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Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun January 18th – 20th

Posted on by Angie

What’s happening around the Magic City this weekend? Read on for some great events that will be fun for the whole family!

  • Birmingham Bulls Hockey – Pelham Civic Complex

Vs Pensacola Ice Flyers

As You Walk Through the Door, Your Hearts Starts Pumping! The irresistible lure of HOCKEY and the buzz of a packed house causes your ADRENALIN to surge. The music is PUMPING, the lights fade and the smoke swirls – and that’s just the beginning. Monster hits, UNBELIEVABLE GOALS and in-your-face hockey keeps you on the edge of your seat. The action is NON-STOP! With heart pounding music, and contests, what are you waiting for? It’s an EXPERIENCE to remember.

Friday, 7:30pm
Saturday, 7pm

  • Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code – McWane Science Center

Check out the new Exhibit opening this Saturday at the McWane Science Center. Do you have your mother’s dimples? Or your father’s hairline? What makes us, us? And how much of it actually sets us apart from every other living thing on Earth? Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code begins to unravel the mystery behind the complete set of instructions needed for every living thing on Earth to grow and function: the genome. Discover how your genome could be the key to maximizing your future quality of life as genomic science helps open the way to more personalized healthcare. See yourself in a new way: as an individual, as a member of a family, and as part of the diversity of life on Earth.

Opens Saturday

  • Japanese Heritage Festival – Birmingham Museum of Art

Celebrate the rich cultural history of Japan at our Japanese Heritage Festival. Using Japanese art as inspiration, the BMA will explore this beautiful culture through special art activities, tours of the Japanese gallery, and screenings of Anime. Highlighting the day will be a traditional tea ceremony demonstration by the Chado Urasenke Tankokai Birmingham Association.

This event is free of charge.

Saturday, 10am – 2pm

  • BrickFair Alabama LEGO Expo – BJCC Exhibition Halls

At BrickFair you’ll find hands-on games and activities, tons of amazing creations made from LEGO bricks, a variety of different vendors selling all sorts of unique LEGO related items, and so much more.

BrickFair brings together LEGO fans and builders from across the USA to show off and share their amazing LEGO creations and passion for the LEGO brick.

Show tickets are $14 per person at the door. All children ages 3 and under are FREE.

Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 4pm

  • Lunar Eclipse Viewing Parties – Samford on the Quad and Oak Mountain State Park

The total lunar eclipse will last approximately five hours, and will end at 1:48AM on January 21st. Totality is expected to occur at 11:12PM.

If you would like to get out and witness this for yourself, you’re in luck! There will be two spots in Birmingham where you can go – For more information on both of these events and what to expect check out our Lunar Eclipse Viewing Party Post

Sunday:
8am – 1pm at Samford
10:30pm at Oak Mountain

For even more fun this weekend, and beyond… Check out our Full Events Calendar!

Birmingham Lunar Eclipse Viewing Party

Posted on by Angie

This Sunday, January 20, starting at 8:36PM, we will experience our only lunar eclipse for 2019.

The total lunar eclipse will last approximately five hours, and will end at 1:48AM on January 21st. Totality is expected to occur at 11:12PM.

If you would like to get out and witness this for yourself, you’re in luck! There will be two spots in Birmingham where you can go:

Oak Mountain State Park

The Birmingham Astronomical Society and Oak Mountain State Park will host at the Golf Pro-shop for parking and the golf course driving range for viewing! Please arrive by 10:30pm to ensure everyone is in place for a good view! Bring a flashlight! There will be bathrooms available! Urban Pops is coming with their truck offering HOT Chocolate and Gourmet Coffees and corn dogs, fried Oreos, macaroons, cannolis, brownies, and more! The Golf Pro Shop (not the grill) will be OPEN for this event if you need to warm up! Restrooms will also be open and warm! This event is free and open to all ages with admission to OMSP!

