Fans from around the world marveled by 'The Avengers' assemble for live chat

In addition to getting the answers they most wanted to hear -- super hero fans were treated to a sneak peek of the 30-second commercial to be shown during the Big Game. In case you missed the Global Twitter Chat here it is again. 




Click here to view the chat Q&A 


Chat with Marvel's "The Avengers" director and cast members

Friday, Jan. 31
1 p.m. 
For Michigan fans who might have misunderstood the announcement -- you still have time to catch the Global Twitter Chat with Avengers' director and cast members.

It's at 2 p.m.

For those in Hollywood, it's 11 a.m.

And if you live in Riga, Latvia it would be 6 p.m.

In all parts of the world fans will be able to participate in the international event by suing the @Avengers handle and the #Avengers hashtag.

The 30-minute live tweeting chat will feature writer writer/director Joss Whedon along with Avengers' cast members Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Tom Hiddleston (Loki) and Clark Gregg (Agent Phil Coulson). Those who participate will have an opportunity to submit questions for the talent in whatever language they speak: thanks to a global translation tool being used by the moderators at Marvel.

Marvel's Iron Man.

Also part of the event is a sneak peek of the Avengers commercial scheduled to air during the Big Game, Feb. 5 on NBC and an opportunity to win Avengers prize packs.

For super hero fans this is the movie of the year, as it features all Marvel's favorites including Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), The Incredible Hulk (voice of Lou Ferrigno), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) as a tour de force, who come together to help Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), the director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D, save the world.

Who is your favorite super hero?

TODAY'S MUSE

Superheroes fill a gap in the pop culture psyche, similar to the role of Greek mythology. There isn't really anything else that does the job in modern terms.  For me, Batman is the one that can most clearly be taken seriously -- Christopher Nolan.

Daytripping: Things for a family to do

DAYTRIPPING

Check out this list of activities going on in the Detroit area in the next couple of weeks:

Winterfest 2012

New Baltimore Winterfest, Jan. 27-29, activities include entertainment and wine tasting in tent, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 27, $5 admission; chili cook-off 6 p.m. Jan. 28, $5; fishing tournament Jan. 27-28; kids costume party 2 p.m. Jan. 28, at Rec Center; pancake breakfast Jan. 29; polar bear plunge Jan. 29. Call 586-716-3797.

Warm-Up Party

Ray Township Historical Society holds a Mid-Winter Warm-Up Party, 7-10 p.m. Jan. 28, at Ray Township Senior Center, 64255 Wolcott Road, north of 29 Mile Road. Admission $5, features euchre, refreshments, silent auction. For details, 586-784-9221.

Library programs

Grosse Pointe Public Library Classic Books Lecture Series opens with discussion on Sir Thomas More's "Utopia," 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26, in Grosse Pointe South High School auditorium, 11 Grosse Pointe Blvd. at Fisher Road. Fee $10, free for Friends members, students, teachers. Call 313-343-2074 ext. 6 or www.gpfriends.org.

Presentation by librarian Tracy Harnish on history of Valentine's Day, 7 p.m. Feb. 2, at Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, includes slide show, display, holiday refreshments and make-your-own Valentines. Registration required by calling 586-446-2640 or at www.shpl.net.

ABC TV's Happy Days cast.

Happy Days writer

TV writer Mark Rothman ("Laverne & Shirley," "Happy Days," "The Odd Couple") talks about his new book and gives behind-the-scenes look at TV shows, 6:30-8 p.m. Jan. 31, at Chesterfield Township Library, 50560 Patricia.

'Meet the Caterer'

Stevenson High School All-Night Party Parent Group hosting "Meet the Caterer" event, 6-9 p.m. Feb. 3, in the school cafeteria, includes more than 25 vendors, food samples from caterers, and party ideas. Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Call 586-323-7152 or email lisa.pusz@yahoo.com.

Valentine Dance

Fraser First Booster Club hosts Valentine Dance, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11, at Zuccaro's Banquet hall, 20400 S. Nunneley, Clinton Township. Dinner 7:30 p.m.; $30 tickets include open bar, meal, auctions, raffles. For tickets, 586-296-1690 or at Fraser Activity Center, 34935 Hidden Pine Drive.

