Wade on Birmingham

Archive for 'Bama'

Tide wins NIT second round; Lady Bulldogs one and done in NCAA

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011

Samford, Florida State

Samford’s Ruth Ketcham drives against Florida State
in the first round of the 2011 NCAA Tournament.

The post-season hopes grow ever dimmer with each passing game for Alabama teams.

In the National Invitation Tournament, No. 1 Alabama managed to defeat No. 4 New Mexico 74-67 on Monday. So far, Alabama is 18-0 at Coleman Coliseum.

The Tide earns one more home game, this time against No. 2 Miami, 8 p.m. Wednesday, airing on ESPN2. Tickets — $8, $4 for students and age 18 and younger — are available online, by calling (877) TIDE-TIX (877-843-3849) and at the door. [NIT bracket]

Should Alabama win, the team will head to the semifinals at Madison Square Garden in New York against Colorado or Kent State.

Samford‘s first trip to the NCAA Women’s Tournament ended abruptly Sunday. The No. 14 Lady Bulldogs lost to No. 3 Florida State 76-46 in the opening round at Auburn. Samford ends the season at 25-8.

Also:

Alabama, New Mexico, by Kent Gidley

Alabama’s Chris Hines takes the leap against New Mexico.

Photo (bottom): Kent Gidley, Alabama Athletics

Alabama advances in NIT; UAB, Alabama State out of NCAA

Thursday, March 17th, 2011

Samford Lady Bulldogs prepare for NCAA Women’s Tournament

University of Alabama, Coastal Carolina, by Kent Gidley

Alabama’s Senario Hillman, left, and Trevor Releford play defense
against Coastal Carolina. The Tide won 68-44 in the NIT opening round.

It’s been somewhat of a downer post-season so far for Alabama men’s basketball teams.

The bright spot is No. 1 Alabama‘s win Tuesday over No. 8 Coastal Carolina 68-44 in Tuscaloosa in the opening round of the National Invitation Tournament. The Tide faces No. 4 New Mexico at 8 p.m. Monday, also in Tuscaloosa. The game will air on ESPN. Tickets — $8, $4 for students and age 18 and younger — are available online and at the door. [NIT bracket]

UAB fell to fellow No. 12 seed Clemson 70-52 Tuesday in the new NCAA First Four round in Dayton, Ohio. The Blazers end the season 22-9.

And Alabama State lost to Texas-San Antonio 70-61 Wednesday in a battle of the No. 16 seeds, also in Dayton. The Hornets finish 17-18.

Meanwhile, the Samford Lady Bulldogs won the Southern Conference Tournament Championship earlier this month, earning their first trip to the NCAA Women’s Tournament. No. 14 Samford faces No. 3 Florida State at 4 p.m. Sunday in Auburn, to air on ESPN2, WVSU (91.1 FM) and streaming online. [NCAA bracket]

Also:

Photo: Kent Gidley, Alabama Athletics

 

Krista on ‘Survivor: Redemption Island’: Thy fearful symmetry

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

Episode 5 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Fan tribute to Krista Klumpp

Two against the world. That’s how Fairhope native Krista Klumpp and ally Stephanie Valencia feel at Zapatera.

Survivor: Redemption IslandBut if the tribe keeps winning, they have nothing to fear, especially with their new backup plan.

Alliances are always in motion on “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

Meanwhile, has the Zapatera tribe become too cocky? Has Ometepe relied too much on “Boston Rob” Mariano?

And can Matt Elrod continue his win streak at Redemption Island?

Find out after the jump …

[buy this episode — aff. link]

Krista Klumpp, Stephanie Valencia, Survivor: Redemption Island

The buddy system: Stephanie Valencia, left,
and Krista Klumpp work out a plan.

(more…)

Paul McDonald on ‘American Idol’: Top 12

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

Video: Paul McDonald sings “I Guess That’s Why They
Call It the Blues,” a song from his birth year, 1984.
[buy it on iTunes — aff. link]

The Top 12 are on deck on “American Idol,” with a retro theme this week, “Songs From Your Birth Year.” Will a cold slow down Huntsville’s Paul McDonald?

American IdolSong: “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues,” by Elton John

[buy Elton John's "I Guess That's Why They
Call It the Blues" on iTunes, Amazon; buy Paul's version — aff. links]

Paul McDonald, American Idol

Judges say: J. Lo: “I feel you. I know you felt like you were struggling, You have so much soul and star quality that it overcame that. You made it happen.” Randy: “I’m not gonna give you a pass because you have a cold. The first half was pitchy. The thing I like: You’re the ingenue, you find a way to make it your own. You put the Paul spin on it. But get the notes right.” Steven: “You define a cool dude and loose mood. Your swagger is way cool. It’s a very distinctive voice — that’s what you’re turning into.”

