Pw484

// IN THIS ISSUE A HEALTHY RUN RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT SUMMER VIEWING ROCK AND RIFF

CLARENCE “BLUESMAN” DAVIS IS ON A

“

”

When my doctor sees me now he says, ‘Here comes Wonder Woman.’

D C H

C a r d i a c

Pa t i e n t

P E A R L I E

D U N C A N

P E A R L I E ’ S S T O R Y : “ I went to pick up my mother, who has Alzheimer’s, and I blacked out. No advance warning. I was just out. Luckily, I was so close to DCH. I was given CPR and then shocked five times. They said they were ready to give up on me but decided to try one more time. The sixth one worked. I had triple bypass surgery and then a pacemaker was inserted. When my doctor sees me now he says, ‘Here comes Wonder Woman.’ From ER, to surgery and then CSICU (Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit), they were wonderful. My heart stopped beating, but today it’s still ticking! I’m very lucky to be here.”

At DCH, your

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MAY 7 + MAY 21

heart is in the right place.

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STORIES 4 SUMMER SCREEN // CARLA BRAKE

Thanks to the invention of Netflix, Summer marathons do not have to end when a season is finished

HIGH TIDE SPORTS 23 NEW RECRUITS // GARY HARRIS The Tide welcomes new recruits!

7 CRACKER // DAVE GIL DE RUBIO Rock and Country Riffing PUBLISHER

L I N DA W. J OHN S ON

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

W I L L I AM BA R S HOP

COVER DESIGN

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

EVENTS

WILLIAM BARSHOP

ROAD TRIP

T R E Y B R OOK S

RESTAURANT GUIDE DOC FRANKENSTEIN

PRODUCTION

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

IMAGES

Images: Creative Common License unless otherwise credited.

ADVERTISING MA R T Y R OBERSON 205.523.4 668

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 |

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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.

13 RACE ACAROSS AMERICA // DR.RACHEL STEINER Eleven runners on a 4.5-month journey by foot to inspire a healthier generation, running an equivalent of 117 back-to-back marathons

17 PROTECTED WATERS // CHARLES SCRIBNER

The Black Warrior Brewing Company and the Black Warrior Riverkeeper team up for local event

ENTERTAINMENT 10-12

RESTAURANT GUIDE / WINE & BEER

14

BOOKS

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MOVIE REVIEW

16-17

FEATURE 5 SINGING THE BLUES IN ALABAMA // MARGIE GOLDSMITH

The blues may be about loneliness and heartache, sad times and bad times, but they lift the spirit as surely as a Sunday Church service

LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR

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ROAD TRIP

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LOCAL MUSIC

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PUZZLEMANIA / EDITORIAL CARTOON

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HOROSCOPE

COVER PHOTO: ROGER STEPHENSON

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>>> N E T F L I X | C A R A B R A K E

SUMMER SCREEN // KICK THE TELEVISION CRAVING S

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 Townsville from new villains and old ones, including their nemesis Mojo Jojo, the super genius monkey who is always coming up with new ways to try and destroy Townsville and the girls.

If comics are more in your queue, then Marvel has you covered. “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” shows what Agent Phil Coulson is doing when he is not helping the Avengers. He is training new operatives and agents to fight deadly threats and investegate bizarre happenings in cities across the world.

Clark Gregg returns to Marvel as Coulson, and each episode packs new adventures, new allies, and new foes.

Netlfix has enough options for everyone in the family, dabbling in a little bit of everything. These shows and more should be enough to keep your entertainment buds happy until fall.

Monday – $5 Bud Light Pitchers Tuesday – Free Poker Tournament Wednesday – $3 Pint Night @7 p.m.

Thursday – Live Team Trivia and beer specials @8 p.m.

Sunday – Free Poker Tournament @2:30 p.m.

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SINGING THE BLUES IN ALABAMA T

he first musician to write out 12-bar blues sheet music was Florence, Alabama native, W.C. Handy. Known as the Father of the Blues, he wrote Memphis Blues, St. Louis Blues, and Beale Street Blues. The log cabin where Handy was born has been preserved in downtown Florence along with his original sheet music, trumpet, and piano.

Every November 16th Florence honors him with a birthday party at the museum and a weeklong W.C. Handy Music Festival, which will be held this July 17-26th.

Stroll down the main street of Florence – even in the morning — and you will likely hear live music, often where you least expect it. When I was there, a live impromptu band was performing at Billy Reid’s, a high-end clothing shop. I walked in, sat on a bench, and found myself foot tapping, hand clapping and bobbing my head up and down among racks of trendy men’s clothes.

The blues may be about loneliness and heartache, sad times and bad times, but they lift the spirit as surely as a Sunday Church service— and after all, both are about taming the devil.

A local woman tapping her feet and sitting next to me pointed to one of the band members in the store and whispered, “Do you know who that is? David Hood, from the original Swampers Band” If the word swampers sounds familiar, it’s because in Lynyrd Skynynd’s Sweet Home Alabama, the lyrics include: “Muscle Shoals has got The Swampers, and they've been known to pick a song or two.”

The Swampers is the nickname that Leon Russell gave to a Muscle Shoals session band because these musicians, hired by the hour or day, could play anything with anyone.

But it was the distinct Muscle Shoals sound that made musicians flock here, the hillbilly/blues/gospel combination created when black artists added white country to their music and white artists mixed black blues and gospel with their traditional music.

Muscle Shoals

Muscle Shoals is one of the northwestern Alabama Quad Cities, which include Florence, Sheffield and Tuscumbia, all just a short drive from each other. Known as the "Hit Recording Capital of the World” from 1970 until around 1985, just about every major artist recorded here including Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, Eric Clapton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Allman Brothers.

Legend has it that all music comes from Muscle Shoals, which was named by the Native Americans who called it that because it took so much muscle to portage the heavy canoes across the shoals of the Tennessee River. The Cherokees called the river “The Singing River” because the water passing over the rocks made a melodious sound like a woman singing.

There used to be a dozen commercial

recording studios in the area, including FAME (Florence Alabama Music Enterprises). Founded in 1959 by songwriter/ musician Rick Hall (who was largely responsible for making music happen here), FAME was not only the Swamper’s original home, but the studio turned out countless hits including Percy Sledge’s "When a Man Loves a Woman," Aretha Franklin’s "I Never Loved a Man," Wilson Picket’s "Mustang Sally," and the Staple Sisters "I’ll Take You There."

FAME is still a working sound studio and the ideal place to learn about the history of the blues. Book a tour in advance with Terry Pace, a professor the Department of English at the University of North Alabama, who also teaches courses in the history of Muscle Shoals music.

Pace explained that Gregg Allman came to Muscle Shoals hoping to meet with Rick Hall, who kept ignoring him.

For months, Allman camped outside the studios in a tent. They called him Skydog because he was always high and looked like a long-haired shaggy dog. Finally, Hall auditioned him and Allman was hired as a session musician before he created the Allman Brothers Band.

Just then, Rick Hall walked into the room and introduced himself. I asked him about the early days when music was racially divided. “It was no trouble at all.

It was like cornbread and buttermilk. The racial issue didn’t prevent any musician from playing at FAME except Ray Charles, who refused to come because of it."

Hall paused, and then said, “Back in the old days, there was a huge chance of coming to Muscle Shoals and having a hit recording. But now,” Hall’s voice dropped an octave, “no music is being made for people over 40. We need something for middle-aged people to buy. The music business is on its knees.”

The Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia has Ella Fitzgerald’s eyeglasses (very thick due to her diabetes), the hippy jeans that Toni Tennille hand-embroidered after recording Love Will Keep Us Together, and the group, Alabama’s tour bus. There’s also a recording booth where I laid down my own vocal to a track of Sweet Home Alabama.

It’s not just the music that makes Alabama so special – it’s also the people who radiate with true southern hospitality. They’re friendly, always smiling, and always ready to stop and answer your questions or even lead you to your destination. One waitress said to me, “We love visitors, and we treat you so many ways you gotta love one of them.”

Then she asked me, ”What are you fixin’ to eat?” (I was fixin’ to eat lip-smacking ribs and grits at Dreamland Bar-b-que). I always thought “Bless Your Heart,” meant exactly what it says, but, depending on how you say it, can also mean, ‘you dumb ___ ‘(add your own word). What I loved best was hearing the contraction, “Y’all” appended to every question or comment.

“How’re y’all?” “Where y’all going?” “Y’all come back soon.”

Happily, Alabama is highly affordable.

The hotel rooms are reasonable and the gourmet restaurants have down-to-earth prices, such as the Hot & Hot Fish Club with entries including wood oven roasted triggerfish with snap beans, favos, and grilled leeks). Even concert prices are inexpensive.

Meeting The Secret Sisters

One evening, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame was having a fund-raiser and two local musicians, the Secret Sisters, were playing. Though just in their twenties, the sisters have already played with Elton John and Willie Nelson, and T-Bone Burnett produced their first album. I was anxious to see them, but as a New Yorker, I figured fund-raiser seats would be in the hundreds of dollars. Nope – tickets were $30 apiece.

Not only did I meet the Secret Sisters after the show (and now have their signed CD), but when I returned to the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa, I heard more live music. The hotel bar, Swampers, is one of the hottest music bars in town. On stage was a local band that included Jerry Phillips (son of Sam Phillips, who recorded Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins among a ton of others).

Jerry, who can’t be more than five feet tall, was singing, “Six foot, five foot, four foot, three, it don’t make no difference to me.... cuz you’re never too short to rock.”

Now how can you not love a guy who sings a song like that?

The last day of my trip, I headed to Gip’s Place, an authentic juke joint in Bessemer, open only Saturday nights. Juke joints were originally ramshackle huts on the other side of the tracks (to keep the white folks and sheriff away). Here, local musicians gathered and played the blues.

