// IN THIS ISSUE
ALABAMA BREWFEST SABAN WANTS BETTER THE LITTLE BAR THAT COULD
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NEWS
IT'S ABOUT STUDENTS // STARTING RIGHT Thompson Tractor and PNC Bank Recognize Woodland Forrest Leaders of the Month
each month to present the awards to the student leaders. Stephen Mason of PNC Bank provides pizza each month and the chosen leaders have a ‘pizza party’ with principal, Dr. Teri Byrts. According to Mr. Fordham, “We look forward to presenting the student leader awards each month and a great time is had by everyone!” Tuscaloosa Children’s Half Marathon Training Program
Adopt-A-School partners, Thompson Tractor and PNC Bank recognize ‘Leaders of the Month’ at Woodland Forrest Elementary School in a monthly assembly program. Leaders are chosen from each class and parents and family members are invited to the program. The student leaders are chosen based on one of the ‘7 Habits’ of ‘The Leader In Me’. Buddy Fordham and Debra Elmore, from Thompson Tractor make and organize the certificates and attend the assembly
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A collaborative relationship was established in 2013 between members of ReadBAMARead and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Tuscaloosa to encour-
age healthy habits and exercise among children and adults, while also increasing awareness for children’s literacy. As a result of this collaboration, these organizations received $30,000 each from the 2013 Half Marathon. Since then, books have been bought for school libraries that were destroyed in April 2011 and progress continues to be made as the Kiwnais Club of Greater Tuscaloosa assists with the rebuilding of Rosedale Park. Registration for the Half Marathon and the Children’s Half Marathon Training Program is now open and participants should register online. The event will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2014. Children in the grades K-5 have the opportunity to participate in a half marathon training program that will work up to 13.1 miles. Participants will log 12.1 miles in the months and weeks leading up to the Half Marathon. Children's Half Marathon and Fun Run, and will then join the event for the final mile of their half marathon. All children interested in participating in the Tuscaloosa Children's Half Marathon must be registered by January 15, 2014. The schools that have the most
children participate in the Tuscaloosa Children's Training Program will be eligible for prize money to put towards new library books. To qualify for the prize, a school must have a minimum of 100 registered participants in the Children’s Half Marathon. For additional information and to register, visit tuscaloosahalfmarathon.com. Brookwood High School Career Fair Presenters Needed Want to expose your profession and your business to high school students? Then plan to participate in the Annual Career Technology Career Fair at Brookwood High School on Thursday, January 30, 2014. The event will be held at the high school from 7:45 a.m. – 1 p.m., and more than 750 students in grades 10-12 will attend. According to career technology teacher, Jennifer Crutchfield, “Our goal is to help local students gain an understanding of not only careers, but also the skills needed for workforce in the West Alabama region.” For additional information, contact Ms. Crutchfield, jcrutchfield@tcss. net or 205.342.2777.
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inside
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>>> planetweeklyissue449
FEATURES
SPORTS
4 SCAM ALERT // RYAN PHILLIPS
Marketing company hit with complaints
5 PROMOTING TRANSPARENCY // L. TAYLOR MANNING
21 HIGH TIDE // GARY HARRIS Pettway returns to the Crimson Tide
Much needed in state / local government
PUBLISHER LIN DA W. J OHNSON MANAGING EDITOR H ER B NEU ASSISTANT EDITOR RYAN PHILLIPS COVER DESIGN LAU R A LIN E B E R R Y SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR R YAN P H ILLIPS DESIGN/LAYOUT HERB NEU
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS N i c k VANOCU R CA R A B R A K E R YAN P H ILLIPS ALY X C H AN D L E R ST E P H E N SMIT H T R E Y B R OO K S VAN R O B E R TS GARY HARRIS JIM REED P.O. FRITZ L. TAYLOR MANNING
ADVERTISING
2 05. 79 2 . 7 2 3 9 Planet Weekly P. O . B o x 2 3 1 5 T u s c a l o o s a , AL 3 5 4 0 3 Phone: 205.792.7239 | 205.765.8007 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. © 2013 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 two 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 LIFE After cj mosley // STEPHEN SMITH
Who will succeed him
10 WINE REVIEW // RYAN PHILLIPS
Smith & Hook // Worth more than the price
12 restauranT REVIEW
// CARA BRAKE
The Pottery Grill gets raves
13 RESOLVE / EVOLVE // P.O. FRITZ Ideas on how to do it
19 the neighbourhood // ALYX CHANDLER Their first album is a standout
27 NEW ORLEANS NIGHTLIFE // Trey Brooks Sugar Bowl edition
FEATURE // NICK VANOCUR
entertainment 7
MOVIE REVIEW
10-12
RESTAURANT GUIDE
16-17
Events Calendar
18
Road Trip
19
Tuscaloosa music
DYING TO PROFIT
7 Admonishment
23 Horoscopes // Sudoku 24 CROSSWORD PUZZLe
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DECEMBER 26 + JANUARY 9
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>>> INVESTIGATION | R Y AN P H ILLIPS
VECTOR/CUTCO // FLOURISHES AMIDST SCAM ALLEGATIONS
If you are a student, chances are you have seen the signs. Employment is offered for $15 an hour, often stated in the form of a colorful roadside sign or well-placed ad, with no emphasis put toward the name and type of business conducting the hiring. Does this sound familiar? Every year, students and young people seeking part-time work respond to ads or referrals from friends to these jobs without knowing the nature of the corporation. An interview process often follows the responses, which results in hiring these prospective workers. While this may seem like a harmless tactic, one corporation has come under fire for such techniques, which was accompanied by allegations of scamming their own employees and families out of money and not providing adequate compensation. Vector Marketing, headquartered in Olean, NY, functions by hiring what they call “Independent Contractors” to sell Cutco brand cutlery. According to Vector Marketing, 15 million homes in North America own Cutco products, which range from knives to pizza cutters. This is made possible by a wide range of offices spread throughout the country in nearly every state. These products are then sold by independent contractors who, according to Vector, receive base pay that is dependent on geographical location, ranging from $12-$20 per appointment with commission percentage also being adjusted for location. The contractor is given the responsi-
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bility of scheduling these appointments, which in the high-risk sales world, are often only made with family members before the contractor quits the company. Nearly 200 complaints have been filed with the Better Business Bureau against Vector in the last three years, several of which stated that these contractors are not compensated for any business expenses and have to put down a security deposit on the products they sell. “Because our reps are independent contractors, they enjoy real flexibility and control over their own schedules,” The Vector website says. “They set their own appointments based on their availability day-by-day.” One petition against the corporation states plainly how Vector business practices seek out a certain demographic of employee in the hopes of convincing them to push their products. “Vector targets people just out of high school and maybe a couple years older in college because young students generally are trainable, ignorant of corporate practices, non-threatening to potential customers, and don't have many other work options,” the petition reads. “When you call up they probably won't tell you exactly what type of work you will be doing, but they will most likely say that it is not telemarketing or door-to-door soliciting. Telemarketing and door-to-door soliciting is, however, what this company is all about, they just have had a miraculous way of disguising it.” Jennifer Allen, Manager of Web Advertising for Vector Marketing, said that the
company believes that this age range is an appropriate fit for their business model. “We will take anybody that wants to give it a shot”, she said. “We have found that we are a good fit for people between 18-24 because they tend to be looking for something flexible and a lot of times people are fitting this job around internships or class or another job.” When students or potential employees are first brought in after the initial interview, they are told to provide a list of referrals for potential employment, which helps the corporation maintain a high volume of employees. According to Vector, this is a typical sales practice, but the previously mentioned petition argues otherwise. “The job is selling Cutco knives at peoples' homes and they probably want as many people as possible to sell them in order to sell as many knives as possible,” the petition reads. “You yourself have to fork out money for a set of knives too ($175, supposedly discounted from $650), in order to display them to potential customers, and they are incredibly expensive. Not only that, but they give you only one day to buy it at that price before they double it ($350).” On a wide range of forums and message boards, complaints towards these business practices can be seen around the country. The majority of users commenting are of college age. One verified complaint spoke to the initial stages of employment for those that Vector recruits. “It's unpaid—This is the only company I know who does this, even other scams give paid training, and this should be your first, if not second, warning flag”, the complaint reads. ”They spend the training giving you a manual to read, and fill blanks in. For hours you listen to them preach about their products and practice reading out of the book. At the end of every session you are given an assignment, much like homework .You do several hours, for three to four days. Unpaid. At the end of the training, that is when they bring the Kit up. You'd think they'd train you and give you the kit. no. They give you a contract to fill out and sign and pay for the kit. It includes most knives mentioned, rope, leather and two other items not really needed. You will pay up to $150 for this kit.” When asked about Vector functioning as a pyramid scheme, Allen asserted that the notions were false. “Its not true, it is not a pyramid scheme,” she said. “If you look at what a pyramid scheme is— that is not us. Bernie Madoff had a pyramid scheme.” According to Knifeup.com, a website dedicated to knife promotion, 8,100 people Googled “Vector Marketing Scam” every month. Allen then pointed out that numbers like these could be found with many companies who have a large customer base.
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The same idea can also be applied to allegations of sales being geared toward the family of the contractor. “Direct sales is actually not that unique,” she said. “It’s not uncommon when you have companies like Avon who work like us in terms of family members purchasing from our contractors, but our business model is predicated on people who will come in and work for us and sometimes those people come in and decide it is not for them. We have a lot of customers and if the only people our sales reps were selling to were family members, we would be not be open. That is not how we work.” One online group, Students Against Vector Exploitation (SAVE), was started in the wake of accusations surrounding Vector Practices. According to Allen, it was founded out of ill will and not reflective of Vector operations. SAVE could not be reached for comment in regards to their problems with Vector. “That group started like ten years ago with some guy who had never actually worked with us,” she said. “It was interesting. From my understanding the person who started that sent letters to all of these professors complaining and it was unfortunate because we had someone who was upset about something. Sites like that, we try to work with them and reach out to them. If they don’t reach back to us then there is not much we can do. We want to resolve problems.” Allen then encouraged people to look into Vector themselves to see that the company simply wants to provide a service. “I think that like any company, we just want people to do their own research and make up their own mind,” she said. “At first everyone was really concerned after the SAVE group started, but people who were looking into it found we are a good company that treats its people well and tries to do the right thing.” The Tuscaloosa branch of Vector Marketing could also not be reached for comment.
>>> P O L I T I C S | L . TA Y LO R MANNIN G
PROMOTING TRANSPARENCY IN STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT // THERE IS TRULY A NEED
In 2008, IT consultant Stephen PHOTO: Fernando Decillis Jackson conceptualized OpenBama, a volunteer-based non-partisan website that promotes government transparency in Alabama, to combat what he perceived as a major lack of clarity in the state’s government. “Initially, the purpose of the site was to give the citizens of Alabama a way to follow the legislative process. [Now] the purpose of the site is to bring greater awareness for the need of government transparency in Alabama,” Jackson said. Jackson, of Chelsea, Alabama, has worked in information technology for 12 years, and he received an undergraduate degree in Information Systems from Auburn University at Montgomery. One day while driving, Jackson listened to a political segment on National Public Radio, which mentioned Alabama’s legislative website, A.L.I.S.O.N., or Alabama Legislative System Online. Curious, Jackson decided to look the webpage up. After viewing the A.L.I.S.O.N., he felt a wave of surprise and disappointment. The website does not promote easy navigability and is of poor quality, Jackson said. The site’s search feature was particularly problematic, he added. “I was frustrated with the experience, because I did not understand how to use the tool,” Jackson said on the OpenBama website. “The structure of the site does not lend itself to easy navigation, [particularly for] individuals with limited knowledge of the legislative process, like myself.” Jackson felt there were many like him who wanted to follow the legislative process but were getting frustrated at how to get to the information. “The thought came to me that, if I had access to the data, I could develop a pretty useful tool for the common guy like myself to track the legislation. So I began writing a process to convert the html from the A.L.I.S.O.N. site into useful data.” The state created A.L.I.S.O.N. for legislators and the legislative staff, not
everyday citizens, Jackson said. He developed OpenBama as an easy tool for non-legislative citizens. “I developed OpenBama from the perspective of a citizen wanting to understand the legislative process,” Jackson said. He contends that government transparency in the state of Alabama is a significant issue. According to a recent report from the Sunshine Review, a non-profit organization that tracks and measures the nation’s availability of government data, Alabama scored a C on overall government transparency. “Sunshine Review’s mission focuses on state and local government transparency, engaging citizens and changing the way governments do business,” the report said. “The best place to start putting good governance into practice is by disclosing information on [government websites].” However, citizens ultimately hold the greatest responsibility to change the way governments do business, the report added. The State Integrity Investigation, another organization that examines clarity in government throughout the country, also awarded Alabama a grade of C for overall government transparency. “The State Integrity Investigation is a $1.5 million public collaboration designed to expose practices that undermine trust in state capitols -- and spotlight the states that are doing things right,” the organization’s website said. Jackson explained that government can be reactively or proactively transparent. Reactive transparency is when government entities wait for a citizen to request data before making it available. In contrast, proactive transparency is when government makes information readily available for download via a web portal, Jackson said. “Ideally government should be proactive at transparency and not reactive. Government tends to view the data it collects as belonging to them and not to the public.”
