Two Really Interesting Facts About Alabama
Did you know that Alabama is home to the Redstone Arsenal located in Huntsville? For more than forty years it has been home to the U.S. Army's missile and rocket programs. It was at Redstone that scientists and engineers designed and built the Jupiter-C rocket which carried our country's first satellite into space. Today, Redstone Arsenal is home to aviation and missile experts who research, develop, test, repair, and maintain high tech weaponry used by our military.
Alabama is the state that started the Civil Rights Movement in this country, beginning back in the early 1950s. Booker T. Washington was among the early civil rights leadership, and fought for blacks in Alabama and throughout the country. Black educators and business leaders in Alabama met and structured the the NAACP (the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). This organization's goal since its inception is to work for the rights of black Americans.
Alabamans like Autherine Lucy and Rosa Parks were important figures in the Civil Rights Movement, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. worked hard to help blacks get their full civil rights. Today, all citizens of Alabama have equal rights, regardless of color.
Alabama Crimson Tide Super Exciting Under Coach Nick Saban
After debuting with a 7-6 record in 2007, Nick Saban led the Tide to a 12-0 start and No. 1 ranking last fall. This season, 'Bama is 6-0 and in search of a National Championship. They begin a three-game homestand this Saturday against South Carolina. Tennessee and LSU round out the three-week SEC stretch.
Alabama's Crimson Tide are ranked #2 in the nation, and Nick Saban has a lot to do with this ranking and their undefeated season thus far. Making junior quarterback Greg McElroy the starter seems to have been a spark of brilliance. Coach Saban says McElroy presented himself as an athlete with no ego, natural instincts, and an innate ability to make really good football decisions.
It was a risky decision for Saban to start McElroy, but it's impossible to argue the results. Making tough, smart decisions is what has kept Saban on top of the college football game, and one of the best coaches in this, or any other, era.
Cheer for the Tide this weekend as they host Steve Spurrier's South Carolina Gamecocks, with a shot at going 7-0.
Kibbee, Falafel, and Humus Highlight Middle Eastern Food Festival
Come and enjoy all of the sights, sounds, and foods of the Middle East at the Saint George Middle Eastern Food Festival. The 28th annual event offers a huge variety of aromatic foods such as baked kibbee, spicy falafel sandwiches, tasty humus dip, and if that isn't enough you can always add some incredible buttery pastries.
The festival runs today and Saturday from 10:30am to 2:00pm, and 4:00pm to 9:00pm. Friday and Saturday nights will be filled with exotic rhythms of Middle Eastern music and folk dance, with the music provided by Amin and The Sultans band out of New York. You will also get to see a rare treat anywhere this side of the Middle East, Judy the Camel.
Come out and have a great night of food and music at the Saint George Middle Easter Food Festival located at the Saint George Melkite Catholic Church, 425 16th Avenue South, near UAB and downtown Birmingham, Alabama.
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Huntsville Scarecrow Trail Boasts Creativity
One of the more memorable adventures of the Halloween season is the annual Scarecrow Trail at the Huntsville Botanical Garden in Huntsville, Alabama.
Running now through Halloween, the Scarecrow Trail boasts over 100 scarecrows that are creative, unusual, and ingenious. You'll also find dozens of whacky, scary, and funny scarecrows hiding behind trees throughout the Garden. Other activities include a creepy sorghum maze, the enchanted natural forest , and weekend hayrides. All the activities are included with admission to the botanical garden, which is only $10 for adults, and $5 for children ages 3-18.
Come see why the Scarecrow Trail is one of the best seasonal attractions in all of Alabama. Located at 4747 Bob Wallace Ave. SW in Huntsville, it couldn't be simpler to get to. Take exit #15 off I-565 and head east a mile and a half. Ya just can't miss it from there!
Alabama Is The Place To Shoot Your Next Film
The State of Alabama is committed to helping encourage increased employment opportunities within the state for the entertainment industry. They also want to see an increased global competition with other states in fully developing economic development options in Alabama within the industry.
In one of the most comprehensive bills to ever be voted on by Alabama lawmakers, the Entertainment Industry Incentive Act of 2009 was passed 102-0 in the House, and 32-0 in the Senate. How's that for putting your money where your mouth is? Not a single vote against!
What does all this mean for all filmmakers? It means come to Alabama to shoot your next film. Qualified productions shot in Alabama can get a 25% tax credit on all production related expenditures, and a 35% rebate for all payroll expenses paid to Alabama residents. For the remainder of 2009, tax exemptions and rebates are limited to $5 million per production. This will increase to $7.5 million in 2010 and to $10 million in 2011 and beyond.
So what are you waiting for? Come see why Alabama is the country to film in.