Family dinner

Ray Township hosts family dinner night, includes hot dogs, crafts, bingo, 6:30-8 p.m. Jan. 27, at the township hall, 64255 Wolcott Road. Admission $2 per person, free younger than 2 years. Registration required by calling 586-749-5171.

Winter Fest

Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center presents Winter Fest and Family Cookout, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 28, at 4101 River Bends Drive, Shelby Township. Day includes winter wildlife walk, crafts, animals; guests can bring food to cook out. Register at: 586-323-2478.

Elks fundraiser

Mount Clemens Elks host Roaring '20s/ Millionaires  fundraiser, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 28, at the hall, 179 S. Main St. Dinner 6 p.m., music during dinner, followed by '20s orchestra from 8 p.m. to midnight; admission $25, includes prizes, games. Casino Speakeasy ($5 additional admission). Costumes welcome. Call 586-917-9174 or 586-463-2124 (after 3 p.m.).

Quilt display

"Quilt Art: International Expressions" display, Jan. 28-March 25, at Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores. Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, complimentary admission to show. Special related programs also scheduled, including quilted clothing, artful fabrics and quilts, and making quilts. Visit www.fordhouse.org or call 313-884-4222. Michelle Mitchell of Clinton Township presents "Tea & Textile" quilted clothing program, 1-3 p.m. Feb. 13, fee $35, $30 for members.

On stage

Stagecrafters presents "Kiss of the Spider Women: The Musical," Thursday through Sunday through Feb. 12, at the Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette, Royal Oak. Advance tickets $18 and $20; call 248-541-6430 or go to www.stagecrafters.org. Any available tickets $2 more at box office one hour before play.

Grosse Pointe Theatre presents "Jekyll & Hyde," 8 p.m. through Jan. 28, in Fries Auditorium of Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms. For tickets, $24, (313) 881-4004 or www.gpt.org.

Broadway Onstage live theatre presents comic mystery "Cahoots," 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. select Sundays through Feb. 11, at 21517 Kelly Road at Toepfer, Eastpointe. Opening night tickets $14, all other performances $16; call 586-771-6333.

Box Theater stages "Spring Awakening," 7 p.m. Feb. 10-12, 16-17, at the Emerald Theatre, 31 N. Walnut, Mount Clemens. Tickets $25 reserved, $20 general admission, portion of sales goes to Turning Point shelter. Call 586-954-2311 or go to www.theboxtheater.com. Show contains adult themes and language.

Avon Players Community Theatre presents the comedy "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," 8 p.m. Jan. 27-28, 2 p.m. Jan. 28, at 1185 Washington Road, Rochester. Not recommended for children. Tickets, $16-$18, available at www.avonplayers.org, the box office or (248)608-9077.

Meadow Brook Theatre presents "Nunset Boulevard," through Jan. 29, at the theater on the Oakland University campus in Rochester. For tickets, $24 to $39, call 248-377-3300 or go to www.ticketmaster.com.

Rosedale Community Players present "Deathtrap," 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Feb. 3-25, at Peace Lutheran Chruch, 17029 W. 13 Mile Road, Southfield. Call 313-532-4010 or go to www.rosedalecommunityplayers.com.

Theater auditions

Junior Actors of Ridgedale auditions for "Cinderella's Glass Slipper," 2-4 p.m. Feb. 4, at the theater, 205 W. Long Lake Road, Troy. Performance dates March 24-25. For details, call 248-969-7718 or visit www.ridgedaleplyers.com.

Meadow Brook Theater open auditions for comedy "Coin Toss," 7-9 p.m. Jan. 26, at 207 Wilson Hall on the Oakland University campus, Rochester. Performance dates 7 p.m. March 26-27. Go to www.mbttheatre.com.

