Six men are running for governor of Alabama on the Republican ticket on June 1. Let’s meet these candidates for governor.

[Also: a rundown of the Democratic candidates.]

Robert Bentley

• Age: 67
• Elected to state House of Representatives in 2002
• Before that, doctor, founder of Alabama Dermatology Associates, service in Air Force. Graduated from University of Alabama.
• Campaign site
• Soundbite: “I have more experience dealing with state budgets than anyone else running.”

Video: Bentley campaign ad on “no salary” pledge.

Bradley Byrne

• Age: 55
• Elected to state Senate in 2002.
• Before that, state Board of Education, chancellor of Alabama Department of Post-Secondary Education and attorney. Graduated from Duke University and University of Alabama School of Law.
• Campaign site
• Soundbite: “When I have to educate myself about a particular issue, I like to think I have the ability to do that and then make the best decisions I can.”

Video: Byrne campaign ad on pledge not to raise taxes.

Tim James

• Age: 48
• Former business owner, including Baldwin Bridge Co. and asphalt and construction firms.
• Before that, formed and operated the Escambia County Environmental Corp. with family members. Graduated from Auburn University.
• Campaign site
• Soundbite: “I’m probably best suited to be governor in tough times.”

Video: James campaign ad on English-only driver’s license tests.

Bill Johnson

• Age: 51
• Elected Director of Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs from 2005 to 2009.
• Before that, political consultant, Birmingham city council member, owner of industrial/commercial contracting company. Graduated from Spring Hill College in Mobile.
• Campaign site
• Soundbite: “As the director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, I invested a quarter billion dollars in communities across the state, so I got to know mayors and county commissioners.”

Video: Johnson introductory statement.

Roy Moore

• Age: 63
• President of the Foundation for Moral Law in Montgomery.
• Before that, chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, Etowah County circuit judge and deputy district attorney. Graduated from U.S. Military Academy at West Point and University of Alabama School of Law.
• Campaign site
• Soundbite: “I’ve always fought the special interests. I can more closely identify with the people.”

Video: Moore campaign ad with doo wop sound.

James Potts

• Age: 60
• Financial professional
• Before that, service in the Air Force. Attended five colleges.
• Campaign site
• Soundbite: “We have beautiful golf courses. We need to take the prisoners, clean up our state parks, create hiking trails, camp sites, make it a haven for recreation.”

Video: Potts answers question asking to reveal
something voters may not know about the candidate.

Charles Taylor

• Age: 53
• Salesman for Buck Taylor Manufacturer Sales Co. in Daphne.
• Before that, graduated from Auburn University.
• Campaign site
• Soundbite: “Abortion must be stopped. It is unacceptable.”

No video available

Deciding factor: It’s a two-way race between Byrne the politician and James the businessman. James’ late momentum may send it to a runoff, but it’s Byrne’s race to win.

If you’re voting in the Republican primary, who will you vote for and why? Leave a comment.

• • •

More Vote 2010 coverage.

In 2 weeks, Alabamians vote in statewide primaries, or at least 60 percent of them, give or take.

Two men are running for the state’s highest office on the Democratic ticket. Let’s meet these candidates for governor.

[Also: a rundown of the Republican candidates.]

Artur Davis

• Age: 42
• Elected to U.S. House of Representatives in 2003
• Before that, attorney and federal prosecutor. Graduated from Harvard University.
• Campaign site
• Soundbite: “I got into politics, because I want to change Alabama.”

Video: Davis campaign ad on repealing the state food tax.

Ron Sparks

• Age: 57
• Elected as state agricultural commissioner; served since 2003
• Before that, assistant agricultural commissioner, DeKalb County commissioner, served in Coast Guard. Graduated from Northeast Alabama Community College.
• Campaign site
• Soundbite: “This campaign is really about issues, and I feel like they [black voters] are going to vote for me, because I can handle the job.”

Video: Sparks campaign ad on starting an education lottery.

Deciding factor: As my friend and political consultant Jeff Vreeland reminded me earlier this evening, “You can’t poll racism.” Will Davis’ lead evaporate in the privacy of the voting booth?

If you’re voting in the Democratic primary, who has your vote for governor and why? Leave a comment.

• • •

More Vote 2010 coverage.

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains’ cast reunion

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

James “J.T.” Thomas wins one last reward.

The epic battle of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” concluded Sunday, crowning Sandra Diaz-Twine the $1 million winner. Diaz-Twine, who beat Parvati Shallow and Russell Hantz in the final three, previously won her season in the Pearl Islands.

