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NEWS

HIRING FAIR PLANNED FOR TERMINATED WORKERS Tuscaloosa Community Workforce Development Leadership Establishes Plan to Assist Former Cineram (JVC) Employees

After learning that Cineram, formally JVC, closed its operations in Tuscaloosa County leaving an estimated 100 workers without jobs yesterday, West Alabama Works and area partners assembled a task force to address how to best assist those workers. With one common goal of

JANUARY 15 + JANUARY 29

seeing the workers continue to be a vital part of West Alabama’s workforce, the group will conduct a hiring fair specifically for former employees of the company who were recently terminated. The event will take place on Tuesday, January 20, from 9 – 11 .a.m. at Belk Community Center at Bower’s Park. Online registration is encouraged, but not mandatory. Relative link is www. tuscaloosachamber.com/doing-business/ workforce-development/entry-level-jobapplication. Shelton State Community College, the Tuscaloosa Area Career Center and a number of area businesses will be present to provide potential educational and professional opportunities. For more information, contact Lena Powe at lena@tuscaloosachamber.com or call 391.0331. Luncheon for HR Professionals Planned You're invited to a free luncheon for Human Resource professionals on Jan. 16 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Venue is to TBA. Join us and hear about the

training that will be offered by The Chamber this spring including: Social Media, Technology, Microsoft Office, Legal, leadership and more. RSVP (required) to Stacey at 391.0559 or Stacey@tuscaloosachamber.com. YP(t) Coffee & Cards at JMF

Our young professionals group is holding its first event of 2015, Coffee & Cards, on Jan. 21 from 7:30a.m.8:30a.m. It will be sponsored and hosted by JamisonMoneyFarmer, PC (Bank of Tuscaloosa Building, Third Floor, Board Room). This monthly networking opportunity is for professionals under 40. Breakfast is provided. Be sure to bring business cards. RSVP (required) to yptuscaloosa@gmail.com.

2015 Annual Membership Meeting & Awards You're invited to our 114th Annual Meeting on Thursday, Jan. 22 at the Bryant Conference Center. Reception is at 5:15 p.m. in the Rast Room and the program and dinner will begin at 6 p.m. in Sellers Auditorium. Cost is $65 for members. A cash bar will be available during the reception and dinner. For seat availability, call 391.0559 or email Stacey@tuscaloosachamber.com. If you are a sponsor of this event or an investor, you should have already been contacted regarding your seats. If not, please call the number above.

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inside

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STORIES 4 DANCING TO A DIFFERENT TUNE // ALYX CHANDLER A choice of last resort for many women

HIGH TIDE SPORTS 23 RECRUITING UPDATE // GARY HARRIS

Damien Harris makes his final decision: Roll Tide!

6 PAGE TO STAGE RETURNS // AMELIA WEBBER Kate Campbell and Dr. Wayne Flynt perform

PUBLISHER

L I N DA W. JOHN S ON

MANAGING EDITOR BE R T PAUL S EN

ASSISTANT EDITOR W I L L I AM BA R S HOP

COVER DESIGN

L AU R A L I N E B E R R Y

EVENTS

WILLIAM BARSHOP

ROAD TRIP

T R E Y B R OOK S

RESTAURANT GUIDE DOC FRANKENSTEIN

PRODUCTION HERB NEU

IMAGES

Images: Creative Common License unless otherwise credited.

ADVERTISING 205.792.7 239 205.765- 8007

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS WILLIAM BARSHOP CARA BRAKE TREY BROOKS RACHEL DOBSON GARY HARRIS SHEENAH GREGG KEVIN LEDGEWOOD JIM REED BRETT REID JON ROGERS VA N R O B E R T S STEPHEN SMITH RACHEL STEINER JILL SWINDLE AMELIA WEBBER

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

7 COUNTING PLEASURES // JIM REED

Brand new year is barely distinguishable from the old year

8 TERRIFIC TUESDAY EVENTS // JILL SWINDLE Winter season is loaded with lunch hour performances

13 BAMA ART HOUSE // KEVIN LEDGEWOOD The film series continues

17 SUGAR—FACTS AREN'T SWEET // RACHEL STEINER The not-so-sweet facts about sugar

22 CRIMSON TIDE'S REPORT CARD // STEPHEN SMITH Stephen Smith's final column until next season—he gives them an "A"

ENTERTAINMENT 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. © 2015 All rights reserved. THE PLANET WEEKLY is a registered trademark. Planet Weekly is published every other Thursday. No part of this publication including editorials may be reproduced, in whole or part, by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the Publisher’s prior expressed written consent. One copy of each issue of THE PLANET WEEKLY is free to each of our readers. Any reader who takes more than four copies without expressed permission of the publisher shall be deemed to have committed theft. The views and opinions of the authors of articles appearing in this publication may not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Publisher.

10-12

Jolie's directorial genius earns 4 stars

RESTAURANT GUIDE / WINE & BEER

THE FLAT SCREEN

MOVIE REVIEW

16-17

FEATURE 15 UNBROKEN // VAN ROBERTS

LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR

ROAD TRIP

LOCAL MUSIC

PUZZLEMANIA

HOROSCOPE

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JANUARY 15 + JANUARY 29

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DANCING TO A DIFFERENT TUNE // THE RISKY WORK OF LOCAL EXOTIC DANCERS

his is the time of the night when one dollar bills turn to fives, and fives turn to crisp twenties. Even at 11 p.m. on a calm Tuesday night, when the Alabama backroads of Harvest are predominantly deserted, this is the one parking lot that remains packed every day of the week, usually strewn with everything from clunky pick-up trucks to 2014 Audi A4s. Static electricity shocks 19-year-old Halee Mundy's fingertips, sending a familiar chill winding down her bare spine as she wraps her bony arms around the metal pole, whipping her body around seductively. A graying man notices her immediately and ambles over, sliding a $20 bill slowly into her bra strap. He leans in closer, till she can smell the skunk odor of his Busch beer and feel his beard scratch her neck. The bouncer in the corner eyes him, but he still takes his sweet time, like they all do. She decides to take her time, too, blowing a glossy kiss toward him, even winking

Painting: Kathy Hiers

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as she backs up in the way her co-workers showed her. Slow and sultry, they said. Behind him, his friends howl and holler, grabbing their money as the spotlight brightens. “This is going to be a good night, gentlemen,” the man said, grinning. This is what all the girls work for, that quick rummaging of sweaty hands digging through leather wallets. This is the cash flow that goes home with them. Sticky hands continue to exchange bills as '80s metal bands boom from the speakers. Hours pass in dim, yellow light as Mundy gives men quick lap dances. With her tight, black thong and a purple, bejeweled bra on, she knew she was raking in about half a grand for the night. At the Wild Cherry Cabaret, there are only a few dancers younger than 21, including now 20-year-old Mundy, who dropped out of Bob Jones High School three years ago. She has been dancing for about two years. Mundy pushes open the door after the successful night and heads to her car alone. Usually, she is walked out with a friend or someone from management, but not tonight. She's several steps into the brisk 3 a.m. air when a powerful hand grabs her wrist, forcing her back against the wall. “Give me your money, girl. How much you make?” Mundy remembers exactly what he said before she started flailing at the huge, hooded man. She decided that if she wanted to keep the money, putting up a fight was her only option. The man laughed as he slammed her into the wall. No one was outside the club to see, and anger showered Mundy. In a sudden burst of adrenaline, she bit down hard and fast on his neck. With a yelp, she saw a box-cutter in his hand out of the corner of her eye before he sliced open the exposed skin above her elbow. It took only a moment

for him to walk away with her purse, which held her ID and over $500. Mundy slumped against the dirty wall with blood dripping down her cut-off shorts. “There are stories of people, the same situations,” Mundy trailed off. “These kind of things happen to people I know, a lot of people I work with.” For Mundy, a box-cutter to the shoulder, a trip to the hospital and a threat from a hooded man wasn't enough to end a job. After going to the hospital for stitches, she vowed that dancing was something she'd never go back to, “no matter how bad it got,” she said. But that wasn't the case. After getting pregnant by her boyfriend in high-school when she was 17, Mundy was sent to a nearby reform school for her pregnancy term, but permanently dropped out after a dispute with the staff. She'd already left her home and found temporary places to stay when she experienced a painful miscarriage half a year later. By that point, she was entirely supporting herself, except for the occasional help from her grandma, who also helped out her parents. My parents got me a car when I was younger, but that's it. I pay for it now. They can't afford themselves,” Mundy said. “Even growing up, they weren't able to buy me many clothes or cool things. I mean, I lived a regular life. I just had to do everything myself. I had to get money in my purse.” But after an attempt to hold a minimum-wage job for a few months at a bagel shop failed, and the bills continued to pile up without any money for food, Mundy found herself returning to dancing. “Without any money, I felt like I wasn't worth anything. I felt hopeless, felt like I was good for nothing, and it just about drove me crazy,” Mundy said. “Look, I can guarantee you that no one in this whole entire world can live off a minimum-wage job.” Mundy has worked her way through her fair share of minimum-wage jobs, including McDonald's, working as a cleaning lady at the Westin, an I-Hop waitress and various other positions, but none of the jobs paid enough to support herself, even when she worked fulltime. “You learn it costs money to flush the damn toilet,” Mundy said. Mundy was forced to move into a cheaper apartment with some friends where she currently splits rent, paying $200 a month, with at least $100 a week

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on gas, driving to her job. Her monthly living expenses cost her about $1,000 to $1,500, depending on how many friends and family she has to help out. The first night back on the job, Mundy knew exactly what she was in for. Even though dancing can secure Mundy's cost of living in simply a few “ long” nights, as she put it, the risks of the job still exist. From the danger of violent and jealous co-workers to the “drunk perverts” who ask her to leave the club, stripping has its downside. She said she is constantly hounded for sex in exchange for money, which isn't legal, and the drugs that circulate the building bring back urges from a former addiction. She also fears that her dad or one of his friends will come in and see her dancing. “My legs are bruised up. I'm always fucking tired, and the pole will have you bent up. If you try to stay awake on the drugs, even then, it's still hard. The whole place is trying to offer you something though,” Mundy said. “You have to be careful.” But when the choice is between food on the table or a drunk man groping her, she said the answer is obvious. “I pay for everything. I have no help from my momma. The majority of the strippers either strip for college or because they have kids or because they're drug addicts. Or in my case, I'm on my own. I have a lot of expenses that can't be paid from a minimum-wage job. Like, it's impossible for me to live normal working at somewhere like Brewbakers [the bagel shop],” Mundy said. “I could have a place and pay for my car, but then I would struggle to eat.” Everyone knows that being a “stripper,” or the preferred term, “dancer,”

Mundy pushes open the door after the successful night and heads to her car alone. Usually, she is walked out with a friend or someone from management, but not tonight. She's several steps into the brisk 3 a.m. air when a powerful hand grabs her wrist, forcing her back against the wall. has serious risks, both physically and sexually, but Mundy is part of the group of both men and women who decide the money outweighs the risks. These days, the “gentlemen bars” lurking along highways and backroads in the South provide an incredible source of revenue for the owners, along with hundreds of dollars for the employed women or men to take home nightly. Mundy said that even though she feels safe on the inside of the club, the outside is a totally different story, even with her background growing up. “Growing up in my life, I've been through and seen a lot. My people are crazy, like my whole dad's side is dead from fights. My momma's ass has been beaten right in front of me. I've seen my dad beat someone's ass, too. I've had people coming into my house pointing guns, wanting money,” Mundy said. Mundy said that even though she first accepted the drinks men bought her, she now stays sober. Jessica Grooms, 19, a friend who started dancing on-and-off alongside Mundy two years ago, said that after having a baby, she had little other choice. Working at McDonalds didn't provide enough money to support her baby, and since she could only work nights, stripping was the best option. “I never judged anyone, but I always knew I'd never be the one up there dancing,” Grooms said, shaking her head. “But shit, man, there are dancers that are actually cool, that aren't even very promiscuous. I dressed like a complete guy outside, really. People that judge us have never been on the other side. It's just a job that you do for an amazing amount of cash.” Grooms explained that of the few clubs she's worked at, they were each made up of about 20 percent younger girls that were her age, with the rest made up of women 10-to-20 years older. She said that the “real money” was giving dances to people in the back, and although dancing onstage was fun at first, this part quickly became a chore.

