PLANET WEEKLY 516 by The Planet Weekly

// IN THIS ISSUE DEF JAM CUDDLES AND MORE HEART MATTERS ROLLING WITH IT ARTS JOINT

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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

Planet Weekly P. O . B o x 2 3 1 5 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 Phone: 205.792.7239 Email: publisher@theplanetweek ly.com Please direct correspondence to: publisher@theplanetweekly.com The Planet Weekly is a proud member of The West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. © 2015 All rights reserved. THE PLANET WEEKLY is a registered trademark. 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.

9 BEER/WINE REVIEWS 10 IN THE KITCHEN

STORIES

4 CUDDLEFIX: THE POWER OF TOUCH // REGGIE ALLEN

14 PET PLANET

The band 311 is as intent as ever on making new albums, and in fact could finish its next studio album before the end of the year.

7 TOYBOX BISTRO: GOOD VIBES, GOOD EATS //

REGGIE ALLEN

Located near UA-Huntsville, Toybox Bistro is the newest eatery for sci-fi enthusiasts. Bistro caters to the inner fanboy and reeks of nostalgia.

6 HEART HEALTH // RACHEL STEINER

Every 34 seconds someone has a heart attack and every 60 seconds someone dies of a heart related condition in the U.S. Cardiovascular diseases claim more lives than all other cancers combined.

16 DEF LEPPARD: THE ALBUM // ALAN SCULLEY

A new Def Leppard album is big news. Four or five years passed between 1983’s “Pyromania,” 1987’s “Hysteria” and 1992’s “Adrenalize.”

22 COMMUNITY ARTS // RACHEL DOBSON, KEVIN LEDGEWOOD

Exhibits and more.

RESTAURANT GUIDE

15 MOVIE REVIEWS 17 EVENTS 19 ROAD TRIP 20 PUZZLEMANIA / EDITORIAL CARTOON 21 HOROSCOPE

HIGH TIDE SPORTS 23 RECRUIT UPDATE GARY HARRIS

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Photos Courtesy of CuddleFix

CUDDLEFIX // THE POWER OF TOUCH

sking Amy McKnight what she does for a living makes for great conversation. Her office space fluctuates between her bedroom and living room sofa. She is a professional cuddler, and she found her calling via a Craigslist ad. A nurse at the time, the 42-year-old found a posting for a cuddling company called Cuddlefix. She thought it would be a great idea. Now she is the Co-Owner and Director of Operations. Launched in November, Cuddlefix is the brainchild of Alabama native Aaron Heine. The company allows clients to hire professional snugglers, or CuddlePros, for hour-long or overnight sessions. An hourlong session will cost you $60, while an overnight stay will set you back $400. According to McKnight, Heine chose to launch the company in Birmingham because there weren’t any other professional cuddling services active in the South. With many rival companies only operating in large cities like Los Angeles and New York, he saw it as an opportunity to fill a niche. Almost a year later, the company has vastly expanded. There are now CuddlePros stationed throughout Alabama and in a few select cities, including Washington D.C, San Francisco and Philadelphia. One thing that sets Cuddlefix apart from the others is the ability for clients to communicate with CuddlePros before booking a session. By adding this interactive function, clientele can ask questions and voice their concerns. This also helps weed out those who think the company is a sex service. Like any professional company, there are boundaries. Sessions are strictly nonsexual and completely platonic, which means no kissing or funny business. But McKnight isn’t foreign to natural body responses. With a majority of her clients being men, a common concern is what would happen if they became aroused. In actuality, she said it happens almost every time. “As long as my clients don’t do not act on it, I do not call attention to it,” McKnight explained. “Something I have learned is that once the male brain realizes that sex is off the table, arousal rarely last more than 5-10 minutes.” With an average of 10 sessions a week, McKnight found that CuddlePros over the age of 34 are more likely to get booked. She said it is because clients don’t want to feel like they are cuddling with someone their daughter or grandchild’s age. Ideally, they want someone they can hold an intelligent conversation with. “I don’t look like a super model.” McKnight mused. “I’m not 20. I’m decently attractive and a little overweight. It is not all about the physical, but the emotional.” Though it pays well, McKnight doesn’t just do it for the money. She saw it as an alternative to online dating, where people can be themselves with her. In the past, a recently divorced McKnight tried to give love another chance, and created an online dating profile. After a trial run, she

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“We all need somebody to touch. We are not made to be alone.” found that cyber courting wasn’t her cup of tea. It was tedious, repetitive and she still felt lonely. “You go out on first dates and you get tired of it and feel alone,” McKnight said. “You might go out to dinner and they are not the person they say they are. I got frustrated with that.” McKnight said it is a misconception that cuddling sessions are a form of an escorting. Cuddlefix’s goal is only to provide interaction and connection through touch, a therapeutic and platonic form of intimacy. “We all need somebody to touch,” McKnight said. “We are not made to be alone.” Studies have shown that daily touch, such as a handshake or a hug, releases Oxytocin, a hormone that can combat stress and lower one’s blood pressure. Naturally, that is why most of their employment ads are placed in hospitals. Like McKnight, most CuddlePros are either nurses or have some experience in the medical field. “We look for people that are used to touching people already,” McKnight said. “People that are used to being passionate and empathetic. That was the vision that I brought to the company and that is what keeps clients coming back.” When speaking with potential clients, she will always ask them what they expect from the service. Seldom is it sexual. Many of them just want to be held and

validated, something that most psychiatrists and psychologists can’t and won’t do. “When you cry, they [professionals] won’t hold you,” McKnight said. “They won’t wipe away your tears. We can.” McKnight prefers to host her clients at her house. With a five-foot-ten stature and ten years as a psych nurse, she said she can handle her own. Working from home permits McKnight’s clients to feel like they are in a safe zone. Describing it like a desert island, her house is a place where they can be themselves, without fear of rejection. On the contrary, McKnight said her job isn’t always about touching, but being there for her clients, helping them feel validated. “I have had three clients over forty that were virgins. They came to me for lessons on how to talk to and approach a woman.” McKnight’s belief is that Cuddlefix is to act as a Band-Aid. It isn’t about love, it is about connection. In actuality, many of her clients aren’t looking for love. Many of them are doctors and lawyers, who don’t have the time

to a nurture a relationship. Then there are those that are recently divorced and aren’t ready to date. The other half of her clientele are married, but use the service because they have lost a connection with their spouse or significant other. The CuddlePro explained that a lack of communication and touch is what truly ruins marriages. During their sessions, clients often speak of neglect they receive from their partners. She added that many clients get wrapped up in their life that they lose insight of what they have at home. “When you get my age, you learn to be want to be with someone who is in the moment with you, where it’s not just pick up the kids, go home, make dinner, watch a little T.V and go to bed. If my client’s spouses spent ten minutes with them a night holding them. I wouldn’t have a job.”

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NEWS

MBC Small Business Diversity Summit Welcomes Nichelle Nix, Sylvester Hester Glory Bound Gyro Co. Hosts July’s Breakfast & Biz Chamber members enjoyed networking over breakfast at Glory Bound Gyro Co.’s downtown location Tuesday, as the restaurant’s Nick Chichester served up a selection of fruits and muffins, bacon, sausage, eggs and pancakes. One lucky attendee won a $40 Glory Bound gift certificate. The event was held in Glory Bound’s top floor space, which Chichester says is available for private parties and meeting space. Glory Bound provides catering on and off site.

Hale County College and Career Academy Holds Ribbon Cutting Hale County College and Career Academy officially opened its doors July 19, in a ceremony that included musical and theatrical performances, as well as a guided tour of the facility. Following a welcome by Dexter Thornton, Chairman of the Hale County Board of Education, Superintendent Osie A. Pickens explained the school system’s plans for the facility. “Five years ago there was a vision,” Pickens said. “We wanted something to benefit the students as well as the community.” Pickens said the career academy is the hub of the school system and will prepare the students for one of three paths when the exit the system -- college, the workforce or the military. In addition to offering a full range of classes including STEM / robotics, industrial maintenance, hospitality, tourism, culinary arts, and more, the center will offer night classes. Pickens also said the academy will feature Family Movie Nights that will be open to the public, in the facility’s theater, which has more than 500 seats and a state-of-the art sound system. A community meet and greet night will be held August 18, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a tour and free movie. Teachers will be there to share information about their programs.

