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// IN THIS ISSUE CRYPT KEEPER TIME TRAVELLER

Riding the

GOD'S WILDERNESS UNIQUE BLEND

of

2

MAY 21 + JUNE 4

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STORIES 4 ROTC UNIFORMED CUSHMAN TIME TRAVELLER // JIM REED

HIGH TIDE SPORTS 23 TIDE RECRUITS // GARY HARRIS The newest committments make for a good fit!

The duct-taped vehicle is his only means of physical escape from T-Town

6 TALES FROM THE CRYPT // CARA BRAKE PUBLISHER

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

IMAGES

Images: Creative Common License unless otherwise credited.

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

Planet Weekly P. O . B o x 2 3 1 5 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 Phone: 205.792.7239 | 205.765.8007 Email: publisher@theplanetweek ly.com Please direct correspondence to: publisher@theplanetweekly.com The Planet Weekly is a proud member of The West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. © 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.

Some shows last over time, and become classics. One of these is a little more on the dark side, and has enough horror to send a chill through the bravest of hearts

7 2015 ALABAMA DRAFT CLASS // DRAKE SMITH

The Alabama Crimson Tide have had a player drafted in the first round of every NFL draft since 2009

17 SHE PAINTS WHAT SHE WANTS // KEVIN LEDGEWOOD

Painter Lorrie Lane combines portraits, archetypes and whimsical invention to convey each person’s personality as well as physical likeness

18 LAST PORTRAIT STUDIO DEMOLISHED // ASHLEY GUTHRIE NICHOLSON

The thing is you’ll get connected to the community if you just get out there and do something! Leave your mark on Tuscaloosa.

FEATURE 5 CAUGHT A BIG WAVE // KENT WOLGAMOTT

Florida Georgia Line has sold more than 2.5 million copies of its two albums, named CMT Artists of the Year two years running and is now packing arenas on its first worldwide headlining tour.

ENTERTAINMENT 6 BOOKS 10-12 RESTAURANT GUIDE / WINE & BEER 14 MOVIE REVIEW 16-17 LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR 19

LOCAL MUSIC

20 PUZZLEMANIA / EDITORIAL CARTOON 21 HOROSCOPE

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S

ROTC UNIFORMED CUSHMAN TIME TRAVELLER // PETERSON I

f I close my eyes, I am suddenly transported back in time more years ago than you have been alive. I have a busy if not full life in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. As a student at the University, I keep myself occupied by not studying, by being an on-air announcer at several local stations, by attending class in order to catch naps.

One class I am required to attend twice a week in full green wool uniform is the U.S.run military program for male students called ROTC. Part of the reward for mandatory service in ROTC is the fact that the Army, needing soldiers for the neverending war in Vietnam, has the theory that each of us will fall in love with the idea of giving up parties and romance and the good life to go to jungles far away, teaching enemies to do right.

That is why I am wearing a full Army outfit after my classes are over. That is why, this day, I hop aboard my tattered Cushman Motor Scooter and drive as far away from the campus as possible, as fast as possible, to create a breeze on this 80-degree afternoon.

The duct-taped vehicle is my only means of physical escape from T-Town.

I head for the nearby tiny town of Peterson because I know how to get there. And because that’s where my grandfather’s general store is located.

I pull up next to the Sinclair pumps, park the scooter out of harm’s way, take a look at Grandmother Effie’s flowers in the front yard, open the Miss Sunbeam Bread-bedecked screen door, and enter the store. Store and home are physically connected, and my grandparents’ lives are played out in a situation where they are never away from home, never away from work.

Uncle Brandon is down on the concrete floor, constructing shelving out of cut strips of Coca-Cola signs. Uncle Brandon looks like a cross between Stan Laurel and Will Rogers and is as funny as both of them. We palaver a bit and I go looking for Grandfather Robert.

“Hey, Granddaddy, how are you?” We shake hands instead of hugging, since I am almost grown up now. “Doing OK,” he replies, monosylabically answering my questions about life, liberty and the pursuit of Grapico drinks.

I wander around, inhaling the rich aroma of mildew, kerosene, bubble gum, ripe vegetables and leather combined with the powerful fragrance of my grandfather’s everpresent cigar. I observe off-shift coal miners stopping by for a drink and a chaw on their way home. “Gimme a Dope,” one of them smiles, slipping a dime onto the counter and grabbing a bag of Tom’s Toasted Peanuts which he carefully pours down the neck of a Coca-Cola bottle. Coke is Dope in these rural parts. I salivate at the thought of that heavy salt combining with the cane sugar fizz and making an unforgettable snack.

I’ve made my visit. Shown off my ROTC uniform. Bragged about my radio jobs.

Gossiped a bit. Now it’s time to head west toward Northport for my evening duties at WNPT. I am refreshed. I’ve seen my grandparents and uncle as well as postmistress Aunt Gladys, I’ve sniffed the memories of my early childhood. I am refreshed and energized.

On the highway, I wend my way back to responsibilities and the feeling of purpose that to this day I get out of going to work each day.

I want to remain in Peterson and live the quiet life. I want to be an on-air star and impress people with my talent. I want to toss this cotton-pickin’ wool uniform and hide from the draft, I yearn to date coeds, laugh with my younger siblings Tim, Rosi and Ronny, hug my mother, talk to older sister Barbara, try to get through to my stoic dad, lie abed late at night and listen to reel-to-reel tapes of Bob and Ray shows, fall asleep to the jazz emanating from WWL in New Orleans.

All these generations later, I haven’t changed. I still want to be everywhere at once, every time at once. I still am happy at end of day in my solitude, floating in memories most textured and pleasing

4

MAY 7 + MAY 21

ummer is a lull for television; Most shows premiere in fall and end in spring, which leaves summer to catch up on seasons and episodes that you missed. However, thanks to the invention of Netflix, summer marathons do not have to end when a season is finished. Netflix hosts hundreds of television shows and movies to keep the entertainment juices flowing until the next season starts.

If comedy is on the list, Netflix has it covered. Comedies with lessons in humility are rare, but “Drop Dead Diva” encompasses all of it. Deb Dobkins in a slim, pretty girl who is as shallow as a puddle. When Deb gets killed, she gets reincarnated as her opposite, a plus sized, savvy lawyer. Deb has to get a handle on her new life, and a newfound craving for donuts. Brooke Elliot leads the cast as Jane Bingum, Deb’s new persona.

For something more thrilling, “Darknet” is a gem buried under bigger name shows. Imagine a website that streams live murders, and hosts uploaded videos of previous ones.

Anyone with an account can access videos, or post their own grisly details.

Each protagonist faces their own horrors...or are they protagonists at all?

For those who want a little reality in their lives, along with a small history

lesson, “Pawn Stars” has them covered.

Rick Harrison owns a pawn shop in Las Vegas, co run by his father, Richard, his son Corey, and their friend Austin “Chumlee” Russell. The show revolves around their store and the things that people bring in to sell, each item coming with its own interesting history.

To solve a little crime in the spare time of summer, classics never fail.

“CSI: Crime Scene Investigators” shows a team of investigators who solve impossible crimes using science and intuition. The variants on Netflix are New York and Miami, each with the same plot.

Nothing beats good old cute cartoons sometimes. The “Power Puff Girls” are the feminist icons a kid needs to see on television. Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup are three crime fighting little girls created by Professor Utonium, and they protect the city of

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CAUGHT A BIG WAVE // FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE ON COUNTRY SUCCESS T

here is no fiddle or steel to be heard when Florida Georgia Line hits the stage.

There is, however, lots of electric guitar, rapping, a drum solo and some of the biggest hits in country music from the last three years.

Songs like “Sun Daze,” which hit No. 1 on the country airplay chart in February, “Dirt,” “Round Here” and “Shine,” the duo’s breakthrough smash, have propelled Florida Georgia Line to country’s pinnacle.

The duo has sold more than 2.5 million copies of its two albums (2012’s “Here’s to the Good Times” and 2014’s “Anything Goes”) and 21 million digital tracks, has been named CMT Artists of the Year two years running and is now packing arenas on its first worldwide headlining tour.

“Since 2012, we’ve caught a massive wave,” said Brian Kelley, the 29 year oldsinger and songwriter who started out writing Christian rock songs in the style of Casting Crowns. “People have gravitated to our music.”

That music has been tagged “bro country,” a sound that’s been derisively dismissed for its far-from-traditional hybrid sound and lyrical focus on back roads, trucks, tailgates, girls and drinking.

Those detractors may not like it. But thousands of others do — and that’s what’s important to Kelley.

“That’s what it’s about, connecting with everybody,” Kelley said. “It’s hard to put a label on it. People like to shout it down. But we’re having a great time, going out and connecting with people. We don’t worry about any of that. Call it what you want. We like what we do.”

What Florida Georgia Line does is fold rock and hip-hop into its country, with Kelley and partner Tyler Hubbard swapping vocals on songs they, unlike a lot of country stars, wrote themselves.

“We always just had our own sound; we call it the Florida Georgia Line sound,” Kelley said. “There’s nothing calculated about it. We started writing songs together, and that sound developed. Then we met up with [producer] Joey Moi, who helped us with that sound. We took all our influences, put them in the mix and let the music happen naturally.”

So, does Kelley think the duo’s music is changing country?

“We never set out to do that,” he said. “But I think it’s definitely happening. It’s a product of influences coming together to create a new sound. You know what, my favorite thing to hear is when somebody tells me, ‘I never liked country music until I heard you guys. Now I can’t get your CD out of my player, or Justin Moore or Miranda Lambert or Thomas Rhett.”

Florida Georgia Line is also connecting live. The “Anything Goes” tour continues through most of 2015.

“It is a hot ticket; a lot of people are showing up,” Kelley said. “If you’ve ever seen us, know that it’s hotter, it’s brighter, it’s bigger and more intense … It’s go-time, party time.”

Kelley is right about the show being, hotter, brighter and bigger. The duo and band use a giant stage with a runway that extends out onto the arena floor. Laser lights and video screens crank up the visuals.

The live shows are also a lucrative good time. Forbes magazine estimates the duo has earned $24 million last year, much of it from touring.

Kelley and Hubbard realize that the party could end as quickly as it began if they ever lose the key element to their success.

“We know the songs are what’s going to keep us going, and you’ve got to stay open to the creative process,” Kelley said. “You’ve got to have your iPhone out and write down lyrics or get a voice memo and sing a piece of the song when it comes up.”

Kelley, 29, didn’t start out dreaming of playing arenas and selling millions of albums. A star high school pitcher, he earned a scholarship to Florida State University and had visions of throwing in the major leagues.

“That dream kind of ended for me when I didn’t get drafted,” he said. “But I was already thinking I should write songs. I couldn’t sit in class without writing down a song or an idea, same thing when I was out shagging balls in left field.”

So Kelley transferred to Nashville’s Belmont University, where a friend from a music composition class introduced him to Hubbard.

“It was immediate,” Kelley said of bonding with Hubbard. “We became best friends, moved in together, started writing songs, drinking together, playing together.

