Out with the old ...

Back row (l-r): Mary, Natalie, Stephanie, Bud, Ben and Amber.
 Front row (l-r) Lance, Bo and Shane

As 2012 winds down, many of us are looking for better things in 2013.
This was a Christmas to remember for me, though, for mixed reasons.
For the first time, my dad came down to spend the holiday with us. It was a wonderful visit and we spent a lot of time together.
He also got to spend time with his Alabama family: Shane and Amber came up from Livingston; Lance flew in from Fort Sill and he, Stephanie and Natalie had a great time; and, of course, Bo. For those who didn't know, my dad is Bernard Joseph McLaughlin III, I am Bernard IV and Bo is Bernard V.
Our emotions were mixed because this was also the first Christmas since my mom died in January.
Dad came down to relax and "kick back," as he said. We made sure he did just that, too.
This is also the first Christmas in more than 35 years that I haven't had a job of some sort.
Some have said this is a new adventure and I should embrace this search for a new job. I thought the same, too, for the first few weeks.
Now, though, it's been three months and the adventure, which sounded exciting at first, has become more of an odyssey, fraught with emotional ups and downs with more than a handful of rejections.
So, I am glad to see the end of a year that began with the loss of my mom and ended with me without a job.
This is why I believe - and hope - 2013 should be better.
My emotional well-being is tested with each passing jobless day but I have to believe that there is something out there with my name on it.
I must keep the faith ...

Huntsville Havoc owner reaches out to Newtown

The recent massacre at Sandy Hook School touched just about everyone of us.
Those of us with children; those of us who teach; those of us with a heart.

On Saturday, the Huntsville Havoc reached out to Newtown with a special jersey auction.
Team owner Keith Jeffries donated the proceeds of the auction of his jersey to The Sandy Hook School Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of Connecticut.
The fund was established to help support the college costs for siblings of those killed, the dependents of the adult victims and students at the elementary school who are accepted to attend UConn.
"We wanted to do something more than a moment of silence," Jeffries said after the game, which was a 4-1 win by the Havoc over Mississippi RiverKings. "We heard about the scholarship fund and thought that was a way to help."
Jeffries' jersey brought $525 and was purchased by a couple who are season ticket holders, he said.
"They kept bidding because they wanted to do their part," he said.
For information about the fund, visit www.friends.uconn.edu/sandyhook. Or to make a donation by mail, the address is UConn Foundation, 2390 Alumni Drive Unit 3206, Storrs CT 06269-3206. Please note on the check the gift is for the Sandy Hook School Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Textron Systems, Bell Helicopter launch Huntsville simulator lab

Huntsville may have to change its moniker from "The Rocket City" to "The 'Copter City."
In a ceremony today, Textron Systems and Bell Helicopter opened a lab featuring helicopter and unmanned aircraft simulators.
The lab, on the third floor of 1525 Perimeter Parkway in Textron's site, is said to be one of the most unique labs in the country.
The simulator is of a Kiowa Warrior helicopter which is linked to unmanned aircraft systems.
The lab will combine live data feeds with high-fidelity simulated environments and field equipment.
"Our Department of Defense customers are facing a period of profound change," said Textron Systems President/CEO Ellen Lord. "Now, more than ever, they need affordable technologies that can be deployed rapidly against their most pressing requirements.
"These new lab capabilities enable our customers to achieve this while reducing program risk."
Massachusetts-based Textron Systems has been providing services and solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years.
Bell Helicopter is a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. and a leading maker of commercial and military vertical-lift aircraft - manned and unmanned.
"We are not only exploring next-generation concepts for situational awareness, we are rapidly developing both the solutions and cutting-edge technologies that bring them to life," said Bell President/CEO John Garrison. "Working together, we will drive affordable mission solutions for our customers and support the critical work they do - today and into the future.

A new version of 'trickle down' economics on horizon

My previous blog saluted Huntsville for being named by Pitney Bowes Software as a "metro magnet" - the latest in a long list of honors, economic and otherwise, for our city.
However, not to put a dark cloud over the honor, there is possible trouble on the horizon.
The city's recognition has been for its success over the last few years but it may be facing difficulty in the not-too-distant future because of the specter of sequestration and federal budget cuts.
We've been able to survive the devastating effects of the recession because of the diverse business base.
Now, though, whatever growth in employment or falling unemployment rates we've seen, the city's employment opportunities may stagnate.
You see, scores of companies - many small, woman- or veteran-owned businesses - are no longer hiring or are laying off employees.
Those companies' decisions are made because they are reliant on federal contracts or are subcontractors and are awaiting the outcomes of the awards.
I am among thousands of Huntsvillians either seeking employment with or are employed by these companies and are growing increasingly frustrated and anxious with the inaction of our nation's leaders.
Enough with the preening and trying to be the biggest badass on the Hill. Get to work to get our country moving. You were elected to serve Americans, not a party.
A side thought: Maybe we ought to lock the president in a room with Reid, McConnell, Pelosi and Boehner and no one comes out until a deal is reached. No meeting with reporters. No spinning their own version of the discussions.
Their lack of progress affects millions and millions of people, not just government contractors, either.
The "trickle down" from not hiring and cutting employees can affect other businesses, particularly retail, in the coming weeks and, maybe, even months.
Being dependent on Washington was for so long a strength of Huntsville.
Now, we may begin to feel some pain.
So, will it be a merry Christmas and happy new year for the area?
I hope so, but that remains to be seen.

Congratulations Huntsville ...

The honors and salutations continue to roll in for Huntsville.
The Rocket City is No. 23 in the 50 fastest growing areas, according to a Pitney Bowes "Metro Magnets Index" data study released Tuesday.
No other Alabama city made the top 50 and there were 384 U.S. metro areas studied.
Here's the excerpt from the Chamber of Commerce's "ChamberLink" newsletter:

Huntsville Metro Area is moving on up

According to a Pitney Bowes Software “Metro Magnets Index” data study released on Nov. 27, Huntsville is No. 23 on a list of the 50 fastest growing areas. The city's projected population growth rate of 5.8 percent over the next five years means it's growing faster than some other Southeastern metros, including Nashville and Atlanta. 

The Huntsville area is predicted to grow by nearly 10,000 households between now and 2017. This year’s growth rate is down at just 1.2 percent, which is almost half of its 2.3 percent annual growth rate between 2000 and 2010. The Pitney Bowes report stated that more than 75 percent of U.S. metros are experiencing slower growth than in the previous decade.

Projections have Houston, Atlanta and Washington, D.C., poised to see the most household growth through 2017. The number of households in the Huntsville area will jump from 170,819 to 180,791, according to the company's estimates.

No other Alabama city made the Metro Magnets Index's Top 50; the study analyzed 384 U.S. metro areas.

