‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 8 recap

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Two tribes, 10 contestants and four idols: Their fate rests on one bad leg. The “Survivor” merge has arrived, and someone’s getting booted, but it’s not what you think.

Can Debra Beebe, the Auburn high school principal, hang tough among fierce athletic competitors? Can James Thomas Jr., the cattle rancher from Samson, trust anyone from the ex-Timbira tribe?

Who’s playing it cocky, and who’s playing it even cockier? Find out, after the jump …

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‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 8 preview

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VIDEO: Jeff Probst introduces tonight’s episode

A quickie look at tonight’s “Survivor: Tocantins” above. Recap to follow the show.

“Huge news that affects one Survivor in not a good way. This is a big episode.” Promises, promises, Jeff Probst. Our favorite host says it’s big. We’ll see, as Jalapao and Timbira merge to form Brangelina. Or something.

It looks like we’ll be seeing our two Alabama players from now until the finale, at least, on the jury if nothing else.

Is Debra Beebe of Auburn in a power position with the numbers on her side? Will James Thomas Jr. of Mobile go from leader to target? And will Team Secret pull off a big surprise?

Catch up:

• Previous recap from us
• And one from Jeff.

We’ll see you back here tonight after the episode.

Bonus video, after the jump …

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‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 7 recap

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Can “Survivor” fight off the mid-season blahs? Still two evenly matched tribes, still two players from Alabama, still plenty of colorful characters left.

Has James Thomas Jr. of Samson found another ally? Will Debra Beebe of Auburn continue to coast unnoticed?

Who found an idol? And who revealed an idol? Find out, after the jump …

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First announced acts heavy on classic rock

Just about a year ago to the day, City Stages announced a lineup that included the Flaming Lips, Diana Ross and the Roots.

Today, the first seven major acts for the 2009 downtown music festival include classic rock and well, classic rock. Organizers changed booking agencies, from AC Entertainment to AEG Live/The Messina Group.

The performers (year of last Top 40 song), so far:

• Doobie Brothers (2001)
• Indigo Girls (1999)
• Jane’s Addiction (2003) (appearance canceled)
• Neville Brothers (never)
• REO Speedwagon (2008) (no original members)
• Styx (1999) (no original members)
• 38 Special (1997)
• Young Jeezy (2008)

A couple more dozen acts on the lineup include En Vogue, Guster and the Whigs.

George McMillan, festival president, says the festival remains about $400,000 in debt.

The festival takes place Father’s Day weekend (June 19-21). Tickets go on sale Monday through Ticketma$ter and Legacy Community Credit Union:

• three-day pass: $37.50 ($40 to $55 later);
• one-day pass: $28;
• children age 12 and younger: free.

What do you think of the initial lineup? How does it compare to the Crawfish Boil or Bonnaroo? Tell us in the comments.

Plus, video previews after the jump …

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‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 6 recap

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No! Debbie, don’t look! It’s a clip show!!

Just past the third-way point of “Survivor: Tocantins,” and it’s time for … a highlights show? Not even that much, mostly unaired scenes that, quite frankly, deserved to die on the cutting room floor.

Still, a few more glimpses into the lives of Debra Beebe of Auburn, the ghostly observer destined to go far, and James Thomas Jr. of Mobile, emerging as a leader for better or for worse.

Who kept warm together on Exile Island? Who’s hustling up alliances? Find out, plus full episode video after the jump …

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‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 6 preview

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VIDEO: Jeff Probst introduces tonight’s episode

A quickie look at tonight’s “Survivor: Tocantins” above. Recap to follow the show.

Yes, it’s been two weeks since the last episode. Yes, it’s a Wednesday night episode (against “American Idol”). Yes, it’s clips. From the first 15 days. Oh, well.

Will James Thomas Jr. of Samson flirt with someone new? Who does Debra Beebe of Auburn find amusing? And who’s spooning who?

Catch up:

• Previous recap from us
• And one from Jeff
• Coach once took a 6,000-mile, 6-month kayak trip. Which apparently is book-worthy.

We’ll see you back here tonight after the episode.