The Sunshine Review also suggested that a proactive approach to public data promotes a higher level of transparency in government. “Proactive disclosure ensures that citizens have the information necessary to hold their local governments accountable by making sure they are conducting business properly and honestly in the first place,” the organization’s report said. Launched in 2010, OpenBama addresses some of these issues, Jackson said. A key feature of OpenBama is its userfriendly format. Its simple and uncluttered design allows users to easily navigate the site, Jackson added. Categorical tabs are located toward the top of the site to direct visitors to the information they desire. OpenBama provides detailed information on several facets of government, including legislators, committees, lobbyists and more. The site also presents complex data on bills in an understandable format, Jackson said. By clicking on the “Bills” tab at the top of the screen, users can access a list of upcoming legislative bills. This data includes descriptions of the bills, the dates they will be introduced and their statuses. Visitors can click on the name of a bill to learn more information about it, including which representatives are sponsoring and cosponsoring the bill. Users can also see the text of bills, Jackson said. Informal voting polls on OpenBama can gage public opinion on a bill, Jackson said. The polls are located on the “Bills” page, and users can vote “yes” or “no” on certain bills. Jackson created the computer program on which OpenBama runs. The program pulls government data from the state’s site, A.L.I.S.O.N., and presents it in a more readable format on OpenBama, he said. He also occasionally pulls data on lobbyists from the Alabama Ethics Commission website. Additionally, Jackson uses the website of Project Vote Smart, a non-profit organization that promotes access to government data, for biographical information on legislative leaders. OpenBama’s government data starts from 2010, and does not include printed information, as the website mainly pulls data from A.L.I.S.O.N. “The Internet has changed the way we seek and receive information. Information is literally at our fingertips. The Internet is an integral part of the modern transparency and open government movement. It is the preferred and recommended mechanism to deliver government data to the public,” Jackson said. Though proud of its development thus far, Jackson would like to expand OpenBama into other areas, like state spending, campaign finance and legislative and lobbying data.
“These are all areas of influence and [have the] potential for corruption and inefficiencies. I would like to tie the data together where it makes sense,” Jackson said. These are all areas of influence and [have the] potential for corruption and inefficiencies. I would like to tie the data together where it makes sense,” Jackson said. He believes the site is gaining in popularity and bringing attention to the need for greater transparency, but there is still a long way to go from the state level to city government, he said. PACs, or political action committees, particularly concern Jackson. “Lobbyists will often create PACs. Nowhere in Alabama is the data available to show the connections between lobbyists and PACs. I would like to be able to show a particular lobbyist has a particular PAC and contributed to the campaign of a certain legislator. This enables the citizens of Alabama to make informed decisions when going to the polls.” The availability of public records is also an integral part of government transparency, Jackson said. “Government collects data of high quality that can be of great benefit to society, if made freely available to the public. Open government data promotes civil participation, accountability and innovation.” Alabama scored an F in the State Integrity Investigation’s “Public Access to Information” category. “Alabama scored low in this area because it lacks an effective appeals process for denied information requests,” Jackson said. “In Alabama, a citizen's main course of action is the courts, and that is not cheap.” But Alabama is making strides in the right direction, Jackson said. “This year, the Secretary of State's office made available a new campaign finance system that allows candidates and PACs to submit finance reports via the Internet and in electronic format. The citizens of Alabama then have the ability to download all campaign finance records in electronic format in the form of spreadsheets.” Additionally, OpenBama mainly focuses on transparency at the state level. Though Jackson would like to expand OpenBama to include government at the local level, that is not feasible at this time, he said. “It would be great, but that would be a large undertaking.” Information on local governments can be harder to access, because many of them do not post data online, Jackson said. In these cases, Jackson would have to manually enter the data, as OpenBama could not automatically pull information from a government website. Though he would like to incorporate data from both the state and local level of government, he has no plans to do that
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>>> P O E T RY | N I C K VA N O C U R
DYING TO PROFIT
To the merchants so busy with the thrill of big wealth Who trade the smiles of children So close to the leavings of unearned death For the weeping of others Where the lobbyists’ words Drown the scream of a boy Whose past saw guns pointed Guns of wood, plastic and toys Where the cries of the wicked Are those without tears Don’t fill the arms empty And just grasping their fears We used to cling to hope The way we clutch guns And making things better Was a good kind of fun And kids played in streets Where no bullets flied Swatting mosquitoes And hitting pop flies And now all we ask Is for things to make sense To do life the right way And make it better years hence For staying this course Will make matters worse With too many 7-year-olds Dressed up in a hearse Nick Nick Vanocur holds two "Best of Gannett" Headline Awards and is now on the fifth and next-to-last draft of a thought-provoking and very funny novel, "Yellow Lines." http://all-len-all.com/
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>>> F I L M | V A N R O B E R T S
"OUT OF THE FURNACE" // A STRONG FILM
Imagine a movie that crosses the setting and the characters of “The Deer Hunter” with the bare-knuckled brawls of “Every Which Way But Loose” but altogether shuns any kind of comedy. “Crazy Heart” director Stuart Cooper has fashioned one of the more gripping but unsavory epics of the year with “Out of the Furnace” and he employs symbolism to underscore his points. Nothing about this bleak, brutal, blue-collar melodrama concerning two woebegone brothers struggling against hard times will make you feel warm and fuzzy. Indeed, Cooper and co-scenarist Brad Ingelsby stress austere reality over feel-good fantasy at every turn in the plot. Everything that can go wrong does go wrong for everybody. “Out of the Furnace” puts its heroes, villains, and victims through a grim gauntlet. Meantime, nothing happens here that couldn’t occur in real-life. We watch as Christian Bale scrapes paint off his father’s house and cleans leaves out of a gutter. Neither Bale nor his co-stars perform million dollar stunts, and the characters are not indestructible. Cooper springs at least two major surprises in a depressing narrative that is never boring but often formulaic. One of our heroes claims that he only needs one more fight to straighten things out for him. Rated R for strong violence, language and drug content, this is the kind of movie that neither spawns merchandise nor sequels. Essentially, “Out of the Furnace” focuses on the bond of brotherly love between a steel mill welder and an Iraq war veteran who encounter more than their share of suffering at the hands of a sadistic, bare-knuckled fight promoter played with chilling intensity by Woody Harrelson who is cast as a man that sells methamphetamines. Russell Baze (Christian Bale of “Batman Begins”) earns his living as a welder at a West Braddock, Pennsylvania, steel mill. He sleeps with an African-American babe, Lena Taylor (Zoe Saldana of “Colombiana”), but they show no interest in holy matrimony. Russell’s elderly father is slowly dying, and his uncle, Gerald 'Red' Baze (Sam Shepard of “Mud”), often pays
them visits. Russell’s mother has been dead for a long time, while his younger brother, Rodney Baze, Jr. (Casey Affleck of “Good Will Hunting”), serves Uncle Sam in the military. Rodney has survived four tours of duty in Iraq, and the experience exerts a terrible toll on him. Rodney is as fearless as he is foolish. Eventually, Russell tries to persuade Rodney to work at the mill. Unfortunately, Rodney has seen too much violence in Iraq. The first time we see Russell and Rodney together is when Russell finds his younger brother at a betting parlor. Rodney, it seems, has blown money again on a horse race. Ironically, he was told to bet on a particular horse. Now, everything has gone really bad because he borrowed the fifteen-hundred dollars that he lost from John Petty (Willem Dafoe of “Spider-man”) who is up to his ears in shady dealings at his tavern. Russell and Rodney are pretty tight as siblings go. He cares so much for Rodney that he shells out his own hard-earned bucks to decrease Rodney’s debt, but he swears Petty to silence. Since he is so deep in debt to Petty, Rodney has taken on illegal, bare-knuckled, boxing bouts. Trouble is he cannot take a dive when Petty tells him to lie down. You see, once Rodney has been clobbered enough, he gains a second wind and then usually demolishes his opponent without a qualm. Despite all the fights he has waged for Petty, Rodney is still bogged down in debt. Finally, Rodney decides to fight for one final time, but he wants to fight for much higher stakes. Rodney has heard about a man over in New Jersey who has bouts where he could earn big bucks. Reluctantly, Petty takes him to meet Harlan DeGroat (Woody Harrelson of “Zombieland”), and they arrange a fight. Problem is Rodney forgets who is supposed to win. Russell is worried sick when he doesn’t hear Rodney, and our hero challenges North Braddock Police Chief Wesley Barnes (Forest Whitaker of “The Butler”) about it. You don’t see “Out of the Furnace” to escape the woes of everyday life. The characters battle virtually impossible odds and suffer despite their valiant efforts.
Director Scott Cooper gives neither his characters nor his audience a break in this tragic character study. Doom and gloom are the order of the day. Nevertheless, despite the humorless aura of tragedy that pervades this harsh film, “Out of the Furnace” is a strong film. The symbolism is awesome, and Cooper likes to cross-cut between the actions of different characters to comment about their plight. While Russell and Red are skinning a deer carcass, Rodney and John Petty find themselves at the mercy of pitiless Harland DeGroat. Despite the disheartening subject matter, Cooper has assembled an impressive cast that includes Christian Bale, Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck, Willem Dafoe, Zoe Saldana, Forrest Whitaker, and Sam Shepard. The acting is believably natural, and nobody has been miscast, least of all Harrelson. The worst thing is the way that talented thespians like Saldana, Whitaker, and Shepard are relegated to largely peripheral roles. “Doom Generation” production designer Thérèse DePrez and Art Director Gary Koslo deserve Oscars for the authenticity of their sets. These sets appear too genuine to be prefabricated, and “Silver Linings Playbook” lenser Masanobu Takayanagi makes everything
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appears lived in and ultra-gritty. The America that we see here is wallowing in decay. If you prefer your movies with unrelenting realism, you’ll exit “Out of the Furnace” searching for antidepressants.
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Cloud Atlas
DECEMBER 26 + JANUARY 9
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>>> T H E A R T S | RYA N P H I L L I P S
UNITING ARTS & ARTISTS // CAC IS RESOUNDING SUCCESS IN JUST 4 MONTHS
PHOTO: DAVID H. JONES
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brought it up to city code and we took care of the inside.” In the wake of arguments concerning preservation of architecture in downtown Tuscaloosa, Ledgewood pointed to the Allen and Jemison building as a living testament to forward thinking. In the naming process, the city opted for a personality that carried clout in the local art scene. “This is the ultimate example in terms of preservation,” he said. “Taking a building that was built in 1903 and preserving it and using it for the community for many years ahead. The city made the decision to name it before we took it over. She was known as the Queen of the Blues and the city thought it would be nice to put her name with it in order to have someone with a Tuscaloosa connection.” In the spirit of the holiday season, one nook of the cultural arts center is devoted solely to a local artist who attempts to capture the essence of Christmas through his own interaction with the canvas. “We have one exhibit called “Christmas Traditions” and it is by a local artist named Tony Bratina. He has formal training in studio painting and it is obvious when you see his work. He can move from computer art to studio art very easily and is talented in both areas. He is such a talented painter and is so well known in the community, that it is obvious that people would like it.” The “Christmas Traditions” exhibit features prints ranging from various portrayals of Santa Claus, wine bottles
and a comical caricature of Cousin Eddie from the classic holiday film, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Each piece highlights a memory that is wide enough to appeal to the masses while narrow enough in scope to speak to the
PHOTO: DAVID H. JONES
When one thinks of an art gallery, images are often evoked of stuffy uptown Manhattan flats or centuries old artistic meccas across the pond. The last place many would think to find a bustling arts center would be in a former hardware store. The Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center (CAC) occupies the first floor of the historic Allen and Jemison Building on Greensboro Avenue in downtown Tuscaloosa and displays a wide range of local art, the majority of which is for sale. In the grand hall of the wood-floored gallery, the walls on either side are currently lined with vivid prints of famous birds painted by Basil Ede, a notable British wildlife artist. These prints, however, are owned and on loan from Harrison Galleries and not for sale. Kevin Ledgewood, publicist for the Arts Council, conducted a tour of the just 4 month-old facilities and gave background information on how the current cultural arts center came to be. “When the building was due to be torn down, the planning department for the city was interested in saving the building and the city received a $1.5 million grant from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to save it,” he said. “So before they started on saving the building physically, they asked the Arts Council if we would be willing to take over management of the building after it was completed and of course we said yes. That money took care of the building infrastructure and
individual. The grand hall of the Cultural Arts Center also houses an artistic nuance in the employment of large revolving wooden doors, according to Ledgewood. “These were the idea of the architect that designed the building,” he said. “We could have ordered them but it would cost so much, so Harrison construction made these themselves, on site. It just offers a bit more flexibility, gives more wall space and allows for a greater flow of people.” Many different uses can be found in such a continually expanding, versatile facility, Ledgewood said, which ultimately provides an outlet for artists and community members alike. “Eventually we want to move to the second floor of the building and have studio space. It really serves the entire community and gives them a place to gather and take advantage of all these resources at one place. It is also important to recognize the economic impact that the arts have on their city, a lot of people don’t realize how much money it can bring in.” For artists, workspace can become a problem, which is one issue that the CAC looks to take on through its facilities, according to Ledgewood. “It is very difficult for an artist to do their craft at home unless they have a dedicated space and that is usually the exception and not the rule as far as artist are concerned, so there is a big need for that studio space,” he said. “As an artist, you need a space where you can leave all
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your creative tools out at one time.” Through multiple fundraising campaigns and donations, the CAC is properly furnished with all of the tools necessary for artists to feel welcome. “We want the center to pay for itself and beyond,” Ledgewood said. “That’s what we want to see happen. One of the most important events we hosted, not too long after we opened, was when the law school at the University of Alabama spon-
sored a dinner featuring Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan. That was a huge event. In the Black Box Theatre, we have hosted the Cavell trio, which is a faculty wind trio from UA. We also have a baby grand piano donated by Wendy Riggs, the manager of the Tuscaloosa amphitheater and that has been a great addition to the Black Box theater space.” Outlined in black tape in the grand hall of the CAC is a simulation of a stage, called the Black Box Theater. This space functions as a practice and performance platform for Tuscaloosa artists. “We have a Black Box Theatre, and the lines on the floor are here to form a border that imitates the stage at the Bama Theatre and if someone is going to be performing there, they can use this for practice space,” Ledgewood said. In addition to the services offered to artists, administrative facilities are also provided to artistic groups. “The Arts Council has a satellite office here,” Ledgewood said. “We also house the Tuscaloosa Community Dancers and the Tuscaloosa Symphony
PHOTO: KEVIN LEDGEWOOD
>>> THE ARTS | R Y AN P H ILLIPS ( CONTINU E D )
Orchestra, so that is another function of a cultural arts center, it’s creative, artistic but also administrative.” For art galleries around the world, funding is a primary point of focus for many curators. "The Arts Council raised over one million dollars through a capital campaign, receiving both corporate and private donations with $500,000 contributed by the Tuscaloosa County Commission. We still lack about $85,000 to complete our goal, and with the facility now open,
potential donors can actually see what a worthwhile project the center is for our community." The CAC has also become the hub for Downtown Tuscaloosa's monthly First Friday. Local galleries, businesses and restaurants are open on the first Friday of every month as an event for the community to see what Downtown Tuscaloosa has to offer. In January, however, First Friday will actually be held on the second Friday of the month.