Today, there are only a few of these places left, and Gip’s is one of them, a shack on the property of 89-year-old Henry Gipson, known as Gip. Gipson is a grave digger (even though he owns the

cemetery); he plays guitar and sings the blues. Around for 50 years, all the great blues musicians from Muddy Walters and Sonny Boy Terry to Ike and Tina Turner have played at Gip’s Place. And though it’s no bigger than a two-car garage, the crowds spill onto the lawn and the music is always sizzling blues.

The night I went, blues musician Lenny Madden (who also runs the place) was onstage playing a cigar box guitar, Gip was singing, and drummer Shaun Isbell (who kept one drumstick in his mouth and one under his armpit) tapped his bare hands perfectly on the faux leopard-skin kit keeping the beat.

Lenny took the mike and said, “There’s only two rules here: “No cussing, and men don’t leave your woman behind.” And then Gip said, “The blues ain’t got no color.

Now y‘all have a good time.”

The blues are songs about bad luck and trouble, but the blues are not sad. Willie King, a legendary Alabama musician said, “You gotta participate in the blues, and shake them off you.” And I was shaking them off — drenched in sweat from dancing, hoarse from hollering, hands red from clapping, and happier and more carefree than I’ve been in ages.

And then, just a week after I returned home, the Alabama tornados took place.

I phoned Lenny Madden. Was everyone at Gip’s okay? Everybody was fine, he assured me.

“And Gip’s Place?” I asked. Surely it had to be in pieces.

“Gip’s is fine,” Lenny said. ”Don’t forget it’s already a hole in the ground. It ain’t goin’ nowhere, so y’all come back.”

I will. And if you care about the blues, please head for Alabama soon. Tourism is open for business. Blues are being played everywhere, from Birmingham to Muscle Shoals to Montgomery. So head for the music to clap, tap, and scream your lungs out. Mere weather has never hindered the blues.

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>>> HOME & GARDEN | J O A N N E M I L E S

>>> M U S I C F E S T I V A L | C O L I N W I L L I A M S

HOME AND GARDEN TOURS BLOCK PARTY C

ollege Park, the home of female education in 19th century Tuscaloosa, will be the site of fun, food and live music as well as home and garden tours on Saturday, May 16 from 4pm to 8pm.

The Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society chose College Park as one of its four 2015 Heritage Celebration sites because of the unique history of the area.

“Before the neighborhood was developed it went through a number of transitions. Where our homes now stand, off Queen City Ave. at 6th Street, in the early 1800s, stood the Alabama Female Athenaeum, a girls school begun by the Baptist Church. One of its biggest supporters was Dr. Alva Woods, 1st President of the University of Alabama,” according to Claire Friday, President of the Preservation Society.

Dr. Woods is only one of locally wellknown names that are connected to the history of the site and the Athenaeum is only one of the institutions that existed there through the years from 1836 to 1926. By the time the schools doors closed in 1896 it had become the Methodist Tuscaloosa Female College. The building then served as a boarding house for boys and briefly as a hotel.. Early in the 1920s a group of local men purchased

the land with it’s deteriorating building and created what has become a unique neighborhood, a rural feeling oasis in the midst of a growing urban area.

On Saturday visitors will be able to visit some of the homes and gardens that were developed in College Park during the 1920s, 30s, and 40s.The homes range from English Tudor to Colonial Revival.

One of the houses is built directly over the actual site of the Tuscaloosa Female College.

“We hope lots of people will come out and visit us on the 16th. We are a small neighborhood with a big history. We hope to share it and we will have wonderful food and terrific music! “Friday added.

Tickets for the College Park Home & Garden Tours Block Party are $25 for adults, $10 young people 6years to 18 years, and free for children 5 and under.

For more information or to purchase tickets please call the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society at 758-2238 or 7582906 or visit historictuscloosa.org. Tickets will also be available for purchase at College Park on the day of the event. The next 2015 Heritage Celebration event will be the “Decorators Break Out Showcase” in August.

Coheed and Cambria are among an all-star lineup to appear at the 2015 Wrecking Ball Music Festival in Atlanta.

WRECKING BALL // ALL THINGS ROCK The Tuscaloosa Female College, existed on the property that is now the entrance to the College Park neighborhood. The picture was part of an advertisement in a 1896 edition of the Corolla, the yearbook at The University of Alabama. Part of the ad boasted the “largest enrollment of any female college in the State for the session 1895-1896.”

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elebrating all things rock, punk rock and hardcore, this year’s Wrecking Ball Music Festival is set to once again bringing only the best to the city of Atlanta. Over the course of two days this August, the legendary Masquerde will serve as the stomping grounds for more than 60 bands on four different stages. Pay a visit to Heaven, Hell, Purgatory or the outdoor Masquerade Music Park for your choice of the best, most lively slate of performances the event has to offer.

This year’s line-up will feature such acts as the Desaparacidos from Bright Eyes frontman Conor Oberst, progressive rock favorites Coheed and Cambria and one of the most prolific punk rock bands of the

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1980s, the Descendents. The festivities will kick off on Aug. 7 with a Punk Rock Karaoke Pre-Party with an all-star lineup including Greg Hetson of Bad Religion, Derek O’Brien of Social Distortion and The Adolescents, Eric Melvin of NOFX and Stan Lee and Edward Tater of the Dickies all in attendance to perform the best in punk rock anthems. From there, each act can be seen on one of the four various stages each day on Saturday, Aug. 8 and Sunday, Aug. 9.

For full information on Wrecking Ball 2015, including the full lineup of artists, visit the official website www.wreckingballatl. com. To buy two-day or VIP tickets to the event, visit TicketMaster.com.

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CRACKER // ROCK AND COUNTRY RIFFING

A

ccording to Google Maps, the geographic distance between Berkeley and Bakersfield, California is 276.4 miles.

For David Lowery, it’s also two places influential enough to the sound of his band that Cracker recently released a 2-CD set entitled “Berkeley to Bakersfield.”

The first CD crackles with guitar-driven alt-rock like the jangly “Beautiful” and its mention of pink mohawks and Doc Martin boots and the stomper “Life In the Big City.”

Move on to disc two and out comes the pedal steel and fiddle, whether it’s on the twangy “Almond Grove” and its banjo nuances or the honky-tonk shuffle “King of Bakersfield.”

And while this combination may seem odd, that blend of roots rock and country riffing has been a hallmark dating back to the band’s 1992 self-titled debut, when Lowery’s guitar-playing creative partner Johnny Hickman juiced up songs like the defiant “Can I Take My Gun to Heaven” and anthemic “I See the Light” with riffs that pulsed with the influence of Bakersfield legends Buck Owens and Don Rich.

“The country thing is something that’s been around throughout our whole career,” Lowery explained in a recent interview. “So in 2004 we put out “Countrysides” as a way paying homage to our roots in that way. In 2013, we thought it was time to touch on that again, so I started writing these songs that were largely sort of country-based, which was sort of the idea for the next

Perdida,” which is more about the northern part of the Golden State.

But for Lowery, who is currently teaching a course on the economics of finance in the music business at the University of Georgia and is working on his long-delayed mathematics doctorate, his geographically-driven creative urges were actually stoked by authors Joan Didion and William Vollman.

“I’ve become fascinated with writers like Joan Didion,” Lowery said. “[She] wrote this wonderful book made up of essays on the grimy part of California called “Slouching Towards Bethlehem” about the end of an empire. And then I got fascinated by William Vollman who is a really hard-to-describe author. He’ll write a 1,300-page book that’s really a loose collection of long and elegant essays that spans 400 years that’s about the Imperial Valley of California, which is both in California and Mexico.

“So I wound up being fascinated by this writing style and I started out doing that with the Camper records,” he said. “I looked at it as being our Didion phase. I haven’t taken this geography thing that far, but it’s definitely part of something that I’ve been thinking about for the last four or five years. The songs aren’t really about the geography.

They are just excuses to tell other stories.”

Dichotomy has always been a way of life for Lowery, dating back to his original days in the early ‘80s with Camper Van Beethoven, a band he once described as being like, “a bunch of hippies from the English empire taking acid and making Appalachian folk music mixed with psychedelic rock.” After CBV split in 1990, Lowery formed Cracker and tread more of a rocking, Americana-flavored path just as grunge was blowing pop culture up.

“With this album, it’s the political divide, which becomes a metaphor for the country and for myself,” Lowery said. “I’ve always felt myself the odd man out in the music business. I feel completely disenfranchised from politics, yet I’m completely involved in them with public policy about songwriters and stuff like that. I think California represents that in this really great way. People think about it coast-to-coast as being all about hippies and vegetarians and Hollywood, but at the same time, just drive through the Owens Valley sometime. It’s like being in Wyoming. There are herds of thousands of cattle out there and cowboys. You could be in a completely different time.”

Cracker record. It was going to be a sort of Americana record.”

Around this time, the Texas native had also been working with drummer Michael Urbano, who not only played with Lowery in his other band, Camper Van Beethoven, but also an earlier Cracker lineup. Joined by bassist Davey Faragher, the trio wound up with recording nine songs of original material that were distinctly different from the nine songs Lowery had started out recording for this project. It proved to be an interesting conundrum according to Lowery. “[“Berkeley”] was this sort of three-day, songwriting demo session with me, Davey [Faragher] and Michael that’s not exactly perfect,” he recalled. “There’s a little bit of overlap but that’s basically what it did. When we listened to it back and compared these two batches of songs, they seemed different enough that they were two different albums.

So that’s what we did…It sort of explains who our rock and country roots are.”

While Lowery has been pulling doubleduty spearheading Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven, dating back to the latter’s regrouping in the late ’90s, he’s also developed an interest in using geography of his adopted state of California to drive his most current wave of songwriting.

