Good Day Alabama for February 17, 2012

Here is what you saw on Good Day Alabama for February 17, 2012:

BBJ - Rick talked with Ty West and Evan Belanger from the Birmingham Business Bureau about local business headlines. They discussed why passenger counts at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport fell last year, how Birmingham business community is showing notable financial support for presidential frontrunner Mitt Romney with the Republican Primary a month away, and why a Washington company is shopping a grassroots plan to manufacture bamboo products in Alabama. For more on these and other business stories, visit www.birminghambusinessjournal.com.

JEH JEH LIVE - The first ever Jazz Cat Ball, benefiting the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, will be held at WorkPlay on Saturday, beginning at 7pm. It includes a Classic Cajun Cook-Off, dancing to the sounds of Streetkar, Dueling Pianos by Grand Ol' Ivories, silent auction, and an authentic New Orleans street experience! Tickets are $75 and each ticket includes offerings from the Classic Cajun Cook-Off, complimentary beer and wine, free registration for silent auction (silent auction will close at 9pm), and an evening of music, fun, and revelry! Restaurants participating in the Classic Cajun Cook-Off include Bistro V, Café de Paris, Chef U, Daniel George, Kathy G, Little Savannah, Michael's, Ore, Shindigs Catering, Ted's, and The Veranda.  For more information, visit http://www.gbhs.org

WEEKEND CALENDAR - Plenty to see and do around town this weekend.... Alec Harvey with the Birmingham News City Scene joined us with a look at a few of your options. It's Mardi Gras weekend and there are several events going on.... Enjoy the Mardi Gras Masquerade tonight at the Summit Club. Tickets are $45 and it benefits Kid One Transport. Or check out the Jazz Cat Ball at WorkPlay tomorrow night. Tickets are $75 and it benefits the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. Or check out a new movie on the big screen such as "This Means War" starring Reese Witherspoon, "The Secret World of Arrietty,"  or "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance."
 
USE YOUR BRAIN TO CHANGE YOUR AGE -  That elusive fountain of youth is closer than you think: It's right between your ears. As the control center for the entire body, the brain is at the center of every aspect of life; treat the brain well, and overall wellness will follow. As one of the world's foremost experts on brain imaging science, Daniel Amen, M.D., has revolutionized the way we understand these truths. His best selling books and acclaimed PBS specials have spurred a new approach to mental and physical health. Now he focuses his attention on the ultimate neuro-challenge-the aging process-in USE YOUR BRAIN TO CHANGE YOUR AGE: Secrets to Look, Feel, and Think Younger Every Day. Introducing us to some of Dr. Amen's most remarkable patients, USE YOUR BRAIN TO CHANGE YOUR AGE features true stories of men and women from all walks of life, in a variety of age groups, who radically improved their health through a "brain renovation."

ZOO CREW - Andy Schertz joins us from the Birmingham Zoo to introduce Mickey to a new animal. To learn more information about the animal or visit the zoo, go to birminghamzoo.com.

COMEDIAN - Jon Reep is often known as the Hemi guy. Jon is known to millions as the loveable redheaded redneck in the Dodge Ram commercials who leans out of a beat-up car and utters the now famous line: "That thing gotta Hemi?" But before that he was already one of the funniest comics in America, selling out clubs and getting standing ovations at college after college across the country. His show is supersonic energy filled with non-stop characters, dead-on impressions, super clever writing, and, of course, the one talent that separates Jon from all other comedians in the world: He's the best redneck dancer since Elvis. Come out and see one of the country's really great comedians, the Hip Hick, the Southern Dance Machine, "The Hemi Guy." For tickets to see him this weekend or for more information, call the Comedy Club Stardome at (205) 444-0008 or visit stardome.com

Next week on Good Day Alabama, an Alabama native makes a name for himself nationally! We talk with rapper Yelawolf about his career, his inspiration, and his love for Alabama! The pet doctor joins us to take your questions! Jeh Jeh gets a good workout with Exercise Monday! We get gardening advice, meet our Pet of the Week, and find out about some great deals with the Bargain Mom! That and much more next week on Good Day Alabama!