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General

JD Crowe: Christmas wishes for peace, love and light

This is an opinion holiday tribute.

May love and peace fill your heart and light your way on this Christmas Day and throughout the new year.

Speaking of light, read John Sharp’s story about this one-stoplight town that just won Alabama’s best Christmas decorations contest.

Merry Christmas, y’all.

Sign up for JD Crowe’s newsletter: Enter your email to subscribe to JD’s weekly newsletter, Crowe Jam.

True stories and stuff by JD Crowe

The hog killin’

The mysterious ‘Bubble Guy’ of Fairhope and the art of bubble Zen – al.com

How I met Dr. Seuss

Robert Plant head-butted me. Thanks, David Coverdale

I was ZZ Top’s drummer for a night and got kidnapped by groupie

Check out more cartoons and stuff by JD Crowe

JD Crowe is the cartoonist for Alabama Media Group and AL.com. He won the RFK Human Rights Award for Editorial Cartoons in 2020. In 2018, he was awarded the Rex Babin Memorial Award for local and state cartoons by the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. Follow JD on Facebook, Twitter @Crowejam and Instagram @JDCrowepix. Give him a holler @[email protected].

General

New drone under the tree? Some things to know before your first Huntsville flight

UAH Nursing and Aerospace Committee in conjunction with UAH Rotorcraft Systems Engineering and Simulation Center and representatives of the Skyfire Company conducted a drill using a drone to deliver medical supplies to the Nursing building on the UAH campus, Feb. 16, 2022. (Michael Mercier/UAH).The University of Alabama, Huntsville

General

’Tis the season for holiday-themed NASA space images

Star cluster NGC 602 includes a giant dust cloud ring, shown in greens, yellows, blues, and oranges. The green hues and feathery edges of the ring cloud create the appearance of a wreath made of evergreen boughs.X-ray: NASA/CXC; Infrared: ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, P. Zeilder, E.Sabbi, A. Nota, M. Zamani; Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/L. Frattare and K. Arcand

General

Dear Abby: My spouse doesn’t want my family to stay in our home when they visit

DEAR ABBY: My spouse and I (both women) have been together for 25 years. For half of them, we lived in the Middle East. We met while working as health care expatriates. My spouse is from South Africa and was raised very differently than I was.

When we finally returned to the U.S., we bought a house in a southern state where two of my brothers live. Over time, my spouse let me know she didn’t want them to stay in our house when they came to visit. She preferred they stay in a hotel. She said she was disgusted that they might not shower before bed, and that our cats would be disturbed by their presence. I told her I thought her comments were rude, and I reminded her that sheets are always washed after visitors leave.

This has caused a lot of conflict in our relationship, and I’m not sure I can go on alienating and hurting my family by not welcoming them in my home. I love my spouse, but I love my family and friends too, and I want them to feel welcome. I am torn about what to do. — PULLED IN TWO

DEAR PULLED: I don’t know what your spouse has against having your brothers as houseguests, but her “reasons” for wanting them to stay in a hotel are excuses rather than reasons. As you stated, the sheets are washed and changed after guests leave. And cats are adaptable creatures. An alternative might be for your spouse to leave when your relatives come to visit, or for you to visit them instead.

Read more Dear Abby and other advice columns.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

General

Will Derrick Henry continue to torment the Texans with the Ravens?

When Derrick Henry left the Tennessee Titans as an NFL free agent to sign with the Baltimore Ravens in March, the Houston Texans probably didn’t shed any tears.

During his time with the Tennessee Titans, the former Alabama All-American tormented the Texans as perhaps no other running back has any other franchise.

Henry is tied for the NFL record with six 200-yard rushing games. O.J. Simpson and Adrian Peterson also had six apiece of the 163 200-yard rushing games in NFL history.

Ten times, the same player has run for 200 yards against the same team twice, including Henry against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

But only one player has run for 200 yards against the same team more than twice – Henry, who has done so in four games against Houston.

