“Dumb and Dumber To” is one of the new releases
already discounted in Birmingham.

The holiday movie season is upon us. If you’re the ultimate cheapskate like me, you’ll be enjoying the latest Hollywood releases … around July 2015 on Blu-ray from the library. (Or possibly Redbox.)

I have three easier ways to save at the box office, whether for you and a date or a whole brood of wee watchers.

1. Wait a few weeks and see it at the “dollar theater.” That would be the Carmike 10 in Hoover. Movies are $1.50 for all ages and all showtimes, $3.50 for 3D. Who cares if everyone tweets “Interstellar” spoilers long before you see it in person …

2. See any movie for $5 on Tuesdays (like today) at the Edge 12 in Crestwood Festival Center. Same prices for kids and adults, matinee or late night. Plus, beer and wine, the kind you can buy at the concession stand and not sneak in via your personal flask. Enjoy the Filipino family drama “Edsa Woolworth.” Take in the rock documentary (or “rockumentary”) on Australian musician Nick Cave, “20,000 Days on Earth.”

Or just see “Gone Girl” for the third time.

3. Buy a discount ticket through Dealflicks [aff. link]. I’m a big fan, as it has offered low prices for some time at the Edge 12. This fall, it expanded to all the first-run Carmike houses in Birmingham: Lee Branch 15 in North Shelby County, Patton Creek 15 in Hoover, The Summit 16 and Vestavia Hills 10.

Prices vary depending on release date of the movie and showtime.

For example, the new “Dumb and Dumber To” already has a Dealflicks special for Wednesday evening at Vestavia: $10.25 for ticket and medium popcorn (usually $10.25 just for the ticket). If you wait till Monday, you can see it during matinees at the Edge for $5.60 (or $14 for ticket, large popcorn and large drink), or evening for $7.75 or $14.70, respectively. Edge tickets are regularly $7.50 for matinee and $9 for evening.

I like to think of it like buying plane tickets: prices vary based on popularity of time and cinematic destination. So check the site often for deals, availability and prices.

Did I mention that Carmike Vestavia not only has “Big Hero 6” but also the Jon Stewart-directed “Rosewater” and the Michael Keaton acclaimed indie “Birdman”?

Save on movie tickets, and spend the loot on ugly sweaters.

The Edge 12’s $5 Tuesday includes Disney’s “Big Hero 6.”

A look at Birmingham in videos …

We signed a contract. From Randy and Anna.

•

“Now What” from the album “Songs of Peace and War.” From Andy Spain.

•

The Big Picture, part of the annual fund-raising drive. From the Birmingham Museum of Art.

•

Veterans Day parade, drone’s-eye view. From Kevin Henderson.

•

LightRails. From Jan-David Soutar.

•

http://instagram.com/p/vMxBWDR-wq/

Work in progress. From imean_war.

•

My Trucking Life: Russellville, Ark., to Braselton, Ga. From Trucker Josh Vlogs.

•

A look at hero:Kulture, a fund-raiser for autism nonprofit organization KultureCity. From Crooked Tree Productions.

•

City of Birmingham District 5 Fun Day in Railroad Park. From Crooked Tree Productions.

•

See St. Paul and the Broken Bones in concert.

•

See “A Salute to the Troops.”

• • •

Send us links to your videos. | More videos on the Birmingham channel.

The 6th annual Trussville’s Art Show and Tasting Event returns next week with plenty of eats and visual treats.

The participating food and drink vendors:

In addition, jazz saxophonist Vann Burchfield will perform and Tena Payne of Earthborn Studios will create pottery.

TASTE takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Trussville Civic Center, 5381 Trussville Clay Road [map]. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door, available at the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce and other locations. A portion of the proceeds go to the chamber’s scholarship fund.

For more information, call (205) 655-7535 or visit the event page.

Don’t cook — eat. If you celebrate Thanksgiving, but in that all play-no work way, see which Birmingham restaurants have special dinners and to-go options for the holiday.

The Bright Star: $22.95. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Menu includes roast turkey and grilled center-cut ham steak. Also, dinner for eight to go for $125. (205) 426-1861. 304 19th St. N., Bessemer.

•

Cedar’s Grille: $21.95, $12.95 age 2 to 8, free for those younger than 2. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Buffet includes smoked turkey and roast beef. Reservations available by calling (205) 988-5993. 1870 Chace Drive, Hoover.

•

Century Restaurant and Bar at the Tutwiler: Seatings till 2 p.m. Special menu with herb-roasted turkey breast, honey butter sweet potatoes and roasted baby vegetables. (205) 458-9611. 2021 Park Place N., downtown.

