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Archive for 'Bama'

J.T. on ‘Survivor’: Big men off campus

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 6 recap

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Video: Colby reveals J.T.’s confession to him.

Wade on Birmingham - Survivor Heroes vs. VillainsIt’s a “Survivor” spring clearance! Everyone must go!

Or that’s how it seems: Just as one Tribal Council is over on Night 14, the tribes meet up for a double elimination the next night.

James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. of Mobile seems to be stuck on a dead-end tribe, but can he stick around long enough for the merge?

Who learns banana etiquette? Who’s up for a blindside? Find out, after the jump …

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J.T. on ‘Survivor’: Fleeing double

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 6 preview

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Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
Two-for-one special on a Wednesday “Survivor”!

Wade on Birmingham - Survivor Heroes vs. VillainsAfter almost 2 weeks, “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” has returned with a vengeance. One hour, two eliminations. Who’s going home?

Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. seems to be calling the shots without fear that either side of the Heroes tribe will turn on him. But could his ally James Clement and his bum knee be headed for disaster?

The Villains, led by “Boston Rob” Mariano, appear to be gunning for Russell Hantz. Will he need to play the immunity idol to save his hide?

Plus, a bonus video.

Video: Jeff Probst answers fans’ questions.

Episode 5 recaps:

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

• • •

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

UAH returns to NCAA hockey tournament

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

CHA champs to face top-seeded Miami (Ohio) Saturday

uah hockey matti jarvinen

UAH’s Matti Jarvinen

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is making its second trip to the NCAA hockey tournament in 3 years. The Chargers earned its automatic berth by winning the College Hockey America championship despite a 12-17-3 record overall.

UAH plays top seed Miami (Ohio) at 3 p.m. Saturday in Ft. Wayne, Ind. ESPNU will carry the game.

Officials revealed the tournament bracket Sunday. UAH’s only other appearance in the tournament was in 2007, losing in the first round to No. 1 seed Notre Dame.

With College Hockey America folding and UAH unable to join another league, the team will be the sole independent squad out of more than 60 teams in Division I.

Photo: UAH Sports

• • •

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UAB men, Samford women advance in NIT

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

Men’s basketball

basketballUAB defeated Coastal Carolina 65-49 Tuesday at home, sending them to the second round of the NIT. The Blazers play North Carolina State at 4 today in Bartow Arena. [game audio]

Meanwhile, Troy lost its opening round game to Ole Miss Wednesday, 84-65.

Women’s basketball

Samford had better luck against its Ole Miss counterparts, winning in the last 5 seconds 66-65 at home. The Bulldogs travel to Missouri State for their second-round NIT match, playing at 2 p.m. Sunday. The game will be available on WVSU (91.1 FM) and through the station’s online stream.

Also:

UAB, Troy headed for NIT

Monday, March 15th, 2010

basketballThe Blazers have pulled off the seemingly impossible: They’re the only men’s college basketball team from Alabama playing in a post-season tournament.

Update: As Jeff pointed out in the comments, Troy is also headed to the NIT, playing Ole Miss in Oxford at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Our thanks to him.

In 2009, Alabama State lost in the NCAA tournament play-in game. This year, zero teams from the state are in the Big Dance. The lone bright spots are Troy and UAB in the National Invitational Tournament. UAB plays at home against Coastal Carolina 7 p.m. Tuesday. Tickets are $15. No broadcast information is available.

The 2009 NIT tourney invited UAB and Auburn, which fired coach Jeff Lebo after 6 years and a 96-93 record.

The NCAA women’s tournament teams will be announced tonight.

Update: No state women’s teams are headed to the NCAA tournament. Instead, Ole Miss will play at Samford in the first round Thursday in the NIT’s first 64-team tourney.

Also: “State of Alabama tosses another NCAA air ball.”

J.T. on ‘Survivor’: Knee-to-know basis

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 5 recap

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Video: Immunity challenge

Wade on Birmingham - Survivor Heroes vs. VillainsTo be a “Survivor” champ takes heart, guts, brains and nerve. But does it take knees?

One contestant goes down during the reward challenge. Meanwhile, Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. finds himself in the doghouse among the Heroes, but not for long.

Who found an idol? Who had the pivotal vote? And who turned down free chocolate? Find out, after the jump …

(more…)

J.T. on ‘Survivor’: Small flips and big flops

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 5 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
Russell steps up his game; James goes lame?

Wade on Birmingham - Survivor Heroes vs. VillainsThe stats after four episodes: one hidden immunity idol found, one played, one still missing and one blindside.

But it looks like the Heroes are back to their losing ways on “Survivor.”

Can James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. of Mobile explain his flip-flop allegiance from last week? Is his teammate James Clement going down after a challenge injury? What won’t Villain Russell Hantz do to stay on top?

A program note: Because of NCAA men’s basketball tournament coverage, the next episode will air Wednesday, March 24.

Plus, a bonus scene from last week’s episode.

Video: J.T. before last week’s Tribal Council.

Episode 4 recaps:

“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.

BREAKING: Former Birmingham mayor Larry Langford sentenced to 15 years in prison

Friday, March 5th, 2010

Birmingham Alabama mayor Larry Langford

Larry Langford will spend the next 15 years in prison.

Wade on Birmingham - The trial of Larry LangfordThe former Birmingham mayor was convicted in October on 60 counts of bribery, conspiracy, fraud and money laundering. U.S. District Judge Scott Coogler handed down the sentence this morning in Tuscaloosa. Langford owes $120,000 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and $242,000 in forfeiture.

At the sentencing, Langford told Coogler, “I am sorry all of this has occurred.”