Grosse Pointe Theatre auditions for "Hairspray," 1-5 p.m. Jan. 28, and 3-7 p.m. Jan. 29, at the rehearsal studio, 315 Fisher Road at Maumee, Grosse Pointe Farms. Performance dates May 6, 9-13 and 17-20, 2012, at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial Fries Auditorium. GPT also holding dance workshops to help those interested in auditioning, 7-10 p.m. Jan. 17 and 24, at the rehearsal studio. Call 313-886-8901 or visit www. gpt.org.

Comedy for a Cause

Comedians Anthony Griffith and Ron Pearson appear in Comedy for a Cause benefit for Promise Village Home for Children, doors open 6 p.m., show 7 p.m. Feb. 17, at Woodside Bible Church, 6600 Rochester Road, Troy. Free-will offering. Call 877-A-PROMISE or visit www.promisevillage.com.

Penny Auction

Anchor Bay High school Family Penny Auction (raffle party), doors open 4 p.m., raffles 6 p.m., prizes include tools, toys, games, clothes, household items, gift baskets. Food and beverages available, all at the high school's South Commons, 6319 County Line Road, Fair Haven; proceeds to Junior ROTC program.

Art programs

Local artist Dominic Pangborn in art show and book signing to benefit Wigs 4 Kids, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 1, at Grosse Pointe War Memorial. Admission $25, includes copy of his book "Follow Me," wine and cheese reception. For tickets, www.wigs4kids.org or 586-772-6656.

"Wit and FUNction" exhibit at Pewabic Pottery, 10125 E. Jefferson, Detroit, through March 18. Features "witty, amusing and functional pieces" from six artists. Call 313-626-2000 or go to www.pewabic.org.

Annual Members' (Juried) Exhibition at Starkweather Arts Center, Feb. 3-25, opens with free reception 7-9 p.m. Feb. 3, at the Center on Main Street north of 32 Mile Road in Romeo. Gallery open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. For information, email info@starkweatherarts.com.

Mount Clemens Art Association meets 6:30 p.m. Feb. 6, for "Creative Direction" painting demonstration at 7 p.m., in lower level of Mount Clemens Public Library, 150 Cass Ave. Call 586-469-8781.

Grosse Pointe Artists Association "Urban Edge" exhibit through Feb. 25, at 16900 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe. Call 313-821-1848.

Metoparks events

Interpretive events at Wolcott Mill Historic Center, Ray Township, include "Sounds of Music," 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Feb. 4, making music with simple instruments for ages 6-10 years, $4; "Colors & Shapes" Valentine-theme projects, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Feb. 11, $5 per child; "maple Sweetness" harvest, 12:30 and 3 p.. Feb. 25-26, $5 adults, $3 children. At Farm Center: "Harness & Hitch" wagon ride, 1 p.m. Feb. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29, $5 per person. For registration and other activity information, 586-752-5932 or 800-477-3175.

At Lake St. Clair Metropark, "Coyotes, Foxes & Wolves in Michigan, 1 p.m. Feb. 5, $3 per person; Winter Search Party - Looking for Insects," 1 p.m. Feb. 11, $3 per person; Preschool Nature Club - The Valentine Bears," 1 p.m. Feb. 12, ages 3-6, $3 per child. For registration and other program information, call 586-463-4332.

Free concert

Matthew (Boogie Woogie Kid) Ball performs free concert in honor of Black History Month, 2 p.m. Feb. 12, at Clinton-Macomb Public Library, Main Branch, 40900 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township. Call 586-226-5020.

Go Comedy!

"The Time Machine" continues 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays through March 2, at Go Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 Nine Mile road, Ferndale. Tickets $15 at www.gocomedy.net or 248-327-0575.

Detroit Zoo

Wild Winter weekends at Detroit Zoo, 10 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, include African Adventure, Feb. 11-12, and Safari Social, March 10-11; all programs 11 a.m.-3 p.m. For information, 248-5717 or www.detroitzoo.org.

Dance classes

*Beginner and beginner plus line dancing classes, 12:30-2 p.m. Thursdays at the Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden Road, off Mound Road between 13 and 14 Mile roads), Warren, $4 per person, countrycuzzins@wowway.com or call 586-777-7242.

