PLANET WEEKLY 490 by The Planet Weekly

// IN THIS ISSUE SCARE TACTICS SECRET SUCCESS BLUES AND BEATS STARR PLAYER

JULY 30 + AUGUST 12

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STORIES 6 OLD TERROR // CARA BRAKE

MTV is taking a chance on horror with “Scream”, the new television show modeled after the movies in the 90’s, but with a more modern twist.

SPORTS 22 BART STARR // STEPHEN M. SMITH

7 RAPPING THE BLUES // JUDAH MARTIN PUBLISHER

L I N DA W. J OHN S ON

MANAGING 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 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.

Documenting Southern experiences through Hip-Hop

13 WEIGHING THE PROS & CONS // DR. RACHEL STEINER

Smoothies vs. Juicing, which is better for you?

18 MY MORNING JACKET // ALAN SCULLEY

Jim James, songwriter and singer of My Morning Jacket, discusses making the band’s new album, “The Waterfall.”

ENTERTAINMENT

FEATURE 5 SECRET STAGES FESTIVAL

6 BOOKS 10-12 RESTAURANT GUIDE / WINE & BEER

THE BANDS YOU NEED TO SEE

15 MOVIE REVIEW 18 MUSIC 19 ROAD TRIP 20 PUZZLEMANIA / EDITORIAL CARTOON 21 HOROSCOPE 22 IN THE NEWS

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SECRET STAGES FESTIVAL // BANDS YOU NEED TO SEE N

eed a new favorite band? Secret Stages bills itself as a “Music Discovery Festival,” and it features talent from all over the talent and right at home in Alabama, and any stage could offer exactly what’s missing from your record collection. Secret Stages is a two-day walking music festival held throughout downtown Birmingham, Ala. on Friday, July 31 and Saturday, Aug 1. The event is now coming on its fifth year of bringing underappreciated bands and music lovers of all types together in one place for one weekend. Below we list four acts the Planet Weekly highly recommends at Secret Stages, from experimental indie, to punk rock, to old school country. If the loaded lineup of great bands seems daunting, start by making a plan to check out one of these dynamite shows.

Buke and Gase

The “buke” in Buke and Gase is a baritone electric ukulele tricked out with six strings. The “gase” is a hybrid between a guitar and a bass. In this experimental duo, Arone Dyer and Aron Sanchez play by their own rules, with instruments of their own creation. They piece together music from homemade pedals or a “toeburrine” giving their music an element of uniqueness that droves of indie rock groups fail to achieve. The ultra-DIY premise isn’t all Buke and Gase has to offer, though. The two Brooklyners are sharp songwriters with an affinity for twisting melodies around like rubber bands, and Dyer can match the best punk rock frontwomen with her steady but strong voice. Even the first listen to a Buke and Gase record reveals influences from chamber pop to New York

rap, and it’s a pleasure to dive in and pick apart the dense, shifting arrangements. A Buke and Gase show is quite literally unlike any other at Secret Stages, so the group fits perfectly as a crown jewel of the festival. Pre-festival prep: Check out “Houdini Crush” and “Cyclopean” from their second LP, General Dome, and “Revel in Contempt” from their debut, Riposte. If you devour their short discography, check out their two EPs, which are just as packed with great musical ideas. The band’s guest spot on NPR’s Radiolab is still stream-able online, and their TinyDesk Concert is a great way to get a peak of those one-of-a-kind instruments via Youtube.

White Reaper

Who says lo-fi garage punk can’t make you tap your toes? When White Reaper comes up with a bit of catchy melodic gold, you don’t have to be punk fan to sing along. White Reaper stands out as one of the hottest bands currently based in Louisville, and it is one of only four Kentucky bands featured this year at Secret Stages. After a long stretch

opening for the hardcore group Young Widows, White Reaper caught the ears of their own fans in 2014 with a punchy self-titled release, packed with equal parts guitar fuzz and memorable hooks. The vocal melodies cut through the noise as clearly as any dance-pop hook, but they don’t undermine the punk atmosphere that makes the music exhilarating. The follow up, cleverly titled White Reaper Does it Again, was released just last week on July 17, and it improves on the formula over a full 12 songs. The songs mostly cover the topics of growing up and having your heartbroken (the band members are all early 20-somethings who grew up together in Louisville), and the youthful energy they put into those songs is perfect for rocking out on the hottest days of summer. Pre-festival prep: “Cool” and “Conspirator” from 2014’s White Reaper show off what the band does best. “Pills” from their new album just might be one of the best rock songs of this year, and it’s definitely tailor made for windows-down driving through Alabama. Put this on your mixtape for the drive from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham.

Bonnie Montgomery

Not every country singer would do to well singing opera, and not every opera singer could handle an understated country song, but Bonnie Montgomery is a master of both. The Arkansas native channels songs of Southern life through a set of powerful pipes, always giving just enough throttle to capture interest without overselling the quiet drama of her lyrics. In between penning two album’s worth of country, she wrote an opera with Britt

Barber called Billy Blythe. The widely recognized production focused on a young Bill Clinton growing up in Hot Springs, Ark., and cross-sectioned a day in the life of an Arkansasian in 1959. Montgomery has a storytelling ability and industrious nature that recalls Patsy Cline, and a deep, expressive voice that is completely her own. She doesn’t put her opera chops into high gear in her own songs, but the might and metal is all there in her restrained performances. Pre-festival prep: The Joy EP contains two lovingly crafted country songs, and her first single “Tobacco Farmer” is as light and biting as a Kacey Musgraves tune. You can also see video diaries and rehearsals from Billy Blythe on the Youtube channel, BillyBlytheBarOpera, and Montgomery’s voice is sure to blow you away.

Through the Sparks

A Birmingham festival wouldn’t be complete without the best Birmingham bands present. Through the Sparks have been making the Iron City proud since their debut EP in 2005, steadily revealing new psychedelic jams for a full decade now. The live recording feel of their discography’s bulk shows just why Birmingham has been calling for more all these years: these guys can play. Bringing the psych formula to everything from folk to beach rock to more progressive compositions, Through the Sparks consistently makes expert use of their instruments. Pre-festival prep: Jump around from Alamalibu’s “Brion Monchus” to Lazarus Beach’s “L.Roi” to Invisible Kids’ “Rome.” Every release has its high points, and Through the Sparks is sure to show off the many facets of their talent at Secret Stages.

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JULY 30 + AUGUST 12

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OLD TERROR // NEW AGE

HUNT THE DEVIL A Demonology of US War Culture

orror movies get made into new movies all the time, with classics like Dracula and Carrie getting remakes for cinema and television movies. Revisiting older movies and adapting them into newer models for today’s youth is a common cinema practice, but something that isn’t done very often, if at all, is adapting the movies into a television series. MTV is taking a chance on horror with “Scream”, the new television show modeled after the movies in the 90’s, but with a more modern twist. When a group of high school popular kids upload a risque Youtube video involving another student, they trigger a reign of terror when a former serial killer’s copy cat comes back toor is it the killer himself? Unlike the original movies, which featured movie stars such as Neve Campbell and Courtney CoxArquette, the show features mostly unknown young actors, each only having a handful of credits. The main characters, Emma and Audrey, are played by Willa Fitzgerald and Bex TaylorKlaus. Supporting actors are John Karna, Connor Weil and Carlson Young. What sets this apart from other remakes is the directors’ use of modern technology and modern themes to come across that

the show is set in this age. For example, in the first murder, the victim tries to call for help, but instead of dialing a number or running to get help, she tries to ask Siri for help on her iPhone, and all of her lights are controlled by a remote, so the killer can flicker the lights. Instead of rumors being spread, a Youtube video goes viral, which sets off the killings. The integration of modern themes in the show are used to show that even now, where technology is starting to become more human than humans, it can’t always save you. The show itself is very evenly paced, and with each murder comes another part of the story untold until now. The humor is also biting, with one of the characters, Noah, seeming to break the fourth wall and poke fun at the show, saying that slasher movies and shows never last long because after the first ten minutes, everyone is already dead. This paired with surprisingly creative killings makes this remake of an already popular movie series a good one, something worth tuning in to. The show airs every Tuesday night at 10/9 central on on MTV. The show is ten episodes into its first season, bu all episodes are available to stream on http:// www.mtv.com/shows/scream .

unt the Devil is a timely and illuminating exploration of demonic imagery in US war culture. In it, authors Robert L. Ivie and Oscar Giner examine the origins of the Devil figure in the national psyche and review numerous examples from US history of the demonization of America’s perceived opponents. Their analysis demonstrates that American military deployments are often part of a cycle of mythical projection wherein the Devil repeatedly appears anew and must be exorcised through redemptive acts of war, even at the cost of curtailing democratic values. Meticulously researched, documented, and argued, Hunt the Devil opens with contemporary images of the US’s global war on terror in the aftermath of 9/11. In five chapters devoted to the demonization of evildoers, witches, Indians, dictators, and Reds by American writers, in presidential rhetoric, and in popular culture, Ivie and Giner show how the use of demonization in the war on terror is only the most recent manifestation of a process that has recurred throughout American history. In a sixth chapter, the authors introduce the archetype of the Trickster. Though not opposed to the Devil per se, the Trickster’s democratic impulses have often provided a corrective antidote to the corrosive and distorting effects of demonization. Invoking the framework of Carl Jung’s shadow aspect, Hunt the Devil offers the Trickster as a figure who can break the cycle of demonization and war. The role of the mythic Devil in the American psyche has profound implications, not just for American diplomacy and the use of American arms in the world, but for the possibility of domestic peace within an increasingly diverse society. Hunt the Devil provides much of interest to readers and scholars in the fields of war, rhetorical studies, American Studies, US political culture, Jungian psychology, and mythography. AUTHORS Robert L. Ivie is a professor emeritus of American studies and communication and culture at Indiana University. He is the author of Democracy and America’s War on Terror. Oscar Giner is a professor of theatre and film at Arizona State University. He is at work on a book-length

