Southern destination brings cherished annual tradition back to the Shores of Lake Sidney Lanier for 21st electrifying season

BUFORD, Ga. – When the sun went down on November 15, the lights went up at Magical Nights of Lights – Lake Lanier Islands’ famed animated holiday-themed light show that weaves throughout the thoroughfares and round-abouts of the 1500-acre lakeside resort in North Georgia. Running nightly through December 31, a number of festive fan-favorite displays return – including the twinkling lights of the shimmering Snowflake Bridge, an illuminated interpretation of the 12 Days of Christmas, and a sparkling sneak peek at the elves at work in Santa’s Workshop, among others. They are joined by the dancing lights of Holiday House and the glimmer of the Diamond Wonder Light – both of which debuted just last year. For the 21st season, Lake Lanier Islands Resort invites guests to load up their cars, vans, trucks and buses to enjoy a modern-day sleigh ride that has become a cherished part of the South’s holiday traditions.
No visit to Magical Nights of Lights would be complete without a trip to the Holiday Village to pass along a Christmas wish list and pause for a photo op with the Big Man himself inside Holiday House, roast marshmallows around a roaring bonfire, saddle up for a pony ride, or test one’s bravery aboard more than a dozen rides and attractions at the Christmas Carnival. Guests can also lace up a pair of skates and take a twirl on the Verizon Wireless Ice Skating Rink, soar through the night sky on a Night Light Canopy Tour, and stop-over at the Legacy Lodge to partake in the Magical Nights of Lights Buffet* that features traditional holiday favorites. For holiday light watchers who wish to make an unforgettable seasonal staycation of their visit to Lake Lanier Islands Resort, the resort offers a special build-your-own “Experience the Magical Nights of Lights” Accommodation Package for as low as $179/night. Before they go, guests will want to witness the all new Live Nativity – presented by Kaleidoscope Productions. The Nativity will honor the true reason for the season with an authentic representation of the First Christmas, complete with live animals. Performances of the Live Nativity will run nightly from November 30 through December 24.

2013 Magical Nights of Lights Dates and Times of Operation:
November 15 through December 31
Event pricing begins at 4 p.m. nightly; Holiday Village opens at 5 p.m.

2013 Pricing for Magical Nights of Lights – priced by the vehicle, not by the person**:
$60 for Cars (1 to 9 person capacity)
$90 for Passenger Vans (10 to 19 person capacity)
$10 off Coupons will be available at participating partners including Publix, Chick-fil-A, McDonalds, Lenny’s Sub Shop, QuikTrip, and Rick Case Audi – Gwinnett***

Magical Nights of Lights fans who wish to stay up-to-date on the latest events, promotions and discounts (such as double coupon nights) are encouraged to join the new Mobile VIP Club by texting LLIR to 84700. Visitors can also download Lake Lanier Islands Radio – the resort’s official Christmas music app for holiday classics to play during the drive through the Magical Nights of Lights AND to enjoy 24-7 all season long on their mobile device. Lake Lanier Islands Radio is available for download at app stores everywhere now.
To learn more about Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier Islands Resort, purchase passes or make reservations online, guests are encouraged to visit www.lakelanierislands.com.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center and ArtPlay will present holiday favorite “Yuletide in Dogtown,” with four shows Dec. 20-21.
The dogs are back in town and waiting eagerly for the holiday season in this original interactive, musical adventure for children and families. Join the fuzzy canine residents of Dogtown — Spike, Fifi, Scotty and Beauregard — as they learn the true meaning of the season when a cat moves into town. Can they have a merry time when Felicity Feline joins them at the holiday table? “Yuletide in Dogtown” encourages the best of the holiday spirit, tolerance and good will for all, including cats and dogs.
Created by local playwright and the ASC’s very own Jerry Sims, the show offers families a delightful time at the theater and a fun, fulfilling educational experience. Sims has a talent for making interesting characters come to life. He has written a number of “ArtPlay Presents” productions, with original takes on classics such as “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and “A Christmas Carol.”
Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 20 and at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 21 in the ASC’s Reynolds-Kirschbaum Recital Hall, 1200 10th Ave. South. Come early and meet the dogs of Hand in Paw. Stay after the show and meet the costumed canine characters. Tickets are $8 for children, $10 for adults. For tickets, visit the ASC online at www.alysstephens.org or call 205-975-2787.
The cast includes Ron Bourdages as the show’s narrator and musician, with Lee Griner as Beauregard Bloodhound, Holly Croney Dikeman as poodle Fifi Latour, Darrell Revel as Scotty Mactavish, mayor of Dogtown, Kimberly Kirklin as Felicity Feline and Sims as Spike the Bulldog.