None of her coworkers liked that part. sister, who still lives with her grandma “Most of them are in the same boat and parents. With her dad working in I was in, just earning money to get by. construction for a flooring business, and The older ones worked at Dollar General her mom working customer service for or something on the side, but I didn't a caller-ID program, she knows her little talk to most of them about their future sister needs the money. because, well, they didn't really seem to “I'll move on eventually. I'm not going have one,” Grooms said. to do this for rest of my life, but right Grooms' goal is to get back custody now, I'm young and I can,” Mundy said. of her little girl, who is a little over two “I can easily make a grand in one week. years old. Right now, her mom has I'm definitely not going to work anywhere custody, and she pays for all her living else until I have a profession.” expenses and health insurance. Grooms Mundy soon plans to take a free, pays monthly child support, without any week-long course that prepares people help from the father, and gets to visit at for the GED. That way, she can hopefulspecified times. In a couple of weeks, ly pass and start a path toward a career. she is leaving to attend trade school for In the meantime, she said she's going the next two years. The court is letting to be even more cautious until safety her stop her child around the club After having a baby, she had “is seen as a support payment during her problem,” which little other choice. schooling, with she's expressed the promise that Working at McDonalds didn't to the manageshe'll pay it back ment. But both provide enough money to after she gets Mundy and a stable job, a support her baby, and since Grooms have place to stay and little faith that she could only work nights, their bosses or custody of her child again. stripping was the best option. the city will deal “I had to prove with the problem to my mom that I'm doing everything that any time soon, especially with ongoing I can. We fight, sure, but right now she's disapproval from politicians. the person that I trust the most, and she “Katie,” who wanted her name to has the money to supply my baby with appear as a pseudonym for safety everything. I'm really excited she's being purposes, is a 22-year-old junior studytaken care of,” Grooms said. ing computer science in Birmingham, Grooms feels safe inside the club, counters that “the [stripper] stereotype but “wishes there was a separate is bullshit perpetuated by hegemonic parking lot for the girls,” because the slut-shaming.” chance of someone following them, “I think there's a saying that sums it like what happened to Mundy, would be up. When a man leaves a strip club, he decreased. Although the bouncers try leaves sweaty, broke and unsatisfied, to be strict about kicking people out, but when a stripper leaves a strip club, Grooms said people with a strong pershe goes home pretty, rich and happy,” sonality like Mundy often get in trouble Katie said. for reacting to the men, even when the Stripping is the way girls like Mundy, bouncers were too slow, and “the damKatie and Grooms found to break the age was already done.” She's witnessed poverty cycle of minimum-wage jobs, guys “slinging their junk” at Mundy, despite the “ignorant, negative connoalong with other illegal touching that tations,” as Wilson said, that circulate Mundy ended with slaps. about women who choose to strip. “I remember I got suspended for “If you want money fast, and you're a week, because no matter a pretty girl, yes, it's a rational decision what the guy does, you're not to become a stripper,” Katie, a former supposed to touch or hurt him. stripper of Birmingham's Furnace for No matter what. One guy tried two years, said. “If you cling to irrational to put my boobs in his mouth, stigmas of strippers, and you're happy but I told him no. I kept saying working fast food, that's your deal.” it, over and over. Then he did Working at the anyways, and I had a pen. Furnace, an upscale, The cap was popped off, like “strict” strip club, an Exacto cutter, so I stabbed enabled Katie to easily him,” Mundy said, getting make enough money quiet. “He was touching me. It to pay her way through was instinct.” college for all four Mundy said it makes her years, in addition to feel “in-between degraded and being able to pay all confident” when she dances, her bills and groceries because often problems without the help of her between her and her boyparents, except for her friend arise. She has to fight phone bill, which they the feeling that she shouldn't pay. Katie eventually be stripping, but on the other quit stripping because hand, she's able to use the of the amount of money money to pay her bills and she was able to save, even help out her 14-year-old and she currently has a

job as a lab assistant at a software engineering and prototyping lab. She plans to graduate in two years and become a software developer. “The women who are successful there are very intelligent,” Katie said. “But a lot of women are like me. Go in, make bank, check out.” With Alabama's minimum-wage at $7.25, people are able to make about $290 working a 40-hour week, which means they make about $1,160 a month, not excluding taxes. For younger people facing a college or court payment, a newborn baby or even just the task of paying their own bills, the amount of after-hours required to get by barely pay enough money, especially enough to live comfortably. The long hours and insufficient pay of minimum-wage jobs leave little time, energy or money for people to break the poverty cycle and pursue a better education. Katie said she sees nothing wrong with stripping, and learned to seriously value herself and her time during the job. She said she's “never been more confident in her life.” The Furnace has an extremely strict policy on no touching, and unlike Mundy and Grooms, she never personally witnessed any sort of sexual assault in the club. Katie explained she never considered herself impoverished while working minimum-wage jobs and paying her way at the beginning of college. But with a minimum monthly expense of $2,000 for her rent, car payment, car insurance, health insurance, groceries, gas, Internet and other utilities, it wasn't easy working for a restaurant and being forced to live off $800 a month. She had to rely heavily on student loans, which she didn't want. Katie explains that all of her friends and family are aware she was a stripper, and she isn't ashamed of it, which they also know. It made the money she needed in a quick amount of time. Grooms, on the other hand, lost her custody battle for her child because of the job. “I don't regret it, but dancing for men and fighting for my baby, it pretty much can set anyone off in a depression,” Grooms admitted. “Working at a club wasn't the best thing to do, but it made me so much more money than any other job I had.”

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

JANUARY 15 + JANUARY 29

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THE RETURN OF PAGE SANTANA COMING TO TO STAGE // KATE BIRMINGHAM CAMPBELL AND DR. WAYNE FLYNT

ally became a faculty member. He has heatre Tuscaloosa presents Page written and co-written 11 books, which to Stage: Kate Campbell & Dr. focus largely on the historical, economic, Wayne Flynt Jan. 16 and 17 in the and social fabric of Alabama. Dr. Flynt is Bean-Brown Theatre on Shelton State’s widely recognized for his contributions to Martin Campus. the historical field and is the recipient of Kate Campbell is a renowned folk numerous awards for his work, including singer who is recognized worldwide for the Lillian Smith Book Award, the Clarher talent in story-telling. Dr. Wayne Flynt ence Cason Award in nonfiction, and the is a Pulitzer nominated historian and Alabama Library Association Award for author of almost a dozen books about the nonfiction. South, centering on Alabama. In a stage “It’s a beautiful retelling of Southern performance that Kate describes as a American history that conversation between “They weave songs into becomes a dialogue with her, Dr. Flynt, and the the audience,” said Turaudience, stories of the passages from the works Deep South are brought of some of the most noted ley. “People can really begin to see these times to life through narrathat came before us and tive and music, creating authors of Southern history, including To Kill a shaped us as a culture an evolving dialogue and a people.” about race, religion, and Mockingbird, Fried Green Theatre Tuscaloosa’s poverty. Tomatoes at the Whistle 2014-15 Season: To Life! The two-day perforis presented in cooperamance marks the return Stop Café, and Salvation tion with Shelton State of Theatre Tuscaloosa’s on Sand Mountain. It’s College celebration of Alabama really a celebration of the Community and is sponsored by artists, Page to Stage. JamisonMoneyFarmer Executive producer artists of Alabama.” PC. Additional sponsors include Afflink, Tina Turley said, “They weave songs into Buffalo Rock, Left Hand Soap Company, passages from the works of some of the Renfroe Outdoor Advertising, Southland most noted authors of Southern history, Benefit Solutions, Mercedes-Benz U.S. including To Kill a Mockingbird, Fried International, Inc., Ameriprise Financial, Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Campbell Guin, and Bank of Tuscaloosa. Café, and Salvation on Sand Mountain. This program has been made possible by It’s really a celebration of the artists of grants from the Alabama State Council on Alabama.” the Arts, the National Endowment for the Kate Campbell grew up in MissisArts, and the City of Tuscaloosa. sippi, daughter to a southern Baptist Page to Stage: Kate Campbell & Dr. preacher. She was influenced by the Wayne Flynt will be presented Jan. 16-17 Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s and in the Bean-Brown Theatre on Shelthe folk-rock explosion of the 1970’s. ton State Community College’s Martin After completing her undergraduate Campus, 9500 Old Greensboro Road. degree at Samford University, where she Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. focused on Southern history and music, on Friday, January 16, and at 2 p.m. on Kate attended Auburn University for her Saturday, January 17. graduate degree. It was there that she Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for worked on her thesis about the life of seniors (60+), and $14 for students and pacifist Reverend Charles R. Bell Jr. She children. Special rates are available for also met and first began to work with Dr. groups of 10 or more in advance. For Wayne Flynt while at Auburn. more information about Page to Stage or Dr. Wayne Flynt grew up moving to purchase tickets, visit theatretusc.com around the South before attending or call 391-2277. Auburn University, where he eventu-

JANUARY 15 + JANUARY 29

arlos Santana, one of the most renowned and celebrated guitarists in rock n’ roll history, is coming to Birmingham. The man who helped bring Latin music into the rock scene will bring his signature licks to the BirminghamJefferson Convention Center Concert Hall on March 15th. It will be his first show in the Magic City since 2008 when he played at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. This show will be part of his first tour since completing a residency at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. He will be promoting his new album Corazon, which features guest artists ranging from Gloria Estefan to Pit Bull. The Mexican-born guitarist has had a long and storied career that began in the 1960’s. When his family moved from Mexico to San Francisco, a young Carlos became engulfed in the hippie movement and became acquainted with future rock artists at Bill Graham’s Fillmore West venue. In 1966, he was discovered when Graham asked him to fill in for an impromptu jam after a scheduled Paul Butterfield failed to show. He formed a self-titled band and quickly rose to prominence within the San Francisco scene. While they were influenced by the psychedelic blues scene that dominated the Bay Area, Santana brought in influences from world music, especially Latin and African music. This helped them stand out, and eventually got them a record deal with famous producer Clive Davis. Santana remained a regional attraction until they played at the legendary Woodstock festival in 1969. The exposure from their set, plus the radio success of their song “Evil Ways”, helped the band’s debut album reach #4 on the US charts. They followed this with the album Abraxas in 1970. Fueled by successful singles “Oye Como

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Va” and “Black Magic Woman”, the album reached #1 on the charts and was certified platinum four times. While their next album, Santana III, was also successful, it was around this time that the band became beset with several problems, including drug use, financial mismanagement and creative differences. Carlos began to take more control over the direction of the band, and he brought in more jazz influences then had been there previously. Santana’s jazz efforts were critically acclaimed, but they sold poorly compared to his earlier albums. He spent the rest of the 1970’s working, but could not find the success of his early efforts. By the 1980’s he was mostly forgotten about as a recording artist. However, he was still a draw as a live act, and his performance at Live Aid helped raise his profile among contemporary fans. Santana enjoyed small successes during most of the late 1980’s into the 1990’s. But then in 1999, he released the insanely popular album Supernatural. The result of Clive Davis bringing in young talent to work with Santana, Supernatural featured the hit song “Smooth” which had Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas on vocals. Other artists such as Everlast, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Dave Matthews were included on the album. Supernatural won nine Grammys and re-established Santana as a top recording artist. Santana’s fusion of blues, jazz, Latin and traditional rock has made him a very influential guitarist in his own right. Kirk Hammett of Metallica and Prince have cited him as an influence on their playing. He also helped several Latin artists find success in the American charts. When Santana comes to the BJCC, he’ll bring the experience and majesty that comes with being a living legend.

>>> R E D C L AY D I A RY | J I M R E E D

COUNTING PLEASURES DISTINCTLY REMEMBERED

The brand-new year, barely distinguishable from the barely-old year, is upon me and must be dealt with.

s a ponderer of the unimportant but significant turnstiles of life, I could easily list some pompously conceived New Year’s Resolutions in a way that might induce you to believe I actually plan to follow them. I prefer instead to list an item from page 48 of my imaginary BOOK OF COUNTED PLEASURES. Here is one thing I count on to get me through my time on Earth. THE DAILY NEWSPAPER. Nothing quite compares to the comfort and small joy I receive from walking into the front yard each morning and picking up the day’s copy of the New York Times. What news both horrible and divine might tumble into my field of view once the paper is opened and flattened? This predictable act will never become boring, since the paper’s delivery is so erratic. Some days, the Times is hidden in damp bushes, not to be found till 48 hours later. At times the paper is soaked through so that each page bleeds into adjacent pages and becomes unreadable. Sometimes, the paper is in the street, nicely pancaked by passing vehicles. And on days when everything seems to be going right, an entire section or two of the freshly-tossed paper will be missing. So, each morning is filled with tension and expectancy—what

will the paper be like today, will it even arrive today, will I find today’s some later day? The serial drama continues when I “report” the missing or mutilated Times to the carrier. The response is always the same, “We’ll get another copy to you right away.” Almost never happens. I wind up searching for a replacement whenever I can find a vendor who still carries copies, but most days it just isn’t worth it. If I want to learn what is going on in the world I have to depend upon NPR or— horrors!—the unvetted Internet. But the Joy is still there. The erratic appearance of the paper only serves to make more pleasurable the mornings when everything is in its place—the newspaper is on the sidewalk, nice and dry and beckoning—like this morning, for instance. And lo and behold—the magazine and book review supplements are present, too! Life seems complete for about 20 seconds. And 20 seconds of bliss scattered hither and yon throughout my days is the best I can hope for, in a world where sorrows and unwanted challenges vie for my attention, my time and my fragile soul Jim never punctuates his final sentence because the story has not yet ended. It's his trademark. Period. ©2015 by Jim Reed

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JANUARY 15 + JANUARY 29

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WINTER FINE ARTS TERRIFIC TUESDAY EVENTS // SHELTON STATE'S SCHEDULE T

he Shelton State Community College Department of Fine Arts has announced the schedule of performances slated for the spring 2015 Terrific Tuesday Concerts as well as several special concerts and events. In addition to a variety of recitals to be performed by Shelton State music students, Terrific Tuesday Concerts will include performances by various professional artists from around the state. All performances are free and open to the public and take place in the Alabama Power Foundation Recital Hall (unless otherwise noted) of the Sandra Hall Ray Fine Arts Center on the Martin Campus of Shelton State Community College. For additional information on the Terrific Tuesday Concerts, contact Lillian Roberts at 205.391.2399 or lroberts@ sheltonstate.edu. JANUARY 16-17 – PAGE TO STAGE: KATE CAMPBELL AND DR. WAYNE FLYNT A collaborative exchange of songs, stories, and readings between singersongwriter, Kate Campbell, and author/ historian, Dr. Wayne Flynt Bean-Brown Theatre (various times) Tickets: 205.391.2277 or theatretusc.com

