Good Day Alabama for May 19, 2011

Here is what you saw on Good Day Alabama for May 19, 2011:

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED - Rick talks with Sports Illustrated writer Lars Anderson about the new cover for the magazine. It shows a former Alabama football player standing in the middle of the debris left by the April 27th storms in his practice jersey. It's accompanied by an article titled "What the Tornado Took" where he says "Tuscaloosa is among the most sports-obsessed cities in America. Sports will play a special role in rebuilding it brick by brick, life by life." Anderson explains what he means by this and recounts stories from several University of Alabama athletes who experienced the storm. Check it out on news stands now.

LIFE INSPIRATION AWARDS - The Life Inspiration Awards began fourteen years ago for the purpose of recognizing special efforts to ease the battle against cancer. Each year, the American Cancer Society honors cancer survivors who have made their lives a source of inspiration to others coping with cancer. In addition, one caregiver and one health professional receives special recognition for their extraordinary service. These awards can regconize their contributions but can never repay them for what they have given to others - hope, courage, strength, security, and life inspiration. There can be a beautiful and fulfilling life after a cancer diagnosis. Submit someone for nomination by June 30th by mailing a form to the Life Inspiration Awards committee at the American Cancer Society at 1100 Ireland Way, Suite 201 in Birmingham, AL 35205. Or you can fax it to (205) 930-8895 or submit it online at www.main.acsevents.org/lifeinspiration. Visit that site or call (205) 930-8879 for more details.

POVERTY CONFERENCE - Rick talked with Matthew Unrath with Wider Opportunities for Women out of Washington, DC. He will present a report today  at the Community Action Association of Alabama's (CAAA) Advancing Economic Stability Conference today. The CAAA hosts its 1st Anti-poverty Statewide Conference --"Advancing Economic Stability: Strategies for ending poverty in Alabama", this week. It started yesterday and runs through tomorrow. Partners for this project include Arise CItizens Policy Project, Alabama Poverty Project, Low Income Housing Coalition of Alabama , Alabama Commision to Reduce Poverty, Alabama  Asset Building Coalition and Alabama Appleseed Center for Law & Justice. For more information about the CAAA, visit http://www.caaalabama.org/.

JEH JEH LIVE - Legends of Motorsports kicks off its sophomore season at the 5.7 kilometer world class Barber Motorsports Park circuit on May 21 & 22! Don't miss the roar of the engines when several well-known drivers bring some of the finest vintage race cars back to life.  Experience up-close access to all of the cars and celebrities during the weekends filled with non-stop racing action, classic music and great fun for the whole family!  Legends of Motorsports events are celebrations... of amazing people, amazing cars and the appreciation of life well-lived. Whether you are a hardcore follower of historic racing or a first-time attendee to an auto race, Legends of Motorsports events are designed to create smiles, memories and an insatiable desire to return. For more information, visit http://barbermotorsports.com.

AMERICAN IDOL - Rick and Janice talked with Rob and Jeannine from Magic 96.5 about season 10 of American Idol and the top 3 performances last night. Tune in tonight at 7pm to find out who makes it to the finale and who goes home. Each contestant sang three songs last night. Tonight Lauren, Haley, or Scott heads home.

PET OF THE WEEK - A representative from the Shelby County Humane Society introduced us to a pet that needs a new home. His name is Magnum. For adoptions, call (205) 669-3916 extension 22 or visit shelbyhumane.org.

HOME HOW TO - Next weekend is Memorial Day Weekend and its time to get the grill ready to fire up! Tom Lamkin from Marvin's offered us some tips! He recommends you invest in a good quality grill cover.  Heat from use and exposure to the elements all cause the metal skin to break down and the paint coating to fail. To prepare it for use this spring, he says turn off the gas and scrap it really well getting all the lose metal flakes off. For charcoal grills, he recommends using aluminum foil as a buffer below the coals to protect the metal from the direct heat and prolong the life. To clean your gas grill, use a wire brush. Test the fire again before you put all the burners and grates back on. For outside the grill, clean up using soap and water, and sometimes using vinegar and water can help cut the grease.  High temp spray paint is also available for touch up jobs.  If you need to do repair work, it's generally with grates, starters, and burners. You can find grates in universal sizes. Starters come in two types, manual and electric. And burners come in three types - oval, h-style, & bar or tube. When replacing a burner, take the time to check the supply lines.  Heat and age can make dry them out.

Tomorrow on Good Day Alabama, it's Do Dah Weekend and Mickey heads out to the park to get all the scoop! We brought you the touching story of a dog with two broken legs who crawled home after the April 27th storms. The doctor donating his services joins us with the rest of the story! The Schwarzenegger Scandal getting lots of attention.... We look at the latest in this and other celebrity buzz! The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame prepares to induct its newest members - we meet a few! Mickey makes a new friend at the Birmingham Zoo! And we check out the latest business headlines and your Weekend Calendar! That and more tomorrow on Good Day Alabama!