We figured out together we were better than on our own.”

The duo started playing Nashville’s ubiquitous songwriter shows in the summer and fall of 2009 and almost instantly developed a following, playing to hundreds rather than a couple of dozen in just a few months.

In 2010, the duo met Nickelback producer Moi, who encouraged them to rewrite and polish their songs. With Moi in charge, they put together the band’s second EP, an independently released effort that contained a little song called “Cruise.”

When “Cruise,” now the best-selling digital country single ever, caught fire on crossover radio, Florida Georgia Line signed with Republic Nashville, part of the Big Machine label group, whose roster includes Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, The Band

Perry and Rascal Flatts. Then their wave came in.

The biggest challenge on the way to the top, Kelley said, was surviving the early days on the road.

“I always thought, ‘Once we get on the bus, we’re good,’” Kelley said. “When we were in the stinky van, we weren’t getting any sleep, we couldn’t talk, our voices would be shot. Once we were on the bus, it was all go.”

For the last two years, it’s been go, go, go for Florida Georgia Line, and Kelley quickly confesses to embracing a cliche to describe it.

“I say it every day — it is a dream come true,” he said. “It’s crazy it happened to us, the things we’ve seen and done. It is a dream come true, 100 percent.”

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TALES FROM THE CRYPT // UNCOVERING A CREEPY CLASSIC

I

t is rare now to hear of someone watching something from the 80’s and 90’s that isn’t a cult classic movie. The outfits are dated, and the lines tend to be cheesy and only used ironically now. There are, however, some shows that last over time, and become classics. One of these is a little more on the dark side, and has enough horror to send a chill through the bravest of hearts.

“Tales from the Crypt” is a horror anthology series that started in 1989. It came from a comic magazine of the same name, first published in 1950 and ran through 1955. It ran bi-weekly, meaning every two weeks, and had 27 issues, each with a different tale of terror. The show ran on HBO for a total of 93 episodes. Since the actual comics only had 27 issues, the rest of the material came from other comics by the same company, EC Comics, such as The Crypt of Terror, Haunt of Fear, Vault of Horror, Crime SuspenStories, and Two-Fisted Tales.

Each story has a different type of horror. Some of the stories, such as “The Man Who Was Death” and “Mute Witness to Murder” rely on suspense and plot twists to thrill audiences. “The Man Who Was Death” shows what happens when an executioner gets laid off, and “Mute Witness to Murder” shows that sometimes spying on your neighbors can have deadly consequences. Some episodes use shock value, such as “The Ventriloquist’s Dummy” and “Top Billing”, which are about a jealous dummy and a desperate actor. Some are not for the faint of heart, since this is a horror show, and there is blood and gore.

One of the most distinctive things about the show is the host, the Crypt Keeper.

His voice is memorable, and the laugh is the stuff of some people’s dreams. Not many know the man behind the monster, however. His name is John Kassir, and he’s known for much of his voice acting, including notable shows and movies like “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” “Marvel: Ultimate Alliance,” and “Pocahontas.” He will, however, be remembered as the teller of terrible tales.

Another distinction in the show is that it was one of the very few shows fully exempt from the censorship standards of the time, since it aired on HBO, a private network. This allowed for graphic sexual content, nudity, gore, and inappropriate language. This was rare, since television was meant for all ages and this show was definitely not.

The comics are no longer available on shelves since they are considered vintage now, but can still be bought online from places like Amazon and auction websites like Ebay, for a pretty penny. The show is available to buy on these websites, and is also available to stream on Youtube.

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LOVING GOD'S WILDNESS W

hen the Puritans arrived in the New World to carry out the colonization they saw as divinely mandated, they were confronted by the American wilderness. Part of their theology led them to view the natural environment as “a temple of God” in which they should glorify and serve its creator. The larger prevailing theological view, however, saw this vast continent as “the Devil’s Territories” needing to be conquered and cultivated for God’s Kingdom. These contradictory designations gave rise to an ambivalence regarding the character of this land and humanity’s proper relation to it.

Loving God’s Wildness rediscovers the environmental roots of America’s Puritan heritage. In tracing this history, Jeffrey Bilbro demonstrates how the dualistic Christianity that the Puritans brought to America led them to see the land as an empty wilderness that God would turn into a productive source of marketable commodities.

Bilbro carefully explores the effect of this dichotomy in the nature writings of Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, Willa Cather, and Wendell Berry.

Thoreau, Muir, Cather, and Berry imaginatively developed the Puritan theological tradition to propose practical, physical means by which humans should live and worship within the natural temple of God’s creation. They reshaped Puritan dualism, each according to the particular needs of his or her own ecological and cultural contexts, into a theology that demands care for the entire created community. While differing in their approaches and respective ecological ethics, the four authors Bilbro examines all share the conviction that God remains active in creation and that humans ought to relinquish their selfish ends to participate in his wild ecology.

Loving God’s Wildness fills a critical gap in literary criticism and environmental studies by offering a sustained, detailed argument regarding how Christian theology has had a profound and enduring legacy in shaping the contours of the American ecological imagination. Literary critics, scholars of religion and environmental studies, and thoughtful Christians who are concerned about environmental issues will profit from this engaging new book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jeffrey Bilbro is an assistant professor of English at Spring Arbor University in Michigan. His articles have been published in Christianity and Literature, Early American Literature, Mississippi Quarterly, and the Southern Literary Journal.

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REVIEWS “With its revealing, ably researched focus on the subsurface ‘Christian roots’ of American nature writing, Jeffrey Bilbro’s analysis of four noteworthy writers is a welcome contribution to the growing body of ecocritical literary commentary.

Admirers of Wendell Berry will find Bilbro’s account of that author’s ecological vision in later writings, including the novel Jayber Crow, particularly illuminating.”

—John Gatta, author of Making Nature Sacred: Literature, Religion, and Environment in America from the Puritans to the Present and American Madonna: Images of the Divine Woman in Literary Culture “Running deep in the American religious psyche, according to Jeffrey Bilbro, is a kind of environmental schizophrenia, a profound ambivalence that has led us to protect and celebrate wilderness areas while simultaneously fueling the ambition to ‘redeem’ untamed nature by transforming it into a material sign of God’s favor.

Despite Lynn White’s claim that only a religious solution to an essentially religious problem like American environmental degradation will serve us, religious ideas in contemporary environmental thought remain largely untreated or ignored by scholars. By demonstrating how some of our most important and innovative Christian environmental thinkers—Thoreau, Muir, Cather, and Berry—have navigated this ambivalence and managed to recover a Christian ethic of holistic and ecologically grounded protection of the environment, Bilbro’s Loving God’s Wildness provides American religious thought with an indispensable roadmap toward a more sane and clear-headed embrace of environmental stewardship.”

—George Handley, author of Home Waters: A Year of Recompenses on the Provo River and coeditor of Postcolonial Ecologies: Literatures of the Environment

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2015 ALABAMA DRAFT CLASS // COOPER LEADS TIDE’S SOLID CLASS T

he Alabama Crimson Tide have had a player drafted in the first round of every NFL draft since 2009, coincidentally the start of their most recent stretch of dominance in which they won three national titles in four years. In 2011 alone the Tide had an unprecedented four first-round selections with three of them making the Pro Bowl in 2015. Alabama followed up their historic 2011 draft with three more first-round picks in 2012. The Tide only had one player selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft but had another drafted as the first pick in the second round after most analysts graded him a first-round talent. A total of seven Tide players went in this year’s draft.

Here’s a breakdown of the seven Tide players selected in the 2015 NFL Draft: Round 1, Pick 4 – WR Amari Cooper – Oakland Raiders Oakland used the fourth pick in the draft on what many considered the most NFL ready player in the draft, Amari Cooper. This follows suit with Oakland’s 2014 pick when they took Khalil Mack who was also considered that draft’s most NFL ready player. Cooper racked up 1700+ yards and 16 touchdowns in his last year in Tuscaloosa facing some of the best corners in the nation while playing in the SEC. Cooper is fantastic after the catch, runs crisp routes and will most likely become second-year veteran QB David Carr’s go-to option. The Raiders beefed up their receiving corps this offseason adding veteran Michael Crabtree and getting Rod Streater back from injury so Cooper should be able to avoid constant double teams. If Cooper can continue his level of production in the Oakland as he did at Alabama, the Raiders have a can’tmiss prospect on their hands.

Round 2, Pick 33 – DB Landon Collins – New York Giants Many analysts feel the Giants reached in the first round selecting Miami’s offensive tackle, Ereck Flowers with the 9th overall pick. Fortunately for New York, most analysts agree the Giants got a steal moving up to the first pick of the second round and taking Alabama’s Landon Collins. Collins was considered the number one safety in the draft class but surprisingly slipped out of the first round. Collins was knocked for only being an in-the-box safety with the size and tackling ability of a linebacker but looking back at Collins’ career in its entirety might suggest that analysis is too limiting.

Obviously Collins is excellent in the box racking up 103 tackles last year on his way to first-team All-American honors but his versatility while flying around the field for the Tide is understated. While donning the crimson for Alabama, Collins played

strong safety, free safety, nickelback, cornerback and weakside linebacker yet somehow he got stuck with the in-the-box stigma. With the departure of Pro-Bowler Antrel Rolle who signed with Chicago this offseason, Collins should step-in and immediately contribute in New York.

Round 2, Pick 36 – RB T. J. Yeldon – Jacksonville Jaguars Surprisingly, the Jacksonville Jaguars are being praised for their presumed success in this year’s NFL draft after using their first three picks on SEC stars.

Jacksonville usually finds themselves surrounded in criticism after a draft but the 2015 draft and their stellar offseason has experts believing the Jaguars are on the rise. Jacksonville used their second round pick on one of the most consistent running-backs in the SEC over the last three years, T.J. Yeldon.

The Tide’s highly recruited running-back rushed for almost a thousand yards and at least 12 touchdowns in every season in Tuscaloosa with only last year missing the thousand-yard mark by 21 yards despite sharing time in the backfield with equally talents backs. The Jags desperately needed a feature runningback after missing on the Toby Gerhart signing and having to convert former Michigan quarterback, Denard Robinson, to running-back. Yeldon will compete with the two previously mentioned backs as well as newly signed Bernard Pierce but should earn significant playing time in his rookie campaign.

Round 4, Pick 108 – RB Jalston Fowler – Tennessee Titans Fowler’s impact for the Crimson Tide can’t be seen in a stat-book but his talent and importance were evident to any and all who watched the Tide play the past five seasons. Fowler led the way for what seemed like endless amounts of first-round running-backs while playing

fullback for the Tide. He blocked for the likes of Heisman-winner Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy. Fowler not only thrusts his enormous body into any defender coming his way but has soft hands and can tot the rock more effectively than most fullbacks. Fowler should see immediate time at the valuable fullback position in Tennessee and could find himself getting carries and receptions as well.