JANUARY 15 + JANUARY 29

20 – “SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION” Dr. Luvada Harrison, soprano, and Dr. Hyesook Jung, piano Stillman College Faculty Alabama Power Recital Hall, 1:15 p.m. 24 – THE BRUCE ROGERS CHORAL FESTIVAL Bruce Rogers, clinician Martin Atrium, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Bean-Brown Theatre Public Concert at 5:00 p.m. 26-Mar. 13 – FOCUS on Digital Photography Cadence Bank Art Gallery 27 – TRUMPET RECITAL Dr. Leonard Candelaria, trumpet, and Dr. Kathryn Fouse, piano Alabama Power Recital Hall, 1:15 p.m. FEBRUARY 3 – BACH TO ROCK ENSEMBLE Alabama Power Recital Hall, 1:15 p.m. 10 – NATS PREVIEW Featuring SSCC vocalists competing in the National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition Alabama Power Recital Hall, 1:15 p.m. 17 – SHELTON STATE JAZZ ENSEMBLE Dr. Daniel Western, director

Martin Atrium, 1:15 p.m. 20-Mar. 1 – W;T* A Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play by Margaret Edson Bean-Brown Theatre (various times) Tickets: 205.391.2277 or theatretusc.com 24 – PIANO RECITAL Dr. Kevin Chance, piano University of Alabama Faculty Alabama Power Recital Hall, 1:15 p.m. MARCH 3 – VIOLIN RECITAL Haeun Kim, violin, and Dr. Hyesook Jung, piano Alabama Power Recital Hall, 1:15 p.m. 8 – MOZART’S CORONATION MASS Featuring Shelton Singers and Chamber Orchestra; directed by Dr. Mark Brown Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3:00 p.m. 10 – STUDENT MUSICALE Featuring SSCC students in voice, percussion, piano, and saxophone Alabama Power Recital Hall, 1:15 p.m. 23- Apr. 10 – DARKNESS INTO LIFE: ALABAMA HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART

Cadence Bank Art Gallery Opening Reception: March 24 at 4:00 p.m. 24 – OBOE RECITAL Dr. Erik Larson, oboe University of West Alabama Faculty Alabama Power Recital Hall, 1:15 p.m. 27 – FINE ARTS SCHOLARSHIP AUDITIONS 31 – FACULTY RECITAL Featuring SSCC music faculty members: Dr. Mark Brown, Mrs. Glinda Blackshear, Ms. Lillian Roberts, and Dr. Daniel Western Alabama Power Recital Hall, 1:15 p.m. 31 – SHELTON STATE JAZZ ENSEMBLE Dr. Daniel Western, director Bean-Brown Theatre, 7:30 p.m. APRIL 4 – STUDENT VOICE RECITAL Drew Baggett, tenor and Colby Skinner, tenor Alabama Power Recital Hall, 3:00 p.m. To be continued in next edition with forthcoming spring and summer events scheduled for Shelton State Community College

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NOMINATIONS SOUGHT // DRUID ARTS AWARDS

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he Arts Council of Tuscaloosa will honor artists and patrons of the arts at the 21st Druid Arts Awards on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at the Bama Theatre. Nominations for volunteer, artist, and educator (Tuscaloosa County only) will be accepted in each of the categories of Music, Visual Arts, Dance, Theatre and Literature. Nominations will also be taken for Patron of the Arts, Corporate Sponsor of the Year, Special Awards and Home Grown Artist. The Home Grown Artist award was established in 2009. This will be awarded to an individual from Tuscaloosa County who has received recognition in their area of specialty on the regional, national or international level by their professional peer groups. The nominee must be a native of Tuscaloosa County and have received his/her primary and secondary education in one of the local public or private school systems. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in person at The Arts Council office or by calling 758-5195. The deadline for purchasing tickets is Monday, March 2, 2015 at 5 p.m. In creating and perpetuating the Druid Arts Awards, The Arts Council realized that the number of talented and dedicated people who were working as volunteers, artists and educators in the arts was very large and growing. The Council also realized that the work of these individuals was not often Paul publicly Hornsby recognized. It was for this reason that the

Druid Arts Awards were established, and it has become a biannual presentation recognizing these special individuals and organizations who have achieved distinction in the arts over a number of years in Tuscaloosa County. Any resident of Tuscaloosa County may submit nominations. Email nominations must be received electronically—or hard copies postmarked—by the deadline on January 23, 2015 at 5 p.m. The subject heading for email nominations should state “Druid Arts Awards Nomination” and sent to director@tuscarts.org. Hard copy nominations should be mailed to The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa, P.O. Box 1117, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35403. Nomination forms, criteria and a list of prior winners are available on line at tuscarts. org/druidartsawards. A reception honoring the winners and their families will be held at the theatre’s Greensboro Room at 6:00 p.m. with the awards ceremony at 7 p.m. The deadline for nominations is Friday, January 23, 2015 with a deadline for tickets on Monday, March 2, 2015.

JAN. 17

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JANUARY 15 + JANUARY 29

>>> BEER REVIEW | B R E T T R E I D

BURIED HATCHET STOUT FROM TEXAS // MIND-BLOWING TASTE T hese bitter cold winter days really drive me to drink dark beers. Even now, as I look in my fridge now, there are only three IPA style beers, and the rest are either stouts or porters, because I just long for something that can warm my insides as I drink it. I’ve come across a few beers that are worth revisiting, but believe me, that list is very short. Naturally, I include Good People’s Coffee Oatmeal Stout along with Deschutes Black Butte Porter, but my favorite is a brew that hails from a tiny, little Texas town that packs a ton of flavor. The Buried Hatchet Stout from Southern Star Brewing is a stout that carries gigantic flavor in an extremely drinkable brew. If I had to drink one more stout for the rest of my life, it would be this bad boy. Here are my thoughts: Something within the world of beer that I rarely preach on is glassware. I know that everyone has their own opinion on glassware, but it really does make a difference in the aromas released and the flavors and tastes achieved. It really bums me out when I go to a bar that prides itself on their beer selection, but they pour everything in a generic pint glass. Brewmasters, well, any one worth their salt, knows the exact temperature their beer should be served at and the type of glass it should be served in to reach the maximum experience. Isn’t that what we’re here for? An experience? If you’re not drinking craft beer to experience something that is the pride of a person’s hard work you’re wasting your time and money. Anyways, my rant is over and we can get to the more important content. Stouts should be served a little warmer, ideally at around 50-55 degrees in a nonic pint glass (look it up if you’re not familiar), to release the aromas and flavors that can be sometimes hidden under the chill of a walk-in cooler. I poured this one in a nonic pint glass and as you’re pouring this one, you first notice the dark, deep brown with a about a finger-width of off-white, almost khaki-colored head that lingered around for a short while and doesn’t leave much lacing on the glass. The aroma is one of the best parts of this beer, because of the layered scents and the complex profiles. In the opening scent, you pick up on some fresh coffee that has a nice roasted, nutty quality along with a little chocolate. Also thrown in there is an odd profile that has the smell of syrup, like molasses or sorghum. There is a nice roasted character that mixes well with the malt and chocolate characters in the scent. The taste is mind-blowing to be honest. The taste slightly follows the scent in the way of fresh roast coffee that is accompanied by a nice roasted malt character that creates a slight charred flavor and builds the robust character of the beer. There is a creaminess brought in about halfway through that mellows out the harsh tones you can pick up from the coffee and char. There is a nice chocolate

JANUARY 15 + JANUARY 29

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

BREAKFAST / LUNCH Brown Bag

9425 Jones Road | Northport // 333.0970 Its speciality, fried green tomatoes, joins barbecue plates and fish filets on an extended list of meats and vegetables. Tues 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Wed-Sat 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. City Cafe 408 Main Ave | Downtown Northport // 758.9171 Established in 1936. Big on food, low on price. Open for breakfast and lunch. Historic downtown Northport. Closed weekends. CountryPride Restaurant 3501 Buttermilk Rd // 554.0215 www.ta.travelcenters.com Breakfast 24 hours. Lunch and Dinner buffet. 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 Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd *402 | Tuscaloosa // 366.8780 Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip | Tuscaloosa // 342.0022 Rama Jama’s 1000 Bryant Dr // 750.0901 Closest restaurant to Bryant-Denny Stadium.

undertone, maybe more along the lines of a dark chocolate bitterness rather than a milk chocolate though. Although, this creaminess and chocolately flavor doesn’t really hang around long, because the next wave of bitterness comes through and remains through the finish; even through the lingering coffee taste that some would say is slightly strong. The mouthfeel is absolutely perfect on this beer. The light carbonation really compliments the flavors of the coffee and chocolate. The creaminess adds a smoothness to the beer without making it seem thick, but don’t let that put you under the impression that this beer can’t carry its weight and warm your entire body. I drank one can and suddenly I felt like I needed to take off my jacket for obvious reasons. As far as taste goes, this one is very solid from first sip to last sip. Allowing the beer to warm up allows a lot of hidden flavors to emerge and be seen. Everyone should try letting your stout or porter warm a little bit; you would be surprised at how much you will begin to taste once you’ve done this. Overall, this beer has a lot to offer to anyone who drinks it. Everything is bigger in Texas including the flavors in their beers. With coffee, chocolate, and malt spearheading this brew, the robust flavors pack quite the punch in what could have been just another ordinary brew. This is probably the third offering I’ve had from Southern Star and I have yet to be disappointed. The Buried Hatchet Stout is a masterful take on the style and is something that the brewery should be proud of. I can’t wait to enjoy this one again and again. If you’re on the fence about darker beers or anything new, my only advice is to take the leap of faith and just try. I’m passionate about the craft behind these beverages and the energy these people put into them. To me, that’s what makes a great beer. The passion, the craft, and the yearning to create something that gets people excited. You’ve done that, Southern Star, you’ve done the hell out of that.

Sweet Home Food Bar 2218 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 764-9346 Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Waysider 1512 Greensboro Ave // 345.8239 Open for breakfast and lunch. Smoke free.

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 Mariachi 3520 McFarland Blvd E |Tuscaloosa // 409-8585 El Rincon (2 locations) 1225 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 366.0855 1726 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.1274 Fernando's Mexican Grill 824 McFarland Blvd E | Northport // 205.331.4587 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

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. FIVE Bar 2324 6th Street. // 205.345.6089 A restaurant/bar based on simplicity. We offer 5 entrees, 5 red wines, 5 white wines, 5 import beers, 5 domestic, and 5 signature cocktails, to go along with our full liquor bar. Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 5-10; Friday and Saturday 5-12 Lunch: Friday and Saturday 11-3; Sunday Jazz Brunch: 10-3 five-bar.com; 205.345.6089 Kozy’s 3510 Loop Road E | near VA Medical Center // 556.4112 Great locally-sourced foods and live piono music on the weekends. |killionrestaurants.com/kozys/ Twin 3700 6th St, Tuscaloosa in Tuscaloosa Country Club | 758-7528 | http://twinpowersactivate.com Certified USDA Prime Steaks; specialty Sushi and cocktails. Hours: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; 5 – 10 p.m.

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

Avenue Pub 405 23rd Avenue

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

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

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

Margarita's Grill 1241 McFarland Blvd E // 343.0300

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

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

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

Pepito’s (2 locations) 1203 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9028 1301 McFarland Blvd NE // 391.4861 Taco Mama 2104 A University Blvd, Tuscaloosa 409.8173

FINE DINING

Chuck’s Fish 508 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 248.9370 Monday - Thursday 5-10 p.m. and Friday - Saturday 5-11 p.m. Steak, seafood, & sushi specialities. Daily specials: Monday - $20 Bottles of Wine; Tuesday - Ladies Night 1/2 off Domestic Beer and House Wine, Select $5 Martinis, $2 off Select Sushi Rolls for Everyone; Uptown Wednesday - $6 Uptown Shrimp; Featured Cocktails and $20 Bottles of Wine. Cypress Inn 501 Rice Mine Rd // 345.6963 Fax: 345.6997 | www.cypressinnrestaurant.com 2003 Restaurant of Distinction. Beautiful riverfront location. Steaks, seafood and more with Southern flavor. Wine list, full bar. Specialities of the house include Shrimp Cypress Inn and Smoked Chicken with white barbecue sauce. Kid friendly. Closed Saturday lunch. Mike Spiller is featured the first Thursday of every month. Happy Hour- Mon-Fri from 4:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. featuring 1/2 price appetizers. $2 Domestic Draft Beers and $3 Well cocktails.

