Today, I wish it
were colder. I can still feel
my fourth toe and neck.

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They are coming, and
nothing you do can stop the
cruel snowy stampede.

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Tide brings home first title since 1992 season

Video: Nick Saban and Mark Ingram
on Alabama’s championship victory.

Alabama ended its season tonight with a perfect 14-0 record, defeating Texas 37-21 in the BCS National Championship game. The Longhorns suffered its only defeat this season at the hands of the Crimson Tide.

Nick Saban is the first coach since 1936 to win national championships at two different schools. And Heisman winner Mark Ingram beat the trophy’s curse: Previous Heisman winners went 1-6 in BCS title games.

Ingram’s Heisman rival, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, exited the game early with a shoulder injury. Alabama’s QB Greg McElroy continued his unbeaten streak, having never lost in college or high school.

Alabama hadn’t won a national championship since the 1992 season under Gene Stallings. And it’s the first time the Tide has ever beaten the Longhorns, having gone 0-7-1 against Texas in previous matches.

Earlier in the bowl season, Auburn defeated Northwestern in overtime 38-35 New Year’s Day in the Outback Bowl in Tampa. And Troy lost to Central Michigan in overtime 44-41 Wednesday in Mobile’s GMAC Bowl.

Samson native part of 20-person, 20th-season cast

Video: James ‘J.T.’ Thomas prepares
for ‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.”

After more than a month in Brazil, James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. earned $1.1 million as the winner of “Survivor: Tocantins — The Brazilian Highlands” in 2009. He’s back for more. The cattle rancher from Samson returns to battle in Samoa in “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,” premiering Feb. 11 on CBS 42.

The reality show pits contestants against each other in distant locales for $1 million. Thomas, who will compete on the Heroes tribe, not only won the grand prize but picked up an extra $100,000 fan favorite award during May’s season finale.

This isn’t the first season with returning competitors. A previous “All-Stars” season had 18 returning players, while a “Fans vs. Favorites” edition had 10 returning players. Rumors had accurately predicted the cast list weeks before host Jeff Probst revealed it on Wednesday night during the People’s Choice Awards.

Joining Thomas, 25, on the Heroes tribe are:

• Rupert Boneham, “Pearl Islands” and “All-Stars”;
• James Clement, “China” and “Fans vs. Favorites”;
• Colby Donaldson, “Australia” and “All-Stars”;
• Cirie Fields, “Panama” and “Fans vs. Favorites”;
• Amanda Kimmel, “China” and “Fans vs. Favorites”;
• Jessica “Sugar” Kiper, “Gabon”;
• Stephenie LaGrossa, “Palau” and “Guatemala”;
• Tom Westman, “Palau”;
• and Candice Woodcock, “Cook Islands.”

The Villains tribe has:

• Tyson Apostol, “Tocantins”;
• Randy Bailey, “Gabon”;
• Sandra Diaz-Twine, “Pearl Islands”;
• Danielle DiLorenzo, “Panama”;
• Russell Hantz, “Samoa”;
• Jerri Manthey, “Australia” and “All-Stars”;
• Rob Mariano, “Marquesas” and “All-Stars”;
• Parvati Shallow, “Cook Islands” and “Fans vs. Favorites”;
• Benjamin “Coach” Wade, “Tocantins”;
• and Courtney Yates, “China.”

Thomas’ bio on the show’s Web site shares a little more insight on why he’s back …

• Residence: Mobile
• Personal claim to fame: “Being the first in my family to go to college and earn a degree.”
• Inspiration in life: “My family.”
• Favorite past moment: “Winning the final immunity challenge.”
• Previous Survivor he respects most: “Myself. I am my own hero, because of what I accomplished and how it brought my family together.”
• Previous Survivor he respects least: “Jonny Fairplay” (Jon Dalton) (“Pearl Islands,” “Fans vs. Favorites”)
• Why did he come back? : “It’s the ultimate challenge, I couldn’t pass it up.”

Video: Jeff Probst gives a sneak peek at “Heroes vs. Villains.”

• • •

Look for recaps and features from “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” on Wade on Birmingham.

Bitter cold punches
warm-blooded Southerners right
below Bible Belt.

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The rink seems even
bumpier when hugged at high
speed along the ice.

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Once bit10, 10der
caress brings a sweet 10sion
never forgot10.

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Happy New Year!

Happy New Decade!

Celebrate, shout and breathe a sigh of relief. All the best in 2010 for Birmingham and beyond.