With Henry leaving the division, the Texans could face the Titans twice annually as AFC South rivals without having to play Henry.

But Houston still has to play against Henry this season. The Texans will play the Ravens for the 13th time in franchise history on Wednesday as the second half of the NFL’s Christmas doubleheader, giving Henry the opportunity to add to his 1,431 rushing yards against Houston.

Henry enters Wednesday’s game with 1,636 rushing yards, the second-most in the NFL in 2024.

“I think Derrick has found that fountain of youth,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. ”He’s playing fast. He’s playing physical. He is tough as ever. Looks like the old Derrick Henry. And he’s low, and he’s playing very powerful. He has some really long runs, long runs for touchdowns, so he has it all — the speed, physicality. Like, he brings it all, and the O-line is doing a really good job of giving him some nice lanes to run through, so it’s going to be a difficult match up for us when it comes to just stopping the run game, probably the best run unit we’ve seen all year.”

The Ravens lead the AFC with 2,718 rushing yards and the NFL with an average gain of 5.7 yards per rushing attempt in 2024.

On Saturday, Henry ran for 162 yards in a 34-17 victory over Pittsburgh that pulled Baltimore into a tie with the Steelers for first place in the AFC North. Both teams have qualified for the postseason, but the one that wins the division title will open the playoffs at home while the other will start on the road.

Houston has secured its postseason spot, too, but already has secured the AFC South title.

The Texans and Ravens will square off at 3:30 p.m. CST Sunday at NRG Stadium in Houston. They play after the Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs meet at noon at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

General

See the 2024 finalists for ASWA back, lineman of the year

Elba star running back Alvin Henderson will have a chance to be a three-time Class 1A Back of the Year.

The Auburn signee, who finished his career as Alabama’s all-time leading rusher, is one of three finalists to be the 2024 1A Back of the Year. He already won the award in 2022 and 2023.

The Alabama Sports Writers Association announced three finalists for Back of the Year and Lineman of the Year on Christmas Day in all seven AHSAA classifications and in the AISA.

All the finalists will be honored on Jan. 28 in Montgomery at the annual Player of the Year Banquet. The ASWA will also announce the state’s highest award – Mr. Football – that day.

In addition to Henderson, Tuscaloosa Academy QB Preston Lancaster also has a chance to repeat as Back of the Year on the 2A level.

Two players have a chance to win a second title in a different classification. Fyffe’s Tucker Wilks was the 2A Lineman of the Year last season. He is a finalist in 3A this year. Kentonio Kelly was the 3A Lineman of the Year for Mobile Christian last year. He’s a 5A Lineman of the Year finalist for Vigor this year.

Here are the finalists for Back and Linemen of the Year in each class. They were voted on by members of the ASWA statewide prep committee. Each player had to be a first-team All-State selection to be a finalist.

Backs of the Year include quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and defensive backs. Linemen include offensive and defensive lines and linebackers.

CLASS 7A

Back of the year

Anquon Fegans, Thompson

Trent Seaborn, Thompson

Daylyn Upshaw, Central-Phenix City

Lineman of the year

Malik Autry, Opelika

Zion Grady, Enterprise

Jared Smith, Thompson

CLASS 6A

Back of the year

Corey Barber, Spain Park

KJ Lacey, Saraland

Na’eem Offord, Parker

Lineman of the year

Keenan Britt, Oxford

Jourdin Crawford, Parker

Anthony Jones, St. Paul’s

CLASS 5A

Back of the year

Conner Nelson, Leeds

Cam Phinizee, Russellville

Jotavion Pierce, Montgomery Catholic

Lineman of the year

Jabarrius Garror, Vigor

Kentonio Kelly Jr., Vigor

Ellis McGaskin, Williamson

CLASS 4A

Back of the year

EJ Crowell, Jackson

Landon Duckworth, Jackson

Gunner Rivers, St. Michael

Lineman of the year

Tristan Brown, Cherokee Co.

Tae Diamond, Cherokee Co.

