A look at Birmingham in videos …

The 800m run at the CrossPlex. From Greg Faith Hill.

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Birmingham Bowl preview with Peter Loshak and Joe Duffy. From Sportsbook Review.

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A look at the Birmingham Fencing Club in action. From Birmingham Fencing Club.

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Michael Olmert highlight reel. From Lynn Olmert.

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Skateboarding 2014. From Daniel Lawson.

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Windsurfing on Double Oak Lake. From Leilani Carroll.

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Christmas four-wheelers for James and Jaxon. From JamesDelisa.

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Rickwood Field. From Ginnard Archibald.

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Justin Craft talks about UAB football on “Our Issues: Birmingham.” From CW21/MY68.

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Julia Ava Eyer, born Oct. 6 at UAB Hospital. From United for Life Foundation.

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Alan Thompson and the UAB kidney chain. From UAB News.

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Doc McKenzie and the Hi-Lites perform at Boutwell Auditorium downtown. From Jerol Tyson.

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Friday’s Black Lives Matter rally at Lakeshore Parkway along Wildwood Centre. From al.com.

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Brooke Alford performing at a trade show at the BJCC Exhibition Hall. From DMorris.

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Chris Brown performing Dec. 21 at the BJCC Arena. From Ladyflame atl.

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A post shared by Florida Adventures w/ Bridget (@impulse4adventure)

Callee the elephant shakes in slow motion at the Birmingham Zoo. From Bridget.

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See the trailer for “Selma.”

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

By the time you’re done shopping and wrapping and decorating and partying, you might not have the will to be cooking, too. Fortunately, a number of Birmingham restaurants will open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. And several offer catering and takeout service with holiday options.

Open Christmas Eve

Billy’s Sports Grill: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (205) 879-2238, 2012 Cahaba Road, English Village, Mountain Brook; (205) 956-2323, 4520 Overton Road, Ste. 104, Irondale.

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Bottle and Bone: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (205) 538-7106 or jen@bottleandbone.com. Uptown, 2311 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Ste. 200.

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The Bright Star: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (205) 426-1861. 304 19th St. N., Bessemer.

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Cedar’s Grille: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (205) 988-5993. 1870 Chace Drive, Hoover. [added Dec. 16]

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Century Restaurant and Bar at the Tutwiler: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (205) 458-9611. 2021 Park Place N., downtown.

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Dixie Fish Company: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (205) 924-3493. 101 Resource Center Pkwy., off U.S. 280, Inverness.

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Galley and Garden: 4-9 p.m. (205) 939-5551. 2220 Highland Ave. S., Southside.

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Homewood Gourmet: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (205) 871-1620. 1919 28th Ave. S., Homewood.

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Irondale Cafe: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Open for lunch, plus takeout options including ham, turkey, side dishes and pie [2013 menu]. (205) 956-5258. 1906 First Ave. N., Irondale.

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Lone Star Steakhouse: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (205) 661-9339. 4720 Norrell Drive, Trussville.

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MetroPrime Steakhouse: 5-10 p.m. (205) 623-5288. 1035 20th St. S., Five Points South, Southside.

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Seasons 52: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Reservations available online. (205) 968-5152. The Summit.

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Sherry’s Cafe and Catering: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.  (205) 655-5260. 5800 Valley Road, Ste. 110, Trussville.

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Silvertron Cafe: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. (205) 591-3707. 3813 Clairmont Ave. S., Forest Park.

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Slice Pizza and Brew: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (205) 715-9300. 725 29th St. S., Lakeview.

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Taj India: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-10 p.m. (205) 939-3805. 2226 Highland Ave. S., Southside.

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V. Richards: 8 a.m.-8 p.m., including cafe. Christmas catering/takeout, available for pickup Dec. 24. (205) 591-7000. 3916 Clairmont Ave. S., Forest Park.

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Village Tavern: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (205) 970-1640. 101 Summit Blvd., The Summit.

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Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

China Moon: 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. (205) 324-2332. 3310 Clairmont Ave. S., Piggly Wiggly shopping center, Southside.