He also faces 3 years supervised release after his prison term. Langford had faced up to 30 years possible sentence. He would be eligible for early release after approximately 12 years and 9 months in prison.

Langford is ordered to report for prison on noon April 5. Until then, he will wear an electronic ankle bracelet, report twice a week to a probation officer and must remain within Jefferson County. Langford plans to file an appeal.

Langford, elected in 2007, entered office under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission for his role in providing bond business during his service on the Jefferson County Commission.

Also convicted in the scheme were Langford’s friends Bill Blount and Al LaPierre, who were sentenced to 52 months and 48 months in prison last week.

Carole Smitherman, president of the city council, became interim mayor, until succeeded by new council president Roderick Royal in November. William Bell became mayor in January following a special election and runoff.

Updates to follow.

• • •

Complete coverage: The trial of Larry Langford from Wade on Birmingham.

Illustration by Herman Henderson

J.T. on ‘Survivor’: Splitsville

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 4 recap

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Wade on Birmingham - Survivor Heroes vs. VillainsMixed blessings abound. For example, having the immunity idol can give a player power, but it can also make him a target. And being the swing vote can let a player choose her destiny, but it will almost certainly turn allies into enemies.

For one tribe, it was a bounty of mixed blessings on “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.”

Meanwhile, Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. figures out his own strategy of who to trust and who to keep in check.

Who cried whiny tears? Who went hunting for a hidden immunity idol? And who played whom? Find out, after the jump  …

(more…)

J.T. on ‘Survivor’: Pocket full of immunity

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 4 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
The immunity idol scramble is on.

Wade on Birmingham - Survivor Heroes vs. VillainsWho needs challenge skills or people skills when you can have an immunity idol? Or two?

The hunt begins for the coveted idols in tonight’s episode of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.” Will Russell Hantz of the Villains tribe snag one from thin air? Will our Hero from Mobile, James “J.T.” Thomas Jr., uncover one before his teammates do?

And why on Earth is “Coach” Ben Wade bawling? The dragonslayer needs to slay the dragon of insecurity.

Plus, a bonus scene from last week’s episode.

Video: The Heroes celebrate
their first Immunity Challenge win.

Episode 3 recaps:

“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.

J.T. on ‘Survivor’: What’s the matter with misfits?

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 3 recap

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Wade on Birmingham - Survivor Heroes vs. VillainsWhen a country boy lies, he’s “tellin’ a story.” When a city gal does it, she’s innocently flirting.

But on “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,” everybody lies.

Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. of the Heroes tribe may be facing the truth sooner than he expects if his lies catch up to him. But another former champ, Parvati Shallow of the Villains tribe, may be flirting her way to an early exit.

Which team manhandled the other one? Who’s sleeping with whom? And who burned their buff? Find out, after the jump  …

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J.T. on ‘Survivor’: A grave situation

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 3 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
James has winner written all over him.

Wade on Birmingham - Survivor Heroes vs. Villains

The Heroes have turned on each other. Is J.T.’s tribe finished before it’s barely begun?

Tune in tonight for “Survivor” as the Heroes regroup after sending a strong player packing. James Thomas Jr. of Mobile is facing tougher choices earlier in the game with two Tribal Councils in a row.

Plus, his teammate James Clement, the gravedigger from Louisiana, lashed out at his tribe last week. The preview, included above, shows him getting fired up. Or is that freaked out?

And for fun, a bonus video below.

Video: Tribute to J.T.? Check.
Lynyrd Skynyrd? Check.

Episode 2 recaps:

“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.

J.T. on ‘Survivor’: Terminal crybabyitis

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 2 recap

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Video: J.T. explains the construction of the Heroes’ shelter.

Wade on Birmingham - Survivor Heroes vs. VillainsWith the Villains, it seems no one wants to lead. With the Heroes, it seems everyone does.

That includes Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr., who leads the Heroes through another challenge on the second episode of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.” Do they have an unfair advantage over the Villains, suffering from a physical setback?

Who fell down? Who blew up? Find out, after the jump …

(more…)

J.T. on ‘Survivor’: Sleeping on the job

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 2 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
Boston Rob is unconscious. Wicked unconscious.

Wade on Birmingham - Survivor Heroes vs. VillainsWhite hats vs. black hats on a tropical island. Nope, not the last season of “Lost” but the 20th (and counting) season of “Survivor.”

While the Heroes, including Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr., faced Tribal Council last week, they chose Jessica “Sugar” Kiper to oust first. Whew.

But it looks like Sugar has some sour grapes (see what we did there?): She claims she and J.T. had a pre-game alliance, and not just a platonic one. According to her Twitter page:

So, I was never attracted to Colby, and J.T. slept with me pregame and told me we’d stick together. That edit really confused my friends & fam.

J.T. denied any showmance, citing his girlfriend, but has he denied any pre-showmance? Hmm …

Meanwhile, it appears that “Boston Rob” Mariano passes out in the jungle. Medical emergency? Misdirection? Boston Cooler? We’ll know soon enough.

Video: Mobile’s WKRG-TV interviews J.T.

Episode 1 recaps:

“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.

J.T. on ‘Survivor’: Sweet and sour

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 1 recap

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Video: J.T. feels like the underdog
against these more notorious players.

Wade on Birmingham - Survivor Heroes vs. VillainsThe 10 biggest heroes. The 10 sneakiest villains. Place them together in Samoa and let the sparks fly.

Samson native James Thomas Jr. may have been the hero of his season in Brazil, but can he outwit, outplay and outlast the best of the best on “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”?

The 2-hour premiere revealed old and new alliances, plus a showmance or two. Who was injured after only 15 minutes? Who made fire from nothing? And who ended up in tears? Find out, after the jump …

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