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CASUAL DINING

Avenue Pub 405 23rd Avenue // Tuscaloosa The pub offers a different menu for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Feature foods include pineapple French toast, pork sliders, and a house burger which changes daily. The drink menu features specialty cocktails, local pints, bottled beer, and wine. Monday through Friday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday Noon – 11 p.m., Sunday Noon p.m. – 9 p.m. Big Daddy’s Cafe 514 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 759.9925 The Blue Plate Restaurant (Was Northport Diner) 450 McFarland Blvd, Northport // 462-3626 Brumfield's Restaurant 4851 Rice Mine Road | Tuesday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., and Sunday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Buddy’s Ribs & Steaks 2701 Bridge Ave | Northport // 339.4885 Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd // 523.0273 Mon–Wed 11 a.m. - midnight | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Chicken Salad Chick The Shoppes at Midtown & Essex Square, Northport | Said to be the very best chicken salad that can be found anywhere. www.

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

chickensaladchick.com Chili’s 1030 Skyland Blvd | Near McFarland Mall // 750.8881 Fax: 758.7715 // www.chilis.com Dave’s Dogs 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 722.2800 Five Guys Burgers & Fries 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0575 www.fiveguys.com Glory Bound Gyro Company 2325 University Blvd // 349-0505 Glory Bound Gyro Company is a unique restaurant that focuses on great food and service in a funky, fun-filled atmosphere. Open Mon-Thu: 11am - 10pm | Fri - Sat: 11am-10pm | Sun: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Heritage House 700 Towncenter | Northport // 758.0042 Open Mon-Fri 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 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. 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 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 vegetables Mon–Fri 10:45 a.m. - 9 p.m. T-Town Café 500 14th Street, Tuscaloosa | 759-5559 |www.ttowncafe.co Mon - Fri: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sat: 5 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sun: 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tacogi 500 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 342.3647 Tuscaloosa Burger & Seafood Company 1014 7th Ave. | Tuscaloosa // 764.1976 Over 160 craft beers. Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Large selection of decadent desserts. 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 Billy's Sports Grill Historic Downtown Northport / 879.2238 Good food, beverages and family friendly Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. till 9 p.m. (Sunday Brunch 10:30am-3pm). Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd. East | Tuscaloosa // 523.0273 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine 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 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 Tuscaloosa Burger & Seafood Company 1014 7th Ave. | Tuscaloosa // 764.1976 Over 160 craft beers. Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Large selection of decadent desserts Wilhagan’s 2209 4th St | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 366.0913 Wings U 1800 McFarland Blvd East Suite 218 | Pick-up Tuscaloosa // 561.3984 Features the first coal-fired pizza oven in Alabama. Owned by former UA/Miami Dolphins great Bob Baumhower. Completely open concept! www.wingsu.com WingZone 1241 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 342.2473

BARBEQUE

Archibald & Woodrow's BBQ 4215 Greensboro Ave | Tuscaloosa // 331.4858 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sun lunch Bama BBQ & Grill 3380 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.9816 Dickey's BBQ (3 locations) 9770 Alabama 69; Midtown; and 13544 Hwy 43 North at Rose Blvd. in Northport. Texas Barbecue. | 344.6500 1800 McFarland Blvd, Midtown Village, Tuscaloosa. | 758-1133 13544 Hwy 43 North, Winn Dixie Shopping Center, Northport. | 330-1147 Dreamland (2 locations) 5535 15th Ave | Tuscaloosa // 758.8135 101 Bridge Ave | Northport // 343.6677 The legend. On game day, get there early if you want to make kickoff. Seating is limited. Hours: Mon–Sat 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Sun 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. 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 (2 locations) Highway 11 | Cottondale // 554.1815 3420 Alabama 69 | Northport // 333.5848 Menu: thepotterygrill.com Awesome barbecue. The Pottery Grill serves up everything from pork, chicken, ribs and sausage to burgers, hot dogs and salads. Take-out and catering available. Tee’s Ribs and Thangs 1702 10th Avenue // 366.9974 |11 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily

STEAKS

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 Twin Restaurant 3700 6th Street |Tuscaloosa | 758-7528 A full service restaurant specializing in Sushi, Prime Steaks, made fresh daily pasta, and whiskey oriented cocktails. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. // Former Tuscaloosa Country Club

SEAFOOD

>>> WINE REVIEW | J O N R O G E R S

APOTHIC WHITE // NICKNAME CAB // RECOMMEND Apothic White is bottled by Apothic Wines and comes from Modesto, California. For this review, I tasted the 2012 vintage. This wine is a blend of three different varietals. They include Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. The winemaker is Debbie Juergenson. She specifically “looks for a unique blend of grapes to create intense aromas and bold flavors,” per the Apothic website. Apothic White alcohol content, 12.0% per the bottle. Apothic White WineIn the glass, this wine is light straw in color. It also has a subtle copper shimmer to it. It didn’t appear very leggy. The wine’s aroma was noticeable from afar. It’s complex and includes notes of sweet orange and citrus. There was also a muted hint of clove or some other dark spice in the background. The flavors in Apothic White included some sweet citrus upon first sip. But, shortly after that, the sweet flavors dissipated and the more subtle characteristics of the Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio came through. There was also a tiny hint of vanilla in there. The wine had a silky mouthfeel and a long finish. Overall, I thought this was a great wine. Like the other Apothic wines, the taste of this wine is unique. The blend of the three varietals was very interesting. You can pick out each grape, but when you “step back” you can sense how each one compliments the other. If you like a silky white wine with a bit of front end sweetness, give this wine a try. Apothic White price $9.99. Recommend!

grown vineyards within the Lodi and Clarksburg Appellations. The wine is aged is French oak for six months and is Certified Green for wine growing sustainability, per Lodi rules. NickName Cabernet Sauvignon is dark ruby in color. A little light does shine through. This wine is extremely leggy with many many tiny legs falling down the sides of the glass. Aroma of NickName Cabernet Sauvignon is multi-faceted and complex. To start, the aroma is well noticeable from over a foot away after being poured. Those aromas are dark and mocha like. Up close, however, notes of muted cherry and a hint of a clovelike spice were noted. There was a good whiff of alcohol in the aroma with alcohol content at 13.5% by volume, according to the bottle. The wine’s taste was also complex. It’s a smooth drinking wine with initial warm red fruit flavors at first. Following that, more earth black fruit flavors were evident. For a Cabernet Sauvignon, NickName is not overly dry. Given its smoothness, it could be mistaken for a blend containing Zinfandel. Elegant tannins were felt primarily behind the lips and the wine had a silky mouthfeel. Finish was medium to long, primarily carried by the note of black fruits. Just the slightest bit of bitterness was noted, but it wasn’t off-putting in the least. Overall, I really enjoyed this Cabernet. I loved the complexity in the aroma and flavor. I also liked the how the wine’s components were all so well balanced with each other. This wine’s an easy drinking sipper on its own. It would likely also go well with light appetizers. NickName Cabernet Sauvignon price about $12.00. Recommend! More wine reviews by Jon Rogers at www. honestwinereviews.com

NickName Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards in Acampo, California, USA. I was given this wine as a gift from a good friend, who I recently helped move to a new home. The bottle she gave me was the 2009 vintage, so it had a little time to age prior to this review. According to the NickName Wines website, the NickName Cabernet Sauvignon comes from their estate

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JANUARY 15 + JANUARY 29

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

COFFEE, TEA, AND FOOD FOR THE SOUL // HERITAGE HOUSE Photos: Sheenah Gregg

f you ask someone where they can grab a cup coffee in town, you’re likely to hear the name Starbucks. Some however, may be lucky enough to hear the recommendation of Heritage House Coffee and Tea. In a town full of young, everchanging residents without Tuscaloosa roots, it is no surprise that only the true town natives are aware of Heritage House as the first coffee shop on the block. Originating in June of 1994, Heritage House started with humble beginnings. As the years have passed, the shop has gone through various owners and now thrives twenty-one years later in a new 4000-square-foot space located at 700 Towncenter, Northport. Current owner Rebekah Wanstall has owned the shop for nine and a half years. Under her leadership Heritage House has gone from a few packaged pastries to delectable breakfast and lunch. “Everything we have is made from fresh ingredients and made from scratch. We don’t use processed food. Our food doesn’t come in on truck frozen, and everything is made to order,” says Wanstall. The shop moved last fall from its long-standing location in Essex Square Shopping Center to its current Towncenter home in the former Alabama Outdoors space. Upon entering the business on a cold Monday afternoon, I was taken away by the shop’s balance of feeling both cozy and spacious at the same time. The main area was dimly lit with a majority of the lighting coming from the service area. Shabby chic furniture with tables accommodating large groups and intimate parties of 2 were filled with college students, businessmen, and twinkle-eyed ladies having a good laugh and conversation. Looking to my left I noticed the large brightly lit side room attributed to the abundance of windows and accented with a large fireplace in front of a couch. I scanned the overhead menu with amazement of the 40+ varieties of coffee beans. I made my way to the food menu and opted for a chicken salad sandwich with a cup of the featured soup of the

>>> RESTAURANTS |

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

Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar 4851 Rice Mine Rd NE #460 // 462.3399 McFarland Plaza Shopping Center & Temerson Square Tuscaloosa Burger & Seafood Company 1014 7th Ave. | Tuscaloosa // 764.1976 Over 160 craft beers. Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Large selection of decadent desserts. 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.

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

McAlister’s Deli (2 locations) 101 15th St | Tuscaloosa // 758.0039 3021 Tyler Dr | Northport // 330.7940 Sandwiches, salads and spuds www.mcalistersdeli.com

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

Hot Wok Express 6751 Alabama 69, Tuscaloosa // 758.0148

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

Pearl Garden 2719 Lurleen Wallace Blvd | Northport // 339.0880 Peking Chinese Restaurant 1816 McFarland | Northport // 333.0361 Open 7 days a week. Super lunch and dinner buffet. Hours: Sun–Thurs 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Swen Chinese Restaurant 1130 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9887 Trey Yuen 4200 McFarland Blvd E // 752.0088

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 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Fri. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. 17th Street and Greensboro Avenue. Authentic Chicago style foods. Italian Beef Sandwiches, Chicago Rib Tips, and Chicago Style Pizza. California Underground 13552 Highway 43, Northport | 339.8660 Firehouse Subs 1130 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 248.0680 Hungry Howie’s (2 locations) 1105 Southview Ln | South Tuscaloosa // 345.6000 1844 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.2633 1211 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa | The Strip // 366.1500 4851 Rice Mine Rd | Northriver/Holt // 345.3737 Lenny’s Sub Shop 220 15th St // 752.7450 Fax: 752.7481 // www.lennys.com Little Caesars Pizza 1414 10th Ave // 366.2220 | 1www.littlecaesars.com Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. // 345.4354 Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 758.0112 Subs n' You 2427 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.758.0088

The Pita Pit 1207 University Blvd | The Strip // 345.9606 Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30 a.m. - 3 a.m. | Sun 11:30 a.m. - midnight Pizza 120 50115th St. East | 561.6853 Pizza Palace Buffet 6521 Alabama 69 | 752.5444 Tut’s Place 1306 University Blvd | The Strip // 759.1004

DELICATESSEN JANUARY 15 + JANUARY 29

Manna Grocery & Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 752.9955

Chongwah Express 1425 McFarland Boulevard, Northport. 333-1088

Roly Poly Sandwiches 2300 4th Street | Tuscaloosa // 366.1222

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

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

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

Sheena Gregg, MS, RDN,LD is a registered dietitian and local “Filipino foodie.” Follow her on Twitter @AFilipinoFoodie.

Jason’s Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd // 752.6192 Fax: 752.6193 // www.jasonsdeli.com Located in the Meadowbrook Shopping Center.

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.

day. As I waited on my food, I admired the various gifts and trinkets for sale. I also noticed a prayer wall adjacent to a private conference room filled with young people absorbed in conversation and textbooks. My meal was promptly brought by the barista on an eclectic mix of fine china. The chicken salad sandwich came on a croissant that was close to perfection. Buttery and warm, the bread provided the ideal platform for an obviously made from scratch chicken salad filled with grapes while still boasting simplicity. My vegetable soup was warm, hearty and housed in a teacup. When I think about this lunch experience, I am pleased with the satisfying portions I was provided. However, my highest praise can be paid to the atmosphere of Heritage House. Though packed with people, I found myself in a calm and collected state of mind while enjoying my lunch. I have often found myself frantic, anxious, and irritated when traditionally out to lunch on a Monday. It is true that there’s something to be said for a good cup of coffee, but there’s also something to be said for a great place for lunch. Hours of operation, menus, and special events information can be found at heritagehousecoffee.com. Tweet us @ ThePlanetWeekly and let us know where you are eating or drinking!

