Train wanders not on
its journey around city
always straightforward.

• • •

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‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ video extras

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video 1: Sierra shares a secret crush with Debbie as the two discuss the game.

March Madness. Non-stop hoops. The drama of competition.

Pfft. We know you’re going into “Survivor” withdrawal, though next Wednesday’s clip show might help a little. Still, we thought we’d treat you to a few bonus videos featuring Alabama’s own Debra Beebe and James Thomas Jr.

Plus, host Jeff Probst gives an inside look into how they create those spectacular title sequences (you know, the opening credits).

Plenty more “Survivor” videos, after the jump …

(more…)

Slither and slide the
actors transform the stage by
being ugly us.

• • •

Read more haiku.

People are puzzles
to solve. Tab A, slot B don’t
always seem to fit.

• • •

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What do you want? With
me, with them, with anyone?
Who are you and why?

• • •

Read more haiku.

While only one men’s team in state has a halfway chance of making it into the Big Dance, the women are faring slightly better. Auburn is headed to north to play Lehigh in the first round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament.

Auburn, a No. 2 seed, tips off at 11 a.m. Saturday in Piscataway. Yes, scenic Piscataway.

Bracket: NCAA

• Birmingham News: Auburn women will open NCAAs against Lehigh

• • •

More headlines | send us your news tips.

Kind words go further
than angry ones. Mind that you
keep plenty in stock.

• • •

Read more haiku.

Who’s going to the Big Dance? Not Alabama, nor Auburn, nor UAB.

Instead, the Alabama State Hornets are heading for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Sort of. They play Morehead State on Tuesday in the play-in match for the 64th spot, to face No. 1 Louisville on Friday.

Meanwhile, all’s not lost for other state teams. UAB plays at Notre Dame Tuesday and Tennessee-Martin comes to Auburn Wednesday in first-round NIT action.

Brackets: NCAA | NIT (PDF)

• Birmingham News: Alabama State to tangle with Morehead State in NCAA Tournament

• • •

More headlines | send us your news tips.

Stay on task. Focus.
Stick with it. Shut out noises
and interruptions.

• • •

Read more haiku.

I don’t know you, do
I? We’ve met, maybe once or
hundred times. Can’t think.

• • •

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Squeak squeak the soles trudge
along the pristine floor now
wet with outside rain.

• • •

Read more haiku.

‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 5 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Tears of joy. Shouts of anger. Has Jalapao returned to glory on “Survivor,” or is it losing momentum?

James Thomas Jr. of Samson appears to be calling the shots at Jalapao, but will that burn him? Debra Beebe of Auburn strategizes … with Coach?!

Who lost her temper, and who lost his tooth? Find out, after the jump …

(more…)

I’d like to keep my
cheeks dry today, so stay with
me. I’ll have it made.

• • •

Read more haiku.

‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 5 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

A quickie look at tonight’s “Survivor: Tocantins” above. Recap to follow the show.

Will James Thomas Jr. of Samson and Debra Beebe of Auburn find their own allies before they run out of potential partners? Will the secret cross-tribal alliance collapse before it even gels?

Catch up:

• Last week’s recap from us
• And one from Jeff
• Jeff saves a life!
• OMG: Sandy wants to be in Playboy! Oy.

We’ll see you back here tonight after the episode.

“Survivor: Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Tocantins” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

Loretta Lynn, Buddy Guy and Los Lobos

The Alys Stephens Center has been lining up another star-studded lineup for its 2009-2010 season. According to Pollstar.com, much of the calendar has been set (see list 1 and list 2).

The lineup so far (links to iTunes/Amazon.com pages):

2009

• Sept 26: Buddy Guy
• Oct. 16: Loretta Lynn
• Nov. 12: The Wailers
• Nov. 13: Bruce Hornsby

2010

• Jan. 22: Los Lobos
• Jan. 29: McCoy Tyner, Savion Glover
• Feb. 12: Three Dog Night
• March 21: Spanish Harlem Orchestra
• March 28-29: Peking Acrobats (on MySpace)

No date has been announced for the remainder of the lineup or for ticket sales. No prices have been announced.