*Line Dancing Classes, beginners 7 p.m., easy intermediate 7:40, couples 8:20, at Roseville Recreation Center, 18185 Sycamore, $5 per person. Call 586-445-5480 or 586-777-7242.

*Line and couples dancing for beginner to intermediate, starting in late January, in Utica, Shelby Township and Clinton Township, Danceduo@wideopenwest.com or 586-286-6002.

Art Center

Anton Art Center 2012 exhibits include Michigan Annual XXXVIII, Jan. 27-Feb. 24; "Where Are They Now?" Feb. 17-March 18; Macomb County K-6 Biennial, March 4-18; Macomb County Annual Secondary Student Show, April 1-22, and Macomb Community College Department of Continuing Education, Oct. 2-21, at 125 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens. Call 586-469-8666.

'Now Showing'

Spirit of Women "Now Showing" programs Feb. 15 and March 21, at Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore Drive, include movies and popcorn, health tips, hors d'oeuvres and wine (cash bar) in Fries Ballroom starts at 6 p.m. with movie at 7. Admission $12 for each day. Sponsored by War Memorial, Beaumont Health System and Grosse Pointe Public Library. Advance registration required, 313-881-7511 or www.warmemorial.org.

Clothing swap

MacombCountyCafe Yahoo! Group clothing swap, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. third Wednesday quarterly, at the DAV Hall, 47326 Dequindre, Utica. Call 586-739-5267.

Music Hall

"A Brown Bear, A Caterpillar And A Moon: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle," presented 2 p.m. Jan. 28, at Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison, Detroit. Show includes music, visual effects, puppetry. Tickets $7 children, $17 adults, at box office or www.ticketmaster.com.

Blind bowlers

Macomb Blind Bowlers for visually impaired and/or blind individuals 18 and older, league bowling 11:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Fraser Star Lanes, northeast corner of 14 Mile and Garfield roads. Fee $10 per week. Call 586-360-9543.

Square dancing

Patches Squares dance club hosts beginning square dance lessons, 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at First United Methodist Church of Warren, 5005 Chicago Road. First class (no matter when dancers start) is free, $3 for following sessions. Call 248-613-3169.

Volunteers needed

Macomb Literary Partners needs volunteers to help adults become better readers; applicants trained to tutor an adult 2 hours per week, with training sessions held on weekends or evenings. Call 586-286-2750.

Detroit Historical Guild seeking volunteers interested in participating in historical activities, including flea markets at Historic Fort Wayne, tea parties, excursions to historic sites, etc. Call 586-777-5898.

Features Editor Debbie Komar contributed to this list.

Still time to see 'Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus'

If you wanted to see "Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus" at the Detroit Institute of Arts but were too busy during the holidays, you're in luck. The DIA will have extended hours during the first two weekends in February.

The special hours are: 

Saturdays, Feb. 4 and 11, 10 a.m.-10 pm. 
Sundays, Feb. 5 and 12, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
The very last day of the exhibit is Feb. 12.

Head of Christ, Rembrandt van Rijn, oil on oak panel, c. 1648-50. Staatliche Museen Preubsicher Kulturbesitz, Gem'ldegalerie, Berlin

The Supper at Emmaus attributed to Rembrandt van Rijn, 1648, oil on mahogany panel, Mus'e du Louvre, Paris

The DIA also has a number of programs that are free with museum admission, unless otherwise noted, including a few today. 

* The Detroit City Chess Club, Fridays from 4-8 p.m. The club's mission is to teach area students the game and life lessons. Members have won state, regional and national competitions. People wanting to learn how to play chess should show up between 4 and 6 p.m. There will be no teaching between 6 and 8 p.m., but visitors can play chess.

Bring out your inner artist at the Drop-in Workshops 

For more information, call 313-833-7900 or visit www.dia.org. 

Daytripping: What's a family to do this weekend?

DAYTRIPPING

Check out this list of activities going on in the Detroit area in the next couple of weeks:

Winterfest 2012

New Baltimore Winterfest, Jan. 27-29, activities include entertainment and wine tasting in tent, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 27, $5 admission; chili cook-off 6 p.m. Jan. 28, $5; fishing tournament Jan. 27-28; kids costume party 2 p.m. Jan. 28, at Rec Center; pancake breakfast Jan. 29; polar bear plunge Jan. 29. Call 586-716-3797.