But let us not forget James “J.T.” Thomas Jr., the cattle rancher from Samson, who finished in 10th place. As part of the jury, he cast one of six votes for Diaz-Twine; the other three votes went to Shallow.

Besides participating in the live reunion show on Sunday, the fans rewarded Thomas for his game play. Sort of.

Video: Jeff Probst crowns the dumbest move
in “Survivor” history.

Host Jeff Probst revealed the winner of an online poll for “Dumbest Move in ‘Survivor’ History,” which included game-ending moves by fellow Heroes James Clement and Colby Donaldson and Villain Tyson Apostol. Thomas won the trophy for his decision to hand over a hidden immunity idol to the opposing tribe, later used to oust him from the game.

Video: Thomas shares his thoughts on the final three.

Did the jury pick the right winner? And does J.T. deserve the award for dumbest move ever?

Previous: Episode 10 – Double dealing

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

Video: “Lovesick Blues”

A Mount Olive feller by the name of Hiram King Williams won something from the Pulitzer Prize board in April.

Not for books or newspaper articles. For lyrics.

You know him as Hank.

The Pulitzer board awarded Hank Williams a posthumous special citation for “his craftsmanship as a songwriter who expressed universal feelings with poignant simplicity and played a pivotal role in transforming country music into a major musical and cultural force in American life.”

The board awarded similar citations in music to jazz greats Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane in 2006 and 2007 and folk/rock master Bob Dylan in 2008.

Williams, who was born in Mount Olive, later grew up in Montgomery and producer 11 No. 1 hits. He died in 1953 at age 29.

Have a listen to the songs that made him a country legend.

Video: “Hey Good Lookin'”

Video: “Cold, Cold Heart”

Video: “I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive”

Video: “Kaw-Liga”

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 10 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

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I’m not sick, but I’m not well: J.T. clings to a challenge.

For weeks, the battle between Heroes and Villains has taken out five from each tribe. Tonight, the battle came home to the Heroes.

Would the Heroes be ready to take on their foes as one merged tribe? Are the Villains unstoppable with two hidden immunity idols just itching to be played?

It’s time for the big showdown on “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.”

Last time, Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. handed over the Heroes’ immunity idol to Russell Hantz of the Villains. Oops. To quote Dark Helmet, “Now you see that evil will always triumph, because good is dumb.”

Find out, after the jump …

(more…)

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 10 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
Five plus five equals frenzy!

Somehow, the teams are both even with five members each on “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.” The perfect time for a merge.

Or is it? (dramatic cue)

Two of the Villains located on hidden immunity idol at camp. A third Villain had one handed to him at a challenge. By J.T. Who is not a Villain.

So far, James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. of Mobile has been in the driver’s seat, leading his tribe, playing off the two major factions with a deciding vote. But after sneaking off to find the hidden immunity idol, then getting caught, he convinced the Heroes to hand it over to the Villains to turn an enemy into an ally.

Oops. We’ll know soon enough whether five Heroes can match up to five Villains holding two aces.

Plus, a bonus video …

Video: Jerri Manthey can’t believe J.T. gave up the idol.

Episode 9 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• (Mobile) Press-Register
• Host Jeff Probst: “J.T. and the Heroes just made a huge mistake.  A monumental mistake.”

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42. Full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

The 27th annual Magic City Art Connection takes place Friday through Sunday in Linn Park downtown. We’re featuring 15 randomly selected Alabama artists out of the 200 or so expected to attend.

The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

Update April 23: The event is canceled for Saturday because of inclement weather, but will resume Sunday.

Painting

Ron Lewis

• City: Birmingham
• Site: Ronald Lewis Art Gallery
• Bio: Since graduating from the University of Montevallo, Ronald Lewis has won over 95 awards for his paintings in oil, watercolor and acrylic.

“Night Rider,” Ron Lewis

Jewelry

Kelly Olshan

• City: Birmingham
• Site: Kelly Olshan Designs
• Bio: Kelly Olshan is a visual arts student at the Alabama School of Fine Arts and makes jewelry on the side.

Bracelets, Kelly Olshan

Mixed media, 2D

Tracy McKay

• City: Pleasant Grove
• Site: Tracy McKay
• Bio: A mutt, athlete, self taught artist and poet using roofing paper, found objects and whatever house paints and stains that are available. I have a loose idea of what I want to paint, I trust on an impulsive process layering paint and dragging my knife and fingers around the shapes.