"Projected household growth is a critical indicator for the economic prospects of a specific geographic area, and this data can help real estate, retail and a range of other businesses, plan their growth strategy scientifically," John O'Hara, President of Pitney Bowes Software, said in a statement about the report. 

"It is no longer acceptable to make strategic business decisions on gut feel alone. Given the plethora of data, and the advanced tools for analyzing it, business leaders can stay ahead of real estate trends for planning."

Priorities and game plans in place for hectic holiday shopping ...

With the hustle and bustle of a family get-together on Thanksgiving and the frantic Black Friday and Small Business Saturday shopping, Sunday is a day of rest, respite and reflection.
Until midnight ... when the clock strikes Cyber Monday.
Working at Sports Authority part-time, has been an eye-opener on the spending and shopping habits of men, women, boys, girls, teens and pre-teens.
Starting with the rush at midnight Thursday when the doors opened, the business pace was much like dropping a pebble into a pool of water. There is the initial big splash, followed by several ripples.
Customers come in with their "game plans" drawn on the advertising flyers. This is for Johnny, that is for Joan. Dad wants this and mom asked for that.
They'll travel in pairs, couples (there is a difference), groups of four or five (teen-age boys favor this strategy) and the occasional solo shopper will come through.
"Here it is!"
"They've got some over there!"
"Oh crap. They're sold out ..."
Jackets. Running wear. Footballs. Baseball gloves. All being checked on and checked off.
A couple of boys, maybe 11 or 12, were walking through the footwear section toward a display of socks.
Standing next to the display was a girl, herself maybe 11 or 12.
"Wo!" Boy A said.
"Wo, wo wo!" chimed in his counterpart. "That's what I'm talking about."
They continued walking toward the display ...
... pass the girl
... to the socks.
"This is what I need: Nike Elites!"
"That's what I'm talking about."
Well, there are priorities ...

Support small businesses on Saturday

You've seen all the commercials and the uproar over Black Friday and how it has trickled over to Thanksgiving.

A lot of the "big box stores" and discount retailers are opening their doors to those who just can't wait a day to shop.
Well, in the midst of all that, there is a day that is just as important, nay, more important to the local economy: Small Business Saturday.
It started just a few years ago, with the help of American Express, to honor and support the small businesses which seem to get lost in the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping.
But these shops and stores are the lifeblood of the community. They are owned by our neighbors who put their own money - and lifestyles - on the line in hopes of meeting some needs and doing something they love.
Here, in Huntsville, there are several businesses, each with their own niche and each with their own story.
JV Diamond Center is owned by a rocket scientist, which is fitting in this town. By day, owner Ziba Smartt works for a local high-tech NASA contractor and, after work and on weekends, she can be found behind the counter with some hand-crafted works.
If you want to play a round of golf - nine holes of par 3; drive that white, dimpled ball a couple hundred yards (straight or crooked); or relax with a game of mini-golf, Richland Golf Center is a good place to visit. Memberships are available (great stocking stuffers) and Charlie and Melissa Richardson also operate a pro shop which provides an abundance of gift ideas for the hacker or duffer you know.
Along Cleveland Avenue in midtown or uptown, there is an eclectic collection of shops that include The Toy Place, which is a step back in time for those childhood memories; the Switch House, which sells locally made soaps, candles, bath candles, art and one-of-a-kind gifts; and the Sandwich Farm. For post-shopping relaxation (or recovery) there are a couple of "watering holes" such as the Lone Goose Saloon and Furniture Factory.
These are just a couple of examples of the variety of businesses we have.
Though they are called small businesses, they are a big part of the local economy. The money stays here; it doesn't go to a corporate headquarters across the country or around the world.
No matter where you turn, there is a small business owner waiting to greet you with a smile - not forced, either - and offering personal service because he or she wants to and is proud to serve you.

A pair of Huntsville's university teams make history - the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Alabama A&M don't disappoint ...

CHARLIE RIEDEL | The Associated Press

Kansas State guard Martavious Irving (3) tried to get between Alabama-Huntsville guards Jamie Smith (left) and Wayne Dedrick in the first half last Tuesday night in Manhattan, Kan.

To say this past week was historic for a pair of Huntsville university sports programs is putting it mildly.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville men's basketball was the first Division II team invited to the NIT Preseason Tournament. The annual event this year featured the likes of Michigan, Kansas State, Pitt, Virginia and Penn.
The Chargers, who are themselves a perennial Division II power, were placed in a bracket with North Texas State, a favorite to win the Sun Belt Conference and led by Tony Mitchell, a likely first-round NBA draft pick next year; Kansas State and Lamar.
So, all UAH did in its opening game with North Texas State was beat the Mean Green 78-75 and hold Mitchell to four shots in 31 minutes before he fouled out.
Coach Lenny Acuff's squad then faced Kansas State and more than met its match against the Big 12 Wildcats, falling 87-26.
But the Chargers don't have any reason to hang their heads. Though overmatched, the players didn't give up and played hard throughout the game, as if they were trailing by just a few points.
Today, UAH continues play in the tournament at Robert Morris University, taking on Cleveland State.
On Saturday, the Alabama A&M football game visited Auburn to take on the Tigers. It was the first time the two teams had ever played.
Coach Anthony Jones' Bulldogs - of the Football Championship Subdivision and the Southwestern Athletic Conference - fell behind 35-0 at the half, but blanked the Tigers in the third quarter and trailed 35-7 before eventually losing 51-7.
Jones cited the experience for his team to not only play a team from the powerful Southeastern Conference, but Auburn was the national champion just two seasons ago.
The A&M marching Maroon and White also performed on the field, receiving a standing ovation from the nearly 75,000 fans after its halftime show.
And perform they did.
Here's the link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMxw48wCtP8&feature=related and
http://youtu.be/MMxw48wCtP8
Congratulations to both universities. You took a step on the big stage of college sports and didn't disappoint.

Nov. 15, 1989: It's gone ... all gone

This is the building where we lived in Waterford Square.