Warm-Up Party

Ray Township Historical Society holds a Mid-Winter Warm-Up Party, 7-10 p.m. Jan. 28, at Ray Township Senior Center, 64255 Wolcott Road, north of 29 Mile Road. Admission $5, features euchre, refreshments, silent auction. For details, 586-784-9221.

Library programs

Grosse Pointe Public Library Classic Books Lecture Series opens with discussion on Sir Thomas More's "Utopia," 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26, in Grosse Pointe South High School auditorium, 11 Grosse Pointe Blvd. at Fisher Road. Fee $10, free for Friends members, students, teachers. Call 313-343-2074 ext. 6 or www.gpfriends.org.

Presentation by librarian Tracy Harnish on history of Valentine's Day, 7 p.m. Feb. 2, at Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, includes slide show, display, holiday refreshments and make-your-own Valentines. Registration required by calling 586-446-2640 or at www.shpl.net.

ABC TV's Happy Days cast.

Happy Days writer

TV writer Mark Rothman ("Laverne & Shirley," "Happy Days," "The Odd Couple") talks about his new book and gives behind-the-scenes look at TV shows, 6:30-8 p.m. Jan. 31, at Chesterfield Township Library, 50560 Patricia.

'Meet the Caterer'

Stevenson High School All-Night Party Parent Group hosting "Meet the Caterer" event, 6-9 p.m. Feb. 3, in the school cafeteria, includes more than 25 vendors, food samples from caterers, and party ideas. Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Call 586-323-7152 or email lisa.pusz@yahoo.com.

Valentine Dance

Fraser First Booster Club hosts Valentine Dance, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11, at Zuccaro's Banquet hall, 20400 S. Nunneley, Clinton Township. Dinner 7:30 p.m.; $30 tickets include open bar, meal, auctions, raffles. For tickets, 586-296-1690 or at Fraser Activity Center, 34935 Hidden Pine Drive.

Family dinner

Ray Township hosts family dinner night, includes hot dogs, crafts, bingo, 6:30-8 p.m. Jan. 27, at the township hall, 64255 Wolcott Road. Admission $2 per person, free younger than 2 years. Registration required by calling 586-749-5171.

Winter Fest

Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center presents Winter Fest and Family Cookout, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 28, at 4101 River Bends Drive, Shelby Township. Day includes winter wildlife walk, crafts, animals; guests can bring food to cook out. Register at: 586-323-2478.

Elks fundraiser

Mount Clemens Elks host Roaring '20s/ Millionaires  fundraiser, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 28, at the hall, 179 S. Main St. Dinner 6 p.m., music during dinner, followed by '20s orchestra from 8 p.m. to midnight; admission $25, includes prizes, games. Casino Speakeasy ($5 additional admission). Costumes welcome. Call 586-917-9174 or 586-463-2124 (after 3 p.m.).

Quilt display

"Quilt Art: International Expressions" display, Jan. 28-March 25, at Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores. Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, complimentary admission to show. Special related programs also scheduled, including quilted clothing, artful fabrics and quilts, and making quilts. Visit www.fordhouse.org or call 313-884-4222. Michelle Mitchell of Clinton Township presents "Tea & Textile" quilted clothing program, 1-3 p.m. Feb. 13, fee $35, $30 for members.

On stage

Stagecrafters presents "Kiss of the Spider Women: The Musical," Thursday through Sunday through Feb. 12, at the Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette, Royal Oak. Advance tickets $18 and $20; call 248-541-6430 or go to www.stagecrafters.org. Any available tickets $2 more at box office one hour before play.

Grosse Pointe Theatre presents "Jekyll & Hyde," 8 p.m. through Jan. 28, in Fries Auditorium of Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms. For tickets, $24, (313) 881-4004 or www.gpt.org.

