PLANET WEEKLY 512

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4 STORIES

ENTERTAINMENT

4 DARIUS RUCKER // ALAN SCULLEY

5 CHAMBER NEWS

The country music artist discusses becoming a bona fide arena-level headliner. His fourth studio album, “Southern Style,” has already produced a top five hit single in "Homegrown Honey."

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS REGINALD ALLEN R A I H A B A J WA WILLIAM BARSHOP CO U R T N E Y BLA N CH A R D K A I T LY N B LO U N T TREY BROOKS KELSEY CAMERON JORDAN CISSELL MARGIE GOLDSMITH SHEENA QUIZON GREGG GARY HARRIS C I N DY H U G G I N S KEVIN LEDGEWOOD BRETT REID VA N R O B E R T S JON ROGERS RACHEL STEINER ALEJANDRA TENORIO

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7 FORGET HUNGER STRIKES // RAVEN RAKIA

Prisoners throughout Alabama and Texas reclaim their humanity—and power—by shutting down the economic infrastructure of their prisons.

9 JUNE: NATIONAL MIGRAINE AWARENESS MONTH // RACHEL STEINER Headache disorders, like migraines, cost the healthcare system 31 billion dollars annually and effect more than 37 million people a year.

18 WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH AN UPLIFTING MOVIE TONIGHT // SOPHIE H. JANICKE

Research shows meaningful films, in particular those that depict values of love, kindness, and connectedness, go a long way toward changing your worldview.

22 COMMUNITY ARTS // KEVIN LEDGEWOOD

Summer's in high gear with a wide variety of entertainment and arts for all ages.

Planet Weekly P. O . B o x 2 3 1 5 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 Phone: 205.792.7239

6 WINE / RESTAURANT REVIEWS 9 RESTAURANT GUIDE 14 EVENTS 15 MOVIE REVIEW 16 PET PLANET 19 ROAD TRIP 20 PUZZLEMANIA / EDITORIAL CARTOON 21 HOROSCOPE

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23 RECRUIT UPDATE

Planet Weekly is published every other Thursday. No part of this publication including editorials may be reproduced, in whole or part, by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the Publisher’s prior expressed written consent. One copy of each issue of THE PLANET WEEKLY is free to each of our readers. Any reader who takes more than four copies without expressed permission of the publisher shall be deemed to have committed theft. The views and opinions of the authors of articles appearing in this publication may not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Publisher.

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F E AT U R E | A L A N S C U L L E Y

D

arius Rucker says he never counted on reaching a point in country music where he would be a bona fide arena-level headliner. But with his fourth studio album, “Southern Style,” having produced a top five hit single in "Homegrown Honey" and a summer tour under way, that’s exactly what’s happened. His intinerary this summer takes him to the large outdoor amphitheaters as he winds his way from coast to coast. “It’s pretty awesome, especially when I remember six or seven years ago starting out and being the first guy on the Dierks (Bentley) and Brad (Paisley) tour and not knowing what’s going to happen, not knowing what’s going to happen with the single, just out there trudging along,” Rucker said in recent phone interview. “And now seven years later I’m headlining amphitheaters and arenas and stuff. It’s amazing. It’s more than I ever wished for with this. I just wanted to make a few records. I thought if they’d let me make a couple of records, that would be great. It’s great to have actually been able to make those records and have success.” Success might be an understatement. Rucker, who first came to fame fronting the rock band Hootie & The Blowfish (whose 1996 album, “Cracked Rear View,” sold 16 million copies in the United States alone), made the transition to the country music world with his 2008 solo album, “Learn To Live.” He didn’t have to worry for long about whether his music would register with country fans. “Learn To Live” sold more than a million copies while producing three number one country singles — “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” and “Alright.” His 2010 second album, “Charleston, SC 1966,” added two more chart-topping singles to Rucker’s country resume and also went platinum. Then came the 2013 album “True Believers,” which cemented Rucker’s place as one of country’s leading men. The lead single from the album, “Wagon Wheel,” topped “Billboard” magazine’s country singles chart and won a Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance. A follow-up single, “Radio,” went top five. Now comes “Southern Style,” which arrived last spring. With his string of hits, Rucker can fill much of his live show with popular singles. This means options for which other songs to put into his live set have gotten a bit more limited – not that he’s complaining that popularity is making it harder to put together a set list. “You know you’re going to play the hits and all that stuff,” Rucker said. “But you’ve got to figure out what album tracks to play. I want to bring back some songs from the first record, the second record and there

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DARIUS RUCKER

are probably four or five songs on the new record that I want to play. So it’s really tough. You’ve got put it all together right so people, they want to hear the songs they want to hear. So you put it together right, but you also want to have a blast and play the songs you want to play…It’ll be fun. I know that.” Rucker’s success in country music is especially noteworthy because he’s AfricanAmerican. The only other major AfricanAmerican star in recent country history was Charley Pride, who was one of the genre’s leading stars from the late 1960s into the early 1980s. There was talk when Rucker signed to Capitol Records Nashville before releasing “Learn To Live” that he would face long

odds in his pursuit of success in country. “I think there were some people in the business, in country music, that thought it wouldn’t work,” Rucker said, “One guy, I won’t say any names or where he worked, but he was one of my good friends. And he said to me ‘Dude, I just didn’t think it was going to work. I didn’t know if people would accept an AfricanAmerican country singer. And I was wrong.’ “It’s amazing how universally it’s accepted,” he said of his music. “It’s like it’s no big deal to the fans. It’s like they just hear good music, and when they hear good music, they want to go buy it. And if they like your voice, they’re going to buy it. And if they see you and you’re good, they’re going to come back again. The fans just want music. Ninety percent of the fans, all they care about is the music. So those are the people I’m trying to reach. Anybody that it matters to them, that the color of my skin makes them not want to listen to my music, I don’t want them to listen to my music anyway.” “Southern Style” stays true, for the most part, to Rucker’s first three albums, with a rootsy sound built around his warm baritone vocals. But it’s not a carbon copy of his earlier music, either. For one thing, Rucker considers it his “countriest” album yet. “I thought all of my last three records were country, but this one just seems to

twang a little more than the other three, I think,” Rucker said. Part of the country character of “Southern Style” came down to the choice of songs, Rucker said. In particular, the frisky “Good For A Good Time,” with its Texas swing tempo, fiddle and twangy guitar, and the ballad “Low Country,” with its weeping slide guitar and rustic sound, push traditional country elements to the forefront of the songs. There’s also a bigger presence of acoustic instruments, such as guitar, mandolin and fiddle, which gives peppy songs like “Homegrown Honey” and “Baby I’m Right” and mid-tempo tunes like “Half Full Dixie Cup” and “High On Life,” a particularly earthy sound. “I think we got a little more organic with the instrumentation on this record, and I thought that was cool,” Rucker said. What’s also different is the mood of the “Southern Style” album. Aside from only a couple of songs, this is a decidedly upbeat album about good times (on the town or with that special someone), good loving (“Perfect” is about Rucker’s wife of 15 years , Beth, and mother of his three children) and making good music (“You, Me, And My Guitar”). “I love ‘True Believers,’ and it was such an important record and I think it did so much for my career and everything. But it was such a serious record,” Rucker said, “But with this record, it was more let’s have fun. Let’s have as much fun as we can. Let’s stop being as serious as we were on the last record.” Somehow, an upbeat album seems right in line for a guy like Rucker, whose success in country music — and a happy home life — are giving him plenty of reasons to smile these days.

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NEWS

Leadership Tuscaloosa Class of 2016 graduates with one of their class projects – a Buddy Bench at Rock Quarry Elementary School.

ADOPT-A-SCHOOL NEWS

Leadership Tuscaloosa is now accepting applications for the 2016-17 Class.

Thompson Tractor Hosts Annual Job Shadowing

Leadership Tuscaloosa is a nine month program designed to make each selected participant more aware of and sensitive to the wide range of needs and opportunities in the community through shared experiences with a cross section of highly capable fellow citizens. Cooper Shattuck, General Counsel with the University of Alabama System and LT Grad 1992, will lead the steering committee as the volunteer chair. Entering our 34th year, Leadership Tuscaloosa has proven to be an effective, dynamic program for leadership development. With over 1150 graduates to date, Leadership Tuscaloosa provides an excellent opportunity for personal growth, leadership development and community involvement for selected candidates. If you would like more information about Leadership Tuscaloosa or are interested in completing an application please contact Stacey Gann at stacey@tuscaloosachamber.com or 205.391.0559. The deadline to apply is June 20th.

Thompson Tractor Tuscaloosa hosted its AAS partner, Woodland Forrest Elementary School, on May 19. AAS coordinator Buddy Fordham talked to 5th grade students about his company and future careers. The group got a hands-on experience in the hydraulic shop, rides on a Genie Scissor Lift and Cat Loader, and more. This annual job shadowing event is always a wonderful experience!

Join the Adopt-A-School Program

To learn more about Adopt-A-School and how your organization may help a local public school, contact Robin Jenkins at 205-391-0561 or robin@tuscaloosachamber. com.

Millenials Rising: Young Professionals Summit to be held July 15

The Alabama Media Group’s Young Professionals Summit, scheduled for Friday’ July 15 at the Sheraton Downtown Birmingham, is designed to provide a platform for millennials to connect, learn, share, get career advice and build sales and donor relationships. Speakers include The Chamber’s Jim Page, Alabama Media Group’s John Archibald, John Hammontree and Carla Jean Whitley and many more. For more information or to register, visit www.alabamamediagroup.com/events/ypsummit/.

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>>> W I N E R E V I E W | J O N R O G E R S

MEIOMI CHARDONNAY

>>> R E S T A U R A N T R E V I E W | S H E E N A G R E G G

JUICE BAR TUSCALOOSA // A DRINK FOR YOUR HEALTH I

M

eiomi Chardonnay comes from California, USA. What’s most notable about this wine is that the Chardonnay grapes are sourced from three different counties: Monterey County, Sonoma County and Santa Barbara County. Meiomi does this to achieve “the best expression of their respective appellations…” FROM THE BOTTLE Meiomi Chardonnay embodies the characters of California’s most notable coastal wine regions. Unifying the unique characters from each region allows this Chardonnay to distinguish itself as an elegant, balanced Chardonnay fully formed. I tasted the 2014 vintage of this wine with help from my friend Al. APPEARANCE In the glass, this wine was brilliantly brassy in color. Picture the color of a shiny brass trumpet! Light shining through revealed bright yellow reflections. We also noticed lots of tiny bubbles on the bottom of our glasses. The wine exhibited numerous legs that fell in two different waves. The first wave being quick to fall and the second much slower. AROMA From about a foot away, I quickly noted a pear aroma coming from my glass. Up closer we noted hints of peach, citrus and more pear. Very little alcohol was noticed in the aroma. Meiomi Chardonnay alcohol content 13.6% by volume per the bottle. TASTE Upon tasting this wine, we both were pleasantly surprised at the amount of complexity in the flavor. We had to take a moment to dis-

