‘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.

• • •

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

Loretta Lynn, Buddy Guy and Los Lobos

The Alys Stephens Center has been lining up another star-studded lineup for its 2009-2010 season. According to Pollstar.com, much of the calendar has been set (see list 1 and list 2).

The lineup so far (links to iTunes/Amazon.com pages):

2009

• Sept 26: Buddy Guy
• Oct. 16: Loretta Lynn
• Nov. 12: The Wailers
• Nov. 13: Bruce Hornsby

2010

• Jan. 22: Los Lobos
• Jan. 29: McCoy Tyner, Savion Glover
• Feb. 12: Three Dog Night
• March 21: Spanish Harlem Orchestra
• March 28-29: Peking Acrobats (on MySpace)

No date has been announced for the remainder of the lineup or for ticket sales. No prices have been announced.

‘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

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

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.

• • •

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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The Schaeffer Eye Center Crawfish Boil has added more big names to its 2009 lineup. (We told you about Jason Mraz last week in our exclusive scoop.)

Also playing May 1:

• 311
• LL Cool J
• Shinedown
• Saving Abel

And playing May 2:

• Snoop Dogg
• All-American Rejects
• Katy Perry
• Everclear
• Filter
• Shiny Toy Guns

The festival will be next to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex [satellite view]. Tickets, $20 per day or $35 for both days, go on sale Saturday through Ticketmaster and Merrell at the Summit.

Video previews, after the jump …

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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.

• • •

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

Jason Mraz (“The Remedy,” “I’m Yours”) will be part of the lineup of the 2009 Schaeffer Eye Center Crawfish Boil in May, as confirmed on the singer’s Web site. He performs May 1 downtown as part of the 24th annual music festival.

Organizers are expected to announce the lineup Friday. The festival, May 1-2, takes place next to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex [satellite view]. Tickets, $20 per day or $35 for both days, go on sale March 7 through Ticketmaster and Merrell at the Summit.

‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 2 recap

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

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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‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 2 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

A quickie preview of tonight’s “Survivor: Tocantins” above. Recap to follow the show. Can Alabamians Debra Beebe and James Thomas Jr. make it past week 2? Will Debbie even get any airtime?

Plus, last week’s recaps from us and host Jeff Probst.

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

• • •

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

If you have cable, or satellite, or Amish beliefs, stop reading: You’re not affected.

(Also, if you have a newfangled DTV-ready TV set, you can also stop reading.)

Otherwise, if you’re a TV watcher in Birmingham, you might still be confused about the digital TV transition. We certainly are. But we’re here to help.

If you currently watch regular broadcast television, the kind that comes in for free via antenna, your free ride may be coming to an end — though it may end either late Tuesday or June 12. Yeah, see, confusing.

The federal government has required TV stations to switch from analog to digital transmission. The switch was to take place at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, but the DTV Delay Act gives those stations the option to switch now or on June 12.

Conversion schedule

Switching 11:59 p.m. Tuesday:

• Alabama Public Television (WBIQ 10)
• CW21 (WTTO)
• My 68 (WABM)

Switching June 12:

• ABC 33/40 (WBMA)
• CBS 42 (WIAT)
• Fox 6 (WBRC)
• NBC 13 (WVTM)

So if you do nothing, starting Wednesday, you will not receive APT, CW21 or My 68 on your TV set.

Making the conversion

What do you need to do to keep receiving that sweet, sweet signal?

1. Either buy a DTV-ready TV set.

2. Or, buy a converter box. (The federal government has $40 coupons, but they take awhile to arrive. To order, visit the DTV Web site or call 1-888-388-2009.)

3. Connect antenna to converter box, then connect the box to old TV set.

For more assistance, the United Way of Central Alabama will help the estimated 36,000 area households make the conversion. To request help, call 211.