"Budd, we just walked over your house ..."
Those words still reverberate in my mind, almost as clear as when they were uttered 23 years ago today by two of my co-workers at the Huntsville News - George Poague and David Bowman.
They had just returned from the destruction along Airport Road in Huntsville when a EF-4 tornado ripped through there. We had a townhouse in the Waterford Square complex behind a shopping center on Airport Road.
At 4:37 p.m., during rush hour, the twister touched down and went on a rampage, eventually destroying homes, businesses, churches, schools, cars and lives.
Twenty-four people lost their lives.
Nearly 500 people were injured.
Many of those injured and killed were sitting in their cars, on their way home from work or picking up their kids from after-school when the tornado crossed the intersection of Airport Road and South Memorial Parkway.
There was no Doppler radar at the time but, at 4:15, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning.
The first report came at 4:31, according to radio transcripts from crews with the Huntsville Emergency Medical Services Inc. (HEMSI).
"Med comm 10-3, we've got what appears to be a tornado on the ground out toward the arsenal."
4:32 - "It looks like it's going to be south towards the arsenal and towards Martin Road.  ... Can you pick it up?"
"Negative. We thought we heard something but we don't see anything yet."
4:32.15 - "10-4. We picked up the silhouette with the lightning coming down. It looks like it's moving toward the heart of the city."
4:32.22 - "10-4, we'll keep our eye on it."
4:33.46 - "That's probably it, we did hear something go over us a while ago right before that last unit informed us that there's one heading out this way. So, that's probably it in the air."
"10-4."
4:34.07 - "... we have visual contact with the tornado - we're at Drake (avenue) and the Parkway."
"10-4. Which way is it heading?"
4:34.27 - "It looks like it's going toward southeast."
4:35.07 - "... I need a unit at the K-9 range by the old airport. We've got people down."
The following is after the emergency crews arrive.
4:44.29 - "I was taking short cut through Waterford Square due to traffic on Parkway. We have multiple buildings down off Balmoral behind Captain D's. I'm going to see what I can find."
What he found was unimaginable and something never before seen in Huntsville.
One thing, though, it was hard to see anything because the power was out and it was dark and it was raining. Crews worked with emergency lighting, headlights, TV camera lights and anything else they could find as a light source.
It wasn't until the next morning when the amount of destruction was revealed.
Residents returned to dig through the rubble of their homes, hoping to find precious belongings and keepsakes, including photos, wedding gowns, baby clothes.
The term "war zone" is tossed around but, in this instance - according to National Guard and Reservists aiding in the rescue - that term applied. For a short summary of the disaster, visit http://valleywx.com/2012/11/15/8486/
Today, that section of Huntsville is a booming economic district with businesses and restaurants. Waterford Square has rebuilt as have the churches and schools that were in the path.
But, on that November day in 1989, it was gone ... all gone.

Huntsville honors its veterans ... all of whom are heroes

With 2nd Lt. Lance McLaughlin

It's a dank, damp, drizzly Monday here in Huntsville but the weather failed to dampen the spirits of those who turned out downtown for the annual all-volunteer Veterans Day parade.
Hundreds lined the streets to pay respect and honor those who gave of themselves and their families to serve our country.
On Friday, to kick off a weekend dedicated to veterans and Wounded Warriors, the Madison County Military Hall of Heroes inducted seven residents: Fred Crigger, Michael Durant, Ivan Hirshburg, Dick Scales, Michael Rorex, James Wesser and Larry Wynandt. 
Crigger, Hirshburg and Scales served in World War II and were inducted posthumously. Wynandt served in Vietnam, Wesser is a veteran of Desert Storm, Rorex served in Southwest Asia and Durant served in Somalia during Desert Storm.
Their stories can be found at www.mcmhc.org/Bios2012.htm
Durant's actions were the subject of the movie "Blackhawk Down."
According to his bio with the Hall of Heroes, on Oct. 3, 1993, "Chief Warrant Officer Michael J. Durant distinguished himself by gallantry in action while leading a four of four Blackhawk Assault Helicopters into an objective covered by intense enemy fire.
"He then returned to the area to provide over watch for the recovery of crewmen and soldiers from downed aircraft. At that time, his aircraft was struck by enemy fire causing severe damage.
"Despite the severe damage, he landed his aircraft upright." 
He was later wounded and captured by Somalis and held for 11 days before being released.
Like his other fellow inductees, Durant shuns the word "hero" because they were doing what they were trained to do.
However, with all due respect, I will argue, and I think I have a lot of people on my side.
You are all heroes and we salute you.

Hail to the heroes ... and thank you

It was to be a "routine patrol" for the corporal and two other soldiers on a hot July night in Korea in 1951.
They volunteered to capture Chinese soldiers and bring them back to their company's post with information.
Around 11 p.m. while heading down the ridge of Hill 785, they encountered Chinese troops moving on their company's position.
The three Americans opened fire, surprising the enemy and creating some confusion within the enemy ranks.
The corporal sent one of the trio back to the hilltop to warn the company about the Chinese.
In the meantime, the corporal and his partner kept firing on the Chinese while dropping back and keeping themselves between the enemy and the company.
When they finally reached the American position, they joined the company in beating back the Chinese.
The corporal, my father - Ben McLaughlin, was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions that, according to the company commander, helped keep the Chinese from using "the element of surprise to a good advantage" that would have "probably inflicted heavy casualties."
With Sunday being Veterans Day, I shall salute my dad, who left the Army with the rank of sergeant first class; my father-in-law, John Goltz, who served in the Army during Vietnam; and my son, 2nd Lt. Lance McLaughlin, who is currently on exercises at Fort Sill, Okla.
While we should always be thankful to our veterans for their service, this time is special in Huntsville as the Semper Fi Community Task Force hosts its annual Heroes Week. Some 30 wounded warriors from around the country representing all branches of the military will be hosted and feted - with their spouses and care-givers - with a week of relaxation and recognition.
What makes this special is that many of these heroes were in hospitals, recovering from their wounds, while their units completed their deployment and returned to hero welcomes.
The warriors, who arrived in town this week, will be honored at a Veterans Day breakfast and the annual Veterans Day Parade on Monday. There is also a Marine Corps Ball along with fishing tournament and lunches and dinners hosted by the community and local businesses.
So, here's to you, our veterans, who served and are serving so that we may enjoy the many freedoms a lot of  us take for granted.
I thank you.

We stood in line ...

We stood in line.
The temperature was in the low 50s. It was cloudy, occasionally drizzling.
We stood in line.
Today is Election Day. I make it in capital letters because it is important.
This is the day that everyone - and anyone - over the age of 18 should step up and take part in democracy.
We stood in line.
We voted for a president. The ex officio "leader of the free world." We voted for our representatives to Congress; our voice in Washington.
There were local offices on the ballot; this is where democracy is in its purest form. We, in some cases, literally voted for our neighbor.
We stood in line.
No one complained about the wait. For some, minutes turned to hours. No one was forced to be there.
There were no free gifts or coffee or food waiting for them.
It wasn't a line for the latest electronic gizmo or to buy tickets to see the latest hit movie or entertainer.
It was to exercise perhaps the most important right we have as Americans - the right to vote.
We stood in line.
How important is this right? We change our government every two years, every four years, every six years without bloodshed.
No tanks in the street. No suicide bombers. No people being pulled from their homes in the dead of night.
This is what makes the United States different from other nations on this day.
And what did Americans do on this important day as the world watched?
We stood in line.
I hope you did, too.

The days - and weeks - after the storm ...

It's heart-breaking to see the damage that Sandy has caused.
Loss of life.
Flooded subways.
Streets underwater.