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sect everything that was going on. And another sip! When we did, we determined the wine’s flavors were primarily pear (with a subtle sweetness) and slightly tart citrus (combining lemon and lime flavors). I felt the subtle sweetness was most noticeable on my tongue. MOUTHFEEL AND TANNINS Though I usually reserve the category of “mouthfeel and tannins” for red wines, these attributes are very present in Meiomi Chardonnay. The wine has a lush, creamy mouthfeel and waxy tannins. Taken together, I’d call it “juicy.” The tannins are noticeable at the very end of the finish as a slight bitterness that is well balanced by the lingering sweetness on the palate. FINISH The wine finished medium to long and the finish was nicely round. OVERALL OPINION Overall, we both felt this wine deserved high marks. The winemaker succeeded in bringing complexity to the taste by combining the attributes of fruit sourced from multiple counties. That taste was enjoyable and easy drinking. I happen to like a slightly less sweet Chardonnay, but I’m confident that most people would really enjoy this wine. Recommend! Meiomi Chardonnay suggested retail price $20.99.

f I were to think of a restaurant that reflected some of the most common pins I see on Pinterest, it would be Juice Bar. Offering juices, smoothies, a la carte sandwiches, salads, and every other trendy type health food, Juice Bar brings a hipster meets workout nut mesh to Tuscaloosa. Dominating most of the southeast U.S. along with California, Juice Bar states on its corporate website that it is a “I want to eat healthy and feel great” type place. As a registered dietitian by trade, I decided to finally break down and see what Juice Bar was all about, especially after several encounters over the past few months of both older and younger women in Nike tempo shorts donning a Juice Bar cup in hand. Immediately walking in, I noted most of the staff in workout clothes talking up the juice and smoothie menu with a balanced level of intensity and syrupy enthusiasm. The woman in front of me quickly asked the staff for a consultation for the various juice cleanse programs that the bar had available. The customer listened in as the employee explained that $34-42 dollars per day for a cleanse was a great deal. Realizing that I had been distracted by their conversation, I quickly asked the next employee what the most popular juices and smoothies were. She quickly indicated that the Sweet Greens juice was quite popular with its mix of apple, kale, cucumber, parsley, lemon, and spinach, and that the Green Smoothie was another popular choice with a blend of spinach, kale, pineapple, banana, lemon, organic coconut milk, and organic apple juice. Since I knew this beverage was going to qualify as my “lunch” I opted for the Green Smoothie. Waiting on my concoction to blend up, I continued to look around the bar and noticed quite the assortment of merchandise from hats, to shirts, to raw protein bars. I also noticed a continued trickling of women in both workout and business clothes, all equally indicating that they take their health pretty darn seriously. It wasn’t long before my name was called and my very green smoothie was brought to me. I took my first sip and was quite pleased with the balance of fruit sweetness and tart flavors lingering in my mouth. The texture was quite good and I felt confident with my decision to opt for a smoothie versus a menial juice. Overall, I believe that the Juice Bar will continue to do quite well in a town like Tuscaloosa. As long as we continue to have college students and people obsessed with the next social media health trend, juices and smoothies will continue to reign no matter the price point. As a dietitian, I’m not typically a fan of folks basing the majority of their nutrition out of a cup. However, I did find my smoothie to be tasty and refreshing while packing quite a bit of nutrient dense foods in the mix. Juice Bar Tuscaloosa is located in The Shoppes at Legacy Park and is opened Monday through Friday. Tweet us @ThePlanetWeekly and let us know where you are eating! Sheena Gregg, MS, RDN,LD is a registered dietitian and local Filipino Foodie. Follow her on Twitter @TheThriftyRD

SUGGESTED FOOD PAIRING Food and Wine has a great suggestion of pairing Braised Chicken Thighs and Parsnips with a pear scented Chardonnay. Sounds like a tasty match!

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>>> F E AT U R E | R A V E N R A K I A

FORGET HUNGER STRIKES. WHAT PRISONS FEAR MOST IS LABOR STRIKES

O

n May 1, prison labor came to a halt in multiple prisons in Alabama, including Holman and Elmore prisons. Starting at midnight that day, prisoners stayed in their dormitories—refusing to show up for work at their assigned posts: the kitchen, the license plate manufacturing plant, the recycling plant, the food processing center, and a prison farm. The prisoners’ demands were pretty simple: basic human rights, educational opportunities, and a reform of Alabama’s harsh sentencing guidelines and parole board. The strike in Alabama was just the latest in a series of strikes at U.S. prisons. On April 4, at least seven prisons in Texas staged a work strike after a prisoner sent out a call with the help of outside organizers. About a month earlier, prisoners in multiple states including both Texas and Alabama, as well as Virginia and Ohio, called for a national general strike among prisoners on Sept. 9, 2016, the 45th anniversary of the Attica Rebellion, where guards and inmates died during a prison revolt in upstate New York. The labor strikes are a turn from the most familiar type of political protest behind bars: the hunger strike. While hunger strikes pull at the moral heartstrings of the public, work stoppages threaten the economic infrastructure of the prison system itself. The strike in Alabama was organized by the Free Alabama Movement, a nonviolent grassroots organizing group created by prisoners that focuses on the human rights of Alabama’s imprisoned. Not only does Alabama have one of the highest incarceration rates in the United States, but it also has one of the most overcrowded prison systems. The system’s current population sits at about 80 percent over capacity. With nearly double the inmates that the prisons were designed to hold, the packed prisons produce violence, unsanitary conditions, and medical neglect. “We view prison labor as real slavery… [in] 1865 when the 13th Amendment was ratified…they started the first wave of mass incarcerating black people,” said Melvin Ray, co-founder of the Free Alabama Movement. In the years after slavery, a formal prison system formed in the South. Some plantations were bought by the state and turned into prisons. “They use [these prisons] as a tool of control. They target African-American communities. They target politically conscious people, politically conscious organizations. And they use these prisons as a form of social control in addition to a plantation [that’s] generating revenue.” In 2014, when Ray, along with Robert Council, founded the Free Alabama Movement, they organized a work stoppage at the Holman and St. Clair prisons. The strike at Holman prison, where Council was incarcerated, lasted from Jan. 1 to 22. Immediately afterward,

both men were thrown into solitary confinement. Ray stayed there for more than a year and was just recently released to general population. Council remains in solitary confinement to this day. Prison officials list a number of justifications for Council’s segregation including that he allegedly administered the Free Alabama Movement Facebook group, and he was a leading and significant factor in the work strike. In the past, hunger strikes have targeted solitary confinement. The wellknown hunger strike in 2013, where tens of thousands of prisoners across California refused to eat for 60 days, protested the state’s use of indefinite solitary confinement. It was coupled with other political organizing, including lawsuits and another smaller hunger strike in 2011. Two years after what was called the largest hunger strike in U.S. history, California agreed to limit its use of solitary confinement. From Robben Island to Guantanamo to San Quentin, the hunger strike and the penitentiary seem attached to each other. Yet the organizers of the Free Alabama Movement have intentionally moved away from the practice. In an essay titled “Let The Crops Rot in the Fields,” Ray and Council laid out a plan for tackling mass incarceration. The essay argues that the old ways of protesting in prisons—including hunger strikes and letter-writing campaigns—are not sufficient. Instead, organizers should attack the economic incentive of prisons. The answer, then, is to stop working— and remove the corporate profit from the prison industrial complex. The title was a reference to work strikes conducted by people who were enslaved in the South. Members of the Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee, the prisonorganizing group of the Industrial Workers of the World labor union, started sending copies of “Let The Crops Rot in the Fields” to prisoners in other states. The labor union, apparently the only current union that welcomes prisoners, has about 800 members behind bars across the country. The essay has inspired prisoners in Virginia, Ohio, and Mississippi to organize to participate in the National Day of Strike in September 2016 and, for Texas, to have organized a work strike of their own in April. Ray and Council haven’t always held these views. “Over the years we’ve tried a few other different things. We’ve tried letter-writing campaigns. We’ve tried marching, protesting, filing complaints in the court. We’ve tried basically all of the avenues that can be used that are made available to people who are incarcerated,” Council said. In 2007, the entire population at Holman prison, including Council, participated in a hunger strike. The prison was in a deplorable state—backedup sewage issues, mold on the walls, collapsed and rusted pipes. The prisoners

demanded that internal affairs and reporters be allowed inside the prison to document the conditions. Ray and Council met in prison when they were both jailhouse lawyers, assisting other prisoners with filing lawsuits and complaints about the issues in the prison while also writing their own. As their incarceration continued and their lawsuits and grievances against the prisons went nowhere, Council, Ray, and other prisoners began to have a change of heart on how to bring about change. “We were begging [officials] to please follow the rules. Please have mercy on me. We’re asking some people to have mercy that just don’t have any mercy,” Council explained. “That revelation brought us to the fact that you can’t appeal to the moral [part] of a system that doesn’t have morals.” The sentiment echoes the thoughts of the late Stokely Carmichael, a civil rights leader and organizer with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, which led the civil rights movement among youth in the South. “In order for nonviolence to work, your opponents must have a conscience,” he famously said in 1967, two years after the assassination of Malcolm X and a year before Martin Luther King Jr. was killed. “The United States has none.” Alex Friedmann, the managing editor of Prison Legal News, a publication of the Human Rights Defense Center, said, in an email, that prisons would “grind to a halt” without the use of prison labor. “The work strikes in the Alabama and Texas prison systems are a natural and predictable result of treating prisoners as slaves and benefiting—and often profiting—from their labor. If prison officials treat prisoners as slaves, then they should not be surprised when there are occasional slave revolts,” Friedmann said. In prisons across the country, incarcerated people are paid as little as 15

to 45 cents an hour. Even worse, in Texas, the minimum wage for a prisoner starts at zero dollars. However, these wages aren’t always what employers are paying to hire prisoners. Employers in states like Alabama, Colorado, and South Carolina pay the federal hourly minimum wage for prisoner labor. However, the wage is paid to the state, and prisoners see only a fraction of that check. In Alabama, the Department of Corrections is authorized to take up to 80 percent of a prisoner’s income, half of which can go to “offset the costs of the inmate’s incarceration.” Corrections departments across the country have laws stating they can take part or most of prisoners’ wages to pay for the upkeep of the prison or room and board. Incarcerating the highest rate of prisoners in the world comes at a cost, so states have increasingly used the prisoners’ own labor to lower prison costs. Prolonged work stoppages threaten to increase these costs and create a more expensive prison system—some states, like Alabama with its high budget deficit, simply can’t afford that. Two weeks after May’s strike ended, the warden at Holman Correctional Facility, Carter Davenport, retired. Davenport had arrived at Holman in December 2015, and just three months later, a major prison uprising erupted where a prisoner stabbed him (he recovered). Before Holman, he was the warden at St. Clair Correctional Facility from 2010 to 2015. In 2012, he was suspended for two days after punching a handcuffed inmate in the face, according to an Alabama news site. Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit in Alabama, sued Davenport, as well as the Alabama Department of Corrections, in 2014 for facilitating a culture of violence at St. Clair (the lawsuit is ongoing). That same year, with violence at St. Clair increasing, the nonprofit called for Davenport to be replaced as warden. Last year, Charlotte Morrison of the Equal Justice Initiative criticized Davenport’s leadership at St. Clair. “[Those] in charge of leading these facilities are creating abusive, dangerous environments,” Morrison said. “Warden Davenport, somebody who punched a handcuffed inmate in the face, that’s the kind of leadership he models. And what we see at the prison is control through intimidation and violence.” Prisoners at Holman had similar opinions about Davenport, so his retirement was a major victory for them. The ADOC denies Davenport’s retirement resulted from the work strike or the March uprising; however, his removal was a goal for nonprofit advocates and prisoners alike. Now, he’s gone. Raven Rakia wrote this article for YES! Magazine. Raven is a freelance journalist based in New York City. She writes about prisons, policing and the environment. Follow her on Twitter at @aintacrow.