Sylvester Hester, President of ARD Logistics-Alabama, addressed a packed house July 21 as keynote speaker of the Minority Business Council’s 2nd Annual Small Business Diversity Summit. Hester told the audience that who you are in business determines your company’s culture, which in turn determines your employees’ motivation. That in turn affects output, which determines your company’s growth. A panel discussion, moderated by Nichelle Nix, Director of the Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs, featured Caramyl Drake, Community Relations Program Manager for the City of Tuscaloosa; Mildred Black, Human Resources Director for DCH Health System; Dr. Robert Prescott, Director of Corporate Engagement for the University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies; and Jim Page, President and CEO, Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. “We promote and encourage diversity through education,” Black said. “We can’t just be comfortable with people who only look just like us.” Black explained the DCH System performs outreach recruitment on many levels, and she believes there is opportunity for growth in West Alabama. “It is a great time to be in business in West Alabama. The business environment is ripe with opportunities.” Page addressed the challenges the Chamber of Commerce faces in attracting minorityowned business owners. “There’s been a perception the Chamber is an organization for older white men,” he said. “Our Chamber is a much more diverse Chamber.” Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington was on hand for the event, giving an update on new regulations that will impact overtime pay for workers in Alabama. Washington said up to 60,000 employees in Alabama will be impacted by the overtime law. The Diversity Summit also featured a range of vendors and training sessions targeted at moving businesses forward. During the first session, Jarvis Morehead of Renasant Bank walked attendees through the pitfalls of applying for a bank loan, and Henry Perkins of Kiva explained peer-to-peer lending. During the second training session, Scott Stewart of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs discussed the Office of Minority Business Enterprise Certification, explaining how the office can offer assistance to attendees.

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

HEART HEALTH

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THE ASTONISHING TAPES // ROBIN BLASER

t will probably take you roughly 5 minutes to read this article about heart health. In this 5-minute span of time roughly 9 people will have a heart attack and 5 people die of a heart related condition. Statistically in the United States, every 34 seconds someone has a heart attack and every 60 seconds someone dies of a heart related condition. Cardiovascular diseases claim more lives than all other cancers combined. Unfortunately according to research, Alabama as a state is the second to Mississippi as most deadly state in the country based on heart disease death rates. Heart disease generally refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain, or stroke. Other conditions, such as those that affect your heart’s muscle, valves or rhythm, also are considered forms of heart disease. It is the leading cause of death in the United States and claims more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Typically when people think of heart disease, it is thought that more men are affected than women however this is not true. According to statistics, since 1984 women than men have died each year from heart disease. This is because men on average develop heart disease 10-15 years earlier than women, usually during the prime of their life, which raises more concern and awareness. There are many contributors to heart disease and the good news is many of them are controllable and are a direct result of how we take care of ourselves and live. Unfortunately there are also some risk factors beyond our control such as genetics. Some risk factors that increase the chance of heart disease that are controllable include: smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, a poor diet, obesity, uncontrolled high blood pressure,

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excessive drinking, high cholesterol, and high stress levels. There are also risk factors beyond our control that lead to heart disease such as ethnicity, age, and genetics that are passed down from our parents. There are many different signs and symptoms of heart disease that can make it difficult to know you actually have a problem. Some common signs include: Anxiety-heart attack survivors often talk about having experienced a sense of impending doom, chest discomfort, cough, dizziness, fatigue, rapid or irregular pulse, shortness of breath, sweating, weakness, nausea, and loss of appetite. If someone is having a heart attack, the pain can actually refer to other parts of the body besides the chest, including the jaw, shoulders, arm, back, and stomach. Unfortunately despite all these common symptoms, the most common sign of a heart condition is nothing at all. This is why heart disease is termed the “silent killer”, because it a lot of times people do not know they any problems at all until they have a heart attack or die suddenly. This is why it is so important to be checked regularly for possible heart conditions, especially if it runs in your family. Fortunately, there are many things we can do to prevent heart disease from forming. These include: avoiding the use of tobacco, exercise for 30-60 minutes daily, lowering our stress level, eating a healthy diet, getting proper rest, and taking vitamins such as fish oil, garlic, Co-Q 10, and Vitamin D. So you have the facts about heart disease, causes, signs and symptoms, and ways to take care of yourself to lower your chances. As you read, heart disease is the silent killer so don’t assume you are healthy just because you “feel fine”. Take action of your heart health now, lets change the statistics and make Alabama a healthier state one person at a time.

obin Blaser moved from his native Idaho to attend the University of California, Berkeley, in 1944. While there, he developed as a poet, explored his homosexuality, engaged in a lively arts community, and met fellow travelers and poets Robert Duncan and Jack Spicer. The three men became the founding members of the Berkeley core of what is now known as the San Francisco Renaissance in New American Poetry. In the company of a small group of friends and writers in 1974, Blaser was asked to narrate his personal story and to comment on the Berkeley poetry scene. In twenty autobiographical audiotapes, Blaser talks about his childhood in Idaho, his time in Berkeley, and his participation in the making of a new kind of poetry. The Astonishment Tapes is the expertly edited transcript of these recordings by Miriam Nichols, Blaser’s editor and biographer. In The Astonishment Tapes Blaser comments extensively on the poetic principles that he, Duncan, and Spicer worked through, as well as the differences and dissonances between the three of them. Nichols has edited the transcripts only minimally, allowing readers to make their own interpretations of Blaser’s intentions. Sometimes gossipy, sometimes profound, Blaser offers his version on the inside story of one of the most significant moments in mid-twentieth century American poetry. The Astonishment Tapes is of considerable value and interest, not only to readers of Blaser, Duncan, and Spicer, but also to scholars of the early postmodern and twentieth-century American poetry. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Robin Blaser was a pathbreaking poet and, along with Jack Spicer and Robert Duncan, a founding member of the San Francisco Renaissance in poetry. His work has been recognized with Canada’s most distinguished literary awards—a Griffin Award for lifetime achievement and the Griffin Poetry Prize for his collected poems. He was also made a member of the Order of Canada for his contribution to the arts. Miriam Nichols is the editor of The Holy Forest: Collected Poems of Robin Blaser and The Fire:

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Collected Essays of Robin Blaser. REVIEWS "Long heralded yet elusively withheld, The Astonishment Tapes by Robin Blaser has finally found its way to publication. This first-person statement of personal poetics is a landmark text for the study of post-WWII American poetry . . ." —Bookslut “The Astonishment Tapes will now take its place within the growing field of international research about postwar American poetry's important contribution to world literature. Miriam Nichols has once again done exceptional scholarship.” —Peter Gizzi, editor of The House That Jack Built: The Collected Lectures of Jack Spicer

The University of Alabama Press is a proud member of the Association of American University Presses. The Press currently publishes 70-75 new titles a year and has over 1,800 titles in print. It is a founding member of the University Press Content Consortium and is at the cutting edge of digital publishing. The Press is the publishing arm of the University of Alabama.

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Photos Courtesy of Reggie Allen

TOYBOX BISTRO: GOOD VIBES, GREAT EATS

heme restaurants are a dime a dime a dozen. These places rely on gimmicks Think the infamous “pieces of flare” from Office Space. But we lovegimmicks. Just make sure the food is good. Restaurants are for eating, and the rest is extra. It is all about originality and a little passion, and no one knows that better than Michelle Timon. Huntsville residents might know Timon as the founder of the Huntsville and Madison Anime Convention (HAMACON). This spring, she has now gained the official title of restauranteur. Located near UA-Huntsville, Toybox Bistro is the newest eatery for sci-fi enthusiasts. A passion project of Timon and her late husband, Bistro caters to the inner fanboy and reeks of nostalgia. Walking in, the mom and pop shop is reminiscent of a comic book store. X-Wings and Tai fighters hang from the ceiling in suspended battle, the walls are adorned with relics from science fiction lore and cavalcades of action figures are strategically placed in every corner. But unlike a comic book store, Bistro smells like a fresh, home-cooked meal. Arriving shortly after the lunch rush, we were immediately seated. Oddly enough, it was a hardship to find a place to sit. But it was not due to a lack of seating space. Tables are individually decorated with popular trading cards and trivia. Do we sit at the Pokémon or Magic: The Gathering table? Tough choices. Ultimately, we opted for the Dragon Ball Z booth. Bistro offers the standard restaurant appetizers, such as nachos, wings and

sliders. The thickly-sliced Fried Wickles (7.99), their take on the crispy delicacy, were a bit on the large side but did not lack in flavor. The hand-breaded, fried veggies went great with a cool side of ranch dressing. With options like the Redneck Luigi,