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DECEMBER 26 + JANUARY 9
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>>> wine REVIEW | R y a n p h i l l i p s
>>> RESTAURANTS |
SMITH & HOOK // TRADITION IN THE [WINE] MAKING
BREAKFAST / DINNER
W here to E at in T uscaloosa
15th Street Diner 1036 15th St // 750.8750 Open for most lunch and dinners, with limited hours on weekends. City Cafe 408 Main Ave | Downtown Northport // 758.9171 Established in 1936. Big on food, low on price. Open for breakfast and lunch. Historic downtown Northport. Closed weekends. CountryPride Restaurant 3501 Buttermilk Rd // 554.0215 www.ta.travelcenters.com Breakfast 24 hours. Lunch and Dinner buffet. 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 Jack's 1200 Hackberry Lane | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199 Maggie's Diner 1307 Ty Rogers Jr. Ave | Tuscaloosa // 366.0302 Mr. Bill's Family Restaurant 2715 McFarland Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 333.9312 Northport Diner 450 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.7190 Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd *402 | Tuscaloosa // 366.8780 Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip | Tuscaloosa // 342.0022
Across California Wine Country, numerous vineyards attempt to stand out against a landscape speckled with likeminded craftsman who sit at the top of the American class of winemakers. Smith & Hook Winery, who released their first Cabernet in 1980, is steeped in winemaking tradition on some of the richest soil in wine country and has since produced a highly acclaimed line of hearty red wines. The Smith & Hook 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon is one among a host of fine reds from this winery that is as bold as it is affordable. This Cabernet is presented in a formal black bottle that leaves the creative touch to the taste within. If you are a fan of strong, bitterly fruity flavor, this may be the red for you. The deep red hue of the Cabernet leads to a soft, yet sharp nose. Initially, the drinker is hit with a burst of traditional varietals that is heavy on the taste buds and stomach. The fruit mix for this particular Cabernet is full-bodied and sets on the tongue long after the first sip. However, if you are hosting a casual get-together that does not involve food, you may want to go ahead and buy a case. Pairing recommendations for this red can be found in pan-fried poultry that is light in body but spicy where it counts. To fully accent the rich fruit flavors found in the 2011 Cabernet, also try washing down grilled seafood, most notably Cajun shrimp and vegetable skewers or buttersoaked grilled tilapia. For desserts, a prime pairing can be found in white-chocolate coated treats, such as strawberries or pretzels. In summation, the sweeter and lighter the food, the more enjoyable it will be if enjoyed with a 2011 Cabernet from Smith and Hook. For those interested in learning the origins of this delectable red treat, the winemakers from Smith and Hook provide their story. “It was in the mid-1970’s and on two neighboring ranches-turned-vineyards in Monterey County that Nicolaus (“Nicky”) Hahn and his wife Gaby first established Hahn Winery and Smith & Hook wines,” The Smith and Hook website reads. “The
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Smith Ranch had been a horse ranch, while the Hook Ranch had raised cattle for generations; their prime location provided a perfect setting for growing premium varietal fruit. Smith & Hook Winery released its first vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon to high acclaim in 1980.” In the present day, Smith and Hook continue to strive for a peerless taste across the color spectrum, all in the hopes of providing what customers want. “Today Smith and Hook continues to produce its signature varietal Cabernet Sauvignon”, the website reads. “The bottle with its ‘Ranch Brand’ emblazoned directly on the bottles, reflects the heritage of Smith and Hook wines and the Hahn Winery. Hand-crafted by winemaker Paul Clifton, the wine echoes pioneering spirit of the Hahn Family and their commitment to Monterrey winegrowing.” To understand the winemakers, Smith and Hook also provide the background of the leadership that results in pristine winemaking. “As president of Hahn Family Wines and Hahn Estate, Tony Baldini brings decades of wine industry experience”, his bio reads. “Tony was raised on one of Napa Valley’s premier luxury estate vineyards and later earned a BA in Economics from the University of California at Davis and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of California at Berkeley, Haas School of Business. Prior to Hahn, Tony managed luxury brands for Constellation Wines and Jackson Family Wines as well as the entire range of US and export wines at Don Sebastian & Sons. Though still proud “Napkins”, Tony, his wife Caroline and their two children moved to Monterey County near Hahn Estate and the Santa Lucia Highlands.” This Cabernet is a steal, priced at around $20 per bottle. However, the Cabernet drinks like it should cost $80. While Smith and Hook offers higher end wines, this one can be enjoyed on any budget. The Smith and Hook 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon can be purchased at Carpe Vino in downtown Tuscaloosa.
Rama Jama’s 1000 Bryant Dr // 750.0901 Closest restaurant to Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Brown Bag 9425 Jones Road | Northport // 333.0970 Its speciality, fried green tomatoes, joins barbecue plates and fish filets on an extended list of meats and vegetables. Tues 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Wed-Sat 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. The Waysider 1512 Greensboro Ave // 345.8239 Open for breakfast and lunch. Smoke free.
MEXICAN Chipotle Mexican Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0140 www.chipotle.com Don Rafa's 2313 4th Street | Temerson Square // 345.9191 El Rincon (2 locations) 1225 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa, AL // 366.0855 1726 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.1274 Fernando's Mexican Grill 824 McFarland Blvd E | Northport // 205.331.4587 Iguana Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 752.5895 Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill 2001 New Watermelon Rd | Northport // 342.3378 LaGran Fiesta 9770 Hwy 69 S // 345.8871 Los Calientes Mexican Grill 3429 McFarland Blvd E // 553.1558 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
FINE DINING
Chuck’s Fish 508 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 248.9370 Steak, seafood, & sushi specialities. Open for dinner and Sunday brunch. Great atmosphere and excellent service. Ladies Night on Tuesdays. Ladies receive ½ off on drinks. Uptown Wednesday - $6 Uptown Shrimp, $8 Uptown Tacos. 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.
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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 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. The Globe 405 23rd Avenue Owned by legendary thespian and chef, Jeff Wilson. The decor takes one back to merry old England. The food is internationally acclaimed, priced reasonably, and the service is cheerful and professional. Cocktails are excellent as are the wines. Open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and from 5-9 pm. Tuesday through Saturday, Sunday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 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 // 556.0665 Eclectic menu, extensive wine list. Dinner at Kozy’s is a romantic experience complete with candlelight and a roaring fireplace. | www.kozysrestarant.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. 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.
ITALIAN Broadway Pizzeria 2880 Rice Mine Road Northeast Tuscaloosa, // 391.6969 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 Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.345.4343 Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd // 758.0112 Pizzas, calzones, hoagies and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. www.mellowmushroom.com Mr. G’s 908 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339-8505 Olive Garden 2100 McFarland Blvd E // 750-0321 Open daily from 11 a.m. www.olivegarden.com
CASUAL DINING Big Daddy’s Cafe 514 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 759.9925 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. Cafe J 2523 University Blvd // 343.0040 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 Desperados Steak House
>>> RESTAURANTS |
W here to E at in T uscaloosa ( cont . )
FIG (Food Is Good) 1351 McFarland Blvd NE // 345.8888 Mon–Fri 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 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. Hooligan’s 1915 University Blvd // 759.2424 From hamburgers to hummus. Open daily 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. 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. So, if you're hungry after "last-call for drinks," Horny's is the place to be. KK’s Steakhouse 13242 Hwy 69 South // 633.1032 Tacogi 500 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 342.3647 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 An 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 for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch www.ocharleys.com Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 366.8780 www.panerabread.com 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 The Local Catch // 331.4496 2321 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa Full Menu including breakfast served all day. Live Music Mon-Sat 11 a.m. - close | Sun 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. For a complete schedule http://localcatch30a.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 Southland Restaurant 5388 Skyland Blvd E // 556.3070 Steaks, chops and home-cooked vegtables Mon–Fri 10:45 a.m. - 9 p.m. Zoe’s Kitchen 312 Merchants Walk // 344.4450 A wonderful selection of Greek foods
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 Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd. East | Tuscaloosa // 523.0273 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine selection, 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
LOS MUERTOS BRINGS THE SEASON TO LIFE
1925 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199 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 Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave // 391.0572 Great burgers. Full service bar. Open late. www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com
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 Billy's BBQ Downtown Northport 364.1400 We specialize in BBQ, fresh ground beef, poultry, and pork made fresh, served fresh. Ask about our specialty potatoes. Mon & Tues 10-7// Wed. 10 – 5:30// Thurs, Fri, & Sat. 10 - 9 Costa's Famous BBQ and Steaks 760 Skyland Blvd // 331.4526 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. 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 Serving up an award-winning, all things Southern BBQ and Live music experience. Come dine-in or sit on the patio and enjoy some great Que, beers, whiskey, and live music on Thursday-Saturday. Roll Tide! Mon–Sat 11am - 10pm | Bar service Mon-Sat 2am and Fri -3am | Kitchen closes at 10pm Pottery Grill Highway 11 // 554.1815 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 Logan’s Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd | next to Sams // 349.3554 Steaks, ribs and spirits Longhorn Steakhouse 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 345-8244 #412 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. Outback Steakhouse 5001 Oscar Baxter Dr // 759.9000 Desperados 1530 McFarland Blvd. N. | Tuscaloosa // 343-1700 Sun–Wed 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
SEAFOOD Chuck’s Fish 508 Greensboro Ave // 248.9370 Local Catch Bar & Grill 2321 University Blvd // 205-331-4496 American, Seafood, Cajun/Creole. Coastal Cuisine with a Southern Twist!. Monday & Wednesdays half off house wine and appetizers at happy hour Thursday ladies night 20% off ladies tabs 4pm-close Sunday half off mimosas and bloody Marys all day Lunch 11am-2pm; Dinner 11am-until Happy Hour 3pm-6pm with $5 house wine, $5 top shelf, $3 well. $1 off bottle beer
Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar 4851 Rice Mine Rd NE #460 // 462.3399 McFarland Plaza Shopping Center & Temerson Square Wintzell’s Oyster House 1 Bridge Ave | Northport // 247.7772 Casual riverfront dining Sun–Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Fri–Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
O n store shelves in breweries across the country this time of year, you will find a wide range of traditional holiday beers, but what would you say to a south of the border flavor that is certain to cure the chills of the cold winter season? One brewery located in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, may have just what you’re looking for—that is if you are a fan of one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world. Los Muertos Brewing, which translates to ‘The Brewery Of The Dead”, is very much alive in terms of production and taste. With a long line of uniquely crafted brews themed after The Day Of The Dead, Los Muertos strives to stand out in an expansive market. To understand this Mexican brewery, one must first review the selection offered by Los Muertos. This line of beers can be seen on the brewery’s website and should appeal across the spectrum, even to those who are not traditional beer drinkers. If you are in the neighborhood, the atmosphere at this brewery is not too bad either. “Beyond the traditional Mexican lager style beers commonly offered throughout Puerto Vallarta, Los Muertos is a new kind of cerveceria where you will enjoy a range of beers including hoppy IPA, malty ambers, a stout, and even a fruit infused ale for those who don’t consider themselves beer drinkers”, the website reads. “When sitting at the bar, guests have a full view of our on site brew house and can take comfort knowing every beer served is a remarkably fresh, hand crafted ale.” First on deck with this line of craft beers is the ‘Pay The Ferryman’ Porter that is as dark as the eerie Grim Reaper that graces the beer’s label. With an especially dark hue that leads to a surprisingly light head, this porter is an unconventional approach to a heavy favorite. For a beer that is so inherently dark and rich, the taste is more palatable than competing porters, hence a great starter beer for those new to porters or particularly dark beers. While the taste is mild, the only drawback is noticeably strong filling quality. However, we are talking about a dark beer here. While you may pay the ferryman by drinking the beer, the actual price you pay for the beer is not quite as ominous. In terms of pairing, try washing down and
Wilhagan’s 2209 4th St | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 366.0913
Red Lobster 2620 McFarland Blvd // 553.8810 McFarland Plaza Shopping Center
>>> beer review | R y a n p h i l l i p s
lighter treats to compliment the heaviness of this porter, such as grilled pork chops or even lightly breaded fried catfish and hushpuppies. Crispy foods seem to bring out the true thickness of this porter, the likes of which would make a perfect addition to those first outdoor gatherings of the spring. For those adventurous in the culinary arts, try preparing Chicken Florentine to bring out the boldest of the Los Muertos Porter. For those who prefer the lighter side of taste, Los Muertos puts its own spin on a European staple. Los Muertos produces a Hefeweizen wheat beer that can easily compete with other imports in taste and weight. Sporting a thinly golden color, the Hefeweizen has a crisp flavor that could be compared to Blue Moon. However, you do not need an orange slice to enjoy this tasteful treat. The initial burst of flavor gives the drinker an almost fruity sensation that is accompanied by a smooth, light finish. Compared to the porter, the Hefeweizen is a much lighter drink and can be enjoyed at length much easier. Perfect for that sweltering summer day, this wheat beer is sure to please. The Los Muertos Hefeweizen pairs well with a wide range of treats, but particularly red meat. Try pairing this beer with brisket or even a glazed rack of ribs. In this reviewer’s opinion, you can not find a more middle of the road equivalent that pairs quite like the Los Muertos Hefeweizen. Heavy pastas also work to bring out the subtle boldness of the Hefeweizen. For the price, go for it. With import beer prices rising, Los Muertos stands out as a competitor on the international shelves. Whether you are fighting the cold or beating the heat, you can celebrate the Day Of The Dead year round.
