, eight or 10 miles from the city, had his arm broken by being picked up by the wind and dashed against an out building. Two or three buildings on Mr. Lee’s farm were also demolished.
“Large trees which had withstood the onslaughts of time and storm were uprooted in every part of the city, which fencing in every direction was blown away like chaff.
“The agricultural school building was badly damaged, amounting, it is estimated, to about $300.”
Readers that week also learned that “Eli Giddens, accompanied by two of his daughters, Misses Maud and Lula, is attending the carnival in Mobile.”
Whitcomb also reported that “today being a legal holiday, nearly everyone who owned or could borrow a gun, went bird hunting.”
In the Feb. 29, 1912 edition, readers learned that “Agent Hawkins informs The Record that more freight was received at Evergreen during the past 30 days than any other point between Montgomery and Mobile during the same length of time.”
Subscribers that week also heard that “the aviation meet in Montgomery next week promises to be a great event and will be attended by many from this city.”
Whitcomb also reported that “the alarm of fire attracted quite a crowd to the home of Mrs. Robinson Thursday. Damage slight.”
Readers that week also learned that “Arthur Hines, son of F.P. Hines of Belleville, accidentally shot himself a few days ago and is reported to be seriously injured.”
Also that week, under the headline “NOTICE,” it was reported that “the old soldiers of Camp Wm. Lee, No. 338, will not meet until Sat., April 6, so that the old soldiers can go to the primary election April 1. All go and vote for your choice and good government. (signed) G.R. Boulware, Commandant.
“P.S. You can get your pension any time during next quarter.”
On a sad note, that week’s paper, under the headline “Death of Hunter Dean,” it was reported that “the death of S.H. Dean on Tuesday night about nine o’clock, after an illness of only a few days, was a great shock to the entire community.
“He was about 35 years old and has held several positions of responsibility and trust, and at the time of his death was assistant cashier in the Peoples Bank of this city.”
Whitcomb closed out the month of February with the following cryptic announcement, under the headline, “It’s Straight Goods – Read It.”
“Fi uoy era detbedni ot ehT droceR, won si eht emit ot llac dna yap pu. Ew deen eht yenom thgir won.”
Well, I guess that’s all that space will allow for this month. Next month, I plan to take a look at the events of March 1912 in Conecuh County. Until then, if you get the urge to research the county’s past yourself, take advantage of the Evergreen-Conecuh County Public Library’s excellent selection of old newspapers on microfilm and other resources. The library’s friendly and courteous staff will be more than happy to get you started.
The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for Feb. 2, 2012
NINE YEARS AGO
FEB. 6, 2003
“The Sparta Academy Warriors basketball team finished their regular season as area champs and won the right to host the Class A Area Tournament. Members of the team are Patrick Cumagun, Tony Raines, Brandon Burleson, Cody Lowery, Will Ivey and Eric Talbot; Chris Garner, Perry Castleberry, Jeremy Anderson, Drew Davis, Josh Williams, Wiley Cobb, Paul Castleberry and Coach Russ Brown.”
“The Hillcrest varsity boys for the 2003 season enjoy a 24-6 record as they go into the area tournament this Sat., Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. against U.M.S.-Wright of Mobile. Coach Tommy Dukes and his team members are Rodricka Henry, Seneral Lee, Nicholas Williams, Bryan Boykins, Chris Hines, Chenson Griffin, Jerry Johnson, Destry Taylor and Arnold Hines.”
“The Hillcrest High School varsity girls team ended the regular season with a 19-6 record and are prepared for the area tournament beginning this Fri., Feb. 7, at 5:30 p.m. at Hillcrest with a game between Andalusia and UMS-Wright, followed by a 7 p.m. game when the Lady Jags will play Gulf Shores. Team members are LaWanda Mitchell, Andrell Baxter, Ebony Nelson and Monica Dean; Candi Jackson, Katie Fountain, Natalie Nelson, Stephanie Rudolph, Candice Mims, Raven Rudolph and Kailundra Rudolph. They are coached by Danny Covin.”