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>>> I N T H E K I T C H E N | G R E TC H E N S C A L P I

HEALTHY BAKING: THE GLUTEN-FREE WAY

I

n the past if you needed to bake a gluten free recipe you had to make your own baking mix. This took a lot of trial and error and often resulted in disaster. Now you can purchase gluten free baking mixes like Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Biscuit & Baking Mix, Arrowhead Mills Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Mix, Bisquick Gluten Free Pancake and Baking Mix, King Arthur baking mix, Pamela's Baking & Pancake Mix and HEB Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Mix. The baking mixes are convenient and easy to use and the results are usually tasty. However, the downside to some of these baking mixes is that they are not as nutritious as they could be. They may not include enriched products like normal baking mixes and flours. They may also be lacking in fiber and have too much fat. I'm going to help you create healthier baked goods with the following tips. 1. Reduce the amount of baking mix in the recipe and add a whole grain flours like Amaranth, Brown Rice, Buckwheat, Millet, Oat, Quinoa, Roasted Soy, Sorghum, Sweet Brown Rice or Teff. 2. The recommended daily fiber intake for women is 25 grams and 30 grams for men. Many people don't meet this requirement on a daily basis. One way of including more fiber in your diet is by adding fiber to your baking mixes. Add ground flaxseed, Chia seeds, nuts or sunflower seeds. 3. Many baking recipes, both gluten free or regular, ask you to include too much butter or oil which increases the fat

in your diet. You can safely decrease the butter or oil used by half but you may have to experiment to get the taste and texture of your baked goods just right for you. You can also replace butter or oil with fat free plain yogurt, unsweetened apple sauce, pumpkin puree, prune puree, pureed canned pears or mashed bananas. 4. Reduce the amount of sugar by up to half. For example if a cup of sugar is called for use only a half cup. If you want to use a sugar substitute follow the directions that are on the packaging. You can also reduce the amount of other sugary ingredients like chocolate chips and you can make smaller portion sizes. 5. If your recipe calls for eggs you can either use an egg substitute to reduce cholesterol or use less yolks and more whites. Whip egg whites and fold into the rest of the batter to get lighter baked goods. You can also use the recipe below to substitute for one egg. Double for two eggs, triple for three eggs, etc. Flax Egg 1 Tbsp Flaxseed Meal 3 Tbsp Water DIRECTIONS Combine flaxseed meal and water and allow to sit for about 5 minutes. Add this ingredient to your recipe as you would the eggs. Baking gluten free can easy, nutritious and delicious with just a few adjustments. Try one or more of the tips above in your gluten free recipes to create baked goods that you and your family will love!

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>>> RESTAURANTS |

W H E R E TO E AT I N T U S C A LO O SA

BREAKFAST / LUNCH

Brown Bag 9425 Jones Road | Northport // 333.0970 Its speciality, fried green tomatoes, joins barbecue plates and fish filets on an extended list of meats and vegetables. Tues 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Wed-Sat 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. City Cafe 408 Main Ave | Downtown Northport // 758.9171 Established in 1936. Big on food, low on price. Open for breakfast and lunch. Historic downtown Northport. Closed weekends. CountryPride Restaurant 3501 Buttermilk Rd // 554.0215 www.ta.travelcenters.com Breakfast 24 hours. Lunch and Dinner buffet.

Evangeline’s 1653 McFarland Blvd. North // 752.0830 Located in the Tuscaloosa Galleria. 2004 West Alabama Tourism Award Winning Restaurant. American Eclectic Cuisine. Lunch: Mon–Fri 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: Tues–Sat 5 p.m. until... Fall: Saturday Brunch. FIVE Bar 2324 6th Street. // 205.345.6089 A restaurant/bar based on simplicity. We offer 5 entrees, 5 red wines, 5 white wines, 5 import beers, 5 domestic, and 5 signature cocktails, to go along with our full liquor bar. Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 5-10; Friday and Saturday 5-12 Lunch: Friday and Saturday 11-3; Sunday Jazz Brunch: 10-3 five-bar.com; 205.345.6089

>>> H E A LT H | D R . R AC H E L S T E I N E R

JUNE: NATIONAL MIGRAINE AWARENESS MONTH

Kozy’s 3510 Loop Road E | near VA Medical Center // 556.4112 Great locally-sourced foods and live piono music on the weekends. |killionrestaurants.com/kozys/

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 4800 Doris Pate Dr | Exit 76 // 562.8282 www.crackerbarrel.com

The Side by Side Restaurant 2410 University Blvd. | Embassy Suites | 561-2500 thesidebysiderestaurant.com

International House of Pancakes 724 Skyland Blvd // 366.1130 Jack's 1200 Hackberry Lane | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199

JAPANESE

Benkei Japanese Steak House 1223 McFarland Blvd // 759-5300 Hours: Mon–Thurs 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Fri–Sat 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Mr. Bill's Family Restaurant 2715 McFarland Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 333.9312 Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd *402 | Tuscaloosa // 366.8780

Bento Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar 1306 University Blvd // 758.7426

Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip | Tuscaloosa // 342.0022

Hokkaido Japanese Restaurant 607 15th Street Open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Rama Jama’s 1000 Bryant Dr // 750.0901 Closest restaurant to Bryant-Denny Stadium. Sweet Home Food Bar 2218 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 764-9346 Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Waysider 1512 Greensboro Ave // 345.8239 Open for breakfast and lunch. Smoke free.

Ichiban Japanese Grill & Sushi 502 15th Street // 752.8844 Tokyo Japanese Steak & Sushi Bar 6521 Hwy 69 S | Hillcrest Center // 366.1177 Offers steak, seafood, tempura, teriyaki and sushi. Including cooking at your table, if you choose. Sun–Thurs 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fri & Sat 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.

MEXICAN Chipotle Mexican Grill

Kobe Steak House 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 759-1400 Lunch: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sat & Sun 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Don Tono's 2312 4th Street | Temerson Square // 345.9191

Broadway Pizzeria 2880 Rice Mine Road Northeast Tuscaloosa, // 391.6969

El Mariachi 3520 McFarland Blvd E |Tuscaloosa // 409-8585

DePalma’s Italian Cafe 2300 University Blvd, Downtown // 759.1879 Menu ranges from sanwiches to finer pasta dishes and pizza. Varied beer and wine selection. Hours: Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. www.depalmascafe.com

1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0140 www.chipotle.com

ITALIAN

El Rincon (2 locations) 1225 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 366.0855 1726 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.1274 Fernando's Mexican Grill 824 McFarland Blvd E | Northport // 205.331.4587

Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.345.4343

Iguana Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 752.5895 Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill 2001 New Watermelon Rd | Northport // 342.3378

Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd // 758.0112 Pizzas, calzones, hoagies and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. www.mellowmushroom.com

LaGran Fiesta 9770 Hwy 69 S // 345.8871

Mr. G’s 908 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339-8505

Los Calientes Mexican Grill 3429 McFarland Blvd E // 553.1558

Olive Garden 2100 McFarland Blvd E // 750-0321 Open daily from 11 a.m. | www.olivegarden.com

Los Tarascos (2 locations) 1759 Skyland Blvd // 553.8896 3380 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.0919

CASUAL DINING

Avenue Pub 405 23rd Avenue // Tuscaloosa Brunch, lunch, and dinner. Specialty cocktails, local pints, bottled beer, and wine. Mon - Fri. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sat. Noon – 11 p.m., Sun.Noon p.m. – 9 p.m.

Margarita's Grill 1241 McFarland Blvd E // 343.0300 Moe’s Southwest Grill (2 locations) 2330 McFarland Blvd E // 342.1487 1130 University Blvd // 752.0234 moes.com

Big Daddy’s Cafe 514 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 759.9925

Pepito’s (2 locations) 1203 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9028 1301 McFarland Blvd NE // 391.4861

The Blue Plate Restaurant (Was Northport Diner) 450 McFarland Blvd, Northport // 462-3626 Brumfield's Restaurant 4851 Rice Mine Road | Tue. - Thu.: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri - Sat.: 11 a.m. 10 p.m., and Sunday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Taco Mama 2104 A University Blvd, Tuscaloosa // 409.8173

FINE DINING

Chuck’s Fish 508 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 248.9370 Monday - Thursday 5-10 p.m. and Friday - Saturday 5-11 p.m. Steak, seafood, & sushi specialities. Daily specials: Monday - $20 Bottles of Wine; Tuesday - Ladies Night 1/2 off Domestic Beer and House Wine, Select $5 Martinis, $2 off Select Sushi Rolls for Everyone; Uptown Wednesday - $6 Uptown Shrimp; Featured Cocktails and $20 Bottles of Wine. Cypress Inn 501 Rice Mine Rd // 345.6963 Fax: 345.6997 | www.cypressinnrestaurant.com 2003 Restaurant of Distinction. Beautiful riverfront location. Steaks, seafood and more with Southern flavor. Wine list, full bar. Specialities of the house include Shrimp Cypress Inn and Smoked Chicken with white barbecue sauce. Kid friendly. Closed Saturday lunch. Mike Spiller is featured the first Thursday of every month. Happy Hour- Mon-Fri from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. featuring 1/2 price appetizers. $2 Domestic Draft Beers and $3 Well cocktails. Epiphany Cafe 19 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 344.5583 “New American cuisine” with a strong emphasis on local produce, organic meats, and sustainable seafood. The menu is always changing and features include an extensive wine list, a large vibrant bar and martini lounge area, as well as patio seating. Reservations are available online at epiphanyfinedining.com or through open table. Hours: Mon–Sat 5 p.m. - until

Buddy’s Ribs & Steaks 2701 Bridge Ave | Northport // 339.4885 Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd // 523.0273 Mon–Wed 11 a.m. - midnight | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Chicken Salad Chick The Shoppes at Midtown & Essex Square, Northport | Said to be the very best chicken salad that can be found anywhere. www. chickensaladchick.com Chili’s 1030 Skyland Blvd | Near McFarland Mall // 750.8881 Fax: 758.7715 // www.chilis.com Dave’s Dogs 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 722.2800 Five Guys Burgers & Fries 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0575 www.fiveguys.com Glory Bound Gyro Company 2325 University Blvd // 349-0505 Glory Bound Gyro Company is a unique restaurant that focuses on great food and service in a funky, fun-filled atmosphere. Open Mon-Thu: 11am - 10pm | Fri - Sat: 11am-10pm | Sun: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