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cultural history of the Scarface films and their relations to American identity, gangsterism, and hip-hop culture. REVIEWS “The Devil theme in American political discourse is a hugely important topic. Far too little has been written about it by responsible scholars, so Hunt the Devil is a welcome addition to an all-too-small literature. The book is current and takes full account of the post-9/11 world. It also focuses on the link between internal and external evil, a very important theme in US history that has received far too scant attention. Finally, it enlivens rigorous, welldocumented scholarship with politically engaged prose. Most books in this area do one or the other, while Ivie and Giner blend the two with great skill. I know of no other book that does all these things. An impressive achievement.” —Ira Chernus, author of American Nonviolence: The History of an Idea and Monsters to Destroy: The Neoconservative War on Terror and Sin “Ivie and Giner’s Hunt the Devil provides an excellent and original analysis of the role of demonology in American history and politics, and a comprehensive and well-grounded analysis of specific figures and sites of demonology, encompassing Evildoers, Witches, Indians, Dictators, Reds, and Tricksters, all interpreted as impediments to democracy, which the authors champion.” —Douglas Kellner, author of Cinema Wars: Hollywood Film and Politics in the Bush-Cheney Era and Media Spectacle and the Crisis of Democracy: Terrorism, War, and Election Battles

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RAPPING THE BLUES// DOCUMENTING SOUTHERN EXPERIENCES THROUGH HIP-HOP D

araius Guthridge has never been one to distract himself with dreams of fancy cars and lots of money. Sure, it would be nice to make it big someday, maybe land a big record deal and make some real money, but that’s not what it’s about for him. Guthridge just wants to be heard. He wants to be heard so badly that he works two jobs to support his music. When he strides across the stage in Green Bar or at Egan’s in Tuscaloosa with a microphone held firmly in his fist, he raps about the stuff that is real to him. He likes to tell stories. So he raps about the stress of working two jobs. He raps about his relationships. He raps about capitalism. He raps about rapping. Originally from Selma, Alabama, Guthridge came to Tuscaloosa to study media production at the University of Alabama. Now 27, he has cultivated a modest local following, although he said he is still new to Tuscaloosa’s hip-hop scene. He knows that some people do not take him seriously when he tells them that he is a rapper. There is an almost universal cynicism that transfixes the average person when they meet someone who claims to be a musician, particularly someone who claims to be a rapper. In the more than 40 years since hip-hop emerged from the inner city projects of New York, the genre has become increasingly flooded with hopeful young folks who dream of achieving the rags-to-riches success stories of their favorite hip-hop stars. Perhaps cynicism is an understandable response for anyone who has been pulled aside by enough young men in gas station parking lots, delivering eager sales pitches for the stack of mixtapes they had recorded. Who is going to pull out their wallet for a naive amateur with nothing better to do than play pretend, right? But Guthridge’s music does not sound like something amateur. His work is like a documentary of his experiences. Usually when he hands someone a copy of his newest CD, called “#Unreal” and stamped with his rap moniker D Gut, their response after listening is something like the one Fabian Simpson had. Simpson, 24, met Guthridge when they both took a job driving 348-RIDE vans for the University. Like most people, Simpson immediately asked for a sample of his work. Simpson, who said he grew up in a family that is musically inclined, thinks of himself as educated on good music. He must have liked what he heard when he listened to the copy of “#Unreal” that Guthridge gave to him after their first conversation because he is now planning to design the artwork for his next CD.

“The first thing that grabs my attention when I listen to music is the beat,” Simpson said. “If the beat doesn’t grab my attention then the lyrics won’t match. The same way I get dressed in the morning is the same way I listen to music. The shoes and shirt have to match. If the beat and lyrics don’t match then it doesn’t touch my soul.” Guthridge said he thinks of what he does as a craft. To him, hip-hop is an artform, and he is a dedicated connoisseur. Once upon a time, though, he thought that he wanted to be an engineer. He changed his mind when he was about 13 years old. Growing up, he spent a lot of time listening to his parents’ old soul and funk records. He had a brother who was eight years older than him and always listening to west coast rappers like Tupac Shakur and Too Short, back in the day before artists like them had been solidified as hip-hop legends. So Guthridge listened along with his brother and he liked what he heard. After that, you could not pay him to take off his headphones. Listening to a new song was like opening the first page of a new book. He soon found himself relating the lyrics he heard to the experiences of his own life. He dreamed of someday being able to pop in a CD and hear his own voice booming from the speakers. But much of today’s rap does not sound like it did when Guthridge grew up listening to Tupac with his brother. Nowadays it seems mainstream rappers are racing to blend the latest electronic dance music and club trends, digitally bending and stretching hip-hop beats until they become almost unrecognizable. Guthridge has not jumped on the EDM bandwagon, though, and that is perhaps what makes his music so easily recognizable as southern hip-hop. The heavy drum beats and electric guitar melodies that ornament his songs are consistent with the unique blues and rock and roll sounds of the deep south. Guthridge demonstrates a keen ability to match lyrical content with beats that reinforce the emotions conveyed in the stories he tells. “I make music based on what’s in my head or on my heart,” Guthridge said. “Different music evokes different emotions. I can appreciate a catchy hook. I’m more of a thinking type person so a good story or some meaningful lyrics always catches me.” Guthridge seldom works with other artists, mostly because it’s so difficult to meet any rappers in Tuscaloosa, let alone one who takes his craft as seriously as Guthridge does. In 2008, though, he met

a fellow rapper named Heron Rodriguez. The two met through a mutual friend after Rodriguez heard that Guthridge produced music. After listening to each other’s music they decided to work together on a project and quickly became friends. “Most people aren’t in it for the love it,” Rodriguez said. “They want to do it because everybody else is doing it and it’s cool. [Guthridge] takes his craft very seriously. He takes life very seriously.” Originally from Talladega, Alabama, Rodriguez is currently in the process of moving to Los Angeles, California, where he has visited several times since 2012. Each time he returns to Alabama he makes a point to get back in the studio with Guthridge. Even though he said he still has not met another artist he enjoys working with quite as much, the opportunities available to musicians in California are too great to pass up. In Alabama he struggled as a rapper, but within months of being in Los Angeles he was cast as an extra in the film Straight Outta Compton set to be released in August. “It’s not hard to be a rapper in Alabama,

it’s hard to succeed as a rapper in Alabama,” Rodriguez said. “We have to either move around and travel or you have to just be here in Alabama and be really dedicated. Go and perform. Be a good performer. GUT, he’s a great performer.” For now, Guthridge plans to keep doing what he’s been doing. After recently participating in a small hip-hop festival in Tuscaloosa he has ambitions of further uniting the local hip-hop community. More broadly, he wants to help the genre get the respect he thinks it deserves. “I think hip-hop is bigger than [jazz and blues] were in their heyday,” Guthridge said. “You can’t really go anywhere without seeing hip-hop influence. I mean, they’re rapping on Comcast commercials. So I don’t think it’s held to as a high of a regard [as jazz and blues] because of the content and subject matter that’s being pushed. You have to show more balance, there’s good sides and bad sides [of hip-hop.] I don’t think the genre will be respected until everybody can know exactly how detailed and how broad it is.”

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Margarita Monday $4 Margaritas All Day

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NEWS

“

First-Ever Small Business Diversity Summit Planned

Our Minority Business Council will host a Small Business Diversity Summit on Aug.13 featuring Professional Football Hall of Famer and entrepreneur John Stallworth as the lunch keynote speaker. Check-in & Continental Breakfast will be 8 - 8:30a.m., and the program is from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30p.m. Get a registration form at www.tuscaloosachamber.com (see Quicklinks area at the bottom of the homepage). Call Carolyn Tubbs at (205) 391-0556 for details. There will be an Expo at this event, and booth rentals are available.

2015 Alabama and Federal Tax Update Seminar Offered Are you paying too much in taxes? Register for this seminar to be held on Aug. 12 at 8:30a.m. at JamisonMoneyFarmer, PC (2200 Jack Warner Parkway). Contact Stacey Gann at (205) 391-0559 for more info and to reserve your seat.

Teams Needed for Bama Brew & Que

Got the best BBQ around? Here’s your chance to prove it! Register for the 3rd Annual Bama Brew & Que in Tuscaloosa, a KCBS Sanctioned Event being held Sept. 25-26. This event is sponsored by Young Professionals of Tuscaloosa, or YP(t). For more information, visit www.yptuscaloosa.com/bama-bbq.

Northport Citizen Award Nominations Sought

The Chamber is now accepting nominations for the 2015 Northport Citizen of the Year Awards. For 40 years, the Northport Citizen of the Year Awards program has celebrated outstanding leadership in the city. Visit www.tuscaloosachamber.com for a nomination form and more info.

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>>> RESTAURANTS |

HONIG // INTENSE

BREAKFAST / LUNCH Brown Bag

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

9425 Jones Road | Northport // 333.0970 Its speciality, fried green tomatoes, joins barbecue plates and fish filets on an extended list of meats and vegetables. Tues 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Wed-Sat 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. City Cafe 408 Main Ave | Downtown Northport // 758.9171 Established in 1936. Big on food, low on price. Open for breakfast and lunch. Historic downtown Northport. Closed weekends. CountryPride Restaurant 3501 Buttermilk Rd // 554.0215 www.ta.travelcenters.com Breakfast 24 hours. Lunch and Dinner buffet. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 4800 Doris Pate Dr | Exit 76 // 562.8282 www.crackerbarrel.com International House of Pancakes 724 Skyland Blvd // 366.1130 Jack's 1200 Hackberry Lane | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199 Maggie's Diner 1307 Ty Rogers Jr. Ave | Tuscaloosa // 366.0302 Mr. Bill's Family Restaurant 2715 McFarland Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 333.9312 Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd *402 | Tuscaloosa // 366.8780 Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip | Tuscaloosa // 342.0022 Rama Jama’s 1000 Bryant Dr // 750.0901 Closest restaurant to Bryant-Denny Stadium.