Northside Hero and the toppings-heavy Obligatory Ridiculous Burger, it was difficult picking our main entrées. In addition to this, Bistro offers several daily and weekly specials. Unfortunately, we decided to play it safe, but it was no loss. The Meatloaf (12.99), a succulent slab

of beef, was a piece of heaven served with onions, peppers and a dollop of creamy white sauce and gravy. The meal came with a choice of two sides. I got their notoriously famous Waffled Mac n’ Cheese and tangy baked beans. Our server provided us with an extra side of gravy to dip the cheesy bites in. A must. The Pot Roast Hoagie (10.99), a slowcooked pot roast with melted Gouda on a baguette, was a savory sandwich worthy of a medal. Once again, a side of gravy makes for a perfect dipping sauce. My guest played it safe with a side of French fries. Lacking in the liquor department, the establishment offers a wide variety of local craft beers, ciders and ales, which wash the meal down just right. Bistro’s lack of dessert options was a bit disappointing, but did not affect the overall dining experience. Before leaving, it is highly recommended to walk around and look at the collectables and memorabilia. With a myriad menu items left to conquer, Bistro is definitely worth multiple visits. We will be back. Toybox Bistro is located at 511 Jordan LN NW, Huntsville, Al 35805 and is open on Monday to Thursday from 10:30 A.M. to 10 P.M. and Friday to Saturday from 10:30 A.M. to midnight.

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GHOST IN THE MACHINE // DOUBLE INDIA PALE ALE

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LINDEMANS CABERNET SAUVIGNON50

s we’ve mentioned before, there are certain beers that gain a bit of attention from craft enthusiasts around the country. If it’s hops, it’s Heady Topper, if it’s stouts, it’s Bourbon County, but sometimes there are beers that fly below that radar and really pack a punch full of surprises. Such is the case for a double IPA brewed in the town of Broussard, LA, by a company called Parish Brewing. You may have heard of Ghost in the Machine before, but if you haven’t, you’re not alone. It’s not as sought after as many beers, but I’m here to tell you that it definitely should be. Luckily, I have a friend in Lake Charles that had easy access to this brew, so I requested a 4-pack and it was delivered. Here are my thoughts: Let it be known that this only the second beer I’ve had from Parish, but both were extremely impressive and I cannot wait to seek out more. I poured this in a pub-style pint glass to get a good look at the beer. Before anything else, I noticed that the color was much lighter than I was expecting. There were hop particles floating all through the beer and when I saw that, I got too excited, because I knew that this was going to be good. The aroma is more complex than a lot of beers I’ve had lately. You get a ton of grapefruit and lemon with a nice biscuity backbone that compliments an earthiness I wasn’t expecting. It smells amazing. The taste is something special and almost unlike anything I’ve experienced before. It almost directly follows the nose, but my God is this a juicy beer. People throw that term around a good bit and really undermine what it really means. This is maybe one of three beers I can wholeheartedly give that endorsement to. First you get this intense taste of grapefruit and pine, but as the sip continues, the grapefruit turns to lemon and the pine changes to a maltier flavor to even out the taste. The flavor is so well rounded and it’s easy to pinpoint the different profiles that shine at different times. It takes someone with a real understanding of brewing techniques and flavor profiles to execute something this intense and wonderful. Mouthfeel was done so that the hops could continue to be magnified. Low carbonation levels and medium body continue to let the hops shine through. Everything was creamy and smooth and had great head retention all the way down the glass and created beautiful lacing. Overall, this is one beer I hope to drink many more of in the future. The amazing flavors and complex body allow the hops to shine and take center stage. If you’re looking for something that appeals to your inner hop head, I suggest finding someone near the brewery to pick up some for you. You will not be disappointed. Cheers.

oved by wine drinkers around the world, Lindemans has a record of consistent quality achieved by blending the best parcels of fruit from each vintage. APPEARANCE In the glass, Lindemans Cabernet Sauvignon is dark cherry in color and a reasonable amount of light shines through. It’s definitely not a dark Cabernet. It’s very leggy, with most legs falling slowly down the sides of the glass. AROMA The aroma is fairly powerful. After pouring, I noticed it from a good foot or so away from the glass. I would describe the aroma as a black cherry candy cane. Or at least, how that might smell. Up close you get more cherry and a good sting of alcohol in the nose. A fresh swirl of the wine in the glass seemed to release more “sting.” Lindemans Cabernet Sauvignon alcohol content 13.5% by volume per the bottle. TASTE I found the flavor to be a bit washed out.

There were probably some berries in there, but unfortunately there was also a bitterness that seemed to dominate the wine’s flavor. A fresh pour helped a bit, with the berry flavor coming through more strongly. MOUTHFEEL & TANNINS The wine starts with a juicy mouthfeel but transitions to a more wool-like feel fairly quickly. Tannins are very evident and I found them to settle behind my lower lip. The fresh pour brought slightly more balanced tannins. FINISH The wine finishes long with a continuing bitterness and an aftertaste that was difficult to describe. I didn’t like it. OVERALL OPINION Overall, I can’t say I enjoyed this wine. I asked a couple people (who’s palates I trust) to try a fresh bottle I went out and bought. Their comments were not all that favorable either. Oh well… I can’t love them all! Lindemans Cabernet Sauvignon price $5.99.

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>>> RESTAURANTS |

FOUR RECIPES USING REFRIGERATED CRESCENT ROLLS

BREAKFAST / LUNCH Brown Bag

If you have refrigerated crescent rolls on hand, and are tired of having them as a side dish at dinner, try one of these recipes to prepare something different for dinner tonight. Crescent rolls are very versatile and can be used in casseroles, as crusts, and even in desserts.

ONE DISH BREAKFAST 1 can crescent rolls 1/2 lb. ground sausage 1 1/2 cups hash browns, thawed

3 eggs 1/2 c. grated cheddar cheese

CHEESY CASSEROLE 1 lb. hamburger 3/4 c. sour cream 1/4 c. chopped onion 3 oz. mozzarella cheese, grated 1 8-oz. can tomato sauce 2 oz. cheddar cheese, grated 1 pkg. spaghetti sauce mix salt and pepper 1 small can mushrooms, optional 1 can crescent rolls 1/4 c. chopped green pepper, optional Brown meat and onion. Add tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce mix and optional green pepper, and mushrooms. Salt and pepper to taste. In a 9 x 9" baking dish, layer meat mixture, then sour cream, then cheese. Place unrolled crescent rolls on top to make crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

2 cans crescent rolls, not separated 1/2 tbsp. garlic salt 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 2 c. cauliflower, finely chopped 3/4 c. mayonnaise or miracle whip 2 c. broccoli, finely chopped 1/2 c. sour cream 3 carrots, shredded 1 tbsp. dill weed 3/4 c. shredded Cheddar cheese Line bottom and sides of ungreased jelly roll pan with crescent rolls. Bake as directed on package until golden brown. Cool. Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, dill weed and garlic salt until creamy. Spread over crust. Press cauliflower and broccoli into dip mixture. Sprinkle with carrots and cheese. Chill completely before serving. Serves 24 or more.

CountryPride Restaurant 3501 Buttermilk Rd // 554.0215 www.ta.travelcenters.com Breakfast 24 hours. Lunch and Dinner buffet. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 4800 Doris Pate Dr | Exit 76 // 562.8282 www.crackerbarrel.com International House of Pancakes 724 Skyland Blvd // 366.1130

Mr. Bill's Family Restaurant 2715 McFarland Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 333.9312 Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd *402 | Tuscaloosa // 366.8780 Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip | Tuscaloosa // 342.0022 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.

2 tsp. grated lemon peel 1/2 c. melted butter 1/3 c. dry bread crumbs 2 cans crescent rolls

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine cream cheese, sugar, egg yolks. Beat at medium speed until well blended and smooth. Stir in raisins and lemon peel. Set aside. Open package of rolls and roll out to 1/4 inch thickness. Spread with 1/2 bread crumbs and cream cheese mixture. Roll and seal end. Repeat with other package of rolls. Place on cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees until brown and golden. Brush with milk before baking.

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of five. For more recipes, gardening, organizing tips, home decorating, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com.

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

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

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

ITALIAN

Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.345.4343

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

CREAM CHEESE STRUDEL

AUG 4 + AUG 18

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.