By Esther Callens

The ultimate go to guide for detailing how to become a thoroughly modern lady of elegance and refined culture is found in Secret of the Southern Belle – How to Be Nice, Work Hard, Look Pretty, Have Fun and Never Have an Off Moment. Written by a true Southern Belle – Phaedra Parks, Secrets of the Southern Belle presents a plethora of wonderful, practical insights on time-honored Southern etiquette.
Southern traditions are deep-rooted, standing on the backbone of respect and the value of it. Good manners and a healthy dose of gentility never hurt anyone. In fact, in this day and age, this is an attribute that society could stand a double dose of. Having said that, Phaedra Parks has penned a delightful, witty and charming tome that tackles everyday life situations. It is a valuable tool that can be utilized by people everywhere.
In Secret of the Southern Belle, issues that are addressed include clever title topics such as: Advanced Table Manners, You Will Never Catch Me Wearing, Good Housekeeping, Dressing Your Man, What’s In My Purse, That’s Why They’re Called Foundation Garments, Dressing Grandly and even How to be Nice.  The uncompromising expectations of a southern gentleman as well as little gents and belles (this also applies to men and children everywhere) are straight and to the point. These mannerisms are not often spoken and seldom practiced. Two crucial hot topics, money matters and work ethic, are also discussed.
Catering to all ages, Secret of the Southern Belle offers a crash course in treating each other with kindness – a characteristic there can never be too much of.
Phaedra Parks is a purebred Southern Belle.  She is a Georgia native who, in addition to being a TV show producer/cast member of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, happens to be the managing Partner of The Parks Group—a law firm and a licensed mortician and funeral director.
Aside from her numerous philanthropic responsibilities, she spends her time with her husband and two sons.

By Esther Callens

Honoring giants who have made a great contribution in the entertainment industry is common place. But very few lack the audacity to do this if it entails stepping out of your element. Tierney Sutton is a rare exception to the rule. Her latest, After Blues, pays proper tribute to award winning folk/pop singer Joni Mitchell. Presenting an outstanding collection of some of Mitchell’s great hits, After Blues grants an excellent experience.
Although Sutton is an avid fan of Joni Mitchell, she would not record any of her songs. In After Blues’ liner notes, Sutton states, “I knew that Mitchell’s music was not something that I could glance at and then perform.  I had to live with it for years. Like her fans who had absorbed the music in their youth, I wanted to “marinate” in Joni Mitchell.” Years later, Sutton knew it was time to record this amazing collective because she felt it.
Sutton lively revisits “Big Yellow Taxi” with bopping percussions accompanying. It is simply great. Al Jarreau and Sutton give a mellow, melodious, jazzy take on “Be Cool” that includes just enough funk to dance with. I must admit Larry Goldings really takes off on the Hammond B3 organ on this track – he is smoking! Sutton’s impeccable vocals on “Answer Me, My Love” exquisitely captures and conveys the temperament of this incomparable masterpiece.  Tierney Sutton has superbly captured the beauty and essence of Joni Mitchell with After Blue.
Hubert Laws, Al Jarreau, Larry Goldings, Peter Erskine, Mark Summer, Ralph Humphrey, Serge Merlaud, Kevin Axt and the Turtle Island Quartet join Sutton on the venture.
Track listing includes: Blue, All I Want, Court and Spark, Don’t go to Strangers, The Dry Cleaner from Des Moines, Big Yellow Taxi, Woodstock, Little Green, Be Cool, Answer Me, My Love, Both sides Now and April in Paris/Free Man in Paris.
Tierney Sutton is a five time Grammy nominated jazz singer who has performed with numerous talents. After Blue is a BFM Jazz release.

BY MEREDITH COOPER

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Brooke goes to Katie with her heart in her hands and a request that Bill never get between their relationship ever again. Hope comes up with an idea to include an additional celebration to the Thanksgiving festivities which extends the guest list to a few unfavorable attendants. Wyatt is taken aback when Bill asks him for a considerable favor. Unwilling to give up his pursuit of Brooke, Bill makes his best attempt to convince her to come back to him. Knowing that there are a lot of clashing personalities that will be in attendance at Thanksgiving, Eric instructs everyone to be on their best behavior. Anxiety grows amongst the invited guests about what drama may arise.  Wyatt and Quinn reminisce about their past and how so much has recently changed in their little family. Guests arrive at the Forrester Mansion to celebrate Thanksgiving and the engagement of Rick and Caroline. At the request of Hope, everyone sets their negative issues aside for the day to give thanks for the positive aspects in their lives. Sparks fly between Pam and Charlie as they experiment with each other’s secret kitchen tricks. Rick presents Caroline with a romantic idea. In a classic episode from the past, as Hope and Liam’s ceremony begins, Steffy reminisces about her Aspen mountaintop wedding to Liam. Stephanie calls to check in with Steffy to make sure she is coping with Liam marrying Hope. After emotional and heartfelt words from their respective parents, Hope and Liam exchange vows.
THIS WEEK: Caroline and Rick talk turkey. Pam and Charlie try to resist temptation.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Sami and Kate vow to stop Gabi and Nick from moving to New York. Gabi is mortified when she learns the truth about Nick’s machinations! Sonny and Will have a huge argument over the Gabi situation, and Sonny storms out. Daniel and Jennifer have an awkward encounter at a Thanksgiving party. JJ decides he needs to somehow make things right. Nicole is stunned when she learns her first assignment as a TV reporter is to interview Eric. Caroline confronts Victor over the way he exposed her grandson. Brady and EJ argue about Kristen. Later, Brady gets a mysterious tip regarding Kristen’s whereabouts. Kate, Sami and Gabi receive a horrifying shock.
Sami and Kate struggle to keep things from spiraling even more out of control. Conflicted Gabi considers telling Sonny and Will about her explosive secret. Hope comes to EJ with a search warrant. Eric realizes EJ knew more than he let on about Kristen. Brady searches for Kristen.
THIS WEEK: Brady becomes frustrated in his quest. Sami and Katie are losing their battle.