More recently, it came via the most recent CVB albums, “El Camino Real” from 2014, which draws its inspiration from southern California and 2013’s “La Costa

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NEWS

“

Take a Journey in Science”, a spring lecture series hosted by the Rodgers Library for Science and Engineering, finished up its month long run with “The Evolution of Polymers: From Rubber Duckies to Polymer Based Solar Cells”, hosted by Paul Rupar, an assis

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>>> W I N E R E V I E W

|JON ROGERS

GASCON MALBEC // STANDS ON ITS OWN F

or this tasting, we reviewed the 2013 vintage of Gascon Malbec.

The first thing I noticed about the appearance of this 100% Malbec was its”serious legs.”

There were many, they were thick, and were very slow to fall in the glass.

In terms of the wine’s color, my friend described it as “Ruby/Onyx with a dark center that had little translucency.”

The wine’s deep aroma was immediately noticeable when the cork was pulled. Upon first up-close sniff, we both remarked at the significant whiff of alcohol on the nose.

Gascon Malbec alcohol content 13.8% per the bottle.

As the wine had a chance to breathe, the aroma mellowed quite a bit. We took a good amount of time analyzing the aroma and we concluded with notes of cherry, earth, campfire and blossom.

In retrospect, this wine had one of most complex noses I’ve experienced so far.

I enjoyed it immensely. My friend found it enjoyable only after the wine had a

chance to get some air.

Moving on to the wine’s taste, we had slightly differing opinions, though both ultimately positive.

I felt the taste was warmer or brighter than the aroma suggested. For me the primary flavor was red cherry.

For my friend, he felt the taste initially overwhelmed his tongue. But, with some air, it soon smoothed out to notes of red currant and a hint of cucumber.

Very complex in flavor.

We both agreed with what the bottle label suggested for the tannins. They were soft, round and balanced out the wine’s medium finish nicely.

Overall, we both liked this wine and felt it could easily stand on its own as a sipper.

We also paired it with some soft cheeses. It complimented a sweeter cheese nicely but didn’t pair well with brie.

Gascon Malbec price paid was $12.99.

Recommend! For me it’s one of the best Argentinian Malbecs I’ve tried recently.

I usually enjoy winter, but after the one we’ve had this year, I can’t wait for some warmer temperatures. Then again, I say that now, but probably two weeks into summer, I’ll be asking for highs in the 40s to be back. Either way, we all know that cold weather calls for a cold weather beer. My preferred style is a nice, heavy milk stout. I want something that’s going to warm my body and

>>> RESTAURANTS |

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

BREAKFAST / LUNCH Brown Bag

9425 Jones Road | Northport // 333.0970 Its speciality, fried green tomatoes, joins barbecue plates and fish filets on an extended list of meats and vegetables.

Tues 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Wed-Sat 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

City Cafe 408 Main Ave | Downtown Northport // 758.9171 Established in 1936. Big on food, low on price. Open for breakfast and lunch. Historic downtown Northport. Closed weekends.

CountryPride Restaurant 3501 Buttermilk Rd // 554.0215 www.ta.travelcenters.com Breakfast 24 hours. Lunch and Dinner buffet.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 4800 Doris Pate Dr | Exit 76 // 562.8282 www.crackerbarrel.com International House of Pancakes 724 Skyland Blvd // 366.1130 Jack's 1200 Hackberry Lane | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199 Maggie's Diner 1307 Ty Rogers Jr. Ave | Tuscaloosa // 366.0302 Mr. Bill's Family Restaurant 2715 McFarland Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 333.9312 Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd *402 | Tuscaloosa // 366.8780 Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip | Tuscaloosa // 342.0022 Rama Jama’s 1000 Bryant Dr // 750.0901 Closest restaurant to Bryant-Denny Stadium.

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

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 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

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.

MAY 7 + MAY 21

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.

Margarita's Grill 1241 McFarland Blvd E // 343.0300

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

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Epiphany Cafe 19 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 344.5583 “New American cuisine” with a strong emphasis on local produce, organic meats, and sustainable seafood. The menu is always changing and features include an extensive wine list, a large vibrant bar and martini lounge area, as well as patio seating. Reservations are available online at epiphanyfinedining.com or through open table. Hours: Mon–Sat 5 p.m. - until

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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.

Chicken Salad Chick

>>> 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. )

The Shoppes at Midtown & Essex Square, Northport | Said to be the very best chicken salad that can be found anywhere. www. chickensaladchick.com Chili’s 1030 Skyland Blvd | Near McFarland Mall // 750.8881 Fax: 758.7715 // www.chilis.com Dave’s Dogs 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 722.2800 Five Guys Burgers & Fries 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0575 www.fiveguys.com Glory Bound Gyro Company 2325 University Blvd // 349-0505 Glory Bound Gyro Company is a unique restaurant that focuses on great food and service in a funky, fun-filled atmosphere.

Open Mon-Thu: 11am - 10pm | Fri - Sat: 11am-10pm | Sun: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

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

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

Horny's 508 Red Drew Ave | Tuscaloosa // 345.6869 Mon 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. | Tues-Thurs 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Fri 11 a.m. - 3 a.m. | Sat 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.

New Orleans style atmosphere in the heart of Tuscaloosa on the strip. Horny's offerings include a full liquor bar, beer, and a variety of classic American food. Horny's Bar and Grill offers a limited late night menu from 1:30 a.m. - 2:30 a.m.

Logan's Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd E // 349.3554 Madear’s 1735 Culver Road // 343.7773 Mon–Fri 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. | 2nd & 3rd Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 391.0572 Great burgers & sandwiches. Unique setting, full service bar, veggie entrees, kid friendly, and open late www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com Newk’s Express Cafe 205 University Blvd. East // 758.2455 Fax: 758.2470 // www.newkscafe.com An express casual dining experience in a refreshing and stylish atmosphere. Serving fresh tossed salads, oven baked sandwiches, California style pizzas and homemade cakes from Newk’s open kitchen. Sun–Wed 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

O’Charley’s 3799 McFarland Blvd // 556.5143 Open daily for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch www.ocharleys.com Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 366.8780 www.panerabread.com Piccadilly Cafeteria 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 556.4960 www.piccadilly.com Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip // 342.0022 www.bamaquickgrill.com Ruby Tuesday (2 locations) 6421 Interstate Drive | Cottondale // 633.3939 Just off I-20/59 at exit 77. Near Hampton Inn and Microtel Inn 311 Merchants Walk | Northport // 345.4540 www.rubytuesdays.com Ryan’s 4373 Courtney Dr // 366.1114 Near Marriott Courtyard and Fairfield Inn Sitar Indian Cuisine 500 15th St // 345-1419 Southland Restaurant 5388 Skyland Blvd E // 556.3070 Steaks, chops and home-cooked vegetables Mon–Fri 10:45 a.m. - 9 p.m.

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

Tacogi 500 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 342.3647 Tuscaloosa Burger & Seafood Company 1014 7th Ave. | Tuscaloosa // 764.1976 Over 160 craft beers.

Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Large selection of decadent desserts.

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

SPORTS GRILL Baumhower's Wings of Tuscaloosa

500 Harper Lee Drive | catering-Pick-up Tuscaloosa // 556.5858 | Always fresh and always fun. Owned by former UA/ Miami Dolphins great Bob Baumhower. Kid Friendly Buffalo Phil’s 1149 University Blvd | The Strip // 758.3318 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine selection, full bar Billy's Sports Grill Historic Downtown Northport // 879.2238 Good food, beverages and family friendly Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. till 9 p.m. (Sunday Brunch 10:30am-3pm).

Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd. East | Tuscaloosa // 523.0273

Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine selection, full bar Champs Sports Grille 320 Paul Bryant Drive | inside Four Points Sheraton Hotel // 752.3200 Breakfast and lunch buffets. Sunday brunch 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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

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

BALLAST POINT // SUMMER BEER AT ITS FINEST

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

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 Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar

A

s the warmer weather approaches, it’s time for me to push the Stouts and Porters to the back of my fridge and bring the lighter, hoppier beers to the front of the pack. A lot of people have several different opinions on fruity beers, but to me, if it’s done well, I’ll drink it all day.

Such is the case for most of the beer that Ballast Point is producing. Everything I’ve had has never been over flavored or too artificial tasting and I can appreciate that.

Recently I picked up a six-pack of their Grapefruit Sculpin to see what all the fuss was about. I’ve had the original Sculpin, which is a fantastic beer, but the addition of the grapefruit just sends this one over the top for me. Here are my thoughts: So, I bought this one in a bottle just so I could have more empty bottles for home brewing, but I’m sure that the flavor is much better and probably more intense from the can; either way, it was bottled a little over three weeks ago so we’re in peak drinking time. I poured the bottle into a generic pint glass and saw a nice two finger width head of solid white foam rise to the top of the glass; a small bit of retention on the side of the glass and the foam recedes somewhat quickly. After the foam cleared out, a small film of splotchy head was left on the glass that looked like generic images of the surface of the moon. Before bringing the beer to my nose, I could already smell the beer as it sat on my kitchen counter. Further inspection found a ton of grapefruit notes backed up by some breadlike malt pretty common for Ballast Point and most of their beers.

The aroma was definitely sharp, crisp, and clean. This is a summer beer at its finest.

The nose leads right into the flavor, because you get hit in the face with a ton of grapefruit in the first part of each sip.

Up front you immediately get some hop bitterness attributed by what seems like Simcoe and Amarillo hops, which give

off a bit of a tropical citrus flavor and one that is very prominent in the beer. As you progress through the beer, you can pick up on the sweeter malt backbone that supports a full range of grapefruit flavors from the meat to the zest. As each sip finished, I could feel my mouth start to water and couldn’t help but go back for more. I will say, as the beer warmed, the tropical flavors did dull a little and I was left with mostly hoppy bitterness and some of that malt I mentioned before. This wasn’t a bad thing; it just wasn’t something I was expecting. Last thing about flavor, just drink it cold and don’t sit on it.