AJ Rice, Madison Academy

CLASS 3A

Back of the year

Caden Chandler, Mars Hill Bible

Kadyn Mitchell, Houston Academy

Rollie Pinto, Piedmont

Lineman of the year

Myles Johnson, T.R. Miller

Billy Neill, Bayside Academy

Tucker Wilks, Fyffe

CLASS 2A

Back of the year

Chris Clemons, Winston Co.

Luke Gilbert, Pisgah

Preston Lancaster, Tuscaloosa Aca.

Lineman of the year

JJ Faulk, Highland Home

Clete O’Bryant, Coosa Christian

Grayson Gulde, Vincent

CLASS 1A

Back of the year

Alvin Henderson, Elba

Ziquayvion Jackson, McKenzie

Jaquez Wilkes, Wadley

Lineman of the year

Fred Curry, Georgiana

Hayes Farrell, Donoho

Tim Parnell, Leroy

AISA

Back of the year

Julian Curry, Wilcox Academy

Gerrell Perry, Banks Academy

Luke Tarver, Chambers Academy

Lineman of the year

Jackson Boykin, South Choctaw Academy

Ashton Yelder, Lowndes Academy

Asher Young, Fort Dale Academy

General

What restaurants are open on Christmas Day? McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Burger King and more

Wanting to grab a bite to eat before heading out for Christmas visits? Or would rather celebrate the holiday with a juice cheeseburger and milkshake?

If so, you’re in luck. There are several fast food and sit-down restaurants open on Dec. 25. Some of these restaurants are franchises so hours can vary by location so it’s best to check ahead just to be sure.

What restaurants are open Christmas Day 2024?

Burger King- Some locations will be open, hours will vary

Denny’s – Open 24 hours

Dunkin’ – Hours vary by location, some Dunkin’ stores will be open.

Hooter’s – Hooter’s locations will be open on Christmas Day but only from 4 p.m. – midnight.

IHOP – IHOP is open on Christmas Day. Hours will vary by location.

McDonald’s – Most locations open, hours will vary

Red Lobster – Open Christmas Day from 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Starbucks – Hours vary but some stand-alone stores will be open.

Subway – Subways are independently owned and operated and some locations will be open. Hours will vary.

Taco Bell – Select locations open, hours will vary.

Waffle House – All Waffle House locations are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Wendy’s – Select locations will be open, hours vary by location.

General

Asking Eric: Want to reward cyclist for finding lost wallet

Dear Eric: I was riding my bicycle when, unbeknownst to me, my wallet fell out of my pocket. My driver’s license, credit cards and about $200 in cash were in the wallet. Later that day I received a telephone call from a cyclist who found my wallet on his ride and told me that I could come over to pick it up. What, if any, reward would be appropriate? I gave a $30 bottle of wine.

– Grateful Cyclist

Dear Cyclist: How lucky that your path crossed with such a good fellow citizen! Etiquette experts agree that the amount of a reward in situations like this is really up to you. Often people take into account the amount of money in the wallet or one’s own personal financial situation. If you don’t have cash to spare, a gift or some other gesture is perfectly fine. So, the bottle of wine you gave works. My only suggestion, however, would be that, if this ever happens again (fingers crossed your wallet stays in your pocket from now on), you check with the recipient to make sure that they drink wine. It’s the thought that counts, but you don’t want your grateful efforts to put someone else in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation.

Read more Asking Eric and other advice columns.

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.

General

Asking Eric: Grandmother shut out of Christmas celebrations

Dear Eric: When my only son and his wife got married and had kids, I was informed that Christmas Day would just be for them to celebrate. I said OK.

For decades, I have given my son and his family (wife and two kids) really nice gifts for Christmas. We are talking about hundreds of dollars. For a while, I would receive a small gift, such as a bottle of homemade vanilla, a rose-scented tin of salve made by a friend of the wife or a coffee cup or some such as a gift from the family. Same with my birthday. I have never received a gift from the grandkids.