Samford University Quad

Bring chairs / blankets / hot chocolate and enjoy an evening under the stars (and moon)! This Family Friendly Event is Free! 8pm – 1am. You can follow their Facebook page for updates and more information

About the Lunar Eclipse:

As the full moon passes through the shadow of the Earth, a number of factors will combine to create a so-called “super blood wolf moon.” The eclipse will be visible from anywhere in the U.S. for 62 minutes on Sunday night, as well as South America and parts of Europe and Africa.

The event will also create what some call a “blood moon,” a moon with a reddish tint. Because particles in the Earth’s atmosphere scatter blue light, only the remaining red light will reach the moon when the Earth blocks the sun. That red light will bounce off the moon, resulting in a coppery hue

The name “wolf moon” just means a full moon in January, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Combining the terms together, some skygazers are calling the event a “super blood wolf moon,” though scientists still refer to the event as a total lunar eclipse.

BrickFair Alabama LEGO Fan Expo

Posted on by Angie

The BrickFair LEGO Fan Expo is coming back to the Magic City!! If you have (or you are) a LEGO Fanatic, you’re going to want to make plans to attend!

BrickFair offers endless inspiration, playing opportunities, camaraderie and chances to win LEGO! Explore the larger LEGO community, discover creative building techniques and take home great ideas.

See Cool Stuff. Do Fun Things. Please allow yourself at least 90 minutes to enjoy the show.  BrickFair celebrates only LEGO brand products – no clones.  BrickFair is not affiliated with The LEGO Group.

Strollers are not permitted in BrickFair; it stinks, we know, we’re sorry.

This weekend at the BJCC Exhibition Halls:

Saturday, January 19th – 10am – 5pm
Sunday, January 20th – 10am – 4pm

$15 At Door. Children ages 3 and Under: Free. No Strollers Allowed.

Contact: 800-745-3000

    Official Website

Kick off the New Year with Clean Carpets

Posted on by Angie

If you think carpet cleaning is best saved for your spring cleaning ritual, you might want to reconsider.  Seemingly minor spots and stains from holiday entertaining and kids being home for their extended break, can become permanent without proper cleaning and the fibers of your quality carpets and rugs can begin to break down and suffer damage. The longer this goes, the worse it can be. Some other things to consider when getting a jump on your spring cleaning:

Wipe Out Allergens:

While your carpets may not accumulate as many allergens during the winter months, if you missed your fall cleaning, keeping everything sealed up for the winter and keeping doors and windows closed, means everything that settled during the warmer months stays trapped inside, your carpet holds it all adding to the polluted air. A professional cleaning reduces and eliminates those spring and summer pollutants giving you a breath of fresh(er) air.

Beat the Rush:

Since most people wait until spring to have their carpets cleaned, getting an appointment now might be easier than waiting until the spring rush. Better accommodating your busy schedule.

Faster Drying Time:

The heat in your home, and the dry air, makes the winter a perfect time to clean your carpet. Quick drying will minimize the inconvenience of the service call and lead to much better results.

Once you have your clean carpets, make sure to minimize tracking in all the winter muck by taking shoes off at the door, wiping those pet paws and investing in some good door mats.

Ready to book your winter cleaning? Use Code “Mom30” for $30 off any service. Min charges apply.

Stanley Steemer removes an average of 94% of common household allergens like pet dander from carpet, upholstery, tile and hardwood floors. They’re also certified “asthma and allergy friendly” by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

Stanley Steemer provides professional deep cleaning services including carpet, tile & grout, upholstery, hardwood and air ducts. We also provide water restoration services.

Stanley Steemer of North Central Alabama services the greater Birmingham Metro Area and surrounding counties, spanning from Cullman to Clanton and from the Mississippi state line to the Georgia state line.

Stanley Steemer is the first carpet cleaning service certified asthma & allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, removing an average of 94% of common household allergens from carpet. 24/7 scheduling available!