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DECEMBER 26 + JANUARY 9
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>>> RESTAURANT REVIEW | CA R A B R A K E
THE POTTERY GRILL // RAVES FROM THEIR CUSTOMERS
>>> RESTAURANTS |
W here t o E a t i n T u s c a l o o s a ( c o n t . )
CHINESE Buffet City 1747 Skyland Blvd E // 553.3308 All you can eat buffet. Open 7 days a week. Chang’s Chinese Restaurant 1825 McFarland Blvd N // 391.9131 China Fun 2600 University Blvd | Alberta City // 553.2435 China Garden Hwy 69 S | Hillcrest Center // 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
O ne thing Tuscaloosa is known for besides football is good barbeque. Barbeque pork, chicken, and sauce are all staples of the South, and restaurants serving the savory dish are dotted around town. One of those shops is The Pottery Grill. With two locations around Tuscaloosa, customers can get barbeque no matter which end of the county they’re on. The Pottery Grill started as a drive-in, making it a popular hangout for teenagers, as it was right across from a drive-in theatre. It was purchased by Robert and Jewell Weaver in back in 1964, and it became famous for hamburger steaks and stuffed potatoes. The store was closed in 1975, then reopened 1989 in Cottondale, Alabama by best friends Michael Chambliss and Tim Foster. They'd been friends all through high school and then joined the Navy together. They started their first restaurant in 1988 in Coaling, with The Coaling Crossing, a country convenience store, where they grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches. In 1991, they purchased the Old Hamm’s Pottery. Yes, pottery had been made there when Alabama was young. After some renovations, Michael and Tim started selling take-out BBQ. A fire destroyed the kitchen in early 1992, so they stuck their necks out and decided to build a full service restaurant on the same location. On September 1, 1992, The Pottery Grill opened in Cottondale. Their dreams of a full service restaurant were finally becoming reality. It takes a whole lot of hard work owning and operating an independent restaurant, and Tim and Michael wanted to do things right. For that reason, it took them almost 17 years to open a second location in 2009, in Northport, and both locations are going strong. Foster and Chambliss run the restaurant with general manager Mark Drensky. They aren’t stopping with two places, however, and recently have taken over the old Southland Restaurant, a third full-service eatery, which has a long and happy history in Cottondale. More than one online reviewer has raved that their barbecue is fantastic. Tim Foster would be first to tell you that the meats are slow-cooked for up to 16 hours
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over a hickory fire. Then the excess fat is trimmed by hand and the meat is chopped. Their chopped pork is famous among locals (as well as lucky repeat visitors from out of town who once decided to try a lesser-known barbecue restaurant—The Pottery Grill—instead of the ones sometimes mentioned on ESPN). And the ribs are said to have brought tears of joy to at least one person known by this writer. Ribs aren’t the only thing that The Pottery Grill offers. There’s barbecue chicken, pork, and chicken tenders. Sandwiches include, well, any kind of meat they offer, just in sandwich form. Coleslaw can be added to any sandwich. But for my money, it’s the fall-off-the-bone rib plate or the chopped pork with plenty of the sauce that makes a person want to come back for more. Tasty side dishes and specials are featured every day. Sides and main dishes can be ordered in large quantities, so customers can take a family sized meal home. Meats are sold by the pound, sides are sold in pints, quarts, and gallons, and chicken tenders are sold in 5, 10, 15, and 30 piece boxes. For the little ones who can’t handle a big meal, The Pottery Grill offers a child size portion of their famous barbeque, along with chicken tenders, hot dogs, chicken strips, and each meal comes with a kid’s drink. They have a convenient website, thepotterygrill.com. Browse through it and find out a little bit about their history. The website is simple to navigate and talks about everything from their menu to catering to a comments section. The Pottery Grill's locations are in Northport at 3420 Highway 69 near the McFarland intersection, and in Cottondale on Highway 11 North. You'll see a billboard on the Interstate showing which exit to turn from. The phone number for the Northport location is 333.5848, and the Cottondale location is 554.1815.Both locations are open Monday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m, and Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m to 9 p.m. It’s not the barbecues in my life that count, it’s the life in my barbecues. ~ Mae West ~
Trey Yuen 4200 McFarland Blvd E // 752.0088
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
PIZZA AND SUBS A Taste Of Chicago 1700 Greensboro Avenue 205-342-DOGS Mon. - Thurs. 10:00am - 9:00pm; Fri. - Sat. 10:00am - 10:00pm 17th Street and Greensboro Avenue. Authentic Chicago style foods with a taste of Chi-Town in every bite. Italian Beef Sandwiches, Chicago Rib Tips, and Chicago Style Pizza.View our menu online and order at CRIMSON2GO.COM. Follow us @TasteofChicagoTtown on Instagram. 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 www.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. - 3:00 a.m. | Sun 11:30 a.m. - midnight Tut’s Place 1306 University Blvd | The Strip // 759.1004
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 // Fun atmosphere,fresh ingredients, great sandwiches. 764.1673
COFFEE SHOP Chloe's Cup 2117 University Blvd.| Tuscaloosa // 764.0218 Crimson Cafe International Coffee House & Gourmet Deli 1301 University Blvd | The Strip // 750.0203 Mon–Fri 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Sat & Sun 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. thecrimsoncafe.com Five Java Coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and treats from Mary's Cakes. Open Monday - Saturday at 7am; 9am on Sundays Heritage House 18 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 758.0042 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 www.coldstonecreamery.com 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. 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 Self-serve frozen yogurt experience Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - midnight
TO HAVE YOUR RESTAURANT LISTED HERE PLEASE EMAIL PLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM
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
>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS
>>> T I P S | P.O. FR IT Z
RESOLVE // EVOLVE
The idea of using the beginning of a new calendar year as a kickoff to a new beginning for one’s efforts at self-improvement has roots reaching back to ancient, spiritual times — a cleansing and renewal of sorts. Of course, change is ongoing, deliberate or otherwise, and the idea of combining the making of resolutions with the dawn of a new calendar year is purely symbolic. But it is nice symbolism and convenient, as well. The act of making resolutions, i.e., resolving to do some things differently, can be perceived as exciting and empowering or frustrating and fruitless. As with many things in life, perspective is nearly everything. I enjoy the process of creating new year’s resolutions, the act of redefining chosen aspects of one’s self and one’s life. It’s goal-setting with that fairy-dust sprinkle of the “New Year” added to it; pretty powerful stuff. I do it without guilt or pressure: in that, lies the pleasure of this approach. It is a collaboration between you and all that is. There is an exhilarating feeling tied in with envisioning and implementing new paths, new choices. But the “shoulds” and “not-goodenoughs” have no place at this planning table. Welcome here, instead, are the “I’m ready to work on that...” or “I can imagine myself...”, etc. It’s about being in sync with where you are as a person, and where to you want to go next. See how pleasant it feels to think of the process in this way? Envision the journey toward your goals as progress vs. perfection. Acknowledge and celebrate each step along the way. And if you take three steps forward and one or two back, so be it. You remain one or two steps ahead. Celebrate that. By taking some time in the weeks leading up to new year to begin allowing yourself to define the
resolutions/goals you choose to create, you avoid a rushed, half-thought-out, last-minute list that you feel like tossing the very next day. When you actually commit your list to paper (if you do), a mini-ceremony, complete with candles, inspiring readings, pleasant fragrances, prayer (if one is so inclined), and other ceremonial touches can add an element of fun and mystical to the practical, never a negative thing. From the practical point of view, holding the vision of the long-term goal coupled with the measurement of success in a series of short-term steps can be a potent formula for moving forward. A fun thing to do is to write these resolution/goals on a piece of paper and place it in a sealed envelope, to be opened by you one year in the future. Almost every time you’ll be surprised at the degrees of progress you have made. Another approach takes more of the middle ground: (1) make your list of goals; (2) make a copy for the 12-month envelope; (3) review a copy of your list regularly during the first weeks and/ or months after your resolution writing, refine as desired; (4) at years end, open the sealed list. Congratulations, wherever you are. Now, begin again. Peace in your New Year.