The mouthfeel was almost a bigger highlight than the aroma, and that doesn’t happen very often. Moderate carbonation really lets the flavors blossom and really explode in every sip. The finish starts with the bitter grapefruit that you pick up on the back end, and then it leads into that sweet malt, and then gradually fades into a lightly bitter ending that is ever so inviting of another sip. It sat well on my stomach and never made me feel heavy as I reached the bottom of the glass; I could definitely see myself drinking several of these on a hot day outside. This bad boy could be dangerous though as it only clocks in at 7% ABV. Overall, this is just another stellar beer from Ballast Point. I have yet to have a beer from them that doesn’t live up to their level of excellence. Although, I think the key to this beer is freshness. I’ve had a ton of flavored beers that have really off flavors or really no flavor at all and come to find out they’re about a month and a half old. That flavor will fade just like hop characters will dull out if it’s left to sit for too long so drink up. This beer has all the right flavors in all the right places and begs to be enjoyed during a cookout or basically anything done outdoors. My suggestion is to find this, chill it, and drink it.

And repeat of course.

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MAY 7 + MAY 21

11

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

BIG DADDY'S // MEDITERRANEAN GRILL & HOOKAH CAFE O

ver the past ten years, locals have been able to witness the expanding variety of eateries available in downtown Tuscaloosa. From burgers to sushi to the most exquisite fine dining, hungry Tuscaloosa residents have had anything imaginable to fulfill their palates. Nestled in the mix of downtown lies Big Daddy’s Mediterranean Grill & Hookah Café, serving patrons Mediterranean and American cuisine since 2009 and later expanding to a hookah café in 2010.

Boasting itself as “the little place with the big taste,” Big Daddy’s packs a variety of options in its modest location right next to Chuck’s Fish. In close proximity to the courthouse and other government offices, one can expect to see a myriad of business men and women indulge in their Mediterranean cravings during the weekday lunch hour. With business hours extending into the late night of 2:30 a.m.

Thursdays through Saturday, the patron profile includes a large following of college students and area hookah lovers.

To cure my falafel cravings, I decided to enjoy Big Daddy’s on a quiet Tuesday evening with a girlfriend. Reviewing the variety of food on the menu, I started to question my falafel urge and opt for a fried green tomato BLT with chili cheese fries.

After an extended look at the menu, I decided on a mixed plate entrée of falafel and chicken kabob accompanied by hummus, tabouli, and pita bread.

The rainy weather that night voided any opportunity to sit in the outdoor seating area. Wanting to avoid the harsh fluorescent lighting of the midsection of the restaurant and the dark ambiance of the hookah café in the back, we found ourselves sitting at a small two person table at the front of the house. Though I didn’t plan on relaxing with a hookah pipe myself, I was curious to see the myriad of flavors that the hookah lounge had to offer. From the popular “red bull” flavor to more simple tones such as mango and grape, I was impressed with the number

>>> RESTAURANTS |

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

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 Levee Bar and Grill 1 Bridge Ave | Northport // 247.7772 Casual riverfront dining Open Sun–Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Fri–Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

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 Hot Wok Express 6751 Alabama 69, Tuscaloosa // 758.0148 Lee Palace 6521 Highway 69 S // 391.9990 Open daily 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

flavors to choose from. Taking a peek in the back, I witnessed groups of friends and couples having intimate conversation while enjoying their hookah and hummus.

Our food was quickly brought to us, and I was immediately pleased by the warmth and texture of the pita bread with my plate. I found my falafel to have the perfect consistency while having a distinct taste of parsley and garlic. Though my chicken kabob was simple, the juiciness of the chicken was a great complement to the refreshing tabouli salad. I decided to end my meal by having a piece of Big Daddy’s famous baklava which I found to be wonderfully flaky, moist, and delicious.

Overall I found Big Daddy’s to be the perfect place for dinner that night. Though seating can be limited for those not wanting to sit in the hookah section, the quality of food that Big Daddy’s provides warrants a takeout order to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

Big Daddy’s Mediterranean Grill is located at 514 Greensboro Avenue in downtown Tuscaloosa and open daily at 11:00 a.m. Tweet us @ThePlanetWeekly and let us know where you are eating!

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

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 Lenny’s Sub Shop 220 15th St // 752.7450 Fax: 752.7481 // www.lennys.com Little Caesars Pizza 1414 10th Ave // 366.2220 | 1www.littlecaesars.com Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. // 345.4354 Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 758.0112 Subs n' You 2427 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.758.0088 Roly Poly Sandwiches 2300 4th Street | Tuscaloosa // 366.1222 The Pita Pit 1207 University Blvd | The Strip // 345.9606 Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30 a.m. - 3 a.m. | Sun 11:30 a.m. - midnight Pizza 120 50115th St. East | 561.6853 Pizza Palace Buffet 6521 Alabama 69 | 752.5444 Tut’s Place 1306 University Blvd | The Strip // 759.1004

12

MAY 7 + MAY 21

DELICATESSEN

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

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

Jimmy John’s (3 locations) 1400 University Blvd | The Strip // 366.3699 1875 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 752.7714 815 Lurleen B. Wallace S | Tuscaloosa // 722.2268 Delivery 7 days a week. www.jimmyjohns.com Manna Grocery & Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 752.9955 McAlister’s Deli (2 locations) 101 15th St | Tuscaloosa // 758.0039 3021 Tyler Dr | Northport // 330.7940 Sandwiches, salads and spuds www.mcalistersdeli.com Momma Goldberg’s Deli 409 23rd Ave // 345.5501 |www.mommagoldbergs.com Newk's 205 University Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 758.2455 Schlotsky’s Deli 405 15th St. E // 759.1975 schlotskys.com Which Wich University Blvd.// Downtown Tuscaloosa // Mon – Sat 10:30 – 9 // Sunday 11 – 7 // Fun atmosphere,fresh ingredients, great sandwiches. 764.1673

COFFEE SHOP

Barnes & Noble 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa 349.6366

Chloe's Cup 2117 University Blvd.| Tuscaloosa // 764.0218 Crimson Cafe International Coffee House & Gourmet Deli 1301 University Blvd | The Strip // 750.0203 Mon–Fri 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Sat & Sun 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. thecrimsoncafe.com Five Java Coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and treats from Mary's Cakes.

Open Monday - Saturday at 7am; 9am on Sundays Heritage House 700 Towncenter | Northport // 758.0042 Open Mon-Fri 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Krispy Kreme Doughnut 1400 McFarland Blvd // 758.6913 www.krispykreme.com Starbucks (2 locations) 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 343.2468 1901 13th Ave East | inside Super Target // 462.1064 starbucks.com

DESSERTS

Celebrations Bakery, Inc. 1832 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339.3221 Fax: 349.1945 Cold Stone Creamery 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa //343.1670 Specializes in customized ice cream Hours: Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Sun 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Dunkin' Donuts 2520 Stillman Blvd. |Tuscaloosa// 349.3400 McCorvey Dr. | Tuscaloosa // 348.4041 www.dunkindonuts.com Mary's Cakes & Pastries 412 22nd Avenue | behind Opus | Northport // 345.8610 www.maryscakesandpastries.com Mon–Fri 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Sat 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Smoothie King (2 locations) 415 15th Street | Tuscaloosa // 349.1721 Fax: 349.1945 1403 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 462.3664 Sweet CeCe's Frozen yogurt Treats 2217 University Blvd. | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 561.6458 A fun and friendly make your own creation, yogurt experience!

TCBY (3 Locations) 2304 Mcfarland Blbd | Meadowbrook Shopping Center // 349.4661 // 2 Mcfarland Blvd | Northport | Essex Shopping Center // 758.6855 // 1130 Univ. Blvd. | The Strip // 345.0804 Yogurt In Love Patriot Center 7402 Highway 69 South Phone Number: 764.9173 Fax Number: 764.9228 Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-10 pm.

Yogurt Lab 920 Paul W. Bryant Dr Ste 200 | Tuscaloosa // 347.9522 Yogurt Mountain 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 342.1484 Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - midnight

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

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

RACE ACROSS THE USA // INSPIRING A HEALTHIER GENERATION

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eginning January 16th, 2015 an international team of eleven runners began their 4.5-month journey by foot to inspire a healthier generation, running an equivalent of 117 back-to-back marathons. The eleven runners male and female range from age thirty to the oldest being seventy-three. My husband Dr. Joseph Freeman and I had the honor of sponsoring this group of runners involved in an organization called Race Across the USA. This group started their journey in Huntington Beach, California and are currently running a full marathon (26.2 miles) everyday across the USA which will finish in Washington D.C on June 2nd. By the finish line, these runners will have completed an amazing total of 3080 miles. This group was started with the vision and mission of inspiring the youth to become more active and raise money along the way to donate to helping change the statistics that are very alarming and scary. According to the Center for Disease Control, childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years. At the present time, 12.5 million children, ages 6-19 in the United States are obese and many more are overweight.

This current generation is the first generation with a lower life expectancy than their parents.

After the runners completed their marathon from Gordo Alabama to Tuscaloosa, my husband and I met up with the runners at their hotel in Northport they were staying in for the night. These runners were truly amazing and each had a story to tell of their motivation to do this and their experience so far. When they arrived in Tuscaloosa, it was their 74th marathon of the 114 they will soon complete. They were all tired and some very sore, but each had a smile on their face and welcomed us so kindly.

Many had left spouses, significant others, children, and grandchildren to venture out on this journey, however they all stated how supportive all our loved ones were. One of my favorite stories I heard while meeting up was of a guy named Newton who

started the race on his 73rd birthday and is a survivor of chronic lymphatic leukemia.