Use Code: Mom30 for $30 off any service. (Minimum charges apply)

Kids and Online Safety

Posted on by Angie

Texting, sharing photos and instant messaging is how kids socialize today. But many of them use these tools to threaten, gang up on and cyberbully other kids.

According to new survey findings from the University of Phoenix:

Three in four US adults (76%) are concerned for the online safety of children under the age of 18.
Among parents, mothers are more likely than fathers to be concerned (82% vs.71%).

Specifically, large majorities of US adults are concerned with several factors of online safety, including strangers/predators talking to them (83%) and sharing sensitive material (80%).

Non parents are more likely than parents to be worried about a child being tricked into spending money (74% vs. 60%) and cyberbullying (77% vs. 71).

Social media (e.g., Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram) is the platform type that causes the most concern in 2 in 3 (67%) US adults.

Roughly 6 in 10 parents of children under 18 say educating their children about online safety (60%) and/or monitoring their activities online (56%) would be steps they could take to protect their children.

So, what can we do?  Below are a few tips from Dr. Pam Roggeman, University of Phoenix College of Education Dean, on how to get involved with children’s online profiles and ways for parents to discuss with their children how to better prevent bullying through security measures.

Be empathetic to their situation. Children are often afraid or embarrassed to talk about bullying with their parents. Connect with them by telling them of your own similar situations and offer to listen to their issues. Don’t approach them right away with solutions, as this may make them hesitant to share their struggles with you in the future.

Teach them how to react. Many children may not know how to respond to a bully. Tell them to save evidence and reach out for help. Retaliating or responding could cause a bigger issue. If they feel in danger, they need to know who and when to call for help. They should also speak out if someone they know is a victim of cyberbullying.

Protect their accounts. Many social media sites allow users to block or report people. This is not being a coward and can help stop future attacks. Make sure your children have strong passwords and don’t share them and close and lock devices and accounts when not in use, as this can lead to other forms of bullying like identity theft.

Perform a friends list audit. Sit down with your children to do an audit of their friends lists on social media. If a peer is engaging in bullying, encourage them to remove him/her. Ask them to keep their friends lists to people they truly know and talk to. Children may feel obligated to add everyone they know to their social sites, but this could cause bullying and security issues.

Serve as an example. Refrain from posting negative comments on your social channels and limit your connections to only people you know. Your children are more likely to make a change if you lead as an example.

Dr. Roggeman says that even by following these tips, a vigilant eye is necessary when it comes to monitoring the online activity of any child. She says, “be sure to ask questions and keep up on current trends as well as popular platforms and how children are using them. Keep an open dialogue with your child and let them know they can come to you if they sense a problem or unusual online activity.”

Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun January 11th – 13th

Posted on by Angie

 

  • Bulls Broncs and Barrels – Blount County Agri-Business Center

Celebrate an American tradition this winter as the Lone Star Rodeo Company brings its BULLS, BRONCS, & BARRELS TOUR to the Agri-Business Center for two nights of competition. The events get underway at 7:30 p.m. including Bareback Bronc Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Brahma Bull Riding, and Cowgirls’ Barrel Racing. Added attraction will be hilarious rodeo clown the Mighty Mike Wentworth.

Friday  & Saturday – Opens at 6:00 p.m. Event Begins 7:30 p.m.
Adults, $15
Children (Ages 4-12), $10

  • Story Times and Activities Featuring Love, Z at Barnes and Noble Summit

A robot named Z discovers a message signed “Love, Beatrice,” and decides to find out what “love” means. They embark on an adventure that leads to Beatrice, and back home again, where love was hiding all along. Get a coupon from our Café for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4!

Saturday, 11am – 12pm

  • Sea Lion Encounter – Birmingham Zoo

Time is almost up to check out the Sea Lion Encounter… Get wildly connected with the Birmingham Zoo! With new Behind-the-Scenes Encounters, you can get close to a Sea Lion and meet a Cassowary, all while learning from the Zoo’s expert Animal Care Professionals. Encounters include a tour of behind-the-scenes animal areas, time to ask the experts any questions you have, and more!