>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS
DECEMBER 26 + JANUARY 9
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>>> CRIMSON TIDE | S T E P H E N S M I T H
THE SPECTACULAR CJ MOSELY // WHO WILL SUCCEED HIM? PHOTOS BY PERMISSION FROM ROLLTIDE.COM
It doesn ’ t matter if it’s on the defensive line, linebacker core or in the secondary, every defense desires to have one player they can depend on to keep the others focused on the game. As a leader on defense, a player must possess three qualities: instinct, passion and experience. Having an experienced player on defense provides the team with a second coach or defensive coordinator on the field. In recent seasons, the leaders on the Alabama Crimson Tide have come from the linebacker position. From DeMeco Ryans and Rolando McClain to Dont’a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw, Alabama’s strength defensively has come from second level (linebackers). In the past two seasons, the Crimson Tide’s leader on defense has been CJ Mosley. In his four years with Alabama, Mosley has been spectacular. The journey to greatness for Mosley began as a freshman in 2010. He played in all 13 games and finished third on the team in tackles with 67. Though his breakout game came against LSU (nine tackles), he put together great performances against Mississippi (five tackles), San Jose State (seven tackles and three deflections), Mississippi State (12 tackles) and South Carolina (five tackles). Along with 67 tackles, Mosley registered his first touchdown on defense against Florida off an interception. With his contributions, Mosley helped the Tide achieve a 10-3 record, a 49-7 victory against Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl and become the No.1 defense in the Southeastern Conference, surrendering 14.1 points per game. In his sophomore season, Mosley shared the weak side linebacker (will)
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position with Nico Johnson. Despite missing two games because of a dislocated elbow, Mosley still played in 11 games and started in six of them. Though his numbers dwindled from his freshman season, Mosley was still productive. He totaled 37 tackles (4.5 tackles for loss), two sacks, two pass breakups and an interception. His best games stat wise came against Tennessee (eight tackles), Auburn (six tackles) and LSU (interception). In 2011, Mosley helped Alabama become the No. 1 defense in the SEC and the nation. The Tide gave up just 74.9 yards rushing per game and allowed three rushing touchdowns for the entire season. With Mosley, the Crimson Tide was first in the SEC in pass defense. Opposing quarterbacks completed just 48.3 percent of their passes. Alabama allowed nine touchdowns and forced 13 interceptions. To cap off a successful sophomore campaign, Mosley helped the Tide capture its 14th national title defeating LSU in the 2012 BCS National Championship Game 21-0. In 2012, Mosley went from being contributor to the undisputed leader of Alabama’s defense. He played in all 14 games (10 starts) and his stats improved dramatically from the previous season. At weak side linebacker, Mosley led the team with 99 tackles (7.0 tackles for loss). He was ninth in the SEC in tackles per game with 7.62. Mosley recorded four sacks, two pass breakups, one forced fumble, three quarterback hurries and two interceptions (one for a touchdown against Michigan). Mosley’s junior year was the definition of greatness for linebacker standards. He not only helped the Tide maintain its stinginess on defense, giving up
10.7 points per game, but he also helped Alabama stuff the opponents run game. In 2012, opposing teams averaged just 79.8 yards rushing against the Crimson Tide. As far as the aerial attack goes, Alabama forced 19 interceptions with Mosley. Mosley helped the Tide achieve its 23rd SEC title in defeating Georgia 3228 and 15th national title in defeating Notre Dame 42-14. He was a finalist for the Butkus Award (nation’s top linebacker) and a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award (top defense player). Though Alabama will not play for a national title this season, Mosley still remained the dominant nucleus of the defense. He has started and played in 11 games this season. Currently, he leads the team in tackles with 88 (9.0 tackles for loss). This season, Alabama is first in the nation in points allowed, giving up 9.3 points per game. The Crimson Tide has surrendered 91.3 yards rushing per game and five rushing scores this season. Opposing quarterbacks have tossed just seven touchdowns this season, while Alabama’s defense has forced 10 interceptions. Alabama will take on Oklahoma in the BCS All State Sugar Bowl on January 2, 2014. The main thing that’s on the mind of the Crimson Tide and its fan base is sending Mosley off on a good note. With all the talent the Tide has had on the defensive side of the ball in recent years, Mosley will go down in history as one of the best that has ever donned a crimson and white uniform. The one thing that jumps out at a lot of analysts about Mosley is his size. Despite being just 6-foot-2, 238 pounds, Mosley has tremendous lateral quickness. He has great speed which allows him to navigate from sideline to sideline. Though Mosley isn’t a premiere pass rusher, he excels in stopping the run and playing the passing lanes well. Mosley is a gifted player and has the accolades to prove it. He is a two-time national champion, an SEC champion,
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the SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year (2013) and a Butkus Award winner (2013).With Mosley graduating and possibly entering the 2014 NFL Draft, the question now is who will be his successor? Junior linebacker Trey DePriest has played with Mosley for three seasons. He made himself known as a freshman in 2011 as being a hard hitter. DePriest
Jeoffrey Pagan
Denzell Devall
Trey DePriest
Adrian Hubbard
>>>C R I M S O N T I D E , continued |S T E P H E N S M I T H totaled 25 tackles as a freshman and was second on the team in tackles as a sophomore with 56. At 6-foot-2, 245 pounds, DePriest’s true position is at middle (mike) linebacker. He is more than just a hard hitter, he also stuffs the run and generates a pass rush if need be. DePriest was third on the team in tackles this season with 47. He also totaled a sack, an interception, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. Though Jeoffrey Pagan and A’Shawn Robinson are defensive linemen, both were pivotal and came up huge for the Tide this season. Pagan was eighth on the team in tackles with 29, but he also had a sack and a blocked kick. Robinson was seventh on the team in tackles with 31, but he led the team in with five sacks and a blocked kick. Adrian Hubbard and Denzel Devall were tied for ninth on the team in tackles with 25. Devall had three sacks this season, while Hubbard produced two. Though Hubbard took a step back this season (six sacks last season), he was recruited to be a premier pass rusher for the Alabama defense. With Hubbard and Devall returning next season, both will be looked upon for leadership and production. In the absence of Vinnie Sunseri, Landon Collins stepped into the lights and proved to the world that he is a gamer. Last season, Collins showed that he was a beast on special teams. This season, he proved that he can handle both special teams and being a defensive back. Collins was second on the team in tackles this season with 51. He recorded six pass breakups, two quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery and a force fumble. Against Tennessee, Collins intercepted a Justin Worley pass and took it 89 yards for a touchdown. Before tearing his ACL against Arkansas, Sunseri was the captain of the Tide’s secondary. He amassed 20 tackles and intercepted two passes for touchdowns before his injury. In battling off-the-field issues, HaHa Clinton-Dix put in a productive season. He was fourth on the team in tackles with 45. He had two interceptions and four pass breakups. With a healthy Sunseri returning next season and if Clinton-Dix decides to return for his senior year, one of these guys can truly be the leader of Alabama’s defense. As Collins, Geno Smith and others continue to grow and mature, the Tide’s defense that looked suspected this season will be a definite strength next season.
Landon Collins
HaHa Clinton-Dix
A’Shawn Robinson
Stephen Smith also reports for Touchdown Alabama Magazine and touchdownalabama.net. “Mediocre people don’t like high achievers,& high achievers don’t like mediocre people.” ~ Nick Saban ~
Vinnie Sunseri
>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM
DECEMBER 26 + JANUARY 9
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>>> EVENTS CALENDAR |
THE SOUTHEAST'S LARGEST
NOTE: All events listed here have phone numbers in the 205 area code unless otherwise indicated.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31
GIFTED CRAFT CLASSES WHEN: 6 – 7:15 p.m. COST: $20 - $35 WHERE: Gifted, 1316 Lurleen Wallace Blvd., Northport PHONE: 534.4154 EMAIL: marloweinteriors@yahoo.com
BATTLE-FRIEDMAN MANSION TOUR WHEN: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. COST: Donation WHERE: Battle-Friedman Mansion PHONE: 758.2238 WEB: historictuscaloosa.org DESCRIPTION: See how a family lived back in the 1830s, including period furniture and furnishings.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27
TONY BRATINA "CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS" WHEN: 9 a.m. – noon COST: Free WHERE: Cultural Arts Center LINK: tuscarts.org PHONE: 758.5195, ext. 6 DESCRIPTION: Tuscaloosa News graphic artist, Tony Bratina, explores the traditions of Christmas around the world, past and present, in this one-of-a-kind art exhibit on display today only in the Arts Council gallery at the Cultural Arts Center. NEW YEAR'S PARTY FOR KIDS WHEN: 5 – 7:30 p.m. COST: Undetermined / give them a call WHERE: Children's Hands-On Museum PHONE: 349.4235 EMAIL: carla@chomonline.org WEB: chomonline.org DESCRIPTION: Come out and help to celebrate the new year, 2014. Balloon drop at 7 p.m.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28
NEW YEAR'S ROCKIN' NOON WHEN: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. COST: Undetermined / give them a call WHERE: Children's Hands-On Museum PHONE: 349.4235 EMAIL: carla@chomonline.org WEB: chomonline.org DESCRIPTION: Balloon drop promptly at noon.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29
3RD ANNUAL HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT THE LIBRARY WHEN: 2 - 6 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Main Branch, Tuscaloosa Public Library DESCRIPTION: The open house will have kid’s crafts, movies, treats, book signings from local authors, and a “Holiday Postcard” photo booth. All activities are free and family friendly. Several local Tuscaloosa authors will be on hand from 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. to sell and sign their works for patrons. Bill Fitts, Lila Weaver, and Tanya Eavenson are just a few of the area authors scheduled for the program. COMMIT TO BE FIT HEALTH WORKSHOP WHEN: 1 – 5:30 P.M.
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NEW YEAR'S EVE FOR KIDS WHEN: 9 a.m. – noon COST: Undetermined / give them a call WHERE: Children's Hands-On Museum PHONE: 349.4235 EMAIL: carla@chomonline.org WEB: chomonline.org DESCRIPTION: Balloon drop promptly at noon.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 4 UA CRIMSON TIDE MEN'S BASKETBALL WHEN: 4:30 p.m. WHERE: Coleman Coliseum DESCRIPTION: vs. Robert Morris
SUNDAY, JANUARY 5
SSCC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL WHEN: 2 p.m. WHERE: Martin Campus Gymnasium, Shelton State Community College DESCRIPTION: vs. Perimeter
>>> PET PLANET | T H I S M O N T H ' S P E T S
MEET LOLLY // PURRRFECT FAMILY ADDITION FOR 2014 Meet Lolly, a domestic shorthair Gray Tabby female, approximately three to five years old. Lolly is very affectionate. She loves to be around people and would make an excellent companion cat. She seems to do well around other cats, but she has never met a dog. Lolly is negative for FIV/FeLK, current on vaccinations and spayed. If you are interested in giving Lolly the forever home she wants and deserves, visit the West Alabama Humane Society at humanesocietyofwa.org or call us at 554.0011.
MONDAY, JANUARY 6
SSCC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL WHEN: 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Martin Campus Gymnasium, Shelton State Community College DESCRIPTION: vs. Alabama Southern HOMEWORK HELP WHEN: 3 - 5 p.m. WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library, Weaver Branch COST: Free CONTACT: 205.345.5820 DESCRIPTION: Provides one-on-one homework assistance to students K-8th grade. It is a drop-in service; students may come and go at any time during session and must have homework with them in order to attend. This is a Monday through Thursday activity.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7
SSCC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL WHEN: 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Martin Campus Gymnasium, Shelton State Community College DESCRIPTION: vs. Faulkner State
Amelia is a beautiful short-haired female Tortoiseshell. She is an older kitten around six or seven months old. Amelia is sweet and gentle. She loves attention and doesn’t mind mewing to get it! She was named after Amelia Earhart for her love of adventure and daring spirit! Amelia does well around other cats. She should do well with children and would be a wonderful companion cat. She has never been around dogs. She is negative for FIV/FeLK, current on her vaccinations and spayed. If you are interested in giving Amelia the forever home she wants and deserves, visit the West Alabama Humane Society at humanesocietyofwa. org or call us at 205.554.0011.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8 "DOWNTON ABBEY" VIEWING PARTY WHEN: 6 p.m COST: Free WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library, main branch, Rotary Room. PHONE: 345.5820 EMAIL: kaldridge@tuscaloosa-library.org DESCRIPTION: A celebration of season 4 of "Downton Abbey". In addition to a screening of the season 4 premiere, activities will include trivia and classic party games for prizes. Guests may dress in Downton Abbey style or period attire if desired. High tea will be served.
PUBLICIZE YOUR EVENT. CONTACT
planeteditor@yahoo.com >>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS
>>> C O M M U N I T Y | S T A F F R E P O R T
FARMERS MARKET IS OPEN EVERY SATURDAY // FRESH FROM FARM TO YOU
>>> EVENTS CALENDAR |
THE SOUTHEAST'S LARGEST
(cont'd)
RED SHOE RUN
WHEN: Saturday, January 11, 2014, 7 – 10:30am WHERE: SoHo Square in Homewood, AL EVENT TYPE: General Community SPONSORED BY: Ronald McDonald House COST: in description AGE RANGE: All Ages CONTACT: Stephanie Langford DESCRIPTION: Lace up your big old floppy clown....oh, running shoes, and meet us at Soho Square in Homewood, AL for the 10th Annual Red Shoe Run (formerly the Red Nose Run), which benefits the Ronald McDonald House. Kids will enjoy the One Mile Fun Run with Ronald McDonald on hand, while others can run or walk the 5K and 10 mile courses. All proceeds of the event (after expenses) benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. Race Distances Race Start Times - Subject to Change 10 Mile - 7:00 a.m. 5K Run/Walk - 7:15 a.m. 1 Mile Fun Run - 8:30 a.m. NOTE: 10 Mile Run has a 2 Hour Course Limit Beneficiary Proceeds of The Red Shoe Run will go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama.