Iguana Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 752.5895

VEGGIE PIZZA

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.

Jack's 1200 Hackberry Lane | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199

Spread crescent rolls on cookie sheet. Seal all seams and curl up edges slightly. Pour over rolls the drained and cooked sausage, then uncooked hash browns, beaten eggs, and cheese. Season to taste. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 40 minutes.

4 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese 1/2 c. sugar 3 egg yolks 1/2 c. light raisins

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

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

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

>>> 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. Logan's Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd E // 349.3554 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 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

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 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 WingZone 1241 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 342.2473

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 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 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

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

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

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

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. 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. 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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AUG 4 + AUG 18

>>> RESTAURANTS |

W H E R E TO E AT I N T U S C A LO O S A (CO N T.)

Chang’s Chinese Restaurant 1825 McFarland Blvd N // 391.9131 China Fun 2600 University Blvd | Alberta City // 553.2435 Chongwah Express 1425 McFarland Boulevard, Northport. 333-1088 Hot Wok Express 6751 Alabama 69, Tuscaloosa // 758.0148 Lee Palace 6521 Highway 69 S // 391.9990 / Open daily 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. 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 Pearl Garden 2719 Lurleen Wallace Blvd | Northport // 339.0880 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. 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

McAlister’s Deli (2 locations) 101 15th St | Tuscaloosa // 758.0039 3021 Tyler Dr | Northport // 330.7940 Sandwiches, salads and spuds www.mcalistersdeli.com Momma Goldberg’s Deli 409 23rd Ave // 345.5501 |www.mommagoldbergs.com Newk's 205 University Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 758.2455 Schlotsky’s Deli 405 15th St. E // 759.1975 // schlotskys.com Which Wich University Blvd.// Downtown Tuscaloosa // Mon – Sat 10:30 – 9 // Sunday 11 – 7 // Fresh ingredients, great sandwiches. 764.1673

ASIAN CUISINE

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. 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

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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AUG 4 + AUG 18

>>> PET PLANET

HONEY // NOTHING IS SWEETER!

POCO // SWEET SENIOR!

Honey is a 1 1/2 year old female yellow lab mix with a smooth yellow/white coat and weighs about 40 pounds. This sweet girl has come a long way from when HSWA first took her on! One of our volunteers was very concerned about some super skinny dogs at one of her neighbors. She discovered the person could not afford to feed or have vet care for his dogs. He let her take the worst of the group. This was Honey. She was about 30 pounds and was heartworm positive. And practically scared of her own shadow. Honey successfully completed heartworm treatment and is now much more confident as we continue to work on her social skills. She is usually shy and submissive with strangers, but given a little time to warm up she wants to be wherever you are and wherever the action is! Honey is young and has a great deal of energy and requires lots exercise and structure, but she repays you a thousand fold with lots of love and kisses. She is great with other dogs and cats. Honey is crate trained and pretty much house trained. She is up to date on her vet care, heartworm negative and is spayed. She is on heartworm and flea/tick prevention.

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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.

This beauty is Poco, a senior at 11 years old . She is also declawed. Her previous owner moved and could no longer keep her. She is a sweet girl, but is a little cautious of her new environment. She loves little cubby holes. She rolls over so she can have her belly rubbed. She would do best in a home where she is the only pet. She is house trained, spayed, and up to date on her vaccinations. She would do best in a home without other cats and dogs. If you are interested in giving HONEY or POCO 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.

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GHOSTBUSTERS // ESTROGEN-ENGINEERED ★★★

OU T OF 4

isogynists may not be the only ones that abhor the Sony/Columbia Pictures remake of director Ivan Reitman’s vintage comedy “Ghostbusters” (1984) starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, and Sigourney Weaver. Some moviegoers hate remakes whether the films are good or bad, but 32 years have intervened since “Ghostbusters” came out and made a mint. “Bridesmaids” director Paul Feig, who has rebooted “Ghostbusters”with Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones as the eponymous protagonists, hasn’t tampered with the formula that made the original so popular as much as he has retooled it for contemporary tastes. Aside from Bill Murray’s shtick, the original “Ghostbusters” qualified as amusing, superficial hokum, but I cannot say my attitude toward its sophomoric slapstick has altered drastically over the years. I’ve always felt that Murray’s other movies, such as “Stripes,” “Groundhog Day,” and “Where the Buffalo Roan,” were infinitely better. Meantime, the originality of Reitman’s farce notwithstanding, Feig and his female cast have given the material a lively spontaneity , and the superior CGI special effects don’t overshadow their shenanigans as much as it did the 1980s cast. Surviving original cast members make cameos, but they play completely different characters with no relation to anybody in the remake. Slimer and the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man reappear. Feig’s “Ghostbusters” doesn’t resuscitate plotlines or call back characters from the two earlier films, but approaches the material afresh as if nothing had occurred in the paranormal realm. Actually, this estrogen-engineered remake handles some of the protonpacking elements better than the original. Although the typically hilarious Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy are uncharacteristically reserved, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth take up the slack with spirit. “Saturday Night Live” alum Kate McKinnon will make you forget Dan Aykroyd, and Leslie Jones is a hoot and a holler in Ernie Hudson’s role. Chris Hemsworth replaces Annie Potts, who played the original “Ghostbusters” receptionist, and Hemsworth steals many scenes as a clueless clown. While it clocks in approximately eleven minutes longer than the PG-rated “Ghostbusters,” the PG-13 rated remake remains largely similar. The biggest difference lies in the human adversary that the gals tangle with and the enlarged role that the New York City mayor exerts in this mischievous nonsense. The tomfoolery unfolds when a vengeful female ghost breaks out of a locked basement in the historic Aldridge Mansion in Manhattan and creates all sorts of havoc. Columbia University physics professor Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig of “Bridesmaids”) is poised to achieve tenure when the desperate Aldridge Mansion caretaker calls upon her for her paranormal expertise. She is horrified when he shows her the book that she co-wr0te

years ago entitled “Ghosts from Our Past: Both Figuratively and Literally.” Erin realizes that this tome will discredit her in the eyes of her prestigious Columbia colleagues. Erin confronts her former colleague, Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy), who conducts paranormal research at another university, about their book. Earlier, Erin convinced Abby to suppress their work, but Abby hopes that selling it on Amazon will yield another source of revenue to fund her own research. Unfortunately, not only does Columbia sack Erin, but Abby also loses her job. Abby’s technical wizard of an assistant, Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon), serves as the equivalent of James Bond’s gadget designer Q; Jillian has concocted an exotic arsenal of paranormal weaponry. Along the way, a fourth person joins their team, MTA employee Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones of “Trainwreck”), who has had a close encounter with supernatural specter in a subway tunnel. Patty emerges as the most aggressive of the quartet when it comes to defying phantoms. Apart from aiding Erin, Abby, and Jillian with her unique knowledge of historic New York City, Patty is also able to acquire a hearse that they refit as their primary means of transportation, appropriately christened “Ecto-1.” Next, these intrepid dames set-up their headquarters--Department of the Metaphysical Examination—in office space above a Chinese restaurant and promptly find themselves in brisk demand. At a punk rock concert, they prove their expertise when they capture a gigantic, gremlin-like apparition and trap it in a compact metal container. Eventually, our heroines figure out that all the ghost sightings are not random occurrences. Instead, they are the work of

an insane occultist, Mercado Hotel janitor Rowan North (Neil Casey of “Adult Beginners”), who is preparing to unlock that dreadful dimension between the living and the dead so that dead souls galore can migrate into our world. Rowan has manufactured several devices and concealed them throughout the city like land mines to summon these spectacular spooks. Meantime, when our heroic quartet isn’t contending with the dastardly Rowan, they have to deal with fatuous New York City Mayor Bradley (Andy Garcia of “Ocean’s Thirteen”) who insists that they stand down and let Homeland Security handle the chaos. Ultimately, our heroines confront Rowan at his motel where they find his massive ghost machine. Rowan fries himself on his apparatus, and Bradley congratulates our heroines for finishing off this fiend. Unfortunately, this is part of Rowan’s master plan. Now, he is able to operate out of a larger arena that was not

available to him as a physical flesh and blood entity. Indeed, this giddy “Ghostbusters” remake is even more ambitious than its predecessor. During the last half-hour, our heroines take on a supernatural Macey’s Day parade of ghouls. At one point, Slimer reappears with a Mrs. Slimer! Mind you, our heroines are properly equipped to deal with these demons. This new foursome boasts all kinds of ultracool armaments with which to dispatch these evil apparitions. Just like the original “Ghostbusters,” the “Ghostbusters” remake never takes itself seriously, but the cast maintains a straight face. Indeed, had Sony/Columbia Picture made this the third entry in the original franchise, it would have been a blast. Nevertheless, by rebooting the franchise with gals rather than guys, director Paul Feig has given “Ghostbusters” a new lease of life that it might otherwise have lacked.

