20 THURS GET READY FOR V-DAY: Birmingham Bake & Cook, the modern, diverse cooking store on Valleydale Road off of 280, caters to “chefs” on every level of the spectrum, from people with no cooking experience to professionals in need of new equipment.

13 THURS LOOKING FOR LOOT? The Birmingham Festival Theatre, now in its 39th year, is still one of the best places in the city to go for intelligent and provocative theater productions.

06 THURS OPENING DIVERSIONS: Now that everyone’s holiday season is just about over, businesses are opening again, weekly schedules are being reestablished and events are getting easier to come by.

30 THURS REEP THE REWARD: In the seething black hole of cheap contrivances that is reality television, there is at least one that can claim some shred of legitimacy.

23 THURS ROCK THE EVE: Bottletree’s “Christmas Eve Eve” show this week just about runs the gamut of what American indie rock usually accomplishes.

16 THURS BROOKWOOD BOOK LOOK: If you read our calendars for the regular book readings and signings, then you’re probably accustomed to seeing listings for Alabama Booksmith and Little Professor in Homewood, primarily. These two locations have by far the most book-related events in town.

STEP UP AND DANCE: Bailey Dance Studio, an independent organization specializing in ballroom, swing and country dancing, will be holding the kickoff party for this weekend’s “Christmas in Dixie”, a three-day dance competition being held at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex

THURS 03 BREAK OUT THE BUBBLY: If you frequent our Food & Drink calendar, then you’re probably familiar with the number of weekly wine tastings that take place, including one event entitled “Wine Tasting Thursday” at The Wine Cellar.

THURS 25 TURKEY TRAINING: As I said last week, most of you won’t be spending your time outside the house on Thursday. And there aren’t many places you could go even if you wanted. Thanksgiving falls much closer to Christmas than Halloween in the holiday spectrum.

CALLING ALL MUGGLES: The McWane Center will be holding what they like to call a “Potter Preview Party” this Thursday, and though the event name is unique to McWane, the event itself is worldwide.