his review of Honig Cabernet Sauvignon features roof rakes, great neighbors and a special serving suggestion for this wine. As you’ll see in the review below, this wine caught me by surprise. THE STORY OF HOW THIS BOTTLE MADE ITS WAY TO ME Here in New England, the winter of 2014 – 2015 was especially difficult with all the snow we had. We got so much snow that we had to use extra long roof rakes to rake the heavy snow off our roofs. I mentioned in my previous review of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir that I have neighbors with great taste in wine. Over this past winter they let me borrow their roof rake and get the snow off my roof. The next day, I strapped on my snowshoes and walked on top of the four feet of snow we had over to their house. They had a hard to reach section of their roof with a lot of snow on it. Since I had my snowshoes on and their roof rake in hand, I cleared the hard to reach section of their roof. So recently, while spending a little time together, they presented me with the bottle of Honig Cabernet you see in the picture above as a thank you for helping them out. Read on for my review and check out Honig Wine for more about their vineyard and winery. HONIG CABERNET SAUVIGNON REVIEW For this review I tasted the Honig Cabernet 2012 from Napa Valley. APPEARANCE In appearance, this wine is deep ruby in color. It’s medium dark in translucency and very little light gets through this wine. It’s very leggy with several small to medium size legs that fell slowly down the sides of the glass, hinting at a heavy wine. AROMA The wine’s aroma had medium loft and

JULY 17 + JULY 30

a good bit of intensity to it. I noticed fully developed notes of earth, clove, tobacco and dark red fruits. There were also occasional mocha hints that would waft over from the glass. Most noticeable was the good sting of alcohol on the nose. Honig Cabernet Sauvignon alcohol content 14.5% by volume, putting it fairly high on the scale. TASTE Upon first sip, I noticed blackcurrant, earth and perhaps a hint of non-sweet raisin. However, after the wine had just a short chance to breathe, most of the black fruits disappeared from the flavor. That surprised me. From there, the tannins took over and carried the medium length finish. I noticed that they were coarse and really felt them behind my lower lip. To be sure, I refreshed the wine in my glass with a splash of “new” wine from the bottle. Sure enough, the black fruits came right back. Having now tasted over 100 wines for Honest Wine Reviews, I love it when a wine finds a way to surprise me. Especially when I’m surprised by a favorite varietal like Cabernet Sauvignon. Has that ever happened to you? OVERALL OPINION I definitely enjoyed this wine. Putting all the pieces together, I think this wine’s strength is in its complex aroma and taste. While the finish is good, there is just a bit of extra bitterness in there. Cellaring for a few years might not be a bad idea. Given the complex aroma and flavor surprise, I might suggest serving this wine in small portions in a large glass. Consider doing this to funnel the aroma up to your nose and catch the fresh black fruit flavors before they dissipate with air. Honig Cabernet price about $40.00. P.S. I finally got my own roof rake!

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

MEXICAN

Chipotle Mexican Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0140 www.chipotle.com Don Rafa's 2313 4th Street | Temerson Square // 345.9191 El Mariachi 3520 McFarland Blvd E |Tuscaloosa // 409-8585 El Rincon (2 locations) 1225 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 366.0855 1726 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.1274 Fernando's Mexican Grill 824 McFarland Blvd E | Northport // 205.331.4587 Iguana Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 752.5895 Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill 2001 New Watermelon Rd | Northport // 342.3378 LaGran Fiesta 9770 Hwy 69 S // 345.8871 Los Calientes Mexican Grill 3429 McFarland Blvd E // 553.1558 Los Tarascos (2 locations) 1759 Skyland Blvd // 553.8896 3380 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.0919

Epiphany Cafe 19 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 344.5583 “New American cuisine” with a strong emphasis on local produce, organic meats, and sustainable seafood. The menu is always changing and features include an extensive wine list, a large vibrant bar and martini lounge area, as well as patio seating. Reservations are available online at epiphanyfinedining.com or through open table. Hours: Mon–Sat 5 p.m. - until Evangeline’s 1653 McFarland Blvd. North // 752.0830 Located in the Tuscaloosa Galleria. 2004 West Alabama Tourism Award Winning Restaurant. American Eclectic Cuisine. Lunch: Mon–Fri 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: Tues–Sat 5 p.m. until... Fall: Saturday Brunch. FIVE Bar 2324 6th Street. // 205.345.6089 A restaurant/bar based on simplicity. We offer 5 entrees, 5 red wines, 5 white wines, 5 import beers, 5 domestic, and 5 signature cocktails, to go along with our full liquor bar. Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 5-10; Friday and Saturday 5-12 Lunch: Friday and Saturday 11-3; Sunday Jazz Brunch: 10-3 five-bar.com; 205.345.6089 Kozy’s 3510 Loop Road E | near VA Medical Center // 556.4112 Great locally-sourced foods and live piono music on the weekends. |killionrestaurants.com/kozys/ Twin 3700 6th St, Tuscaloosa in Tuscaloosa Country Club | 758-7528 | http://twinpowersactivate.com Certified USDA Prime Steaks; specialty Sushi and cocktails. Hours: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; 5 – 10 p.m. The Side by Side Restaurant 2410 University Blvd. | Embassy Suites | 561-2500 thesidebysiderestaurant.com

JAPANESE

Benkei Japanese Steak House 1223 McFarland Blvd // 759-5300 Hours: Mon–Thurs 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Fri–Sat 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Bento Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar 1306 University Blvd // 758.7426 Hokkaido Japanese Restaurant 607 15th Street Open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Ichiban Japanese Grill & Sushi 502 15th Street // 752.8844 Tokyo Japanese Steak & Sushi Bar 6521 Hwy 69 S | Hillcrest Center // 366.1177 Offers steak, seafood, tempura, teriyaki and sushi. Including cooking at your table, if you choose. Sun–Thurs 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fri & Sat 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Kobe Steak House 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 759-1400 Lunch: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sat & Sun 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.

ITALIAN

Avenue Pub 405 23rd Avenue

Broadway Pizzeria 2880 Rice Mine Road Northeast Tuscaloosa, // 391.6969 DePalma’s Italian Cafe 2300 University Blvd, Downtown // 759.1879 Menu ranges from sanwiches to finer pasta dishes and pizza. Varied beer and wine selection. Hours: Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. www.depalmascafe.com Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.345.4343

Margarita's Grill 1241 McFarland Blvd E // 343.0300

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

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

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

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

FINE DINING

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

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

CASUAL DINING

Avenue Pub 405 23rd Avenue // Tuscaloosa Brunch, lunch, and dinner. Specialty cocktails, local pints, bottled beer, and wine. Mon - Fri. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sat. Noon – 11 p.m., Sun.Noon p.m. – 9 p.m. Big Daddy’s Cafe 514 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 759.9925 The Blue Plate Restaurant (Was Northport Diner) 450 McFarland Blvd, Northport // 462-3626 Brumfield's Restaurant 4851 Rice Mine Road | Tue. - Thu.: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri - Sat.: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., and Sunday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Buddy’s Ribs & Steaks 2701 Bridge Ave | Northport // 339.4885 Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd // 523.0273 Mon–Wed 11 a.m. - midnight | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

>>> RESTAURANTS |

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

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

Billy's Sports Grill Historic Downtown Northport // 879.2238 Good food, beverages and family friendly Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. till 9 p.m. (Sunday Brunch 10:30am-3pm). Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd. East | Tuscaloosa // 523.0273 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine selection, full bar

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

Champs Sports Grille 320 Paul Bryant Drive | inside Four Points Sheraton Hotel // 752.3200 Breakfast and lunch buffets. Sunday brunch 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Glory Bound Gyro Company 2325 University Blvd // 349-0505 Glory Bound Gyro Company is a unique restaurant that focuses on great food and service in a funky, fun-filled atmosphere. Open Mon-Thu: 11am - 10pm | Fri - Sat: 11am-10pm | Sun: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

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

Heritage House 700 Towncenter | Northport // 758.0042 Open Mon-Fri 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Hooligan’s 1915 University Blvd // 759.2424 From hamburgers to hummus. Open daily 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Horny's 508 Red Drew Ave | Tuscaloosa // 345.6869 Mon 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. | Tues-Thurs 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Fri 11 a.m. - 3 a.m. | Sat 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. New Orleans style atmosphere in the heart of Tuscaloosa on the strip. Horny's offerings include a full liquor bar, beer, and a variety of classic American food. Horny's Bar and Grill offers a limited late night menu from 1:30 a.m. - 2:30 a.m. Logan's Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd E // 349.3554 Madear’s 1735 Culver Road // 343.7773 Mon–Fri 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. | 2nd & 3rd Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 391.0572 Great burgers & sandwiches. Unique setting, full service bar, veggie entrees, kid friendly, and open late www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com Newk’s Express Cafe 205 University Blvd. East // 758.2455 Fax: 758.2470 // www.newkscafe.com An express casual dining experience in a refreshing and stylish atmosphere. Serving fresh tossed salads, oven baked sandwiches, California style pizzas and homemade cakes from Newk’s open kitchen. Sun–Wed 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. O’Charley’s 3799 McFarland Blvd // 556.5143 Open daily for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch www.ocharleys.com Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 366.8780 www.panerabread.com Piccadilly Cafeteria 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 556.4960 www.piccadilly.com Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip // 342.0022 www.bamaquickgrill.com Ruby Tuesday (2 locations) 6421 Interstate Drive | Cottondale // 633.3939 Just off I-20/59 at exit 77. Near Hampton Inn and Microtel Inn 311 Merchants Walk | Northport // 345.4540 www.rubytuesdays.com Ryan’s 4373 Courtney Dr // 366.1114 Near Marriott Courtyard and Fairfield Inn Sitar Indian Cuisine 500 15th St // 345-1419 Southern Ale House 1530 McFarland Blvd N Monday-Thursday 11a-9p, Friday-Saturday 11a-10p Sunday Brunch 11a-2p A warm and inviting restaurant just north of the river with both classic and contemporary interpretations of Southern Cuisine. We boast a large variety of local craft beers on tap and other options in bottle for our beer loving constituents. Wine and Signature cocktails Southland Restaurant 5388 Skyland Blvd E // 556.3070 Steaks, chops and home-cooked vegetables Mon–Fri 10:45 a.m. - 9 p.m. T-Town Café 500 14th Street, Tuscaloosa | 759-5559 |www.ttowncafe.co Mon - Fri: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sat: 5 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sun: 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tacogi 500 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 342.3647 Tuscaloosa Burger & Seafood Company 1014 7th Ave. | Tuscaloosa // 764.1976 Over 160 craft beers. Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Large selection of decadent desserts. Zoe’s Kitchen 312 Merchants Walk // 344.4450 A wonderful selection of Greek foods