D

id you know that one in five people experience migraine headaches, with 75% of those being women in childbearing age? Headache disorders, with most being migraines cost the healthcare system 31 billion dollars annually and effect more than 37 million people a year. Properly diagnosing a migraine can be difficult because they can present in various ways but common symptoms include: pulsing or throbbing head pain that is often one sided, increased sensitivity to light and odors, nausea and vomiting, vision problems such as blurred vision, partial loss of sight, and seeing flashing lights. There are many things that can trigger a migraine headache such as strong fragrances, bright lights, changes in the weather, loud noises, stress, certain foods such as chocolate, nuts, foods prepared with MSG, and the premenstrual time in women. As a chiropractor, migraines are a common complaint by many of my patients. In my office, I take a look at things through a natural approach that can help decrease the severity and frequency of migraines. Along with chiropractic adjustments specifically to neck region that can significantly improve symptoms, I also address the patients’ nutrition and other factors. The first and most important part is having my patients track their migraines by starting a journal. I tell them to write down the day, time, and severity of their pain. Along with this, keeping a food journal is very important. In many cases, certain foods can trigger migraines and if you can find the culprit this can prevent further ones from happening. If you find certain foods are triggering headaches, those foods should immediately be removed from you diet. Missed meals are also a common trigger because of the fluctuation of blood sugar that can es-

calade pain that triggers a migraine. For women, they should be aware of where in their cycle headaches are occurring. It is common that before menstruation there is a drop in estrogen levels that can spark migraines. Sleep is another aspect that should be monitored in a migraine journal. Sleep disturbances can increase frequency, so it is important to try to remain on a consistent sleep routine. Going to bed and waking up within the same hour each day can help you stay on schedule. Relaxation techniques can be beneficial and greatly reduce the frequency of migraines by lowering stress levels. These techniques include yoga, mediation, or any physical activity that release endorphins. If you are looking for natural ways to help besides medication, you can try supplementing with B2, which is Riboflavin, CQ10, and the herb butterbur. B2 and CQ10 have both shown to reduce the frequency of migraines, but not the severity of when they do occur. Studies that looked at migraine headaches and chiropractic care combined the results of 22 studies, which had more than 2,600 patients total. The studies show that chiropractic treatment serves as a good preventive treatment for migraines. Those who had chiropractic treatment saw the number of attacks drop 90% In that same study, 49% said they had a significant reduction in pain intensity. There numerous natural and safe ways to help with migraine headaches, but it starts with trying to identify possible triggers. Once these are established, a plan can be put into place to help decrease the likelihood of migraines. As June is Migraine Awareness Month, if you know someone who suffers please share this information!

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JUN 9 + JUN 23

9


>>> RESTAURANTS |

W H E R E TO E AT I N T U S C A LO O SA

Heritage House 700 Towncenter | Northport // 758.0042 Open Mon-Fri 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Moe's BBQ 101 15th Street | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 752.3616 Mon-Sat 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Bar open until 2 a.m., 3 a.m. on Fridays

Hooligan’s 1915 University Blvd // 759.2424 From hamburgers to hummus. Open daily 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave // 391.0572 Great burgers. Full service bar. Open late. www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com

Horny's 508 Red Drew Ave | Tuscaloosa // 345.6869 Mon 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. | Tues-Thurs 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Fri 11 a.m. - 3 a.m. | Sat 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. New Orleans style atmosphere in the heart of Tuscaloosa on the strip. Horny's offerings include a full liquor bar, beer, and a variety of classic American food. Horny's Bar and Grill offers a limited late night menu from 1:30 a.m. - 2:30 a.m.

Tuscaloosa Burger & Seafood Company 1014 7th Ave. | Tuscaloosa // 764.1976 Over 160 craft beers. Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Large selection of decadent desserts Wilhagan’s 2209 4th St | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 366.0913

Logan's Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd E // 349.3554

Wings U 1800 McFarland Blvd East Suite 218 | Pick-up Tuscaloosa // 561.3984 Features the first coal-fired pizza oven in Alabama. Owned by former UA/Miami Dolphins great Bob Baumhower. Completely open concept! www.wingsu.com

Madear’s 1735 Culver Road // 343.7773 Mon–Fri 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. | 2nd & 3rd Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 391.0572 Great burgers & sandwiches. Unique setting, full service bar, veggie entrees, kid friendly, and open late www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com

WingZone 1241 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 342.2473

Newk’s Express Cafe 205 University Blvd. East // 758.2455 Fax: 758.2470 // www.newkscafe.com Express casual dining experience in a refreshing and stylish atmosphere. Serving fresh tossed salads, oven baked sandwiches, California style pizzas and homemade cakes from Newk’s open kitchen. Sun–Wed 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. O’Charley’s 3799 McFarland Blvd // 556.5143 Open daily lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch // www.ocharleys.com Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 366.8780 www.panerabread.com

BARBEQUE

Archibald & Woodrow's BBQ 4215 Greensboro Ave | Tuscaloosa // 331.4858 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sun lunch Bama BBQ & Grill 3380 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.9816 Dickey's BBQ (3 locations) 9770 Alabama 69; Midtown; and 13544 Hwy 43 North at Rose Blvd. in Northport. Texas Barbecue. | 344.6500 1800 McFarland Blvd, Midtown Village, Tuscaloosa. | 758-1133 13544 Hwy 43 North, Winn Dixie Shopping Center, Northport. | 330-1147 Dreamland (2 locations) 5535 15th Ave | Tuscaloosa // 758.8135 101 Bridge Ave | Northport // 343.6677 The legend. On game day, get there early if you want to make kickoff. Seating is limited. Hours: Mon–Sat 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Sun 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Piccadilly Cafeteria 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 556.4960 www.piccadilly.com Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip // 342.0022 www.bamaquickgrill.com

Hick’s BBQ 4400 Fayette Hwy // 339.3678 // Tues–Sat 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Ruby Tuesday (2 locations) 6421 Interstate Drive | Cottondale // 633.3939 Just off I-20/59 at exit 77. Near Hampton Inn and Microtel Inn 311 Merchants Walk | Northport // 345.4540 www.rubytuesdays.com

Moe's Original BBQ 2101 University Blvd.. // 752.3616 Mon–Sat 11am - 10pm | Bar service Mon-Sat 2am and Fri -3am | Kitchen closes at 10pm

Ryan’s 4373 Courtney Dr // 366.1114 Near Marriott Courtyard and Fairfield Inn Sitar Indian Cuisine 500 15th St // 345-1419 Southern Ale House 1530 McFarland Blvd N Monday-Thursday 11a-9p, Friday-Saturday 11a-10p Sunday Brunch 11a-2p A warm and inviting restaurant just north of the river with both classic and contemporary interpretations of Southern Cuisine. We boast a large variety of local craft beers on tap and other options in bottle for our beer loving constituents. Wine and Signature cocktails

Pottery Grill (2 locations) Highway 11 | Cottondale // 554.1815 3420 Alabama 69 | Northport // 333.5848 Menu: thepotterygrill.com Awesome barbecue. The Pottery Grill serves up everything from pork, chicken, ribs and sausage to burgers, hot dogs and salads. Take-out and catering available. Tee’s Ribs and Thangs 1702 10th Avenue // 366.9974 |11 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily

STEAKS

Southland Restaurant 5388 Skyland Blvd E // 556.3070 Steaks, chops and home-cooked vegetables Mon–Fri 10:45 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Logan’s Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd | next to Sams // 349.3554 Steaks, ribs and spirits

T-Town Café 500 14th Street, Tuscaloosa | 759-5559 |www.ttowncafe.co Mon - Fri: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sat: 5 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sun: 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Longhorn Steakhouse 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 345-8244 #412

Tacogi 500 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 342.3647

New Orleans Steak and Seafood House 824 McFarland Boulevard |11:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. daily. 248-7666

Tuscaloosa Burger & Seafood Company 1014 7th Ave. | Tuscaloosa // 764.1976 Over 160 craft beers. Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Large selection of decadent desserts.

Nick's In the Sticks 4018 Culver Rd | Tuscaloosa // 758.9316 A long-time Tuscaloosa tradition. Good steaks at a reasonable price Try a Nicodemus if you have a designated driver.

Zoe’s Kitchen 312 Merchants Walk // 344.4450 A wonderful selection of Greek foods

Outback Steakhouse 5001 Oscar Baxter Dr // 759.9000

SEAFOOD

SPORTS GRILL

Chuck’s Fish 508 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 248.9370 Monday - Thursday 5-10 p.m. and Friday - Saturday 5-11 p.m. Steak, seafood, & sushi specialities. Daily specials.

Baumhower's Wings of Tuscaloosa 500 Harper Lee Drive | catering-Pick-up Tuscaloosa // 556.5858 | Always fresh and always fun. Owned by former UA/ Miami Dolphins great Bob Baumhower. Kid Friendly Buffalo Phil’s 1149 University Blvd | The Strip // 758.3318 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine selection, full bar Billy's Sports Grill Historic Downtown Northport // 879.2238 Good food, beverages and family friendly Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. till 9 p.m. (Sunday Brunch 10:30am-3pm). Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd. East | Tuscaloosa // 523.0273 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine, full bar Champs Sports Grille 320 Paul Bryant Drive | inside Four Points Sheraton Hotel // 752.3200 Breakfast and lunch buffets. Sunday brunch 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Hooter’s 5025 Oscar Baxter Dr | Next to Jameson Inn // 758.3035 Wings, clams, shrimp and of course the Hooters Girls www.hooters.com Innisfree Irish Pub 1925 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199

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JUN 9 + JUN 23

New Orleans Steak and Seafood House 824 McFarland Blvd |11:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. daily. // 248-7666 Red Lobster 2620 McFarland Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.553.8810 Sun-Thurs 11AM-10PM//Fri & Sat 11AM-11PM Reservations Accepted Take-Out Available Private Dining Area Available for Advanced Booking (Lunch Specials Available Mon-Fri 11AM-3PM) Tuscaloosa Burger & Seafood Company 1014 7th Ave. | Tuscaloosa // 764.1976 Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Over 160 craft beers. Large selection of decadent desserts.

GET NOTICED

The Levee Bar and Grill 1 Bridge Ave | Northport // 632.3136 Casual riverfront dining Hours: Mon-Thurs 11 AM-9 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-10 PM, Sun 10:30 AM-3 PM (Happy Hour Mon-Thurs 2 PM-6 PM) leveebarandgrill.com

CHINESE Buffet City

1747 Skyland Blvd E // 553.3308 All you can eat buffet. Open 7 days a week.

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JUN 9 + JUN 23

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>>> RESTAURANTS |

W H E R E TO E AT I N T U S C A LO O S A (CO N T.) McAlister’s Deli (2 locations) 101 15th St | Tuscaloosa // 758.0039 3021 Tyler Dr | Northport // 330.7940 Sandwiches, salads and spuds www.mcalistersdeli.com

Chang’s Chinese Restaurant 1825 McFarland Blvd N // 391.9131 China Fun 2600 University Blvd | Alberta City // 553.2435

Momma Goldberg’s Deli 409 23rd Ave // 345.5501 |www.mommagoldbergs.com

Chongwah Express 1425 McFarland Boulevard, Northport. 333-1088

Newk's 205 University Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 758.2455

Hot Wok Express 6751 Alabama 69, Tuscaloosa // 758.0148

Schlotsky’s Deli 405 15th St. E // 759.1975 // schlotskys.com

Lee Palace 6521 Highway 69 S // 391.9990 / Open daily 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Which Wich University Blvd.// Downtown Tuscaloosa // Mon – Sat 10:30 – 9 // Sunday 11 – 7 // Fresh ingredients, great sandwiches. 764.1673

Mr. Chen's Authentic Chinese Cooking & Oriental Market 514 14th St. | In the Oz Music shopping center // 343.6889 // Open Sun - Thu 11am - 9pm, Fri & Sat 11am - 9:30pm

ASIAN CUISINE

Pearl Garden 2719 Lurleen Wallace Blvd | Northport // 339.0880

Ruan Thai 1407 University Blvd // 391.9973 | ruanthaituscaloosa.com Exotic Thai cuisine. Offers vegetarian options, outdoor dining, and a full bar. Sushi on Thursdays. Lunch: Mon–Sat 11 a.m. -2 p.m. | Dinner: Mon–Thurs 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fri & Sat 5 p.m. -10pm | Sun 11 a.m. -3 p.m.