Round 4, Pick 112 – OL Arie Kouandjio – Washington Redskins Arie is the second Kouandjio drafted to the NFL out of Alabama in as many years. Arie’s younger brother, Cyrus, was taken in the second round by the Buffalo Bills in the 2014 NFL Draft. The older Arie wasn’t considered to be as talented as his younger brother but was awarded All-American honors this past year after a solid year in Tuscaloosa. Some had him graded as high as a second-round talent

like his younger brother but he slipped to the 112th pick. Arie is considered an above average run-blocker but struggles in the pass game. Regardless of where he went in the draft, Arie has a chance to be a solid starter in the NFL once he improves his pass protection.

Round 7, Pick 228 – OL Austin Shepherd – Minnesota Vikings Shepard earned 30 starts on one of the most effective offensive lines over the past few years. He can certainly runblock but struggles with a narrow frame at time. Shepard should be able to find a spot on an NFL team as a backup with potential to start in the right situation.

Round 7, Pick 253 – LB Xzavier Dickson – New England Patriots Dickson finished the 2014 season in Tuscaloosa with 9.0 sacks and 42 tackles. Unfortunately he doesn’t tout a body most coaches are accustomed to seeing at the outside linebacker position and film shows he doesn’t dominate tightends like edge rushers are supposed to. Dickson will certainly get his shot in the league but the Super Bowl 50 favorites, as predicted by Gambling.com bookmakers, aren’t expecting Dickson to heavily contribute in New England.

Tide players signed as 2015 rookie free-agents: QB Blake Sims - Green Bay Packers, WR Christion Jones - Miami Dolphins, WR DeAndrew White - San Francisco 49ers, LB Trey DePriest - Baltimore Ravens, DB Nick Perry - Baltimore Ravens, DL Brandon Ivory - Houston Texans, TE Brian Vogler - Chicago Bears

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NEWS

“

Small Business Roundtable Breakfast on May 28

Congrats to Leadership Tuscaloosa Class of 2015

Small Business Roundtables consist of 10-15 small business owners sharing ideas and discussing business challenges over breakfast or lunch. The next one is set for May 28 at 8a.m. at Raymond James, 200 Marina Drive in Tuscaloosa. RSVP to Jill McDonald at 205-391-0555 or jill@tuscaloosachamber.com

The 2015 class of Leadership Tuscaloosa graduated on May 14 at the Cypress Inn Pavilion.

Leadership Tuscaloosa, sponsored by the Chamber, is a personal development program to help the Tuscaloosa County area reach its full potential. Call 205-391-0559 or email stacey@tuscaloosachamber.com to learn more here about the program and process.

2015 Graduates

John Brook, City of Tuscaloosa Fire Department Chris Bushhorn, Parker Towing Company, Inc. Austin Butler, MedNet West, Inc. Lindsey Case, Jim N Nicks Kelsey Colglazier, Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports Commission Radhika DeLaire, AFFLINK, LLC Ashley Gill, Chick-fil-A Northport Bill Goodwin, DCH Health System Jonathan Guin, Campbell, Guin, Williams, Guy & Gidiere, LLC Christopher Gunter, Buffalo Rock Pepsi Co., Inc. Katie Hancock, Morgan Stanley Carla Harris, Junior Achievement of Tuscaloosa County Brian Henry, Park Moving and Storage Joe Hocutt, Southland Benefit Solutions Nic Jeffery, Cadence Bank Renwick Jones Robin Jones, The University of Alabama System Jane Jordan, Regions Bank Kristi Kamplain, Bank of Tuscaloosa Billy Kirkpatrick, West Alabama AIDS Outreach

J. Gaston Large, III, Alabama Power Company Roland Lewis, Tuscaloosa’s One Place Jill McDonald, The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama Cindy McNair Peter Millet, Stillman College Derek Monk, Alabama Power Company Jeff Morman, Rosen Harwood Robert Morriss, McAbee Construction, Inc. Mark Nelson, Tuscaloosa County Board of Education Concetta Odongo, BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturing Sarah Outlaw, Adcox Associates, LLC Pamela Rice, Way, Ray, Shelton & Co., PC Keith Scott, Ward Scott Architecture Gina Simpson, Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports Commission Wade Smith, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. Ryan Stallings, First South Farm Credit Josh Taylor, Michael H. Echols & Associates, PC Jason Webber, TTL, Inc. Chris Williams, JamisonMoneyFarmer PC Tut Wilson, Junior League

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

MAY 7 + MAY 21

9

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

>>> RESTAURANTS |

GRENACHE BLANC // UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

BREAKFAST / LUNCH Brown Bag

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

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

P

riest Ranch Grenache Blanc comes from the Somerston Estate in Napa Valley, California.

The Priest Ranch is a 600+ acre property that’s found in the eastern hills of Napa Valley about 10 miles east of Rutherford. The area where Grenache Blanc is farmed is said to be rugged and at an elevation of 800 to 2400 feet.

Winemaking and viticulture is headed up by Craig Becker. He grows Grenache Blanc for Priest Ranch Wines on a small 2.7 acre vineyard at an elevation of 1200 feet.

Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks. The wine was aged 10% in neutral French oak with a total production of 1,150 cases.

For this review, I had the pleasure of sharing the experience with a couple high school buddies.

For one of them (the “new guy”), it was his first experience tasting with Honest Wine Reviews and he proved to be descriptive taster. I’m looking forward to having him back for another review.

For this review we tasted the 2013 vintage of this wine.

Appearance We described the appearance of Priest Ranch Grenache Blanc as light amber.

Picture brass knobs on a cabinet. The color was lighter than a cider and brassy overall.

In the glass, the wine proved to be quite leggy with heavy looking drips.

Aroma I immediately noticed two distinct aromatic experiences. From afar I first noticed sweet apple and pear. Up close were sensations of crisp apple and hint a floral.

The “new guy” said it started off like a Sauterne and developed into a Muscadet.

We all felt the aroma was complex and very enjoyable.

Swirling the wine allowed some of the alcohol in the aroma to dissipate and unveil the crisp apple.

Priest Ranch Grenache Blanc alcohol content 14.3% by volume per the bottle.

10

MAY 7 + MAY 21

Taste The wine’s taste brought many surprises. It was sweet at first with a good sting of alcohol on the palate. The taste was more of the above mentioned sweet apple. It was then quickly followed by bitterness.

The new guy picked up on a note of sour apple, but it wasn’t off-putting.

Our third taster (Big Al) described it as having a woody quality to it.

When we compared our individual experiences we felt the bitterness, woodiness and alcohol burn were surprises we weren’t expecting, given the enjoyable aroma.

Finish The wine’s finish was medium to long.

The flavor diminished quickly and was dominated by the alcohol.

Overall Opinion Overall, we have to say we really loved the aroma of Priest Ranch Grenache Blanc, but were a bit disappointed with the flavor and finish.

As a caveat, none of us had ever had a Grenache Blanc before. So, we were unsure if what we were experiencing was normal for that varietal or not.

I know I would like to try more Grenache Blanc for comparison purposes.

I also took note of the fact that Priest Ranch Grenache Blanc is farmed in unique growing conditions at elevation.

While I’m unsure of the impact of that to this particular wine, I feel it is worth noting.

I’m also pleased to have had the opportunity to try something new (to me).

I also feel it’s important to note that you have to give credit to any winemaker who seeks out unique terroir. This often produces very unique wines.

For me, experiencing unique wines is one of the things I enjoy the most about wine tasting and reviewing.

Priest Ranch Grenache Blanc price $18.99.

Rama Jama’s 1000 Bryant Dr // 750.0901 Closest restaurant to Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Sweet Home Food Bar 2218 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 764-9346 Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Waysider 1512 Greensboro Ave // 345.8239 Open for breakfast and lunch. Smoke free.

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

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.

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

JAPANESE

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

Bento Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar 1306 University Blvd // 758.7426 Hokkaido Japanese Restaurant 607 15th Street Open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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

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

Margarita's Grill 1241 McFarland Blvd E // 343.0300

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

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

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

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

CASUAL DINING

Avenue Pub 405 23rd Avenue // Tuscaloosa Brunch, lunch, and dinner. Specialty cocktails, local pints, bottled beer, and wine.

Mon - Fri. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sat. Noon – 11 p.m., Sun.Noon p.m. – 9 p.m.

Big Daddy’s Cafe 514 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 759.9925 The Blue Plate Restaurant (Was Northport Diner) 450 McFarland Blvd, Northport // 462-3626 Brumfield's Restaurant 4851 Rice Mine Road | Tue. - Thu.: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri - Sat.: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., and Sunday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Buddy’s Ribs & Steaks 2701 Bridge Ave | Northport // 339.4885 Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd // 523.0273 Mon–Wed 11 a.m. - midnight | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

>>> RESTAURANTS |

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. )

Chicken Salad Chick The Shoppes at Midtown & Essex Square, Northport | Said to be the very best chicken salad that can be found anywhere. www. chickensaladchick.com Chili’s 1030 Skyland Blvd | Near McFarland Mall // 750.8881 Fax: 758.7715 // www.chilis.com Dave’s Dogs 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 722.2800

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

Five Guys Burgers & Fries 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0575 www.fiveguys.com

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.

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.

Hooter’s 5025 Oscar Baxter Dr | Next to Jameson Inn // 758.3035 Wings, clams, shrimp and of course the Hooters Girls www.hooters.com

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 Southern Ale House 1530 McFarland Blvd N Monday-Thursday 11a-9p, Friday-Saturday 11a-10p Sunday Brunch 11a-2p A warm and inviting restaurant just north of the river with both classic and contemporary interpretations of Southern Cuisine. We boast a large variety of local craft beers on tap and other options in bottle for our beer loving constituents. Wine and Signature cocktails 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

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

248-7666 Nick's In the Sticks 4018 Culver Rd | Tuscaloosa // 758.9316 A long-time Tuscaloosa tradition.

Good steaks at a reasonable price Try a Nicodemus if you have a designated driver.

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

>>> B E E R R E V I E W | B R E T T R E I D

HOP GUN // THE FLAVOR WILL GET YOU HOOKED T

here are certain types of beer than can just get ran into the ground with generic recipes culminating into a basic end result. Over and over, I get told about a new IPA from some pop-up brewery and how it’s changed someone’s life. Truth is, most of them are just simple IPA beers, but they’re all still pretty tasty. Less often, there are beers that really make you step back and appreciate the greatness of a well-crafted IPA. There’s a brewery near Ft. Lauderdale, FL. that I have been wanting to try for a while and one of the main reasons is their ability to create recipes that pack serious flavors. Funky Buddha is known for their odd flavor combinations, like their Maple Bacon Coffee Porter that’s basically breakfast in a beer, but they’re also known for having a knack for creating great beers that fall into the realm of traditional beers. In my swap, Dave included the Hop Gun IPA, a beer that’s rated fairly well on Beer Advocate. I was very happy he included one of these so that I could finally try out something from this highly regarded brewery. Here are my thoughts: First off, the artwork on the bottle is pretty fun. Hop Gun, Top Gun, you get it; so the artwork follows along with that theme with a fighter jet launching hop cones towards you. It’s pretty funny and compliments the brief description of the beer which you could tell someone had a fun time writing. Also, something else that doesn’t affect the beer in any way, but just caught my eye was the shape of Funky Buddha’s labels. Nothing traditional here and I love it. Anyways, back to the beer.