This photo provided by the U.S. Air Force shows the roller coaster from the Seaside Heights amusement park submerged in surf,  (AP Photo/U.S. Air Force, Master Sgt. Mark C. Olsen)

Homes damaged and destroyed and also underwater.
Businesses destroyed.
The famed boardwalks of the Shore left in splinters; there's even a roller coaster in the ocean.
Let's not forget the unbelievable blizzard in West Virginia and elsewhere in that area.
Now it's time for the residents to begin the hard part - starting over.
The federal government, in the form of FEMA, will give a hand.
The Red Cross and Salvation Army, along with churches and other organizations, will help provide food, clothing and comfort to the victims.
Insurance will help rebuild.
Maybe.
Yes, maybe.
Unfortunately, much of the damage can be classified as water or flood damage and most insurance policies don't include flood damage. That has to be a separate policy.
Homeowners' and business owners' policies cover fire and wind damage, as well as hail and tornado - speaking from experience.
But most don't include flood.
And that's where the residents will be hurt. And most of them won't realize they were not covered until their requests are denied.
Maybe it's time for the insurance companies include flood coverage in their homeowners' policies. It's like going to the hospital and finding out your insurance won't cover your broken leg.
The insurance companies ought to offer catastrophic insurance as a regular part of homeowners' and business insurance. It could cover "acts of God" - which would include floods, hurricanes and tornadoes - as well as fire and if the occasional driver parks his car in your bedroom.
In the meantime, let's offer our prayers, hopes, hearts and whatever else we can to the people as they rebuild their homes, their businesses, their communities.
And their lives.

A 'dark and stormy night ...'

"It was a dark and stormy night ..."

That's the beginning of the novel "Paul Clifford," written in 1830 by Edward Bulwer-Lytton. The annual Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest "honors" the worst in literature.
It's also made famous by Snoopy in the "Peanuts" comic strip in his efforts to be the great novelist.

Unfortunately, on a serious note, it's what's facing residents of the Northeast as Hurricane Sandy comes ashore this evening.
I'm writing this while Philadelphia station WPVI-TV is streaming about the hurricane as I try to keep up with my family and friends who are in the hurricane's path in South Jersey, Delaware and other points north.
What makes this different is that they're usually watching The Weather Channel to see how we're doing down here after tornadoes and hurricanes rip through, instead of me watching them.
One thing they don't need to do, though, is plant themselves in front of the TV, while they have power, or in front of the computer constantly.
There's nothing worse for stress than hearing "haven't seen the worst yet," "... really going to deteriorate," " ... 90 mph winds" and the like over and over and over again.
Check up on the conditions every half-hour or, better yet, maybe every hour. That should be enough.
Besides, the TV stations and radio stations will update every 15 minutes anyway so you won't miss anything.
You'll hear the winds howling and the rain falling on the roof so you don't need to be constantly reminded by the TV stations' wall-to-wall coverage.
In the meantime, check out HBO or USA, TBS, TNT, ESPN. Find something to get your mind off the weather.
Watch Netflix or put in a DVD.
Maybe pick up a book to read.
But not one that begins "It was a dark and stormy night ..."

The joys of (grand)parenthood ...

There is probably nothing more fulfilling - nor more exhausting - than raising children.
They can be miniature versions of us or other relatives. We have the chance to shape and mold human beings. But, maybe, they'll break those molds and become their own person.
I've been blessed with three sons - but don't tell them I said that.
Lance is a second lieutenant in the Army National Guard and works for a large defense contractor - when he's not on duty with the Guard.
Stephanie is his lovely wife and a nurse and they have a beautiful daughter, Natalie, who will be one year old this time next month - more on her later.
Shane is at the University of West Alabama and married to the also-lovely Amber, a nursing student at UWA.
Bo is a junior at Madison Academy and is your typical 16-year-old, if there is such a thing.
Anyway, it's been a blessing and thrill watching them grow, taking part in their lives - academic and athletic - and also letting them grow on their own ... somewhat.
Granted, there has been plenty of angst and anger along the way - trips to the hospital, school, "time out" and other facilities and locations.
But I wouldn't trade parenthood for anything.
Well, anything except for grandparenthood, which is a whole 'nother thing in itself.
It's our chance again to watch children grow and take part in their lives.
And Natalie is a real treat. She's now walking and, in fact, is coming over this afternoon so I have to re-childproof certain areas of the house. Luckily, some of the cabinet doors still have safety latches on them and  I put pillows around the brick base of the fireplace.
It doesn't seem like 11 months since she joined our family last Thanksgiving weekend. Boy, what a time that was!
And what a time it has been. She seems to be so happy, constantly smiling - though I'm sure Stephanie and Lance have seen her in not-so-smiling, less happier moments.
I'm sure those moments will come here, too. This is what, I guess, grandparenthood is all about - enjoying your children's children, smiles and frowns.
There's also the thrill and eagerness while anticipating their visit.
Oh! There's the doorbell ...

The art of the blog ,,,

Though I've been a writer for more than three decades, when friends urged me to start blogging I was hesitant.
For some reason, I looked at blogging as something foreign.
But when I began to think about it, I came to the realization that it isn't that different from what I have been doing for newspapers since 1978.
Blogging for some is cathartic, a release. It's similar to "journaling," a way to let go of those inner tensions or escape from the struggles of day-to-day living.
Others, like my good friend Becky Wilkenson, blog about their lives with experiences that we can identify with.
Her blog - found at beckywilkenson.blogspot.com - is called "The Extra Penny."
In her words, "So if we give our two cents worth but are only given a penny for our thoughts, where is the extra penny? I have it!"
She calls her work - which is enjoyable because we either know someone in the story or can see ourselves in there - "random thoughts from a circuitous mind."
A mother of two, Becky has stories to tell and she tells them in a enjoyable, easy-to-read way.
Blogs are also written like a diary or chronicle.
Rick Lippincott, one of my high school classmates, wrote what could've been called a blog - this was 1969-73, before the Internet - about life in high school.
He called it "Astroprison" and changed the names of school officials, teachers and students while enjoying a bit of embellishing about the activities at Pennsville Memorial High School.
"Astroprison" has not been published but if blogs were around at that time, it would have been.
Bloggers are also reporters or commentators, providing information or commentary on all issues of the day.
And you too, if you have the initiative, can be a blogger.
You don't have to have a degree in writing or English to start a blog - and it is really, really easy to start. Take it from me and I'm not the most computer savvy person around. Heck, I wouldn't even be in the top 10 in my own family.
Don't be afraid. Take the step and join the party.
You'd be surprised.