Peking Chinese Restaurant 1816 McFarland | Northport // 333.0361 Open 7 days a week. Super lunch and dinner buffet. Hours: Sun–Thurs 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Surin of Thailand 1402 University Blvd // 752.7970 Authentic Thai restaurant and sushi bar. Open daily. Lunch: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. www.surinofthailand.com

Swen Chinese Restaurant 1130 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9887 Trey Yuen 4200 McFarland Blvd E // 752.0088

PIZZA AND SUBS

A Taste Of Chicago 1700 Greensboro Avenue 205-342-DOGS Mon. - Thurs. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Fri. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. 17th Street and Greensboro Avenue. Authentic Chicago style foods. Italian Beef Sandwiches, Chicago Rib Tips, and Chicago Style Pizza. California Underground 13552 Highway 43, Northport | 339.8660 Firehouse Subs 1130 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 248.0680 Hungry Howie’s (2 locations) 1105 Southview Ln | South Tuscaloosa // 345.6000 1844 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.2633 1211 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa | The Strip // 366.1500 4851 Rice Mine Rd | Northriver/Holt // 345.3737 Lenny’s Sub Shop 220 15th St // 752.7450 // Fax: 752.7481 // www.lennys.com Little Caesars Pizza 1414 10th Ave // 366.2220 | 1www.littlecaesars.com Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. // 345.4354 Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 758.0112 Subs n' You 2427 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.758.0088 Roly Poly Sandwiches 2300 4th Street | Tuscaloosa // 366.1222 The Pita Pit 1207 University Blvd | The Strip // 345.9606 Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30 a.m. - 3 a.m. | Sun 11:30 a.m. - midnight Pizza 120 50115th St. East | 561.6853 Pizza Palace Buffet 6521 Alabama 69 | 752.5444 Tut’s Place 1306 University Blvd | The Strip // 759.1004

DELICATESSEN

Honeybaked Ham Company 421 15th St. E // 345.5508 //www.honeybaked.com Jason’s Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd // 752.6192 Fax: 752.6193 // www.jasonsdeli.com Located in the Meadowbrook Shopping Center. Jimmy John’s (3 locations) 1400 University Blvd | The Strip // 366.3699 1875 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 752.7714 815 Lurleen B. Wallace S | Tuscaloosa // 722.2268 Delivery 7 days a week. www.jimmyjohns.com Manna Grocery & Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 752.9955

COFFEE SHOP

Barnes & Noble 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 349.6366 Five Java Coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and treats from Mary's Cakes. Open Monday - Saturday at 7am; 9am on Sundays Heritage House 700 Towncenter | Northport // 758.0042 Open Mon-Fri 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Krispy Kreme Doughnut 1400 McFarland Blvd // 758.6913 //www.krispykreme.com Starbucks (2 locations) 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 343.2468 1901 13th Ave East | inside Super Target // 462.1064 starbucks.com

DESSERTS

Celebrations Bakery, Inc. 1832 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339.3221 Fax: 349.1945 Cold Stone Creamery 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa //343.1670 Specializes in customized ice cream Hours: Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sun 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. Dunkin' Donuts 2520 Stillman Blvd. |Tuscaloosa// 349.3400 McCorvey Dr. | Tuscaloosa // 348.4041 www.dunkindonuts.com Mary's Cakes & Pastries 412 22nd Avenue | behind Opus | Northport // 345.8610 www.maryscakesandpastries.com Mon–Fri 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Sat 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Smoothie King (2 locations) 415 15th Street | Tuscaloosa // 349.1721 Fax: 349.1945 1403 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 462.3664 Sweet CeCe's Frozen yogurt Treats 2217 University Blvd. | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 561.6458 A fun and friendly make your own creation, yogurt experience! TCBY (3 Locations) 2304 Mcfarland Blbd | Meadowbrook Shopping Center // 349.4661 // 2 Mcfarland Blvd | Northport | Essex Shopping Center // 758.6855 // 1130 Univ. Blvd. | The Strip // 345.0804 Yogurt In Love Patriot Center 7402 Highway 69 South Phone Number: 764.9173 Fax Number: 764.9228 Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-10 pm. Yogurt Lab 920 Paul W. Bryant Dr Ste 200 | Tuscaloosa // 347.9522 Yogurt Mountain 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 342.1484 Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - midnigh

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JUN 9 + JUN 23

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JUN 9 + JUN 23

13


>>> E V E N T S FRIDAY, JUNE 10

Black Warrior River Fiddle Fest WHEN: 6:00pm-10:00pm COST: free WHERE: Government Plaza 7th St. and 22th Ave. SE. Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 792-6473 LINK: www.alabamafiddle.com/ DESCRIPTION: Government Plaza - Downtown Tuscaloosa, Alabama June 10-11 2016 $7500 in Prize Money paying 5 places in 14 divisions Friday Night - Lickety Split Reunion Show starts at 6 p.m. Competition begins at 7:00pm for Harmonica, Dulcimer and Mandolin Saturday Registration begins at 9 am and Competition begins at 10am in Senior Fiddle, Small Frye Fiddle, Guitar, Junior Fiddle, Banjo, Bluegrass Bands, Adult Fiddle, Buck dancing. Finals in Junior,Adult and Senior Fiddle and Bluegrass Bands. Fiddle Off -$500 +trophy Find us at www.alabamafiddle. com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter Host Hotel: Home2Suites - (205) 3492002 Live At The Plaza Concerts WHEN: Fridays in June and July 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. COST: free WHERE: Government Plaza 7th St. and 22th Ave. SE. Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 469-2182 LINK: visittuscaloosa.com/ events/#!/90929-live-at-the-plazaconcerts-are-back-fridays-in-june-andjuly-6-p.m.-to-9-p.m DESCRIPTION: The very popular musical concerts from last year are back again this year, beginning Friday, June 3 through Friday July 29. Each concert will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Government Plaza, downtown Tuscaloosa. Children and dogs are welcome. The public is invited to bring coolers, food, lawn chairs, blankets and settle in for a great musical line-up. The June 10 concert will feature a bluegrass band Lickety Split and will play host to an open competition from the Black Warrior River Fiddle Fest.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11

Tuscaloosa Farmers’ Market WHEN: 7:00am-12:00pm COST: Vendor prices WHERE: River Market and Visitors Center

14

JUN 9 + JUN 23

1900 Jack Warner Parkway Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 248-5295 “ Dairy Day” at CHOM! WHEN: 10:00am-4:00pm COST: free WHERE: Children’s Hands on Museum (CHOM) 2213 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 349-4276 LINK: http://www.chomonline.org/ DESCRIPTION:Dairy Day” at CHOM! Saturday, June 11, 2016 10 am - 4 pm Bring your friends with you to CHOM and Make a Cow Mask! Churn Fresh Butter! Chocolate Milk Samples! Ice Cream Floats! All included in Paid Admission!

TUESDAY, JUNE 14 The Bama Art House Film Series at Bama Theatre WHEN: 7:30pm-10:00am COST: $6-$8 WHERE: The Bama Theatre 600 Greensboro Avenue Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 562-3220 LINK: bamatheatre.org/bamaarthouse DESCRIPTION: The Bama Art House Film Series Summer 2016 will begin on June 14 and will feature six films. The series will offer a mix of comedy, fantasy, thriller, foreign and biopic. Screenings will take place at the Bama Theatre on

Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m. with the box office opening at 6:30 p.m. and doors at 6:45 p.m. Discount Punchcard Tickets ($60) will be available at the door prior and will be good for any 10 Bama Art House films. Single Tickets will be priced at $8 general, $7 seniors & students and $6 Arts Council members. The featured films are: June 14: The Meddler June 21: Green Room (sponsored by Left Hand Soap Co.) June 28: Miles Ahead (sponsored by Left Hand Soap Co.) July 5: The Lobster July 12: High-Rise July 19: Marguerite

Leaderdog with Quoth the Raven at Green Bar WHEN: 10:00pm-12:00am COST: $5 WHERE:Green Bar 2209 4th St Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 366-0913 LINK:greenbarttown.com/ DESCRIPTION:Green Bar presents Leaderdog and Quoth the Rave on Saturday, June 11th at 10 pm. The doors open at 8 pm and tickets will be $5 at the door. Only those 19 years or older are allowed in. Highway to Hale WHEN: 7:00am-12:00pm COST: $25-$50 registration WHERE:Moundville Archaeological Park 1 Mound Parkway Moundville PHONE: (205) 371-2572 LINK: visittuscaloosa.com/ events/#!/90147-highway-to-hale DESCRIPTION: Highway 2 Hale is a second year century bicycle ride, an initiative of AAF Tuscaloosa (American Advertising Federation). The ride will be held on Saturday June 11, 2016. It will begin and end at the Moundville Archaeological Park in Moundville, Alabama (located about 10 miles south of Tuscaloosa and interstates 20 and 59). It will consist of four distances: a 25 mile out and back, a 38 mile loop through Akron, a 69 mile loop through Greensboro and the Talladega National Forest, and a 100+ mile ride that makes a large figure eight covering most of Hale County.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS


>>> M O V I E R E V I E W | V A N R O B E R T S

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE // SURPASSES ALL

★★★★

OU T OF 4

A

lthough it isn’t coining the box office receipts that “Captain America: Civil War” commanded, “X-Men: Apocalypse” surpasses “Captain America” with lavish spectacle, brinksmanship suspense, and fertile fantasy. Part of the reason is that Twentieth Century Fox produces the “X-Men” movies, while Walt Disney Studios handles the “Captain America” franchise. The “X-Men” franchise displays greater edge and paranoia than the formulaic, facetious, Disney Marvel franchises. For example, the body count in “The Usual Suspects” director Bryan Singer’s latest Marvel Comics adventure “X-Men: Apocalypse” is double, perhaps even triple that of “Captain America.” “Sherlock Holmes” scenarist Simon Kinberg and Singer have no problem with liquidating some X-Men characters. Meantime, Disney produces Marvel sagas where few super-heroes suffer permanent injury. The divide and take sides “Captain America: Civil War” concluded in a stalemate with Cap and Iron Man playing patty-cake. The inescapable problem that Singer and Kinberg face in the ninth “X-Men” franchise entry is predictability. The original “X-Men” trilogy charted the story of Xavier’s mutant super-heroes along chronological lines. The second “X-Men” trilogy, starting with “X-Men: First Class” (2011), then “X-Men: Days of Future Past” (2014), and finally “X-Men: Apocalypse” ventures backward in time, examining the origins of various characters. “X-Men: First Class” dealt with the 1962 Cuban Missile crisis, “X-Men: Days of Future Past” unfolded at the end of the Vietnam War in the 1970s, and “XMen: Apocalypse” transpires in the 1980s. “X-Men: Apocalypse” makes several allusions to “X-Men: First Class” about Professor Xavier’s romance with CIA Agent Moira MacTaggert. Since the second “X-Men” trilogy occurs before the original trilogy, we know the principal characters are in little danger of annihilation. Nevertheless, Simon Kinberg’s screenplays for those three films have all been imaginative, audacious, with the X-Men taking things to the brink. Clocking in at an extensive 144 minutes, “X-Men: Apocalypse” doesn’t wear out its welcome, and Singer doesn’t short-change his packed ensemble cast. Furthermore, the malevolent Apocalypse in his first full-blown cinematic incarnation proves to be a challenging opponent. “XMen: Apocalypse” qualifies as a largerthan-life but slam-bang, sci-fi supernatural saga staged with considerable intellect, wit, and panache. “X-Men: Apocalypse” opens during a pharaoh’s burial ceremony in ancient Egypt in 3,600 B.C. Naturally, Singer relies on spectacular CGI special effects galore to conjure up this vast, sprawling, ceremony as the first mutant, Apocalypse, finds himself betrayed by a duplicitous cabal. They trap Apocalypse in a pyramid, and the structure vanishes into the

earth for 5,600 years until the 1980s when CIA Agent Moira MacTaggert (Rose Byrne of “Bridesmaids”) stumbles onto it. She finds a passage that leads to Apocalypse’s burial chamber. A cult has been struggling to resurrect the notorious lord, and Apocalypse emerges from captivity to find the world greatly altered from his day. Dark and sinister, with tubes curving out of the back of his head, Apocalypse emerges as an ominous figure in a bizarre outfit. He saves a Cairo street thief, Ororo Munroe (Alexandra Shipp of “Straight Outta Compton”), from two vigilantes. Eventually, Ororo will become Storm. He recruits a fallen angel, Angel (newcomer Ben Hardy), and Apocalypse transforms Angel’s wings into steel so he has the ability to hurl razorsharp metal feathers which are comparable to machetes. The most important recruit that Apocalypse attracts is Magneto, Erik Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender of “Prometheus”), who is in no mood to love mankind. Erik has suffered another great personal tragedy. During the intervening ten years since the events in “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” Erik has maintained a low profile as a factory worker in Poland. Sadly, he is forced to reveal his mutant ability to manipulate metal when he saves a fellow factory worker from certain death. Unfortunately, the local authorities descend on him with bows & arrows. Magneto flees and joins Apocalypse. Apocalypse is appalled at everything that has transpired during his protracted absence, and he decides to change everything with the help of Erik, Storm, Angel, and a “Wonder Woman” lookalike warrior Psylocke (Olivia Munn of “Ride Along 2”), who boasts both telepathic and telekinetic abilities and dresses like a dominatrix. The collateral damage that Apocalypse and his henchmen create overwhelms the entire Disney Marvel Universe.

Impudently, Apocalypse prompts all of the superpowers to launch their nuclear warheads into space where the ordinance will be useless and civilization will depend on the intervention of Professor Xavier (James McAvoy of “Wanted”) and the X-Men that are a lot younger than their predecessors. Happily, Jennifer Lawrence reprises her role as Raven, and Nicholas Hoult returns as Hank McCoy aka Beast. As exemplary as “X-Men: Apocalypse” is, “X-Men: Days of Future Past” still tops it, but the two movies differ in terms of scope. Director Bryan Singer isn’t as enamored with the 1980s in “X-Men: Apocalypse” as he was with the 1970s in “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” He cuts back and forth between the heroes and the villains as they clash. This extravaganza serves up one good scene after another. Two of the best occur when Peter Maximoff (Evan Peters of “Kick Ass”) aka Quicksilver and Wolverine demonstrate their respective skills. Quicksilver embarks on a rescue mission at Xavier’s School for

Gifted Children after the building comes under attack. Quicksilver darts about like a wraith snatching somebody here and seizing somebody there, before the house collapses in a pile of smoking rubble. This scene provides some genuine levity in the middle of Apocalypse’s devastating plans to renovate planet Earth. Without divulging too much information, Wolverine’s solitary scene is as savage as it is sensational. The grand finale between Charles and Apocalypse is a drawn-out, but exciting exercise that drums up white-knuckled suspense. The evil first mutant intends to freight his consciousness into Xavier's body and then appropriate Xavier's gift to connect with everybody’s mind on the planet. While Charles and Apocalypse tangle like maniacs, the X-Men have their hands full with Apocalypse’s Four Horsemen. If you haven’t kept up with the “X-Men” cinematic universe, you may find its plot difficult to follow.

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JUN 9 + JUN 23

15


>>> PET PLANET

HOW TO CHECK AND CLEAN YOUR CAT'S EARS A

n important part of keeping your cat healthly and happy is checking and cleaning their ears. Because the ears are one of the few parts that cats can not reach themselves they need a little help from a loving owner. Keeping your cats ears clean is extremely important because any unremoved dirt, debris, or wax can clog the ears and cause infections. Regular ear cleaning at home augment's your cats own natural grooming habits. 1. How to check the ears During petting, casually check your cats ears for discharge, redness, unpleasant smell, swelling, and even lumps. Also observe your cat's behaviour, if he often scratches or paws at his ears (and sometimes even shakes his head often), then he might be feeling discomfort in the ear area. If you notice that your cats ears are becoming painful or inflamed, visit a veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian has the equipment to look deep into your cat's ear canal and give an accurate diagnosis. The veterinarian will determine if allergies, skin conditions, ear mites, bacteria, yeasts, and fungi are causing ear diseases. Seek early treatment, or your cat's ear condition may become too late to heal. 2. How to clean the ears Ask your veterinarian for gentle ear cleaning solutions you can use to keep your cats ears clean. These special solutions are effective in removing excess wax, moisture, and debris from your cat's outer ear canal. Be sure to use only solutions that are specifically formulated for cats. Avoid medicated solutions, unless your veterinarian advises you to use it. Different solutions are administered differently, but most of them require you to follow these steps. * You typically only need a few drops of the ear solution. Squeeze the bottle and let a few drops fall on into your cat's ear canal. * Start massaging the base of your cats ear gently. You should hear a 'squelch' while you do this. Repeat the same procedure with the other ear. After both ears have been cleaned, let your cat shake its head, this loosens the waxes. NOTE: Stop massaging immediately if your cat feels pain, and then take your cat to the veterinarian if you haven't already done so. * Wipe the solution by wrapping your forefinger with cotton wool, this should clean off wax and debris. Do this gently though and do not poke in too deep, or you might hurt your cats eardrum. It is recommended not to use cotton buds, which can injure the ear canals' sensitive lining.

PANSY // AFFECTIONATE GIRL Just look at that beautiful face! Meet Pansy, a gorgeous young adult female Calico. Pansy can be bashful when meeting new people, but she is a gentle, very sweet and affectionate girl. She has the typical reserved, introverted Calico personality, with a strong will to bond to her close companions. Pansy’s hobbies include climbing just to see how high she can go, as well as finding comfy places to hide in! So, naturally, Pansy is in love with cat trees, cat condos, scratching towers, etc! She’s especially cute when she cuddles with other friendly cats - she uses them as pillows for nap time! Pansy is absolutely gorgeous and hopes to find a new home with a lot of love! If this beautiful girl sounds like the perfect addition to your family, please visit our adoption center during Saturday open hours or contact us to meet Pansy! Pansy is negative for FIV/ FeLK, current on vaccinations and spayed.

RALPH // HAPPY, FUN DOG Good ole Ralph is a 2- to 3-year-old male Labrador/ Beagle mix. He has a handsome, smooth black coat with white markings. Ralph is smaller than a regular lab, weighing about 40 pounds, and this is full-grown. Ralph was pulled from our local animal shelter, where he had been picked up as a stray and was at the shelter for over 4 months!! This is one hardy dog. But because he is so sweet and able to handle a shelter environment is why he made it that long. It was time to get him out of there and he is happy to be in the fresh air and have room to run and play. Ralph is a very friendly, happy, fun dog!! He has a nice playful energy level, but does settle down quite nicely. He seems to get along with other dogs and would enjoy having kids over age 10 to play with. Ralph will require a fenced in yard so that he can run around and use up his energy. He has some beagle or hound in him, so he cannot be left outside without a fence or he will take off after a scent. He will definitely want to be inside with you some and not just a yard dog. We have started his crate training. Ralph is up to date on his vet care, neutered, heartworm negative and is microchipped. He is on heartworm and flea/tick prevention. If you need a great companion, then Ralph is the dog just for you!! If you are interested in giving PANSY or RALPH the forever home they want and deserve, visit the Humane Society of West Alabama at http://www.humanesocietyofwa.org or call us at (205)-554-0011. The Humane Society of West Alabama is in need of volunteers for both the cat and dog facilities. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteerhswa@gmail. com or go ahead and download a volunteer application from www.humanesocietyofwa.org/ formsinfo.html and send to the same email.

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JUN 9 + JUN 23

VOLUNTEER

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>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS

JUN 9 + JUN 23

17


>>> ENTERTAINMENT | S O P H I E H . JA N I C K E

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH AN UPLIFTING MOVIE TONIGHT R

want to become better people and help others—to become more “prosocial,” as we researchers put it. I’ve conducted several of these studies myself, and I think the implications of this research are very exciting: Rather than simply seeing media as a negative influence to rein in, we’re beginning to understand its potential to spread goodness on a wide scale. For example, a 2012 study by one of the seminal scholars in the field, Mary Beth Oliver of Penn State University, identified the power of films that elicit “elevation,” the warm, uplifting feeling we get when we watch someone perform deeply moral acts, such as acts of gratitude, generosity, or loyalty. In this study, Oliver and her colleagues asked 483 students to recall either a particularly meaningful or a particularly pleasurable movie they watched recently and to indicate the degree to which they felt joyful or elevated