24 YEARS AGO
FEB. 4, 1988
“Marshall Middle School cheerleaders for 1987-88 are Michelle Covan, Phyllis Hall, Kim Ingram and Chandra Smith and Cassie Jenkins. Susan Brewton, Valerie Williams, Sharon Mitchell and Sponsor Tammy B. Newton are not pictured.”
“The basketball teams at Monroe Academy won three of four games played in Monroeville on Jan. 29, according to Sparta Sports Information Director Byron Warren Jr.
“Kim Searcy continued her assault on Sparta’s scoring records as she pumped 30 points through the nets to pace the Lady Warriors to an easy 51-38 win over the Lady Vols. Julie Johnson had 12 points, and Shawn Hammonds nine for Sparta.
“Sparta’s varsity Warriors were blasted 78-57 by Monroe. Brad Watts led Sparta with 19 points. Robbie Bolton had 14 points, Toby Baggett and Chris Davis, eight each, and Lee Wild and Kenny Bledsoe, four each.”
“Jeb Barron finished out the deer season in fine fashion by bagging this eight-point buck ‘in the woods.’ The rack had a 16-inch spread and the deer weighed 150 pounds.”
“David McCorvey bagged this big 209-pound buck recently. The deer’s eight-point antlers had a spread of 18 inches.”
“Last Wednesday afternoon was a good one for Robbie Moorer as he bagged this trophy 10-point, weighing 200 pounds and had a 19-inch spread. When asked where he killed the buck, he replied ‘in Murder Creek Swamp.’”
39 YEARS AGO
FEB. 1, 1973
“These Evergreen Aggies racked up three wins last week to run their season record to 23-0. Friday night they played Jackson in Jackson and will be at Castleberry Tuesday night. Next home game is T.R. Miller here Friday night, Feb. 6. Shown with the three trophies they have already won this year are Lemond Jones, David Thomas, David Carroll, Wavie Ausby, Cleve Fields and Eddie Stallworth and Coach Charles Branum, John Stallworth, Anthony Armstrong, Rueben Parrish, Chamberlain Green and Willie Locke.”
“Evergreen’s Wavie Ausby led the Aggies in scoring with 20 points in the final game of the South Alabama Conference tournament held at Lurleen B. Wallace State Junior College in Andalusia. Winning all of their games in the tournament, the Evergreen team went on to win the SAC championship. The tournament games gave the Aggies a 20-0 record.”
“The Conecuh County High Junior Team of Castleberry is seeded first in the area tournament being played here Friday and Saturday night. The players are Larry Blackmon, Billy Sanders, Calvin Miniard and Eddie Garner; Melvin Moncrease, Leonard McGuire, Kenneth Gross and Sammy McCreary.”
“The five top junior teams in South Alabama will match up this Friday and Saturday night at Evergreen High School in the District 1, Area 2 state tournament. Castleberry’s Conecuh County High School squad will represent Conecuh County in the meet.”
54 YEARS AGO
FEB. 6, 1958
“The Eagles of CCTS fell victim to the Atmore five Friday, Jan. 31, and suffered their first loss at home for the season. This team was different from the other quints that the Eagles have met this season. Their starting five averaged 6-2 with no starter under 6-foot. They could all run and jump like gazelles and each was as deadly from 20-25 feet out as most high school players are shooting a crip shot. This perhaps accounts for their undefeated season of 8-0.”
“On Sat., Feb. 8, the Conecuh County Training School is serving as host to the annual Girls Invitational Basketball Tournament. This tournament will feature such outstanding teams as Lomax-Hannon of Greenville, who incidentally beat the CCTS state champions twice last season, Harper High of Clarke County, Union High of Monroeville, Beatrice of Monroe County, Camden Academy, McIntosh of Washington County, Atmore of Escambia County and of course the star studded CCTS Eaglettes and Westfield High, Birmingham.
“The Eaglettes will be putting their fine 7-1 record on the line.”