•

Dixie Fish Company: $26.99, $11.99 children. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Three-course meal includes turkey, gumbo or salad and dessert. Reservations available by calling (205) 924-3493. 101 Resource Center Pkwy., off U.S. 280, Inverness. [added Nov. 26]

•

Galley and Garden: $55, $25 age 12 and younger. Seatings from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Three-course brunch includes herb-roasted natural turkey, braised short rib and pan-seared mangrove snapper. Reservations available by calling (205) 939-5551. 2220 Highland Ave. S., Southside.

•

Hoover Grille: Open from 5 to 11 p.m. (205) 985-9994 Inside Embassy Suites Birmingham-Hoover, 2960 John Hawkins Pkwy. [map]. [added Nov. 20]

•

Irondale Cafe: $16.99 for meat, three side dishes, dessert and tea or lemonade; $7.99 age 12 and younger for kids’ plate. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Menu includes roast turkey, hickory smoked ham and fried buttermilk chicken. (205) 956-5258, info@irondalecafe.com. 1906 First Ave. N., Irondale.

•

Lone Star Steakhouse: Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. $16.99 turkey dinner or $6.99 children’s meal for age 12 and younger, or regular menu. (205) 661-9339. 4720 Norrell Drive, Trussville.

•

Renaissance Ross Bridge: S49, $40 senior citizens, $25 age 5 to 12, free age 4 and younger. Seatings from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Menu includes stations for omelets, shrimp and grits, carved meats and pasta. Reservations available by calling (205) 949-3057. 4000 Grand Ave., Hoover.

•

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: $38.95, $12.95 children. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Menu includes roasted turkey and cornbread-herb stuffing. Reservations available online. Embassy Suites Hotel, 2300 Woodcrest Pl., Homewood.

•

Seasons 52: $26.95, $12.95 children. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Meal includes roast turkey, mashed potatoes and maple-glazed butternut squash. Reservations available online. (205) 968-5152. The Summit.

•

Sherry’s Cafe and Catering: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Turkey and other entrees. (205) 655-5260. 5800 Valley Road, Ste. 110, Trussville. [added Nov. 15]

•

Silver Coin Indian Grill: Open for dinner from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. (205) 823-9070. 3321 Lorna Road, Ste. 13, Hoover.

•

Todd English PUB: 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; regular menu all day, with special Thanksgiving menu served noon-9 p.m. Special menu includes Cornish game hen, salad, butternut squash bisque and caramel pecan bar. Reservations available by calling (205) 307-3700. 2221 Richard Arrington Blvd. N., Uptown, downtown. [added Nov. 26]

•

The Wynfrey Hotel/Hyatt: $41, $34 age 65 and older, $17 age 7-12, free age 6 and younger. Seatings from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Menu includes roast cider-brined turkey breast, dry rub prime rib, grits bar and omelet bar. Reservations available by calling (205) 444-5750. Riverchase Galleria, Hoover.

Take-out options

Bistro V: Turkey and side dishes available for pickup Nov. 26. To order, call (205) 823-1505. 521 Montgomery Highway, Ste. 113, Vestavia Hills.

•

Homewood Gourmet: Menu includes side dishes, sauces, soups, casseroles and desserts. Available for pickup Nov. 26. To order, call (205) 871-1620. 1919 28th Ave. S., Homewood.

If we left out a restaurant, please leave a comment below.

So Birmingham’s hottest band is booked two nights at the Alabama Theatre and you still didn’t get tickets … Alas, we can’t help you there.

But even if you’re missing out on St. Paul and the Broken Bones tonight and Friday, we have the next best thing.

Enjoy nearly 3 hours of music from the comfort of your tiny smartphone or enormous smart TV set.

Seattle

•

“Call Me” in Boston

•

“Don’t Mean a Thing” at Avondale Brewing Company

•

“Half the City” on “CBS This Morning”

•

Bama Theatre in Tuscaloosa

•

Al Gamble and Paul Janeway at Grace-St. Luke’s
Episcopal Church in Memphis

•

Rock en Seine festival in Paris

•

“I’m Torn Up” in New York

•

“Broken Bones and Pocket Change” in Nashville

•

“Let Me Roll It” at Parkside Cafe in Avondale

•

“A Change Is Gonna Come” in Florence/Muscle Shoals

St. Paul and the Broken Bones

• Website | Facebook | Twitter @StP_BrokenBones | Instagram

Is UAB about to kick football to the curb? It started last week with concerns raised by former player Justin Clark in a letter to UAB president Ray Watts. It has blossomed into accusations, hand-wringing and a growing air of uncertainty over the program’s future.