When he was 25 years old, Newton signed up for one of these nationwide marathons, however later found out he and his wife were expecting their first child so he decided not to run. In his journal last year he wrote how he would unfortunately never fulfill his dream of running across the United States, only to find out about Race Across the USA a month later. Converting from a baseball pitcher to a runner, Newton has run 175 marathons and amazingly has run across Vermont in two days and the length of Vermont in four days.

This group is not only running hoping for donations, but influencing communities and schools along the way. They start running each day at eight in the morning and are done between noon and two in the afternoon depending on the runner. From there they have set up meetings, talks, and seminars at schools, colleges, and other organizations to spread the word of childhood obesity. While in Tuscaloosa, they gave a presentation at The University of Alabama on their mission, statistics about our youth’s health, and the urgency to help make a difference. I did ask the runners about how they liked Alabama and they responded with these three main comments: 1. Alabama is a very humid state to run in right now 2. The University of Alabama is absolutely gorgeous. 3. We heard about Dream Land BBQ before we starting running and have been talking about it for months. The day is finally here to try it and we cannot wait.

After spending the afternoon treating everyone with chiropractic care and just enjoying some fellowship, we left the runners to get some rest before their dinner at Dreamland! This group involved with Race Across the USA is truly amazing, their strength and motivation is beyond anything I have witnessed before. If you wish to learn more about this organization or simply track where they are on their journey, you can visit the website http://raceacrossusa.org.

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BACKROAD ANTHEM MAY 7 + MAY 21

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>>> B O O K S | C O U R T N E Y B L A N C H A R D

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

HOSPICE // BLURS THE BORDERS

"EX MACHINA" // ROBUST & ROBOTIC

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N

hen Lucy is little something happens to her brother. He disappears for months and when he returns he's not the same.

He's not her brother. At least this is what Lucy believes.

But what actually happened?

Comic, melancholy, haunted, and endlessly inventive, Gregory Howard's debut novel, Hospice, follows Lucy later in life as she drifts from job to job caring for dogs, children, and older women--all the while trying to escape the questions of her past only to find herself confronting them again and again. In the odd and lovely but also frightening life of Lucy, everyday neighborhoods become wonderlands where ordinary houses reveal strange inmates living together in monastic seclusion, wayward children resort to blackmail to get what they want, and hospitals seem to appear and disappear to avoid being found.

Replete with the sense that something strange is about to happen at any moment, Hospice blurs the borders between the mundane and miraculous, evoking the intensity of the strange private world of childhood and distressing and absurd search for a place to call home.

PRAISE FOR HOSPICE "In Gregory Howard's beautiful, brilliant first novel, stories spill out of other stories to swim, swirl, dance, (sometimes giggling, sometimes smiling gravely) and collide. One thinks of the Calvino of Invisible Cities, to be sure, but also of Bruce Chatwin and his In Patagonia, in each of which a highly inventive voyager goes wandering through the world and/or through the world's endless tales of itself. Still, deeply felt loss is the engine of the ludic impulse in Hospice, and the many games played, rituals enacted, and songs sung by its characters evoke, with grace and power, our oldest truths, our most challenging conundrums, and the exhilarating ebb and flow of our sleep-wrapped lives."

— Laird Hunt, author of Kind One and Neverhome

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Gregory Howard teaches fiction writing, contemporary literature, and film studies at the University of Maine. His work has appeared in Web Conjunctions, Harp & Altar, and Tarpaulin Sky, among other journals.

He lives in Bangor, Maine.

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MAY 7 + MAY 21

"Howard's enchanting Hospice obeys its own magical inner logic with excellent prose and a sadness that will split open hearts. You have in your hands a story that is inquisitive, gripping, and triumphant."

— Deb Olin Unferth, author of Revolution, Vacation, and Minor Robberies

ightmares won’t trouble you after watching the subtle but suspenseful science fiction fright flick “Ex Machina” about a sentient robot with enough cunning to escape from its crafty creator. This cautionary futuristic fable about artificial intelligence dramatizes the quintessential question pondered by all classic robot movies: can man design a robot that is not only conscious of the world around it but also has awareness of itself?

In his dazzling directorial debut, British novelist-turned-scripter Alex Garland refuses to pander to us with a spectacular “Star Wars” universe as a setting. Instead, he relies rather on the sheer simplicity of a condo lab facility nestled in the middle of a far-flung mountain paradise. This ultra-literate, atmosphere-laden chiller, with just enough full-frontal female nudity to earn an R-rating, occurs in the near future, not a decade down in the road but right around the corner. Although it is a foregone conclusion that the sagacious robot will triumph over her creator and break out of captivity, Garland’s staging of the action building up to the escape is just as hypnotic as his gifted cast with Domhnall Gleeson and Oscar Isaac as the humans and Alicia Vikander and Sonoya Mizuno as the automatons. Sci-fi aficionados should know that Garland has disposed of Isaac Asimov’s three rules of robotics for this dystopian tale.

At 107 minutes, “Ex Machina” amounts to a contemplative, indiestyle, art film rather than an obnoxious Hollywood blockbuster. Mind you, “Ex Machina” boasts a wealth of computer-generated special effects, but nobody brandishes outlandish plasma pistols or ducks into a time machine.

Watching this movie is comparable to being mesmerized by a beady-eyed rattlesnake in an immense glass jar and then wondering what will happen if you place your hand on the glass. Clearly, Garland has seen all the seminal robot movies, such as “Metropolis,” “The Forbidden Planet,” “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Blade Runner,” “Short Circuit,” “I, Robot,” and “Her,” and he is familiar with the formula.

Imagine a no-frills version of Steven Spielberg’s “Artificial Intelligence” (2001) transpiring largely in a laboratory setting with two human characters, one more sinister than the other, and you’ve got the gist of “Ex-Machina.”

Garland’s film unfolds with a brief prologue set in New York City.

Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson of “Unbroken”) is a nerdy, sandy-haired, 24-year old, Internet programmer who works for the global computer search engine company BlueBook.

Comparatively, BlueBook dwarfs

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✭✭✭✭

OU T OF 4

Google. Smith wins a company lottery to spend a week with his eccentric CEO, Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac of “Sucker Punch”), who lives alone in a secluded research facility. Suffering from a hopeless God complex, Nathan seems to be channeling Dr. Frankenstein. Indeed, he named his company after Frankenstein’s notebooks. One look at Nathan and you’ll know he is villainous. We learn during the conversations between Nathan and Caleb that Nathan is a teenage progeny who wrote computer code at age thirteen and now owns the biggest search engine company in the world. Nathan has summoned Caleb to participate in a “Turing” test, named after the real-life Alan Turing, the genius whose life was chronicled recently in the World War II movie “The Imitation Game.” Nathan has designed a truly sophisticated, female-gendered robot that he calls Ava (Alicia Vikander of “Son of a Gun”) and has even endowed her with appropriate genitalia.

Nathan wants Caleb to determine if Ava is self aware or merely simulating self-awareness. Ava looks like no other android in cinematic history. She possesses soft, delicately-sculpted, distaff facial features with slender human hands, while the rest of her body consists of exposed wiring housed in a see-through mesh structure. Bits and pieces of the exposition from this epic make the story really compelling.

Inevitably, the impressionable Caleb falls in love with Ava, while Nathan is monitoring their every move. He has surveillance cameras planted in every room so that he misses nothing. Ava wants so desperately to get away from Nathan’s laboratory that she turns Caleb against his boss. Eventually, Caleb learns that Ava qualifies as just another prototype in Nathan’s chain of robots. Indeed, This seals Nathan’s fate as far as Caleb is concerned, and he decides to help Ava find her freedom.

Before “Ex Machina” fades out, Caleb and Nathan are no longer friends, and Ava has acquired the upper hand, farther up than even her perceptive creator has imagined.

Garland insinuates enough fascinating dialogue into those exchanges to make them more than just loquacious chatter. The performances are robust, with Isaac and Vikander taking top honors respectively as the villainous Nathan and the deceptive Ava. Don’t mistake “Ex Machina” for a run-of-the-mill female robot actioneer.

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

50 SHADES OF GREY // TEASE INSTEAD ✭✭ OF SLEAZE

OU T OF 4

D

espite its unsavory sadomasochistic subject matter, this cinematic adaptation of author E.L. James’ erotic bestseller “Fifty Shades of Grey”qualifies as puritanical. I can say this because I managed to get through ten chapters of the book before I saw the Universal Pictures release. “Nowhere Boy” director Sam Taylor-Johnston and “Saving Mr. Banks” scenarist Kelly Marcel have sanitized James’ novel and turned it into an antiseptic, “Cinderella” style fairy tale about an affluent Prince Charming and a bookworm of an English Lit major.

Not that it matters, director Sam TaylorJohnston is a woman rather than a man.

Johnston and Marcel have forged a film that features simulated sex scenes without steam and cardboard characters without souls. Mind you, “Fifty Shades of Grey” isn’t as abysmal as the amateurish “Addicted.” Johnston stages several sex scenes where actress Dakota Johnson bares only her breasts, while actor Jamie Dornan displays little more than his carefully sculpted abs and buttocks.

Ladies hoping for a glimpse of male genitalia are going to be sorely frustrated because “Fifty Shades” is R-rated rather than NC-17, like both “Shame” (2011) and “The Lover” (1992) where full frontal nudity was conspicuous. Comparatively speaking, little if anything risqué occurs until the concluding scene. You won’t see anything like the candle dripping sex in the Madonna movie “Body of Evidence” (1993); the kitchen sink sex between Michael Douglas and Glenn Close in “Fatal Attraction,” or the infamous “Last Tango in Paris” where Marlon Brando improvised on Maria Schneider with a blob of butter. Subsequent adaptations of James’ two novels may pass up on the prudish approach after Universal studio executives have analyzed audience tolerance. Altogether, this soft-porn entry in the trilogy shouldn’t hoist anybody’s eyebrows.

Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnston of “The Five Year Engagement”) is a shy, virginal, doe-eyed brunette who majors in English Lit at Washington State University and works at a hardware store. She shares an apartment with her best friend, blond-haired Kate Kavanagh (Eloise Mumford of “In the Blood”), who serves as the campus newspaper editor.

As the action unfolds, woebegone, pajama-clad Kate is wrestling with a cold. Kate persuades Anastasia to pinch hit for her on a newspaper assignment.

She sends her out to interview bachelor billionaire Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan of “Marie Antoinette”) who rules a colossal corporate empire. Basically, Christian is the Bruce Wayne of hanky-spanky. An orphan who survived the death of his

crack-addict mom, Christian has amassed a fortune, but he harbors a deep, dark secret. When she enters ‘The House of Grey,’ Anastasia knows little about him. Anxious about her assignment, Anastasia makes a klutz of herself when she enters Grey’s office. No sooner has she crossed the threshold than she stumbles and crumples to her hands and knees. Realizing she hasn’t made the best impression, Anastasia recovers her confidence and begins the interview.

Initially, Christian adopts an icy attitude toward her, but he thaws out once they start talking. Christian finds the way Anastasia chews her lip so irrestible that he cancels his next appointment. Some of Kate’s questions shock Anastasia, particularly when she quizzes the tycoon about his sexual orientation. A life-long bachelor who has never been photographed in public with a woman, Christian explains that he has little use for conventional romances with hearts and flowers. A relieved Anastasia leaves Christian behind in his phallic monolith of a building and cruises home. As it turns out, Anastasia is just as captivated with Christian as the latter is with her. Later, they go on a date, and eventually he deflowers her. He wants Anastasia to join him in a sexual liaison as a ‘submissive’ to his ‘dominant.’ Christian and she negotiate terms of a contract. For example, the open-minded Anastasia has no problems with being tied up and titillated with a peacock feather, but she draws the line at vaginal fisting and genital clamps.

Meantime, Christian does everything he can to corrupt Anastasia, buying her a Mac notebook and replacing her classic Volkswagen Beetle with a shiny red Audi. Ultimately, Christian convinces our heroine to let him show her how bondage can be enjoyable. Nevertheless, Anastasia isn’t as gullible as she seems.

At fade-out, she gains the upper hand in their bizarre relationship.

The casting in “Fifty Shades of Grey” creates half of its problems. Dakota Johnson makes an ideal Anastasia.

She gives a believable performance as a naïve college student who has just graduated and treasures the kind classic 19th century British fiction that Thomas Hardy wrote. The Austin, Texas, born actress seems wholly comfortable with her casual on-screen nudity, and it is interesting to note that “Miami Vice’s” Don Johnson is her dad and Melanie Griffith of “Something Wild” is her mom. Dakota isn’t as goofy as her literary counterpart Anastasia. Sadly, lean, handsome Jamie Dornan doesn’t cut the mustard. He doesn’t behave like a ruthless cutthroat who owns a billion dollar corporation, and his performance is considerably less

spontaneous. Although he wears his apparel well and delivers his dialogue with crisp precision, Dornan looks more like a callow amateur. In all fairness to Dornan, he impersonates a character that doesn’t seem remotely believable, and his lack of personality underlines his lightweight performance. The other big problem is the film seems as impersonal as a bargain basement torture rack. Basically, Johnston and Marcel have designed it as a bondage primer that cautiously advances from one elaborate interlude to another without drumming up any melodrama. Primarily, the filmmakers rely more on winks rather than winces as our heroine navigates

the dire straits of Christian’s sexual calisthenics. Keep in mind, Anastasia doesn’t say no until she knows better.

Gradually, Christian peels back the layers of his paranoia, revealing himself as an onion that initiates our heroine’s tears and fears. When director Sam Johnston shifts the focus from the game of sexual chess between Anastasia and Christian, the film sacrifices suspense. Undeniably, “Fifty Shades of Grey” will keep your eyes wide open, but it dwells more on tease instead of sleaze.

"Your imagination can take you where nothing else can." —Van Roberts

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MAY 7 + MAY 21

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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.

FRIDAY, MAY 8

FRIDAY, MAY 15

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST WHEN: 7pm WHERE: Bama Theatre A TAD MAD 2015 WHERE: Tuscaloosa Academy

SATURDAY, MAY 9

WHEN: 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 1900 Jack Warner Pkwy PHONE: 248.5295 LINK: tuscaloosarivermarket.com DESCRIPTION: The Tuscaloosa River Market is now open every Saturday, year round! Come check out local farmers and artisans who have everything to offer from goat cheese to okra, from clay pottery to homemade candles. Discover baked goods, hand-stitched clothing, pickles, and organic tea all at one location along the Black Warrior River.

SUNDAY, MAY 10 BLEST BY FOUR WHEN: 5pm WHERE: Bama Theatre

JOHN FOGERTY WHEN: 7pm WHERE: Tuscaloosa Amphitheater

MONDAY MAY 11

CHEERS AND CHAT WITH TUSCALOOSA SYMPHONY WHEN: 6pm WHERE: Moody Music Building NAMI SUPPORT GROUP WHERE: Northport Medical Center WHEN: 7pm RUSSIAN SPECTACULAR WHERE: Moody Music Building WHEN: 7pm AUDITIONS: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF WHERE: Bean Brown theatre WHEN: 6pm

THURSDAY, MAY 14

SUNDOWN LECTURE SERIES WHERE: Jemison Van de Graaff Mansion WHEN: Light refreshments at 5:15 with the lecture beginning at 5:45.

DESCRIPTION: Ms. Hallie O'Kelley will present "35 Years of Quilting."

COST: Society Members FREE; NonMembers $5 TUSCALOOSA EYECARE SPRING TRUNK SHOW WHERE: Tuscaloosa EyeCare WHEN: 10:30am

VERSO | RECTO BY ASTRI SNODGRASS WHEN: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

COST: Fre WHERE: 700 Capstone Dr PHONE: 348.1891 LINK: art.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: In fulfillment of The University of Alabama Department of Art and Art History studio graduate program’s terminal degree, Astri Snodgrass presents a body of new work representing her studio research as a painter. The public is invited to the artist reception May 1 from 6 - 8 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 16

TUSCALOOSA RIVER MARKET WHEN: 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 1900 Jack Warner Pkwy PHONE: 248.5295 LINK: tuscaloosarivermarket.com DESCRIPTION: The Tuscaloosa River Market is now open every Saturday, year round! Come check out local farmers and artisans who have everything to offer from goat cheese to okra, from clay pottery to homemade candles. Discover baked goods, hand-stitched clothing, pickles, and organic tea all at one location along the Black Warrior River.

HERITAGE CELEBRATION HOME AND GARDEN TOURS BLOCK PARTY WHEN: 4:00 - 8:00 pm WHERE: College Park Neighborhood.

DESCRIPTION: This is a fun twist on the traditional home and garden tour. Enjoy live music, food, fun, and friends! Former location of the Tuscaloosa Female College.

COST: Tickets: Adults $25; Ages 6 - 18 $10; 5 Years and Under Free. Tickets will be available at the event.

PHONE: 758-2238 EMAIL: preservetuscinfo@att.net MUSEUM MONDAYS WHEN: 3:30 – 5 p.m.

COST: $8 WHERE: 427 6th Ave PHONE: 348.6383 LINK: amnh.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: Come experience the Museum in a whole new way! Stomp around with dinosaurs, unearth rocks and minerals, and discover a host of other natural wonders. For K-2nd grade explorers. Registration is required. Call or email programs@ua.edu to reserve your space today!

The Humane Society of West Alabama is in need of volunteers for both the cat and dog facilities. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteerhswa@gmail.com or go ahead and download a volunteer application from www.humanesocietyofwa.org/formsinfo. html and send to the same email.

MAY 7 + MAY 21

JAGGER // EASYGOING & LOVING LOOK, HE’S SMILING!

And with that name, you know he has some moves! This happy dog is Jagger, a 2-year-old male terrier mix. He has a medium-long scruffy white coat with black markings. Jagger is small, weighing only 10.4 pounds, and this is full-grown. Jagger was pulled from our local animal shelter, where he was picked up by Animal Control. The owners were contacted, but they just decided to surrender him to the shelter. Poor Jagger! He had been down there for a couple of weeks with no luck, so we pulled him out! Jagger is a super sweet dog that loves to be with you. He is pretty calm and easygoing, but he does have some energy, as most Terriers do. He should be fine in an apartment as long as he gets daily walks.

We do know that Jagger will chase cars, so he MUST have a fenced yard or always be on a leash. He cannot be allowed to run free. Jagger seems to do well with other dogs and should be fine with children who are over age 10. He is a little too small for young kids. We have started his crate training. Jagger is up to date on his vet care, neutered, heartworm negative and is microchipped. He is on heartworm and flea/tick prevention.

Jagger is such a cutie! You need to come see just how cute he is in person. You will fall in love! If you are interested in giving Jagger 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.

MONDAY, MAY 18

VOLUNTEER

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

If you ever decide to adopt a dog, check out your local shelter. Buying dogs from pet stores or online increases the demand for the cruel puppy mills that often supply them. If you already have a dog, please remember to get it spayed or neutered. It's the best way you can help prevent dog overpopulation.

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>>> E V E N T | C H A R L E S S C R I B N E R

PROTECTED WATERS // BETTER BEER H elp protect local water resources so that the breweries like Black Warrior Brewing Company can continue to make such excellent beer!

The Black Warrior Brewing Company and supporters of the Black Warrior Riverkeeper are teaming up to do just that. The event, scheduled for May 14th will feature live music from Sonny Skinner.

Black Warrior Brewing Company will generously donate 20% of all proceeds to our efforts promoting clean drinking water, public health, wild life habitat, and recreation.