Huntsville's Nic Dowd takes the ice against his hometown UAH Chargers

They say "You can't go home again."
But, they don't say "Home can't come to you."
Well, that didn't exactly come out right but when you read this, maybe it will make sense.
Anyway, years ago, a young Nic Dowd was growing up in Huntsville, playing hockey in the Huntsville Amateur Hockey Association and watching the UAH hockey team play.
Like a lot of young hockey players here, he had dreams of playing for the Chargers.
Well, the hockey gods are giving Dowd that chance this weekend - sort of.
The Chargers are in St. Cloud, Minn., to take on the St. Cloud State Huskies in a two-game series.
When the two teams take the ice, Dowd will be in the lineup.
But it will be for St. Cloud State, not UAH.
The Huskies of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association are 0-2 this season but Dowd has three assists. The Chargers are 0-1-1.

"It's kind of come full circle for me," Dowd said. "I grew up in HAHA playing for the Huntsville Chargers (travel team) and watching Jared Ross and UAH.

"Now I'm playing the (team) I looked up to."

Dowd said he was recruited by UAH after he played prep school and junior hockey in Indianapolis.

Nic Dowd

Budd McLaughlin, The Huntsville Times"UAH talked to me a little bit," he said. "It didn't work out, though."

With his on-ice success in St. Cloud, he also has some off-ice honors: the 2012 WCHA All-Academic team and a 2012 WCHA Scholar-Athlete.

"I take academics seriously," he said. "Some guys don't concentrate on school and just on sports. 

"St. Cloud State went out on a limb and gave me a scholarship. It wouldn't be good for me to thumb my nose at them."

But, that's not to say the 6-foot-2 forward is all academic.

In 2009, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings, making him the first Alabamian to be chosen by a National Hockey League team.

"I'll never forget that," Dowd said. "It's pretty special being the first guy from Alabama to be drafted."

It was a moment to be remembered.

"I was at Walmart and got a text message," he said. "Still, to this day, I relive that moment."

And, like most hockey players who had to go to pre-dawn practices and play all over the region and country, Dowd is appreciative of what his parents Alan and Liz Dowd have done for him.

"I wouldn't be what I am today if not for my parents," he said.

This weekend is Breast Cancer Awareness weekend for St. Cloud State teams.  The Huskies will sport pink ribbon logos on their helmets in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

But Dowd and some of his teammates are doing a bit more than wearing pink.

They are growing their hair to be cut for the Locks for Love program which supplies human hair wigs for cancer patients.

I came up with it after the season," Dowd said. "We just kept growing it."

Then, they found out exactly how long it has to be.

"We thought it was seven inches from the scalp," he said. "It has to be 10 inches of ponytail.

"But putting our hair in ponytails is no where near as bad as what the people are going through."

View a video of Nic Dowd talking about the Locks for Love program at www.scsuhuskies.com/index.aspx?path=mhockey

Livestrong and prosper ...

So, are you looking at that yellow wristband any different today?
Will you still buy Livestrong shorts? Shirts? Running shoes?
Those are the questions that people are asking in the aftermath of the Lance Armstrong doping scandal.
As we know, he was the face of American cycling which, to be frank, was probably only followed by most of us during the Tour de France.
Nonetheless, his comeback from testicular cancer which had spread to his lungs and brain to win the event year after year after year after ..., well it's simply remarkable.
But he apparently - at least according to teammates and opponents - had used so-called performance enhancing drugs to keep his world-class level skills.
On the other hand, it seems, with the other international cyclists who have been kicked out of the sport as well as Armstrong's former teammates and opponents, that maybe the sport itself needs to be cleaned up because of the rampant doping.
In the meantime, Armstrong - who continues to deny the allegations - has resigned as head of the Lance Armstrong Foundation and was dropped by his primary sponsor, Nike.
He resigned so the Livestrong charity can concentrate on its fund-raising mission instead of Armstrong's problems.
I've worn and will still wear the yellow wristbands. I also have worn pink wristbands and blue wristbands, which support the fight against prostate cancer.
I still wear Livestrong Nike running shoes. They actually used to belong to my son, Bo, but he outgrew them before he wore them out.
Armstrong will still be the face of the organization and will be speaking Friday at its 15th anniversary gala. His reputation as a cyclist will forever be tarnished but we should recognize him for his work and the charity which helped raise more than $500 million to battle cancer.
Some people call him a con man, that they were duped into believing in Armstrong.
Well, I'm not one. He didn't dupe me into believing in him, I believed - and still believe - in the cause which is far greater than any person.
Live strong.

New headquarters for Intergraph means more visibility for company

Intergraph, one of the area's top employers, will be even more visible in a couple of years.
The engineering and software company said today it is building a five-story headquarters on its campus along  I-565.
It is expected to open in summer 2014.
Hexagon President/CEO Ola Rollen made the announcement in a ceremony today.
However, in off-the-record remarks with me in a 2010 interview, Rollen said the company was planning to build the new headquarters, giving it more visibility and prominence. Rollen also said keeping Intergraph here was a priority. Hexagon is the parent company of Huntsville-based Intergraph.
The five-story facility will total 250,000 square feet and will feature office space for 1,100 employees. In addition, the new headquarters will include a state-of-the-art data center, customer-friendly conference space, a food service area and lakeside terraces for both work and leisure.
“For the first time in Intergraph’s history, we are bringing employees at this location together under one
roof, which I’m confident will foster innovation and camaraderie,” Rollen said in statement today at the groundbreaking ceremony. “The building is a testament to Hexagon’s commitment to Intergraph
and the Madison County business community.”
The $58-million facility was designed by Atlanta-based architecture firm Cooper Carry, and the
construction will be carried out by general contractor Robins Morton and civil engineering firm 4Site, both from Madison.
“We are all very excited about what the new facility means for the employees of Intergraph,” said Ed
Porter, executive vice president of human resources. “We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County, (Madison County Commission) Chairman (Mike) Gillespie, (Madison) Mayor (Paul) Finley and (Huntsville) Mayor (Tommy) Battle, as well as Madison city and county officials, for helping make it a reality.”

A matter of pride and self-esteem

Pride.
Self-esteem.
The two words go hand-in-hand and are important to our well-being.
Losing a job is one of the most traumatic things we can face.
A job meant security and the ability to take care of your family.
A job is also fulfilling. It gives you a purpose to get up in the morning - or get up in the evening if you're on the graveyard shift.
There is a certain amount of pride as well as some eagerness to completing a workday.
You look forward to going home or getting together with family and friends after a good and/or bad day.
Sometimes, losing a job is an insult to your pride; a shot at your self-esteem.
In Huntsville, a lot of jobs are lost when companies lose contracts. But then, other jobs open up with the winning company.
These workers didn't lose their job because their work wasn't good enough.
But it still hurts.
Here, also, textile plants shut down years ago and, more recently, a couple of high-tech and manufacturing companies closed their doors.
Again, the employees weren't told they weren't good enough. It was just "the economics" at the time, which means "outsourcing" the jobs - a lot of times to places such as China, Mexico and Vietnam.
Other job losses came about because of technology. There aren't very many wagon wheel makers anymore.
These employees were told their "skill sets" weren't sufficient for the new era. After all, "time marches on."
Sometimes, companies let go employees because of "economics" in an effort to keep their bottom line and profit margin intact. Then, realizing they need help, the businesses hire new employees or rehire those let go at lower pay.
Then, there is the great unknown of being let go from your job.
Is my career over?
How can I take care of my family?
Can I find another job?
These questions will go through your mind again and again and they must be dealt with again and again.
There is no sure answer but you trudge on daily.
Because of pride.
And self-esteem.