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Crestwood Tavern: 3 p.m.-midnight. (205) 510-0053. 5500 Crestwood Blvd.

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Hoover Grille: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Christmas Eve, 5-10 p.m. Christmas Day. (205) 985-9994. Inside Embassy Suites Birmingham-Hoover, 2960 John Hawkins Pkwy. [added Dec. 16]

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Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Christmas Eve, 5 p.m.- 2 a.m. Christmas Day. (205) 203-4512. 2811 Seventh Ave. S., Lakeview. [added Dec. 23]

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Kobe Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4:30-10 p.m. Christmas Eve, 4:30-10 p.m. Christmas Day. (205) 298-0200. 3501 Grandview Pkwy., off U.S. 280 near the Colonnade. [added Dec. 23]

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Max’s Delicatessen: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (205) 968-7600 or info@maxsdelionline.com. Colonnade shopping center.

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Merk’s Tavern and Kitchen: 6 a.m.-midnight. (205) 444-5731. Inside the Wynfrey Hotel/Hyatt, Riverchase Galleria, Hoover.

Also, Shula’s Steak House will be open Christmas Eve only, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5:30-10 p.m. [added Dec. 16]

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Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese Cooking: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (205) 824-8283. 1917 Hoover Ct., Hoover.

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Mt. Fuji Japanese Sushi and Steak House: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 4:30-10 p.m. both days. (205) 995-0588. Village at Lee Branch, Hoover. [added Dec. 24]

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Renaissance Ross Bridge: Restaurants open at various hours all day long both days. Reservations available by calling (205) 949-3057. 4000 Grand Ave., Hoover.

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Ruth’s Chris Steak House: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Christmas Eve, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Christmas Day. Holiday side dishes to go, $29.95, pick up through Dec. 24. Reservations available online. Embassy Suites Hotel, 2300 Woodcrest Pl., Homewood.

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Silver Coin Indian Grill: Christmas Eve: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.: Christmas Day: 5-9:30 p.m. (205) 823-9070. 3321 Lorna Road, Ste. 13, Hoover.

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Tao Asian: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (205) 685-8809. 345 Huntley Pkwy., Pelham. [added Dec. 16]

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Todd English PUB: 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Reservations available by calling (205) 307-3700. 2221 Richard Arrington Blvd. N., Uptown, downtown.

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Two diners remain open 24 hours a day, Denny’s and Waffle House. Also, IHOP will be open both days, hours vary by location.

Also:

• The Levite Jewish Community Center will hold a pancake breakfast from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Christmas Day. The $5 admission benefits the LJCC Scholarship Fund.
• Chabad of Alabama will hold a kosher Chinese buffet with the chef from Wok Express, 5-8 p.m. Christmas Day. $18, $10 for children; $36, $20 for children at the door.

Let us know in the comments if we missed a restaurant.

This festive squirrel rides his motorcycle at
the annual Homewood Christmas parade.

Christmas parades and tree lightings will take place in more than two dozen cities across Jefferson and Shelby Counties. Take a look at the list to join in the free festivities …

Alabaster: parade with Noah Galloway as grand marshal, 10 a.m. Dec. 6, starts near Ernest McCarty Ford, 1471 First St. N. [map]

Bessemer: parade, 2 p.m. Dec. 13, starts at Debardeleben Park [map]

Birmingham: parade and tree lighting, 5-7 p.m. Tuesday; parade starts at Kelly Ingram Park [map], tree lighting at Linn Park [map]

Calera: parade, 6 p.m. Dec. 6, starts at National Guard, 1320 Eighth Ave. [map]

Center Point: parade, 11 a.m. Dec. 13, starts at Cathedral of the Cross, 1480 Center Point Pkwy. [map]

Chelsea: parade, 10 a.m. Dec. 20, starts at Chelsea Middle School, 2321 Shelby County 39 [map]

Clay: tree lighting, 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Cosby Lake Park [map]; parade, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 13, starts at Clay-Chalkville High School, 6623 Roe Chandler Road [map]

Columbiana: parade and tree lighting, 5:30 p.m. Thursday; parade starts at 7 p.m. at Main Street [map]