“There will be two basketball games on Mon., Feb. 10, at the CCTS gym beginning at 7:30 p.m., featuring four groups of teachers. Captains of the four teams are as follows: Miss Annis Brundidge, Mrs. Jessie Webb, Mr. George Armstrong and Mr. John Floyd. Come out and root for your favorite team. Adm. 25 cents. Sponsored by the Les Comrade Club.”
69 YEARS AGO
FEB. 4, 1943
“’WHO’S WHO’ ANNEX SCHOOL: Most Athletic, boy – Leon Wallace; Most Athletic, girl – Abye Stinson.”
Compiled by Sports Reporter Lee Peacock from past issues of The Evergreen Courant. To read The Courant’s weekly Sports Flashback feature online, visit leepeacock2010.blogspot.com.
FEB. 6, 2003
“The Sparta Academy Warriors basketball team finished their regular season as area champs and won the right to host the Class A Area Tournament. Members of the team are Patrick Cumagun, Tony Raines, Brandon Burleson, Cody Lowery, Will Ivey and Eric Talbot; Chris Garner, Perry Castleberry, Jeremy Anderson, Drew Davis, Josh Williams, Wiley Cobb, Paul Castleberry and Coach Russ Brown.”
“The Hillcrest varsity boys for the 2003 season enjoy a 24-6 record as they go into the area tournament this Sat., Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. against U.M.S.-Wright of Mobile. Coach Tommy Dukes and his team members are Rodricka Henry, Seneral Lee, Nicholas Williams, Bryan Boykins, Chris Hines, Chenson Griffin, Jerry Johnson, Destry Taylor and Arnold Hines.”
“The Hillcrest High School varsity girls team ended the regular season with a 19-6 record and are prepared for the area tournament beginning this Fri., Feb. 7, at 5:30 p.m. at Hillcrest with a game between Andalusia and UMS-Wright, followed by a 7 p.m. game when the Lady Jags will play Gulf Shores. Team members are LaWanda Mitchell, Andrell Baxter, Ebony Nelson and Monica Dean; Candi Jackson, Katie Fountain, Natalie Nelson, Stephanie Rudolph, Candice Mims, Raven Rudolph and Kailundra Rudolph. They are coached by Danny Covin.”
24 YEARS AGO
FEB. 4, 1988
“Marshall Middle School cheerleaders for 1987-88 are Michelle Covan, Phyllis Hall, Kim Ingram and Chandra Smith and Cassie Jenkins. Susan Brewton, Valerie Williams, Sharon Mitchell and Sponsor Tammy B. Newton are not pictured.”
“The basketball teams at Monroe Academy won three of four games played in Monroeville on Jan. 29, according to Sparta Sports Information Director Byron Warren Jr.
“Kim Searcy continued her assault on Sparta’s scoring records as she pumped 30 points through the nets to pace the Lady Warriors to an easy 51-38 win over the Lady Vols. Julie Johnson had 12 points, and Shawn Hammonds nine for Sparta.
“Sparta’s varsity Warriors were blasted 78-57 by Monroe. Brad Watts led Sparta with 19 points. Robbie Bolton had 14 points, Toby Baggett and Chris Davis, eight each, and Lee Wild and Kenny Bledsoe, four each.”
“Jeb Barron finished out the deer season in fine fashion by bagging this eight-point buck ‘in the woods.’ The rack had a 16-inch spread and the deer weighed 150 pounds.”
“David McCorvey bagged this big 209-pound buck recently. The deer’s eight-point antlers had a spread of 18 inches.”
“Last Wednesday afternoon was a good one for Robbie Moorer as he bagged this trophy 10-point, weighing 200 pounds and had a 19-inch spread. When asked where he killed the buck, he replied ‘in Murder Creek Swamp.’”
39 YEARS AGO
FEB. 1, 1973
“These Evergreen Aggies racked up three wins last week to run their season record to 23-0. Friday night they played Jackson in Jackson and will be at Castleberry Tuesday night. Next home game is T.R. Miller here Friday night, Feb. 6. Shown with the three trophies they have already won this year are Lemond Jones, David Thomas, David Carroll, Wavie Ausby, Cleve Fields and Eddie Stallworth and Coach Charles Branum, John Stallworth, Anthony Armstrong, Rueben Parrish, Chamberlain Green and Willie Locke.”