Working on the chain gang

"... that's the sound of the men working on the chain gang."
Sam Cook wasn't writing about the guys who are a part of every football game but the "work" is the best place to watch a football game.
It's also the worst place to watch a football game.
But, it's a very entertaining place to watch a football game.
I'm talking about the chain gang. Those four guys who let everyone know what down it is and how far the team has to go to get a first down.
For the past few years, I've been working the chains for Madison Academy and it has been fun.
You're a part of the game while getting an up-close and personal experience of the sights and sounds of  high school football.
And, boy, are there sounds.
From coaches who don't agree with the referees:
"How in the world did you miss that call?"
"You can't be serious. That was NOT a penalty!"
"What! You can't throw a flag for that! Oh, it was against them? Great call!"
Then there are coaches who are talking to other coaches:
"That's the problem, we're girls playing men."
"Man. He's just too fast for us."
And coaches talking to the players:
"That's the big lick we're looking for."
"Hey! If you don't stick your head in there, I'll put your butt over here!"
"Trust your offense, son."
And, lest we forget, the fans:
"Way to go boys! Great play!"
"Hey ref! (You can fill in the blank)"
"C'mon defense, hit somebody!"
"C'mon offense, block somebody!"
In the meantime, you have to be paying attention on every play because you never know when you will literally be on top of the play ... or under a player, or two, or three ... when the players come crashing, flying or tumbling out of bounds.
Fortunately, our crew - headed by Jimmy Hunt who's been doing it for more than 15 years - has been quick or alert enough to avoid the mass of teen-age humanity rolling out of control across the sideline.
And, speaking of being quick, you may have to sprint downfield at a moment's notice to reset the chains after a big play.
The job lends a perspective that is unique. While there are times you literally have a front-row seat to the action, there are times when you can't see the end of a play because it was downfield along your sidelines.
You may also silently pull for your team while, at the same time, maintaining a professional-like neutrality because of your role.
All in all, it's a fun way to spend a Friday night, working on the chain gang.

No cheap skates: UAH hockey team future on the line

To put it bluntly, this weekend could be the turning point in the future of the University of Alabama-Huntsville ice hockey program.
According to a wide variety of sources in the NCAA hockey world, Bruce McLeod, commissioner of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, is in town to visit the campus and the Von Braun Center, the home rink for the Chargers.
McLeod is accompanied by other WCHA team representatives and will be at tonight's 7 o'clock game with Minnesota State, a member of the WCHA. The two teams also play Saturday at 7 p.m.
Minnesota State, formerly Mankato State, is a former UAH rival from the schools' NCAA Division II days. Also in the WCHA is the Chargers' arch-rival Bemidji State, a former member of  the now-defunct College Hockey America with the Chargers, and another former foe in DII.
In fact, the Chargers and Beavers met four times in the 1990s for the Division II national championship, with each winning twice.
I've been one of the fortunate ones to have seen the birth of the UAH hockey program which came about in the summer of 1979 as a club team.
The Chargers rolled at the club level, picking up a couple of national club hockey championships along the way to joining the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and then NCAA Division I.
However, lack of a conference and a low budget compared to other DI programs prompted the drop to DII and a successful venture.
The NCAA ended up dropping the DII men's ice hockey and UAH, Bemidji State and others climbed the  rung and formed the CHA.
The Chargers were successful there, reaching the NCAA National Championship Tournament twice.
But, that conference saw some members bolt for other leagues and folded a few years ago.
UAH was the lone team not to be invited to another conference.
Over the last couple years, there were stories of possible Central Collegiate Hockey Association affiliation, but they never came to fruition.
That's why this weekend is so important. It could be the program's final shot at a conference alignment.
No conference; no future.
The fans need to pack the VBC just like in the glory days of the club and DII teams. To help that effort, general admission tickets to tonight's game are free.
The WCHA officials know about the program's history and with new coach Kurt Kleinendorst at the helm, there is a solid shot at the future.
And that is where the fans come in. There's no excuse not to come out and cheer on the boys in blue.
Enjoy the confines of the remodeled VBC arena.
Show your support.
Go Blue!

Emergency room with a view

People-watching can be educational and entertaining at the same time. Of course, it all depends where you plan to do the watching.
This morning, an unforeseen trip to the emergency room proved to provide a real experience.
First off, the trip was for a relative and they are OK.
So, that disclaimer is out of the way.
There are all sorts of people who visit the emergency room of the hospital. A lot of them don't need to be there and a lot of them do.
Also, there are a few who were visitors and more than likely will be back - only as patients, not visitors.
To me, if you can walk in, you really don't need the emergency room staff to care for you. Particularly if you barely limp because of a pulled muscle or something similar.
But with society today, and a lot of people without health insurance, the emergency room is the only place they know to go for help.
Besides, isn't that what Mitt Romney recommended a couple of weeks ago?
Oops, I digress. I am trying not to insert politics into the banter.
So ...
Taking a peek around the ER, my sister-in-law Linda and I were amazed - or maybe astonished is the better word - at the visitors.
There was a couple who were rather large. Well, I will say obese. They sat across from us.
Actually, he sat; she was lounging across a double seat, that is, a two seats with the dividing bar removed.
Not to be ugly, but at one time he was enjoying a double-size, double-glazed donut with a Mountain Dew chaser. She had a pack of Marlboros in her bag.
Granted, there could be a medical problem for them but his donut-Dew combo and her smokes don't lend the aura of a healthy lifestyle.
Linda and I were later joined by a man who seemed to be in his late 30s or early 40s and his young teen daughter. Out of all the literally dozens of seats in the waiting room, he sat next to Linda.
He was complaining to his daughter that he needed a new prescription because when he was in jail, they took his medicine and he didn't get it back.
Being a former inmate could explain why he chose to sit next to Linda. I felt lucky because there was an empty seat next to me, too.
To top off the morning, a young mom and her son who was about 3 or 4 decided to sit behind me.
Linda had already gone and I, like her, wondered why, out of all the chairs in all of the emergency room, did they pick behind me? Apologies to Rick Blaine, the owner of Rick's Cafe Americain.
The youngster was whiny and bratty. But then, just about any child would be whiny in the ER waiting room. Heck, a lot of adults are.
"If you don't behave, I'll pop you and take you to the truck," his mom said.
Later, she followed with, "You better sit down or you'll fall and bust your head. Then you'll have to go to the hospital and get stitches."
I had to pause after that one because I guess she never told the youngster he was already at the hospital.
But, before long, came the sound no one wants to hear. Accompanied by the usual request.
"Blec-c-c-c-hh!"
"Um, can someone bring a mop over here?"
Ah, life in the ER waiting room.