We say: We’re still not feeling it, but maybe he’ll grow on us over time. Overall, a weak performance. And is he too Paul for America?

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Audio: “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues,” Paul McDonald

“American Idol” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays on Fox 6.

Voting closes at 11 tonight.

Previous: Top 13 — Songs By Your Musical Idol
Next: Top 11

Video: “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues,” by Elton John
[buy this song on
iTunes, Amazon— aff. links]

Paul McDonald, American Idol

Paul McDonald, American Idol

Paul McDonald, American Idol

Paul McDonald, American Idol

Paul McDonald, American Idol

Jennifer Lopez, American Idol

Too mean?

Update March 17: Karen Rodriguez of New York was eliminated.

Also:

• • •

More “American Idol” at idol.wadeonbirmingham.com.

Krista on ‘Survivor: Redemption Island’: The smoked monster

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

‘Survivor: Redemption Island,’ episode 5 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Preview of tonight’s episode.

One villain down, one to go.

Survivor: Redemption IslandRussell Hantz went down fighting in his duel, but still ended up in second-to-last place overall. Next!

Meanwhile, his allies Stephanie Valencia and Fairhope native Krista Klumpp are on still their own in a hostile Zapatera tribe. Will either make it very far into “Survivor: Redemption Island”?

Over at Ometepe, “Boston Rob” Mariano may have his hands full with screwball Phillip Sheppard. Can the tribal king handle the court jester?

Check out the action tonight, and look for the recap here.

Video: Back on Day 7, Russell Hantz and his allies
Stephanie Valencia and Krista Klumpp raided the rice
while the rest of Zapatera was away in this unaired scene.

Episode 4 recaps:

  • Wade on Birmingham
  • Jeff Probst: “Russell will go down in history as one of the most notorious contestants of all time. Maybe THE most notorious.”

“Survivor: Redemption Island” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS 42. Look for the full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

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

UAB, Alabama State play first round in new 68-team NCAA Tournament

Sunday, March 13th, 2011

Alabama top seed in NIT

Video: A look at the biggest surprises in the tourney field.

The college basketball post-season has a possible bright spot or two for state teams, depending on a couple of first-round games this week. UAB (22-8) faces Clemson in a battle of 12th seeds at 8 p.m. Tuesday in Dayton, Ohio, in the NCAA Men’s Tournament. The winner becomes the actual No. 12 East seed to play No. 5 West Virginia on Thursday in Tampa in the second round, which used to be the first round. Really.

UAB advanced one round in the 2010 National Invitation Tournament before losing to North Carolina at Bartow Arena.

Meanwhile, Alabama State (17-17) plays Texas-San Antonio at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in Dayton to be the No. 16 East seed. The winner faces top seed Ohio State on Friday in Cleveland. In all, four play-in games — airing on truTV — have expanded the tournament to a field of 68 teams overall.

UAB’s inclusion was not without some controversy, especially after the Blazers’ early exit in the Conference USA Tournament on Thursday.

Alabama won’t be sitting out. The Crimson Tide (21-11), a top seed in the National Invitation Tournament, will welcome No. 8 Coastal Carolina to campus at 6 p.m. Tuesday, airing on ESPNU.

Brackets:

Video: NCAA selection committee chairman Gene
Smith defends the picks, including UAB.

 

Krista on ‘Survivor: Redemption Island’: The taste of bittersweet

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

Episode 4 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Krista Klumpp, Stephanie Valencia, Survivor: Redemption Island

Beach bunnies: Krista Klumpp, foreground, and Stephanie Valencia
enjoy their moment in the sun on “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

Krista Klumpp is in trouble with capital “trouble.”

Survivor: Redemption IslandThe Fairhope native aligned with returning villain Russell Hantz early on “Survivor: Redemption Island.” Now, she and her ally Stephanie Valencia face a hostile majority on their own Zapatera tribe.

Meanwhile, Russell has his hands full at Redemption Island against defending loser Matt Elrod.

Who’s testing their alliance? Who has a new hidden immunity idol? And who’s crying now?

Find out after the jump …

[buy this episode — aff. link]

Krista Klumpp, Stephanie Valencia, Survivor: Redemption Island

We are not above running multiple bikini shots.