18

JUN 9 + JUN 23

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esearch sometimes suggests that movies and other media are a negative influence to rein in. But new studies highlight their potential to spread goodness on a wide scale. Deadpool is the highest-grossing film in the United States so far this year—and one of the most controversial. Though the film has scored points with critics and audiences for its irreverent take on the superhero genre, its extreme gore has raised some familiar questions and objections about the role of violence in films. But look at the highest-grossing film of 2016 internationally, and you’ll find a different type of movie: Zootopia, a family-friendly animated film that has been praised for its positive messages about the harm of stereotypes and prejudice. How does consuming these different types of films impact us as individuals and as a society? For a long time, media researchers focused almost entirely on the harmful effects of media, including the effects of media violence on aggression, the media’s role in increasing racial and gender stereotypes, and its potential to shape people’s perception of the world as a dangerous place. Indeed, since the dawn of talking movies in the 1930s, debates have raged about the potential antisocial effects of media. However, more recently, scholarship in media psychology is starting to look at the flip side: the positive effects media can have when it’s more uplifting and inspiring. In the last few years, studies have illustrated how, just as some films, TV shows, and other media can foster antisocial behavior, media with positive images and messages can make us

from watching it. When the researchers analyzed the content of these movies, they found that, sure enough, the meaningful movies depicted altruistic values, such as social justice and care for the weak, significantly more often than the pleasurable movies did. They also found that the meaningful movies elicited greater feelings of elevation among respondents, which was expressed in a distinct set of emotional and physical sensations: feeling happy and sad at the same time, a lump in one’s throat, tearing up, a rising or opening of the chest, and chills. What’s more, these feelings of elevation, in turn, were associated with a greater motivation to become a better person and do good things for others; the pleasurable movies, by contrast, motivated people to enjoy themselves and seek popularity. Research also suggests that movies can influence not only our desire to do good but also the way we perceive the world as a whole. This research builds on earlier findings that the amount of TV people watch correlates with the degree to which they will see the world as a dangerous place, also known as “mean-world syndrome.” Research on inspiring media, by contrast, suggests that exposure to elevating media may have the potential to shift our perception of the world toward a “kind-world syndrome .” For example, a 2011 study led by Karl Aquino of the University of British Columbia found that people who experienced elevation from reading a story about uncommon goodness became more likely to believe that there is good in the world. The more people experienced elevation, the more they perceived the world to be full of generosity and kindness. And research suggests there might be concrete benefits to this mental shift: Studies indicate that holding a cynical worldview—only expecting the worst of people—is actually bad for your health; however, seeing humanity’s positive potential can make us feel good (we experience positive emotions), which, in

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turn, can lead to an upward spiral of wellbeing. Research that my colleagues and I have conducted points to social benefits of meaningful films as well. We asked 266 students to identify films that are meaningful to them; their responses generated a long list of movies, with the most popular ones being Remember the Titans, Forrest Gump, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. We found that these films are more likely than pleasurable films to depict values of love, kindness, and connectedness, and to elicit elevation. In addition, experiencing elevation from such movies made the participants feel more connected to dear friends and family, as well as to the transcendent, spiritual aspects of life—which, in turn, inspired a host of prosocial motivations. Specifically, watching a movie such as A Walk To Remember or The Blindside made them feel a general sense of compassionate love for people, made them want to help people less fortunate than themselves, and generally made them want to be kind and good to fellow human beings, even strangers. Our findings highlight that elevation not only makes us feel more connected toward people we know but also makes us feel compassionate toward people we don’t— even to the point that we’re motivated to make sacrifices for strangers. The study suggests that the elevation we get from films can help us transcend our egocentric bias and forge more compassionate connections to others. Of course, making these positive changes stick is not something that happens overnight. Nor is it enough to see portrayals of moral beauty, kindness, and generosity only every once in a while. For positive media to have strong, lasting effects on us individually or collectively, I believe we need to consume it consistently, over time, just as eating right only once a week does not make us healthier. But it is encouraging to see that these effects are possible, and that our media consumption patterns can be a force for good in the world, not just a way to make media companies rich. The research on positive media is still evolving (and I will be covering more of it in future Greater Good articles). But so far, it suggests that when we select inspiring content on TV, in films, or through social media, we’re not just making ourselves feel good in the moment. We’re nurturing our instincts for compassion and kindness. Sophie H. Janicke originally wrote this for Greater Good. Sophie is an assistant professor in media psychology at Chapman University, studying the power of new and traditional media to inspire consumers to become more prosocial and happy. Follow her on her blog at rewirehappiness.com.


>>> ROAD TRIP | S O U T H E A S T E R N CO N C E R T S A N D E V E N T S BIRMINGHAM

FRIDAY, JUNE 24 Old Crow Medicine Show // Iron City

SATURDAY, JUNE 11 Ira Glass // Alys Stephens Center

SUNDAY, JUNE 12 The Sound of Music // The Alabama Theatre Wired Al Yankovic // Legacy Arena at the BJCC MONDAY, JUNE 13 Jason Mraz // Iron City

TUESDAY, JUNE 14 Kirk Franklin // The Alabama Theatre Brit Floyd // 14 Legacy Arena at the BJCC WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22 Wicked // Legacy Arena at the BJCC

THURSDAY, JUNE 23 Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Kevin Gates // Oak Mountain Amphitheatre SATURDAY, JUNE 25 Brantley Gilbert // Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

SUNDAY, JUNE 12 Lacuna Coil // The Masquerade Bryson Tiller // Chastain Park Amphitheater

MONDAY, JUNE 27 Bring It! Live // The Alabama Theatre

THURSDAY, JUNE 16 Weezer and Panic // Lakewood Amphitheatre

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29 In This Moment // Iron City

NASHVILLE

FRIDAY, JUNE 10 CMA Music Festival // Nissan Stadium

FRIDAY, JUNE 17 Anthony Hamilton and Fantasia // Fabulous Fox Theatre

SUNDAY, JUNE 12 Star Trek/ Into the Darkness // Schermerhorn Symphony Center Harry Connick, Jr. // Ryman Auditorium

SUNDAY, JUNE 19 Frankie Valli // Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Pierce the Veil/ The Misadventures Tour // The Masquerade

SATURDAY, JUNE 11 Opry at the Ryman // Ryman Auditorium Stephen King // Ryman Auditorium

MONDAY, JUNE 13 Harry Connick, Jr // Ryman Auditorium THURSDAY, JUNE 16 Weird Al Yankovic // Grand Ole Opry House SUNDAY, JUNE 19 Ringo Starr and His All Star Band // Ryman Auditorium

MONDAY, JUNE 20 Huey Lewis & The News // Schermerhorn Symphony Center

SATURDAY, JUNE 18 Crock Fest// Lynyrd Skynard // Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Selena Gomez // JUNE 21 TUESDAY, JUNE 28 Slipknot // Bridgestone Arena

ATLANTA

FRIDAY, JUNE 10 Thrice // Tabernacle

SATURDAY, JUNE 11 Harry Connick Jr. // Chastain Park Amphitheatre Keith Urban // Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

THURSDAY, JUNE 16 Weezer and Panic // Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22 Dashboard Confession // Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Wicked // JUNE 22

TUESDAY, JUNE 21 Selena Gomez // Bridgestone Arena

SATURDAY, JUNE 25 Laid Back Festival w/ Gregg Allman // Carl Black Chevy Woods

SUNDAY, JUNE 26 Bob Dylan & Mavis Staples // Carl Black Chevy Woods

Brantley Gilbert // JUNE 25

MONDAY, JUNE 27 Justin Bieber // Bridgestone Arena

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The Hangout 251.948.3030 thehangout1.com

The Nick 2514 10th Ave S 205.252.3831

WorkPlay 500 23rd St S 205.380.4082

Bridgestone Arena 501 Broadway 615.770.2000

Marathon Music Works 1402 Clinton St 615.891.1781

Sloss Furnaces 20 32nd St N 205.324.1911

Zydeco 2001 15th Ave S 205.933.1032

Centennial Olympic Park 265 Park Ave W NW 404.223.4412

Minglewood Hall 1555 Madison Ave 901.312.6058

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 2200 Encore Pkwy 404.733.5010

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS

JUN 9 + JUN 23

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>>> PUZZLEMANIA | C R O S S W O R D P U Z Z L E

Across 1. Elude the doorman 8. Ten Commandments verb 13. Vessel's capacity 14. "Scandal in ___" (Sherlock Holmes story) 16. Unverified 17. Accustoming (to) 18. Figures of speech? 19. Desk phone unit 20. Dispense gossip 21. Twisty turn 22. ____ Bo (exercise system) 23. Letters before tees 25. Wheelchair user's aid 27. ___ Khan (Ismaili Imam) 28. Previously 31. Nancy Pelosi, for one (abbr.) 32. Interacts 33. "My country, ____ of thee..." 36. Of no consequence (to) 40. Hospital area, briefly 41. Perjures oneself 42. Frighten 44. Atlantique, e.g. 45. "Kubla Khan" author's monogram 46. Address used by Uncle Remus 47. Late at night for cellphones, for example 49. Competitor's chance for redemption 52. Bridge support 53. Convenience 54. Committed burglary 55. Like church glass 56. "The best is ___ come" 57. Dancing Fred

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Down 1. Walked decisively 2. Feed 3. In big numbers 4. "___ One Bites the Dust" 5. Syrup brand since 1902 6. President of Disney 7. Beatty and Sparks 8. Avoids 9. Buffalo bunch 10. 1997 Spielberg film 11. Family tree 12. Wrestling partners 14. Whales and elephants, say 15. Rampaging 24. "Will be," in a Doris Day song 25. Romped 26. "...___ worse than death" 29. Poe's "The ___ Heart" 30. She, in Milan 33. Dalton who played 007 34. Like navigable waterways 35. Extra 37. Adriatic country 38. James Bond's cocktail 39. More upright 43. Monstrous alter ego 45. Altercation 48. Attention-getting sound 49. Tabula description 50. Rescue crew, briefly 51. Stew ingredient SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMANIA CROSSWORD ON PAGE 21

>>> PUZZLEMANIA| S U D O K U

It's easy to play Sudoku! Simply fill every column, row and 3x3 box so they contain every number between 1 and 9. The game is easy to play but difficult to master! Solution Page 21

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>>> HOROSCOPES | W E E K L Y O V E R V I E W Finances are in focus this week, with Monday bringing an opportunity to splurge. If you've had your eye on a certain purchase, this could be the time you decide to go for it, no matter how much it costs. On another note, being sensitive to another's feelings might encourage a heart-to-heart talk and prevent a disagreement. The weekend could see you shopping for bargains, with the option of a deal that is too good to pass up. Don't miss out! You'll be in your element this week, enjoying the chance to be your natural, bubbly self. And if you find it difficult to understand where someone is coming from, you'll have plenty of friends to confide in who may be able to offer some advice. With Mars retrograde in your health and lifestyle sector, you'd be wise to pace yourself when it comes to your job and daily tasks. In fact, a daily period of meditation could be very helpful. With a focus on a more introspective sector of your chart, this week's blend of energies could see you taking time out to unwind and put a bit of distance between you and your daily life. With Saturn spinning backward in a key area of your chart, you might be feeling the pressure. The trick to handling this could be to not overburden yourself with unnecessary tasks but allow plenty of leeway. You'll find it easier to cope if you do.