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DEF LEPPARD // THE ALBUM

ANDREW MACPHERSON

new Def Leppard album is fairly big news in and of itself. Even when the band was at its commercial peak, new music didn’t exactly pour out of the band. Four or five years passed between 1983’s “Pyromania,” 1987’s “Hysteria” and 1992’s “Adrenalize.” But what is more notable, according to guitarist Phil Collen, is the latest album, a self-titled release, may be the purest representation ever of the kind of sound and music Def Leppard wants to create. “The great thing about this is we weren’t after a sound,” Collen said in a recent phone interview. “So there’s a freedom in that that just allows you to be a true artist. It’s the first time we’ve ever done that, in the 30-odd years I’ve been in the band. Probably when the band first got together and was doing demos, that was a (true) representation. But after that, you get kind of, the fans want to hear a certain thing or management or the record company wants it to sound it a certain way. Then you set yourself, you use it as a brief. We’ve done that before. We’ve said this album should sound like this and this and that. For this one, we didn’t.” Collen, in fact, said the band didn’t even realize it was making an album until the project was taking shape. The band simply went into the studio in February 2014 thinking it might want to record a song – perhaps an EP – to have something new for the live show. “I think were just trying to come up with a song. We should do something,” Collen said. “We were just playing each other ideas. Instead of putting them into a bracket or a box, we just did the songs that sounded most exciting to us straight off of the bat and all of a sudden everything kind of had a fresh kind of vigor about it.” Two more recording sessions followed – one in May 2014 and a third session in January and February of last year – and then got some finishing touches and was mixed on the road (using a mobile studio setup) as Def Leppard toured over the summer 2015, topping a bill that also featured Styx and Tesla. Collen is fired up about Def Leppard’s latest work. “I think it’s the best thing we’ve done since ‘Hysteria,’” he said. “It’s called ‘Def Leppard,’ and it’s our first album where we’ve ever obviously used our name (as the title), which is great.” Indeed, the first album from the band, which formed in 1977 in Sheffield, England, was not called “Def Leppard.” It was 1980’s “On Through The Night.” Collen joined Def Leppard in 1982, a

AUG 4 + AUG 18

year after the release of the band’s second album, “High ‘n’ Dry,” and in time for the recording of the album that would change everything for the group – “Pyromania.” Released in 1983, it spawned rock hits in “Foolin’” and “Photograph,” and “Pyromania” initially sold some seven million copies. The 1987 follow-up, “Hysteria,” was even more successful. Boasting hits such as “Animal” and “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” sales of that CD eventually topped 15 million and pushed Def Leppard to the very top among rock acts at the time. The group had one more huge hit with the next CD, “Adrenalize,” but then grunge became the big rock trend and this helped push Def Leppard and other ‘80s hard rock/metal acts out of the spotlight. While Def Leppard continued to turn out new CDs on a regular basis, its album sales declined. Nevertheless, the band has remained a popular live act. In fact, Collen reports that the group drew some of its biggest stateside crowds in years its 2015 summer tour. “There seems to be a lot of excitement about us, which is great,” he said. Exactly what’s driving the renewed enthusiasm for Def Leppard isn’t fully clear to Collen. But he thinks one factor is that Def Leppard has continued to release new

music on a fairly steady basis – the sevenyear gap between 2008’s “Songs from the Sparkle Lounge” and the new self-titled album was the longest stretch between albums for the group. The continuity in the band’s lineup has been another plus, Collen said. Where many bands that began in the 1970s or ‘80s have changed key members, Def Leppard’s lineup has remained intact since guitarist Vivian Campbell in 1992 replaced Steve Clark (who died in 1991 of a drug overdose). Singer Joe Elliott and bassist Rick Savage are original members and drummer Rick Allen joined in 1978. “Certainly if you stick it out for long enough, I think genuine integrity definitely kind of shows. I think people really like that,” Collen said. “They don’t really like bands that split up, reform just for money and stuff like that. When we go through hard times, good times, whatever, we carry on, so I do think there’s an integrity.” For a time, though, it was unclear whether Campbell would be part of Def Leppard’s touring. In June 2013, he announced he had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He went through treatments and doctors advised him his cancer was in remission in July 2014. But in June 2015, he found that his cancer

had returned. Campbell, though, was able to go through his latest treatment regimen while on last summer's tour, and remains with the band this summer. The band, though, had to cancel a run of early 2016 shows when Elliott battled throat problems. The singer is back in form now, and according to Collen, the current show features new video content and a set list that’s packed with hits. The band is also been adding in material from the selftitled album. “The album turned out really diverse. There are the loudest, biggest guitars we’ve ever done on some tracks,” Collen said. “Some of the stuff we played live as a band…Other songs were done pure top 40. And then also, there are songs where we’ve gone completely overboard on vocal multi-tracking…It’s an amazing record.” Actually songs from “Def Leppard” such as “Sea of Love,” “All Time High,” “Dangerous” “Let’s Go” bear the group’s main musical trademarks – big guitars, melodic vocals that give the songs pop appeal and layered vocal harmonies. There are a couple of surprises along the way, such as slightly funky “Man Enough,” which is built around tasty bass line and at times echoes Queen’s “Another One Bites The Dust,” and “Battle of My Own,” a rare time the band has done an acoustic-based tune, although it then builds into a synth-laced track that recalls Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir.” And “Def Leppard” has a few of the expected arena-size ballads, such as “We Belong” and “Energized.” In addition to his touring duties, Collen is also spending some time helping get the word out about his new side group, Delta Deep. The band, which includes Collen, singer Debbi Blackwell-Cook, bassist Robert DeLeo (also of Stone Temple Pilots) and drummer Forrest Robinson, takes Collen in a very different musical direction from the melodic hard rock of Def Leppard. The group’s self-titled debut album was released in June 2015, and it’s a powerhouse. It encompasses deep blues, hard rock, funk, soul and a bit of jazz, with Blackwell-Cook’s vocals a highlight over 11 songs, eight of which were written by Collen, his wife, Helen, and BlackwellCook. “I’ve said this and other people have said this, it’s like Aretha Franklin singing over Led Zeppelin,” Collen said. “It really has got that vibe.”

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

>>> E V E N T S

SATURDAY, Aug 5

UA and UAB Joint Faculty Art Exhibit WHEN: 9:00am-5:00pm COST: Free WHERE: Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center 7th Street and Greensboro Avenue Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 345-3038 LINK: cac.tuscarts.org DESCRIPTION: In an unprecedented event, the work of art and art history faculty from The University of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham will be displayed from Friday, Aug. 5 to Friday, Sept. 30.The show will include the work of 22 artists, from printmakers and painters to sculptors and more. Opening reception will be held Friday, Sept. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the gallery.

THURSDAY, Aug 11

Kip Tyner Productions Talent Search Auditions August 11-13 WHEN: 6:00pm-12:00am COST: Free WHERE: McFarland Mall 900 Skyland Blvd E Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 394-8375 LINK: www.facebook.com/people/KipTyner/100007452529501 DESCRIPTION: Auditions will be held August 11, 12 & 13 at McFarland Mall. There are a variety of categories, including male vocalist, female vocalist, group/duo, fiddlers, step, drumline, and dance. The schedule is: Thursday, August 11 - 6 p.m. Friday, August 12 - 6 p.m. Saturday, August 13 - 1 p.m. From Kip Tyner: “A message to our churches both inside and outside Tuscaloosa. Talent Search needs GREAT GOSPEL SINGERS. My show is for ALL AGES. So tomorrow recruit your best church singer to do Talent Search. $4000 cash prizes and perform in front of Walt Disney World scouts.”

production of Doctor Dolittle, Jr. to come out and audition.Please have a prepared Monologue that is no longer than 60 seconds as well as 16 bars of a song. Be prepared to state your name and audition number prior to performing your audition material.