Saturday, 11am

  • Magic Moments Magic Show – Alabama Theatre

Join Magic Moments at the Alabama Theatre for a magic show for the whole family! Start in the lobby where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy up close magic, face painting, balloon art and more. Grab your snacks and drinks and head into the theater where magician David Garrard will wow you with a show you’ll never forget!

Sunday, 2pm – 5pm
Ticket Prices:
Adults – $30 each
Children – $25 each
Family Four Pack (two adults, two children) – $100 each

Call 205-638-9372 to purchase your tickets

  • Exploring Natural Alabama – Alabama Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain

Birds of prey are truly masters of the skies. They have keen eyesight, sharp talons, and are adept hunters. Owls have the additional advantage of being nocturnal in their habits. During this program, featuring live birds from AWC’s Education Ambassadors Program, you will learn their various features, adaptations, and field marks to help you identify them in the field. Bring your children and camera to capture the moment! Note there are two programs at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to accommodate everyone.

Sunday, 1pm – 4pm

Marvel Universe Live

Posted on by Angie

Marvel fans, assemble for this live, legendary battle to defend the universe from evil. The Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy and Spider-Man join forces with Doctor Strange, master of the mystic arts, in a race against time to recover the Wand of Watoomb before it falls into Loki’s hands in this all-new, spectacular arena stunt show.

Produced by Feld Entertainment, Marvel Universe LIVE! is performing at the Legacy Arena at BJCC from Feb. 7 – Feb. 10 for seven (7) performances. Tickets are on sale NOW!

Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket, Groot and Drax make their live production debut bringing their courage and misfit wit to Marvel Universe LIVE! Alongside Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Panther, Hulk, Black Widow, Wasp and Iron Fist, the Guardians of the Galaxy help fight the scheming, menacing and loathsome villains Loki, Yondu and Green Goblin. Audiences will join in the quest that sparks new feuds with old foes, pitting student against mentor, sister against sister and brother against brother.

Witness cutting-edge special effects, aerial maneuvers, pyrotechnics, martial arts, motorcycle stunts and vast 3D video projection mapping in this completely new thrilling adventure. Fans of all ages will be immersed in the Marvel Universe and experience it all with their family…LIVE!

Tickets for Marvel Universe LIVE! start at $15 All seats are reserved, and tickets are available
by calling 800-745-3000. For group rates and information, call: 866-248-8740.

To discover more about Marvel Universe LIVE! and to become a Feld Preferred member, go to
www.marveluniverselive.com, or visit our social media channels:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarvelOnTour
Twitter: @MarvelOnTour
YouTube: www.youtube.com/MarvelOnTour
Instagram: @MarvelOnTour

Red Mountain Theatre Company Summer Camp 2019

Posted on by Angie

Red Mountain Theatre Company offers a variety of summer camps that teach theatrical craft while providing performance opportunities for youth. Our curriculum includes, vocal, dance, and drama training and culminates in a chance to share what students have learned during the week.

“We unlock the best from the students to reach their full potential. We help them understand what raising the bar of excellence is all about. More than that, we are developing their life skills,” says RMTC’s Director of Education Bradford Forehand.

RMTC’s summer camps have become a fun and engaging yearly tradition for several students. Forehand explains, “We provide students opportunities to perform or work with amazing instructors. We work really hard to make this a second home. A lot of self-identity is found in the work and in this environment.”
The following summer camps are offered:

Broadway Bootcamp ‘19
Singing, dancing, and acting instruction taught by theatre professionals under the following classifications:

Recruit Camp

This premier camp will enhance the performance skills of all young artists through technique-based classes. Students will hone singing, acting, and dancing skills through instruction from six highly-experienced and diverse professionals.