“Land of the Midnight Sun,” Tracy McKay

Photography

Michael Mixon

• City: Alabaster
• Site: Hanging Around Hoover
• Bio: Since opening Hanging Around Hoover. I must say that this business has been one of the most rewarding endeavors I’ve ever taken.

Photo, Michael Mixon

Clay

Jason Anderson

• City: Birmingham
• Site: Jason Anderson Ceramics

Red raku-fired vessel, Jason Anderson

Metal

Robert Taylor

• City: Birmingham
• Site: Southern Artistry
• Bio: My first experience with metal working came in 1986 when I became a member of the Alabama Forge Council. The council meetings and conferences allowed me the opportunity to learn by working hands-on alongside domestic and international master smiths.

“Cahaba Lily,” Robert Taylor

Fiber

Terry Martin

• City: Birmingham

Scarves, Terry Martin

Sculpture

Jinx Bentley

• City: Odenville
• Site: Trash Dog Sculptures
• Bio: Jinx likes to surprise people. A creative sculptor, she is an extremely passionate and self-motivated artist exploding with fresh new ideas.

“Benji,” Jinx Bentley

Glass

Jeff and Jaky Felix

• City: Titus
• Site: Joyful Imagination

Fish, Jeff and Jaky Felix

Wood

Carl Smith

• City: Birmingham
• Site: Nature’s Art by Carl
• Bio: In 1979, I started with driftwood and discovered that there weren’t many places to find it in my area. In my quest to find driftwood, I began to notice pieces of decaying wood with strikingly odd shapes. I began to venture into wooded areas in search of a variety of woods, such as oak, walnut, cedar and wisteria vines.

“Miriam the Dancer,” Carl Smith

Mixed media, 3D

Frank Ledbetter

• City: Theodore
  Site: Artistic Metal Creations
• Bio: Metal artist Frank Ledbetter creates functional metal art using stainless steel, carbon steel and aluminum. Because his dad always had a metal shop in the back yard, he grew up around steel fabrication and welding.

Seahorse pedestal sink, Frank Ledbetter

Watercolor

Richard Russell

• City: Birmingham
  Site: All Things Gallery
• Bio: Having sold over 1,000 Russell original paintings, this artist got started in several upper end New York galleries.

“Temple Emanu-El,” Richard Russell

Drawing

Rob Clifton

• City: Hoover
• Bio: Most of what I draw looks like something that you would see from a wild dream, and that is because many of my ideas come to me during sleep. In my drawings I try to depict stories, as well as ideas. My primary instruments are ink pens, and I use a variety of sizes.

Drawing, Rob Clifton

Computer generated

Binx Newton

• City: Birmingham
• Site: Binx Newton

“Birmingham Street Fountains,” Binx Newton

Printmaking

Ashley Lindsey

• City: Birmingham
• Site: Ashley Lindsey
• Bio: Through printmaking, I have a connective methodology. My first artistic love is drawing, preferably with colored pencils, since color has multicultural meaning.

“Blue,” Ashley Lindsey

Also:

• Corks and Chefs features 16 chefs on Saturday and Sunday. $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 9 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

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From the desk of J.T.:
‘Destroy this right when you finish reading!’

Oh, hell no!

They did not just do that. They. Did. Not. Just. Do. That.

The Heroes aren’t losing to the Villains; they’re losing to their own worst instincts. And leading the way is Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr.

Whether it’s “Survivor” history or “Survivor” infamy remains to be seen, but the Heroes embarked on a daring and likely foolhardy plan tonight.

Who found an idol? Who kept in their (under)pants? And who might have just handed over $1 million? Find out, after the jump …

(more…)

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 9 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
Are the Heroes about to make the boldest move,
or simply the dumbest?

The Heroes are on a roll with four consecutive wins on “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.” They may just make it to the merge on even footing with the Villains. In fact, it would take something really stupid on their part to throw away that momentum.

Enter J.T.

It appears Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. has a plan. A big plan. Because the Heroes see Russell Hantz alone on a tribe of female Villains, they suspect a women’s alliance is about to send him packing. Maybe the Heroes could flip the game by handing Russell their hidden immunity idol.

Newly risen Darth Vader says, “No-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o!”

Will J.T. convince his teammates? And will it be the best, or worst, move in “Survivor” history?