The Tuscaloosa Farmers’ M arket at the River Market is now open every Saturday, 7 AM -12PM. Tuesday Market days will resume in the spring. Come out and get a taste of the country right here in the City, on the banks of the beautiful Black Warrior River! Enjoy the gentle breeze always wafting from the river, combined with the comfort of the facility’s huge indoor fans, as you peruse seasonally fresh produce, grass fed or grain fed beef, locally raised Berkshire pork, farm raised shrimp, jams, jellies, eggs, baked goods, fine cheeses, and artisan crafts. Your support helps boost our local economy. You can further help by buying, growing, and selling local! And, don’t forget that the River Market is the perfect place to host your next reception, banquet, or event! Check out our “Rental Information” tab for more details, or give us a call at 205.248.5295. The Tuscaloosa Farmers' Market at Tuscaloosa River Market gladly accepts EBT Cards. Tuscaloosa's finest farmers' market
on the river supports local growers, vendors, crafters in an environment in which patrons are abuzz in the market each Saturday! The Market hosts community events, activities for children and live entertainment highlighting on Saturdays! It's the perfect place to play on a T-Town weekend! Wedding receptions, corporate gatherings, birthday celebrations, socials, or dances, brunches, luncheons and all activities have found a special home at the Tuscaloosa River Market as well. It is truly the ideal place to hold your next event. Located on the banks of the Black Warrior River, the River Market and staff will help you sit back, relax, and enjoy the breeze, wafting from the river via our unique roll up doors. Make your next party as memorable and magical as the moonlight on the water, by choosing the Tuscaloosa River Market at Manderson Landing for your next social event! For more information please call us at 248.5295. Visit: facebook.com/TuscaloosaFarmersMarket. Also visit: TuscaloosaRiverMarket.com
RRCA Championship Red Shoe Run was the 2013 10 Mile Alabama RRCA 10 Mile State Championship. We will apply for the 2014 10 Mile 10 Mile Championship in October. 10 Mile Run has a 2 Hour Course Limit The 10 Mile is a Run and participants will need to maintain a 12 minute pace or better in order to meet the 2 hour course closure deadline. If you cannot complete the 10 Mile Run in 2 hours or less, the participant will be expected to move to the sidewalk and complete the course on their own. Registration Fees - 10 Mile Race $45 - Register online by December 31st $50 - Register online by January 10th $55 - Race Day Registration - January 11th $25 - Students (21 Years old and under) NOTE: 10 Mile Run has a 2 Hour Course Registration Fees - 5K Race / Walk $30 - Register online by December 31st $35 - Register online by January 10th $40 - Race Day Registration - January 11th $25 - Students (21 Years old and under) Registration Fees - 1 Mile Fun Run / Walk $20 - Register online by January 10th $20 - Race Day Registration - January 11th I'm Sleeping In, but I still want the T-shirt $20 - Register online by January 10th This way you can Support the Ronald McDonald House and still get the shirt! T-Shirts are Not mailed. Please pick up during Packet Pickup times listed.
FIRST FRIDAY January 10 (and not the 3rd)
Local galleries, businesses and restaurants are open as an event for the community to see what Downtown Tuscaloosa has to offer. At the Cultural Arts Center on Greensboro, please come to the 5 - 8 p.m. opening reception of Lynn and Alexander Schmidt's Exhibit presented by the Arts Council of Tuscaloosa. The exhibit, entitled "Impressions: The Anagama in Fire & Film," features ceramic sculpture and photos from the anagama kiln firing in Montevallo. >>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS
DECEMBER 26 + JANUARY 9
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>>> ROAD TRIP | SOUT H E AST E R N CONC E R TS AN D E V E NTS BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY // BIRMINGHAM // OCTOBER 25
ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES // BIRMINGHAM // DECEMBER 28 fun. // OCTOBER 22 // ATLANTA
WIDESPREAD PANIC// ATLANTA // DECEMBER 31
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27
Birmingham Adam Hood, Zydeco North Mississippi All-Stars, WorkPlay Theater Montgomery Stuart McNair, 1048 Jazz and Blues Michael Thorton, The Tipping Point ATLANTA STS9, Tabernacle Echo Theory, Masquerade Futurebirds, Buckhead Theater Shen Yun, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center Three and Twenty Band, Wild Bill’s
saturday, DECEMBER 28
MONTGOMERY Adam Hood, War Eagle Supper Club 12 Sharp, Blue Iguana NEW ORLEANS George Clinton and the Parliament-Funkadelic, Tiptina’s NASHVILLE
Deep Fried 5, High Watt The Long Players, Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29
NASHVILLE Paul Thorn, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill BIRMINGHAM People’s Blues of Richmond, The Nick
DECEMBER 31
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30
FRIDAY, JANUARY 3
ATLANTA Widespread Panic, Atlanta Symphony Hall
Birmingham CBDB and Mama’s Love, Zydeco
NASHVILLE Old Crow Medicine Show, Ryman Auditorium The Time Jumpers, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill
ATLANTA Chastain Stone, Vinyl
NEW ORLEANS Better Than Ezra, Harrah’s
Lynx, Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom
ATLANTA Widespread Panic, Phillip’s Arena Florida Georgia Line, Wild Bill’s Cedrick the Entertainer, Fabulous Fox Theater Drivn and Cryin, Variety Playhouse Six Shot Revival, Masquerade
BIRMINGHAM St Paul and the Broken Bones, WorkPlay Theater Rollin in the Hay, Rogue Tavern Farmer’s Daughter, Café Firenze
NEW ORLEANS The Breeders, One Eyed Jack’s
WHISKEY RIVER BAND // NEW ORLEANS
DECEMBER 31 OTIS // NASHVILLE // OCTOBER 24 SHUGGIE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31
NEW ORLEANS Earphunk and Zoogma, Tiptina’s Tandem, House of Blues Rebirth Brass Band, Howlin Wolf
ATLANTA Drop That Peach, Wild Bill’s
JAMEY JOHNSON//MONTGOMERY //
NASHVILLE Bassnectar, Bridgestone Arena Moon Taxi, Marathon Music Works The Wild Feathers, Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom BIRMINGHAM Black Jacket Symphony, WorkPlay Theater Velcro Pygmies, Iron Horse Café Jay Pharoah, Comedy Club Stardome MONTGOMERY Jamey Johnson, Montgomery Performing Arts Center Farmer’s Daughter, Café Firenze II Crashing Broadway, Rock Bottom NEW ORLEANS Revivalists, Civic Theater Dumpstaphunk and the Hot 8 Brass Band, Howlin Wolf Galactic, Tiptina’s Whiskey River Band, House of Blues
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1
NASHVILLE
SATURDAY, JANUARY 4
Birmingham Ill Communication (Beastie Boys Tribute), Zydeco Ocean Street, Tin Roof
SILENT PLANET // NASHVILLE // JANUARY 4
MONTGOMERY Atticus Avenue, Rock Bottom ATLANTA Indigo Girls, Terminal West Maze, Atlanta Civic Center Light the Avenue, Masquerade NASHVILLE Silent Planet, Rocketown NEW ORLEANS Ani DiFranco, House of Blues Eric Lindell, One Eyed Jack’s
WEDNESday, JANUARY 8
NASHVILLE Jeff Dunham, Bridgestone Arena
THURSday, JANUARY 9
BIRMINGHAM Queensryche w/ Geoff Tate, Workplay Theater The Wheelers Band, innisfree irish pub NEW ORLEANS Gluzman and Sibelius, Mahalia Jackson Theater
NEW ORLEANS Sarah McCoy and the Oopsie Daisies, The Spotted Cat Fly By Radio, House of Blues
THURSday, JANUARY 2
NASHVILLE Fragments of God, High Watt
TO HAVE YOUR VENUE AND EVENTS LISTED HERE PLEASE EMAIL PLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM TO BE INCLUDED IN THE NEXT ISSUE. JEFF DUNHAM // NASHVILLE //
>>> 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
Moe’s Original BBQ 6423 Park Dr 251.625.7427
Amphitheater at the Wharf 23101 Canal Rd 251.224.1020
The Hangout 251.948.3030 thehangout1.com
Bridgestone Arena 501 Broadway 615.770.2000
Marathon Music Works 1402 Clinton St 615.891.1781
Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa St 334.481.5100
Centennial Olympic Park 265 Park Ave W NW 404.223.4412
Minglewood Hall 1555 Madison Ave 901.312.6058
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DECEMBER 26 + JANUARY 9
205.324.1911 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 2200 Encore Pkwy 404.733.5010 Von Braun Center 700 Monroe St SW 256.551.2345
The Nick 2514 10th Ave S 205.252.3831
WorkPlay 500 23rd St S 205.380.4082
Sloss Furnaces 20 32nd St N
Zydeco 2001 15th Ave S 205.933.1032
>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM
JANUARY 8
>>> MUSIC | ALY X CHANDLER
THE NEIGHBOURHOOD // A STANDOUT FIRST ALBUM
THURSDAY DECEMBER 26
Green Bar: XXXXX Rhythm & Brews: Nothin' special
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2
Green Bar: XXXXXXX Rhythm & Brews: XXXXX Jupiter: XXXXX
W hen in A pril the Neighbourhood’s strategic combination of fist shaking angst FRIDAY, first album, "I Love You," was released, paired with a catchy, media mesh vibe of FRIDAY, 27band rose from this DECEMBER originally indie rock this generation’s romanticized love battle. & Brews: To be announced 3 wrong’ aura surges the Rhythm shadows of potential and used its TheJANUARY classic ‘love gone Greenmovie Bar: XXXXXXX GreenI Bar: XXXXXX moody, moment feel to buzz its way through Love You with a movie moment XXXXXXX to the charts. In only a year alone, the feelJupiter: that opens up a larger fan-base for Neighborhood successfully wooed their SATURDAY, the Neighbourhood with their songs on audience with a crash and burn love story TV SATURDAY, shows such as Vampire Diaries and DECEMBER 28 wrought with an heavy R&B voice and Twisted. Though some critics think this Rhythm & Brews: XXXXXX JANUARY 4 a mediocre, angst inescapably honest, lusty lyrics. This first album merely provides Jupiter: XXXXXX Green Bar: XXXXXX album has officially secured an impressive filled message, a disagreement could be Rounders: XXXXX Rhythm & Brews: XXXXXX alternative rock genre and audience for made that the audience the band is trying to Green Bar: XXXX Jupiter: XXXXXXX the Neighborhood. reach dwells within the young adult frame. Recently, more and more people are Sure, the band’s lyrics may apply to both the familiar with knowing the Neighbourhood’s middle SUNDAY, school world and the graduate world MONDAY, first whole album, not just their EPs . of adults, but that does not undermine the DECEMBER 29 JANUARY 6 Now a seasonal favorite tune, ‘Sweater leverage that this album creates with its feet Jupiter: XXXXXXX Jupiter: XXXXXXX Weather’ has transformed into a song that in the realms of not only alternative rock, but is right up there competing for playing catchy pop and low key electronica. timeMONDAY, with ‘Wrecking Ball’ by Miley Cyrus. It The Neighbourhood produced a loveTHURSDAY, secured the spot of one of the overplayed sick shadow with "I Love You," beckoning DECEMBER 30 JANUARY 9 songs circulated every dozen or so songs everyone to slowly, over the months, turn Jupiter: XXXXXXX Jupiter: on pop radio stations. In addition, it takes back and realize that this is an album that the show and claims the strongest and still managed to stand out in a huge year TUESDAY, most popular song on the album. The FRIDAY,and much anticipated alfor impressive stormy baseline sweep of electronica bums. It held its ground in the latest swirl DECEMBER 31 JANUARY 10though delves intoXXXXXXX the typically sought after roof popular genres and certainly not Jupiter: Jupiter: XXXXXXX mance of this American generation, truly the one of the all time albums of the year, capturing its audience ‘in the holes of my it still stuck. I Love You stood out because WEDNESDAY, sweater.’ Even though the Neighborhood of how fine tuned it was even while still JANUARY claims the title of an1indie rock band, they rocking the R&B infused indie rock vibe. SEAN RIVERS TRIO Rhythm & Brews: XXXXX maneuvered their way out of an underThe Neighbourhood transformed OCTOBER 25 & 26 // Green Bar: XXXXXX ground status and into radio stations, grimy, recognizable music and polished ROUNDERS TO HAVE YOUR BAR AND MUSIC EVENT Jupiter: XXXXX especially with this song. it with an unique montage of background LISTED HERE PLEASE EMAIL The Neighbourhood’s real skill in "I music. They pull off the desperation call Love You" lies in the merge of background withoutPLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM making it sickening, and in this electronica and careful placement of ampop crazy generation, that is impressive. plified sound effects. They draw the listen- The vocals echo longing into a black tuners >>> into theLO smoky C Arealm L B AofRtheir S revved nel of lusty, indie rock synced tunes. up beats. Instead of distracting from the A future album will surely be anticipated lyrics, they use the electronica and sound Buffalo by the Neighbourhood. Critics and fans alike Gallettes // 758-2010 4th & 23rd Wild Wings // 523-0273 Jackie's Lounge // 758-9179 effects at just the right times to add drama will be on the lookout to determine if this 1831 // 331-4632 Capones // 248-0255 Gnemis Top Shelf Tavern // 343-0020 The Jupiter // 248-6611 and legitimize the lusty desperation lurkband will bravely continue their lovesick indie Alcove // 469-9110 Carpe Vino // 366-8444 Grey Lady // 469-9521 The Legacy // 345-4848 ing inside the lyrics. rock pull and let it breech into a long term Like ImagineBear Dragon’s new roaring musicalCatch style. meantime, the smolder-Harry's Bar // 331-4151 Trap // 345-2766 22In//the 344-9347 Mellow Mushroom // 758-0112 album, the Neighbourhood toured with ing beat adds that make their moody Big Al's // 759-9180 Copper Topweight // 343-6867 Houndstooth // 752-8444 Mikes Place // 764-0185 them and snuck their way up to the charts. words catch meaning. All in all, "I Love You" TheDragons, Booth // 764-0557 Downtown Pub // 750-0008 Innisfree // 345-1199 Mugshots // 391-0572 Similar to Imagine they rock the was a stormy start for such a new band.