SPORTS GRILL Baumhower's Wings of Tuscaloosa

500 Harper Lee Drive | catering-Pick-up Tuscaloosa // 556.5858 | Always fresh and always fun. Owned by former UA/ Miami Dolphins great Bob Baumhower. Kid Friendly Buffalo Phil’s 1149 University Blvd | The Strip // 758.3318 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine selection, full bar

Innisfree Irish Pub 1925 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199 Moe's BBQ 101 15th Street | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 752.3616 Mon-Sat 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Bar open until 2 a.m., 3 a.m. on Fridays Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave // 391.0572 Great burgers. Full service bar. Open late. www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com Tuscaloosa Burger & Seafood Company 1014 7th Ave. | Tuscaloosa // 764.1976 Over 160 craft beers. Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Large selection of decadent desserts Wilhagan’s 2209 4th St | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 366.0913 Wings U 1800 McFarland Blvd East Suite 218 | Pick-up Tuscaloosa // 561.3984 Features the first coal-fired pizza oven in Alabama. Owned by former UA/Miami Dolphins great Bob Baumhower. Completely open concept! www.wingsu.com WingZone 1241 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 342.2473

BARBEQUE

Archibald & Woodrow's BBQ 4215 Greensboro Ave | Tuscaloosa // 331.4858 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sun lunch Bama BBQ & Grill 3380 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.9816 Dickey's BBQ (3 locations) 9770 Alabama 69; Midtown; and 13544 Hwy 43 North at Rose Blvd. in Northport. Texas Barbecue. | 344.6500 1800 McFarland Blvd, Midtown Village, Tuscaloosa. | 758-1133 13544 Hwy 43 North, Winn Dixie Shopping Center, Northport. | 330-1147 Dreamland (2 locations) 5535 15th Ave | Tuscaloosa // 758.8135 101 Bridge Ave | Northport // 343.6677 The legend. On game day, get there early if you want to make kickoff. Seating is limited. Hours: Mon–Sat 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Sun 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Hick’s BBQ 4400 Fayette Hwy // 339.3678 // Tues–Sat 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Moe's Original BBQ 2101 University Blvd.. // 752.3616 Mon–Sat 11am - 10pm | Bar service Mon-Sat 2am and Fri -3am | Kitchen closes at 10pm Pottery Grill (2 locations) Highway 11 | Cottondale // 554.1815 3420 Alabama 69 | Northport // 333.5848 Menu: thepotterygrill.com Awesome barbecue. The Pottery Grill serves up everything from pork, chicken, ribs and sausage to burgers, hot dogs and salads. Take-out and catering available. Tee’s Ribs and Thangs 1702 10th Avenue // 366.9974 |11 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily

STEAKS

Logan’s Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd | next to Sams // 349.3554 Steaks, ribs and spirits Longhorn Steakhouse 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 345-8244 #412 New Orleans Steak and Seafood House 824 McFarland Boulevard |11:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. daily. 248-7666 Nick's In the Sticks 4018 Culver Rd | Tuscaloosa // 758.9316 A long-time Tuscaloosa tradition. Good steaks at a reasonable price Try a Nicodemus if you have a designated driver. Outback Steakhouse 5001 Oscar Baxter Dr // 759.9000 Twin Restaurant 3700 6th Street |Tuscaloosa | 758-7528 A full service restaurant specializing in Sushi, Prime Steaks, made fresh daily pasta, and whiskey oriented cocktails. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. // Former Tuscaloosa Country Club

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

RESTORATION PALE ALE // KIND OF A MISS I

feel like there are those breweries that everyone associates with being “just okay.” I’m guilty and so are you, there’s no denying it. I think people automatically throw Abita into that category, and sometimes it may be warranted, but I think there are times when people just need to step out of the realm of what they think they know and try something new. In my personal opinion, Abita doesn’t really do hoppy beers very well. Wrought Iron was decent but not knocking anyone’s socks off, Jockamo is pretty bad honestly and I don’t know why people continue to buy it, but there’s one beer that I think shines above the others, albeit a dimmer shine, and that’s their Restoration Pale Ale. It’s nothing fancy, just a nice, hoppy American pale ale. Here are my thoughts: First of all, I think the label on the Restoration is much better than any of the others. I’m a sucker for a nice skyline and New Orleans has a nice one, which is represented in the middle of the label. Another cool thing about this beer is that a portion of the profits goes towards hurricane relief. I’m pretty sure this is one of the only times that drinking a lot of beer has helped build houses rather than destroying them living room at a time. Anyways, the label looks cool; the beer is made for a good cause; but let’s move on. I poured this into a regular pint glass and one of the first things that I noticed is an enormously fluffy off-white head that grew to about two finger widths thick nestled on top of a deep orange body. This is the color you should always look for in an APA; a little lighter than an IPA, but not as pale as a wheat. The smell is where this beer highlights unfortunately, but man oh man; you get a ton of citrus hop notes upfront with some great aroma from the yeast that gives it a nice bread-like flare. The aroma is the shining moment for the beer because you get a bouquet of beautiful citrus hops, creamy and breadlike biscuit malts, but then you taste it and everything slightly deflates. `Upon first taste you are immediately hit with a ton of malt flavor and your first thought is

“where did the hops go?” OH, they’re on the back of your tongue, barely. Seriously, front to back you get a ton of that bready malt flavor with a tinge of citrus and floral hops that settle to the back of your tongue without even making an appearance for the first half of each sip. I was expecting to enjoy one of the better APA style beers I’ve tried and instead I just got this liquid biscuit with some citrus zest thrown in for good measure. Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely no the worst thing I’ve ever tasted, but I was expecting so much more from something that had a ton of potential. The flavors don’t meld well together and quite frankly, the flavors that are there could be bumped up a good bit. Mouthfeel was on par with what it should be as far as style goes. Medium to light body, and like I mentioned before, a little on the watery side. The carbonation level was pretty good and made the beer drinkable. I will admit, I got about three beers in and started to feel a bit on the full side. They started settling in my stomach and soon after felt like I had been drinking concrete. It got so heavy that I had to just sit and let everything work its course. Other people have claimed this is a pretty sessionable beer, but I’m not buying it. Overall, this was a pretty decent beer, but nothing worth raving over. There’s more wrong with it than there is right. The aroma is great, the color is great, but the taste is kind of a miss. Would I buy this again? Probably. It’s on the cheaper end of the craft spectrum and it’s widely available. Would I vouch for this being one of the best American pale ales on the market? Absolutely not. The flavors are slightly watered down, the malt flavor slightly overtakes the citrus hops, and nothing resembles the aroma. In a perfect world, the taste would be just like the aroma and the body would be the exact same. Alas, nothing is perfect and sometimes people make mistakes. I don’t know where I’m going with the rest of this, but the beer was pretty decent. I think it’s worth the buy if you’re in a pinch, because eight bucks ain’t bad.

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JULY 30 + AUGUST 12

>>> RESTAURANT REVIEW |

SHEENA GREGG

ANTHONY’S ITALIAN KITCHEN // A FAMILY BUSINESS

>>> RESTAURANTS |

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

SEAFOOD

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

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

Red Lobster 2620 McFarland Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.553.8810 Sun-Thurs 11AM-10PM//Fri & Sat 11AM-11PM Reservations Accepted Take-Out Available Private Dining Area Available for Advanced Booking (Lunch Specials Available Mon-Fri 11AM-3PM)

Pearl Garden 2719 Lurleen Wallace Blvd | Northport // 339.0880

Tuscaloosa Burger & Seafood Company 1014 7th Ave. | Tuscaloosa // 764.1976 Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Over 160 craft beers. Large selection of decadent desserts. The Levee Bar and Grill 1 Bridge Ave | Northport // 632.3136 Casual riverfront dining Open Mon-Thurs 11am-9:30pm, Fri&Sat 11am, Sun 11am-8pm. www. leveebarandgrill.com Wintzell's Oyster House 808 Skyland Blvd. at the intersection of Skyland and Alabama Highway 69. | 247-7772 | wintzellsoysterhouse.com/location/tuscaloosa/

CHINESE

Buffet City 1747 Skyland Blvd E // 553.3308 All you can eat buffet. Open 7 days a week.

hen I think of Italian food, I think of hearty rich flavors and family. Pizzas, pastas, and various salads may also come to mind. In the old FIG location in Northport, a new restaurant has arrived, Anthony’s Italian Kitchen. Though Anthony’s may seem like any other eatery in Tuscaloosa, the story behind the restaurant is inspiring. Owner’s Tina and Vince Privette have created their restaurant to provide a majority of the restaurant’s profits for their son Anthony’s missionary work in Uganda and The Master Cares organization. As a new restaurant boasting made from scratch ingredients and sauces, I decided to give Anthony’s a try for lunch during the grand opening week. I was quickly greeted by the staff and went to a table of my choice. Looking around the restaurant and comparing it to the previous business that had been there, I observed the minimalistic approach that the restaurant had taken to the décor. Standing out the most in the open space throughout the restaurant was a large chalkboard just adjacent to the cash register. The phrase, “Who is Anthony?” flooded the board with a description of Anthony’s work in Uganda and a picture of him in action. Reviewing the menu, I was excited to see the variety of menu options including various salads, classic Italian dishes like eggplant parmesan, sandwiches, and specialty pizzas. Having an especially hearty appetite that day, I opted for a pizza fries appetizer and small pesto pizza with sundried tomatoes and roasted chicken. As time progressed, I noticed a significant number of folks float into the restaurant as expected during a grand opening week. My appetizer delivered in good timing; a bed of twice baked fries covered in cheese

JULY 30 + AUGUST 12

and my opted toppings of pepperoni and green peppers. Accompanied by a side of made from scratch marinara, my taste buds were up for the adventure. Next up was my pesto pizza. My eyes were immediately drawn to the ample amounts of chicken breast and sundried tomatoes that complemented the significant amounts of cheese. Though their smallest pizza, I knew that this could easily feed two people. While enjoying my own food, my eyes caught trays of classic spaghetti and lasagna walk past me to other tables. I made a mental note to myself to be sure to have pasta at my next visit. Though the ideal location and tasty menu make this business a recipe for success, customers are likely to be drawn to the mission behind the restaurant. For more information on the missionary work of Anthony Privette, please visit www. mastercares.org. Anthony’s Italian Kitchen is located at 1351 McFarland Boulevard and open from 11:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 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

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

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 4851 Rice Mine Rd NE #460 // 462.3399 McFarland Plaza Shopping Center & Temerson Square

Hot Wok Express 6751 Alabama 69, Tuscaloosa // 758.0148

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

Chang’s Chinese Restaurant 1825 McFarland Blvd N // 391.9131

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.