Broadway Onstage live theatre presents comic mystery "Cahoots," 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. select Sundays through Feb. 11, at 21517 Kelly Road at Toepfer, Eastpointe. Opening night tickets $14, all other performances $16; call 586-771-6333.

Box Theater stages "Spring Awakening," 7 p.m. Feb. 10-12, 16-17, at the Emerald Theatre, 31 N. Walnut, Mount Clemens. Tickets $25 reserved, $20 general admission, portion of sales goes to Turning Point shelter. Call 586-954-2311 or go to www.theboxtheater.com. Show contains adult themes and language.

Avon Players Community Theatre presents the comedy "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," 8 p.m. Jan. 27-28, 2 p.m. Jan. 28, at 1185 Washington Road, Rochester. Not recommended for children. Tickets, $16-$18, available at www.avonplayers.org, the box office or (248)608-9077.

Meadow Brook Theatre presents "Nunset Boulevard," through Jan. 29, at the theater on the Oakland University campus in Rochester. For tickets, $24 to $39, call 248-377-3300 or go to www.ticketmaster.com.

Rosedale Community Players present "Deathtrap," 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Feb. 3-25, at Peace Lutheran Chruch, 17029 W. 13 Mile Road, Southfield. Call 313-532-4010 or go to www.rosedalecommunityplayers.com.

Theater auditions

Junior Actors of Ridgedale auditions for "Cinderella's Glass Slipper," 2-4 p.m. Feb. 4, at the theater, 205 W. Long Lake Road, Troy. Performance dates March 24-25. For details, call 248-969-7718 or visit www.ridgedaleplyers.com.

Meadow Brook Theater open auditions for comedy "Coin Toss," 7-9 p.m. Jan. 26, at 207 Wilson Hall on the Oakland University campus, Rochester. Performance dates 7 p.m. March 26-27. Go to www.mbttheatre.com.

Grosse Pointe Theatre auditions for "Hairspray," 1-5 p.m. Jan. 28, and 3-7 p.m. Jan. 29, at the rehearsal studio, 315 Fisher Road at Maumee, Grosse Pointe Farms. Performance dates May 6, 9-13 and 17-20, 2012, at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial Fries Auditorium. GPT also holding dance workshops to help those interested in auditioning, 7-10 p.m. Jan. 17 and 24, at the rehearsal studio. Call 313-886-8901 or visit www. gpt.org.

Comedy for a Cause

Comedians Anthony Griffith and Ron Pearson appear in Comedy for a Cause benefit for Promise Village Home for Children, doors open 6 p.m., show 7 p.m. Feb. 17, at Woodside Bible Church, 6600 Rochester Road, Troy. Free-will offering. Call 877-A-PROMISE or visit www.promisevillage.com.

Penny Auction

Anchor Bay High school Family Penny Auction (raffle party), doors open 4 p.m., raffles 6 p.m., prizes include tools, toys, games, clothes, household items, gift baskets. Food and beverages available, all at the high school's South Commons, 6319 County Line Road, Fair Haven; proceeds to Junior ROTC program.

Art programs

Local artist Dominic Pangborn in art show and book signing to benefit Wigs 4 Kids, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 1, at Grosse Pointe War Memorial. Admission $25, includes copy of his book "Follow Me," wine and cheese reception. For tickets, www.wigs4kids.org or 586-772-6656.

"Wit and FUNction" exhibit at Pewabic Pottery, 10125 E. Jefferson, Detroit, through March 18. Features "witty, amusing and functional pieces" from six artists. Call 313-626-2000 or go to www.pewabic.org.

Annual Members' (Juried) Exhibition at Starkweather Arts Center, Feb. 3-25, opens with free reception 7-9 p.m. Feb. 3, at the Center on Main Street north of 32 Mile Road in Romeo. Gallery open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. For information, email info@starkweatherarts.com.

Mount Clemens Art Association meets 6:30 p.m. Feb. 6, for "Creative Direction" painting demonstration at 7 p.m., in lower level of Mount Clemens Public Library, 150 Cass Ave. Call 586-469-8781.

Grosse Pointe Artists Association "Urban Edge" exhibit through Feb. 25, at 16900 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe. Call 313-821-1848.

