Nick Saban’s dilemma creates million dollar idea for Birmingham entrepreneur

Blake Patterson
Blake Patterson

Today’s guest columnist is Blake Patterson.

As an Ole Miss alum and avid football fan living in Birmingham, I kept hearing then-Alabama football Head Coach Nick Saban lament a recurring problem: fans, especially students, weren’t staying in the stadium for the full game. As Saban pled to students, “We play for four, so stay for four,” I just couldn’t shake the idea that there had to be a way to get fans more engaged at the games. Continue reading Nick Saban’s dilemma creates million dollar idea for Birmingham entrepreneur

Birmingham in line to be South’s next major success story: What’s our brand?

Tom Luckie
Tom Luckie

Today’s guest columnist is Tom Luckie.

When people ask me what Birmingham’s brand should be, I often remind them that a brand isn’t just a logo or a tagline – it’s all the memories and associations people have with our city. Continue reading Birmingham in line to be South’s next major success story: What’s our brand?

Birmingham throwing its homeowners under the bus?

Maury Shevin
Maury Shevin

Today’s guest columnist is Maury Shevin.

The City Council of Birmingham appears to be wrestling with the issue of permitting Short Term Rentals (think VRBO and Airbnb) within residential neighborhoods of the City zoned for single families.  Why this “no brainer” issue has so tied up the Council in knots is beyond reason. Continue reading Birmingham throwing its homeowners under the bus?

The future of Highlands Bar and Grill and 24 other things for Birmingham to ponder in 2025

Michael Sznajderman
Michael Sznajderman

Today’s columnist is Michael Sznajderman.

It’s a new year, a time when folks reflect on the past and ponder what’s ahead.

2025 marks 25 years I’ve lived in the Birmingham area. So much has happened in our region over the past quarter-century – some good, some not so much.

With this in mind, I present – in no particular order – 25 thoughts for 2025 about our greater Birmingham community, and beyond. Let the constructive criticism and commentary begin! Continue reading The future of Highlands Bar and Grill and 24 other things for Birmingham to ponder in 2025

Birmingham moving towards high-speed rail to Atlanta

Ted Smith
Ted Smith

By Ted Smith

Imagine a high-speed rail service that whisked us from Birmingham and dropped us off in downtown Atlanta near stadiums and arenas and/or the airport in about 90 minutes.

If we had this capability at our doorstep, it would bring growth to the Birmingham area and eventually connect us to places like Charlotte, New Orleans and Dallas at speeds much faster than a car or shuttle bus. Continue reading Birmingham moving towards high-speed rail to Atlanta

I was eager to escape Birmingham, now I’m thrilled I came home

Joseph Mungenast
Joseph Mungenast

Todays guest columnist is Joseph Mungenast.

When I left Birmingham at 18, I didn’t imagine I’d come back after college.

Like many young people, I was eager to escape the place I’d always called home.

The idea of a bigger city with more opportunities, excitement, and a faster pace was appealing. Continue reading I was eager to escape Birmingham, now I’m thrilled I came home

To begin a conversation about a better Birmingham