This partnership is a natural one, and not just because our names are so similar.

Indeed, Black Warrior Riverkeeper not only protects the river itself, but also all the streams and lakes connected to it such as Lake Tuscaloosa, the tap water source for the brewery as well as citizens throughout the greater Tuscaloosa area.

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

MAY 7 + MAY 21

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

BETTE MIDLER // ATLANTA // MAY 14

CADAVER DOGS // BIRMINGHAM // MAY 9

SATURDAY, MAY 9

MONDAY, MAY 11

ATLANTA

ATLANTA

Kenny G, Schermerhorn Symphony Center Chris Stapleton, The Cannery Ballroom Matt & Kim, Marathon Music Works Road To Bonnaroo, Exit/In Minus the Bear, 3rd and Lindsley Grand Ole Opry ft. Hunter Hayes, Kristen Bush, and more, Grand Ole Opry House

BIRMINGHAM

The Dead Milkmen The Bastards of Fate , Saturn Birmingham Gideon Kublai Khan, Silent Planet, and Meadows , Zydeco Rollin' In The Hay 11th Annual Mudbugs & Music Cadaver Dogs A Very Loud Death, The Nick Jess Meuse Jackson Capps and Cheyloe, WorkPlay Theatre The Old Paints. Continental Bakery Downtown

ADS CONTACT

205.523.8007

18

MAY 7 + MAY 21

ATLANTA

The Who, Bridgestone Arena Nightwish, Marathon Music Works Ed Kowalczyk, City Winery Nashville Tame Impala, Ryman Auditorium

The Maine, Real Friends & Knuckle Puck, Heaven Stage at Masquerade Nick Offerman & Megan Mullally, The Tabernacle Ciara Tickets, Center Stage Theatre Nick Offerman & Megan Mullally, The Tabernacle Jenny Lewis Tickets, Georgia Theatre

BIRMINGHAM

NASHVILLE

NASHVILLE

NASHVILLE

Effective

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13TH

Chunk! No Captain Chunk!, Hell Stage at Masquerad Ani Difranco, Variety Playhouse

Anthony Hamilton, Wolf Creek Amphitheater Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, Hell Stage at Masquerade Milky Chance, Center Stage Theatre Zac Brown Band, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre At Encore Park

Mariachi El Bronx Dan Sartain, Saturn Birmingham Slang, The Nick

TUESDAY, MAY 12 ATLANTA

PAT BENETAR // NASHVILLE // MAY 13

Blue October, Exit/In Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Ryman Auditorium OnStage with Bob Marler & Xiao-Fan Zhang, Schermerhorn Symphony Center BIRMINGHAM Chelsea Grin and The Word Alive Like Moths to Flames, Sylar, and Evertheless , Zydeco, Metz FIDLAR and Broken Bats WorkPlay Theatre

Strung Out, Hell Stage at Masquerade Ed Kowalczyk, Variety Playhouse John Fogerty, Bell Auditorium

NASHVILLE

Grand Ole Opry ft. Rascal Flatts, Grand Ole Opry House Georgia On My Mind, Ryman Auditorium ABBA The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA, Schermerhorny Symphony Center

BIRMINGHAM

CHELSEA GRIN // BIRMINGHAM // MAY 13

The Dreamers The Burning Peppermints and Ensul, Saturn Birmingham Jackie Lee, Tin Roof Birmingham

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14

THE WHO // NASHVILLE // MAY 11

ATLANTA

Bette Midler, Philips Arena Toro Y Moi & Keath Mead, Variety Playhouse

NASHVILLE

Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls, 3rd and Lindsley Symphonie Fantastique & Sibelius' Violin Concerto, Schermerhorn Symphony Center

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>>> R OA D T R I P D I R E C T O RY Travel the South's best venues. Visit their website for ticket info and more.

Acoustic Café 2758 County Hwy 9 205.647.3237

Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree St NE 404.881.2100

Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa St 334.481.5100

Von Braun Center 700 Monroe St SW 256.551.2345

Amphitheater at the Wharf 23101 Canal Rd 251.224.1020

The Hangout 251.948.3030 thehangout1.com

The Nick 2514 10th Ave S 205.252.3831

WorkPlay 500 23rd St S 205.380.4082

Bridgestone Arena 501 Broadway 615.770.2000

Marathon Music Works 1402 Clinton St 615.891.1781

Sloss Furnaces 20 32nd St N 205.324.1911

Zydeco 2001 15th Ave S 205.933.1032

Centennial Olympic Park 265 Park Ave W NW 404.223.4412

Minglewood Hall 1555 Madison Ave 901.312.6058

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 2200 Encore Pkwy 404.733.5010

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

GLEN TEMPLETON // CRIMSON BAR // MAY 8

FRIDAY, MAY 8

T-Town for Titus Charity, Green Bar Glenn Templeton, Crimson Bar Velcro Pygmies, Rhythm & Brews

BAAK GWAI // GREEN BAR // MAY 21

COTTONBOX RD // CRIMSON BAR // MAY 15

FRIDAY, MAY 15

Cottonbox Rd, Crimson Bar Desperate Measures, Rhythm & Brews

SATURDAY, MAY 16

SATURDAY, MAY 9

The Jack Kerowax with One Hand Dan, Green Bar Cornbread Red, Crimson Bar

Neon Smoke, Crimson Bar Dart Tournament, Crimson Bar Anthony Orio, Rhythm & Brews

SUNDAY, MAY 17

SUNDAY, MAY 10

John Kilgore and Drew Dye, Crimson Bar Open Mic, Crimson Bar

Cornhole Tournament, Crimson Bar

THURSDAY, MAY 21

TUESDAY, MAY 12

Karaoke/Darty Tournament, Crimson Bar

Baak Gwai, Green Bar Open Mic, Crimson Bar Handshake Promise, Rhythm & Brews

THURSDAY, MAY 14

Snazz, Rhythm & Brews

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.

HAVE YOUR LOCAL MUSIC EVENT LISTED FREE IN PLANET WEEKLY. JUST EMAIL

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

PLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM

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

Capones // 248-0255

Gnemis Top Shelf Tavern // 343-0020

Mellow Mushroom // 758-0112

1831 // 331-4632

Carpe Vino // 366-8444

Gray Lady // 469-9521

Mugshots // 391-0572

Alcove // 469-9110

Catch 22 // 344-9347

Harry's Bar // 331-4151

Rhythm & Brews // 750-2992

Bear Trap // 345-2766

Copper Top // 343-6867

Houndstooth // 752-8444

Rounders // 345-4848

Big Al's // 759-9180

Crimson Bar // 764-0185

Innisfree // 345-1199

The Booth // 764-0557

Downtown Pub // 750-0008

Jackie's Lounge // 758-9179

Buffalo Wild Wings // 523-0273

Gallettes // 758-2010

The Legacy // 345-4848

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

MAY 7 + MAY 21

19

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

Across 1. Kans. neighbor 5. Shooting sound 9. Lowlife 14. Calf meat, in Calais 15. Kovalchuk of the NHL 16. British prince 17. Like some sees 19. Bring a smile to 20. Final inning, usually 21. One of a show biz trio 23. Lamprey ___ 25. Holds on a mat 30. Educative 33. Dismis 35. ____ Q (Hostess snack cake) 36. 1990's treaty acronym 37. Peck's partner 39. Brownish orange 42. Zen paradox 43. Twin Falls's home 45. "Snug as ____ in..."

47. ___ Express (German airline) 48. Author's manager 52. Prepare an invoice 53. "___ don't know about that" 54. Silent star 57. Pay by mail 61. Texas city just north of Dallas 65. Money in pocket 67. Poirot's forte 68. Shade makers 69. Dresden waterway 70. Have an ___ grind 71. Perfectly 72. Some heirs Down 1. Convection ___ 2. French cap 3. Rested 4. English author Jane 5. Personal history (abbr.)

20

MAY 7 + MAY 21

6. European peaks 7. Playground jeer syllable 8. Lead provider 9. City Lights star 10. Battering device 11. Neighbor of Arg. 12. A newlywed's title 13. Short farewell 18. Salad sort 22. Fulfilled 24. Awkward person 26. Immerse 27. Without a horse or car 28. South African province whose capital is Pietermaritzburg 29. Viewpoint 30. Present at birth 31. Rapper born Robert Diggs 32. Signature tune for Sinatra 33. ___ con carne 34. Tax evader's worry 38. Those guys 40. Hoopsters' org.

41. Cabrio's car make 44. Venezuelan river in an Enya title 46. Walt Disney Concert Hall architect 49. Iran neighbor (abbr.)

50. Feel contrition 51. Family tree members 55. Move, in real estate 56. Simon & Garfunkel's "____ Rock" 58. Bad, in Barcelona 59. Bar code on a book 60. Roget's ref. bk.

61. Hef's company stock symbol 62. Smoked salmon 63. Improve, as wine 64. ___-picking 66. Summer clock setting (abbr.)

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

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

>>> HOROSCOPES |

W E E K LY O V E R V I E W Material values may pale beside spiritual ones today, Taurus.

You might consider giving up the rat race and retreating to the wilderness. This would perhaps make a good vacation, but you probably aren't ready to chuck it all just yet. Don't be too hard on yourself if your enjoyment of worldly pleasures returns tomorrow.

Changes like this come gradually, not overnight. Take it at your own pace.

A current or potential romantic partner might seem like the most perfect, wonderful person in the world to you, Gemini. Your romantic nature could get the better of you today. Don't gaze at your partner all dewy eyed! Instead, try to maintain a certain distance to avoid appearing too needy. It was probably your selfsufficiency and inner power that attracted your lover in the first place.

You might not be able to concentrate on your work today, Cancer.