Bonus video, after the jump …

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‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ video extras

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Video 1: Sierra shares a secret crush with Debbie as the two discuss the game.

March Madness. Non-stop hoops. The drama of competition.

Pfft. We know you’re going into “Survivor” withdrawal, though next Wednesday’s clip show might help a little. Still, we thought we’d treat you to a few bonus videos featuring Alabama’s own Debra Beebe and James Thomas Jr.

Plus, host Jeff Probst gives an inside look into how they create those spectacular title sequences (you know, the opening credits).

Plenty more “Survivor” videos, after the jump …

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‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 5 recap

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Tears of joy. Shouts of anger. Has Jalapao returned to glory on “Survivor,” or is it losing momentum?

James Thomas Jr. of Samson appears to be calling the shots at Jalapao, but will that burn him? Debra Beebe of Auburn strategizes … with Coach?!

Who lost her temper, and who lost his tooth? Find out, after the jump …

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‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 5 preview

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A quickie look at tonight’s “Survivor: Tocantins” above. Recap to follow the show.

Will James Thomas Jr. of Samson and Debra Beebe of Auburn find their own allies before they run out of potential partners? Will the secret cross-tribal alliance collapse before it even gels?

Catch up:

• Last week’s recap from us
• And one from Jeff
• Jeff saves a life!
• OMG: Sandy wants to be in Playboy! Oy.

We’ll see you back here tonight after the episode.

“Survivor: Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42.

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

‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 4 recap

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So much drama at Timbira. So much winning at Jalapao. But what if a craaazy episode of “Survivor” flipped the two? Hmm …

James Thomas Jr. of Mobile attempts to pull his weight in challenges. Debra Beebe of Auburn keeps up tribal spirits at camp. Who’s lining up allies, and who’s the fairest of them all? Find out, after the jump …

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‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 4 preview

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Host Jeff Probst looks at tonight’s “Survivor: Tocantins” above. Recap to follow the show.

Will Debra Beebe of Auburn survive a mega-dose of Coach? Will James Thomas Jr. of Mobile form a special alliance with Cindy Sydney (wink wink)? Who will lead the Timbira tribe? And what secret alliance is in the works?

Catch up:

• Last week’s recap from us
• And one from Jeff
• And even more from the Birmingham News | Mobile Press-Register | TVGasm | BuddyTV

We’ll see you back here tonight after the episode.

“Survivor: Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42.

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

Birmingham film festival to hire leader by month’s end

The next person in charge of the state’s largest film festival will need to be an organizer, a fund-raiser, but not necessarily a film buff. So says Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival’s Alan Hunter.

The Birmingham event finds itself seeking a new executive director for the second time in two years. Catherine Pfitzer was let go in February.

Hunter, president of the board, discussed by phone the challenges ahead for the 10-year-old festival for this exclusive Wade on Birmingham report.

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‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 3 recap

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On “Survivor,” is it better to be helpful or helpless? Samson native James Thomas Jr. may be the key to Jalapao’s seafood bounty, while Auburn’s Debra Beebe may wind up dragging Timbira down.

Who went on an idol hunt, and who wasn’t full of beans? Find out, after the jump …

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‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 3 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

A quickie preview of tonight’s “Survivor: Tocantins” above. Recap to follow the show. Will Debra Beebe of Auburn catch on to her tribesmates’ scheming? Will James Thomas Jr. of Mobile continue to bond with city slicker Stephen?

Catch up:

• Last week’s recap from us
• And one from host Jeff Probst.

Plus, a bonus video: Who does Jeff call “country mouse”? And when he says “one of my all-time favorite ‘Survivor’ contestants,” to whom is he referring? You’ll be surprised, so check it out. We’ll see you back here tonight after the episode.

“Survivor: Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42.

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

‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 2 recap

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Two hours in, and we still can’t tell the pretty boys apart. Such is the hazard of watching “Survivor: Tocantins.”

One pretty boy, our man James Thomas Jr. of Samson, has seduced another. Meanwhile, Debra Beebe of Auburn stumbles upon the Hidden Immunity Idol. Sort of.

And hard work pays off for one contestant … with a torch snuffing. Who worked hard, and what hardly worked? Find out, after the jump …

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