The debate: Should UAB football continue?

Pro: UAB is 5-5, one win away in its final two games to be bowl eligible. Something that hasn’t happened since 2004.

Con: Five wins is a banner season, having matched or bested UAB win-loss records from the last 12 years.

Pro: Fan support is up this year, with tens of thousands at home games vs. mere thousands last year. New coach halo effect?

Con: Even new UAB president Ray Watts doesn’t support the program.

Pro: The Blazers draw fans despite being stuck at decrepit Legion Field.

Con: That’s good, because the $75 million, 30,000-seat UAB stadium, proposed back in 2011, is never gonna happen.

Pro: BBVA Compass announced last week that it’s pumping $1.5 million into UAB’s football program with a new field.

Con: Wrong football.

Pro: Coach Bill Clark may have turned things around in his first season.

Con: He’s the third new coach in 7 years.

Pro: The Blazers are in the Football Capital of the South. No one loves football more than Birmingham and Alabama folks.

Con: They love Alabama and Auburn, which hauled in four of the five most recent national championships and are both currently ranked in the Top 10. (UAB … somewhere between No. 88 and No. 100.)

Pro: UAB had $2.4 billion in operating revenue and another $410 million in nonoperating revenue in 2013. By comparison, sister school University of Alabama had $660 million in operating revenue and $244 million in nonoperating revenue in 2013.

Con: The UA Trustees call all the shots, and they really couldn’t care less about UAB revenue, football, stadium plans or anything Blazer.

Pro: As it does with Alabama and Auburn, al.com devotes an online section to UAB football.

Con: I’ve never seen a news site allow a college sports PR department have equal/top billing on bylines. UAB Athletics Media Relations has written hundreds of stories for al.com, while a bevy of full-time al.com staffers post all stories, photos and videos for Tide and Tigers football.

Should the Blazers suit up for 2015? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

A look at Birmingham in videos …

A night at Birmingham Art Crawl downtown. From Amber Pierce.

•

A day for a picnic at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham. From Lefty Daniels.

•

Animation test sequence: Birmingham, no place like it. From Scott Thigpen. (Read a book excerpt from Scott.)

•

Birmingham mayor William Bell extends an invitation to Pope Francis. From WIAT-42.

•

Looking ahead to the Vulcan Run and the Mercedes Marathon. From Run Birmingham.

•

British soul/jazz group the Filthy Six performs “Mr. Morris” Ol Elegante studios in Homewood. From Spectra Sonic Sound Sessions.

•

Highlight reel for Jonathan Etheridge, point guard for Ramsay High School in Birmingham. From Street Light Recruiting.

•

The 2014 On the Set Summer Film Camp at the Medical Forum. From Stratosfilm Productions.

•

The Rt. Rev. Dr. James Tengatenga addresses the congregation at St. Mary’s-on-the-Highlands Episcopal Church on Southside. From the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama.

•

Rev. Christine Perry on “One Power and One Presence.” From Unity of Birmingham.

•

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Get Outside Alabama (@getoutsidealabama)

Above the falls at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve near Pinson. From Get Outside Alabama.

•

http://instagram.com/p/vMaIjgjgZ-/

Behind the scenes at the Vault downtown. From dez.thegenius.

•

http://instagram.com/p/vE6sq2qri6/

Lego Star Wars tattoos on feet. From Jacob Brewer.

•

See UAB’s diabetes breakthrough.

•

See Birmingham’s Veterans Day parade.

• • •

Send us links to your videos. | More videos on the Birmingham channel.

Human trials to begin in 2015

Video: WIAT-42 report on UAB’s diabetes research

UAB scientists announced Thursday a breakthrough in the fight against one of America’s deadliest diseases.

After more than a decade of research, the Comprehensive Diabetes Center has found that hypertension medication verapamil reverses the onset of diabetes in mice. UAB will begin human trials in 2015.

Dr. Anath Shalev, the center’s director, said in a UAB report, “We have previously shown that verapamil can prevent diabetes and even reverse the disease in mouse models and reduce TXNIP in human islet beta cells, suggesting that it may have beneficial effects in humans as well.”

Dr. Anath Shalev

Beta cells in the pancreas produce insulin to control blood sugar. When blood sugar levels increase, so does production of the protein TXNIP which kills beta cells, thwarts insulin production and fosters the progression of diabetes.