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Your friends look like a positive force in your life this week and in the coming weeks, especially if you're feeling weary after dealing with some challenges. In addition, they could be the ones to boost your confidence if you've felt a tad deflated recently. This is why getting out and about is mandatory for you. You'll benefit from spending time in good company. The solution to key issues may come when your mind is focused on other things. With a focus on your sector of career and ambition, this week looks perfect for making a splash on the stage of life. Even if you've experienced a few difficulties lately, the confidence you get from showcasing your skills and abilities, closing a deal, or securing a new job will encourage you to persevere. You may have a lot on your plate, so one way to make things easier might be to delegate, particularly home and family chores. With a delightful blend of energies showing up in your sector of travel and learning, this is one week when you could be tempted to book a short getaway or longer vacation. The present backdrop reveals that you would benefit greatly from a chance to see your present situation from a fresh perspective. Even an out-of-town gathering or trip to visit family could give you a chance to step back from life and perhaps glean a few insights as a result. Wherever you look there could be temptations to spend your hardearned money. And with the present picture encouraging you to be a little more economical, it could leave you feeling left out. Indeed, friends may be actively encouraging you to splurge. What to do? The answer may lie in being creative with your money. There could be ways to get what you want other than spending cash. Bartering is a potentially useful idea. Don't feel you have to explain yourself to others. You don't. In fact, with Saturn retrograde in your sign and Mars retrograde in a more private part of your chart, you may feel like keeping your innermost thoughts to yourself. There's a reason why this might be good idea, and that's because you're gaining insight into certain challenges or issues. While friends can be excellent confidants, there are times when you need to work things out for yourself. With a focus on your sector of work and lifestyle, this week's bubbly energies could see you eager to take things to the next level. Showcase new skills to prospective employers or talk to your boss about a promotion, because your abilities may be in demand. Regarding exercise, the present picture encourages you to do all in your power to remain as flexible as possible. Yoga, tai chi, or swimming can be helpful for feeling good and keeping joints supple. With your leisure and pleasure sector in focus, the cosmos encourages you to relax and enjoy life. This can be important, considering the present picture, which suggests that you could certainly do with a break. If you've been out of the dating loop for a while, it might be time to have another go if it feels right. Taking up a pastime or enjoying cultural activities could get your creative juices flowing once again, which you might really enjoy.

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There's plenty of activity on the home front, which could mean you'll be eager to entertain friends new and old, impress key people, or simply hang out with close pals. Don't deny yourself this opportunity, because you could do with a chance to unwind and even pamper yourself a little. If you get an invitation to a party, you should definitely accept. In addition, a few spa-related treatments might not go amiss. If it seems like you've reached a stalemate concerning one area of your life, you might have more wiggle room than you think. This week's blend of energies suggests that if you're uncertain as to what your next step should be, it might be wise to slow down for a while. In fact, it may be that you need more information or a chance to upgrade certain skills in order to tackle current challenges.

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JUN 9 + JUN 23

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>>> C O M M U N I T Y A R T S

CALL FOR ARTISTS

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he University of Alabama Department of Art and Art History announces a call for entries for the second Alabama National Biennial Juried Art Exhibition, open to all artists, 18 years or older. The prospectus is attached. The postmark deadline for entries is July 16, 2016. The Exhibition: The Alabama National exhibition will be held August 15 – September 2, 2016, in The University of Alabama’s Sella-Granata Art Gallery, in historic Woods Hall, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. A reception will be held Thursday, August 18, and will be open to the public. The Juror: Barb Bondy is a visual artist and Professor of Art in the Department of Art and Art History at Auburn University where she served as exhibitions and lectures coordinator from 2003 through 2012. She received an MFA at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a BFA at the University of Windsor, Canada. Bondy, who is a recipient of an Alabama State Council on the Arts Fellowship, is currently involved in a collaborative research project with cognitive scientists Dr. Jeffrey Katz and Martha Forloines. The project titled, Drawing and Cognitive Neuroscience, bridges art and neuroscience and aims to study drawing practice from a cognitive perspective and the impact learning to draw has on the brain. Bondy’s creative research interests in metacognition (thinking about thinking) have been explored primarily through drawing and photography. For the past 15 years, Bondy has taught drawing classes from introductory through advanced levels. Additionally, she has taught drawing classes with the Alabama Prison Art + Education Project (2005-2011). Her artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally and she has presented papers on the topic of her work and on drawing practice at regional, national and international conferences. The prospectus and more information is on our website: http://art.ua.edu/galleries/alabama-national/ http://art.ua.edu/news/ua-announces-second-alabama-national/

Graphite on Stonehenge, 2012 by Bar Bondy

BAMA ART HOUSE FILM SERIES SUMMER 2016

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ONGOING & UPCOMING EXHIBITS ACOUSTIC NIGHT NOW-JUN 25 Made in Alabama, Wiregrass Museum of Art, Dothan NOW-JUN 30 Deborah Hughes: On the Rocks, Wellness Walls for Art, University Medical Center JUN 1-30 Collins Folk Art Collection, Kentuck Gallery; Scott McQueen: Clarke Gallery, Northport JUN 3-JUL 29 Paintings by David Gosselin, UA Gallery and Arts Council Gallery, DWCAC, Tuscaloosa JUL 1-31 Community Postcard Show, Kentuck Gallery; David Betak, Clarke Gallery, Northport AUG 4 Art Night at Kentuck: Laquita Thomson, Kentuck Gallery; Anne Stickney, Clarke Gallery, Northport (through Aug 31) AUG 15-SEP 1 Alabama National Exhibition, Sella-Granata Art Gallery, UA SEP 2 First Friday Reception, UAB/UA Faculty Exhibition, DWCAC, 5-8 pm AUG 5-SEP 30 UAB/UA Faculty Exhibition, Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center, Tuscaloosa SEP 14-OCT 31 Smithsonian exhibit: Hometown Teams: How Sports Shape America, Black Belt Museum,sponsored by the University of West Alabama

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JUN 9 + JUN 23

AT THE BAMA THEATRE: SALLY BARRIS

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he Arts Council of Tuscaloosa will present Sally Barris & The Birmingham Boys in concert on Acoustic Night, June 24, 2016, at 7:30 p.m. at the Bama Theatre’s Greensboro Room. Cover charge is $10 with a full service bar available. Sally Barris is an A-list Nashville songwriter who has had songs covered by such top-level artists as Kathy Mattea, Martina McBride and Lee Ann Womack. Her song “Let the Wind Chase You”, recorded by Trisha Yearwood and Keith Urban, received a Grammy nomination for vocal collaboration in 2009. While her writing credits mightily impress, fans and peers are most captivated by her bright spirit and expressive mountain soprano. Dirty Linen says “Barris knows how to write lyrics that are as forthright as a stream of clear water and how to support them with melodies that share that quality.” She also performs with dobro player and guitarist Chas Williams and mandolin player Jason Bailey as "Sally Barris & The Birmingham Boys". The Minnesota native has performed Mountain Stage, New Bedford Summer Fest, Wildflower Arts & Music Festival and The Kerrville Folk Festival. She is currently touring with her new cd, “The Road in Me”.

he Bama Art House Film Series Summer 2016 will begin on June 14 and will feature six films. A program of The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa, the series will offer a wide variety for all fans of the big screen with a mix of comedy, fantasy, thriller, foreign and biopic. Screenings will take place at the Bama Theatre on Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m. with the box office opening at 6:30 p.m. and doors at 6:45 p.m. Discount Punchcard Tickets ($60) will be available at the door prior to screenings and will be good for any 10 Bama Art House films. Single Tickets will be priced at $8 general, $7 seniors & students and $6 Arts Council members. Patrons can visit bamatheatre.org/bamaarthouse to view the list of films, details and accompanying trailers. June 14: The Meddler June 21: Green Room June 28: Miles Ahead

July 5: The Lobster July 12: High-Rise July 19: Marguerite

Left Hand Soap Company will sponsor “Green Room” and “Miles Ahead”. The mission of the Bama Art House series is to bring current and contemporary independent film to West Alabama, transforming the historic Bama Theatre into a cinematic art house. The Bama Theatre is located at 600 Greensboro Avenue in Downtown Tuscaloosa. For more information about The Arts Council or Bama Theatre, patrons should LIKE the Facebook page “The Arts Council – Bama Theatre – Cultural Arts Center” and follow tuscarts on Twitter. Call 205-758-5195 or visit bamatheatre.org for further information.

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>>> H I G H T I D E S P O R T S | GARY HARRIS

GARY JOHNSON UPDATE

JUCO LB COMMIT FEELS LIKE A FIT AT BAMA

Alabama 2017 linebacker commit Gary Johnson of Dodge City CC in Dodge, KS was in Tuscaloosa recently on an unofficial visit. It was the second time the 6-1, 217-pound Johnson had visited the UA campus. "I thought it was a great visit," Johnson says. "I got to speak with the coaches and with several of the players. I got a good vibe from all of them. I felt like I could fit in playing there." Among the players that Johnson spent time with were linebackers Reuben Foster, Mack Wilson, Ben Davis, safety Eddie Jackson and running back Bo Scarbrough, "They were mainly asking me how I felt about being there," Johnson says. "They asked me if I felt comfortable and they were telling me that I could come in and make an impact." Johnson also had a brief meeting with Coach Saban. "He had just flown back (from the SEC meetings in Destin) and I got to talk with him for a few minutes," Johnson says. "He was telling me that I look like I'm getting bigger. He said that he could tell I've been working out hard. I took a picture with him and that was about it." Johnson met with defensive coordinator/inside linebackers coach Jeremy Pruitt. "We went over some of the defense," Johnson says. "He told me that if you can count to three, that you can play inside linebacker in their defense. Everything he showed me was pretty simple. It didn't seem very complicated at all. "They want me to play inside. I've never played anywhere but inside linebacker, so I feel good about that." Johnson says that, overall, the visit was great. He plans to visit "some other schools" at a later date. "I really don't know which other schools I'll visit yet," he says. "There are some schools I like that are close to offering. I want to see which ones offer before deciding where I'll visit." Where does his commitment to Alabama stand? "I feel like it's very strong," Johnson says. "I like everything about Alabama. But I want to look at some of the other schools, too." Some of the other schools that have offered Johnson include Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Ohio State.

and the staff is said to be extremely high on him. He has a strong arm and he's very dangerous on the run. Perhaps the most impressive thing is how quickly Hurts has grasped the offense. It wouldn't be a total surprise if he played next season. It will be very interesting to see how he progresses in August camp.

RUNNING BACK B.J. EMMONS

Given the Tide's lack of depth at running back, Emmons will almost certainly play next season. He's got a lot to learn, but Emmons is a 230-plus pound back with excellent speed, power and the versatility to catch the ball out of the backfield and line up in the slot. The Alabama staff is said to be very excited about his potential to contribute early.

LINEBACKER BEN DAVIS

Alabama needs immediate depth at inside linebacker. The 6-4, 240-pound Davis is raw, but he's a great athlete, with the size and speed the Tide is looking for. If he can make a quick adjustment and learn his assignments, Davis might push to join the two-deep. Again, the need for depth inside makes Davis a key newcomer to watch.

BAMA FRESHMAN UPDATE Five newcomers to watch

Now that most of the newcomers are on campus, speculation about which ones might play next season will begin ramping up. Last season, 12 true freshmen saw action. In this year's incoming class, several might play on special teams and in reserve roles. Which ones might make the biggest impact? It's way too early to answer that question. But here's a look at five freshmen to watch.

OT JONAH WILLIAMS

Williams enrolled early and turned heads throughout spring drills. The 6-5, 294-pounder worked at both tackle spots. He ended spring with the first unit at right tackle. Heading into summer, it appears that Williams has an inside track to start the opener vs USC. Regardless, he's a special young talent with a very bright future.

TIGHT END MILLER FORRISTALL

Another early enrollee who had a fantastic spring. Forristall was very impressive in every scrimmage, including the A-Day game when he was leading receiver. The 6-5, 228-pounder needs to get bigger, but his knack for getting open and catching the ball should help him get on the field early.

QUARTERBACK JALEN HURTS

Yet another early enrollee who had an impressive spring. Many expect the 6-1, 210-pound Hurts to redshirt, because Nick Saban rarely plays a true freshman QB. But keep a close eye on Hurts. He made great strides in the spring

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JUN 9 + JUN 23

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