FRIDAY, Aug 12

“Men Who Cook” fundraiser for FOCUS on Senior Citizens of Tuscaloosa Co. WHEN: 6:00pm-8:00pm COST: $15 WHERE: McAbee Center 3801 Loop Road Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 553-3133 LINK: www.focusonseniorcitizens.org DESCRIPTION: The theme this year is “50’s Diner” and we encourage guests to dress in 1950’s attire. Proceeds benefit the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs and the Foster Grandparent Programs.Tickets may be purchased at the door.

SUNDAY, August 14

Train & Andy Grammar at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater WHEN: 7:00pm-12:00am COST: $20-$71 WHERE: Tuscaloosa Amphitheater 2710 Jack Warner Parkway Tuscaloosa, PHONE: (205) 248-5280 LINK: www.tuscaloosaamphitheater.com/ DESCRIPTION: American roots rock band Train will perform with singersongwriter Andy Grammar. They will be presenting their tour at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater rain or shine. Tickets are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.

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The 23rd Annual Night Light Golf Tournament WHEN: 4:30pm-12:00am COST: $175 for single; Team is $700. WHERE: Ol’ Colony Golf Course (public) 401 Old Colony Road Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 758-1159 LINK: capstuscaloosa.comcastbiz.net DESCRIPTION: Golfers will play a four person scramble with 9 holes in the afternoon, a break for dinner and a silent auction, then play another 9 holes at dark with glow in the dark golf balls.

SATURDAY, August 13

Lil Bo Rock Show featuring Model Citizen, Jeffrey Evans, and Silver Lion’s 20/20 WHEN: 8:00pm-11:00pm WHERE: Druid City Brewing Company 607 14th St Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 342-0051 Auditions for Doctor Dolittle, Jr. LINK: www.druicitybrewing.com/ presented by Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre DESCRIPTION: Druid City Brewing WHEN: 5:00pm-8:00am Company is hosting a show in order to WHERE: Tuscaloosa Academy 420 Rice help fund Lil Bo’s medical bills. Lil Bo Valley Road N Tuscaloosa himself picked the line up for Saturday, PHONE: (205) 310-8010 August 13th, which includes Model LINK: www.tuscaloosachildrenstheatre.org/ Citizen, Jeffrey Evans, and Silver Lion’s DESCRIPTION: We invite children ages 20/20. Each performer has a rock n roll 5 years to 18 years interested in being influence but a variety of styles will be on part of Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre fall display.

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AUG 4 + AUG 18

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AUG 4 + AUG 18

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>>> 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, AUG. 5 Phantom Of The Opera // Legacy Arena at the BJCC SATURDAY, AUG 6 Oak Ridge Boys // Legacy Arena at the BJCC Regae At Historical Boutwell // Boutwell Auditorium Ride the Calera & Shelby RR Train // Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum SUNDAY, AUG 7 Show Boat // The Alabama Theatre TUESDAY, AUG 9 Jerry Douglas Band // Workplay Theatre

FRIDAY, AUG. 12 Jaws // The Alabama theatre The Eagles Hotel California // Iron City WEDNESDAY, AUG. 17 Def Leppard // Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

MONDAY, AUG 8 Blink 182 with A Day To Remember // Ascend Amphitheater WEDNESDAY, AUG. 10 The Big 98 Presents Guitar B Que Benefitting St Jude // Ascend Amphitheater

THURSDAY, AUG 11 Jim Gaffigan // Bridgestone Arena

FRIDAY, AUG 12 Flogging Molly // Carl Black Chevy Woods Ampthitheater

SUNDAY, AUG 14 Drake & Future // Bridgestone Arena Michael McDonald // Carl Black Chevy woods Amphitheater Gipsy Kings // Schermerhorn S ymphony Center

WEDNESDAY, AUG 17 Dixie Chicks // Bridgestone Arena Steven Tyler // Ryman Auditorium

SUNDAY, AUG. 21 Southern Bridal Show // BJCC THURSDAY, AUG 25 Lewis Black // Lyric Theatre

FRIDAY, AUG 26 Yacht Rock Revue // Avondale Brewing Company

NASHVILLE

FRIDAY, AUG 5 The Goo Goo Dolls, Collective Soul & Tribe Society // Ascend Amphitheater SATURDAY, AUG 6 Meghan Trainor // Ascend Amphitheater

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FRIDAY, AUG 26 DMX // Nashville Municipal Auditorium

TUESDAY, AUG 16 Guy Clark Celebration // Ryman Auditorium

SATURDAY, AUG 20 Corey Smith Fan Club // Tin Roof

CONTACT

SUNDAY, AUG. 7 Twenty One Pilots // Ascend Amphitheater

THURSDAY, AUG 18 Lyle Lovett // Schermerhorn Symphony Center Gipsy Kings // Schermerhorn Symphony Center

SATURDAY, AUG 27 Ben Rector // Ascend Amphitheater

ATLANTA

THURSDAY, AUG 4 Meghan Trainor, Hailee Steinfeld // Chastain Park FRIDAY, AUG 5 The Noise Presents: Periphery // The Masquerade Richard Marx // Chastain Park Amphitheater

SATURDAY, AUG 6 Boston // Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Clint Black // The Villages Amphitheater The Affordable Old School Concert // Wolf Creek Amphitheater Riff Raff // Center Stage

FRIDAY, AUG 10 Alice Cooper // Symphony Hall Atlanta THURSDAY, AUG 11 Brad Paisley // Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

FRIDAY, AUG 12 Def Leppard // Lakewood Amphitheatre Gipsy Kings // Chastain Park Amphitheater

SATURDAY, AUG 13 Train // Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre SUNDAY, AUG 14 DCX World Tour MMXVI // Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park SATURDAY, AUG 20 Butch Walker // Tabernacle Needtobreathe // Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre TUESDAY, AUG 23 Fifth Harmony // Chastain Park Amphitheatre

SATURDAY, AUG 25 Jill Scott // Chastain Park Amphitheater FRIDAY, AUG 26 Brantley Gilbert // Lakewood Amphitheatre

THURSDAY, AUG 25 Jill Scott // Chastain Park Amphitheater

Steven Tyler // August 17

FRIDAY, AUG 19 Australian Pink Floyd Show // Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater Saturday, Aug 20 Umphreys McGee // Ascend A mphitheater SUNDAY, AUG 21 Toto // Ryman Auditorium Fifth Harmony // Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater

>>> R OA D T R I P D I R E C T O RY Travel the South's best venues. Visit their website for ticket info and more. Acoustic Café 2758 County Hwy 9 205.647.3237

Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree St NE 404.881.2100

Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa St 334.481.5100

Von Braun Center 700 Monroe St SW 256.551.2345

Amphitheater at the Wharf 23101 Canal Rd 251.224.1020

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

AUG 4 + AUG 18

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

Across 1. Canaanite deity 5. Pfeiffer of "Up Close & Personal" 10. Thereabouts 14. Inner: Prefix 15. Less normal 16. John of overlapping diagrams 17. Bird that catches a worm, perhaps 19. H. G. Wells species 20. Book's blank page 21. Expression of displeasure 22. In a lather 26. Philosophers ponder it 30. Ukrainian disaster site 34. Host 35. Veteran 36. Coastal feature 37. Displaced person, maybe 39. Gave the green light 42. Family mem. 43. Three Dog Night tune "Sure ____Sittin' Here" 47. "Love ___ you need" (Beatles lyric) 48. Hip way to dress 51. Good word for getting around in Spain 52. Debt-ridden 54. Wandering one 57. "____ a Rich Man" ("Fiddler on the Roof" tune) 62. Messy one 63. "Show Boat" author 66. Autumn 67. Spyri heroine 68. Bridge at St. Louis 69. Carter player on "ER" 70. Brains 71. Financial page initials

SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMANIA CROSSWORD ON PAGE 21

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Down 1. Cattleman's product 2. Super stuffy 3. Have ____ sense of humor 4. Use the hammock 5. Hood in the 'hood 6. Skyscraper 7. Cavity specialist's deg. 8. Shoe designation 9. Screw things up 10. Ham it up 11. Move, in realtor lingo 12. Put one over on 13. "Come right ___!" 18. Test pilot Chuck 21. Marshland 23. Lucasfilm sound system 24. Sea between Gre. and Tur. 25. Set of three 26. Drinks with heads 27. The E. of Robert E. Sherwood 28. In a frigid manner 29. Reverse pic 31. Cross of gold orator 32. Return, of a sort 33. Chicken noodle scoop 38. Atlantic states, with "the" 40. Kind of car 41. Active Japanese volcano 44. Command for silence 45. Dot on a French map 46. Lots and lots 49. Obligated 50. Mich. neighbor 53. Sam Spade's secretary 54. Caveat letters next to some links 55. Skin cream brand 56. Gang gal 58. Songbird 59. Online auction site 60. Cabernets, e.g. 61. Highland tongue 63. Questioning sounds 64. Tweedle ___ 65. "The Delta of Venus" writer