UAB’s research has found that verapamil lowers TXNIP levels in mice, eradicating diabetes in the process.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation has given a 3-year, $2.1 million grant to UAB for human trials.

Video: How verapamil saves pancreatic beta cells and
cures diabetes in mice

The Frozen Tide faces Arkansas tonight and Saturday in Pelham.

The 10th season of Alabama club hockey is going strong, with only one loss among its opening nine games. Tonight and Saturday, the Frozen Tide faces Arkansas (11-5-0) in its first SECHC matches of the season.

The Razorbacks have been playing since September, already having defeated new West Division provisional member Auburn in two early games.

Faceoff is at 8 tonight and 1 p.m. Saturday on home ice at the Pelham Civic Complex, 500 Amphitheater Road [map]. Tickets are $5 at the door.

The games are available on Pay-Per-View for $6.99 or free streaming audio.

Alabama Frozen Tide

• Website | schedule | Facebook | Twitter @AlabamaHockey

A photo posted by #InstagramBham (@instagrambham) on Nov 11, 2013 at 10:59am PST

The nation’s oldest Veterans Day parade will hit the streets of downtown Birmingham next week. In addition, the National Veterans Day celebration will have other events around town.

• Sunday: The Veterans Day Tribute takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Alabama Veterans Memorial Park near Liberty Park [map]. Free.
• Monday: The National Veterans Award Dinner and Dance takes place at 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Birmingham, 2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., downtown [map]. This year’s honoree is Bob Dole, former Senator and World War II vet who was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. $30.
• Tuesday, Veterans Day:
  • 8:30 a.m. — Memorial service honoring veterans who have died in the last year. Cathedral Church of the Advent, 2017 Sixth Ave. N., downtown [map]. Free.
  • 10:30 a.m. — World Peace Luncheon at the Sheraton Birmingham. $25.
  • 1:30 p.m. — Parade through downtown (see route map below).
  • 6:30 p.m. — Got Your Six Gala at Good People Brewing Company, 114 14th St. S., next to Regions Field [map]. Montgomery blues singer Kip Traylor performs. $25, proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Family Foundation, an Alabama nonprofit organization providing financial assistance to families of wounded and deceased soldiers.

For more information, visit the National Veterans Day site.

Update Nov. 6: UAB will hold its third annual Wreath-Laying Ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday on the Campus Green [map]. (h/t @MCuthbert)

 Map: Parade route in downtown Birmingham

Video: The National Veterans Day Parade in downtown Birmingham

National Veterans Day

• Website | Facebook

The mid-term election ballots have been cast. Results from Tuesday’s races in Alabama and the Birmingham metro area …

Statewide voter turnout was 41 percent, the lowest for a mid-term election since 1986.

More election coverage in our Vote 2014 special report.

(Contested races only)

• D = Democrat | I = incumbent | L = Libertarian | R = Republican
  
• Winner in red

Chart: Alabama governor’s race 2014

• • •

More Vote 2014 coverage.

Photo: Ludovic Bertron (CC)

Excellent … polls have opened till 7 tonight for races at the local, state and national levels.

Q: Where do I vote?

A: Call Jefferson County: (205) 325-5550, Jefferson County (Bessemer only): (205) 481-4105, Shelby County: (205) 669-3913.

Or Search Your Polling Place on AlabamaVotes.gov.

Wade on Birmingham:
election results tonight

Remember, if you have problems at your polling place:

• Notify a poll worker immediately.
• Call the state attorney general at 1-800-831-8814 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Wednesday or fill out this online form.
• Call the secretary of state at 1-800-274-VOTE (8683) or visit his site, StopVoterFraudNow.com.
• And tell the probate court for Jefferson County (205-325-5203) or Shelby County (205-669-3713).
• E-mail us at Vote2014[at]wadeonbirmingham.com.

Q: What can I expect to see on the ballots?

A: Check out these sample ballots for each county.

You’re voting for U.S. Senator and Representative, state (including governor) and county officials.

Q: And what about all those amendments?

A: A few insights from WBHM (90.3 FM).

Who are you voting for today? Tell us in the comments.

• • •

More Vote 2014 coverage.

A look at Birmingham in videos …

Goren Avery, server at Highlands Bar and Grill on Southside since 1982, honored for his work as the 2014 Ruth Fertel Keeper of the Flame Award. From Southern Foodways.

•

Frank E. Adams Sr. passed away last week. A charter member of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, he gave tours while playing on his clarinet. From LittleLevi1606.