(more…)

Paul McDonald on ‘American Idol’: Top 13

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

Video: Paul McDonald performs “Come Pick Me Up”
by Ryan Adams.

Paul McDonald, American Idol

Paul McDonald performs in the Top 13 on “American Idol.”

Play time is over. The Top 13 on “American Idol” are heading into weekly combat with tonight’s theme, “Songs by Your Musical Idol,” including Huntsville’s Paul McDonald.

American IdolSong: “Come Pick Me Up,” by Ryan Adams

[buy album | "Come Pick Me Up" — aff. links]

Judges say: Steven: “I love the character and rasp in your voice. I love your voice.” J. Lo: “I hope America gets it.” Randy: “I love who Paul is. I love you for this show.”

We say: It was certainly a bubbly rendition. Perhaps, too bubbly. As a fan of the song, it’s a little jarring to see McDonald go lounge on it.

Paul McDonald, American Idol

Paul McDonald, American Idol

Paul McDonald, American Idol

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Audio: “Come Pick Me Up,” Paul McDonald

Voting closes at 11 tonight.

Update March 10: Ashthon Jones of Goodlettsville, Tenn., was eliminated.

Previous: Paul McDonald makes it to the “American Idol” finals
Next: Top 12 — Songs from Your Birth Year

Video: “Come Pick Me Up,” by Ryan Adams
[buy this song — aff. link]

Also:

• • •

More “American Idol” at idol.wadeonbirmingham.com.

Krista on ‘Survivor: Redemption Island’: Rumble in the jungle

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

‘Survivor: Redemption Island,’ episode 4 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: How Russell Hantz may get his groove back.

Matt Elrod defeated his first opponent to remain on Redemption Island, but can he withstand Hurricane Russell?

Survivor: Redemption IslandOne of “Survivor’s” biggest villains, Russell Hantz, faced his first torch snuffing last week. Will he make it in isolation to return for vengeance?

It’s so on on “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

Plus, more wacky antics from Phillip Sheppard. And is Fairhope native Krista Klumpp better or worse off since her ally Russell has been evicted?

Check out the action tonight, and look for the recap here.

Video: A quick look at tonight’s episode.

Episode 3 recaps:

“Survivor: Redemption Island” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS 42. Look for the full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

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

Alabamian Paul McDonald competes as ‘American Idol’ finalist

Monday, March 7th, 2011

Paul McDonald, American Idol

Huntsville’s Paul McDonald will compete
in the Top 13 on “American Idol.”

During the first five seasons of “American Idol,” you could hardly see an episode without someone from Birmingham belting out a tune. Champions Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks and runner-up Bo Bice made it through three seasons of competition.

But the recent five seasons have been Alabama free. Until now.

Auburn native Paul McDonald will be part of the Top 13 on the 10th season of “American Idol.” The Fox reality competition features singers as young as 15 performing for viewers’ votes, with the winner receiving a recording contract.

In case you’ve tuned out, the show has brought in new judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler (so long, Simon Cowell) to team with Randy Jackson and host Ryan Seacrest. The competition show will air at 7 p.m. Wednesdays, and the results will air at 7 p.m. Thursday on Fox 6.

Video: Paul McDonald sings “Maggie May” in his
Top 24 performance on “American Idol.”

McDonald, 26, graduated from Huntsville High School and performs with his band the Grand Magnolias, formerly Hightide Blues, based in Nashville. McDonald’s parents live in Huntsville.

He advanced from the group of 24 contestants with Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May,” and also performed “Blackbird” by the Beatles and “Tutti Frutti” by Little Richard in earlier rounds. The singer has also released three albums, including this year’s self-titled” The Grand Magnolias.”

McDonald has also been active in social media, originally on Twitter as @thePaulMcDonald with nearly 10,000 followers, and now tweeting from his mandated “Idol” account at @PMcDonaldAI10, the first of this season’s contestants to reach 5,000 followers.

The Grand Magnolias has its own Facebook page.

McDonald breaks a four-season drought for Alabama on the top-rated show. He spent the day sleeping in and preparing to see the premiere of “Red Riding Hood.”

His first round of finals competition begins Wednesday.

In December, Huntsville a cappella group Committed won “The Sing-Off,” NBC’s reality singing competition. Fairhope native and former Auburn head cheerleader Krista Klumpp has been competing in this season of “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

Video: Paul McDonald and Kendra Chantelle perform
“Blackbird” by the Beatles during the Las Vegas
round of “American Idol.”