Metoparks events

Interpretive events at Wolcott Mill Historic Center, Ray Township, include "Sounds of Music," 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Feb. 4, making music with simple instruments for ages 6-10 years, $4; "Colors & Shapes" Valentine-theme projects, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Feb. 11, $5 per child; "maple Sweetness" harvest, 12:30 and 3 p.. Feb. 25-26, $5 adults, $3 children. At Farm Center: "Harness & Hitch" wagon ride, 1 p.m. Feb. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29, $5 per person. For registration and other activity information, 586-752-5932 or 800-477-3175.

At Lake St. Clair Metropark, "Coyotes, Foxes & Wolves in Michigan, 1 p.m. Feb. 5, $3 per person; Winter Search Party - Looking for Insects," 1 p.m. Feb. 11, $3 per person; Preschool Nature Club - The Valentine Bears," 1 p.m. Feb. 12, ages 3-6, $3 per child. For registration and other program information, call 586-463-4332.

Free concert

Matthew (Boogie Woogie Kid) Ball performs free concert in honor of Black History Month, 2 p.m. Feb. 12, at Clinton-Macomb Public Library, Main Branch, 40900 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township. Call 586-226-5020.

Go Comedy!

"The Time Machine" continues 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays through March 2, at Go Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 Nine Mile road, Ferndale. Tickets $15 at www.gocomedy.net or 248-327-0575.

Detroit Zoo

Wild Winter weekends at Detroit Zoo, 10 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, include African Adventure, Feb. 11-12, and Safari Social, March 10-11; all programs 11 a.m.-3 p.m. For information, 248-5717 or www.detroitzoo.org.

Dance classes

*Beginner and beginner plus line dancing classes, 12:30-2 p.m. Thursdays at the Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden Road, off Mound Road between 13 and 14 Mile roads), Warren, $4 per person, countrycuzzins@wowway.com or call 586-777-7242.

*Line Dancing Classes, beginners 7 p.m., easy intermediate 7:40, couples 8:20, at Roseville Recreation Center, 18185 Sycamore, $5 per person. Call 586-445-5480 or 586-777-7242.

*Line and couples dancing for beginner to intermediate, starting in late January, in Utica, Shelby Township and Clinton Township, Danceduo@wideopenwest.com or 586-286-6002.

Art Center

Anton Art Center 2012 exhibits include Michigan Annual XXXVIII, Jan. 27-Feb. 24; "Where Are They Now?" Feb. 17-March 18; Macomb County K-6 Biennial, March 4-18; Macomb County Annual Secondary Student Show, April 1-22, and Macomb Community College Department of Continuing Education, Oct. 2-21, at 125 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens. Call 586-469-8666.

'Now Showing'

Spirit of Women "Now Showing" programs Feb. 15 and March 21, at Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore Drive, include movies and popcorn, health tips, hors d'oeuvres and wine (cash bar) in Fries Ballroom starts at 6 p.m. with movie at 7. Admission $12 for each day. Sponsored by War Memorial, Beaumont Health System and Grosse Pointe Public Library. Advance registration required, 313-881-7511 or www.warmemorial.org.

Clothing swap

MacombCountyCafe Yahoo! Group clothing swap, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. third Wednesday quarterly, at the DAV Hall, 47326 Dequindre, Utica. Call 586-739-5267.

Music Hall

"A Brown Bear, A Caterpillar And A Moon: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle," presented 2 p.m. Jan. 28, at Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison, Detroit. Show includes music, visual effects, puppetry. Tickets $7 children, $17 adults, at box office or www.ticketmaster.com.

Blind bowlers

Macomb Blind Bowlers for visually impaired and/or blind individuals 18 and older, league bowling 11:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Fraser Star Lanes, northeast corner of 14 Mile and Garfield roads. Fee $10 per week. Call 586-360-9543.

Square dancing

Patches Squares dance club hosts beginning square dance lessons, 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at First United Methodist Church of Warren, 5005 Chicago Road. First class (no matter when dancers start) is free, $3 for following sessions. Call 248-613-3169.