China Fun 2600 University Blvd | Alberta City // 553.2435

California Underground 13552 Highway 43, Northport | 339.8660

Chongwah Express 1425 McFarland Boulevard, Northport. 333-1088

Firehouse Subs 1130 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 248.0680

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>>> RESTAURANTS |

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

COFFEE SHOP

Barnes & Noble 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa 349.6366

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

WEIGHING THE PROS & CONS

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

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

Five Java Coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and treats from Mary's Cakes. Open Monday - Saturday at 7am; 9am on Sundays

Little Caesars Pizza 1414 10th Ave // 366.2220 | 1www.littlecaesars.com

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

Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. // 345.4354 Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 758.0112

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

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

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

Pizza 120 50115th St. East | 561.6853 Pizza Palace Buffet 6521 Alabama 69 | 752.5444

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.

Tut’s Place 1306 University Blvd | The Strip // 759.1004

DELICATESSEN

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

Dunkin' Donuts 2520 Stillman Blvd. |Tuscaloosa// 349.3400 McCorvey Dr. | Tuscaloosa // 348.4041 www.dunkindonuts.com

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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.

Newk's 205 University Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 758.2455 Schlotsky’s Deli 405 15th St. E // 759.1975 schlotskys.com

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

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

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

moothie and juice bars have become very popular over the last couple years and can definitely be a healthier option when eating out. They are also becoming a very popular thing to do in your own home with endless recipe options. I’m asked often by my patients which is better juicing or smoothies and my answer is both! Both have their pros and cons, however I am going to explain exactly what you can expect if you are choosing to do one or the other.

SMOOTHIES

PROS: You do not need a specific type of blender when making a smoothie, practically any kitchen appliance that will blend such as a food processer or a basic blender will work. A quality high-speed blender will save time but any blender will work. Blenders cost less than juicers and can be used numerous things in the kitchen beyond just making smoothies. You can add things like protein and Omega Fatty Acids like flax seed, which will allow you to use a smoothie as a meal replacement and will make you feel full after eating because the fiber is still intact when blended. CONS: If you pack your smoothie with sweet ingredients like flavored yogurt, sweetened milk, honey, or too much fruit, you will be adding significantly to your daily sugar intake. This can increases the calorie count and may lead to blood sugar spikes. For the most nutritious smoothies, aim for a mix of fruit, vegetables, healthy fat and protein, which can help you lose or maintain weight by keeping you satisfied until your next meal.

JUICING

The top reason to juice is if you are not getting enough fruits and vegetables in your diet. Research shows that only 59% of Americans are getting the recommended daily amount of produce in their diet. Fruits and vegetables supply the body with the essential vitamins and minerals to fight off diseases, nourish the body, and replace the nutrients that are lost daily as the body uses

them for energy and repair. PROS: Without all the fiber found in whole fruits and vegetables, your digestive system doesn’t have to work as hard to break down the food and absorb the nutrients. Juicing makes the nutrients more readily available to the body in much larger quantities than if you were to eat them whole. It would also be difficult on your digestive system because of the fiber content to eat enough produce to get the nutrients that you would from juice. CONS: When juicing, the fruits and vegetables are stripped of the fiber content, which is important, as our body needs roughly 25 grams of fiber per day. Because of this, juice should not be used as a meal replacement, as it doesn’t have the major components of a meal and therefore will not make you feel full. It takes quite a bit of fruit and vegetables to make juice because of all the pulp that is extracted to just produce the juice so it can be a little more expensive to make than smoothies. To juice, you do need a specific type of machine that will extract the juice and dispose of the flesh and fiber of the fruit or vegetable which makes it more complicated. These machines can range from about $100 to some of the better ones being over $300. I also find the clean up after making juice takes awhile because of the different parts of the juicer gets clogged up with the meaty parts of the produce you use. In conclusion, both juicing and smoothies can be a great and delicious option for a nutrient packed snack or meal. Just keep in mind that fruits are high in sugar so a good rule is for every fruit you eat, you should eat two servings of vegetables. Keep this in mind when making your drink of choice. These are great options for children who have a hard time getting the proper amount of fruits and vegetables in their diet. Right now in the heat of summer, these drinks will definitely be refreshing and will do your body great whether you decide to juice or make smoothies or both if you are feeling motivated!

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JULY 17 + JULY 30

2015/2016 University of Alabama Parking Pass *Up to $ 300. Limited time only, with a signed 12 month lease

1200 Greensboro Ave Tuscaloosa, AL

JULY 17 + JULY 30

205.391.6000

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ANTMAN // LARGER THAN LIFE T

he Marvel Comics Universe keeps getting bigger and more spectacular with each appearance of “The Avengers,” “Iron Man,” “Captain America,” “Thor,” “The Fantastic Four,” “X-Men,” “Wolverine,” and “The Guardians of the Galaxy.” Consequently, it comes with a sigh of relief that the latest newcomer, “Ant-Man,” shrinks from such apocalyptic pretensions. “Bring It On” director Peyton Reed, who replaced British writer & director Edgar Wright, has helmed what could possibly be the most imaginative as well as the atypical superhero saga of the summer. Miniaturization is the cornerstone of this clever little yarn. Mind you, nobody can completely appreciate “Ant-Man” who hasn’t seen director Jack Arnold’s seminal science-fiction feature “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957) where an unfortunate fellow — through no fault of his own — found himself reduced to the size of a toothpick and tangled with predatory house cats while taking refuge in a child’s doll house. Similarly, the next major movie to magnify shrinkage, director Richard Fleischer’s “Fantastic Voyage” (1966), scaled down scientists to microscopic dimensions and injected them into a comatose scientist’s bloodstream to save him from a lethal blood clot. Appropriately, television capitalized on all things minuscule with Irwin Allen’s “Land of the Giants” (1968-1970) where the crew and passengers of the Spindrift, a commercial sub-orbital transport spaceship, traveled into treacherous outer space turbulence and then crashed on an unknown planet. Everything loomed twelve times larger on this peculiar planet than anything on Earth making for 51 exciting episodes. Of course, other honorable mentions include the Dennis Quaid comedy “Innerspace” (1987) and the Rick Moranis farce “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” (1989). “Ant-Man” opens in 1989. Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) hands Howard Stark (John Slattery of “Iron Man 2”) his resignation and leaves the espionage, law-enforcement, and counterterrorism agency SHIELD. Naturally, Stark regrets Pym’s departure. Pym exits because SHIELD went behind his back and endeavored to duplicate the Pym Particle with his Ant-Man shrinking-suit technology. Pym lost his wife while during his experiments with that technology, and he deems it is far too dangerous for anybody to trifle with. “As long as I am alive,” proclaims Pym, “nobody is ever going to get that formula.” This early scene fascinates because the filmmakers have given actor Michael Douglas an incredible, computerized, makeover so he appears twenty years or younger. For the record, Hollywood has altered some of the Marvel Comics canon. In the comics, Pym — not Tony Stark and Bruce Banner — originally created the villainous Ultron, who menaced our heroic quintet in “The Avengers: Age of Ultron.” Meanwhile, the years have not kind to Pym. After he exited SHIELD, he formed his own company, Pym Technologies. Sadly, Pym’s evil protégé, Darren Cross (Corey Stoll of “The

Bourne Legacy”), has seized control and feverishly schemes to replicate the prized Pym Particle. Ironically enough, Hank’s estranged daughter, Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly of “Lost”), appears to be working in league with the treacherous Cross. Meantime, idealistic thief Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) leaves San Quentin after serving a three-year stretch for burglary. Actually, Scott qualifies as the most sympathetic ex-con in cinematic history. Since he divorced his wife Maggie (Judy Greer of “Jurassic World”) but hasn’t paid a penny of child support, Scott cannot visit his adorable daughter, Cassie (newcomer Abby Ryder Fortson), who misses him as much as he misses her. Not only does Maggie stonewall Scott, so does her smarmy fiancé, Paxton (Bobby Cannavale of “Spy”), who happens to be a cop. Reluctantly, Scott boards with his former cellmate, Luis (a scene-stealing Michael Peña of “Fury”), who lures him back into a life of crime. Scott struggled to go straight, even landed a job at Baskin-Robbins, but his boss learned about this prison record and fired him. Desperate to make child support money, Scott resorts to his burglary skills. He breaks into none other than Hank Pym’s house and steals an exotic helmet and suit. Later, he discovers the outfit enables him to shrink to ant size and enhance his fighting prowess. “Second chances don’t come around all that often,” Pym warns Scott. “This is your chance to earn that look in your daughter’s eyes, to become the hero that she already thinks you are.” Scott joins Hank in an outlandish plan to prevent the megalomaniacal Cross from selling the Pym Particle to SHIELD’s nemesis HYDRA. Silly, superficial, and preposterous, “Ant-Man” delivers scores of hilarious, but suspenseful shenanigans. Until Marvel/Disney released “AntMan,” Hollywood had ignored all things petite in pursuit of the big, the bigger, and the biggest in its blockbusters. Meantime, the ever creative intellects at Marvel

had been planning an “Ant-Man” movie since “Shaun of the Dead” director Edgar Wright had embarked on the project about a decade ago. Creative differences forced Wright out, and Reed took over the helm. Now, “Ant-Man” has emerged as the revelation of the summer, rather

✭✭✭✭

OU T OF 4

like the goofy “Guardians of the Galaxy” did last summer. From concept to casting, everything about this mighty mite of a movie is nothing short of brilliant. Consistently entertaining on all levels, “Ant-Man” plumbs new depths in the superhero genre and provides former superstar Michael Douglas with his best role since director David Fincher’s 1997 thriller “The Game.” Romantic comedy leading man Paul Rudd of “Role Models” is the last guy you’d imagine as the diminutive Marvel hero. Nevertheless, the self-deprecatory Rudd succeeds with a combination of panache and charisma. He is a funny guy who doesn’t try to be funny and comes off being even funnier. Like the eponymous creepy-crawlies that can tote ten times their body weight, “Ant-Man” delivers ten times more entertainment than most superhero sagas despite its downsized spectacle. Not surprisingly, this origins opus covers the roughly same ground that “Iron Man” did, but it does so with greater creativity on a considerably smaller scale. Clearly, those pests that habitually ruin your picnics have undergone a massive publicity campaign that places them as well as formulaic superheroes in an entirely different perspective. Altogether, “Ant-Man” is antastic!