In the retail world, a little courtesy goes a long way

I apologize for missing yesterday's blog, but I was called off to work.
No, nothing related to my former career or possible new career.
For the past year - in fact, yesterday was my first anniversary - I've been working part time at Sports Authority in Huntsville.
It started because last year I almost accepted a buyout offer from The Times but was convinced to stay - that's another story for another day.
Anyway, working in retail has been a real eye opener. The closest I came to that was in my junior and senior years in high school when I worked part-time at the old Salem Acme. I was a stocker and checkout clerk and enjoyed my experience.
At Sports Authority, I'm a "sales associate." In other words, the person on the floor who helps customers find items and helps pick out specific things - such as the right bat for the 8-year-old beginning ballplayer and the right shoe for the person who's on their feet 8, 9 hours a day.
It's fulfilling to help the young parents who are shopping for their first-time soccer, baseball or football player.
Having three boys who all played a variety of sports - hockey, football, basketball, baseball, soccer - helps give me a perspective that I believe is helpful.
But there's also another side to retail - customer relations.
I know there's an old saying "the customer is always right." Well, I'd like to modify that to read "The customer may be right - but not always."
We are all customers, or consumers, and we usually know what we want when we go to a store.
But that doesn't give us the right to snub or react coldly when a store employee asks us if we need help finding something.
Now, there are times when we can't find a sales person or are ignored by them. I've been in that situation and it leaves a bad impression of the store and I usually walk out and let someone at the desk know.
If someone asks to help, just say "Yes, please. I'm looking for ..." or "Thank you, but I'm going to such-and-such department" or something to that effect.
You'd be surprised at how pleasant that makes a customer and a sales person feel.
One of my peeves, though, is the mess that is left in a dressing room. It is not unusual for us to find  clothes that were tried on laying on the floor of the dressing room on tossed on the bench.
Granted, this isn't every night, but it is frequent enough. Thankfully, not everyone who goes in a dressing room leaves the clothes strewn and they end up buying them.
It's been a wonderful experience in the retail world - a complement to my former job as a business editor - and my co-workers are all great people and my dealings with customers have been, overall, great.
But, we all have our retail "horror stories" and those stories could be averted if customers would be courteous to the sales people who need to return the courtesy.
Happy shopping.

Happy October 8 - making a federal case out of it

"In fourteen hundred and ninety two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue ..."
Well, I think that's how the children's rhyme went.
So, today federal employees are taking a holiday because a European mariner ran into an island some 520 years ago while looking for the great Cathay, or China.
I've wondered for years the relevance of Christopher Columbus to American history.
After all, he didn't exactly hit the mainland. He basically did what a lot of Americans do today - vacationed in the Caribbean.
And, how do you "discover" land or a nation when there is already somebody there?  It's not as if he pulled a Gilligan and landed on an uncharted desert isle.
The island was inhabited.
It was also an accidental discovery. He was looking for a quicker way to find Cathay and India for the rich tea trade.
A purely capitalistic journey.
And, he wasn't necessarily the first European to visit this side of the Atlantic. There is proof of Viking settlements in the Canadian-northeast U.S. area of the of the continent around the turn of the millennium - not this one, the previous millennium.
So, why the hubbub?
Why don't we have a Monday holiday for a more popular European-related event - St. Patrick's Day?
People dress in green, there are shamrocks everywhere and, of course, there's the time-honored consumption of green beer.
No one dresses like Columbus, though there are Columbus Day parades. But the festivities pale in comparison to Erin go Bragh.
Heck, there's more celebrating for Cinco de Mayo in this country than Columbus Day. In fact, it can be argued there is more celebrating going on north of the Rio Grande rather than south of the river, though there is also controversy surrounding the historic relevance of Cinco de Mayo.
Anyway, if you've got today off, celebrate with maybe a Nina and Pinta colada or even a Santa Bloody Maria.
Oh, before I forget - Happy Thanksgiving to my friends north of the border.

UAH puts Tide on ice in exhibition game

Kyle Lysaght, the leading scorer for the UAH Chargers last season, picked up where he left off with a five-goal effort in an easy 12-1 exhibition win Saturday night over the University of Alabama.
The Chargers, an NCAA Division I independent, outshot the club team Frozen Tide 59-5. The two teams play again today at 3 p.m.
UAH, under new head coach Kurt Kleinendorst, was expected to win the game as the Chargers prepare for next weekend's regular season opener against Minnesota State - Mankato.
"We're excited about playing the Division I" teams, Lysaght said.
Also next weekend, officials from the Western Collegiate Hockey Association will visit Huntsville. The Chargers are hoping to enter the WCHA, which includes Minnesota State and longtime rival Bemidji State.
Kleinendorst, a former assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils, realized last night's game was a mismatch of sorts but said it was important for the Chargers to face another team in preparation for its schedule.
"In fairness, we absolutely respect who we played," he said after the game. "I don't want (the players) to get carried away (with the win.)"
The game was a milestone of sorts, too. It marked the first time that sons of UAH alumni played against the Chargers.
Alabama forward Andre Morard started the game and recorded the team's second shot on goal. He is the son of former Charger Gus Morard.
Zach Dailey, the son of Tom Dailey, is also on the Tide roster, but he was not in the lineup Saturday after being injured in the 6-1 win over Georgia Tech on Friday night.
That's not the lone UAH-Alabama hockey connection. Former Charger Mike Quenneville is the head coach of the Frozen Tide.
Kleinendorst dressed just 15 skaters for Saturday night's game and those who didn't make the lineup will be on the ice for this afternoon's matinee match at the Von Braun Center.

