GOP nominee to tour Black Belt, hit Birmingham fund-raisers

Republican presidential nominee John McCain has returned to Alabama to lure voters in a state that went for Mike Huckabee in February. The Arizona senator will start in Selma this morning, which has already seen visits by Democratic contenders Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

After a swing through the Black Belt, he’ll stop tonight in Birmingham for a fund-raiser at the Sheraton ($1,000 and $2,300 for tickets) and then to Soho in Homewood for a young professionals fund-raiser (a thrifty $100 per ticket).

The Black Belt is among the poorest regions in the nation, though U.S. Steel announced Friday that it would build a $150 million, 75-job plant in Sumter County later this year.

Just 197 days until Election Day.

Can McCain win over the evangelicals and traditional Southern Republicans who voted Huckabee? What do you think?

• • •

Complete Vote 2008 coverage.

‘The Biggest Loser: Couples’ live recap, episode 16 (season finale)

biggestloser.wadeonbirmingham.com
By Ginny and Wade

Roger Shultz of Enterprise takes his last last weigh-in. Can he make it to the final three of “The Biggest Loser”? And will he win the $250,000 grand prize?

The live recap of the live two-hour finale — plus details on where you can meet him in person this weekend — after the jump …

(more…)

‘Biggest Loser’ player Roger Shultz reveals all before finale

biggestloser.wadeonbirmingham.com
By Ginny

Trainer Bob Harper, left, and Roger Shultz

He may be better known these days, at least by the ladies, as a record-breaking competitor on “The Biggest Loser” than as a linebacker for the Crimson Tide. But Roger Shultz owes it to an intense focus on weekly weigh-ins on the NBC reality competition.

The season concludes at 7 p.m. Tuesday, where the Enterprise native could win $250,000 during the live broadcast.

Shultz talked by phone about his experiences, his chance of being chosen for the final three, and being identified by his missing tooth.

• I have to know: Was chef Rocco DiSpirito’s pepper steak really as good as your mama’s?

It was pretty good. It was different. He added peppers at first thinking it would be a Chinese dish. (laughs)

• Did you ever think you would make it to the final four?

Realistically, no. All I thought was, stay above the yellow line and good things will happen. I took it one week at the time. And then, things happened like (the final twist where America votes).

• That final weigh-in was intense …

You should’ve been there with me! But it was still exciting-losing the most weight of anyone on campus. It was the first time I focused in on a number and really fine-tuned my diet and workouts to reach it for the final weigh-in.

Unfortunately, that was a motivator for everyone.

(more…)

‘The Biggest Loser: Couples’ recap, episode 15

biggestloser.wadeonbirmingham.com
By Ginny

It’s the last episode of “The Biggest Loser” before the live two-hour finale, and only two spots are guaranteed. Will the boys in blue, including Roger Shultz of Enterprise, earn a chance at the $250,000?

Remember, it’s a singing competition, not a popularity contest, after the jump …

(more…)

The words of Harper Lee live on.

Since January, the Jefferson County Library Cooperative has pushed reading in a big way with Project Mockingbird. Everyone reads the same book, the classic “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

(We still have our well-worn, beloved copy from ninth grade.)

The end draws near, but not without a few events to celebrate:

• Mary Badham, the Birmingham-born actress who played Scout in the film version, will speak from 7 to 9 tonight at the Hoover Library Theatre. Free, but reservation required (205-444-7820).
• The 10th annual author festival Alabama Bound will focus entirely on the book. In between the seminars will be performances by the Four Eagles Gospel Singers and Red Mountain. Free, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Central library.

Plus more chances to discuss the book and see the movie, all on the events calendar.

Shultz’s last hope rests in voters’ hands

biggestloser.wadeonbirmingham.com

Alabama’s “Biggest Loser” contestant is one vote away from the finals.

America will decide if Roger Shultz of Enterprise or Mark Kruger of Boston will compete for the $250,000 grand prize.

In last night’s episode, both Shultz and Kruger lost more than 10 pounds each during the final week in California. In fact, Shultz broke the show’s record for most weight lost on campus, having lost a total of 144 pounds, weighing in at 219.

But even that wasn’t enough against the one-two punch of underdogs Kelly Fields and Ali Vincent. The women have already earned their spots in the finals, leaving one slot to be decided by Internet vote.

Shultz’s campaign video

Visit the show’s site to enter. Each voter can cast up to 100 ballots. Polls close at 9 p.m. Thursday.

The live two-hour finale of “The Biggest Loser: Couples” takes place at 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC 13.

Also:

• Last week’s recap
• Coming soon: A one-on-one interview with Roger Shultz
• Coming soon: All the highlights from this week’s episode

• • •

Shape up: more “Biggest Loser” at biggestloser.wadeonbirmingham.com.

‘The Biggest Loser: Couples’ recap, episode 14

biggestloser.wadeonbirmingham.com
By Ginny

Previously on “Survivor,” Tyra took the girls to Sydney for shoots and go-sees while fear was not a factor for one player. But which team arrived first at the Pit Stop? Find out this week on “A Baby Story.”

(Even reality shows do mashups, as we see on this week’s “Biggest Loser.” Plus, Enterprise’s Roger Shultz receives his first passport stamp.)

More Franken-reality, after the jump …

(more…)

Diana Ross, Flaming Lips set to headline

Ten weeks and counting until the 20th anniversary edition of City Stages. Organizers have announced the first round of acts performing on Father’s Day weekend (June 13-15) in downtown Birmingham, including:

• Diana Ross
• The Flaming Lips
• Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
• Buddy Guy
• Old Crow Medicine Show
• The Roots
• Citizen Cope
• Sean Kingston
• Galactic
• Will Hoge

Three-day passes go on sale Friday through Ticketma$ter for $37.50 ($45 and $50 closer to the event dates).