Ages 7-18

Dates: June 3-14

Times: 9AM-4PM

Tuition: $500-Before February 1 , $575-Before April 55tr , $600-After April 5

Audition Date: March 9

Intermediate Bootcamp

Young artists looking to take their theatrical training to the next level will gain hone their skills in singing, acting, and dancing. They will gain artistry skills, increasing their ability to execute excellent technique.

Ages 9-15

Dates: June 3-21

Times: 9AM-4PM

Tuition: $1,050-Before February 1, $1,150-Before April 5, $1,200-After April 5

Advanced Bootcamp

In this elite camp, young artists train to be the best of the best. Students train for three weeks to become triple-threat performers, becoming experts in singing, dancing, and acting. They will focus their skills to learn complex and exciting production numbers straight from the Broadway stage.

Ages 13-18

Dates: June 3-21

Times: 9AM-4PM

Tuition: $1,050-Before February 1, $1,150-Before April 5, $1,200-After April 5

Audition Dates for Intermediate/Advanced: March 10

SummerBlast 19’
Fun, week-long camps in which students experience musical theatre performance. They build confidence by rehearsing a short script written specifically for RMTC, and they perform at the end of the week,

Ages 7-12

Dates/Place: June10-14 or June 17-21 at Berry Middle School
July 22-26 at The Dance Foundation

Times: 9AM-4PM

Tuition: $250-Before February 1, $275-Before April 5, $300-After April 5

Playmaking (Half Day Camps)

Imaginations will run wild as budding performers explore the wonder of creating their own short plays. Utilizing a given theme, they will develop their own characters and situations while learning basic theatre skills.

Ages 4-6

Dates/Place: June 17-21 at Berry Middle School
July 8-12 or July 22-26 at The Dance Foundation

Times: 9AM-12PM, 1PM-4PM

Tuition: $140-Before February 1, $160-Before April 5, $180-After April 5

Theme Camps

By cultivating original characters, students will collaborate and explore the world of a story or situation.
Ages 7-12
Dates: July 8-12, July 15-19, or July 22-26
Times: 9AM-4PM
Tuition: $250-Before February 1, $275-Before April 5, $300-After April 5

Acting Intensive

This week-long intensive will focus training young actors for stage work. By exploring various schools of acting, students will build their acting skills for the stage. This camp is a great glimpse into the 2019-2020 season of The Actors’ Academy and culminates in a showcase in which students perform monologues and scenes.
Ages 13-18
Dates: July 8-12
Times: 9AM-4PM
Tuition: $350-Before February 1, $400-After February 1
For more information, visit redmountaintheatre.org/education

Magic Moments Magic Show

Posted on by Angie

On January 13, Magic Moments will be hosting the first annual Magic Moments Magic Show at the Alabama Theatre.

This event is unique. We will be using it as a fundraising opportunity to bring even more magic to chronically ill children in 2019 while also inviting back previous magic moment recipients and their families. Make plans for a night of magical fun!

January 13th, 2pm – 5pm

Ticket Prices:
Adult Tickets: $30
Children’s Tickets: $25
Family Four Pack (2 adults, 2 children): $100

All tickets include popcorn, candy and a soda or alcoholic beverage. Additional beverages will be available for purchase.

CLICK to purchase tickets

Recipe: Yummy Hot Cocoa

Posted on by Angie

Who doesn’t love hot cocoa when the temps dip below freezing?  Here’s a yummy recipe to try that is sure to warm up those tiny humans!

INGREDIENTS

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup boiling water
3 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup heavy cream

INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium sauce pan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar and cinnamon.

Place the saucepan over low heat and whisk in the boiling water. Whisk constantly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil for 2 minutes.

Whisk in the milk, vanilla, and heavy cream. Heat the mixture until very warm, taking care not to let the mixture boil.

Carefully pour the hot chocolate into mugs. If desired, top with marshmallows and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

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