>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM
The Red Shed // 344-4372 Rhythm & Brews // 750-2992 Rooster's Blues House // 334-4507 Rounders // 345-4848
DECEMBER 26 + JANUARY 9
19
>>> THE FLAT SCREEN | CA R A B R A K E
THE SING-OFF // MAYBE A SEASON 5?
four, award winning singer Jewel filled her seat. After three seasons, The Sing-Off went on a hiatus for almost two years for unknown reasons. The producers of the show surprised fans across the country when they announced a season four, and soon enough on December 9th, the first episode of season four aired, announcing a crop of new performers and the new judge. A new judge isn’t the only addition to the show. Unlike the past three seasons, each episode of season three will feature an Ultimate Sing Off at the end, where the two bottom groups will battle it out with song for a chance to be saved and stay on the show. Season three has already started, and is airing it’s season finale on December 23rd in a two hour special, from 9-11 p.m. The performers have come from across the world to perform, and auditions narrowed down a handful of performers. This season’s performers are The acoUstiKats from Lexington, Kentucky, Calle Sol from Puerto Rico, Element from New York, The Filharmonic from Los Angeles, Home Free from Minneapolis, The Princeton Footnotes from Princeton, New Jersey, Street Corner Renaissance from Los Angeles, Ten from Dallas, Vocal Rush from Oakland, California, and VoicePlay from Orlando. No announcement has been made for a season five, but with the winner from season three, Pentatonix, churning out albums and covers, fans of acapella will still have things to look forward to. Pentatonix has released two studio albums, a Christmas album with a deluxe version, and they release singles on their Youtube channel regularly. Along with individual groups releasing music, the show itself sells CD’s with the performances all through the seasons, so fans can get their fix, and new fans can catch up on the music. All episodes of season three are watchable on NBC’s website, along with Hulu and other internet streaming sites. To catch up on season three, go to http://www.nbc.com/ sing-off. The website has background information on all contestants, the judges, and so much more. You can also find The Sing-Off on Facebook at facebook.com/TheSingOff, and on Twitter at twitter.com/thesingoff.
Fall is a time for not only natural seasons, but television seasons as well. Fiction and reality shows all debut new seasons in fall and spring, and some television shows decide to come back after being on hiatus for over a year. The Sing-Off is an American Idol-style reality show where groups of people sing for a chance to win $25,000 and a record deal with Sony. The only catch is that the groups are acapella groups. Acapella music is music performed without instruments, and the more interesting fact is that the singers themselves turn into the instruments, playing percussion, bass, and drums with their vocal chords, along with singing and choreography. The show is hosted by Nick Lachey, and the panel of judges has changed. The show first aired in 2009 on NBC, hosted by Nick and judged by Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men, Ben Folds, renowned for his music and acapella knowledge, and Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls. Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles replaced Scherzinger for the third season, and when Bareilles announced she wouldn’t be returning for season
20
DECEMBER 26 + JANUARY 9
>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS
>>> HIGH TIDE | G A R Y H A R R IS
JUCO STARS SIGN WITH TIDE // PETTWAY RETURNS Christian Miller
D.J. Pettway is returning to Alabama. The former Tide defensive lineman, who was dismissed from the team and from the University last February for his involvement in a robbery, recently signed with Alabama. Pettway is one of two East Mississippi Community College football players to sign with the Tide. EMCC defensive lineman Jarran Reed also inked with Nick Saban's team. "D.J. wanted to go back to Alabama all along," EMCC head coach Buddy Stephens said. "He knows there's something unfinished. He wants to finish the job. I think that's been our motto all year for our team—to finish. That's been the attitude he had the whole time. He wants go back and finish what he left behind." Stephens thinks that by redeeming himself JASON MILLER BAND atrHYTHM Alabama,& rather going to3another BREWSthan // AUGUST school, it could impact Pettway's future opportunity to play in the National Football League. "He wants to play in the NFL and the best way to explain your past is to go back and make good at where you started," Stephens says. "What I mean by that is, the NFL interviews all of these kids coming up from college and does extensive background checks. They check into every detail. The best way for him to explain his past would be for him to go back to where he had the problem and have them accept him back. That might help him when it's time to go to the NFL, because here's Nick Saban, one of the toughest guys to play for in the country, and he accepts you back and the university accepts you back. That's something to be said about your character, to be able to be accepted back and then go prove yourself." Stephens is convinced that Pettway will prove himself. "Unbelievable. He's been unbelievable since the day he got here with us," Stephens says. "From the day that he got here, he took ownership of what happened. He accepted that it was his inability to be strong and do the right thing. He fully accepts the responsibility that he had in his part of that situation. He has been exemplary from start. He hasn't had a car since he's been here. That's something his mother wanted
and I agreed with. She and I both felt that he needed to be here and concentrate on one thing, which was his academics and getting back on track. She bought into that and he bought into that. He's been an unbelievable kid." In helping EMCC to the national championship this season, Pettway had 57 tackles and 11½ sacks. "He has the potential to be the best defensive end I've ever coached, and I've seen some very good ones," Stephens says. "He was a first-team junior college All-American. "He's very motivated about getting back to Alabama and getting in the weightroom to get his body back to where it was. We don't have Scott Cochran over here as our strength coach, so he's got some work to do to get back to where he was when he left Alabama. As a player, he's going to be a very good one for Alabama." Jarran Reed is also a standout prospect. The 6-3, 315-pounder is considered one of the top interior defensive linemen in the JUCO ranks. "I believe that D.J. and Jarran are going to be impact players for Alabama," Stephens says. "If Jarran gets in that Fourth Quarter program and works as hard as he's capable of, you're going to see some great things from him. "Jarran is probably overweight right now. He's about 310-315. I think they'll get him over there in the Fourth Quarter program and break him down and then build him back up. They'll help him change the makeup of his body a little bit. I think he'll probably play around 310, but he'll be in better shape and he'll have more muscle mass. "Jarran is really physical and has quick hands. He gets off the ball really well. He's a very talented interior guy. He's got a very strong upper body. He's going to be really tough to move. He's very good against bigger players. In the national championship game, he went up against one of the best offensive linemen in the country and matched up extremely well against him. I expect him to add some physicality to the interior of Alabama's defense." Pettway and Reed will enroll at Alabama for the spring semester.
>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS
DECEMBER 26 + JANUARY 9
21
>>>
politics | C O N tinue D F R O M P A G E 5
OPENBAMA.ORG // TRANSPARENCY
anytime soon, because of the overwhelming amount of work that would entail, Jackson said. Jackson runs OpenBama alone, incurring the website’s maintenance fees and occasionally editing aspects of the website. Fortunately, OpenBama mostly regulates itself, Jackson said. OpenBama automatically searches for updated information from A.L.I.S.O.N. on a daily basis. However, Jackson welcomes volunteers to OpenBama. “The first level of involvement would be to use the site and engage other citizens on the site. Another way to help with OpenBama is to suggest ways to make the site better. I am by no means an expert at the data that is presented there and other perspectives on how to show the data is always welcomed.” There is also a need for help with collecting data and keeping certain aspects of the data updated, Jackson said. Assistance with the website’s coding is also welcomed. OpenBama, which now receives 100 visits per day, is becoming increasingly popular, Jackson said. That number is usually higher during legislative sessions. There were 320 visits to the website on one day this year during the legislative session, Jackson said. “Stephen Jackson’s OpenBama is a really useful tool for anyone looking for information about what's happening in the state legislature and about who's influencing legislators,” said Chip Brantley, senior lecturer in Emerging Media at the University of Alabama. “OpenBama is another example of citizen and crowd-fueled tools that help communities function better and build a stronger culture of government transparency.” Jackson was unable to comment on government transparency in the Tuscaloosa area. “As for Tuscaloosa, I have not researched them specifically, but I would guess they are not where they should be with transparency, which is the case with a lot of city governments. They tend to fall short of being transparent, but I cannot speak specifically to Tuscaloosa without doing my research.”
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DECEMBER 26 + JANUARY 9
Tuscaloosa City Councilwoman Cynthia Almond said that the city strives to uphold government transparency. “I know that Mayor Maddox and his administration work really hard on transparency and try to get information out,” Almond said. Maddox’s administration posts items on the city website, Facebook and Twitter, in an effort to circulate government information and keep citizens informed, Almond said. “The city, in my opinion, does a really good job. Transparency and having open government is something that you have to continually work on, because things evolve, and hopefully you get better at it over time. In the last few years, we’ve really worked hard to improve communication.” Almond pointed out that all city council and committee meetings are public, and anyone can attend them. Agendas and minutes for those meetings are published online, and residents can request to have their names placed on a distribution list for these documents, Almond said. The city clerk will also e-mail minutes and agendas upon request, and citizens can visit Facebook, Twitter or the city’s main website for information, she added. “You can be as involved as you want to be and as informed as you want be.” Open records are something that people have to take advantage of, Almond said. Almond mentioned that she would be happy to sit down with Jackson and a website designer, if they detect any ways to improve online government transparency in Tuscaloosa. Additionally, Jackson attended a “transparency camp,” hosted by the Sunlight Foundation and George Washington University’s School of Media. According to the non-profit organization’s website, Sunlight Foundation was established in 2006 and promotes openness and transparency in the government. “Our vision is to use technology to enable more complete, equitable and effective democratic participation. Our overarching goal is to achieve changes in the law to require real-time, online transparency for all government information,
with a special focus on the political money flow and who tries to influence government and how government responds. And, while our scope began with only a focus on the U.S. Congress, we now are defining open government on the local, state, federal and international level,” the website continued. The Sunlight Foundation’s transparency camp, which took place in May, promoted these ideals. The Sunlight Foundation labeled the transparency camp an “unconference” that brings together individuals interested in government transparency. “Each year, journalists, developers, technologists, policy-makers, government officials, students, academics, wonks and everyone in between gather together to share knowledge about how to use new technologies and policies to make our government really work for the people -- and to help our people work smarter with our government,” the Sunlight Foundation website said. OpenBama mainly focuses on government at the state level,ebsite said. OpenBama mainly focuses on government at the state level, in contrast to the Sunlight Foundation’s scope of government from the local, state, federal and international levels. The Sunlight Foundation applauded Jackson’s work with OpenBama and named him an OpenGov Champion at
>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM
a 2011 transparency camp, an award that applauds citizens who make strides toward government transparency. The Sunlight Foundation also awarded him a travel scholarship to connect with other “civic hackers,” the website added. “They are ordinary citizens, equipped with the special power we all share in this country: the power to take civic action to make our communities better. These folks are hard at work every day to make our government more accessible, accountable, open and transparent,” the Sunlight Foundation’s website said. “We believe that true change happens when people stand up and demand the changes they want to see in their government.” Using the Sunlight Foundation as a model, Jackson would like to host a transparency camp in Alabama, called TransparencyCamp Bama, in 2014. “For this to happen and be a success, a community of citizens concerned with open government in Alabama will need come together to organize the next event. I can organize another, but there definitely needs to be a vibrant community for it to be successful.” If the community displays enough interest, TransparencyCamp Bama will examine ways to improve openness in Alabama’s government. To learn more about OpenBama, visit openbama.org.
>>> HOROSCOPES |
>>> PUZZLEMAniA |
week l y o verv i ew
Sudoku
Today you've reached an emotional climax. This feeling may be extra powerful. Great transformations are possible under this current trend. Seek freedom from your normal routine and feel free to push the boundaries of your limitations. Seek deeper meaning instead of following the crowd and the current trends. This isn't a time to be cheap or petty. Be real!
It would be best to do some deep meditation during the week. Connection with your inner space is incredibly valuable. Realize that great transformation comes when you release control. Let things flow smoothly and don't worry so much about organizing and planning all of your actions. Keep things simple and easy. An overall understanding of the situation will come naturally.
Capitalize on the boisterous energy present this week. This is a wonderful time to express yourself in a powerful manner. You may go to extremes on this level, so be careful how you wield your power. The key is not to get too attached to your ideas and any results that you want. Things will happen as they need to happen.
Activity around you is picking up and you should add your energy to the group. Don't feel like you need to get expensive accoutrements to be part of the crowd. What you need to connect you with the group is nothing you can buy in a store. It comes from your heart. Engage in intellectual discussions. They will be rewarding.
Don't get too emotionally attached to your work. You'll have greater success when you distance yourself from what it is you're trying to achieve. A more neutral perspective on the issue will make you much more effective at getting things done. You have power and you should use it. The key is to make sure that it doesn't rule you.