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JULY 30 + AUGUST 12

>>> EVENTS CALENDAR | T H E S O U T H E A S T ' S L A R G E S T

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

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

SALLY // SWEET YOUNG LADY

MONDAY, July 27

HEATHER WHIDDEN AND JOSH WHIDDEN: “ALWAYS HERE TO YOUR THERE” WHEN: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: 620 Greensboro Ave PHONE: 758.2238 LINK: cac.tuscarts.org DESCRIPTION: Heather Whidden and Josh Whidden will exhibit their artwork at the University of Alabama Gallery in the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center beginning Friday, June 19. “always here to your there,” will feature paintings and installations by two artists who are enrolled in the MFA program in studio art at The University of Alabama and who are also married to each other. Both Whiddens explore themes of memory and experience, but through different media. Heather Whidden uses materials such as clay, nails and rust to create what she describes as “a metaphorical topography that represents human existence and memory. Layers have amassed to signify the past. The viewer experiences the present moment, either witnessing decay or an ongoing evolution of the work.” Joshua Whidden’s oil on canvas paintings explore the idea of memory and experience as a cumulative process. He writes, “Through the accumulation of paint layers, this work offers a metaphorical representation of the way in which memories constantly build upon one another. This eventually manifests to become a screen of experience.” July 27 is the final day of this exhibit, so see the Whidden’s artwork before it’s too late!

TUESDAY, July 28

ADULT BOOK DISCUSSION WHEN: 10 – 11 a.m. COST: Free WHERE: 1801 Jack Warner Pkwy PHONE: 348.5820 LINK: tuscaloosa-library.org DESCRIPTION: Come discuss the latest pick for the Tuscaloosa Library book discussion. Tuscaloosa Moon: A Murder Mystery is a tale from local author Carolyn Breckenridge that will have any Tuscaloosan turning the pages for more suspense and local lore.

WEDNESDAY, July 29

NORTH & SOUTH: THE GORGAS FAMILY AND DIVISIONS OF THE CIVIL WAR WHEN: All day COST: Free WHERE: 711 Capstone Dr PHONE: 348.0506 LINK: lib.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: The Gorgas House Museum will display a new exhibit on the Gorgas Family and their experiences during the Civil War beginning April 3th, 2015, the day before the 150th anniversary of the burning of The University of Alabama campus by Union forces. The exhibit is entitled “North and South: the Gorgas Family, the University of Alabama, and the divisions of the Civil War” and will feature research by University of Alabama students. It will also showcase original artifacts such as General Josiah Gorgas’ coat and ceremonial sword.

FRIDAY, July 31

“THE GREEN SCENE” INDOOR SUMMER MOVIE SERIES: THE LORAX WHEN: 1 p.m. COST: Free

JULY 30 + AUGUST 12

WHERE: 3440 Kauloosa Ave PHONE: 248.5311 LINK: visittuscaloosa.com DESCRIPTION: This free community event, presented by Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc., provides an opportunity to educate citizens on the importance of keeping the community clean and litter free, and encourage environmental stewardship while enjoying a popular children’s movie on a big screen. Guests will receive a free bag of popcorn and refreshments provided by Coca-Cola. Attendees may go on a tour of the recycling plant after each movie. An adult must accompany children under the age of 16, and guests are asked to limit five children per supervising adult. This event is geared toward families with children not in school during the summer. Summer day camps, vacation bible schools and groups larger than 10 people are welcome, but are asked to call the Environmental Services Department to reserve space for their group.

THURSDAY, July 30

HATHA YOGA WHEN: 6 – 7:10 p.m. COST: $9 WHERE: 2200 Rock Quarry Dr PHONE: 562.3230 LINK: tcpara.org DESCRIPTION: Learn relaxation techniques while increase your strength and flexibility. New classes begin every month. Bring your yoga mat any Tuesday or Thursday and join us for some calming exercise. The other December session will be the 18th, so get your relaxation in before the holiday weeks.

FRIDAY, July 31

TRANSFORMATIONS: DESIGNS OF A DECADE ART EXHIBIT WHEN: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: 620 Greensboro Ave PHONE: 758.2238 LINK: cac.tuscarts.org DESCRIPTION: The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa will host an exhibit of work by local artist LaShonda Robinson at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center July 6 – 31. Titled “Transformations: Designs of a Decade,” the display will feature her work in a variety of media. Painting has always been a sanctuary for LaShonda Robinson. In 2002, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Though her fine motor skills were impaired, her ability to paint was not affected. She saw this as an epiphany, so in 2005, she founded Scott Robinson Designs, Inc. as a venue to share her art and her story with the world. To commemorate the venue’s 10th anniversary, Robinson is exhibiting a compilation of her best work in her solo show at the Cultural Arts Center. Friday is the final day to see this artwork, so be sure to stop by the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center!

SATURDAY, Aug 1

ALABAMA INT WAKEBOARD TOURNAMENT WHEN: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. COST: Free to view WHERE: 13226 Lake Lurleen Road PHONE: 339.1558 LINK: intleague.org DESCRIPTION: Join us at Lake Lurleen State Park for the Alabama INT Wakeboard / Wake Skate / Wake Surf tournament to be held Saturday, August 1st and Sunday,

This sweet young lady is Sally, a shorthaired gray tabby. Sally is around 3 years old, and she has a lot of love to give! Sally is a friendly, medium-energy girl who would make a wonderful companion! She does have a bit of youthful, playful energy. Sally just loves to hang out with people! She does fine around other friendly cats, and she should do fine around children. She may also do fine around small dogs. Sally is negative for FIV/FeLK, current on vaccinations and spayed. Sally is such a sweet girl, and she deserves a wonderful home. Will it be yours? If you are interested in giving Sally the forever home she wants and deserves, visit the Humane Society of West Alabama at http://www.humanesocietyofwa.org or call us at (205)-554-0011.

SKIPPER // AHOY! Ahoy matey! It’s clear sailing with this Skipper at your side! This is Skipper, a handsome 18-month-old (as of 7/15) male Retriever/Setter mix. He has a thick white coat with black spots and markings like a setter, but he has the build of a retriever. Skipper will be a large dog, probably getting to around 60 pounds when he is full-grown. Skipper was pulled from our local animal shelter, where he had been down there for 3 months, so he was very ready to get out! He had been found as a stray and dropped off. Skipper is very friendly and loving. He does have a lot of energy, so he will need lots of play time and exercise. He is still a BIG PUPPY, so he will require training and structure to help him develop into a well-mannered adult dog. Skipper will require a fenced -in yard. He seems to do well with other dogs and should be fine with children 12 and up (still a bit jumpy!). Skipper was previously adopted, but it was into a home without other dogs. He had very bad separation anxiety. It seems that Skipper really needs a companion to be with him. He was also in an apartment with a lot of noise around, which made him nervous. When he is around other dogs, he does not exhibit any anxious behaviors. This may be because he has grown up in a shelter environment and has always been surrounded by other animals. We have started his crate training. Skipper is up to date on his vet care, heartworm negative, neutered and is microchipped. He is on heartworm and flea/tick prevention. What a wonderful dog – who will be the lucky owner that gets to take him home?! If you are interested in giving Skipper 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.

VOLUNTEER 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.

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

>>> EVENTS CALENDAR | T H E S O U T H E A S T ' S L A R G E S T August 2nd, 2015. Riders from around the state of Alabama will be competing in divisions from beginner through pro level. This event is open to the public for viewing and competing. Go to the INT website to register and sign up to ride. All riders must be members of the INT- annual memberships are $65 with weekend memberships available during the tournament weekend for $30. Tournament fees will be in addition to the INT membership.

SATURDAY, Aug 1

MARIO’S SUPER BLOWOUT AT THE CHILDREN’S HANDS-ON MUSEUM WHEN: 10 a.m. COST: $6 – 9 WHERE: 2213 University Blvd PHONE: 349.4235 LINK: chomonline.org DESCRIPTION: Join Mario and Luigi for a Super Blowout! Come dressed as your favorite character! Dance with DJ Chuckie from 10am - 2pm. Mario Wii Games, Arts & Crafts * Crafts! All activities included for admission. Bring a donation of school supplies for $1 off general admission.

MONDAY, Aug 3

SOUTHERN PRINTERS: 1861 - 1865 WHEN: All day COST: Free WHERE: 711 Capstone Dr PHONE: 348.0506 LINK: lib.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: The A.S. Williams III Americana Collection is hosting a new exhibit “Southern Printers 1861-1865.” The documents in the exhibit, known as Confederate imprints, include military and government documents as well as popular textbooks and journals. The exhibit also explores the difficulties Confederate publishers had in obtaining adequate supplies to fuel this nascent print culture. The Union blockade forced printers to repurpose any available supplies to create paper, ink, and bindings. Confederate imprints reflect the southern attempt to forge a new identity in the midst of war. Created by history PhD students Lindsay Rae Smith and Melissa Farah Young, the exhibit located in the A.S. Williams III Americana Collection, Gorgas Library, room 301, will be open until mid-August.

TUESDAY, Aug 4

ALABAMA WRITERS HALL OF FAME EXHIBIT WHEN: All day COST: Free WHERE: 711 Capstone Dr PHONE: 348.0506 LINK: lib.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: In the spring of 2014, representatives of the Alabama Center for the Book and the Alabama Writers’ Forum with a committee of readers, writers and scholars met to decide how best to honor the rich legacy of native Alabamians who earned their reputations in the literary arts. From these initial meetings, came the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame. Like the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame, the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame recognizes those professionals who have proved outstanding in their field. The inaugural class includes: Helen Norris Bell, Rick Bragg, Andrew Glaze, Johnson Jones Hooper, Zora Neale Hurston, Helen Keller,

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

Harper Lee, William March, Albert Murray, Sonia Sanchez, Sena Jeter Naslund, and Augusta Evans Wilson. Visit the Pearce Foyer on the second floor of the Gorgas library to see the display.