I prepared my phone to take a photo and immediately after I pried off the cap, it began to foam over very quickly onto my cutting board. Something I noticed about the foam is that it wasn’t very thin, because all of the foam collected into a pile and just began to build upward rather than outward. This gave me the initial thought that the beer could be somewhat thick and consequently kind of heavy. After I cleaned up the foam and got the beer into a glass, I noticed about a finger-width of off-white foam that fizzled out fairly quickly (about 5-10 seconds). After settling for a moment, I noticed a deep amber, orangeish color that wasn’t very hazy, but not completely clear. As the beer settled you could begin to see some nice lacing around the sides of the glass even before I had taken the first sip. The aroma was beautiful; there was tons of malt notes and some great pine hints mixed with some hop characters that gave off a bit of citrus aroma, which I love. It didn’t smell as hoppy and dank as a lot of other IPAs, but one thing is kind of consistent with South Florida IPA beers and that’s the caramel overload rather than the hop overload. It’s a refreshing take on a style that gets pile driven by hops at every turn.

The flavor is really where this one had me hooked. Up front you get hit with more citrus and hoppy notes than the aroma led me to believe would be present. I was

deceived, but I don’t mind. Mid palate, you still get some powerful notes of citrus, like pineapple and grapefruit, as well as picking up some of that malt and caramel you get from the nose. It finishes fairly dry and slightly bitter, and leaves a pine-like finish that’s accompanied by some great citrus flavors that leave the flavor stuck in your mouth. I honestly loved this quality the most because it made each more sip that much more intense. It’s like when you’re eating hot wings and each bite intensifies that heat and spice; except this was with citrus flavors and nice caramel malts and not spicy at all (thank God, I think I speak for all of us when I say I’m tired of spicy as hell beers). The flavors were just strong enough to take a burnt out style, like the IPA, and turn it into something interesting and enjoyable. I like being confused when I drink a beer from time to time, and this one certainly did. I was expecting to get a mouthful of caramel and malt, but I was surprised with citrus and pine. I love it.

The mouth feel was about on par with a generic IPA. Carbonation was very solid and mild. The beer rested well on the tongue and allowed the beer to be enjoyed and every aspect taken in. The body was surprisingly light and made the beer extremely sessionable. I only wish I would have had more than just one of these so I could have tested that out. I could easily see myself drinking three or four of these at a time and being able to conquer the world (or a burrito) afterwards. And for clocking it at almost 8% ABV, you really don’t get any of that back of the throat burn you get from higher alcohol beers.

The drinkability of the Hop Gun is what will have me coming back more than anything, for sure.

Overall, I’m extremely surprised by this beer. It was extremely sessionable, and while it wasn’t extremely balanced, I’m okay with that. I liked that I got more malt and caramel in the aroma and more hop and citrus in the flavor. It kept me on my toes and that citrus flavor more than makes up for it. If you’re looking for a great way to start out at Funky Buddha, try this one and see what you think. I did, and I know I’ll be trying to get more of this.

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MAY 21 + JUNE 4

11

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

AMERICAN KITCHEN BEER & COCKTAILS F

ood should be fun, interesting, a little mysterious, and above all delectably satisfying. Good food should have taste buds pondering flavors and leave one wondering how something could be so delicious. Temerson Square’s Avenue Pub, delivers just this. Craig Williams, owner and operator, took a leap of faith when prime real estate became available downtown. Although location is key the beauty of The Avenue Pub is in its menus. The science of menu engineering is difficult to perfect. However, with the American Kitchen Pub favorites these menus come pretty close to perfection. 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. Williams has great pride in his establishment and food stating, “we just want to do it right”. With their made-from-scratch mantra each dish is prepared in house with the freshest ingredients.

At first glance the restaurant appears dark and calm. Walls mostly gray with some exposed brick that hold casual paintings. Flat screen televisions are housed in the two dining areas as well as behind the full bar. Classic rock played over the stereo creating an enjoyable atmosphere. Sitting was no issue and service was quick. After gazing the menu it was decided that dinner would begin with some traditional pub fries, followed up with two shared entrées. The pub fries were smothered with melted parmesan cheese, crispy bacon, and topped with freshly shaved parmesan, herbs and more bacon. The fries were hand cut and fried to perfection. The melted cheese actually stayed on the fries instead of falling to the plate when prepping for a bite. Two sauces accompanied the fries, which were almost unnecessary because the cheese, bacon, and herbs yielded such a flavorful taste. In no time the main entrees were delivered piping hot and fresh.

MAY 21 + JUNE 4

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

SEAFOOD

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

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

248-7666 Red Lobster 2620 McFarland Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.553.8810 Sun-Thurs 11AM-10PM//Fri & Sat 11AM-11PM Reservations Accepted Take-Out Available Private Dining Area Available for Advanced Booking (Lunch Specials Available Mon-Fri 11AM-3PM) 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 Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Over 160 craft beers. Large selection of decadent desserts.

The chicken club sandwich was an unexpected surprise. A small sandwich layered with a decent portion of sliced chicken, bacon, cheese, lettuce, and tomato- this is what was expected. What arrived was this divine chicken club with a large piece of crispy fried chicken overflowing to the outside of the buttery brioche bun. The taste was complex, feeling the mouth with a salty, spicy, and sweet bite. The chicken glistened from the honey mustard glaze. This glaze added some much appreciated sweat heat. Each flavorful bite was better than the last. A carry our box is not worthy of such a dish.

This sandwich deserves to be eaten fresh, in a single sitting so one can savor each bite as it was meant to be. The fish and chips were presented with three heaping pieces of fried cod laying over a bed of fresh cuts fries. The cod had been hand breaded and deep fried which produced a beautiful golden color. It was light and flakey. When mixed with the made-inhouse tartar sauce the fish had a mild pickled bite. To tame the thirst specialty cocktails and local draft beer were enjoyed. The Berry Bash Bacardi Rum was prepared with crushed strawberries and blueberries, freshly squeezed lime juice and Sprite. This refreshing cocktail will definitely be a patio pick for the summer.

From service to food the overall experience at The Avenue Pub was just wonderful. Pricing was fair. Between the two entrees, one cocktail, one beer, and an appetizer the ticket came just over 40 dollars. Well worth it. To experience good food with good drinks take the time to visit Tuscaloosa’s new addition, The Avenue Pub. The Avenue Pub is located at 405 23rd Avenue Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m., Saturday 12:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. Brunch on Sunday features live music.

Cindy Huggins, MS, RDN, LD is a registered dietitian nutritionist and local “foodie”. See what she’s tweeting and follow her @ DietitianCindy

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>>> RESTAURANTS |

The Levee Bar and Grill 1 Bridge Ave | Northport // 632.3136 Casual riverfront dining Open Mon-Thurs 11am-9:30pm, Fri&Sat 11am, Sun 11am-8pm. www. leveebarandgrill.com Wintzell's Oyster House 808 Skyland Blvd. at the intersection of Skyland and Alabama Highway 69. | 247-7772 | wintzellsoysterhouse.com/location/tuscaloosa/

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 Chongwah Express 1425 McFarland Boulevard, Northport. 333-1088

Mr. Chen's Authentic Chinese Cooking & Oriental Market 514 14th St. | In the Oz Music shopping center // 343.6889 // Open Sun - Thu 11am - 9pm, Fri & Sat 11am - 9:30pm Pearl Garden 2719 Lurleen Wallace Blvd | Northport // 339.0880 Peking Chinese Restaurant 1816 McFarland | Northport // 333.0361 Open 7 days a week. Super lunch and dinner buffet.

Hours: Sun–Thurs 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

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

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

Hot Wok Express 6751 Alabama 69, Tuscaloosa // 758.0148

Lenny’s Sub Shop 220 15th St // 752.7450 Fax: 752.7481 // www.lennys.com

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

Little Caesars Pizza 1414 10th Ave // 366.2220 | 1www.littlecaesars.com Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. // 345.4354 Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 758.0112 Subs n' You 2427 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.758.0088 Roly Poly Sandwiches 2300 4th Street | Tuscaloosa // 366.1222 The Pita Pit 1207 University Blvd | The Strip // 345.9606 Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30 a.m. - 3 a.m. | Sun 11:30 a.m. - midnight Pizza 120 50115th St. East | 561.6853 Pizza Palace Buffet 6521 Alabama 69 | 752.5444 Tut’s Place 1306 University Blvd | The Strip // 759.1004

DELICATESSEN

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

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

Jimmy John’s (3 locations) 1400 University Blvd | The Strip // 366.3699 1875 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 752.7714 815 Lurleen B. Wallace S | Tuscaloosa // 722.2268 Delivery 7 days a week. www.jimmyjohns.com Manna Grocery & Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 752.9955 McAlister’s Deli (2 locations) 101 15th St | Tuscaloosa // 758.0039 3021 Tyler Dr | Northport // 330.7940 Sandwiches, salads and spuds www.mcalistersdeli.com Momma Goldberg’s Deli 409 23rd Ave // 345.5501 |www.mommagoldbergs.com Newk's 205 University Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 758.2455 Schlotsky’s Deli 405 15th St. E // 759.1975 schlotskys.com

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

>>> RESTAURANTS |

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

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

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.

COFFEE SHOP Barnes & Noble

Smoothie King (2 locations) 415 15th Street | Tuscaloosa // 349.1721 Fax: 349.1945 1403 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 462.3664

1800 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa 349.6366

Chloe's Cup 2117 University Blvd.| Tuscaloosa // 764.0218 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.

NATIONAL SCOLIOSIS MONTH // STAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE

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.

Krispy Kreme Doughnut 1400 McFarland Blvd // 758.6913 www.krispykreme.com

Yogurt Lab 920 Paul W. Bryant Dr Ste 200 | Tuscaloosa // 347.9522

Starbucks (2 locations) 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 343.2468 1901 13th Ave East | inside Super Target // 462.1064 starbucks.com

Yogurt Mountain 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 342.1484 Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - midnight

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

Sweet CeCe's Frozen yogurt Treats 2217 University Blvd. | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 561.6458 A fun and friendly make your own creation, yogurt experience!

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

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

M

ore than likely you have gotten checked during your school years, specifically middle school, for scoliosis.

You might not have even been aware what they were checking you for at the time.

Typically the gym teacher or school nurse performs the tests during gym or health class. If you recall, they most likely they had you bend forward as in touching your toes while examining your back. This is a quick scoliosis check that is typically done during the most rapid years of growth in childrenmiddle school.

What exactly is scoliosis? A simple definition scoliosis is a condition in which the spine has more than a ten-degree curve. Keep in mind that the spine should be straight! Because we walk on two feet, the human nervous system keeps our spine straight through reflexes and postural control. Occasionally, a sideways curve can develop due do a structural problem from birth or a misalignment as one grows.

