Wow, after last weekend’s marathon of events it looks like slim pickings for this weekend. But never fear, I have found what I think are some pretty cool things to do.

Little boys and big boys (and yes, little girls and big girls too) can take to the air at the Southern Museum of Flight now through Saturday. On hand is a F-15 Eagle flight simulator complete with throttle, stick and rutter peddles. Ooohhhh. Realistic sound and detailed graphics put you right in the cockpit.

Aaahhhh.

Admission is $5/$4 for children. The museum is located at 4343 73^rd St. North out near the airport. Call 833-8226 to check times the ride … I mean simulator … is flying. And don’t use the word hostage in any kind of a sentence while there. Example, the boss really held us “hostage” in the board room yesterday. Wouldn’t want Big Brother to throw you into a dark, bottomless holding facility far, far away.

It’s not to late to attend Writing Today 2008, the 28th annual writers’ conference at Birmingham-Southern. This year’s Books-A-Million Grand Master is Walter Mosley. Other major speakers include Frank Deford and Julianna Baggott. If you’ve been sitting on a manuscript or have a couple of ideas floating around in your head, there’s sessions on finding an agent, publishing, writing local history and much more. Registration begins 8 a.m. Friday morning.

So, you’ve heard that Sloss Furnaces is considered one of the biggest hot spots for paranormal activity in the Southeast. What, you’ve never heard that. Well, you can hear it for yourself Saturday night during their candle-lit ghost tour. Reservations are required so call 324-1911 or e-mail kimbellee@slossfurnaces.com. Be there before 7 when the gates close. Cost for non-Foundation members is $10 adults and $5 kids. But this doesn’t sound like something you should be taking kids to anyway.

ONB Magic City Art Connection may still be weeks away in April (April 25-27 to be exact) but you can have fun and raise funds for educational programming Saturday night. You are encouraged to wear silver to the Silver Leafed Art Bash. Silver to celebrate 25 years of Magic City Art. And as far as fundraising parties go, this one is cheap. $20 in advance/$25 at the door gets you complimentary wine and beer and food by area chefs. That is a deal. Call 595-6306 for tickets. The only mystery part is the party starts 7:30 p.m. at the corner of 12^th street and 1^st Avenue North in what they are calling another cool Birmingham space. Hmmmm. Sounds interesting and I’m curious enough to want to check it out.

Have a great weekend everyone. Come back on Monday and brag to everyone about what you did.