Honeybaked Ham Company 421 15th St. E // 345.5508 www.honeybaked.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

Barnes & Noble 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa 349.6366

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 700 Towncenter | Northport // 758.0042 Open Mon-Fri 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Krispy Kreme Doughnut 1400 McFarland Blvd // 758.6913 www.krispykreme.com Starbucks (2 locations) 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 343.2468 1901 13th Ave East | inside Super Target // 462.1064 starbucks.com

DESSERTS

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

TO HAVE YOUR RESTAURANT LISTED HERE PLEASE EMAIL PLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM

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BAMA ART HOUSE // WINTER FILM SERIES CONTINUES

est Alabama movie buffs are enjoying the 2015 Bama Art House Winter Film Series. Screenings began on Jan. 6 with a total of seven films being featured in the series. A program of The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa, the movies represent the organization’s goals to bring new and unique film to the West Alabama area. Screenings will take place at the Bama Theatre on Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m. with the box office opening at 6:30 p.m. and doors at 6:45 p.m. Fresh popcorn, snacks and beverages will be available in the Greensboro room. Discount Punchcard Tickets ($60) will be available at the door prior to screenings and will be good for any 10 Bama Art House films during the year. Single Tickets will be priced at $8 general, $7 seniors & students and $6 Arts Council members. Patrons can visit bamatheatre. org/bamaarthouse to view the list of films, details and accompanying trailers. Here's the the remainder of the lineup: January 20 Citizenfour (2014) Documentary (R) Director: Laura Poitras Stars: Edward Snowden, Glenn Greenwald, Jacob Appelbaum Synopsis: A documentarian and a reporter travel to Hong Kong for the first of many meetings with Edward Snowden. January 27: Zero Motivation (2014) Comedy/ Drama (R) Director & Writer: Talya Lavie Stars: Dana Ivgy, Nelly Tagar, Shani Klein Synopsis: A unit of female Israeli soldiers at a remote desert base bide their time as they count down the minutes until they can return to civilian life.

February 3 The Homesman (2014) Drama/ Western (R) Director: Tommy Lee Jones Writers: Tommy Lee Jones, Kieran Fitzgerald, Wesley A. Oliver Stars: Tommy Lee Jones, Hilary Swank, Grace Gummer Synopsis: Three women who have been driven mad by pioneer life are to be transported across the country by covered wagon by the pious, independent-minded Mary Bee Cuddy, who in turn employs low-life drifter George Briggs to assist her. February 10 Listen Up, Philip (2014) Drama (R) Director and Writer: Alex Ross Perry Stars: Jason Schwartzman, Elisabeth Moss, Jonathan Pryce Synopsis: Anger rages in Philip as he awaits the publication of his second novel. He feels pushed out of his adopted home city by the crowds and noise, a deteriorating relationship with his girlfriend Ashley, and his own indifference to promoting the novel. When Philip's idol Ike Zimmerman offers his isolated summer home as a refuge, he finally gets the peace and quiet to focus on his favorite subject: himself.

BAMA ACOUSTIC NIGHT // THE MULLIGAN BROTHERS

he Mulligan Brothers will be the featured performers during Acoustic Night on January 29, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. The Mulligan Brothers are Ross Newell (lead vocals, guitar, and songwriting); Gram Rea (fiddle, mandolin, viola, harmonica and vocals); Ben Leininger (bass and vocals) and Greg DeLuca (drums and vocals). Their debut album released in June 2013, “The Mulligan Brothers,” created passionate fans across the country and was in the Top Ten of CD Sales at the 2014 New Orleans Jazz Fest. For more information about the band, visit themulliganbrothers.com. Presented by The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa, the project features both solo and ensemble performances of a wide range of acoustic music throughout the calendar year in the intimate setting of the Bama Theatre’s Greensboro Room. Cover charge is $10 with a full service bar available.

February 17 To be announced in the next edition.

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JANUARY 15 + JANUARY 29

>>> T H E F L A T S C R E E N | C A R A B R A K E

AGENT CARTER // BACKLASH AGAINST SEXISM

"Agent Carter"

elevision shows tend to follow the same stereotypical format: the big, muscular male superhero fights evil and the tight- skirted damsel in distress falls in love with him. Marvel, the highly popular comic book empire has made it their mission to change these types, namely in who the hero is. From Black Widow to Jean Grey, powerful women rule Marvel’s comics and movies, working side by side, and sometimes in front of, the male heroes. Marvel has been branching out recently, going from movies to television. Marvel’s “Agents of Shield” was a smash, highlighting the most underrated heroes of the Marvel universe-those without special super powers. Now,

JANUARY 15 + JANUARY 29

after the success of the Captain America franchise, Marvel has chosen to highlight a star of the Captain America universe for television-Agent Peggy Carter. In Marvel”s “Agent Carter”, Peggy Carter balances her position in the SSR (Strategic Scientific Reserve) as a secretary with her private missions for Howard Stark, the resident genius, all the while fighting off the sexism of the 40’s. Actress Hayley Atwell, the powerhouse who played Peggy in the first Captain America film is a knockout in Agent Carter, embodying the character of Agent Carter and running with it. The series is only set to be an eight episode mini series, but once the plot thickens a little

more, one can only hope for a full season. ment Weekly. They gave Agent Carter Atwell herself does not have that pretty good reviews, calling for a conmany acting credits to her name, most tinued, deeper plot, but applauding the of them being television movies and unshow for its backlash against sexism and known television series. Her fame started how Peggy deals with it. Another great picking up in the US with her part in the aspect is the wit of Edwin Jarvis, who first Captain America, and after that Peggoes on assignments with Peggy and gy Carter took off, with video game voice matches her sarcasm. overs and more movie appearances, Other actors include those reprising including the upcoming movies “Ant-Man” their roles from the first Captain America and “Avengers: Age of Ultron”. movie, including Dominic Cooper as The first episode starts with a harHoward Stark, and newcomers that rowing beginning, showing Peggy saying bring amazing roles to the show, such as goodbye to love interest Steve Rogers as James D’Arcy as Edwin Jarvis, Stark’s his plane crashes into the ocean. Carter butler and Atwell’s mission companion. has nightmarish flashbacks of this time, Marvel’s “Agent Carter” will air an eightand her time in combat. What creates a episode mini series on ABC on Tuesdays more chilling scene is that Carter is doing at 9/8 central. normal, everyday tasks such as making tea and ironing her clothes, all the while having these memories flashing in her head. Soon enough she’s on a mission-Howard Stark has been framed for something, and it’s up to Peggy and Edwin Jarvis, Howard’s friend, to help clear his name. The Internet has been abuzz with reviews and opinions on the show, one of the biggest "12 Monkeys" names being Entertain-

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

UNBROKEN // TREMENDOUS MOMENTUM // JOLIE SHOWS DIRECTORIAL GENIUS ✭✭✭✭

OU T OF 4

anking as one of the best movies about World War II, initially, I approached “Unbroken”with considerable skepticism because actress Angelina Jolie directed it. Before she helmed “Unbroken,” Jolie had never seriously impressed me as more than just a competent actress in several memorable films. As it turns out, she made her first film “In the Land of Blood and Honey” back in 2011, but it slipped under my radar. Now, I plan to go back and see if any of the directorial genius that she displayed in “Unbroken” was apparent in her freshman effort. Whatever the case, this gripping Universal Pictures release chronicles the real-life feats of former Olympic track star Louis Zamperini. A ne'er-do-well juvenile delinquent from the wrong side of the tracks, Zamperini straightened his act out and became a track star who later competed in the controversial1936 Munich Olympics held in Nazi Germany. World War II derailed his dreams of participating in the Tokyo Olympics. Instead, he became a second lieutenant in the Army Air Corps and served as a bombardier in the Pacific Theater. Life was no picnic for this scrappy Italian-American youth. In 1943, Zamperini’s B-24 Liberator crashed at sea during an abortive rescue mission, and he wallowed in a raft for 47 days circled by sharks. Afterward, the Japanese rescued Zamperini and his two surviving crewmen, and our protagonist endured appalling torture at the hands of a sadistic prison camp commandant for two years. Relentlessly grim from fadeon to fade-out, this powerful PG-13 saga succeeds as an inspirational testament to an individual’s tenacity to triumph over well-nigh, insurmountable obstacles. If you think that life’s been tough for you, compare your experience to Zamperini’s inhumane ordeal. “Replacement Killers” producer Matthew Baer spent 17 years bringing “Unbroken” to the silver screen. Four writers toiled on this project. Oscar winning “Fargo” scenarists Joel and Ethan Cohen re-wrote Richard “Water for Elephants” LaGravenese’s screenplay after he struggled with an earlier version

penned by “Gladiator” scribe William Nicholson. Although Zamperini wrote his own memoir “Devil at my Heels” about his wartime exploits, Laura Hillenbrand’s long-time bestseller “Unbroken” proved instrumental not only in dispelling any doubts about his experiences, but it also convinced Universal to produce the film. Originally, Universal had optioned “Devil at My Heels” back in 1956 as a possible Tony Curtis movie but nothing happened. Initially, after Baer had appropriated the project, Nicolas Cage showed interest in starring in it but again the project fell apart. Eventually, Zamperini and Jolie met and bonded over this epic endeavor. Word is Zamperini saw a rough cut of “Unbroken” before he died in at age 97 in July 2014. The themes of man versus nature and man versus man permeate this hypnotic tragedy that never runs out of momentum during its rigorous 137 minutes. “Unbroken” unfolds in flashbacks before our hero lands in the hands of the Japanese. The combat scenes in the B-24 that open the film are exciting. During the first mission, the enemy strafe the bomb bay doors so dreadfully that Zamperini has to descend into the belly of the plane to manually retract them. While he struggles to close them, Japanese Zero fighters riddle the bomber with machine gun bullets. Zamperini’s plane is shot to ribbons, and the pilot has a difficult time landing without brakes on an airfield that isn’t long enough. This initial mission will keep you in a white-knuckled frenzy. Afterward, we learn how Louis’ older brother helped reform his trouble-prone little brother by started coaching him as a track runner. Jolie resumes this account of Zamperini’s life after his crew and he find themselves assigned to an inferior B-24 that literally comes apart on them during their mission and crashes in the ocean. Eight of the eleven crew die when they have to ditch in the Pacific. After their rescue, Zamperini is separated from his friends and faces harsh punishment at the hands of a Japanese corporal nicknamed ‘the Bird’ who shows no mercy where Zamperini is concerned. The Bird

threatens to murder a fellow prisoner if Zamperini’s own men don’t beat the stuffing out of him. Shrewdly, Jolie cast “Unbroken” with largely unknown talent. The only recognizable actors are Garrett Hedlund from “TRON: Legacy” and Jai Courtney of “A Good Day to Die Hard.” British actor Jack O’Connell delivers an impeccable performance as Zamperini. He makes a convincing as well as sympathetic hero for whom you can cheer. Neither Jolie nor her quartet of writers relies on gung-ho clichés to enhance the storytelling. Once Zamperini winds up in the hands of the Japanese, everything becomes a suspenseful contest of wills to see who will win in the end. Never at any time does “Unbroken” degenerate into a standard-issue World War II actioneer. Wisely, Jolie knows exactly how far she can take the torture scenes before you want to avert your eyes. The scene that will jolt you the most occurs in the Pacific. As exceptional as he is as Zamperini, O’Connell is matched blow for blow by Japanese actor Takamasa Ishihara as the villainous ‘Bird.’ Bird singles out Zamperini for extreme punishment and humiliation. Jolie maintains the focus throughout on Zamperini and never dwells on the conventions of the

genre. One film critic has argued that all Jolie does is copy scenes from various landmark World War II movies. I’ve seen virtually every World War II movie ever made, and Jolie doesn’t turn her aerial scenes into “Catch 22” any more than she rips off “Chariots of Fire” for the running sequences. “Unbroken” stands on its own merits, and Jolie creates a palpable sense of suspense and tension without resorting to imitating better known movies. Mind you, “Unbroken” doesn’t follow Zamperini after the war when he descended into alcoholism and suffered post-traumatic stress from his P.O.W. confinement. As “Unbroken” fades out, Jolie provides as a post-script video of the actual Zamperini jogging in the Tokyo Olympics.

Angelina Jolie with Louis Zamperini, 97.

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JANUARY 15 + JANUARY 29

>>> EVENTS CALENDAR |

THE SOUTHEAST'S LARGEST

NOTE: All events listed here have phone numbers in the 205 area code unless otherwise indicated.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15

SEEK YOU: ERIN COLLEEN JOHNSON WHEN: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: 109 Woods Hall PHONE: 348.2783 LINK: art.ua.edu/gallery/sgg DESCRIPTION: The Sella-Granata Art Gallery presents Seek You, an exhibition of experimental film, video art and video installations by Erin Colleen Johnson, January 7-27, 2015. Johnson will give a gallery talk on Thursday, January 15 at 5:00 p.m. A reception will follow from 6 to 8 p.m. Erin Colleen Johnson uses video, performance, photography and installation to investigate practices of hope and empathy enacted by people ranging from Morse code agents to ice fishermen. BREAKFAST AND BINGO WHEN: 8 – 10 a.m. COST: $4 WHERE: 2101 Bowers Park Dr PHONE: 562.3200 LINK: tcpara.org DESCRIPTION: Come and join us for a fun and a delicious brunch at the Belk Activity Center for an affordable price. Afterwards, those purchasing breakfast can play bingo for free. This event is designed especially for seniors as a joint effort between PARA and North River Village Assisted & Independent Living. MUSIC FACULTY RECITAL: WENDY RICHMAN WHEN: 7:30 – 9 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: 810 2nd Ave PHONE: 348.1672 LINK: music.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: Wendy Richman plays the viola as part of the University of Alabama’s faculty recitals, showing off the incredible talent that the University offers to its students. Kevin Chance accompanies. Visit the Moody Music Building for this lovely evening. GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA WHEN: 6 – 9 p.m. COST: $65 WHERE: 2200 Rock Quarry Dr PHONE: 562.3230 LINK: tcpara.org DESCRIPTION: This class is designed for those who have gotten their first digital camera, or for those who have had one for a while but never felt comfortable shooting in any mode other than the full auto-point and shoot. Students should bring their camera and its manual. Taught by certified instructor Hank Seigel at the Phelps Center.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16

WEST ALABAMA DANCE WHEN: 8 p.m. COST: $10 – 20 WHERE: 323 Paul Bryant Dr PHONE: 348.6111 LINK: rolltide.com DESCRIPTION: Show your support for the men of the Crimson Tide as they face the Gators from the University of Florida. Adult tickets are $20 and youth tickets are

JANUARY 15 + JANUARY 29

$10 at the Coleman Coliseum. SAM SANDERSON AT THE GROCERY WHEN: All day COST: Free WHERE: 900 Main Ave, Northport PHONE: 345.3038 LINK: groceryartplace.com DESCRIPTION: Sam Sanderson is not a very good artist. His work is terrible trite, cliched, refried Modernism. We wouldn’t own one of his paintings if you paid us to take it. His lack of skill leaves much to be desired and the ideas behind his work were cutting edge forty years ago. Sanderson’s eponymous show at the Grocery might studio in Northport.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17

CRIMSON TIDE BASKETBALL VS KENTUCKY WHEN: 3 p.m. COST: $10 – $20 WHERE: 323 Paul Bryant Dr PHONE: 348.6111 LINK: rolltide.com DESCRIPTION: Show your support for the men of the Crimson Tide as they face the Wildcats of the University of Kentucky. Adult tickets are $20 and youth tickets are $10 at the Coleman Coliseum.