•

A video posted by Vince Davis (@vinceinsanepaint) on Nov 11, 2014 at 9:17am PDT

Parking lot drift. From vinceinsanepaint.

•

Joe Minter’s African Village in America, a sculpture garden south of Elmwood Cemetery in the Woodland Park neighborhood. From Made in the Magic City.

•

A video posted by Scenario Skateboards (@scenario_bham) on Nov 11, 2014 at 4:07pm PDT

Skateboarding downtown. From scenario_bham.

•

The Black Panther cartoon is on … BET. Really? (Filmed before Marvel’s big announcement.) From Out of the Game.

•

A video posted by The 30x30x30 Project (@the30x30x30project) on Nov 11, 2014 at 7:26pm PDT

Mariah Carey from painter’s tape. From the30x30x30project.

•

A video posted by Kileyroc (@hellokiley78) on Nov 11, 2014 at 7:25pm PST

Dia de los Muertos 2014 jazz processional. From hellokiley78.

•

A missionary from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on her trip to Birmingham. From Prepare to Serve.

•

Students from North Carolina reflect on their visit to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. From the Burlington School.

•

Bethel Baptist Church and its role in the civil rights movement. From David Mathews Center.

•

See Birmingham celebrate Dia de los Muertos.

•

See Birmingham’s Sarcor and Slice Pizza featured on PBS’ “Start Up.”

•

See Hoover’s Moss Rock Festival.

• • •

Send us links to your videos. | More videos on the Birmingham channel.

The jazz processional incorporates New Orleans
style in the Mexican-themed celebration, Dia de los Muertos.

https://vimeo.com/83858257

Video: Birmingham’s Dia de los Muertos

One of Birmingham’s most unique celebrations comes alive Sunday afternoon. Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, marks its 12th year downtown.

The festival, based on Mexican tradition, will feature a jazz parade, altars to loved ones, memorial roll call and performances by Banda la Tumbadora and Ballet Folklórico Corazón Azteca. Food vendors will include Saw’s Street Kitchen, Mi Pueblo Supermarket and Cantina.

Dia de Los Muertos schedule

Gaze at the artistry of each altar, a tribute to the life of a family member or friend for all to celebrate.

The event runs from 4 to 11 p.m. Sunday at 2115 First Ave. S. [map]. Tickets are $10, $3 for age 7 to 12, and can be purchased online. A portion of the proceeds goes to Bare Hands’ After School Art Club for homeless children at the YWCA of Central Alabama.

For more information, visit the Dia de los Muertos site.

Also: From 1 to 5 today, Woodlawn will have a free art exhibit Dia de los Muertos Festival: A Celebration of Life at 55th Street and First Avenue North [map].

Video: Dia de los Muertos featured on “Talk of Alabama”

Dia de los Muertos

• Website | Facebook | Twitter @dotdalabama | Instagram

Video: Animated short “Dia de los Muertos”
from the Ringling College of Art and Design.

Top: Slice Pizza and Brew’s Jason Bajalieh, Chris
Bajalieh and Jeff Bajalieh; bottom: Sarcor’s Selena
Rodgers Dickerson.

You have to be tough to be an entrepreneur. I mean, really, really tough. I don’t know if I have what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.

Those who have started a business and kept it going can have amazing stories. The PBS series “Start Up” featured the owners of two Birmingham companies earlier this month.

Selena Rodgers Dickerson founded civil engineering firm Sarcor in 2010. On the show, she discusses surviving the darkest time in her life and the challenges of working in a field dominated by men.

Video: Birmingham civil engineering firm Sarcor featured on
“Start Up” (skip to 13:22).

The Bajalieh brothers Chris, Jason and Jeff opened their restaurant Slice Pizza and Brew in 2011 in an old Lakeview house. The road to that moment was bumpy and filled with setbacks, as they discuss in their “Start Up” segment.

Video: Lakeview restaurant Slice Pizza and Brew featured
on “Start Up.”

The show’s producers flew in from Detroit to film both segments in 1 day. “Start Up” interviews entrepreneurs from across America to share their stories on the highs and lows of starting and owning a business.

Sarcor

• Website | Facebook | Twitter @SARCOR_CEO | Instagram
• “Entrepreneur Spotlight: Sarcor LLC”

Slice Pizza and Brew

• Website | Facebook | Twitter @SliceBirmingham | Instagram
• “Case Study: Slice Birmingham lets the professionals handle it”

“Start Up”

• Website | Facebook | Twitter @startup_usa | Instagram