Depending on the degree of curvature, scoliosis can be relatively harmless or cause very serious problems leading to other health concerns. In more than 80% of cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown.

However, the two categories of scoliosis define the cause: either structural or functional scoliosis. A structural scoliosis means the person was either born with the curve due to possible misshapen bones in the spine, tumors, trauma, or infections that resulted in a curvature of the spine. In adults, a scoliosis can form from severe arthritis. Postural problems, muscle spasm, leg length differences, or repetitive movements like those done in gymnastics or dance most commonly cause a functional scoliosis. A structural scoliosis does not go away with any motion unlike a functional scoliosis that can decrease or even disappear after repositioning. Some visible signs of scoliosis include an uneven waistline, shoulders that are not level, or the body being shifted off-center when looked

at from behind.

It is estimated that scoliosis affects 7 million people in the United States and more than a half million visits are made to doctors’ offices each year for evaluation and treatment of scoliosis. Although scoliosis can begin at any age, it most often develops in girls between the ages of 10 and 15 due to the rapid growth of the body. Scoliosis can significantly affect the quality of life by limiting activity, causing pain, reducing lung capacity, and in severe cases affecting heart function. Fortunately, 4 out of 5 people with scoliosis have curves of less than 20 degrees, which are usually not detectable to the untrained eye. In growing children however, mild curvatures can worsen rapidly by 10 degrees or more in a few months. It is important that parents take action if they suspect their child might have a curvature and should seek further medical attention to be monitored.

There are various forms of treatment for scoliosis depending on the severity of the curve. A doctor or clinician will take x-rays of the spine to make a firm diagnosis of scoliosis and how severe the curve is.

Things then will be taken into account such as where the curve is in the spine, the degree of the curve, and the age and growing stage of the patient.

June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month, a time marked to unite scoliosis patients, families, physicians, clinicians, institutions, and related businesses. This goal was to form a collaborative partnership between all involved to create a positive public awareness, education, and advocacy of the condition. On behalf of June being National Scoliosis Awareness Month, I am offering a complimentary consultation to anyone who suspects they or someone they know might have a scoliosis. Feel free to call my office and schedule an appointment by mentioning this article. My office number is 205-345-5035.

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

BACKROAD ANTHEM

MAY 7 + MAY 21

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>>> M O V I E R E V I E W | M AT T Z O L L E R S E I T Z

PITCH PERFECT 2 // A CONTRACTUAL ✭✭ REVAMP

OU T OF 4

P

itch Perfect broke onto the scene in 2012, providing a grown-up version of “Glee goes to college.” The film provided an excellent balance of comedic gut busters and heart warming come from behind character arcs. All that sets an expectation for the sequel, that ultimately falls short. As with any comedic sequel, box office success comes with the familiar title. But with big time competitors like Avengers: Age of Ultron and Mad Max: Fury Road, the price of admission may be better spent elsewhere.

The early summer follow-up features most if not all of the familiar cast, and catapults three years ahead of their first performance, which for all intensive purposes is in real time. The biggest change comes from the director’s chair with a directorial debut from Elizabeth Banks, who provides a welcomed reprise of her role as a lively color commentator, opposite John Michael Higgins. While Banks’ on-screen performance provides some laughter, she unfortunately couldn’t place much elsewhere. Becca (Anna Kendrick) and Chloe (Brittany Snow) lead their same group through another Musical Competition with dazzling arrangements. The new storyline here comes from 18 year old Emily (Hailee Steinfeld, who impressed the academy in the 2010 western True Grit). As a legacy of the Bella’s (Chloe and Becca’s Group), Emily dedicates her time to the group as they attempt to take down the german powerhouses of A Capella.

The biggest concern with Pitch Perfect 2 is an elongated exposition that never seems to end. The film seems to be modeled after focus group responses from the original, with an endless reintroduction of every minor characters

quirks to an almost irritating extent.

Familiar faces are still being checked off over an hour into the film, and they’re not providing much new in the realm of character development. The acting is nothing near head turning, not to say that it’s much of a drag. As is the case with most comedic reboots, the main leads appear to just be going through the motions.

The film does show bright spots however. Rebel Wilson returns as Fat Amy, taking the place of Jesse (Skylar Astin) as Becca’s sidekick. She involves herself with Bumper (Adam Devine) who is easily the saving grace of the returning cast. Their romance climaxes with a Pat Benatar cover that leaves the audience wanting more. The “riff-off” competition returns as the best stand-alone scene of the film.

David Cross’ (Arrested Development, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) cameo steals the show, as the a capella groups compete with cleverly arranged musical numbers. Other cameos of this scene include John Hodgman (Daily Show with Jon Stewart), Jason Jones (Daily Show with Jon Stewart), and five members of the Green Bay Packers.

Odds are, if you enjoyed the first movie you’ll enjoy the sequel, but you might wind up wishing the first movie had been left as a stand-alone. There are interspersed moments of both comedic genius and musical prowess, but as a whole the film falls flat. In an attempt to entertain groups of all ages, it often interrupts heartwarming music with inappropriate humor that creates an opposite effect. Almost as if all age groups will find something off-putting about the much anticipated follow-up to what one day could be considered a cult classic.

678-720-1583 14

MAY 7 + MAY 21

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>>> M O V I E R E V I E W | M AT T Z O L L E R S E I T Z

TOMORROWLAND // A CINEMATIC THEME ✭✭✭ PARK

OU T OF 4

E

arly in Brad Bird's science fiction adventure "Tomorrowland," there's a flashback to one of the film's heroes visiting the 1964 World's Fair as a child and sampling Walt Disney's "It's a Small World" ride, with its invasively cheerful music and shimmying puppets; suddenly it whisks the park visitor, a boy who came there with a homemade jet pack hoping to win an inventor's contest, into a utopian future full of Art Deco skyscrapers and monorails, and watches him fall and rise through soupy clouds, courtesy of his flame-spitting invention.

Thus does an actual theme park ride become a high-tech cinematic version of a theme park ride. The first ride is gentle, nostalgic and charming. The second is dazzling and intense—a masterpiece of choreography, editing, design, sound effects and music, plus a bit of chillinducing dream logic: at one point, the boy falls while his jet pack plummets a few meters to his left, and to reach it, he kicks his arms and legs like a swimmer chasing a life preserver. "Tomorrowland" has many uncanny dream-logic moments like that one. They make the film worth seeing, even though it's better as an experience than as a story or a message, yet wants to be all three at once.

There's a plot of sorts, something about a teenage girl (Britt Robertson's Casey) seeking out a greying scientist (George Clooney's Frank Walker) who knows how to access the aforementioned future, where brilliant scientists and other special individuals have created a pristine new world in advance of this one's death. The boy in the World's Fair sequence, young Frank Walker (Thomas Robinson), is befriended by a frecklefaced young English girl named Athena (Raffey Cassidy) who has a secret that I won't reveal here, except to say that it helps the others wriggle free of seemingly inescapable jams.

There are fuzzy or stilted warnings, courtesy of co-writers Bird and Damon Lindelof ("Star Trek Into Darkness"), about the plight of extraordinary individuals in an ordinary world, and the price we'll eventually pay for despoiling the environment and demonizing science.

Bird has been criticized for infusing "The Incredibles" and "Ratatouille" with simplistic and sometimes elitist-sounding statements about the privileges that should accrue to gifted people. He'll get raked over the coals again here, thanks to the future's "Atlas Shrugged"-style origin story: the world's great scientific minds decided they'd had enough of ignorance and apathy and made their own world that's part Shangri-La and part Emerald City of Oz, but functionally Noah's Ark.

The plot has a raggedy quality,

often leaning on a squad of "Matrix"like, passing-for-human assassins and composer Michael Giacchino's "Behold the magic!" score to gin up tension. At its worst, it raises basic creative questions that are a far cry from its philosophical and moral concerns: Is the heroine special because she truly has special qualities, or because the "You are the chosen one" thing lets Bird barrel through two hours without having to give Casey any traits besides spunk? Is it a problem, story-wise and message-wise, that Frank's chief antagonist (Hugh Laurie) makes more sense than the heroes who oppose him?

Maybe Bird and company would have been better off heeding Frank's advice to Casey: "Must I explain everything to you?

Can't you just be impressed and move on?"

But if you treat "Tomorrowland" mainly as an immense cinematic theme park that unveils a new "ride" every few minutes—just as Bird's last feature, "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" was mainly a series of action scenes—its weaker aspects won't be deal-breakers. In this sense, if in no other, Bird's latest owes more to "Metropolis," "Blade Runner," "Dark City," the first "Tron" and other works of top-shelf eye-candy than to most of the SF-and-fantasy-tinged franchise entries that modern studios churn out.

Bird conceives the entire picture as a series of clockwork suspense sequences involving laserguns, plasma bombs, hidden doors and gates and passageways and tunnels, vertigo-inducing climbs and falls, serpentine hover-trains, machines and structures that fold and unfold and split, and humans that might not be human. With the aid of a timetravel device that looks like a souvenir button, present-day panoramas vanish, disclosing landscapes in a "Jetsons" vein.

There are jet packs, monorails, robots that clomp and clank, and zero-gravity swimming pools that are just puck-shaped masses of water hanging in midair.

There are moments where people exist simultaneously in two time periods while walking, running, falling or driving, and a scene near the end that's so unabashedly sentimental, yet so emotionally complex and confounding, that I can honestly say I've never seen anything like it.

The film is a personal work of art that seems born of stubborn passion. It's definitely not an assembly-line product, despite the way that some sequences evoke (deliberately, would seem) actual assembly lines. If it's a bit irritating or dull at times, it's because it seems clear that Bird knows why he's showing us these things, and what he hoped to achieve by visualizing them in this manner, but he and his co-writers (including co-scenarist

Jeff Jensen) can't find a graceful way to communicate it.

No matter. The "message" of "Metropolis"—a parable of labor and capital which concludes that society needs the heart to mediate between the head and the hands—was a mess, too.

Today it seems at once reductive and overreaching, basically Marxism Lite. But

if you had to make a list of reasons why that film is still remembered, discussed, and raided for inspiration by films like Bird's, "message" wouldn't be on it.

"Metropolis" is remembered because watching it is as close as many of us will get to being able to have another person's dream.

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

MAY 21 + JUNE 4

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>>> EVENTS CALENDAR | T H E S O U T H E A S T ' S L A R G E S T NOTE: All events listed here have phone numbers in the 205 area code unless otherwise indicated.

THURSDAY, May 21

BREAKFAST & BINGO WHEN: 8 – 10 a.m.

COST: $4 WHERE: 2101 Bowers Park Dr PHONE: 562.3200 LINK: tcpara.org DESCRIPTION: Come and join us at the Belk Activity Center for a fun and delicious breakfast! Afterward, those purchasing breakfast can play bingo for FREE! This event is designed specially for seniors.