MONDAY, JANUARY 19

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BIRTHDAY OBSERVED MONDAY, Jan 19 “WEST SIDE STORY” FILM SCREENING WHEN: 7:30 COST: Free WHERE: 600 Greensboro Ave. PHONE: 758.5195 LINK: bamatheatre.org DESCRIPTION: Experience the timeless story of forbidden love brought to life between the Jets and the Sharks, with a story by Arthur Laurents, songs by Stephen Sondheim and directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins. The Hudson Strode Program in Renaissance Studies and the University of Alabama English Department present this classic as part of the Shakespeare Movie Series. Keep your eye on the Planet Weekly Events for more installments each month. YOGA THERAPY WHEN: 4 – 4:45 COST: $18 WHERE: 2200 Rock Quarry Dr PHONE: 758.5195 LINK: tcpara.org DESCRIPTION: This class is for persons with MS, back conditions, arthritis, senior adults or beginners who would like to take an adapted (gentle) yoga class. You may use a chair during the yoga class. Come by the Phelps Activity Center to try it out.

>>> PET PLANET | K E L S E Y C A M E R O N

MIMI IS PURRFECT // KHLOE IS SO VERY SWEET AND SMART Meet Mimi! She is a very pretty silver/charcoal adult tabby with the most gorgeous round yellow eyes. Just look at them! Do they not just stare right into your soul? Mimi is around 3-4 years of age. Mimi is a quiet, gentle and even-tempered girl, who is perfect for cuddling and companionship. She would do well around another cat or two, and may bond with another cat she really likes, although she does get a bit nervous around more dominant personalities. Mimi would love to be an only pet as well. Mimi should do well around older children who wouldn't mind just petting her. We wouldn't recommend her in a home with dogs. She is current on her vaccinations, negative for FIV and FeLK, and she is spayed. Mimi is waiting for her life companion to come get her. Will it be you? If you are interested in giving Mimi the forever home she wants and deserves, visit the Humane Society of West Alabama at humanesocietyofwa.org or call us at 554-0011. Third time's the charm, and that charm's name is Khloe! This pretty young thing is Khloe, a one-year-old female Rat Terrier mix. She has a white smooth coat with tan markings. She is a little taller than most rat terriers. Khloe is full-grown at 18 pounds. She was pulled from our local animal shelter, where she had been surrendered by her owners who had previously adopted her from there back in January. They put down a “change in lifestyle” as to why she was brought back. Poor pup!! She had been down there for several weeks, so it was time to get her out! Khloe is a very sweet, loving dog. She loves to be with you and get lots of attention! Khloe is somewhat energetic, but nothing some walks or playtime won’t take care of. She should be fine in an apartment, as long as she gets daily walks. Khloe will require a fenced yard if left outside at all unattended. She should be good with children ages 10 and up and seems to do well with other dogs. We have started her crate training. Khloe is up to date on her vet care, spayed, heartworm negative and is microchipped. She is on heartworm and flea/tick prevention. Khloe is a fine little dog ready to get back into a home where she will be loved for life! If you are interested in giving Khloe the forever home she wants and deserves, visit the Humane Society of West Alabama at humanesocietyofwa.org or call us at 554-0011.

Benefits of Volunteering

Make a difference in the lives of homeless pets and work towards a community that is more humane for animals. Develop new skills while exploring the field of animal welfare. Meet new people with similar interests. Acquire experience for future endeavors. Enjoy a wagging tail or a soft purr. Get the satisfaction of knowing you have helped an animal in need.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20

BAMA ART HOUSE PRESENTS CITIZEN FOUR WHEN: 7:30 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: 600 Greensboro Ave. PHONE: 758.5195

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

>>> H E A L T H | R A C H E L S T E I N E R , D C

SUGAR // THE FACTS ARE NOT SO SWEET I s sugar making us sick? According to over 8,000 scientific papers, it is! Studies have shown that too much sugar can lead to many chronic diseases not only in people who are overweight, but thin people as well. These diseases include type 2 diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, and even cancer. On average, Americans consume 19.5 teaspoons of sugar a day when the recommended maximum daily limit is 6-9 teaspoons depending on body weight. A can of soda contains 8-9 teaspoons of sugar alone, so you can see how sugar intake can quickly add up. And the food industry isn’t about to do anything about it. Over 80% of processed foods contain large quantities of sugar. Four grams of sugar equals one teaspoon. Your pasta sauce or can of soup probably contains at least 12 grams. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, liquid sugar found in sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks like Powerade make up 36% of our diet. When we have an overload of sugar, our bodies store the sugar in our organs like our pancreas and liver. It also increases the amount of sugar (or glucose) in our bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone that acts as the “Pac Man” for sugar. Simply put, insulin goes around and eats the excess sugar in our bloodstream. The problem is, our body can send out only so much insulin and over time the body stops responding to it. When this happens, the sugar stays in our blood circulation that leads to type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes typically comes on later in life and is due the overconsumption of sugar and a sedentary lifestyle. Research shows that 79 million Americans suffer from this disease and it cost the healthcare system 279 billion dollars last year. It is estimated by 2050, one in every three Americans will suffer from diabetes. On a positive note, this type of diabetes is reversible and can be overcome with proper nutrition and lifestyle changes. The frightening fact about sugar is that has been found to be addictive. When we eat sugar, it stimulates a part of our brain, which releases hormones into the body. This is why we actually crave sugar and when the craving is satisfied, we get a “sugar high” experience. This is a scary concept because at this point, our body is dependent on sugar and withdraw experiences can occur when it isn’t consumed. Our brain goes through the same process with sugar as it does with any addictive substances like with nicotine from tobacco or other drugs. Bottom line, sugar is cheap to add to food substances and makes our food taste better, which is why it is an ingredient on nearly every food label. What

can we do about? Below are some ways to cut sugar from your diet that in return will lower your chances of developing many preventable diseases as mentioned above. Choose whole foods. The closer a food is to its original form, the less processed sugar it will contain. Like I mentioned in my last article, we must be consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables daily. Food in its natural form, usually presents no metabolic problems for a normal body. Try incorporate protein and fat with each meal. This helps control blood sugar levels if consumed from a healthy source. Good options of protein sources are lean meats such as chicken and turkey, eggs, and raw nuts such as almonds and cashews. Examples of good fats are avocado, oils like coconut and olive, and seeds like chia and flax. Be Active. Walk, run, dance, or do some yoga. Whatever movement you enjoy will help reduce your stress levels, boost your energy, and decrease your need for a sugar lift. Scare yourself straight. As mentioned in this article, there is a strong physical component to sugar addiction. A way to kick off your sugar-free journey is to re-frame the way you think about sugar. Treat it like an illegal drug, a dark force to be avoided, and a substance that can lead our body to start breaking down. There are great programs such as detoxification that can be extremely helpful with this process. My clinical and personal experiences have proven that a proper detox not only resets the appetite but also decreases sugar cravings. After the initial sugar cravings (I won’t lie, they can be overwhelming), our bodies adjust and you won’t even want the sugar anymore. Editor’s Note: Dr. Steiner is having an open house on Saturday, January 17, from 11 am- 1 pm at her office. There will be door prizes, free massage, refreshments, and a highlight of what programs are offered such as detoxification, weight loss, and overall health and wellness. Everyone is welcome. Her office is located in the Hillcrest Plaza, 6521 Highway 69 South in Tuscaloosa. If you have questions about sugar or ways to decrease cravings and remove it from your diet, call 205-345-5035. You can also email her at DrRachelSteiner@gmail.com.

>>> EVENTS CALENDAR |

THE SOUTHEAST'S LARGEST

LINK: bamatheatre.org DESCRIPTION: Come see the compelling documentary by Laura Poitras who travelled to Hong Kong with a reporter to meet with Edward Snowden, the American who leaked classical information from the National Security Agency in 2013 that erupted in the spying scandal that concerned the American public. The documentary has won a host of awards from the National Society of Film Critics and the New York Film Critics Circle for its excellence in the form. The film will be screened at the historic Bama Theatre.

COST: Free WHERE: 810 2nd Ave PHONE: 348.1672 LINK: music.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: The University of Alabama School of Music presents the wide range of talented students that have been educated at the hands of the masters. Hear the performances of Martin King, Kathryn Gough and Matthew Shaver in succession, or drop in on one performance at the Moody Music Building. Recitals start at 3:30, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Please do not interrupt the performers by arriving late.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21

CRIMSON TIDE BASKETBALL VS AUBURN WHEN: 7:30 p.m. COST: $10 – 20 WHERE: 323 Paul Bryant Dr PHONE: 348.6111 LINK: rolltide.com DESCRIPTION: Show your support for the men of the Crimson Tide as they face their rivals from Auburn University. Adult tickets are $20 and youth tickets are $10 at the Coleman Coliseum.

COMPUTER BASICS: EMAIL WHEN: 4:30 – 6 .m. COST: Free WHERE: 2522 Lanier Ave PHONE: 752.8300 LINK: tuscaloosa-library.org DESCRIPTION: If you are new to the world of technology, come learn this important building block for being an expert computer user. Beginners are encouraged to come and earn at the Weaver Bolden Branch of the Tuscaloosa Public Library, with an instructor who is eager to help every step of the way.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22

HATHA YOGA WHEN: 6 – 7:10 p.m. COST: $9 WHERE: 2200 Rock Quarry Dr PHONE: 562.3230 LINK: tcpara.org DESCRIPTION: Learn relaxation techniques while increase your strength and flexibility. New classes begin every month. Bring your yoga mat any Tuesday or Thursday and join us for some calming exercise. Register online for a whole month of sessions at just $36.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23

CRIMSON TIDE GYMNASTICS VS FLORIDA WHEN: 6:30 COST: $5 – 10 WHERE: 323 Paul Bryant Dr PHONE: 348.6111 LINK: rolltide.com DESCRIPTION: The University of Alabama’s elite team of gymnasts fights for SEC bragging rights against the University of Florida Gators. Adult tickets are $10 and youth tickets are $5 at the Coleman Coliseum. WINTER SPLASH WHEN: 5:30 – 8 p.m. COST: $10 WHERE: 300 Bobby Miller Pkwy PHONE: 758.0419 LINK: tcpara.org DESCRIPTION: Drop your kids off for a fun Friday of splashing around indoors with safe supervision. Games, exercise, kayaking and pizza are all part of this annual party, and the event can be combined with a child’s birthday party for a discounted rate. Join Tuscaloosa County Parks and Recreation at the Miller Center!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 MUSIC STUDENT RECITALS WHEN: 7:30 – 9 p.m.

MONDAY, JANUARY 26

BILINGUAL STORYTIME AT THE LIBRARY WHEN: 10 – 11 a.m. COST: Free WHERE: 1801 Jack Warner Pkwy PHONE: 752.8300 LINK: tuscaloosa-library.org DESCRIPTION: Designed for ages 4 and up. Story time is presented in Spanish and English and is an excellent experience for both monolingual and bilingual children. Join us at the Tuscaloosa Public Library main branch

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27

CRIMSON TIDE BASKETBALL VS FLORIDA WHEN: 8 p.m. COST: $10 – 20 WHERE: 323 Paul Bryant Dr PHONE: 348.6111 LINK: rolltide.com DESCRIPTION: Show your support for the men of the Crimson Tide as they face the Gators from the University of Florida. Adult tickets are $20 and youth tickets are $10 at the Coleman Coliseum.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29

FISHES OF AMERICA: ART EXHIBIT WHEN: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: 620 Greensboro Ave PHONE: 752.8300 LINK: cac.tuscarts.org DESCRIPTION: The exhibit features colored prints illustrated by Joseph Tomelleri. The illustrations represent just a sampling of the more than 200 prints by Tomelleri in the collection housed in UA’s College of Arts and Sciences. Tomelleri has been illustrating fishes since 1985 and has rendered more than 1,100 illustrations from actual fish to ensure scientific accuracy. His work has appeared in numerous publications including Outdoor Life, In-Fisherman and the book “Trout and Salmon of North America.” Take advantage of the last week to see this exhibit at the University of Alabama Gallery in the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center.