Finding out the truth in a situation is key for you. You may want to take things to a higher level and loftier vantage point. This can't happen until all the facts are straight. Remember the promises you make and stick to them with confidence. Your powerful emotions are charged with fiery energy. Don't burn others with it!
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 27
Imagine yourself as part of a magnificent choir. Your role is to sing beautifully but be aware of the other voices, too. Make sure your song isn't drowning out anyone else. Stay integrated into the events of today. Don't try to be overbearing, but make sure that your voice is heard.
What you can't find in one place, you'll be able to find in another. Don't give up until you find what you're looking for. The key is to take the power of your fiery emotions and put it to good use. A cynical attitude will only complicate matters and make it more difficult to work with other people.
Keep things light and uplifting. If you're open to new ways of doing things, revolutionary thoughts may come to you. It would behoove you to anticipate the future and nip any potential problems in the bud. The same conventional method that has been working for years may not be the best solution for the job. Seek other methods.
Don't get overwhelmed by the intense energy of the day. Instead of cowering from it, use it as fuel to keep your internal power strong. Your inner being has a tremendous amount of appeal that can lead the masses. Don't get bogged down by indecision. Remember that whatever path you choose is the right one. You can do no wrong!
Your emotions are going to be intense. There's a great deal of strength in your words. Let the fire burn red hot. The energy is contagious. Once the fire gets burning, it will continue raging for a long time. This is one of those days in which you can make important changes to your game plan. Don't be afraid of dramatic transformation..
Things may be happening all around you this week. You could feel like a spectator watching a foreign theater production. Don't sit this one out in the audience. In fact, your energy is needed on center stage. Balance out the crazy drama with a bit of your solid, powerful rationality.
>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM
DECEMBER 26 + JANUARY 9
23
>>> PUZZLEMANIA | C R OSS W O R D PU Z Z L E
Across 1. Conserve gasoline, maybe 5. Radio booth sign 10. Monitors for PCs 14. Broadway groom of 1922 15. Tube-shaped pasta 16. Popular cream-filled cake 17. First Amendment guarantee 19. Robert of 'The Sopranos' 20. Metallic 21. Tactful deception 23. Valhalla host 26. Directs (to) 27. Elicit conceit 32. Singer DiFranco with the album "Up Up Up Up Up Up" 33. Hardly beefy 34. Telly's telly role 38. Chief Justice appointed by Harding 40. German sculptor and wood carver Veit 42. Mineral in transparent sheets 43. Relating to: Suffix 45. Takes a dive, say 47. New National Leaguer of 1962 48. "Lassie" actress 51. Guinea pig kin 54. Sound heard near a spittoon 55. Rather baggy 58. Md.'s Michael Steele, e.g. 62. Frist's predecessor as Senate majority leader 63. He played President Bill Mitchell in "Dave" 66. Not veg. or min. 67. Overjoy 68. Second-to-last word in a fairy tale 69. Broadway's 'Jekyll & ___' 70. Caused 71. The letter in "The Scarlet Letter" Down 1. Float on the wind 2. French shelter 3. Certain legal protection
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DECEMBER 26 + JANUARY 9
4. Enamored with 5. Antonym (abbr.) 6. Jacqueline Kennedy, ___Bouvier 7. From the start 8. Yardstick fraction 9. Put on the payroll again 10. Leader's office 11. Esther of "Maude" 12. Not your or my 13. Lesions 18. Swedish actor Max von___ 22. Valuable wood 24. "Last one ___ a rotten egg!" 25. Curl up cozily 27. Jacques in "Mon Oncle" 28. Fingernails: Sp. 29. Chink. 30. Line holder 31. Mint family herb 35. Iwo __ 36. Great server on the court 37. Actor William of "The Greatest American Hero" 39. "BELLS ARE RINGING" HIT 41. Small group of believers 44. Attractive 46. Lie in wait 49. Jefferson site 50. Austrian-born fuehrer 51. Mosque god 52. Nerdish 53. Pre___egg cell 56. African river 57. Promo on the tube 59. Shell out 60. Like a line, to a math student 61. Wedding dress designer Wang 64. Cousin ___ (hairy character on 'The Addams Family') 65. Keanu's "Matrix" role SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMANIA CROSSWORD ON PAGE 27
>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS
>>> ADVICE | J UST AS K Robert Randolph & The Family Band
SIMONE says... WINTER GRAYS // SEASONAL BLUES Winter weather can signal a time for brisk walks, thick comfy sweaters, cups of hot tea and cocoa, bowls of thick, hearty soups, and long afternoons and evenings spent propped up in bed beneath the electric blanket while reading a novel or watching a favorite show. It’s the allaround best season for cuddling. For some, however, the gray skies of winter are a trigger for the cold-weather blues, the symptoms of which can range from mild, run-of-the-mill blahs to feelings of serious depression. When those seasonal down moods show up year after year, getting in the way of healthy and enjoyable living, they are given a diagnosis andTrain a name: seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Many of the symptoms are recognizable: decreased energy, interest and hopefulness; increased anxiety, irritability and cravings for starchy foods; oversleeping, social withdrawal, mental fuzziness. Ugh! So why is it that winter gray is a trigger for seasonal blue? Well, biology and geography seem to play a role. If depressive moods are in one’s genes, SAD may be more of a risk. Being female or living in a northern clime (or one far from the equator) also increases the odds. Though no one has come up with a direct cause and effect, there are factors which are recognized to come into play: the circadian rhythm, an "internal body clock" that regulates an approximate 24-hour biological cycle in animals and plants, becomes disrupted by decreased daylight; decreased sunlight leads to decreased serotonin levels which can trigger depression; and levels of melatonin, a hormone that influences sleep and mood, can become disrupted when seasons and hours of sunlight change. Depending upon the severity of the symptoms a person is experiencing, there a number of options and actions available for coping. Light therapy is one of the most effective, maximizing exposure to real or artificial light on the shorter, grayer days of winter — Place bedroom lights on a timer set to come on before one’s alarm, simulating dawn; throw open curtains
and blinds and go outside as soon as possible in the light of morning; or invest in a light box which simulates natural sun rays for prescribed amounts of time daily. Take extra vitamin D-3 to compensate for deceased exposure to the sun; exercise, which raises levels of serotonin and feelings of well-being; socialize; take on a new hobby such as a winter sport or winter photography. Pay attention to yourself: your thoughts, your needs, your wants. Use bright colors in your home and in your wardrobe, get a new hairstyle, take a trip to a warmer, sunnier place. Dress warmly and enjoy your cozy winter clothes. Embrace the season to the best of your ability. Yoga, meditation and acupuncture are also recognized alternative therapies for coping with and alleviating seasonal
Flo Rida
and other types of depression. If the winter blues persist, however, and your best efforts just aren’t good enough, be sure to consult with your doctor. Winter grays don’t have to lead to moody blues. Get ahead of the game by being proactive, then make that cup of hot chocolate, put a DVD in the player and let the chill winds blow, all the way till spring. For more information on SAD: mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195. ©2013 Simone Says-Advice. If you have a question for Simone, email simonesays.advice@ gmail.com.Identies to queries are held in confidence. We reserve the right to edit the text.
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>>> RED CLAY DIARY | J IM R E E D
SPIES ABOUND IN THE CATHEDRAL OF BOOKS
The attractive young customer brings her trio of old books to the counter of my bookshop,where I stand half-hidden but ready to accept payment. She’s purchasing 19th-century editions of Alfred Tennyson and Emily Dickinson and Robert Browning, three literary icons so famous that we’ll never appreciate them for who they actually were. “Hmmm…Tennyson and Browning and Dickinson together!” I say, “I wonder what their dinner conversation together might be like?” I’m pondering aloud, to the delight of the customer. She smiles and wonders the same thing. Then, the personalities of the three come to mind and I blurt out a thought, “I think what would happen is, Emily would excuse herself in mid-conversation on the pretense of going to the ladies’ room, then duck out and head for home.” The young customer agrees. She accepts the packaged books and waves goodbye, perhaps continuing the fantasy of Emily and her two dates and what might have happened next in each of their lives. My days are often like that. The irony of a bookstore is that authors are thrown together in oddly out-of-time, out-of-logic, outrageous ways, even before they arrive at check-out. Hemingway presses against Hesse, just down the row from Gellhorn…H.G. Wells stands near Virginia Woolf and embarrassingly close to his real-life mistress Rebecca West…Henry Miller is dangerously near Anais Nin, and Arthur Miller is right there near Marilyn Monroe. Even more provocative is the fact that authors who would probably have disliked each others’ works are forcibly housed in proximity. Mickey Spillane razzes Rex Stout and mocks Georges Simenon…Jack Kerouac and Ken Kesey cozy up but sneer at W.P. Kinsella and Alexander King and Charles Kingsley… Emily Bronte and Pearl Buck try hard to find common ground but fail. Imagine the mutterings you might hear late at night should these authors’ books come alive and party once they know we’re out of earshot. Another customer brings Mein Kampf and the New Testament and Bertrand Russell to the counter, and once again my mind runs wild. Jesus would definitely have to come between Adolf and Bertrand to break up the fight, don’t you think? But wouldn’t you like to be an invisible witness during that conflagration? Actually, truth be known, I suppose we readers actually are invisible witnesses… spies who listen in on unlikely conversations, chaotic encounters, entertaining and sometimes deadly confrontations. That’s what reading is all about Note: Jim Reed's Red Clay Diary column does not end with a period (.). He has his reasons. "To call Reed Books an 'old bookstore' is a bit like saying the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel has a good paint job." ~ Allen Johnson Jr., author ~
©2013 by Jim Reed
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NEW ORLEANS NIGHTLIFE GUIDE // SUGAR BOWL EDITION
I know, this is not where Alabama fans wanted to be. But, if you need a consolation prize for a great season, it’s hard to beat the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. The Sugar Bowl is one of the most prestigious games in college football, and much of Alabama’s lore goes through New Orleans, including the 2011 national championship. The game is on January 2nd, but let me suggest that you make it down just a few days early. There’s no better day to party than New Year’s Eve, and no city can throw a party quite like the Big Easy. It may not reach Mardi Gras proportions, but New Year’s in New Orleans can be quite the treat. When you think of nightlife in New Orleans, Bourbon Street immediately comes to mind. Easily one of the most recognizable nightlife icons in the nation, this strip of bars, strip clubs and other entertainment institutions is the heart of New Orleans’ decadent culture. Not safe for kids at all, but those looking to indulge will definitely need to check out bars like Pat O’Brien’s and The Cat’s Meow. And if you want to know who won the Sugar Bowl, just look for which team’s fans are screaming from the balconies on this historic street. The big issue with Bourbon Street for night owls, aside from being crowded, is that live music is quite limited. DJ’s will be at the bars and clubs, but bigger acts tend to play at the venues off of Bourbon. However, these venues tend to be in the French Quarter, so they are not far from the infamous street. One of the best venues for New Orleans music is Howlin’ Wolf. Named after the legendary blues singer, this venue is a showcase for homegrown talent and nationally touring acts alike. Their “In the Den” jazz nights host some of the famous brass band acts in the city. On New Year’s Eve, they have quite a treat for tourists. Local funk stalwarts Dumpstaphunk will ring in 2014 at Howlin Wolf. Dumpstaphunk are led by keyboardist Ivan Neville, a relative of the famous Neville Brothers. They will be joined by local jazz outfit The Hot 8 Brass Band. If you want to get down even earlier, the Rebirth Brass Band will play there on the 28th of December. Another famous New Orleans venue is Tipitina’s in the Uptown section of the city. The venue is a shrine to another Big Easy legend, Professor Longhair. On New Year’s Eve, local funk/jam band Galactic will be on the stage. Galactic are veterans of the summer music festival circuit, but they save their best performances for this venue. If you go down on the 28th, you can also catch funk legends George Clinton and the Parliament-Funkadelic. P-Funk hail from New Jersey, but they were heavily influenced by the early funk artists out of New Orleans, such as Dr. John. Other venues to check out would be One Eyed Jack’s, Gasa Gasa, and the Preservation Hall. The large venues will also be active this time of year. The New Orleans House of Blues (part of the national franchise) will be very busy with the Whiskey River Band playing on New Year’s Eve and Fly By Radio on New Year’s Day. Those looking for some 90’s nostalgia will be in for a treat as well. On December 29th, The Breeders will play at One Eyed Jack’s. Then on the 30th, native alternative stars Better Than Ezra will play at Harrah’s Casino. It may not be Vegas, but New Orleans is no slouch when it comes to places for gamblers. Of course, the main attraction for Bama fans will be the game. The Sugar Bowl is a legend itself, and adds to the great traditions that make New Orleans such a unique city. But, those looking for a great time should take advantage of all the New Year’s festivities the City offers. With the game being on the 2nd, fans can have the full New Year’s Day experience before focusing fully on football.
Snoop Lion
SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMAINIA SUDOKO PAGE 23
SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMAINIA CROSSWORD PAGE 24
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