TUESDAY, May 28

FRIDAY, May 22

FREE CHESS LESSONS WHEN: 5 – 7 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 12362 Ebenezer Church Rd, Northport PHONE: 330.5040 LINK: ebenezerchurchministries.com DESCRIPTION: In partnership with Freedom Chess Academy, Ebenezer Baptist Church is hosting free weekly chess lessons on Fridays in the church Family Life Center. The sessions are for students ages 6-18. Taught by Rose Marie Stutts and James Gunn, students will learn basic to advanced level chess knowledge and techniques.

SATURDAY, May 23

CRAFT LESSON AT THE MAKER’S MARKET WHEN: 2 - 4 p.m.

COST: $27 WHERE: 401 2nd Ave PHONE: 330.5040 LINK: themakersmarketalabama.com DESCRIPTION: Make a certificate letter in this class at the Maker’s Market. Certificate letters are a great way to display a momentous occasion and they make great gifts. This is a creative and fun project where you’ll learn distressing techniques. Adding photos and embellishments are what make these a decorative addition to any wall or shelf. You’ll need at least two black and white photo copies and or copied photos of any certificate you’d like to use. All of the supplies will be provided and any additional embellishments from home are always encouraged. Registration required.

MONDAY, May 25

WILLIAM AND SARA HALL COLLECTION: CONTEMPORARY PRINTS WHEN: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 620 Greensboro Ave PHONE: 758.2238 LINK: cac.tuscarts.org DESCRIPTION: This inaugural exhibition features a selection of contemporary artist’s prints from the William and Sara Hall Collection. The Hall family placed their collection of over 475 artist’s prints in the care of the University’s Sarah Moody Gallery of Art in 2014, a collection that showcases a master printer’s career with the esteemed Pace Editions, Inc., publisher of contemporary fine arts prints. Over a 25 year career, Mr. Hall has worked at Pace as a master printer team member with many internationally acclaimed artists of our time. A broad range of printmaking processes can be seen among pieces selected for the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center

TUESDAY, May 26

GREG CARTMELL’S BROKEN COLOR WHEN: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 620 Greensboro Ave PHONE: 758.2238 LINK: cac.tuscarts.org DESCRIPTION: A professional artist for over 45 years, Greg Cartmell is nationally recognized as one of the country’s foremost painters. His works are in private and corporate collections throughout the world. The recipient of over 300 awards, he has been published in numerous regional and national journals such asArt & Antiques, Architectural Digest, Art World News, Art Business News, The Artist Magazine, Grey’s Sporting Journal, Mississippi Magazine and Millionaire Magazine. Cartmell is also listed in Who’s Who in American Art.

WEDNESDAY, May 27

CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS: THE SEMINAR WHEN: 1 – 5 p.m.

COST: $295 WHERE: 801 University Blvd PHONE: 348.9700 LINK: uahr.skillport.com DESCRIPTION: Crucial Conversations, based on the Best-selling book, teaches participants a comprehensive strategy for reaching alignment and agreement.

Whenever there are discussions between two or more

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MAY 21 + JUNE 4

people where stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong. These conversations – when handled poorly – can cause teams and organizations to get less-than-desirable results, and strain relationships.

If you can’t talk honestly with nearly anybody about almost anything, you can expect poor results. Add crucial conversation skills to your best practices and everything gets better. This course is offered in four half-day sessions. Participants must attend all four sessions from 1:00-5:00 on May 27, May 28, June 3, and June 4.

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. The other December session will be the 18th, so get your relaxation in before the holiday weeks.

THURSDAY, May 28

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERIES WHEN: 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 801 University Blvd PHONE: 348.9700 LINK: uahr.skillport.com DESCRIPTION: In addition to defining quality service, this module of the Professional Development Series will direct participants through activities designed to help them identify customers, respond to their needs, and enhance their satisfaction. Register online to cover topics like face-to-face service skills, appropriate workplace etiquette and managing time and resources.

FRIDAY, May 29

SAFE ZONE ALLY TRAINING PROGAM WHEN: 1 – 4 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 620 6th St PHONE: 348.5036 LINK: safezone.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: The Safe Zone Ally Training Program is a three-hour training session that will allow participants to: develop a working knowledge of appropriate and respectful LGBTQA+ terminology; recognize the impact that a negative campus climate has on individuals who identify as LGBTQA+; and identify areas of personal growth as a member of the UA community.

Register online to participate and learn in room 123 of Lloyd Hall.

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

POKIE // LOVES AFFECTION STRUTS HIS STUFF!

This famous guy is Pokie, a male orange and white tabby at 8 years, 8 months old.

He is a gentle guy who loves affection, but sometimes doesn't like to be held.

He's used to being around other cats, and he would do better with a more submissive and docile cat. He could also tolerate dogs, but he'd like a little time to adjust before a dog is introduced, since we've never had him around dogs. He is a bit bashful, but he isn’t skittish. He is a little cautious with a new person, but he will warm up to someone as he gets used to them. Pokie is competing for attention and affection in our adoption center and would do wonderfully in a less competitive atmosphere. He'll most definitely open up once he's in his forever home.

Pokie is a very confident guy and can be a little conceited - sometimes he likes to strut his stuff to show other cats who he is! He's really hilarious. Sometimes the unimpressed female cats will knock him down a peg or two with a swift swat of their paw! He does get picked on a little, which could result in his initial shyness. When he gets his very own family, everything will get sweeter.

Perhaps he can impress you with his handsome dark orange coat and absolute cuteness!! Please come in to meet this adorable and quirky dark orange and white tabby at our cat adoption center! Pokie is negative for FIV/ FeLK, current on vaccinations and neutered. If you are interested in giving Pokie the forever home he wants and deserves, visit the Humane Society of West Alabama at http://www.humanesocietyofwa.org or call us at (205)-554-0011.

SATURDAY, May 30

BLUSH & BRUSHES MAKEUP MIXER: COUPLES EDITION WHEN: 6 – 10 p.m.

COST: $15, $25 couples WHERE: 3250 9th Court PHONE: 707.847.6872 LINK: blushandbrushes.instapage.com DESCRIPTION: Blush & Brushes Makeup Mixer: Couples Edition is part social mixer, part business expo and part empowerment summit. It provides a sentimental mood with an innovative platform for established and emerging makeup artists, designers, consultants and business owners to showcase their brand and collections to media, buyers, style makers and influencers. This year’s event features live entertainment from Birmingham’s “Heels & Chucks,” pop-up boutiques, makeovers and an all-male empowerment panel candidly discussing their views on women’s cosmetic trends and attractiveness. Get advance tickets for a lower cost before you arrive at the Tuscaloosa Fraternal Order of Police Lodge for this fun evening.

SUNDAY, May 31

ART BY MAX MITROS AND BRYCE SPEED WHEN: All day COST: Free WHERE: 900 Main Ave, Northport PHONE: 345.3038 LINK: groceryartplace.com DESCRIPTION: Art! And Other Surprises features work from these two established artists in the Grocery Art Space in Northport. May 31 is the last day to see this exhibit, so be sure to stop by before the end of the month.

MONDAY, June 1

DOG OBEDIENCE WHEN: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

COST: $80

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

>>> E V E N T | T H E A T R E T U S C A L O O S A

>>> EVENTS CALENDAR | T H E S O U T H E A S T ' S L A R G E S T WHERE: 3500 McFarland Blvd PHONE: 333.3006 LINK: tcpara.org DESCRIPTION: Need to get that unruly pooch under control? We can help! Dogs must be at least 4 months old and have had all necessary vaccinations. Those with a history of biting or vicious behavior are discouraged from registering for this course. Sign up online!

MONDAY, June 1

YOGA THERAPY WHEN: 4 – 4:45 COST: $9 WHERE: 2200 Rock Quarry Dr PHONE: 758.5195 LINK: tcpara.org DESCRIPTION: This class at the Phelps Activity Center 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. Registration for multiple sessions is available online.

TUESDAY, June 2

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS SPEED NETWORKING WHEN: 7:15 – 9:15 a.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 3100 Yacht Club Way NE PHONE: 821.0009 LINK: yptuscaloosa.com DESCRIPTION: The Young Professionals of Tuscaloosa are hosting a Speed Networking event. Get the chance to make a lot of business connections in a short amount of time as you go from table to table exchanging cards and information with your fellow speed networkers. A light breakfast will be served, and you will have the chance to win some great door prizes.

THURSDAY, June 4

KENTUCK ART NIGHT WHEN: 5 – 8 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 503 Main Ave, Northport PHONE: 758.1257

LINK: kentuck.org DESCRIPTION: As on the first Thursday of every month, Kentuck opens its doors to visitors for a night of art, music, food and fun. Enjoy a live band, food from the cob oven, and the wonderful art of resident Kentuck artists

THURSDAY, June 4

LEARN DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY WHEN: 6 – 9 p.m.

COST: $120 WHERE: 2200 Rock Quarry Dr PHONE: 562.3230 LINK: tcpara.org DESCRIPTION: Want to learn the art of photography with your digital camera? Take this course with a professional and develop an exciting new skill. Instructor: Hank Seigel, Certificate in Digital Photography from Birmingham School of Photography, 4 years experience in teaching photography and conducting workshops.

SATURDAYs, May & June

NORTH AND SOUTH: THE GORGAS FAMILY, THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AND THE DIVISIONS OF THE CIVIL WAR WHEN: All day COST: Free WHERE: 711 Capstone Dr PHONE: 348.6388 LINK: lib.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: The Gorgas House Museum will display a new exhibit on the Gorgas Family and their experiences during the Civil War beginning April 3th, 2015, the day before the 150th anniversary of the burning of The University of Alabama campus by Union forces. The exhibit is entitled “North and South: the Gorgas Family, the University of Alabama, and the divisions of the Civil War” and will feature research by University of Alabama students. It will also showcase original artifacts such as General Josiah Gorgas’ coat and ceremonial sword.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF FUNDRAISER // DOWRY DONATIONS & LIVE AUCTION

I

n conjunction with its upcoming production of Fiddler on the Roof, Theatre Tuscaloosa is holding a special two-part fundraiser starting immediately with online donations to the dowries of lead character Tevye’s three daughters and culminating with a live auction at 5:30 p.m. on June 9 at Epiphany Café.

Fiddler on the Roof deals with the changing morés in a traditional village in czarist Russia. With humor and warmth, Tevye, who is not a rich man, struggles to care for his family and uphold his sacred traditions. When three of his daughters become engaged, however, the challenge of providing a dowry for each one casts a dark shadow over the already beleaguered milkman. Through this fundraiser, audience members have an opportunity to lend a helping hand.

“Producing a show of this size requires an enormous investment, so our fundraising committee has been planning a creative event to benefit Theatre Tuscaloosa.

Inspiration struck as we considered how difficult it would be for a father to provide three daughters’ dowries at once,” said Peggy Collins, President of the Board of Theatre Tuscaloosa.

The online Dowry Donation program is currently live at www.theatretusc.com. Each tax-deductible donation to the dowries will earn one or more entries into a doorprize drawing to be held at the live auction. Donors’ online gifts may cover dowry items including fiddlers/musicians, ox carts, oxen, wedding veils, kitchen utensils, among others.