Your head may be in the clouds and your eye for detail could fail you somewhat. Needless to say, this isn't a good day to tackle new, difficult, or complicated tasks. Concentrate on routines that you can do without thinking. That way you will get through the day without making yourself crazy.

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Rosie Recommends TOP SELLERS AT HALF PRICE

The Sun enters your career sector, so it's time to take center stage!

You could be in the spotlight this week. As this is generally where you feel most at home, be sure to take advantage of that fact.

You can make great strides this week by putting your effort into key ambitions and goals. By doing so you'll lay the groundwork for greater security in the future. You're also entering a phase of significant growth if you do what's necessary to make it happen.

Innovative art forms might seem especially appealing today, Virgo.

Stay out of gallery shops unless you're prepared to take home a carload of merchandise. If you're more into music, you might break the bank downloading tunes to your MP3 player. This could be a new phase in your artistic tastes or it could be a longstanding trend.

Whichever it is, have fun!

Do you believe in ghosts? Some strange phone calls, emails, or other communications may come your way today, Libra. One may come from someone who thinks you're someone else. Phone calls may be hang-ups, wrong numbers, or phantom rings. If there's a knock at the door, it may be the house settling and not a ghost, but it can still be rather unnerving. Try not to think about it.

An unexpected sum of money could come your way today, Scorpio.

It probably won't be large, but it will be welcome nonetheless.

Perhaps someone has owed you money for a long time and finally repays it. Or you might sell an item you've wanted to unload for a long time. Whatever it is, you might want to take a friend to dinner.

Go for it and have fun!

Have you been exercising too rigorously lately, Sagittarius? If so, you might feel some little aches and pains. Stay off your feet for most of the day. When you exercise, concentrate on stretching. Spend some time soaking in a hot tub if you can. The old saying, "No pain, no gain" has pretty much been discredited! Yoga or tai chi could serve you as well as aerobics today. Stick with those!

The feeling that someone is coming to visit you might be with you throughout the day, Capricorn. Your intuition is probably right, except for one thing - it's probably more than one person! Some friends may have some good news that they want to share as soon as possible. Straighten up the house and pretend to be surprised when they come to the door. Have a great evening!

Tuscaloosa’s Independent Book Store

PAPERBACK HEAVEN STOCK UP NOW

Gently used — most like new

PARKVIEW SHOPPING CENTER • 205.758.5770 Near OZ Records

Are all of your friends into astrology, divine science, or spiritual matters, Aquarius? It might seem like most of them are today, anyway. You may have many new friends in those fields. You have a lot to learn from all of them, and even more that you can learn together. A giant spurt of personal growth is right around the corner.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

A love partner may host a social event or meeting of some kind, Pisces. It might be interesting to get acquainted with friends of your mate you haven't yet met. Some of them are probably intelligent, interesting people in fascinating professions. One of them could recommend a few books that you will definitely want to read. Have fun. Don't forget to thank your sweetheart!

Are you contemplating a trip, Aries, perhaps to a place you've always dreamed of visiting? If you're in doubt as to whether or not you can do it, work out your budget and you might be surprised. Invite a friend or romantic partner to accompany you. Such a trip could boost your personal growth like nothing you've ever tried before. Think about it!

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

MAY 7 + MAY 21

21

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

COLLEGE STUDENTS HONORED

From left, Sam Hart, Walker Davis, and Andrea Mayfield, Ph.D., President of Shelton State Community College, at the Shelton State Martin Campus.

T

ogether with Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, two-year college presidents and state community college associations sponsor All-State Academic Team recognition programs. As one of 32 participating states, each two-year college in the state of Alabama may nominate two students to the All-Alabama Academic Team. Nominated students compete for positions on the All-USA Academic Team.

Nominations are based on outstanding academic performance and service to the college and community.

Walker Davis and Sam Hart were recently selected as Shelton State Community College’s All-Alabama Academic Team representatives. Both students earned a 4.0 grade point average, served as Phi Theta Kappa officers, and were members of Shelton State’s Student Leadership Council.

Each student was acknowledged during the All-Alabama Academic Team Recognition Ceremony and received a $1,000 stipend.

Also during the Recognition Ceremony, Walker Davis was named by Dr. Mark Heinrich, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, as a Coca-Cola Silver Scholar and was awarded an additional stipend of $1,200.

Mr. Davis and Mr. Hart are also recipients of $1,500 NASA Space Grants. These

22

MAY 7 + MAY 21

“It is exciting to watch opportunities unfold for students like Walker and Sam. They share an obvious commitment to excellence and we take great pride in their accomplishments.” ­— Andrea Mayfield, Shelton State President grants enable Shelton State Community College students to work with students from the University of Alabama on research projects. Mr. Hart is a second-year recipient of a NASA Space Grant and will travel with the research team to NASA’s mining competition at the Kennedy Space Center in May. “It is exciting to watch opportunities unfold for students like Walker and Sam,” said Shelton State President, Andrea Mayfield.

“They share an obvious commitment to excellence and we take great pride in their accomplishments.”

Both students will transfer to the University of Alabama in the fall to pursue degrees in engineering.

>>> 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

NEW RECRUITS // READY TO GET STARTED and faster than I was. I think I can move better."

The next step for Cotton is to finish up high school. He plans to report to campus for summer workouts around May 24.

Cotton says he's looking forward to finally joining his fellow freshmen.

"I feel like we're a real close bunch of guys," Cotton says. "I've talked to everybody. It's not like I'm just talking to a few guys. We all stay in touch with each other. I think everybody is real excited."

Cotton's priority will continue to be what it was during spring practice - to learn as much as he can.

"I'll be a little nervous at first, like you always are anytime you're starting something new," Cotton says. "But once I get settled, I'll be fine. I just want to learn as much as I can to try to put myself in position to play as soon as I can. I want to go in and compete."

LESTER COTTON

LESTER COTTON Training for right guard

R

arely a day passed this spring that highly-regarded offensive line signee Lester Cotton of Tuscaloosa-Central wasn't spotted around the Alabama football facility watching the Tide go through drills.

"I thought it was important for me to be over there so I could to learn as much as I could," Cotton says.

"I worked out on my own every day and then I spent as much time as possible over there watching and learning the system. I think that will help me to be prepared when I get there. I'm already kind of familiar with some things I needed to know."

Given that Alabama lost three starters up front from last year, rebuilding the offensive line was a focal point this spring. Left tackle Cam Robinson and center Ryan Kelly are entrenched as returning starters. Redshirt freshman

Ross Pierschbacher had an excellent spring and appears ready to nail down the left guard spot. Powerful run blocker Dominick Jackson seems to have a grip at right tackle.

The spot Nick Saban expressed some question about in his spring comments was right guard, where sophomore Bradley Bozeman leads the pack.

It was originally thought that Cotton would provide backup to Jackson at right tackle. But now it appears that Cotton will get a crack at right guard.

"I'm training for right guard and then I'm going to eventually work out to right tackle," Cotton says. "I've been learning about right guard and doing a lot of footwork drills for right guard. I feel like I'm picking it up real fast. I'm trying to get more comfortable with it."

The 6-4 Cotton is also getting more comfortable with his weight.

"I've lost about 28 pounds," he says. "I was 348. Now I'm around 320. I'm pretty close to being where I need to be. I feel really good. I feel like I've gotten quicker ANFERNEE JENNINGS

ANFERNEE JENNINGS Expects to start out at Jack

T

here's been a lot of speculation about which position incoming freshman Anfernee Jennings of Dadeville will play.

The 6-3, 268-pound Jennings could play linebacker, defensive end or even tight end.

Tight ends coach Bobby Williams is already in his ear.

"He always tells me he's going to get me with him at tight end," Jennings says. "I just smile."

Jennings was an excellent prep tight end.

He has all the tools. He's big, strong and physical, and he likes to block and he has good hands.

While that's the kind of tight end Alabama needs, Jennings will start out on defense.

"They really want me as a Jack linebacker," Jennings says. "The guys they have at Jack now are a little smaller than I am. They say they like that I'm a bigger guy who they could plug in there. They need a heavier guy there."

Jennings was the state's 4A Lineman of the Year last season when he made 156 tackles and 12 sacks. He had over 30 sacks in his high school career.

Dadeville assistant Matt Harrison, a former Tide offensive lineman, thinks that Jennings is potentially a dominant pass rusher who could eventually develop into another John Copeland or Michael Myers.

"I think he could be a tremendous pass rusher on the inside or on the outside," Harrison says. "He's going to have the size to hold up inside and he's fast enough to be on the outside. He's a 4.6 guy right now at close to 270 pounds.

"He's a lot like Michael Myers with his hands. Michael had great hands and had the ability to get blockers off of him.

Anfernee has great hands like that. I think he's going to be 280-290 pounds. With his speed, he could be hard to handle inside and outside."

Jennings finishes up high school on May 13. He'll be in Tuscaloosa to begin summer workouts eleven days later on the 24th.

"I'm excited to get in the weightroom under Coach (Scott) Cochran and see how I develop," Jennings says. "I'm also looking forward to getting in depth into the playbook and learning my assignments.

"I've been working on a lot of drills and doing a lot of work to get ready. They're telling me that if I can come in and get the playbook down that I could get some reps this year."

Jennings says he already feels like he's part of the team.

"I talk to guys like Reggie Ragland, Ronnie Harrison and Da'Shawn Hand, all the time," Jennings says. "I talk to a lot of the current players and the the guys in my class. I think we're all really close. I feel really good about everyone."

Dr. Rachel Steiner Chiropractor / Wellness Specialist You're Invited

Come to our Community Health Talk and Complimentary Dinner for you and up to 3 guests.

Please call and reserve seats for the next gathering with Dr. Steiner at a local restaurant here in Tuscaloosa.

Call for reservations – 205-345-5035 Located on Highway 69 South in the Hillcrest Plaza >>> 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.

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Delivery extra. Premium toppings extra.