“American Idol” fans: If you would like to write recaps and features
for Wade on Birmingham, please contact me for details.

Also:

• • •

More “American Idol” at idol.wadeonbirmingham.com.

Krista on ‘Survivor: Redemption Island’: The 3-6 split

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

Episode 3 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Krista Klumpp - Survivor: Redemption Island

A trip to the dentist? Krista Klumpp competes
in the reward/immunity challenge.

Arrogance, inflated pride, a sense of overconfidence that can lead to downfall.

Survivor: Redemption IslandThe Greeks call it Russell, er, hubris.

Russell Hantz came into “Survivor: Redemption Island” with a target on his back. Now that other players have actually seen his game on television, he can’t use the same ol’ bag of tricks he used in previous back-to-back seasons.

What does that mean for his Zapatera alliance members Stephanie Valencia and Fairhope native Krista Klumpp? Will they ride into the final 3 with him, or end up obliterated before they can scheme their way forward?

Find out after the jump …

[buy this episode — aff. link]

(more…)

Krista on ‘Survivor: Redemption Island’: Redeem or die

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

‘Survivor: Redemption Island,’ episode 3 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Second chances come at a cost, starting
tonight on “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

“Survivor” has had at least one predictable outcome in its previous 21 seasons: The first out — whether 20th place or 16th place — was only memorable as a possible trivia answer.

Survivor: Redemption IslandTonight’s episode of “Survivor: Redemption Island” will scramble that notion forever.

Francesca Hogi, the first one voted out, and Matt Elrod, the latest castaway cast away, will battle head to head. The loser goes home, finally. The winner gets to stay in isolation for another few days until the next loser stumbles into camp.

Hmm …

Meanwhile, the Zapatera alliance of Russell Hantz, Stephanie Valencia and Fairhope native Krista Klumpp looks to pull off the “biggest blindside ever.” Hmm again, I thought that was the one they pulled over on the audience bringing back the tired old villains.

Check out the action tonight, and look for the recap here.

Video: preview of Jail Break Duel,
the first battle in Redemption Arena.

Episode 2 recaps:

  • Wade on Birmingham
  • Jeff Probst: “Once again, the gold star of the episode does go to … Philip. … The explanation of his two tattoos was so good I had to watch it three times.”

“Survivor: Redemption Island” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS 42. Look for the full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

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

Krista on ‘Survivor: Redemption Island’: Lead, follow or get more camera time

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

Episode 2 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Krista Klumpp explains the hardships of “Survivor.”

For the time being on “Survivor: Redemption Island,” it’s not about two tribes.

Survivor: Redemption IslandIt’s about the two villains leading the tribes.

And Fairhope native Krista Klumpp is quickly being drawn into their web of deceit. Will this help her make the Final 3, or get her tossed early?

Find out who’s lying, who’s lying more and who the real target is, after the jump …

[buy this episode — aff. link]

(more…)

Krista on ‘Survivor: Redemption Island’: Testosterone extreme

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

‘Survivor: Redemption Island,’ episode 2 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Russell Russell Russell! Rob Rob Rob!
on tonight’s “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

Who’s really in charge, Boston Rob or Russell? Or does anyone really care?

Survivor: Redemption IslandThe supervillians are featured front and center as “Survivor: Redemption Island” speeds into the second episode tonight.

Fairhope native Krista Klumpp is on Russell Hantz’s Zapatera tribe and seems to be under the radar so far. Meanwhile, Rob Mariano has his hands full with renegade former federal agent Phillip Sheppard at Ometepe. Plus, Francesca Hogi begins her stay on fun-filled Redemption Island.

Check out the action tonight, and look for the recap here.

Video: Get the ball of power. No, really.
Preview of tonight’s challenge, Smash, Grab, Smash.

Episode 1 recaps:

“Survivor: Redemption Island” airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS 42. Look for the full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

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

Krista on ‘Survivor: Redemption Island’: A game of What Ifs

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

Episode 1 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Krista Klumpp bares it all. Her first confessional
on “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

A third season with Russell Hantz. A fourth season with “Boston Rob” Mariano.

Survivor: Redemption IslandReally, “Survivor”? Really?

At least it made for an interesting first Tribal Council on tonight’s season premiere of “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

Lost in the shuffle was Krista Klumpp, the Fairhope native and pharmaceutical sales rep. Little screen time could mean she’s deadly dull, safe for weeks or who knows? Even host Jeff Probst called her a question mark.

More question, and snark, after the jump …

[buy this episode — aff. link]

(more…)