“Evergreen’s Wavie Ausby led the Aggies in scoring with 20 points in the final game of the South Alabama Conference tournament held at Lurleen B. Wallace State Junior College in Andalusia. Winning all of their games in the tournament, the Evergreen team went on to win the SAC championship. The tournament games gave the Aggies a 20-0 record.”
“The Conecuh County High Junior Team of Castleberry is seeded first in the area tournament being played here Friday and Saturday night. The players are Larry Blackmon, Billy Sanders, Calvin Miniard and Eddie Garner; Melvin Moncrease, Leonard McGuire, Kenneth Gross and Sammy McCreary.”
“The five top junior teams in South Alabama will match up this Friday and Saturday night at Evergreen High School in the District 1, Area 2 state tournament. Castleberry’s Conecuh County High School squad will represent Conecuh County in the meet.”
54 YEARS AGO
FEB. 6, 1958
“The Eagles of CCTS fell victim to the Atmore five Friday, Jan. 31, and suffered their first loss at home for the season. This team was different from the other quints that the Eagles have met this season. Their starting five averaged 6-2 with no starter under 6-foot. They could all run and jump like gazelles and each was as deadly from 20-25 feet out as most high school players are shooting a crip shot. This perhaps accounts for their undefeated season of 8-0.”
“On Sat., Feb. 8, the Conecuh County Training School is serving as host to the annual Girls Invitational Basketball Tournament. This tournament will feature such outstanding teams as Lomax-Hannon of Greenville, who incidentally beat the CCTS state champions twice last season, Harper High of Clarke County, Union High of Monroeville, Beatrice of Monroe County, Camden Academy, McIntosh of Washington County, Atmore of Escambia County and of course the star studded CCTS Eaglettes and Westfield High, Birmingham.
“The Eaglettes will be putting their fine 7-1 record on the line.”
“There will be two basketball games on Mon., Feb. 10, at the CCTS gym beginning at 7:30 p.m., featuring four groups of teachers. Captains of the four teams are as follows: Miss Annis Brundidge, Mrs. Jessie Webb, Mr. George Armstrong and Mr. John Floyd. Come out and root for your favorite team. Adm. 25 cents. Sponsored by the Les Comrade Club.”
69 YEARS AGO
FEB. 4, 1943
“’WHO’S WHO’ ANNEX SCHOOL: Most Athletic, boy – Leon Wallace; Most Athletic, girl – Abye Stinson.”
Compiled by Sports Reporter Lee Peacock from past issues of The Evergreen Courant. To read The Courant’s weekly Sports Flashback feature online, visit leepeacock2010.blogspot.com.
Kennedy's book on Joe DiMaggio wins CASEY Award for Best Baseball Book
Book lovers in the reading audience will be interested to hear that Kostya Kennedy and Time Inc./Sports Illustrated won Spitball Magazine’s 2011 CASEY Award for Best Baseball Book for “56: Joe DiMaggio and the Last Magic Number in Sports.”Kennedy’s book was among 10 finalists for this 29th Annual Award. The other finalists included the following titles:
- “The Art of Fielding: A Novel” by Chad Harbach
- “Baseball in the Garden of Eden: The Secret History of the Early Game” by John Thorn
- “The Big Show: Charles M. Conlon’s Golden Age Baseball Photographs” by Neal McCabe and Constance McCabe
- “Bottom of the 33rd: Hope, Redemption and Baseball’s Longest Game” by Dan Barry
- “Campy: The Two Lives of Roy Campanella” by Neil Lanctot
- “Fenway 1912: The Birth of a Ballpark, a Championship Season and Fenway’s Remarkable First Year” by Glenn Stout
- “The Greatest Minor League: A History of the Pacific Coast League, 1903-1957” by Dennis Snelling
- “The Kings of Casino Park: Black Baseball in the Lost Season of 1932” by Thomas Aiello
- “21: The Story of Roberto Clemente” by Wilfred Santiago
If you enjoy baseball and a good book, you probably can’t go wrong with any of these books.