>>> 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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>>> PLANETWEEKLY â&#x20AC;¢ TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS

>>> HOROSCOPES | W E E K L Y O V E R V I E W Things begin snapping into place this month, starting this week. The New Moon brightens up your family zone and encourages you to get moving on any home-based plans. Finances look livelier, too, as Mars zips into your zone of shared assets and gives you the confidence to tackle matters that may have been on hold. And your love life sparkles a little more as Venus enters your pleasure sector. However, go easy this weekend, as people may not be as they seem. You may feel as though you're on the verge of a new dawn. This week's New Moon in your communication sector suggests it's time to explore new opportunities for interaction, network, and make valuable connections. And with Mars entering your relationship sector, you'll be doubly inspired to explore ways to partner with others for business and pleasure. You might need to bide your time this weekend, as various aspects suggest it would be best not to rush key decisions. Starting this week, things can begin to perk up, leaving you feeling more confident about your overall prospects. The New Moon in your financial sector could be the best time to start any new initiatives you've been considering. In addition, with Mars entering your work zone, you'll be ready to tackle any challenges and get things moving in the direction of your dreams. Venus dances into Virgo, so you'll have a way with words that proves very charming and irresistible.

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The Leo New Moon of August 2 gets this month and the rest of the year off to an upbeat start. You'll begin to feel in your element as Mars dances into your creative sector, sparking inspired ideas and encouraging you to act on them. If there is a plan that has been on the back burner for some time, starting this week could ensure swift progress. With Venus entering your financial sector on Friday, you may find yourself tempted by life's luxuries. Tuesday's New Moon in your spiritual sector encourages you to think about your inner game. In fact, this can be an opportunity to get into the regular habit of visualizing your goals, getting inspiration from your dreams, and paying attention to creative ideas that seem to come out of nowhere. Venus eases into your sign on Friday, putting you in the mood to make new connections. It's also a good time for a makeover or image change if that feels right to you. There's plenty going on in your social zone this week, especially early on when you'll have a chance to organize events and do it fabulously well. On Tuesday, the New Moon in this sector encourages you to subscribe to new activities, move in new circles, and network as much as possible. You'll reap rewards if you do. With a major focus on your spiritual zone, make time for meditation and other soothing activities that can help you access your inner calm. Mars moves back into Sagittarius and your money sector this week, which could encourage you to be more proactive about earning extra cash or sorting out financial matters. The New Moon at the top of your chart can be perfect for taking the next step in a career plan or starting a job. Your social life sparkles even more as Venus dances in on Friday. However, don't take people at face value over the weekend, as things may not be as they seem. You'll feel more in your element as Mars moves back into your sign on Tuesday. You'll have to energy to tackle any challenges and likely feel more confident about the outcome. A New Moon in your sector of adventure could be a call to try your hand at something different or perhaps to take a course that teaches you new skills. Exploring fresh options can be very valuable in the weeks ahead. Plus, charm can help you get ahead in your career, too. A New Moon in your sector of shared assets could be a call to sort out any issues in this area, whether business matters or financial snafus. Taking action now can enable you to resolve any difficulties before you get started on more ambitious projects. Mars enters your spiritual sector on Tuesday, which might be a call to resolve more personal matters, particularly if they're draining your energy. Small steps to set things right can be hugely beneficial all around. Things are looking upbeat in your relationship sector early in the week as the New Moon paves the way for a fresh start. This might be an opportunity to take a business or romantic relationship to the next level or form a partnership or collaboration. At the same time, your social scene sparkles as Mars dances in from Tuesday. On another note, financial and business matters may progress more easily if you employ a little tact. Don't rush into anything this weekend.

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The New Moon on Tuesday could be a call to reorganize certain key habits. If you've been considering starting a diet or exercise routine, this is the time to go ahead. Plus, with Mars heading back into your career sector, you'll be eager to play a big part in your community's affairs, or you might feel enthused about a goal that you had put on the back burner. The weekend requires some care, as there could be a misunderstanding. This week heralds a new beginning that may be much needed and very welcome. The New Moon in your creative sector on Tuesday suggests this is the time to act on an entrepreneurial idea you've been nurturing and take it further. You could feel lighter and brighter all around as Mars enters your adventure zone again, encouraging you to expand your horizons. However, you might need to be patient and thorough over the weekend, as delay and confusion could impede your plans.

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AUG 4 + AUG 18

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

UA GALLERY HOSTS UA/UAB JOINT FACULTY ART EXHIBIT

32ND ANNUAL WEST ALABAMA JURIED TO BE DISPLAYED AT THE BAMA THEATRE

n an unprecedented event, the work of art and art history faculty from The University of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham will be displayed from Friday, Aug. 5 to Friday, Sept. 30 at the UA Gallery in the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center in downtown Tuscaloosa. The public is invited, free of charge, to attend the exhibition and opening reception, which will be held Friday, Sept. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the gallery. “We have two really great programs—and we’re in the same system—but we’ve never collaborated together,” said Craig Wedderspoon, a UA professor of sculpture. “And, we wanted to change that.” The show will include the work of 22 artists, from printmakers and painters to sculptors and more. Though Wedderspoon doesn’t William Dooley, UA, Smokehouse, 2016, know whether this exhibit will beoil on canvas, 24'' x 24'' come an annual event, he said he hopes it will spark more collaborations with other art departments in the area. “We want to be more integrated with the schools in the rest of the state and region,” Wedderspoon said. The University of Alabama Gallery offers a year-round schedule of exhibitions of artistic works, artifacts and textiles and other media from permanent collections held by UA as well as works by faculty, students and guest artists and designers. The gallery is at 620 Greensboro Ave. in downtown Tuscaloosa and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 8 p.m. on the first Fridays of the month. For more information, phone the gallery at 205/345-3038 or 205/342-2060. The gallery is part of UA’s College of Arts and Sciences, the University’s largest division and the largest liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes and Goldwater scholarships.

he Arts Council of Tuscaloosa will be sponsoring its 32nd Annual West Alabama Juried Show from Oct. 3 through Nov. 15, 2016 at the Bama Theatre’s Junior League Gallery. A closing reception honoring the winners will be held on Nov. 15 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the theatre. The public is invited to attend. One purchase award of $750, one award of excellence of $300 and three cash awards of $100 each will be presented. The purchase award entry will be added to the permanent collection. Visual artists residing in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marion, Pickens, Perry, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Walker counties will be eligible. A $35 entry fee entitles participants to submit up to three works for judging. Only original two- and three-dimensional works will be accepted. Entries must not have been shown in any previous West Alabama Juried Show or Double Exposure Exhibit. Works submitted for judging will now be accepted through a digital upload of images on the website submittable.com instead of by delivery in person to The Arts Council office. This new procedure will not only be more convenient for entrants during the jury process, but allow management of images in other competitions which utilize Submittable. Beginning Sept. 1 and ending Sept. 11 at midnight, artists can submit their entries on the site. Artists should visit tuscarts.org/competition-westaljuried for access to a direct link to the Submittable website and to view all entry guidelines. The link will not be active for submissions until Sept. 1. All two-dimensional pieces accepted for the show must be ready for hanging and matted, framed and under glass if appropriate. No work should be submitted that has been executed in a class or workshop. Maximum size is 5 1/2 feet x 5 1/2 feet, and maximum weight is 50 pounds for all entries. For questions about the West Alabama Juried Show including the entry procedure, call 205-345-9801 or 205-758-5195, ext. 6. The Bama Theatre is located at 600 Greensboro Avenue in Downtown Tuscaloosa. For more information about The Arts Council, Bama Theatre or Cultural Arts Center, 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 tuscarts.org for further information.