The 'Bad News Braves'

It wasn't a fitting tribute or honorable way for Chipper Jones' final appearance as an Atlanta Brave, but the Braves had the outcome of the game in their hands and literally threw it away.
I've been told and preach that you don't let the outcome of a game be decided by a referee or umpire. In other words, take care of your own business and don't worry about the outside factors.
In this case, the Braves did not take care of their own business.
Granted, the "outfield fly" should not have been called. The umpire clearly raised his hand to make the call too late. In fact, he made it after Cardinals' shortstop Pete Kozma pulled away as leftfielder Matt Holliday called him off.
Nonetheless, the fans put themselves in the class of European soccer hooligans by hurling bottles, cans and other trash onto the field.
Ironically, their throws missed the intended target - just like the throws of Jones, Andrelton Simmons and Dan Uggla.
However, the game was not over and neither were the Braves' chances to win.
After the botched call by umpire Sam Holbrook - I believe, though, the call should have been made by the third base umpire, not the leftfield ump - the Braves had runners at second and third. Brian McCann was walked and the cold-hitting Michael Bourn promptly struck out.
In the 9th, Chipper got on with a two-out, broken bat single and Braves hopes were lifted. Freddie Freeman then doubled, bringing up Uggla.
The Braves second baseman, who's barely hitting his weight, then put an end to the season with a ground out to second.
Though the call by Holbrook will go down in infamy in the eyes of Braves' fans, the team did its part to ensure the outcome.
In the words of Chipper Jones, who should be a first ballot Hall-of-Famer in five years:"That one play didn't cost us the game. Three errors cost us the game. We just dug ourselves too big a hole."
Spoken like the classy ballplayer. Well done 10.

Paul Ryan to visit Huntsville

Now, I'm not one who tries to be political because that can end a friendship quicker than anything - well, anything other than arguing over religion or Alabama-Auburn football.
But, I couldn't let this important event go without notice:
Paul Ryan is coming to Huntsville this month for a fund-raiser for the Mitt Romney presidential campaign.
The vice president candidate will be at the Von Braun Center on Oct. 26, just 11 days before Election Day.
And for just $25,000 - or if you raise $50,000 - you can join a roundtable with the Wisconsin congressman and other supporters.
There are also photo ops for $5,000 and a general reception for a $1,000 donation.
The photo op is at 11:30 that morning and the reception begins at 11:45. The roundtable is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

Think pink ... and blue ... and yellow ...

Among the obvious, one of the things I miss about no longer working for The Huntsville Times is not being able to take part in the annual pink edition.
For the previous three years, The Times was printed in pink, usually the first Sunday in October, to help create awareness of the battle against breast cancer.
If you look around town, you'll see pink decorations: Pink outdoor lights, displays of pink clothes in stores - even in sporting goods stores such as Sports Authority - and other businesses. You may even notice a pink hue around the area's high school football games over the next couple weeks as they take donations and wear pink socks, shirts and other apparel as they play for a cure. 
And, the Huntsville landmark Saturn V tower at the Space & Rocket Center is bathed in pink light, visible to motorists along I-565.
At The Times, we would print stories of courageous battles fought by local women and men in all walks of life. There were front page stories, religion stories, business stories and sports stories. The writers and editors would come away with a new-found respect for those who were afflicted, and their families.
I don't know if there will be a pink edition this year but it's a shame if there isn't.
Personally, cancer has touched us this year.
In January, my mom died after battling skin cancer which eventually spread inside her body. Years of chemo finally took their toll.
A couple weeks ago, one of my high school classmates, Janet Watt Madias, died after a long fight with cancer.
Yesterday, a classmate of Mary's, Cathy Phillips died from lung cancer. Mary visited her at the hospital over the weekend and Cathy texted her yesterday - just a few hours before she died.
A top killer of men is prostate cancer and though it doesn't receive nearly the attention of breast cancer, it's no less serious. 
On Father's Day weekend, major league and minor league players use blue bats and wear blue wristbands to bring attention and awareness about the fight against that disease; as they do on Mother's Day weekend in wearing pink and using pink bats.
There's also ovarian cancer, liver cancer and stomach cancer among the disease's various forms. 
Cancer is a killer but it doesn't have to be. 
Get regular exams because cancer doesn't care if it strikes a woman or man; girl or boy; young or old.
Cancer must be stopped. 
There's been too much sadness.

With Dynetics-PWR contract, outer space is still Huntsville's aim

While the space program may or may not be a topic in tonight's presidential debate, it is still a fixture in Huntsville.
In fact, just this week, one of the city's largest companies received a contract from NASA to continue its research into the next phase of the space program.
Dynetics received a contract Monday calling for the Huntsville-based company to improve an advanced booster for the Space Launch System.
The improvements are in affordability, reliability and performance.
And how will Dynetics do that? Well, by taking a step ... backward.
Actually, it's a step backward in history to move forward.
According to a press release, Dynetics will use "modern manufacturing techniques to produce and test several primary components of the F-1 rocket engine ..."
So, how is that a step backward? 
The F-1 engine was originally developed for the Apollo program, which took Americans to the moon. The engine was produced by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne.
Dynetics and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne teamed up to compete for this contract and have agreed to team to bid on other contracts relating to the advanced booster program.

“Dynetics and PWR have put together a team for the advanced booster risk reduction effort that can balance affordability, innovation and experience throughout the life cycle of the project," said Kim Doering, Dynetics program manager. "We are confident we can help NASA achieve its goals.”

The F-1 was the most powerful U.S. liquid rocket engine flown and was selected because of its performance and, in this day and age of tight budgets, affordability.  

Because the high-cost non-recurring engineering work associated with engine development took place during the Apollo-Saturn Program and significant risks were eliminated, the Dynetics team is able to focus on affordability rather than technical risks, Doering said.

"We are confident our team will produce an affordable and effective engineering demonstration and risk-reduction effort for NASA," said David King, Dynetics executive vice president. "With proven leadership, relevant experience, and innovative and affordable systems in place, we are prepared to take on the challenge and appreciate NASA’s confidence in our ability to do so."

A few (thousand?) stories to be told

With 34 years of journalism under my belt, it didn't take long for me to realize that I do have a love for writing.
But, it took the urging of friends to take this step into the blogosphere.
As most of you know, in the most recent years of my newspaper career, I have tried to be an advocate for small businesses. After all, they are the backbone of any economy and a neighborhood.
The owners usually left other jobs or careers to take a brave venture into the tough world of small businesses.
They don't do it for security, either. They do it for the love of whatever business they enter and they want to be their own boss.
I've had the honor of writing about these people and sharing their stories with readers of The Times. Now, I can continue to write about them and share them with you in this vast world of bloggers.
I am also a sports nut and there will be sports posts from time to time. In fact, I've signed on to cover the Huntsville Havoc and the UAH hockey team for the new Alabama Media Group.
Now, some may view this as a strange turn but I look at it as a way to get word out about the teams and their successes from the viewpoint of a hockey writer/fan.
And, you may find the occasional blogs from the grandfather side of me. My oldest son, Lance, and his wife Stephanie are the proud parents of the ever-smiling Natalie.
There may also be inclinations to blog about the activities and/or antics of Lance and his brothers Shane and Bo.
While there may be 300,000 stories in the naked city, I figure I've got a few thousand of my own.

Welcome to the debut of Budd's Banter, the official unofficial blog for Bud McLaughlin.

The blog will cover a variety of issues that affect Huntsvillians, ranging from business to sports and even a dash of entertainment thrown in.

I hope you'll bear with me through this journey.