Tornado-proof homes? Up to 85 percent can be, expert says
Science on NBC News – May 21
Homes in the direct path of the monster tornado that roared through Oklahoma City suburbs on Monday were all but guaranteed destruction. Inexpensive construction techniques are available, however, that could have kept up to 85 percent of the affected houses standing, according to a civil engineer. The trick is already common along the hurricane-prone Gulf Coast — the use of clips and straps to keep the walls bolted to the roof and the foundation, explained Andrew Graettinger, a civil engineer at the University of Alabama. These parts cost about $1. “You need several hundred of them in the house, but it is not anything drastic, it is not a humongous expense, it is relatively inexpensive,” he told NBC News.
Alabama seafood coast documentary ‘In the Path of the Storms’ nominated for Emmy (video)
Al.com – May 21
At an awards ceremony in Atlanta on Saturday June 8, a locally-made documentary starring Bayou La Batre will be in the running for the Emmy for Outstanding Achievement. “In the Path of the Storms,”which aired on Alabama Public Television in 2012, has been nominated for the award by the Southeast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. The film captures life along Alabama’s seafood coast before and after Hurricane Katrina … Coastal community leaders including a FEMA translator, shrimpers, and a lifelong residents of the area, all share their experiences in “Path,” which was produced by the University of Alabama Center for Public Television and co-produced by South Mobile County artists Sheila Hagler and Peggy Denniston.
Gardendale woman shares story of childhood for National Foster Care Month
Al.com – May 21
When Michaela Sanderson moved into a group home at the age of 11 she wasn’t angry. She was happy. For the first time in her life, she had a regular schedule, support and encouragement to go to school, and time to focus on her goals. After two years in the group home, she and her twin sister moved into the care of relatives who now serve as their foster parents. She finished high school, went off to college and wants to use her experience to help others. Sanderson is one of several foster care children invited to share their stories as part of the “Fostering the Future” campaign … After two years in the Children’s Home, Sanderson, along with her sister, finally found a home. Her mother’s cousin and her husband completed the necessary requirements to become foster parents. Sanderson graduated high school and now attends the University of Alabama. She is majoring in social work.
Three sets of triplets make Spain Park class one of a kind
Shelby County Reporter – May 20
The story of the three sets of triplets in Spain Park High School’s graduating class really starts on Feb. 24, 1995. That’s the day Connor, Katherine and Paige Burleson were born. Just a few months later came A.J., Hannah and Sam Hudson on June 17, then a week later, on June 25 — in the same hospital — came Carlton, Danielle and Amanda Ivy. Years later, the Ivys and the Burlesons went to Greystone Elementary School together, and then in sixth grade, the three sets of triplets all ended up at Berry Middle School. At Berry, onlookers were amazed, but the nine understood each other — and began building a bond that, six years later, seems unshakeable…Carlton, Danielle and Amanda all plan to attend the University of Alabama to study business, pre-nursing and chemical engineering, respectively. Carlton will live in the honors dorm, while Danielle and Amanda will live in Tutwiler Hall in adjoining rooms. “We’ve shared everything our whole lives, so we thought it’d be nice to split up but still be close to each other,” said Amanda on the decision not to share a room with Danielle. While at Alabama, they may see Connor and Paige, who will also start at Tuscaloosa in the fall. Connor plans to study engineering, while Paige will study communications and journalism.
Al.com – May 21
ALFA vice president joins insurance advisory board
Al.com – May 21
The Alabama Insurance Planning Commission announced Rob Robison, an executive with ALFA Insurance in Montgomery, has accepted an invitation to join the commission. AIPC is an advisory board for the Insurance and Financial Services/Risk Management/Actuarial Science Program at the University of Alabama and organizes the annual Alabama Insurance Day, which will take place on Oct. 23, according to a release from the commission.