Participating artists in the upcoming event include:

ONGOING & UPCOMING EXHIBITS

UA UAB Adrienne Callander (fibers) James Alexander (ceramics) Jane Cassidy (digital media) Doug Barrett (graphic design) William Dooley (painting and drawing) Douglas Baulos (drawing and bookmarking) Jason Guynes (painting) Gary Chapman (painting and drawing) Chris Jordan (digital media) Derek Cracco (printmaking) Sarah Marshall (printmaking) Stacey Holloway (sculpture) Matt Mitros (ceramics) Lauren Lake (drawing) Giang Pham (studio foundations) Elisabeth Pellathy (new media) Pete Schulte (drawing) Sonja Rieger (photography) Sky Shineman (painting) Erin Wright (graphic design) Bryce Speed (painting) Craig Wedderspoon (sculpture) Derek Cracco, UAB, Phoenix Cluster, 2016, acrylic on panel, 39'' x 64''

AUG 4 + AUG 18

AUG 5 First Friday Reception, What Is In Bloom? - Paul Stewart Photos, Betak Frangoulis Gallery, Canterbury Episcopal, Tuscaloosa AUG 5 First Friday Reception, Cyanotypes by Laquita Thomson, Arts Council Gallery, DWCAC, 5-8 pm AUG 5 First Friday #blackgirls4change: the Hobson City 9, Cultivating Community and Creating Change, Paul R. Jones Gallery, Tuscaloosa AUG 11 5th Street Vintage Market, Northport Farmers Market, 11am - 4 pm NOW-AUG 14 Annual Flora & Fauna Exhibition, Daniel Day Gallery AUG 19 Annual Aquatic Dreams Exhibition, Daniel Day Gallery, 3025 6th Ave., S., Birmingham NOW-AUG 23 In Miniature - Small Pictures from the Paul R. Jones Collection of American Art, PRJ Gallery, Tuscaloosa AUG 25 Reception, Second Alabama National Juried Exhibition, Sella-Granata Art Gallery, UA, 4-6 pm NOW-AUG 26 Inaugural Exhibition by Steven Humphreys, Art on the Circle at the Historic Drish House, Tuscaloosa AUG 1-31 What Is In Bloom? - Paul Stewart Photos, Betak Frangoulis Gallery, Canterbury Episcopal, Tuscaloosa AUG 1-31 The Art of Food, fundraising exhibition for hunger at The Red Door, Cullman AUG 15-SEP 2 Alabama National Biennial Juried Art Exhibition, Sella-Granata Art Gallery, UA NOW-SEP 4 Going Home: Paintings by Anne Goldthwaite (1869–1944), Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts SEP 9-10 Birmingham Art Walk Juried Show, downtown

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JERRY JEUDY Tide lands elite WR Alabama recently picked up its second elite receiver in the class of 2017. Jerry Jeudy of Deerfield Beach, FL announced his commitment to the Tide last week. The 6-1, 185-pound Jeudy joins Lewisville, TX star receiver Tyrell Shavers as Bama bound. Jeudy is a former high school teammate of Alabama star Calvin Ridley. "He and Calvin are very close," Deerfield Beach head coach Jevon Glenn said. "Jerry's a lot like Calvin. He's not quite as fast or as quick as Calvin, but he's a little bigger. "He's a great receiver. He's proven that this summer on the camp circuit. He went to a lot of camps to prove that he was the number one receiver in the country. That was the plan we put together for him, and he proved it. "I'm very pleased with how he's matured as a person and as a player over the last year. He's just an exceptional young man and a great player." In addition to Jeudy and Shavers, other highly-regarded offensive standouts committed to UA include the nation's top overall player, running back Najee Harris, running back Brian Robinson, quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones, and offensive linemen Elliot Baker, Alex Leatherwood and Hunter Brannon. Jeudy had close to 40 offers. He picked Alabama over Florida, FSU, Miami and Tennessee.

KEDRICK JAMES Texas star loves everything about Bama

Alabama was expected to soon receive a commitment from a Texas tight end. Most thought it would be Major Tennison pulling the trigger. Instead, it was Waco-La Vega star Kedrick James who cast his lot with the Tide. "I'm supposed to talk with Coach Saban about my decision tomorrow at noon," the 6-6, 260-pound James says. "When I told Coach Napier, he was really excited. I couldn't exactly make out what he was saying. I just heard him making a bunch of noises. He was very excited." James recently picked up an Alabama offer after a strong performance at camp. "They were very surprised at my size, for one thing," James says. "They didn't realize that I was 6-6, 260. They really like me as a dual-threat type tight end. I can be an extra offensive lineman in the run game and I'm a receiver in the passing game. I have good speed for my size and I have really good hands. If the ball is in the air, I'm going to come down with it." James originally committed to Baylor. But when former BU head coach Art Briles was released from his position, James began looking for a school that needed a big tight end. "Two years ago when recruiting first started for me, I never dreamed that I'd be in the position that I'm in right now," Jakes says. "I never thought I'd have the chance to play for Alabama. I'm very blessed to have this opportunity. I'm very excited about the opportunity." James says he loves "everything" about Alabama. "It's everything... I mean everything about Ala-

bama," he says. "All of the people in the entire organization make it what it is, from Coach Saban, the assistants, the players, the academic support and the academic programs they offer, the facilities... everything. I look at Coach Saban and see the impact that he's made on the lives of his players and I want to be a part of that. "I met with Coach Saban when I was there. He's a very smart man. It was very clear that he has a plan. He knows where he wants to take the program. He outlined everything to me. That was very important to me." James chose Alabama over offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Michigan, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Texas A&M, among others.

MEN'S BASKETBALL UPDATE Courtesy UA Media Relations

The Alabama men's basketball team finalized its 2016-17 non-conference schedule, head coach Avery Johnson announced at the Summer Tip Off event in Birmingham, Ala. The event, which was held in front of a standing room only crowd at the Grand Bohemian Hotel, featured one-on-ones with Johnson and the rest of the coaching staff, while each Crimson Tide player used a touch screen to unveil the schedule game-by-game in what was a first-of-its-kind event. The Tide will play a challenging non-league slate that includes teams from the Big 12, Pac 12, ACC and Atlantic 10, among others. This year's non-conference schedule features six games played under the arched roof of Coleman Coliseum, along with challenging road games against the likes of Texas and Oregon to highlight this year's slate. In addition to playing six home contests, the Tide will also play two games throughout the state of Alabama, which include hosting Clemson in the Vulcan Classic at Birmingham's Legacy Arena on Dec. 18 and Arkansas State in the Rocket City Classic at Huntsville's Von Braun Center on Dec. 21. The Clemson contest will mark the second consecutive year the Crimson Tide will play an opponent in Birmingham. Last year, Alabama dropped a narrow 72-68 decision to Oregon in front of a near-sellout crowd of 14,508. In all, the Tide owns a record of 44-21 when playing in the Magic City. Following that contest, Alabama will head to the northern part of the state to take on the Red Wolves in Huntsville. It will mark just the second time the Tide has played in the Rocket City, with the only other game occurring just over 16 years ago on Dec. 18, 1999, when Alabama captured a 75-51 victory over Chattanooga. Alabama opens the 2016-17 campaign on Nov. 11 when it hosts Coastal Carolina in the seasonopener for both squads. That contest will not only be the first game of the year, but will mark the first

of two home games as part of the Las Vegas Main Event. The Crimson Tide will also play host to Ball State as part of the event on Nov. 18. Sandwiched in between those two contests will be a home contest and Dayton on Nov. 15. The Fliers were co-champions of the Atlantic 10 a year ago and are coming off a third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. Following the Ball State game, the Tide will travel to Las Vegas where it will compete in the "Heavyweight Division" of the Main Event, which will be held at the MGM Grand Hotel. Alabama will open against Valparaiso on Nov. 21 and will play either BYU or St. Louis on Nov. 23. After the Thanksgiving break, the team will return home to host Charleston Southern on Nov. 29 before playing two big road games to begin the month of December. Alabama will first travel to Austin, Texas, where it will take on the Texas Longhorns on Dec. 2. The Tide will then head west to Eugene, Ore., to square off against the Oregon Ducks on Dec. 11. Both the Longhorns and Ducks were NCAA Tournament teams a year ago, with Oregon reaching the Elite 8. Alabama will return to Tuscaloosa for a home game on Dec. 15 against USC Upstate prior to playing the Vulcan Classic in Birmingham and the Rocket City Classic in Huntsville. The Tide completes its non-conference slate with a home game against Stetson on Dec. 29. Alabama will play an exhibition game in Coleman Coliseum against Faulkner on Nov. 3. The 2017 Southeastern Conference schedule, as well as all start times and television carriers, will be announced at a later date.

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AUG 4 + AUG 18

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