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

JANUARY 15 + JANUARY 29

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

TIM CARROLL //

BIRMINGHAM // JANUARY 17

COREY SMITH // HUNTSVILLE // JANUARY 21

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15

OF MONTREAL //

NASHVILLE // JANUARY 23

NASHVILLE Linkin Park, Bridgestone Arena Ronnie Milsap, Ryman Auditorium

BIRMINGHAM Greensky Bluegrass, Workplay Theatre

ATLANTA Sylvan Esso, Variety Playhouse Marlon Wayans, The Improv Comedy Club & Dinner Theatre NASHVILLE Kenny Rogers, Schermerhorn Symphony Center The Alternators, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill For Today, Rocketown NEW ORLEANS Clint Coley, House of Blues

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16

BIRMINGHAM W. Kamau Bell, Zydeco Amanda Shires, WorkPlay Theatre Mother Falcon, Bottletree Café Brandon Stiles, Tin Roof

NEW ORLEANS Rebelution, The Joy Theater

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23

NEW ORLEANS The Radiators, Tipitina’s Randy Newman, Mahalia Jackson Theater Ben Howard, The Civic Theater

BIRMINGHAM Rebelution, WorkPlay Theatre Maria Bamford, Iron City

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18

HUNTSVILLE Black Jacket Symphony, Von Braun Concert Hall

MONTGOMERY JJ Thames, Capitol Oyster Bar

NASHVILLE Of Montreal, Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom Yonder Mountain String Band, Nashville War Memorial Auditorium

ATLANTA Pennywise, The Masquerade

ATLANTA Merle Haggard, Symphony Hall Atlanta

MONDAY, JANUARY 19

NEW ORLEANS Machine Head, House of Blues The Funky Meters, Tipitina’s John Mulaney, The Civic Theater Giraffage, Hi Ho Lounge

BIRMINGHAM Mushroomhead, Zydeco

NASHVILLE The Time Jumpers, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill Generationals, High Watt Lexi Larsen, Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom

ALABASTER Debbie Bond & the TruDats, Champy's

LEON RUSSELL // ATLANTA // JANUARY 27

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 HUNTSVILLE Ron White, Von Braun Concert Hall

MONTGOMERY Ben Sutton, War Eagle Supper Club DJ G-Rivers, Blue Iguana

BIRMINGHAM Toby Lightman, WorkPlay Theatre

ATLANTA Martina McBride, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center Passafire, The Masquerade Chris Knight, Terminal West Subsonics, The EARL Restaurant and Bar

BIRMINGHAM Earphunk, Zydeco

ATLANTA John Mulaney, Tabernacle

HUNTSVILLE Corey Smith, Sammy T’s Music Hall

NASHVILLE G-Eazy, Marathon Music Works

NASHVILLE Greensky Bluegrass, Marathon Music Works Six One High, Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom NEW ORLEANS Periphery, House of Blues

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21

ATLANTA Ben Howard, Tabernacle

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25

BIRMINGHAM G-Eazy, Iron City

NEW ORLEANS Billy Idol, House of Blues Badfish, Tipitina’s

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17

BIRMINGHAM Flow Tribe, Zydeco Tim Carroll & Midnight Orange, Bottletree Café The Armory, Tin Roof ATLANTA Cherub, The Buckhead Theatre Sons of Bill, The EARL Restaurant and Bar SZA, Center Stage Michael Tolcher, Actor’s Express at the King Plow Arts Center

MONTGOMERY DJ Bank$, Blue Iguana

MONTGOMERY Peter Karp, Capitol Oyster Bar

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22

BIRMINGHAM Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Alabama Theatre Matt Bennett, Tin Roof ATLANTA Billy Idol, Tabernacle

ATLANTA Machine Head, The Masquerade MONTGOMERY Peter Karp, Capitol Oyster Bar

MONDAY, JANUARY 26

NASHVILLE Ben Howard, Ryman Auditorium

ATLANTA Jonny Craig, The Masquerade

>>> 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

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

Centennial Olympic Park 265 Park Ave W NW 404.223.4412

Minglewood Hall 1555 Madison Ave 901.312.6058

JANUARY 15 + JANUARY 29

Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa St 334.481.5100 The Nick 2514 10th Ave S 205.252.3831 Sloss Furnaces 20 32nd St N 205.324.1911 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 2200 Encore Pkwy

>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

404.733.5010 Von Braun Center 700 Monroe St SW 256.551.2345 WorkPlay 500 23rd St S 205.380.4082 Zydeco 2001 15th Ave S 205.933.1032

CHRISETTE MICHELE // NEW ORLEANS // JANUARY 29

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27

ATLANTA Zap Mama, Variety Playhouse Leon Russell, Actor’s Express at King Plow Arts Center NASHVILLE John Mellencamp, Ryman Auditorium

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28

NASHVILLE Jack White, Bridgestone Arena

NEW ORLEANS Cannibal Corpse and Behemoth, House of Blues Dancing with the Stars, Saenger Theatre

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29

MONTGOMERY Merle Haggard, Montgomery Performing Arts Center ATLANTA Napalm Death, The Masquerade NASHVILLE Katchafire, Marathon Music Works NEW ORLEANS Chrisette Michele, Saenger Theatre

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205.765.8007

>>> LOCAL MUSIC | WHO'S PL AYING AROUND TOWN

ERATH OLD // COPPER TOP // JANUARY 17

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15

RHYTHM & BREWS //

GREEN BAR //JANUARY 24

TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD // // JANUARY 29

TOP SHELF

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24

Pounders, Top Shelf Black Jacket Symphony, Bama Theatre Uri Band, Copper Top Jason Miller Band, Rhythm & Brews Pink Box Burlesque, Green Bar Who Shot Lizzy, Crimson Bar

MONDAY, JANUARY 26

Johnathan East, Crimson Bar Gravy / 10 Cent Cigars, Green Bar Smooth Saddles, Top Shelf Erath Old, Copper Top Mojo Trio, Rhythm & Brews

William & Andy, Top Shelf Plato Jones, Innisfree

MONDAY JANUARY 19

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27

William & Andy, Top Shelf

Cy & Glenn, Top Shelf

TUESDAY JANUARY 20

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29

Plato Jones, Innisfree Lamont & Battito, Top Shelf Plato Jones, Copper Top

PINK BOX BURLESQUE /

J-KO, Copper Top Down South, Crimson Bar Gypsy Riot, Rhythm & Brews The Divines, Top Shelf

Farmers Daughter, Rhythm & Brews Kirste Lovelady / Them Dirty Roses / Preston Summerville, Crimson Bar CBDB, Top Shelf The Divines, Copper Top

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17

JANUARY 22

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23

Manchino, Top Shelf Ethan Gardner, Copper Top Karaoke / DJ ProtJ, Rhythm & Brews

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16

TRIG COUNTY //

Tequila Mockingbird, Top Shelf

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 21

CBDB, Copper Top Karaoke / DJ ProtJ, Rhythm & Brews

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22

HAVE YOUR LOCAL MUSIC EVENT LISTED FREE IN PLANET WEEKLY.

Trig County, Rhythm & Brews Lamont Landers Band, Top Shelf Ham Bagby, Copper Top

JUST EMAIL

PLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM

>>> L O C A L B A R S 4th & 23rd //

Capones // 248-0255

Gnemis Top Shelf Tavern // 343-0020

Mellow Mushroom // 758-0112

1831 // 331-4632

Carpe Vino // 366-8444

Gray Lady // 469-9521

Mugshots // 391-0572

Alcove // 469-9110

Catch 22 // 344-9347

Harry's Bar // 331-4151

Rhythm & Brews // 750-2992

Bear Trap // 345-2766

Copper Top // 343-6867

Houndstooth // 752-8444

Rounders // 345-4848

Big Al's // 759-9180

Crimson Bar // 764-0185

Innisfree // 345-1199

The Booth // 764-0557

Downtown Pub // 750-0008

Jackie's Lounge // 758-9179

Buffalo Wild Wings // 523-0273

Gallettes // 758-2010

The Legacy // 345-4848

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

AFFORDABLE ADS CONTACT PLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM

JANUARY 15 + JANUARY 29

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

Across 1. Caleb who wrote "TheAlienist" 5. Damascus's land 10. Uncles, in Cuba 14. West Samoan capital 15. Perform, old-style 16. "Let us know if you're coming" letters 17. Political liberal 19. To him, to Gigi 20. Former FBI chief 21. Poet Sara 23. ___ Xiaoping 26. Noted, as a detail 27. An Oscar winner in 1960 32. Norm on a golf hole 33. Lava-lava 34. Cut the grass 38. JFK info 40. Pies 42. De ___ (from the start) 43. Hatchling's cry 45. Destinations of some drives 47. Mal de ___ (seasickness) 48. Scrooge, for one 51. "Twelfth Night" duke 54. Jane of 19th-century literature 55. Poet Rexroth and critic Clark 58. Italy's largest lake 62. On the open water 63. Leader 66. Catherine ___, Henry VIII's sixth wife 67. She's the one for Juan 68. African river 69. The ___ Bitty Book Light 70. "March of___" 71. Preceders of cues,alphabetically Down 1. Muscle that a runner stretches 2. One who's good at impersonations 3. Saturated (with)

JANUARY 15 + JANUARY 29

4. Like "American Beauty" 5. Star Wars program, for short 6. Thither 7. Grp. of battalions 8. "It all comes clear" 9. Subway in a Duke Ellington tune 10. Takes advantage of 11. Eastern religion 12. Future seed 13. Acted the mole 18. Have a puppy 22. Pedicel 24. Spick and span 25. Move like Elvis 27. Detail in a builder's plan 28. "What ___ God wrought!": Numbers 23:23 29. "Dies ___": Latin hymn 30. Comic Lewis 31. Power failure 35. Embryo's site 36. Perpetually 37. R.I. rebel in the 1840's 39. Priest-to-be's place 41. Like gymnasts 44. Corn concoction 46. Power problem 49. Comment of approval 50. Clobber 51. Animal related to the giraffe 52. Convened anew 53. Hagar's dog 56. Sphere starter 57. Svelte 59. Korean leader Syngman ___ 60. Excise, as text 61. Greek Mars 64. It's bigger than a med. 65. 'Till There ___ You' SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMANIA CROSSWORD ON PAGE 21

>>> PUZZLEMANIA| S U D U K O

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

WRITERS WANTED

For Information, please email PlanetEditor@ yahoo.com

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

>>> HOROSCOPES |

W E E K LY O V E R V I E W Your social life gets into gear this week after a period in which it may have seemed a little flat. The presence of Mars encourages you to reach out and connect with likeminded people. Joining groups or clubs with an artistic, theatrical, or musical theme could be really good for you. Later, be ready to exchange ideas and converse with people who are heading in the same career direction as you. Someone may have a few tips to help you. You may be taking a detached look at some of your relationships due to Saturn's influence. By doing so you'll also appreciate those that are worth keeping and those you'd like to avoid. Mars moves into Pisces and your career sector, encouraging you to think about your priorities. If you've been drifting lately, it's time to build the momentum and get going on your brightest goals and dreams. You'll be curious to explore lively new options, too.

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A desire to expand your horizons could see you getting involved in a course based on psychic or creative skills. Mars in Pisces may motivate you to get in touch with talents that you've ignored yet want to take further. Relationships are also in focus, helping you sort out your priorities and set goals. There's a chance that you and your sweetheart are seriously eager to get in shape together. A budding romance could begin when you're on a journey of discovery. Relationships seem to be a source of fun, enjoyment, and creativity. The presence of Mercury and Venus in Aquarius might encourage you to collaborate with others and foster success by working as a team. Jupiter continues to move through your sign, making this a good time to think big and expand your options. Taking on a challenge will help you gain experience and enhance your confidence. Midweek could bring delays. If so, go with the flow rather than force things. The chance to excel in the workplace may come down to sharing bright ideas and a willingness to experiment with new ideas and opportunities. A lively blend of energies encourages you to reach out to co-workers with a view toward becoming good friends. There's also the potential for romance if you're open to it. You'll notice a lot more movement and excitement in your relationships as Mars glides into Pisces. Don't let an edgy midweek conversation prevent you from getting to know someone better. Romance looks possible as a Mercury/Venus connection hints that a conversation could help melt the ice. If you're single and looking for love, this week could bring a fabulous opportunity your way. Plus, things on the work and health front begin to look more interesting. The presence of Mars may motivate you to make changes regarding your job or seek other employment or contracts if you're currently between jobs. Anything that encourages you to use your imagination and creative potential can be excellent. You may be more detached about your career and priorities. With Jupiter at the top of your chart, this is an excellent time to move up the ladder of success. However, you might need to rework a plan and get your bearings for now. You'll be able to achieve everything you want and more with the right attitude. And get ready for love with plenty of sparkle! Mars in your romance sector could mark the start of an affair that you'll really enjoy. A lighthearted influence encourages you to reach out and connect with inspiring people. You enjoy mixing with those who share your interests and perhaps offer opportunities related to your plans. However, beneath your sunny veneer you're in deadly earnest now. You feel in your bones that it's time to put your effort into goals that you've long wanted to achieve. This is also an excellent time to indulge your love of gadgets, so think about hitting the sales. Your imagination gets into gear now and for some time to come, adding to your creative potential. Harness ideas and make something of them. If you're eager to write, you might enjoy conjuring up a few short stories or even your first novel. In fact, if you've been dreaming about being an author, this is the perfect time to make a start. On another note, if you notice a desire to meditate or take up any other spiritual discipline, considering running with it. It's time to get your finances in order, with a little help from Mars. If you've been sticking your head in the sand regarding money matters, get real. At least take a peek. And no matter how good or bad the situation, resolve to make it even better. Expect the unexpected, too, as you may get news or information that motivates you to find out more. Meanwhile, a virtual romance shows real promise this week, encouraging you to meet in person.

