By Barry Wise Smith Photo by Jordan WaldRichard Berliner grew up in a quiet suburb in Maryland, outside of Washington, D.C., in a family that discussed politics at dinner. Both of Berliner’s parents were journalists having met while working at the same Massachusetts newspaper, and his father spent his career covering Capitol Hill as a reporter. “I grew up … [Read more...]
All that Jazz: True Story Brewing is keeping the jam alive.
Story and Photos By Brent ThompsonIt’s a Tuesday in Crestwood. You park your car and walk toward True Story Brewing Company. The sounds of horns are bleeding through the walls, and you know it’s going to be a hot night. The club’s weekly jazz jam—led by Alabama Jazz Hall of Famer Jose Carr and anchored by members of his quartet Bernard McQueen on bass and Timothy … [Read more...]
Ken Carbonie: The Sole Man of Cahaba Heights.
By June Mathews Photos by Jordan WaldSome say the cobbler trade is declining. But anyone watching the comings and goings at Cahaba Heights Shoe Repair on a recent Tuesday would find that hard to believe. The unassuming storefront in the heart of the Heights was abuzz with customers picking up or dropping off an assortment of shoes, belts and handbags, either newly … [Read more...]
The Day the Water Came: Life-Saving Work in Tanzania
By Kellie McIntyreClean water is something most of us take for granted. In fact, according to U.S News & World Report, Alabama’s drinking water quality ranks number four in the nation. Our clean water is so abundant that in addition to cooking and personal hygiene, we also use it to water our lawns and wash our cars. Such use of a life-sustaining … [Read more...]
Boy Scout Garrett Jones Completes All 141 Merit Badges
A Birmingham Scouting America Youth has accomplished an extremely rare and challenging feat that few have attained since the Scouting program began in 1910.Seventeen-year-old Garrett Jones, a member of Troop 4, in Vestavia Hills earned every merit badge in the Scouting America’s premiere national leadership training program. Not only has he completed the twenty-one badges … [Read more...]