Volunteers needed

Macomb Literary Partners needs volunteers to help adults become better readers; applicants trained to tutor an adult 2 hours per week, with training sessions held on weekends or evenings. Call 586-286-2750.

Detroit Historical Guild seeking volunteers interested in participating in historical activities, including flea markets at Historic Fort Wayne, tea parties, excursions to historic sites, etc. Call 586-777-5898.

Features Editor Debbie Komar contributed to this list.

'Big Miracle' chronicles October 1988: When the world worked together to help the whales

Last week the sighting of a great gray owl perched in a tree on the edge of a soybean field in southern Ontario attracted thousands of spectators. Not just local folks and birders. There were people from all walks of life and several distances away -- including Toronto, London and Detroit -- who made the trek to see the owl.

Why would anyone travel hundreds of miles to see a bird or, say, a whale? 

Photos courtesy of Universal Pictures.

They're unique.

The great gray owls are ginormous birds -- rarely seen south of the Arctic's Tundra -- and the Ontario sighting served as a rare opportunity to see one up close. 

Yet, it is not only our differences that cause us to take notice of them. Animals also are a lot like us in the way that they care for their young and socialize. They can be as brave as a lion or as frightened as a mouse. It's been proved that dolphins and whales are highly sentient beings, with complex social structures and family bonds. They are self-aware, they use language - complete with different dialects based on locality and family bonds -and they pass their culture on from one generation to the next, according to an article by Reuters. 

Most of all, animals are as vulnerable to nature as we are.

It's these similarities that move us to intervene on their behalf.

Drew Barrymore

Universal Pictures' Big Miracle, due in theaters Feb. 3, is a great example.

It's the true story of a small-town news reporter (John Krasinski) and an animal-loving volunteer (Drew Barrymore) who are joined by rival world superpowers to save three California gray whales who were trapped for several days in the thickening ice off the Alaskan coast.

As the synopsis goes, "local newsman Adam Carlson (Krasinski) can't wait to escape the northern tip of Alaska for a bigger market. But just when the story of his career breaks, the world comes chasing it, too. With an oil tycoon, heads of state and hungry journalists descending upon the frigid outpost, the one who worries Adam the most is Rachel Kramer (Barrymore). Not only is she an outspoken environmentalist, she's also his ex-girlfriend.

With time running out, Rachel and Adam must rally an unlikely coalition of Inuit natives, oil companies and Russian and American military to set aside their differences and free the whales. As the world's attention turns to the top of the globe, saving these endangered animals becomes a shared cause for nations entrenched against one another and leads to a momentary thaw in the Cold War."

John Krasinski and Ahmaogak Sweeney in "Big Miracle."

The film also stars Kristen Bell (Jill Jerard), Dermot Mulroney (Colonel Scott Boyer), Ted Danson (J.W. McGraw) and newcomer Ahmaogak Sweeney (Nathan), 11, of Anchorage, Alaska, who got the call that he had won the role while attending his fifth-grade class at Bear Valley Elementary School.

To help illustrate our fascination with whales, Universal Pictures has launched a new infographic site Everybody Loves Whales. Audiences of all ages can learn not only about whales, but the heartwarming tale that captured the hearts of people all over the world.

There's also a contest running on Pinterest.com. To find out how you can Pin to Win, visit Big Miracle Sweepstakes

TODAY'S MUSE

The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever -- Jacques-Yves Cousteau. 

Oscar nominations 2012: 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close' gets nod for Best Picture

Nominees for Best Picture

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
Scott Rudin, Producer

The Descendants
Jim Burke, Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor,
Producers

The Artist
Thomas Langmann, Producer

The Help
Brunson Green, Chris Columbus and Michael Barnathan, Producers

Hugo
Graham King and Martin Scorsese, Producers

Midnight in Paris
Letty Aronson and Stephen Tenenbaum, Producers

Moneyball
Michael De Luca, Rachael Horovitz and Brad Pitt, Producers





 




The Tree of Life
Nominees to be determined

War Horse
Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy, Producers 








COMPLETE LIST OF NOMINATIONS HERE