Last year, I let them know I would no longer be “exchanging” gifts with the parents but gifts to the grandkids (who are now teenagers with jobs) will continue. That year, I got them electronics and hoodies. I got nothing from anyone. Not even an acknowledgement from the kids. I have always had to deliver the gifts or call to see if they received them. This year, it is only going to be a Christmas card. Am I being overly sensitive?

– Empty Stocking

Dear Stocking: No, you are not being overly sensitive. Every family has their own traditions and needs. And no one is obligated to give – or accept – a gift. But it sure does make me sad that your desire to make this holiday special isn’t being reciprocated.

Part of it may be a misalignment of expectations. You’ve given generously, into the hundreds of dollars. I’m curious if your son and daughter-in-law have different values or wants around gifting that are either not being expressed or not being heard. They should tell you clearly.

Similarly, when you decided to stop giving gifts to the adults, I’m curious if your expectations were that your son would realize that you weren’t getting what you wanted and make a change.

It’s worth talking it through a little more but try to focus on the want behind the want. I suspect that what you’re craving is connection – and perhaps an invitation to the family Christmas. It makes sense that you’d try to show your love from a distance through gift-giving and it makes sense that it would hurt not to have it reciprocated. But perhaps the tradition of gifts is getting in the way on both sides. If you’d like to be invited or would like to find an alternate way of celebrating and being together, that’s a great gift to ask for.

Read more Asking Eric and other advice columns.

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.

General

Dear Annie: Wishing a Merry Christmas to all

Dear Readers: Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. Hope you enjoy these poems for the holidays.

“Christmas in the Heart” by Paul Laurence Dunbar

“The snow lies deep upon the ground, / And winter’s brightness all around / Decks bravely out the forest sere, / With jewels of the brave old year. / The coasting crowd upon the hill / With some new spirit seems to thrill; / And all the temple bells achime. / Ring out the glee of Christmas time. / In happy homes the brown oak-bough / Vies with the red-gemmed holly now; / And here and there, like pearls, there show / The berries of the mistletoe. / A sprig upon the chandelier / Says to the maidens, ‘Come not here!’ / Even the pauper of the earth / Some kindly gift has cheered to mirth! / Within his chamber, dim and cold, / There sits a grasping miser old. / He has no thought save one of gain, — / To grind and gather and grasp and drain. / A peal of bells, a merry shout / Assail his ear: he gazes out / Upon a world to him all gray, / And snarls, ‘Why, this is Christmas Day!’ / No, man of ice, — for shame, for shame! / For ‘Christmas Day’ is no mere name. / No, not for you this ringing cheer, / This festal season of the year. / And not for you the chime of bells / From holy temple rolls and swells. / In day and deed he has no part — / Who holds not Christmas in his heart!

An excerpt from “Christmas in War Time” by Richard Le Gallienne

“O pray with all your hearts that war may cease, / And who knows but that God may hear the prayer. / So it may come about next Christmas Day / That we shall hear the happy children play / Gladly aloud, unmindful of the dead, / And watch the lovers go / To the old woods to find the mistletoe.”

An excerpt from “Old Santeclaus” by Clement Clarke Moore

“Old Santeclaus with much delight / His reindeer drives this frosty night, / O’er chimney-tops, and tracks of snow, / To bring his yearly gifts to you. / The steady friend of virtuous youth, / The friend of duty, and of truth, / Each Christmas eve he joys to come / Where love and peace have made their home.”

“Love Came Down at Christmas” by Christina Rossetti

“Love came down at Christmas, / Love all lovely, Love Divine, / Love was born at Christmas, / Star and Angels gave the sign. / Worship we the Godhead, / Love Incarnate, Love Divine, / Worship we our Jesus, / But wherewith for sacred sign? / Love shall be our token, / Love be yours and love be mine, / Love to God and all men, / Love for plea and gift and sign.”

An excerpt from “Christmas Bells” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“I heard the bells on Christmas Day / Their old, familiar carols play, / And wild and sweet / The words repeat / Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].