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PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Should you go with the flow or make an effort to move in the direction of your dreams? This is the dilemma you may face this week. You may feel obligated to take action regarding a career goal or personal ambition, but when it comes down to it, you might find it hard to muster the enthusiasm. By pacing yourself, at least you can make a start. You're very open to helping others, too, so pamper yourself and unwind if you need a break. Mars, your personal planet, glides into Pisces and your spiritual sector this week. It might be hard to get into gear when you need to as a result. Try not to worry if it feels like you're treading water. You're moving through a phase when you don't have control over everything going on around you. You'll also realize that life is an inside job, giving you tremendous power to shape your destiny. Expect the unexpected, too, as a special opportunity may come your way.

>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

JANUARY 15 + JANUARY 29

>>> STEPHEN'S REPORT | S T E P H E N S M I T H

PLAYER PERFORMANCE // 2014 REPORT CARD Coverage Overall [A] - Alabama’s coverage team did well. West Virginia’s Mario Alford was the lone player that scored against Alabama on special teams. Landon Collins, Reuben Foster, Dillon Lee and Rashaan Evans all excelled at covering kicks. Collins and Foster proved to be nightmares for opposing return specialist. Summary: Christion Jones didn’t register a touchdown on special teams, but it was still exciting nonetheless. JK Scott kept Alabama in a lot of games. Landon Collins and Reuben Foster both made solid tackles. Adam Griffith didn’t make every kick, but he made more than he missed.

Photo: UA Athletic Photography

e're sure you'll agree: Overall [A] for the Crimson Tide Football Team. Now for some details: Amari Cooper [A] - Amari Cooper was all that, and then some for Alabama’s offense. He improved as a route runner and took on a leadership role. Cooper excelled at creating separation, and averaged at least eight catches in 12 games. He opened up teammates and developed confidence in senior quarterback, Blake Sims. Cooper totaled 124 receptions for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns. He stands as Alabama’s all-time leading receiver with 228 catches 3,463 yards and 31 touchdowns. Summary: Cooper had a record-setting season, but DeAndrew White and Christion Jones both were involved. White put together some solid performances, despite injuries. He caught 40 passes for 504 yards and four touchdowns. Jones collected 19 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown. Tight end O.J. Howard registered 17 receptions for 260 yards. Chris Black and T.J. Yeldon both accounted for 15 catches apiece. Black had 188 yards, while Yeldon put in 180 yards. Kenyan Drake, Jalston Fowler and Derrick Henry each totaled two touchdown receptions. Running Backs—Overall [A] T.J. Yeldon [A] - He was hampered by injuries, but T.J. Yeldon was productive. 21 yards separated him from a third 1,000-yard season (979). Yeldon averaged 5.0 yards per carry, and had four games in which he totaled 100+ yards rushing (West Virginia, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and Auburn). He recorded 11 rushing touchdowns in 2014. Derrick Henry [A] - Derrick Henry went from a freshman phenomenon to a potent running back in 2014. He displayed vision, speed and power. Henry had 990 yards and 11 touchdowns. His 5.8 average was good for second on

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the team. Henry produced three 100yard games (West Virginia, Florida and Ohio State). Summary: Alabama’s run game was balanced in 2014. Yeldon and Henry both were close to 1,000 yards. Blake Sims chimed in with 350 yards and seven touchdowns. Tyren Jones collected 224 yards and two scores. Kenyan Drake put in 112 yards and four touchdowns. Alabama’s backs averaged 206.6 yards per game and 35 touchdowns. Offensive Line—Overall [B] Summary: It was more finesse than usual, but Alabama’s offensive line did well. It guided the team to 484.5 yards of offense a game. Ryan Kelly, Austin Shepherd and Arie Kouandjio all did a good job in pass protection. Freshman left tackle Cam Robinson excelled in run blocking. Leon Brown fell victim to numerous penalties, but improved late in the season. Special Teams—Overall [B+] JK Scott [A] – Punter JK Scott impressed a lot of people this season. The freshman made an immediate impact and did a great job of flipping field position. Scott shined against Southeastern Conference competition, forcing teams to drive the ball against Alabama’s defense. He averaged 48.0 yards per punt, totaling 23 kicks in excess of 50+ yards. 31 of Scott’s 55 punts pinned opponents inside its own 20-yard line. Adam Griffith [C] - 2014 was a roller coaster season for Adam Griffith. He started the year 7 for 7 on field goal attempts. Griffith’s struggles occurred after Alabama’s matchup against Florida. He lost some confidence, and suffered a stress fracture in his back. Griffith finished the season connecting on 12 of 19 field goals (63.2 percent). He had 20 touchbacks on kickoffs.

Defensive Play—Overall [C] Defensive Line [B] - Alabama’s defensive line was more disruptive in 2014. It generated 24 sacks, 11 pass breakups and 32 quarterback hurries. Senior Xzavier Dickson led the team in tackles for loss (12.5) and sacks (9.0). Jarran Reed led all defensive linemen in tackles (55) and pass breakups (5). Jonathan Allen finished second on the team in tackles for loss (11.5) and sacks (5.5). D.J. Pettway and Da’Shawn Hand both totaled two sacks apiece. Linebackers [B] - Reggie Ragland exceeded all expectations. He filled in admirably for CJ Mosley and was a tackling machine. Ragland recorded 95 stops, including 10.5 tackles for loss. Senior Trey DePriest finished third on the team in tackles (88). He accounted for three pass breakups, a forced fumble and a safety. Ryan Anderson emerged as an important piece in 2014. He chimed in with 25 tackles, three sacks and nine quarterback hurries. Dillon Lee put in 24 tackles, while Reuben Foster collected 22 stops. Freshman Rashaan Evans had 15 tackles. Secondary [C] - Injuries plagued it early, and inconsistency hurt it late. Alabama’s secondary challenged short passes, but was torched on deep balls. Safety Landon Collins led the team in tackles (103). He had seven pass breakups, three interceptions, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. Fifth-year senior Nick Perry had his best season in 2014. He registered 80 tackles, six pass breakups and two interceptions. Geno Smith finished with 56 stops and a forced fumble. Cornerbacks Cyrus Jones and Eddie Jackson made mistakes, but both improved from 2013. Jones led the team in pass breakups (13) and tied for first in interceptions (3). Jackson chimed in with 41 stops, six pass breakups, two forced fumbles, a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery. Freshman Tony Brown had 10 tackles and a blocked kick. Bradley Sylve put in eight stops and two pass breakups. Summary: 2014 was either feast or famine for Alabama’s defense. It had

some good moments, and some head scratching ones. Tackling and on ball skills both were issues late in the season. Alabama allowed 18.4 points and 328.4 yards per contest. Quarterback Play—Overall [B] Blake Sims [B] - Alabama does not win a SEC title without Blake Sims. It doesn’t make into the College Football Playoff without him. Sims went from an uncertain athlete, to Alabama’s offensive leader in 2014. He made a lot of questionable throws, but responded with resiliency and toughness. Sims led Alabama on numerous game-saving drives, and a game-winning drive against LSU. He overcame three interceptions against Auburn, and guided the team to a 55-44 victory. Sims completed 64.5 percent of his passes for 3,487 yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Summary: Florida State transfer Jake Coker wasn’t ready. He was a huge name in the summer, but he wasn’t ready for prime time. Blake Sims has taken much scrutiny in his journey to being a starting quarterback, but he answered all critics in 2014. Sims believed in his teammates and coaching staff, and it responded by rallying around him. He delivered Alabama a 12-win season. Conclusion We have reached the end of football season and Stephen’s Report. 2014 was marked with intense plays, huge victories and tough losses. Alabama fans learned more about this year’s team with each game it played. It was a team that had a lot of chemistry, and a group of players that embodied the mentality of its head coach, Nick Saban. 2014 didn’t have a fairytale ending, but the boys in crimson and white will be back next season.

UA student Stephen M. Smith is a contributing writer for Planet Weekly, SEC Sports Insider, a staff writer for TouchdownAlabama.net, and Pick Six Previews. He is a sports radio personality for WVUAFM 90.7 and has been a frequent guest on the ESPN SEC Insider show.

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DAMIEN HARRIS' DECISION IS FINAL // THREE TIDERS LEAVING EARLY FOR NFL DRAFT from the NFL, and some expect him to announce that he's leaving. Ragland had an outstanding junior season, his first as a starter. The 6-3, 255-pounder finished as the Tide's second-leading tackler with 95 stops, including 45 solos and 50 assists. He registered 10.5 tackles for losses, three fumbles recovered and one highlight reel interception vs Texas A&M. Reports are that he received a second-round grade from the NFL. Some say that he'd like to return for his senior year but that family members are strongly encouraging him to enter the draft. We'll know for sure soon.

few seconds after she stepped down from the podium at Friday's press conference where her son announced his commitment to Alabama, Damien Harris' mother got the standard question. "Is the decision final?" a reporter asked. The tone of her response left no doubt. "It's final," she replied. Harris echoed his mother. "Now that I've made my decision, I'm very happy with it," he said. "I'm ready to move forward." Moving forward is something that Harris did exceptionally well for Madison Southern Academy in Berea, KY. This past season he rushed for nearly 1,600 yards and 23 touchdowns despite missing four games due to knee injury. The 5-10, 208-pound standout rushed for over 5,200 yards and scored 111 touchdowns in his prep career. Some have questioned the competition Harris faced in Kentucky. They say he piled up stats against sub-par talent. He quieted doubters with his performance in the Under Armour All-American Game. Against the nation's best prep talent, Harris ran for 110 yards, including a nifty 36-yard TD scamper, on 16 carries. At his press conference, when he announced his commitment to Alabama over Kentucky and Ohio State, Harris was asked to rate himself. He humbly asked the reporter if he could skip the question. "I don't like to rate myself," Harris said with a smile. The recruiting services rate Harris a five-star prospect. His coach, Jon Clark, agrees with that. "He's got great speed and vision," Clark said. "He sees things that you can't see from the sideline or even when you look at the end zone shot on the game tape. Then he has the speed to accelerate and run by the second and third level defenders. He's got the

power, with his size, to break tackles. People have a real hard time knocking him off his feet. He leaves defenses grabbing air." Harris' decision makes a lot of people in his home state of Kentucky sad. But it made a lot of other people, including several fellow Tide commitments, very happy. Alabama quarterback recruit Blake Barnett, who is already in enrolled in school at UA, played a big role in recruiting Harris. The two players built a strong relationship during the process. "It made a difference," Harris said of his friendship with Barnett. "Blake and I became good friends and that was important. I look forward to playing with him." There were more reasons for Harris: "Alabama has a great tradition, they're tradition rich," Harris said. "Their program develops players athletically and academically. They have a history of developing players for the NFL. "I just felt that Alabama was the best place for me."

LANDON'S OPEN LETTER Landon Collins' touching message to fans and coaches My letter to my teammates, coach Saban, the UA coaching staff, the University of Alabama and all the Roll Tide Fans. I can't put into words what these past three years have meant to me not only in my development as a football player but even more importantly as a man. I came in as a 18 year old boy who wanted nothing more than to play for Coach Saban and wear the prestigious

"A" on my helmet. Coach Saban along with all the other coaches at Bama have not only mentored me on the field but also showed me the tools I would need to succeed in life outside of football. Hard work, dedication and discipline are not only words in a dictionary but the actual way of life taught to me during my time at the University of Alabama. I can honestly say I am a better man after spending the last 3 years in Tuscaloosa. Now that the time has come for me to take the next step in my journey I will dearly miss all my teammates who I sweat, cried and laughed with. I have no doubt it is true when they say the best time of your life is when you are playing college football and I wouldn't have picked a different group of guys to spend that time with. Lastly but certainly not least I want to thank all the Roll Tide fans that took a young man from New Orleans and took him in as one of their own. I fed off the passion you all showed every Saturday at the games and can't start to thank you for enough being the BEST FANS IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL! Thank you all, Landon Collins #RollTide4Life

Cooper, Collins, Yeldon Will Enter NFL Draft The University of Alabama held a press conference on Friday morning for juniors announcing their intentions to declare for this spring's NFL Draft. Three Tide players are departing -- wide receiver Amari Cooper, safety Landon Collins and running back T.J. Yeldon. Head Coach Nick Saban said he supported all three players. The question is: Will there be others? Two other players whose decisions remain unclear are defensive lineman Jarran Reed and linebacker Reggie Ragland. In response to questions about his future at the Sugar Bowl media event last week, Reed said that he planned to return to UA for his senior season. But that certainly shouldn't be taken as a final decision. The 6-3, 315-pounder reportedly received a second-round grade

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