Super Bowl XLVI (46) will be played this coming Sunday, and almost every living, breathing football fan in the country will be glued to their TV to see the New England Patriots take on the New York Giants in Indianapolis.
This year’s big game will be broadcast live on NBC and is set to begin at 5:30 p.m.
Over the years, the Super Bowl has been elevated to the level of an unofficial national holiday, and more than a few people tune in just to see the commercials. The halftime show is also usually worth watching, and this year’s show will feature Madonna.
The Patriots are a slight favorite in the game, and most fans will agree that the Giants are going to have to bring their A game if they hope to beat Tom Brady and the Pats. It goes without saying that the Giants are pretty good themselves, so they will have their say in regard to the final outcome.
For me, the Super Bowl is always bitter sweet. The game is arguably the biggest sporting event of the year, but when the final second ticks off the game clock on Sunday, it’ll mark the official end of another long football season.
With the end of football, most sports fans will turn their full attention to basketball, and hoops fans in the reading audience will know that the high school season is winding down too. Sparta Academy wrapped up its regular season last week, and Hillcrest will close out their regular season schedule tomorrow (Friday) night.
Conecuh County is lucky to have a group of outstanding high school basketball coaches and a slate of very decent varsity teams. This year it looks like Hillcrest’s varsity boys and Sparta’s varsity girls have the best chances of going deep into the playoffs. Of course, the jury is still out on Hillcrest’s varsity girls and Sparta’s varsity boys. If those two teams take it a game at a time and play to their full potential, they could also make strong runs in their respective classes.
Daily Weather Observations - Thurs., Feb. 2, 2012
Temp: 60.6 degrees F (15.9 degrees C)
Rainfall (past 24 hours): 0.6 inches.
Humidity: 84 percent (Humid)
Conditions: Overcast, Foggy.
Winds: Winds out of the West.
Barometric Pressure: 29.71 inHg.
Week to Date Rainfall: 0.6 inches
Month to Date Rainfall: 0.6 inches
Year to Date Rainfall: 5.8 inches
NOTE: 43rd day of Winter. Dense Fog Advisory in effect until 9 a.m. CST. Today is also Groundhogs Day and Candelmas.
Readings taken at 0700 hrs Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily, just west of the Monroe-Conecuh County line, near Excel, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.42834°N Lon 87.30131°W. Elevation: 400 feet above sea level.
Rainfall (past 24 hours): 0.6 inches.
Humidity: 84 percent (Humid)
Conditions: Overcast, Foggy.
Winds: Winds out of the West.
Barometric Pressure: 29.71 inHg.
Week to Date Rainfall: 0.6 inches
Month to Date Rainfall: 0.6 inches
Year to Date Rainfall: 5.8 inches
NOTE: 43rd day of Winter. Dense Fog Advisory in effect until 9 a.m. CST. Today is also Groundhogs Day and Candelmas.
Readings taken at 0700 hrs Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily, just west of the Monroe-Conecuh County line, near Excel, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.42834°N Lon 87.30131°W. Elevation: 400 feet above sea level.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
This week's movie picks are 'The Woman in Black' and 'The Thing'
It’s Wednesday, so today I give you my weekly list of movies that will open in theatres this week as well as a list of movies that will be released this week on DVD.I hope this will serve as a useful guide as to what’s going on this week if you happen to be near a movie theatre or if you’re looking for something to drop into your NetFlix queue.
Movies that are scheduled to hit theatres this week include:
Big Miracle (PG, Drama, Family): Directed by Ken Kwapis and starring Drew Barrymore, John Krasinski, Kristen Bell, Ted Danson and Dermot Mulroney.
Chronicle (PG-13, Science Fiction, Suspense): Directed by Josh Trank and starring Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell, Michael B. Jordan, Michael Kelly and Ashley Hinshaw.
The Innkeepers (R, Horror, Suspense): Directed by Ti West and starring Sara Paxton, Pat Healy, Kelly McGillis, George Riddle and Alison Bartlett.