Episode 8 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• The Birmingham News
• Host Jeff Probst: “J.T. has some major recovering to do because he flat out got busted and it didn’t go over well with the rest of the tribe that he went looking for the idol without telling anybody.”

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42. Full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

Like a forecast by Punxsutawney Phil’s evil twin, it’s 6 more weeks of pollen in the South. Weather experts attribute it to our unseasonably cold winter.

Pollen counts are 10 percent higher than normal so far. Oaks produce 3,000 to 6,000 pollen particles per cubic meter, but only 10 are needed to trigger allergies.

The Tuscaloosa News offers these tips for reducing allergy symptoms:

• Stay indoors. Keep window and doors shut.
• If you must work outside, do it in the early morning when pollen is at its lowest levels.
• Wear a facemask and eye protection if working in the yard.
• Make sure the car air conditioning is set to recirculate the air inside the vehicle.
• After being outside, wash your face clean, especially around the eyes and nose.
• Try over-the-counter allergy medications, or else visit an allergy specialist.

How have you dealt with this tough pollen season?

Photo by jjlapierre/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 8 recap

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The Heroes are on a roll. They get a little food, win a little immunity, and suddenly, they think they’re kings, damn ass hell kings.

After all, the Villains lost only one member. Who led them. And kept them unified. And helped them dominate at challenges.

On “Survivor,” a little momentum can go a long way.

Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. wonders if having a secret immunity idol might not be a bad thing. And the Villains, well, “Coach” Ben Wade is upset. Sandra Diaz-Twine is pissed. Jerri Manthey is disgruntled. Russell Hantz is … wishy-washy?!

Who packed up camp? Who went on an idol hunt? And who outfoxed Russell? Find out, after the jump …

(more…)

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 8 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
The Villains are out for blood. Each other’s.

Looks like the Heroes have the big M on their side. That would be momentum.

But with 12 contestants left, the Villains might have a big M on their side, too. Merge.

We’ll know tonight on “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.”

Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. looks to be sitting pretty, since his tribe has a couple of victories to keep their morale up. Plus, the Villains seem to be in a tizzy after last week’s ouster of leader “Boston Rob” Mariano.

Can the Heroes continue their winning ways? Has Russell Hantz of the Villains made himself the leader, or simply the next target?

Episode 7 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• (Mobile) Press-Register
• Host Jeff Probst: “Russell vs. Boston Rob will go down as one of the greatest battles of all time. I want them back. Now.”

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42. Full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 7 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

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What fools these Survivors be.

The April Fools’ Day edition of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” has little in the way of pranks, misdirection or jokes. Instead, we see our Hero underdogs fight to stay alive, and our Villains sharpen their knives.

James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. of Mobile looks to bond these last five Heroes together, or face oblivion. Meanwhile, the Villains continue their infighting between alpha males Russell Hantz and “Boston Rob” Mariano.

Who got his groove back? Which power couple struggled with each other? And which fool fooled another fool? Find out, after the jump …

(more…)

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 7 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
Will Colby ever be a Hero?
Is the Boston Rob-Russell catfight headed for a smooch?

The good news? The Villains sent someone home last week. The bad news? The Heroes did, too.

James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. of Mobile is on a tribe of five. Will that be enough to make a stand against the dominant Villain tribe on “Survivor”?

And has Russell Hantz run out of tricks after his bold idol blindside last week? Can “Boston Rob” Mariano finally oust his rival?

Plus, bonus videos.

Video: The Villains cast their votes last week.

Video: The Heroes cast their votes last week.

Video: J.T. discusses the opportunity
to observe the Villains during Tribal Council.

Episode 6 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• Birmingham News
• Host Jeff Probst: “It was one of the craziest things I’d ever seen: James trying to out run J.T. with a splint on his leg.”

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42. Full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

Alan Hunter, Tony Ruffino receive awards

Eddie Levert performs at the
Alabama Music Hall of Fame concert.

The Alabama Music Hall of Fame inducted its newest members Thursday, including Eddie Levert, lead singer of the O’Jays. The Bessemer musician was among the class of 2009, including the Blind Boys of Alabama and state senator Bobby Denton.

Birmingham’s Alan Hunter and Tony Ruffino won awards from the organization. Hunter, one of the original MTV veejays and the co-owner of WorkPlay, won the media award. Ruffino, concert promoter and former co-owner of New Era Productions, won the Sam Phillips Innovator Award.

Also: “Alabama Music Hall of Fame to induct Blind Boys, Eddie Levert, five others”

Photo: Carol M. Highsmith