Looking for a job? You’re not alone… according to Employment data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and compiled by INDEED.COM, the Birmingham region ranks #36 out of the 50 largest metro areas. The data is a bit ‘dated’ in that the most recent data is from September 2009, but there is only one job posting for roughly every six unemployed persons. That’s pretty disturbing, until you look further down the list at regions like Riverside CA (1:9), Miami FL (1:12), and Detroit MI (1:18).
I’ll gladly admit that one of my recent guilty pleasures has been catching up with seasons upon seasons of Anthony Bordain: No Reservations on the travel channel. Thank goodness for a DVR, because these episodes are often during the day (I’ve seen one on the TV while eating lunch at Pappa’s in Vestavia Hills) or late nights (when I’m up working on my ‘day job’ issues that are better handled overnight).
So, I was thinking the other day while watching his recent episode about San Francisco that wouldn’t it be great if he came to Birmingham to shoot an episode? What would make a great sequence of places for him to visit?? Here are my ideas/suggestions (in case he’s listening).
- The Famous Chef
- Anything by Frank Stitt (Bottega, Highlands, etc.) – the only way to start an Anthony Bordain visit would be to interview our resident famous chef, talking about his signature restaurants, his most recent book, and other endeavors!
- The Past
- Vulcan and a long shot of Sloss Furnaces — sets the stage for our region’s industrial roots
If Anthony Bordain came to Birmingham…
The Vestavia Hills High School Band has high ambitions. This coming New Years, they will be marching the Mayor’s parade in London, England. To pay for the trip, they have come up with a stunt that could also land them on the list of Guinness World Records.
Recipe:
- One 2-liter Diet Coke per person
- Seven Mentos candies
- Several thousand friends and neighbors
Result:
“Cascading cola geyser of incredible proportions” – the resulting geyser will spray as high as 20 feet into the air for about 10 seconds
Limited parking will be available in the high school parking lots with free shuttle parking available nearby. Look for signs along Highway 31 directing you to the shuttle locations. Gates open at 7:30 a.m. with the big “splash” at 9. Arrive early to make sure you won’t miss out on a second of this record-setting experience. Event proceeds benefit VHHS Band.
The date: Saturday August 8, 2009 (rain or shine)
The time: 9 AM (promptly)
The place: Vestavia Hills High School football stadium
Who – EVERYONE is invited
Cost – $5 per person. Includes all supplies. Pay at the gate (cash, please)
For more information on how your group can be a part of this event, contact Millie Whitacre (205-516-8889).
A Fizzing End to Summer – Guinness World Record attempt on August 8th
This just in, as reported by FOX6:
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – A Walker County man was sitting in his vehicle on Wednesday, when a bomb exploded. The victim is now in serious condition at UAB Hospital.
Agents with the ATF and FBI have been called in to assist police to find out who planted the explosive device.
This all happened around 6:00 pm at a home on Crest Avenue in the Walker County community of Parrish.
Walker County’s Sheriff says it is unknown what type of explosive device it was or how it was detonated. He did say the explosion was confined to the inside of the truck.
Sheriff John Mark Tirey says this incident is shocking.
Yes, indeed!
Car Bomb in Birmingham (yes, Ala. – not UK)
This just in from Catalyst, the “hip to be civic” crowd:
The Green Building Focus Expo is July 28, 29 and 30 at the BJCC starting at 7:30 each morning. It is a forum that has been done in South Africa and worldwide and seeks to create Birmingham as a “green hub” for sustainable building products and services. Speakers such as Ed Begley, Jr., Charles Kibert, Karan Grover, Dominic Sims and many other thought leaders and experts will provide information on the increasing movement for green building. By attending the event you will have the opportunity to take the “Learning to LEED” class and have the opportunity to become LEED certified. With the many resources surrounding Birmingham’s 100 mile radius, we are an ideal location for this event as well as being the forefront for the future green building movement.
Catalyst will be supporting this event by promoting and providing volunteers. Volunteers will gain full access to the event and speakers. We are looking for 10-25 people who would either like to work in registration, ushers, on-site recycling program or event information.
Check out the website greenbuildingfocus.com for a schedule of events and for more information on this event contact Todd Sims at tsims@greenbuildingfocus.com or Melisa McGregor at mmcgregor@greenbuildingfocus.com. Contact Gail Harper Yeilding if you would like to volunteer, ghyeilding@yahoo.com.
Ed Begley, Jr. will speak on the opening day, July 28th:
“I am honored to have the opportunity to speak to design and construction professionals from across the Southeast. These professionals have the opportunity to affect real change through sustainable building practices, and their interest in doing so is critical to the future of our nation,” said Begley.
“Green Building Focus” Expo in July + Ed Begley, Jr. comes to town
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