Kill List (Horror): Directed by Ben Wheatley and starring Neil Maskell, MyAnna Buring, Harry Simpson, Michael Smiley and Emma Fryer.
Perfect Sense (Romance, Drama): Directed by David Mackenzie and starring Ewan McGregor, Eva Green, Connie Nielsen, Stephen Dillane and Ewen Bremner.
The Woman in Black (PG-13, Horror, Suspense): Directed by James Watkins and starring Daniel Radcliffe, Ciaran Hinds, Janet McTeer, Shaun Dooley and Alisa Khazanova.
Windfall (Documentary): Directed by Laura Israel.
New DVD releases for the week of Jan. 31 include:
The Big Year (PG, Comedy): Directed by David Frankel and starring Jack Black, Steve Martin, Owen Wilson, Jim Parsons and Rashida Jones.
Dog Jack (PG-13, Drama, Family): Directed by Edward T. McDougal and starring Louis Gossett Jr., Benjamin Gardner, Frank Kasy, Kenneth Craig and Eddie Huchro.
The Double (PG-13, Suspense, Drama): Directed by Michael Brandt and starring Richard Gere, Topher Grace, Martin Sheen, Odette Yustman and Stana Katic.
Dream House (PG-13, Suspense, Mystery): Directed by Jim Sheridan and starring Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, Naomi Watts, Marton Csokas and Rachel G. Fox.
Drive (R, Crime, Drama): Directed by Nicholas Winding Refn and starring Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Christina Hendicks and Albert Brooks.
The Hammer (PG-13, Drama): Directed by Oren Kaplan and starring Russell Harvard, Raymond J. Barry, Shoshannah Stern, Michael Anthony Spady and Courtney Halverson.
In Time (PG-13, Science Fiction, Suspense): Directed by Andrew Niccol and starring Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy, Olivia Wilde and Alex Pettyfer.
Texas Killing Fields (R, Drama, Crime): Directed by Ami Canaan Mann and starring Sam Worthington, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Chloe Grace Moretz, Jessica Chastain and Jason Clarke.
The Thing (R, Science Fiction, Horror): Directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. and starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton, Eric Christian Olsen, Adewale Akinnuoye Agbaje and Ulrich Thomsen.
If I could only watch one movie at the theatre this week, it would be “The Woman in Black,” and if I had to pick just one DVD to rent this week, it would be “The Thing.”
In the end, let me know if you get a chance to watch any of the new movies in theatres this week or if you’ve already seen any of the movies that have just been released on DVD. What did you think about them? Which would you recommend? Let us know in the comments section below.
Daily Weather Observations for Wed., Feb. 1, 2012
Temp: 54.1 degrees F (12.3 degrees C)
Rainfall (past 24 hours): 0.0 inches.
Humidity: 84 percent (Humid)
Conditions: Mostly Cloudy.
Winds: Winds out of the Northeast.
Barometric Pressure: 29.73 inHg.
Week to Date Rainfall: 0.0 inches
Month to Date Rainfall: 0.0 inches
Year to Date Rainfall: 5.2 inches
NOTE: 42nd day of Winter. Small, spider-web-like patches visible on the ground this morning. Also, more birds seemed to be about than usual.
Readings taken at 0700 hrs Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily, just west of the Monroe-Conecuh County line, near Excel, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.42834°N Lon 87.30131°W. Elevation: 400 feet above sea level.
Rainfall (past 24 hours): 0.0 inches.
Humidity: 84 percent (Humid)
Conditions: Mostly Cloudy.
Winds: Winds out of the Northeast.
Barometric Pressure: 29.73 inHg.
Week to Date Rainfall: 0.0 inches
Month to Date Rainfall: 0.0 inches
Year to Date Rainfall: 5.2 inches
NOTE: 42nd day of Winter. Small, spider-web-like patches visible on the ground this morning. Also, more birds seemed to be about than usual.
Readings taken at 0700 hrs Central Standard Time (1300 GMT) daily, just west of the Monroe-Conecuh County line, near Excel, Alabama, USA, in the vicinity of Lat 31.42834°N Lon 87.30131°W. Elevation: 400 feet above sea level.
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