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Artificial reefs provide extensive habitat for many species
Since 1953, the state of Alabama has dropped thousands of objects ranging from concrete chunks to military tanks and entire ships into the Gulf of Mexico, Mobile Bay, Mississippi Sound and other waters. These objects now hold numerous fish, leading to some of the best fishing for red snapper and other species in the nation. […]
Igniting memories: How to be firefly-friendly
Turn off the outdoor lights and step into the dark this summer and you may find yourself in an enchanted landscape where hundreds, maybe even thousands, of fireflies — and perhaps a few children carrying Mason jars — streak about in the night. Or you may not. Fireflies (or lightning bugs, if you prefer) are […]
WTD: Seasonal offerings, fresh foods elevate dining at Odette
By Jennifer Crossley Howard Florence’s Odette restaurant takes a nostalgic approach to food while keeping an eye on tomorrow. Located on downtown’s main vein of Court Street, Odette — open since 2013 — serves as much locally grown food as possible. Its menu rotates each season to serve what’s growing. “Every season, we change about […]
Safe driving starts with the turn of a key
By Allison Law It’s been five years since Mike Lutzenkirchen lost his son, Philip, the Auburn student-athlete who played on the school’s 2010 national championship team. More than just a standout tight end, Philip had a servant’s heart, was humble to fault and loved spending time with children, especially those fighting cancer or who had […]
In this periodic feature, we highlight books either about Alabama people or events, or written by Alabama authors. Summaries are not reviews or endorsements. We also occasionally highlight book-related events. Email submissions to bookshelf@alabamaliving.coop. Due to the volume of submissions, we are unable to feature all the books we receive. Lost Attractions of Alabama By […]
The answer to what’s new with electricity is, as Bob Dylan first sang 57 years ago, “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Technology brings history-making updates to the old windmill This year, wind power will replace hydro for fourth place on the list of fuels used to generate electricity (behind natural gas, coal and nuclear.) The U.S. […]
Take control of high summer bills
By Derrill Holly We expect summers to be hot, but most of us do all we can to keep our homes as comfortable as possible, even as outdoor temperatures edge thermometers upward. When it comes to electricity, each of us has the power to help control our costs – we just have to make thoughtful […]
If you watched Saturday morning television in the mid-1970s, you likely remember the CBS children’s series, “Shazam!” based on DC Comics’ Captain Marvel. In the series, a young boy traveled around the country in a motor home solving problems by uttering the word, “Shazam!” and turning into superhero Captain Marvel. The captain was played by […]
Get smart! Energy-saving apps and devices
Q: It seems like I’m always hearing about some new device or app that will save energy, but I wonder if they’re worth the time and money. I want to learn about simple ways I can use technology to save energy. Any advice on where I should start looking? A: Every new piece of technology […]
The “Marrying Season” is upon us. Have you heard of the growing popularity of “Marriage for one”? This is when a woman marries herself. Brides who do that call themselves “Sologamists.” They do everything they would do for a traditional wedding. They go shopping and “say yes to the dress.” They have bridesmaids. And a […]
Alabama offers a wealth of sites to teach children about history
By Marilyn Jones Travel to a time when Native Americans lived in a sprawling city, when European explorers mapped out the wilderness and when Alabama’s finest scientists helped make the race for space a reality. Time travel becomes a possibility at historic sites throughout Alabama and a journey you can take your children on. Come […]
New Gulf State Park Lodge is making impacts, large and small
Story and photos by Colette Boehm The newest lodge in Alabama’s state parks system is open on the Gulf Coast. With summer approaching, the Lodge at Gulf State Park aims to introduce guests to new facilities and provide family-friendly beachfront lodging delivered with sustainable practices at the forefront. The 350-room lodge, which operates under the […]
A photographer’s visual journey across the state
John Dersham pays tribute to Alabama in new book for the Bicentennial By Lenore Vickrey Imagine paddling up the Cahaba River on a spring afternoon, then walking through one of Alabama’s spectacular waterfalls. Gaze in wonder at the giant sycamores in Pickens County, and admire the native rhododendron ablaze with color in Cherokee County. Stroll […]
This month in Alabama History: June 23, 1945
Cpl. Eugene B. Sledge helped secure the island of Okinawa on this date after 82 consecutive days of combat during World War II. A native of Mobile, Sledge is internationally renowned for his 1981 memoir With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa, which graphically portrays combat in the Pacific Theater. The memoir was used […]
Electric utility linemen to be recognized June 3
Alabama’s electric utility linemen are on the front lines of our state’s energy needs and are the first responders of the electric utility family. They willingly leave their families in the middle of the night and put their lives on the line each day to keep our power on, safely and reliably. Alabama will honor […]
Beware people pretending to be from Social Security
Social Security is committed to protecting your personal information. We urge you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your Social Security number (SSN) or bank account information to unknown people over the phone or internet. If you receive a call and aren’t expecting one, you must be extra careful. You […]
Everything is better with bacon
Bacon is pretty perfect on its own, but mix it in with other ingredients, and it often gets even better. BY JENNIFER KORNEGAY STYLING/PHOTOS BY BROOKE ECHOLS What’s better than bacon? More bacon. If you like bacon, there’s a good chance you actually love bacon and wholeheartedly agree with this statement. The smoky, salty pork product […]
Submit Your Images! August Theme: “My Motorcycle” Deadline for August: June 30 Submit photos online: www.alabamaliving.coop/submit-photo/ or send color photos with a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Photos, Alabama Living, P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124 Rules: Alabama Living will pay $10 for photos that best match our theme of the month. Photos may also be […]