GENERAL HOSPITAL
It’s the day of Patrick and Sabrina’s wedding. Ava tells Patrick that Carlos thinks Robin is alive. Britt goes to the lab to get Luke’s percolated blood for the cure, but she runs into Brad. Sabrina’s cousin Juan appears with a wedding gift surprise for Sabrina. Obrecht believes shooting Duke will punish Anna. Robin shows a shocked Anna the invitation she purloined from the lab. She insists that Robin must go to Patrick before the wedding. Robin refuses to leave until she knows that Nikolas is all right. Anna and Robert go to question Faison but when they return, Robin’s hopes plummet as she discovers Faison and Luke are gone and there’s no sign of Nikolas. Patrick’s curiosity gets the best of him when Ava tells him Carlos saw Robin alive. Mac and Felicia try to coax a depressed Maxie into attending Patrick and Sabrina’s wedding. Felix and Emma help Sabrina prepare for the wedding while Patrick receives guests. Anna and Scorpio finally track down Faison and must devise a rescue plan for Luke and Nikolas. Bobbie calls on Luke at Metro Court and is taken aback by what she finds. Maxie tries to see her daughter but Spinelli puts up a roadblock. As Sabrina and Patrick’s wedding begins, will everything go as planned or will there be an unexpected guest?  In a classic epidode from the past, it is Halloween in Port Charles. Wyndemere is the scene for a few surprises and an act of rebellion. Robin chafes under Obrecht’s close watch. Nikolas and Britt have a close moment. All is interrupted when an unexpected party of trick-or-treaters arrives on the island. But they’re in for a surprise of their own. Elsewhere, Elizabeth takes her boys trick-or-treating at the Drake house. Duke arrives to question Patrick about Anna’s whereabouts. Back at Wyndemere, Liz comes by with the kids, who invite Spencer to come to the hospital party. Robin makes plans after overhearing news about Patrick and Emma.  Duke has a shocking run-in. Franco has an invitation for Carly but she a condition before accepting. A mysterious, costumed figure watches Franco.
THIS WEEK: Emma spots an uninvited guest at Patrick and Sabrina’s wedding. A joyous reunion will surely hold shocking consequences for Patrick and Sabrina.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Mason flirts with the barista at Crimson Lights while he slyly uses Devon’s credit card. Later, Devon bumps into Mason and questions if he’s been following him. When Mason plays it cool, Devon offers to buy Mason a drink and tells him they should get something stronger than coffee.
Victor’s P.I. tells him that he should have a list of cars that match the license plate soon. Later, Victoria asks Adam if he has found anything out from his contacts about Delia’s hit and run.  Adam tells her that he hasn’t and that he wishes people would stop hounding him. Sharon apologizes to Dylan for the misunderstanding about Faith’s dollhouse and because Nick lashed out at him. Later, Dylan makes plans for him and Avery to have dinner at the club, while Nick tells Sharon that Nikki has planned a family dinner at the club. Nick and Dylan both remain unaware that their dinner planers are on a collision course. When Nick questions Nikki about the dinner and ask if she’s feeling alright, Nikki assures him that she is fine. The Newman family gathers at the club for dinner as Nikki prepares to tell her family her news about Dylan. Tensions rise as the truth is revealed and Dylan and the Newmans demand answers from Nikki! Michael worries when a guard refers to Fen as Mouse. Paul visits Michael in prison with good news. When Michael hopes that Paul is having Fen moved to a safer part of the prison, Paul says that Fen isn’t being moved, but there is a good chance they can get a reversal on Michael’s conviction. Michael is worried that if he gets out then Fen won’t be protected. Billy apologizes for shutting Victoria out and says that he is planning to go back to the support group. Later, Billy and Kelly run into each other outside the support group meeting, and they bond over their losses. Noah admits to Sharon that he is upset that Victor hired Kyle. Sharon encourages him not to be upset and that if he believes in himself, Victor will too. Chelsea tells Adam that she is starting to see in him the man that she remembers he can be. Christine gives Michael the news that the judge agreed to reopen the case. Meanwhile, Jill decides to celebrate Thanksgiving with Kevin, Chloe and Esther despite all the grief and loss they have had. Ashley surprises everyone at the Abbott mansion by showing up for Thanksgiving.
THIS WEEK: Adam warns her not to put him on a pedestal. Noah prepares a romantic evening for Courtney at The Underground.