The live auction, entitled “A Celebration for the Couples,” will be held at Epiphany Café on June 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public, but guests are encouraged to RSVP at theatretusc.com or 205.391.2277. Attendees will enjoy happy hour pricing and may order special appetizers during the auction.

“Auction attendees will have a chance to enjoy the much-loved music of the show, performed by our talented cast members,” said Collins. “Tommy Hester, a community volunteer and experienced auctioneer, will run a lively and entertaining auction.”

Auction items include a weekend in a new boutique hotel in Atlanta along with tickets for two theatrical productions; a commissioned portrait painting, elegant diamond earrings, a vintage vase containing a seasonal arrangement by a noted area designer, and more surprises.

Fiddler on the Roof opens at the Bean-Brown Theatre at Shelton State Community College on Friday, July 10, and runs through Sunday, July 19. For more information about online Dowry Donations, the live auction, or tickets to Fiddler on the Roof, visit www.theatretusc.com or call 205.391.2277.

>>> E V E N T | K E V I N L E D G E W O O D

LORRIE LANE // PAINTS WHAT SHE KNOWS

T

he Arts Council of Tuscaloosa will host an exhibit of new work by local artist Lorrie Lane at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center in June. Titled “Manufactured Optimism,” the exhibit will open with a reception on Friday, June 5, 2015 at 5 p.m. during First Friday and conclude on June 26.

‘Write what you know’ is advice given to writers. Lorrie Lane took that advice and applied it to her painting for her upcoming solo show at the Cultural Arts Center. In deciding to ‘paint what she knows,’ Lane created portraits of the people in her household.

To add another dimension to the paintings, she used a Zodiac theme for each portrait.

Constellations of painted stars run through the portraits of her sons, son-in-law and daughter. Her intent is to combine portraits, archetypes and whimsical invention to convey each person’s personality as well as physical likeness.

Lorrie Lane has been painting for over 20 years. Primarily using oil on canvas, Lane’s paintings are influenced by the Impressionists, although through the years she has developed her own recognizable style. She is known for her paintings of flowers, birds’ nests, sheep, figures and landscapes. Lane’s paintings have been well-represented in galleries throughout the Southeast. She has had solo gallery exhibits in Tuscaloosa and Nashville and has participated in many gallery and charity shows in Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and Alabama.

In Tuscaloosa, Lane’s paintings are represented by Heidi’s Interiors. She has work at Four Seasons Gallery in Homewood, Ala., York and Friends in Nashville, Taylor Kinzel Gallery in Roswell, Ga. and Studio Gallery in Grayton Beach, Fla. For more information about the artist, visit www.lorrielane.com and Lorrie Lane Studio on Facebook.

The Arts Council Gallery hours are 9 a.m. – noon and 1 - 4 p.m. on weekdays and noon – 8 p.m. on First Fridays.

The Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center is located at 620 Greensboro Avenue in Downtown Tuscaloosa. For more information about the CAC, The Arts Council or Bama Theatre, patrons should LIKE the Facebook page “The Arts Council – Bama Theatre – Cultural Arts Center” and follow tuscarts on Twitter. Call 205-758-5195 or visit tuscarts. org for further information.

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

MAY 7 + MAY 21

17

>>> FEATURE | ASHLEY GUTHRIE NICHOLSON

ONE OF TUSCALOOSA’S LAST PORTRAIT STUDIO’S DEMOLISHED

A

decorated World War II veteran returns to the states. Tom Pogue, looking for work in snow-covered South Dakota, began knocking on one door to another. He would often ask the occupants if there was anyone with a child that needed to be photographed. If the answer was “yes,”the neighbors would gather together and have their pictures made. He began his career as a photographer by selling portraits while lugging his equipment in and out of his neighbors’homes. Tom would then go back to his room and develop the black and white photographs by hand.

Tom eventually had seventeen studios nationally, the Tuscaloosa studio being the main location. The Tom Pogue Studio, located on Lurleen Wallace Boulevard in Downtown Tuscaloosa, opened for business in 1954.

Tom Pogue, along with his wife Romona, ran their studio together. Tom Pogue Studio employed seven artists for oil painting and retouching. Eventually, over 200 people were employed and trained at the studio.

Unfortunately, Tom passed away in 2009 at the age of 84. In a recent interview, Romona remembers how their studio operated: “Tom would do all the developing of the film. That was our printers and processors. We printed all [of] our pictures.”She continues, “The difference now…everything used to have to be done by hand. That meant it was done right. Now it’s all machine. You might get a good color, you might not. That’s what you get.”

Thinking about the lack of traditional portrait studios in Tuscaloosa, she says, “Anybody can take a picture. The camera does the work. But with the old film

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MAY 21 + JUNE 4

cameras, your eye was it. You didn’t have help from anything. You got your lighting right. That was photography.”“That style of studio is gone. Chuck Collins is gone.

John Earl closed his studio. All the people who really knew how to do it [photography], they did it themselves. Not just took the picture. But they did it themselves. They had to do the work. Not only are the studios closing, but they are putting all the artists and employees out of work.”

As a former business woman for many years, Romona Pogue has a few words of advice for up and coming business owners in Downtown Tuscaloosa. “New

businesses just selling what they’re selling put it in the cash register at night and go home. But you can do all this community work while you’re in business. That’s how I met so many people. The thing is you’ll get connected to the community if you just get out there and do something! Leave your mark on Tuscaloosa. That’s it.”

Romona Pogue reflects on the family portrait business and reminisces that, “People don’t know what they’re missing.

They don’t know how it was. It’s a lost art.

And it really was an art.”

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

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

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND // JUNE 3

COOTER BROWN // MAY 28

MOJO TRIO // MAY 30

THURSDAY, MAY 21

FRIDAY, MAY 29

Rythum and Brews/Handshake Promise Green Bar/ Baak Quai with Esul Coppertop/Matt and Chase

Rythum and Brews/Farmers Daughter Coppertop/Soul Tide

SATURDAY, MAY 30

FRIDAY, MAY 22

Rythum and Brews/ Mojo Trio Coppertop/Mellowship

Rythum and Brews/ U.S. Green Bar/ Last Act Standing Coppertop/Plato Jones

MONDAY, JUNE 1

Coppertop/Lamont Landers

SATURDAY, MAY 23

TUESDAY, JUNE 2

Rythum and Brews/Missused Coppertop/Erath Old

Coppertop/Plato Jones

MONDAY, MAY 25

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3

Coppertop/Lamont Landers

Tuscaloosa Ampitheatre/ Dave Matthews Band

TUESDAY, MAY 26

THURSDAY, JUNE 4

Coppertop/Plato Jones

Coppertop/Charles Argo

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27

FRIDAY, JUNE 5

Coppertop/Whiskey Dix

Tuscaloosa Ampitheatre/ Old School Summer Fest

THURSDAY, MAY 28

Rythum and Brews/Cooter Brown Coppertop/Hampton Gray

Black Warrior River Fiddle Fest June 12–13, 2015 The Fiddle Fest will be held in conjunction with the Heritage Days celebration in historic downtown Northport, Alabama. There will be Arts/Crafts and many family friendly activities to complement a day of great music.

There will be a grand total of $7500 in prizes for the top 5 places in each of 14 divisions. Visit www.alabamafiddle.com for more information

>>> 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

MAY 7 + MAY 21

19

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

Across 1. Neutral shade 5. Syllables before "di" or "da" in a Beatles song 9. Flowed slowly 14. Mai ____ (cocktails) 15. Penn of film 16. Irritant 17. Not clear 19. Moslem prince 20. "___ say more?"

21. Driver's change of direction 23. Sales goal (abbr.)

25. Tribbiani on "Friends" 30. "Anything goes" 33. Diamond stat 35. Couch potato's aid 36. Turbine blade 37. Patty or Selma, to Bart 39. Puccini classic 42. Taboo act 43. Scratch 45. Horse chow 47. Marx follower?

48. Jail terms 52. Clean a kitchen floor, perhaps 53. Abbr. in a help-wanted ad 54. Authors Alec or Evelyn 57. In the cooler 61. Island off the Sorrento Peninsula 65. Diploma, informally 67. "Everytime ___ You" (Perry Como song) 68. Western lawman Wyatt 69. Suffixes for mountain and musket 70. Bong producers 71. Holy Frenchwomen: Abbr.

72. Small fish Down 1. Vingt-___ (game) 2. Christmas tree hanging 3. Sushi ingredient 4. Familiar with

20

MAY 21 + JUNE 4

5. German direction 6. Belle's admirer 7. Beverage that's good with gâteau 8. Negates 9. Reception amenity 10. Computer reseller (abbr.)

11. The mark of Zorro 12. Festive night 13. ___ Spiegel 18. Conservatives, with 'the' 22. Dixie soldier 24. Reason to sue 26. ___ Hubbard ("Dianetics" author) 27. Stella ___ (Belgian beer) 28. Aquarium dwellers 29. Computer information holder 30. Bedtime for junior, maybe 31. Thai tongue 32. Physicist Freeman 33. Fervent 34. Myanmar, once 38. Canvas covering 40. Rotating part 41. To ____ (precisely) 44. Knuckleheads 46. Poke around 49. "___ rabbi walks into..."

50. Musical works 51. Showed anxiety 55. Mountain pass 56. "Neither ____ nor there" 58. Home furnishings chain 59. Sun. newspaper insert 60. "____ petit placidam sub libertate quietem" (Massachusetts motto) 61. Smoke, in slang 62. Latin lover's verb 63. Writing tool 64. Bylaw, for short 66. Some 45's, briefly SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMANIA CROSSWORD ON PAGE 21

>>> PUZZLEMANIA| S U D O K U

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

WRITERS WANTED

For Information, please email PlanetEditor@ yahoo.com

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

>>> HOROSCOPES | W E E K L Y O V E R V I E W Money matters increase in importance from Monday as Mars stirs up this area of your life. While this influence can coincide with increased income, you might also have to deal with unexpected bills or expenses. Despite this, there are ample opportunities to earn extra cash if you want to. Be especially careful on Thursday, when frustration about money could come to a head. Sunday's New Moon in your sign can ring in some changes, encouraging you to take positive action.

You'll begin to feel more like your old self again when Mars dances into your sign bringing lively ideas and unique opportunities your way. Your curiosity could lead you in interesting directions as you take in information, network, and make new friends. It helps to be discerning or you could find yourself drowning in a sea of facts.

Set your course and stay on it for best results. Regarding money, an antique you own might be worth a lot more than you thought.

Although you may feel pressured at work, a focus on your spiritual sector encourages you to take a short retreat. You might want to make this a regular habit over the weeks ahead, giving you a chance to relax and recharge. Be mindful of your dreams, too, as their inspirational guidance could help you overcome any troublesome issues. Thursday needs careful handling, especially if your energy isn't up to par. Lighten your schedule to make things easier.

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As your social life comes into focus you'll feel a renewed determination to mingle with like-minded people. Mars hikes into Gemini on Monday to usher in a period when it pays to network and move in new circles. Expanding your social horizons can be the best thing for you if you're searching for romance or a better job.