THURSDAY, Aug 6

KENTUCK ART NIGHT WHEN: 5 – 8 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: 503 Main Ave, Northport PHONE: 758.1257 LINK: kentuck.org DESCRIPTION: As on the first Thursday of every month, Kentuck opens its doors to visitors for a night of art, music, food and fun. Enjoy a live band, food from the cob oven, and the wonderful art of resident Kentuck artists

THURSDAY, Aug 6

BASIC MICRSOFT WORD/ EXCEL WHEN: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: 300 Bobby Miller Pkwy PHONE: 391.9989 LINK: tuscaloosa-library.org DESCRIPTION: Learn the basics about word processing using Microsoft’s newest version of its popular application. And Learn about basic spreadsheets and using them to compute financial data with a simple formula. Users should have a basic understanding of how to use a computer, with the keyboard and mouse. Please call the Taylorville Brown Branch Library to register for this learning opportunity.

FRIDAY, Aug 7

THE BERLIN WALL SERIES WHEN: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: 620 Greensboro Ave PHONE: 758.2238 LINK: cac.tuscarts.org DESCRIPTION: The photography of Jim Harrison, III will be featured in The Arts Council Gallery at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center Aug. 7-28, 2015. “The Berlin Wall Series” will feature Harrison’s photographs of the powerful imagery and script that accumulated on the iconic structure during its checkered history. A reception honoring the artist will take place on Friday, August 7 from 5-8 p.m. Jim Harrison, III, a native of Tuscaloosa, Ala., is owner and director of Harrison Galleries-Fine Art & Photography. Actively involved in the West Alabama arts community for many years, he also devotes time and energy at the state level, having served as Chairman of the Alabama State Council on the Arts in 20122013.

SATURDAY, Aug 8

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. Call to become a vendor and sell your own creations!

DINAH WASHINGTON CULTURAL ARTS CENTER TO HOST “THE BERLIN WALL SERIES” EXHIBIT

he photography of Jim Harrison, III will be featured in The Arts Council Gallery at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center Aug. 7-28, 2015. “The Berlin Wall Series” will feature Harrison’s photographs of the powerful imagery and script that accumulated on the iconic structure during its checkered history. A reception honoring the artist will take place on Friday, August 7 from 5-8 p.m. Jim Harrison, III, a native of Tuscaloosa, Ala., is owner and director of Harrison Galleries-Fine Art & Photography. Actively involved in the West Alabama arts community for many years, he also devotes time and energy at the state level, having served as Chairman of the Alabama State Council on the Arts in 2012-2013. Artist’s Statement Here in Berlin, as I moved along the wall stopping frequently to frame up a shot, a question developed in my mind. “At what point does graffiti become art?” One tends to think of it as vandalism, although here at the remains of what was the most tangible symbol of Cold War oppression, it represented individual and even communal acts of defiance. Here on grey concrete slabs turned up on end and laid side by side like so many dominos, were the thoughts and reflections of the world as it passed by on the ‘free side’. Imagery and script, some made with great care and forethought and others as impulsive momentary inspirations, alongside musings in a dozen languages, greetings and salutations, expressions of love, anger, civil disobedience, even poetry and the all too common visual equivalent of “Kilroy was here”, garnish the cold stone canvases. My eye was drawn to the abstract juxtaposition of color, texture and message laid down by souls unknown over decades, now in an evolving state of beautiful decay. Like the documentary images of rural Alabama, particularly Hale County taken over many years by William

Christenbury, it was my intention to return to Berlin to record the ‘vanishing’ as the poetic imagery goes the way of all things, leaving behind once again the cold, grey reminder of an injustice now almost forgotten. My technique and equipment were simple, a Nikon D-70 35mm camera with an 18-105mm auto Nikon zoom lens set on automatic, or what I refer to as ‘tourist mode’. Images were loaded into Iphoto, and color saturation, if applied, was enhanced by no more than one degree. Otherwise, the images were not cropped or edited but represent what I saw through the viewfinder in the spring of 2006. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. – noon and 1 - 4 p.m. on weekdays and noon – 8 p.m. on First Fridays. The Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center is located at 620 Greensboro Avenue in Downtown Tuscaloosa. For more information about the CAC, The Arts Council or Bama Theatre, patrons should LIKE the Facebook page “The Arts Council-Bama Theatre-Cultural Arts Center” and follow tuscarts on Twitter. Call 205-758-5195 or visit cac.tuscarts. org for further information.

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

JULY 17 + JULY 30

>>> MUSIC | A L A N S C U L L E Y

MY MORNING JACKET T

Morning Jacket to be on a tour that, aside from a couple of short breaks, is booked straight through October. “It’s OK,” James said of his back. “It (the surgery) didn’t really take care of it, but it hasn’t gotten worse.” Even if he isn’t quite back to 100 percent fighting shape, James is happy to be back on the road with the Louisvillebased band he formed in 1998, with the new album in tow. “That always makes a new tour exciting because you’ve got all of these new songs to play,” he said. “So that will be one thing. The other thing is we’re bringing back our spontaneous curation series, which is where the fans can e-mail in what songs they want to hear in the set list in their town. That was really fun when we did that last time.” My Morning Jacket last toured in summer 2013 and then went on break. Band members “Two-Tone” Tommy Blankenship (bass), Carl Broemel (guitar), Bo Koster (keyboards) and Patrick Hallahan (drums), for the most part, took things easy. James didn’t. He jumped right off of the My Morning Jacket touring cycle for its sixth album, 2011’s “Circuital,” and hit the road to promote a solo album, “Regions of Light and Sound of God,” he had worked on during earlier breaks in the group’s schedule. Later on, he got involved in The New Basement Tapes. For this recording project, producer T Bone Burnett brought together James, Elvis Costello, Marcus Mumford, Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes and Rhiannon Giddens of the Carolina

Chocolate Drops to write music to unused lyrics Bob Dylan had written in 1967 while working with the Band on what eventually became the 1975 album, “The Basement Tapes.” The new songs finished by James and his New Basement Tapes cohorts were released on the CD “Lost On The River.” Then it was on to “The Waterfall.” The sessions for the album were notable for the freewheeling attitude My Morning Jacket took into the project. At the outset, the band members gave themselves total artistic freedom to experiment all they wanted with the songs and spend as much time as needed to finish the album. “I think this (recording process) opened our eyes to at least taking a little bit more time because once you think it’s finished, it’s nice to listen to it for awhile and confirm that you really think it’s finished,” James said. For the most part, “The Waterfall” is

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

he notion that songwriters must suffer for their art has long been one of the big clichés of music, or for that matter, poetry, painting or any other form of artistic expression. Jim James, songwriter and singer of My Morning Jacket, suffered while making the band’s new album, “The Waterfall.” But it wasn’t the kind of emotional pain that some would say fuels the best songwriting. Right after returning for a second session of work on “The Waterfall” at a studio in the picturesque Northern California locale of Stinson Beach, James’ started suffering from severe back pain. Frequently, the pain got so bad, he was forced to get horizontal as he and the other members of My Morning Jacket worked on songs. “It was kind of like we went out there (to Stinson Beach) in two chunks, two onemonth chunks,” James said in an early May phone interview. “So we had already been out there for the first-month chunk, and then when we came back, right when we got there for the second one is when my back went out. And I was kind of bed ridden for two or three days, in agony. Then that kind of slowly faded away and we used the rest of our second chunk, but I had to lay down a lot and I wasn’t really in a good place. But we made it through that second chunk.” Still in pain, James tried a variety of natural treatments to resolve his back issues, but after seven months, gave in and had surgery to repair a herniated disk. He has recovered sufficiently for My

a big-sounding album with songs like “Spring (Among The Living),” “In Its Infancy (The Waterfall”) and “Thin Line” that have an epic feel, gracious melodies and arrangements that travel a somewhat wandering – but still focused -- path. Meanwhile, the aching breakup song, “Get The Point,” the largely gentle and acoustic “Like A River” and a couple of slightly leaner and more concise uptempo tunes, “Big Decisions” and “Compound Fracture,” help add energy and contrast to the album. Despite having those worthy songs, the album, James said, didn’t feel complete until the punchy yet dreamy rocker “Believe” (Nobody Knows),” the last song he wrote for the sessions, was recorded. “It kind of like just cemented the fact that these 10 songs could go together,” James said of “Believe.” “Before, when it wasn’t there, we would try a different song and it would make the album feel too slow, and we’d try another song, and it would make the album feel too fast.”

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

Across 1. Resorts 5. Fearless Fosdick creator 9. ___ Valley, CA 14. Meditative exercise 15. Prefix with business 16. Greek garb 17. Common sewer dweller 19. Bumps off 20. Maintain as fact 21. Kennedy Airport architect 23. "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" airer 25. "___ fact?" 30. Mesozoic Era nickname 33. Israel suffix 35. Ration (out) 36. Paper package 37. Sushi wrap 39. Ali G portrayer ___ Baron Cohen 42. Roughly 43. Eel, at sushi bars 45. "____ Lang Syne" 47. Minus starter? 48. Breaks 52. Moves unsteadily 53. Towel down 54. "No way!" 57. Off the mark 61. Walk unhurriedly 65. Coming out 67. "Eyes" in many emoticons 68. Political consultant Karl 69. Cable car alternative 70. Go to, as a restaurant 71. Distort, as data 72. Gels Down 1. Match audio and video 2. Lifeguard's milieu 3. Con follower, in packaged foods 4. Carpenter' chore 5. Sandy island

JULY 30 + AUGUST 12

6. Cultural beginning 7. Brit's baby carriage 8. Meal with a crust 9. Caribbean destination 10. On the ___ vive 11. Not in the book, say (abbr.) 12. Feel bad 13. London loos 18. Psyched 22. Psychic's claim 24. Bounders down under 26. Erstwhile Ritz-like Sunshine cracker 27. Warnings 28. Rat, as hair 29. "When it comes to..." 30. Infuse with bubbles 31. Ga. neighbor 32. News windup 33. Language related to Aleut 34. Heavy French weight 38. "Can ____ a witness?" 40. Crude shelter 41. Keep ____ on it (keep secret) 44. Sorry words 46. Hip-hop headgear 49. Transp. systems 50. Groom's attendants 51. "Miracle" team of 1969 55. Run ___ (go wild) 56. "____ Only Just Begun" 58. Memo words 59. "Twenty-three skiddoo!" 60. Sch. terms 61. Seasoned pro 62. Bygone bird 63. Popular sandwich, briefly 64. Mauna ___ 66. DVD player button

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

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>>> HOROSCOPES | W E E K L Y O V E R V I E W Take a break from the seriousness that has prevailed over the past couple days, Taurus. Upbeat conversations are the way to navigate through today's waters. You might notice that others are more actively communicating and that words are especially effective. You talk and people listen. Do your share of listening, too. The conscious exchange of ideas is critical on a day like this.