Gardendale: parade and tree lighting, 6-9 p.m. Thursday, starts at Mt. Olive Road [map]

Graysville: tree lighting, 6 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 246 S. Main St. [map]; parade, 10 a.m. Dec. 6, starts at North Main Street [map]

Helena: parade, 1 p.m. Dec. 6, starts at Helena Road [map]

Hoover: tree lighting, 5 p.m. Monday, City Hall, 100 Municipal Ln. [map]

Homewood: parade and tree lighting, 6 p.m. Dec. 9, City Hall, 2850 19th St. S. [map]; parade starts at 6:30 p.m. from the library, 1721 Oxmoor Road [map], then tree lighting at City Hall plaza

Irondale: parade and tree lighting, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 6, starts at Irondale Elementary School, 225 S. 16th St., ends with tree lighting at City Hall, 101 20th St. S. [map]

Leeds: parade, 7 p.m. Dec. 12, through downtown [map]

Midfield: parade and tree lighting, 10 a.m. Dec. 6, starts at Midfield Community Center [map]

Moody: parade, 5 p.m. Dec. 13, starts at Adesa, 804 Sollie Drive [map]

Mountain Brook: parade, 3 p.m. Dec. 7, starts at Cahaba Road in Mountain Brook Village [map]

Pelham: tree lighting, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Pelham Civic Complex, 500 Amphitheater Road [map]

Pinson: parade, 10 a.m. Dec. 6, starts at Pinson Valley High School, 6895 Alabama 75 [map]

Pleasant Grove: tree lighting, 7 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 501 Park Road [map]; parade, 9-11 a.m. Dec. 6, starts at CVS, 27 Park Road [map]

Trussville: parade and tree lighting, 3 p.m. Dec. 13, starts at Parkway Drive and Oak Street [map]

Vestavia Hills: tree lighting, 6-8 p.m. Dec 9, Vestavia Hills City Center, 700 Montgomery Highway [map]; parade, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 14, starts at Liberty Park Sports Complex, 4700 Sicard Hollow Road [map]

Vincent: parade, 6-8 p.m. Thursday, starts at Vincent Middle High School, 42505 Shelby County 25 [map]

Westover: parade, 10 a.m. Dec. 13, along Old U.S. 280 [map]

Wilton: parade, 10 a.m. Dec. 6, starts at Bible Baptist Church, 293 Stephens St. [map]

Video: Westover Christmas parade

Did we miss your town’s parade? Let us know in the comments.

A look at Birmingham in videos …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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A post shared by Get Outside Alabama (@getoutsidealabama)

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

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

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

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

Lego Star Wars tattoos on feet. From Jacob Brewer.

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See UAB’s diabetes breakthrough.

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See Birmingham’s Veterans Day parade.

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

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

In August, we’re celebrating Birmingham’s Biggest Crooks, whether they be liars, thieves, extortionists, swindlers or thugs. A 30-part series running daily until Birmingham mayor Larry Langford’s Aug. 31 Oct. 19 federal trial. Thanks to Bhamwiki for helping with this project.

Jeff and Jessica McCord

Positions held: Jeff, Pelham police officer; Jessica, wife and mother

Wanted for: murder

Date of conviction: Jeff: April 15, 2003; Jessica: Feb. 15, 2003

Sentence: Jeff: two life terms in prison, eligible for parole in 24 years 6 months; Jessica: life in prison with no parole

Criminally fun fact: Jessica orchestrated the murders of her ex-husband and his wife over an ongoing custody battle. Jeff shot each one four times in the den of the McCords’ Hoover home. They put the bodies in her ex-husband’s rental car, then drove it to Georgia and set it on fire.

Jessica was about 2 months pregnant with her fifth child at the time of their arrest. A friend of the couple and Jessica’s mother were both convicted of perjury related to the case. The story became a 2007 episode of the reality crime series, “Snapped.”

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Additional reading:

• Bhamwiki: Category – Criminals
• Crime Watch
• “Snapped: Jessica McCord” on Amazon Instant Video and iTunes [aff. links].
• Meet more of Birmingham’s Biggest Crooks | RSS feed

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