What do you think of the lineup? How does it compare to the Crawfish Boil or Bonnaroo? (Same booking agents as Bonnaroo, but also same restrictions on artist exclusivity.) Is it better than the 2007 lineup? Tell us in the comments.

Plus, video previews after the jump …

(more…)

‘The Biggest Loser: Couples’ recap, episode 13

biggestloser.wadeonbirmingham.com
By Ginny

A piece of chocolate cake changes “The Biggest Loser” game. In the sense that the last episode did not include a piece of chocolate cake, and this ones does. Does Roger Shultz of Enterprise take the cake?

In a contest of pointless twists, this one may be the pointlessest. Still, it turned out to be a pretty good week.

Find out why we’re not frosted, after the jump …

(more…)

Roger loses Jax State job

biggestloser.wadeonbirmingham.com

Enterprise’s Roger Shultz has shed more than 100 pounds so far on “The Biggest Loser,” but now he’s shed even more: his job with the Gamecocks.

The former Alabama lineman had served as associate athletics director at Jacksonville State University, but was fired after a nearly six-month absence while in California on the show. He remains in the running for the $250,000 grand prize, to be awarded on the live finale April 15.

He says he might open a gym in Birmingham with his former teammate and TV partner Trent Patterson, one that emphasizes a monthlong approach to fitness. Performa district, anyone?

Plus, he still has “In the Trenches,” his weekly radio show with Stan White in the fall. Oh, and a longer lifespan, blah blah blah.

• • •

Shape up: more “Biggest Loser” at biggestloser.wadeonbirmingham.com.

The good news is that Birmingham Shout is still around for a third year, providing films with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender themes. The bad news is that it’s down to five movies and a short (as opposed to 16 films in 2007), moving up to March instead of April.

Info

• Film schedule: 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday at WorkPlay, 500 23rd St. S. [map]
• Tickets: $7 per film, $5 for students and members. All-day pass for $17, $15 for students and members.
• For more info, visit the official site or call (205) 324-0888.
• MySpace profile

Previews after the jump …

(more…)

‘The Biggest Loser: Couples’ recap, episode 12

biggestloser.wadeonbirmingham.com
By Ginny

Everyone receives a makeover from Tim Gunn, including Enterprise’s Roger Shultz. Except that it’s “The Biggest Loser” and not “Project Runway.” But still, we’re interested again.

And after all, isn’t that what this show is about, to help fat people conform to society’s preferred sexual aesthetic. And also for product placement.

See their dramatic new looks, after the jump …

(more…)

In honor of the 10th year (more or less) of the Birmingham Area Music Awards, we present a sensational 18-track mix of the nominees. Tonight at the Carver Theatre, Birmingham Weekly will recognize the newest BAMA winners, as chosen by the readers.

Hip-hop, rock, gospel, classical, jazz and pop fill the mix (though it could use a few more ladies, cough). The full playlist will run you about $18 on iTunes.

Check it out for yourself …

1. “Ride On King Jesus,” by Dr. Henry Panion III
2. “You,” by Michael Warren
3. “Heart,” by Ryan Kinder
4. “Worldwide,” by Shonuff
5. “Groove U Baby,” by Mose Stovall
6. “Some Things,” by The Dexateens
7. “We Can’t Lose,” by LP
8. “22 Days Too Long,” by Adam Hood
9. “Mother to Son,” by Langston Hughes
10. “Les Saisons, Op. 37b: Barcarolle (juin),” by Yakov Kasman
11. “The Six Realm: V. The Human Realm,” by Justin Brown, Michaela Fukacova and Odense Symphony Orchestra
12. “Blue Eyed Savior,” by Oteil and the Peacemakers
13. “Horseshoes and Handgranades,” by Thed Weller and John Paul
14. “Favorite Sin,” by Within Reason
15. “Bese Me Mucho,” by Dan Sartain
16. “Sweet Tea,” by Eric Essix
17. “Tilt,” by Wild Sweet Orange
18. “Work,” by Caddle

Tickets for the 7 p.m. awards and concert — with performances by the Sixth Avenue Male Chorus, Thed Weller, Jason Bailey, Eric Essix and Feijoada — are $10 ($15 at the door).

Did your favorite local musician make the nominee list? Who should win tonight? Tell us in the comments.

It’s almost 4,000. That would be the number of U.S. military members killed during the war in Iraq, marking its fifth year today. The deadliest year, so far, was 2007, with 901 killed.

Among the fallen are 75 Alabamians, including those killed since the War on Terror began in 2001. To them, we pay this tribute.

	Staff Sgt. George T. Alexander Clanton (the 2,000th U.S. military death in Iraq)
	Sgt. Aubrey D. Bell Tuskegee
	Capt. Donnie R. Belser Jr. Anniston
	Pfc. Joseph R. Berlin Jr. Chelsea
	Pfc. Stephen D. Bicknell Prattville

(more…)

‘The Biggest Loser: Couples’ recap, episode 11

biggestloser.wadeonbirmingham.com
By Ginny

Check out the new “Biggest Loser” workout: You sit and throw things at the TV set for two hours and then call 10 friends to ask them why a once-great network can’t put together a compelling reality show.

(We still hug the set when our local boy made skinnier Roger Shultz appears.)

And 1 and 2 and 3 and breathe, after the jump …

(more…)