On another note, trying your hand at a childhood hobby could be very rewarding and perhaps develop into a new source of income.

The next few weeks bring opportunities to strike more than a few deals. Whether you're seeking a new job, contract, or promotion, the way you connect with others can be instrumental in your success. Interview experts, gather information, and network with all the right folks and you can't go wrong. Romance is in the air, too, particularly on Saturday, when a delightful transit is perfect for a special date. Meanwhile, Sunday's New Moon encourages travel to faraway places.

All set for a wild adventure? This week's blend of energies can see you indulging a desire to explore and seek new experiences. Life could become more hectic and a lot more fun. However, things could come crashing to a halt on Thursday when an edgy influence causes frustration. If communication slows between you and another, ride it out. Things should be back to normal within a few days. Meanwhile, Sunday's Taurus New Moon can be helpful for reorganizing finances.

Your relationships have a soothing, grounding quality that makes your interactions positive and productive. The pace of life will speed up from Monday, particularly concerning finances and business matters. If you've been thinking of pooling your resources or talents with another, this is an excellent time to research your options.

Thursday could bring delays to money matters, but if you're patient things should return to normal fairly quickly. Sunday's New Moon could enliven a budding romance.

The people in your life will be enlivening and refreshing as Mars sparkles in your relationship sector. The folks you connect with can act as catalysts, encouraging you to try new ideas and opportunities. There may be times when you clash with them, too, but even this can have a productive outcome. Spoken for? You and your sweetheart may have a busy social life and plenty of plans.

Looking for love? Dating should be a lot of fun, so go enjoy yourself!

You'll be motivated to tweak your diet and fitness regimen, and perhaps exercise more, too. In the next few weeks your energy level may peak, with a tendency to be restless. Daily workouts, hikes, and other strenuous exercise can help you stay calm and collected even in stressful circumstances. Allow yourself plenty of room to maneuver on Thursday, when things may not go as planned.

Saturday offers the chance of a memorable romantic liaison.

Perhaps you'll be eager to repeat it!

Your flirtatious side comes to the fore as Mars hikes into your pleasure sector this week. Eager to date? You'll be in your element and ready to grab a golden opportunity for romance. Hitched? It's time to rekindle the flame of passion by enjoying a short break along with a chance to celebrate your love for each other. The New Moon in your home zone on Sunday makes this an excellent time to get started on remodeling or a small DIY job.

Tuscaloosa’s Independent Book Store

PAPERBACK HEAVEN STOCK UP NOW

Gently used — most like new

PARKVIEW SHOPPING CENTER • 205.758.5770 Near OZ Records

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Home is where the heart is when Mars dances into Gemini this week, encouraging you to get up to speed with household tasks and clutter removal. If you're feeling overwhelmed with stuff, you might be motivated to get rid of it, giving you more space for your plans and projects. In romance, Venus shines her tender rays over a special love tryst. Saturday is the best day to connect with your latest love. A soft, enticing mood could tempt you to indulge.

Commerce and communication rule the roost as Mars enters Gemini.

It's a good time to acquire knowledge, whether you're eager to get a qualification to increase your income or you just enjoy studying. Go easy on Thursday, though, as complications could throw a monkey wrench in the works. Though it's tempting to feel frustrated, it's better to focus on the things you can accomplish. Things should be back to normal soon. Sunday's New Moon can be helpful for reorganizing finances.

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

MAY 21 + JUNE 4

21

>>> SUCCESS | J I L L S W I N D L E

VETERANS ORG TO VISIT SSCC S

helton State Community College will host Still Serving Veterans on Tuesday, May 19. Organization representatives will be on the Martin Campus from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in the D-Rooms.

Still Serving Veterans is a not-for-profit (501c3) organization. Through coaching, guidance, and counseling skills, the organization empowers veterans and their families to reintegrate into the workforce and their community with long-term assistance and new development job placement. Still Serving Veterans is a free service available to existing referrals for federal, state, and local services.

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MAY 21 + JUNE 4

All veterans attending the event will have the opportunity to provide job skill information. Information will be entered into the Still Serving Veterans database and will be reviewed by potential employers.

Additionally, the State Department of Veterans Affairs will be on-campus to provide information pertaining to the Alabama GI Dependent Scholarship Program.

For more information, contact Eric Prewitt at eric.prewitt@sheltonstate.edu or 205.391.2383.

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

Photo: UA Athletic Photography

>>> H I G H T I D E | GARY HARRIS / WVUA SPORTS DIRECTOR

TIDE RECRUITS // A GOOD FIT "His football instincts are off the charts.

He has those things that you just can't coach. You can teach basic skills and how to read keys, but his strengths are his instincts for the game."

ELIJAH HOLYFIELD Keeping his options open

A

labama extended an offer recently to highly-regarded running back Elijah Holyfield of Woodward Academy in College Park, GA. The 5-11, 205-pound Holyfield, one of the nation's hottest prospects for 2016, already had offers from Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon and USC, among others.

"Definitely, it was good to get the Alabama offer," Holyfield says. "I talked to Coach Saban for a little bit when they offered me. He said that they really want JOSHUA PERRY

JOSHUA PERRY

JAQUAN YULEE

S

L

'The Animal' is closing on his decision

Tide's new DB commit has 'big-time' potential afety Joshua Perry of Amite, LA is a three-star prospect according to the early ratings. But Amite head coach Zephaniah Powell thinks that Alabama picked up a big-time player when the 6-2, 192-pounder committed to Nick Saban.

"He has all the intangibles," Powell says. "He could be a big-time corner or safety. It just depends on what Coach Saban sees him playing.

"He has fluid hips. He's a strong kid.

I could see him adding 15-25 pounds of muscle. I believe he's going to be a physical player in college. He's going to be big-time."

Perry says his visit to Alabama for A-Day sold him on the Tide.

"When I first got my Alabama offer, I was ready to commit," Perry says. "I had to talk it over with my parents. I talked it over with them and we all felt good about me going to Alabama. We all agreed that Alabama was the place for me."

"When I went up there for A-Day, I felt safe," Perry says. "I felt like I was at home. If I was to get hurt on the first day and couldn't play, I'd still feel like I was at home in Louisiana. So that was one of the main reasons. I also like the coaches and the players. I like the atmosphere around Tuscaloosa. All of those things together formed my opinion and convinced me to commit to Alabama."

As a junior last season, Perry earned All-State honors after making 72 tackles and six interceptions.

"Coach Saban said they just watched some film of me that they got from my (spring) practice," Perry says. "He said that they like the way I move. He said that I would fit good in their defense."

inebacker Jaquan Yulee, nicknamed 'The Animal,' has offers from some of the nation's elite programs, including Alabama, Clemson, Florida, FSU, Michigan, Notre Dame and Michigan State, among others. The 6-1, 247-pound standout from Indian River HS in Chesapeake, VA will announce his decision on June 4.

Yulee has said that Alabama was one of his "dream schools" growing up. Ohio State was the other.

"Every kid likes Alabama," Indian River head coach Glenwood Ferebee says.

"He's a football player, so he wants to play at the highest level. That's what makes Alabama attractive to him."

Yulee has narrowed his list down to Alabama, Florida State, North Carolina, Michigan State and Virginia Tech.

Yulee made a visit to Tuscaloosa earlier this spring. He plans to return to Tuscaloosa late this month before announcing his decision.

"He enjoyed himself on the first visit to Alabama this spring," Ferebee says.

"The facilities are top-notch. I also think the relationships he's developed with the coaches and the players plays a major part (in why likes Alabama)."

Alabama is recruiting Yulee as a Mike linebacker. Last season, Yulee finished with 120 tackles, including 25 for loss, nine sacks and three interceptions.

"He's a very, very explosive player," Feebee says. "To be the size that he is, it's scary the things that he can do. He brings visions of a Ray Lewis or a Patrick Willis. He's a guy that every time he comes, he brings everything he has with him.

JAQUAN YULEE

to get me down there to visit and see the program."

"The first thing about Alabama is just how good they are," Holyfield says. "They have a great program. They have good running backs every year. Those are the two things that come to kind when I think of Alabama.

"I've never been there before, so I'm going to at least go visit and see it for myself. I'll probably try to get over there sometime in June. I'm sure their facilities are the best. I'm really looking forward to meeting with the coaches and getting a feel for them. I want to see how I feel there."

Holyfield denies speculation that Auburn is his leader.

"People are going to assume whatever they want to assume," he says. "That's all just talk."

Holyfield adds that Alabama's offering later than most of the other schools is "no big deal."

"If a school offered me later, and if I feel that they really want me, then the timing of the offer doesn't matter to me," Holyfield says.

"First and foremost, I'm looking at the education and a place where I feel at home.

I want to be comfortable with the coaches and be at a place that would give me my best chance at making it to the next level."

Last season, Holyfield ran for 1,735 yards and 25 touchdowns.

"I feel like I'm the kind of back who can fit into a lot of offenses," he says. "I can run in Alabama's pro-style offense or in a spread offense. I don't feel like there is a particular type of offense that I have to be in."

ELIJAH HOLYFIELD

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

MAY 7 + MAY 21

23

5

$ -OUT CARRY

Michael Brannon, aka Michal B Reddy Meghan Steel CHOOSE YOUR FLAVORED BREAD!

OVEN BAKED SUB

205

345-3737

TUSCALOOSA NORTHPORT

1105 Southview Lane

GARDEN SALAD

Made fresh to order!

Lettuce, tomatoes, onions & cucumbers.

TUSCALOOSA CAMPUS

1211 University Blvd.

in the Big K Shopping Center

Across from Publix

Publix Shopping Center

333-2633

345-6000

LARGE

1844 McFarland Blvd.

205

In Publix Shopping Center

TUSCALOOSA HILLCREST

205

4851 Rice Mine Rd. NE

BAKED SPAGHETTI

OR

Topped with Cheese & One FREE topping: Meatballs, Sausage or Mushrooms.

Lettuce, tomato & peppers upon request.

TUSCALOOSA NORTH RIVER/HOLT

ANY LARGE

366-1500

50375 Tuscaloosa PW 5/7/15

OR

205

ANY LARGE

FREE FLAVORED

PIZZA CRUST

LUNCH SPECIALS 11AM - 4 PM • INCLUDES A PEPSI

$ 99

5

Baked Spaghetti & Howie Bread Any Small Salad & Howie Bread Wing Snack & Spicy Stix Howie Bread w/Cheese Small 1-Topping Pizza • Any Small Sub Plus sales tax. Expires in 30 Days.

LARGE PIZZA

CHEESE OR PEPPERONI

6

$ 79

CARRY-OUT

11

$

Plus sales tax.

MAYPremium 7 + MAY 21 toppings extra. >>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM 24Delivery extra.

Premium toppings extra.

79

ANY SPECIALTY

FAMILY MEAL Large 2 Topping Pizza, 3 Cheezer Bread with Dipping Sauce Plus a 2-Liter

$

95

13

Plus sales tax. Expires in 30 Days.

Delivery extra. Premium toppings extra.