Jump back on stage and say what you have to say, Gemini. Your participation in the conversation is critical to maintaining a healthy energy flow. The things you say will have a profound effect on others, so chose your words carefully. Enjoy a physical activity that involves a group. Make it a social event. Be an active participant in all situations today.

Your solid grounding may become a bit unstable today, Cancer, but don't worry about it. Be a little more flexible and release your tight grip on the situation. Infuse laughter and playfulness into the picture. The exchange of ideas is critical. Get out of the house and into a social arena where you can enjoy lighthearted conversations.

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There's no excuse for laziness today, Leo. Get out of bed before noon. The more active you are, the happier you will be. Come out of your cave and express your thoughts to others. Get out in the open air and listen to what the wind has to say. Be active and flexible. There's nothing heavy about people's emotions today, so keep things light and active.

Don't let things stagnate, Virgo. It's time to take action. See how far rather than deep you can go in everything you do today. Cover a wide range of topics and pick up a magazine or two. Take a break from your usual emotional intensity and enjoy the sunshine and the light conversation. Keep it all energetic and upbeat. Take action when you see that things are lagging.

You may feel like you've come into the light today, Libra. A weight has been lifted, but there is still a great deal of emotional drama that needs to work itself out. Go for a walk or jog this afternoon and work on increasing your lung capacity. Get your heart rate up and feel your blood pumping. The more active you are, the more you will be able to sort through your situation.

Take a break from your steady climb today, Scorpio. Look at things around you. Enjoy a night out with friends and take an active role in the conversation. See a movie or play. Do more socializing and you will be able to release some of the tension that you might not even realize you have inside. Get the energy moving again. Take an active role and keep up with the beat.

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Pay attention to the news today, Sagittarius, and not just the mainstream news but the offbeat, smaller publications, too. Question what you hear and read. Take an active role to increase your knowledge of the world. Take responsibility for your citizenship by keeping an eye on what's going on. Information is an important part of gaining power.

Today is a great day to jump out of bed and get things done, Capricorn. You may feel indecisive, but don't sweat it. You don't have to make any great commitments. You will do fine jumping around from task to task. Get out into the open and say what's on your mind. Engage in some sort of physical activity that gets you breathing deeply.

The name of the game today is action, Aquarius. The air has cleared, and it feels like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. You might experience a sudden burst of physical energy, pushing you to get out and walk or go for a long bike ride. Enjoy the wind in your hair. Release your pent-up emotions in the open air.

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Take some of that knowledge you've gathered and processed over the past few weeks and begin to spread it around, Pisces. It's time to put your communication skills to work. Your emotions are strongly tied to your actions, and things will take on a much lighter tone than they have had in the past couple of days. Take deep breaths and find a way to release your pent-up tension.

Your physical stamina is apt to be strong today, Aries. You should consider going to the gym to release some of that pent-up energy. Engage in team sports or something that involves strategy and good coordination. Pick up a tennis racquet or join a basketball game. Your high energy will be the key to coming out on top.

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JULY 30 + AUGUST 12

>>> S P O R T S | STEPHEN M. SMITH

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few things in football make up a legendary quarterback, but resiliency is an asset that makes a strong man. Resilency tells an individual that life goes on, despite mishaps, tragedies or unfortunate situations. It causes one to be transparent and enjoy life as it comes and goes. Former Alabama standout and Green Bay Packers legend Bryan “Bart” Starr is the face of toughness, willpower and resiliency. He endured crushing hits from linebackers and defensive linemen in his playing days, however, life threw Starr a curveball in his latter years. At 81 years old, Starr looked death in the face in September 2014 as he encountered two strokes and a mild heart attack. A rehabilitation process followed, yet he suffered from four seizures. Starr was a shell of what he once was. He couldn’t eat or walk on his own. All of this at once seemed fatal, but Starr forged on. He underwent stem cell treatment at a trial clinic in June 2015. According to Brent Schrotenboer, sports writer for USA Today, Starr enjoyed a delicate meal Tuesday morning. He feasted on three pancakes and an omelet with three eggs and cheese. Cherry Starr, Bart’s wife of 61 years, made the meal and said to USA Today that it didn’t take the former Alabama quarterback long to eat it. In 10 months, Star has gone from being in critical condition to eating and walking on his own. He’s back to enjoying life again. Alabama had Bart Starr before hiring legendary head coach Paul Bryant. Starr played for the Crimson Tide from 1952-56. He tossed for 1,903 passing yards and completed 54.4 percent of his passes. Starr’s best season was in 1952, when Alabama finished at 10-2. Starr was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1956, and spent all 15

seasons with them. His career in the National Football League was iconic, as Starr was a fourtime Pro Bowl selection (1960-62, 1966), a five-time NFL champion (1961-62, 196567), and a two-time Super Bowl champion in 1966 and 1967. Starr was voted most valuable player in Super Bowl I and II. Starr was inducted into the Packers’ Hall of Fame and Pro Football’s Hall of Fame in 1977. His No.15 jersey was retired, and Starr was named to the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team. Starr was the first quarterback to win two Super Bowls. He had the highest playoff passer rating (104.80) of any quarterback in NFL history. Starr compiled a 9-1 record in the playoffs. His career completion percentage of 57.4 was an NFL best when he retired in 1972. Starr accounted for 24,718 career passing yards. He was elected to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1981. Starr enjoyed playing for Green Bay so much that ended up coaching the franchise for eight seasons (1975-83). The Packers honored one of its heroes by naming an award after him. The esteemed Bart Starr Award is given to a player that demonstrates outstanding character. Green Bay’s quarterback Aaron Rodgers won it in 2014. Starr, like the late Kenny Stabler, has a heart for the people. He and his wife Cherry co-founded Rawhide Boys Ranch in New London, Wisconsin in 1965. It’s designed to help at-risk and troubled boys throughout the state of Wisconsin. Starr and Cherry are still affiliated with it. It takes guts to be an Alabama quarterback. It takes skill to become an NFL legend. It takes passion to live every day, even when all hell breaks loose. Bart Starr has done all three.

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>>> H I G H T I D E S P O R T S | GARY HARRIS

B.J. EMMONS

RUNNING BACK IS A KEY PICKUP FOR THE TIDE

ith the recent commitment of running back B.J. Emmons of Morganton-Freedom, NC, Alabama took a major step in filling a huge need in the 2016 class. The Tide is looking for big, strong, speedy backs. The 5-11, 232-pound Emmons, who ran for 2,348 yards and scored 38 TDs last season, is that and much more. “He’s a big power back who can run between the tackles, the kind that Coach Saban likes,” says Freedom head coach Brandon Allen. “I tell people all the time that B.J. can do so much. He has great hands. You can do so many things throwing the ball to him. You can line him up wide or in the slot and throw it to him. He’s really a very dynamic player with his versatility. People don’t realize how many different ways he

can be used.” Emmons commitment to Alabama came on the heels of an unofficial visit to Alabama. “He had an opportunity to visit there twice and really felt good about it,” Allen says. “He got to spend time with the coaching staff -- Coach Lupoi, Coach Burns and Coach Saban. He felt comfortable with them and with the players. He just had a good feeling about it. “On the trip last week, I think the big thing was that his family went with him. They got a feel for it and they felt really good about Coach Saban’s hands on approach. They felt that would be good for B.J. “He actually verbally committed to them while he was there, but he wanted

to come home and let things settle down before announcing it. He decided it was time to go ahead and announce that he’s committed.” Emmons originally committed to Georgia. After backing off that commitment, he narrowed his list to Alabama and Tennessee. “This is it for him,” Allen says. “I think at first it’s easy to get caught up in the attention, but after a while it starts wearing on you. B.J. and his family feel really good about his decision for Alabama. I think he feels likes it’s a good fit for him, the style offense and the kind program they have there.” There’s been some internet speculation that Emmons might have a difficult time qualifying academically. But Allen indicates that Emmons should be fine.

“He’s taking three classes this summer to put himself in good position to go in next year and compete as a freshman at Alabama,” Allen says.

BAMA ON THE TRAIL OF TOP STARS FROM OTHER STATES SABAN HAS TURNED TIDE INTO A NATIONAL PROGRAM

6-6, 315, 5.75 Allen, TX / Allen HS UA offer The former Texas A&M commit is considered the nation’s top offensive tackle. Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, Ohio State and Texas A&M are among the favorites for Little, who hopes to announce his decision on his birthday, November 4. Some think Ole Miss might have the Ωinside track due to star left tackle Laremy Tunsil’s projected early departure to the NFL next spring. While the Rebels are expected to make a strong run at Little, sources in Mississippi don’t consider Ole Miss the leader at this point. Alabama has commitments from Jonah Williams and JUCO star Charles Baldwin. The Tide wants another quality, high school OT and continues to be in good position with Little.

DL Michail Carter

6-4, 316, 4.98 Jackson, GA / Jackson HS UA offer For some reason Carter doesn’t get the hype other top Tide DL targets get, but he’s very highly regarded by Alabama. The 6-4, 316-pound Carter had a dominant performance at the Tide’s camp in June. Alabama has made a strong impression on the big man. Carter told Tider Insider that Bama had moved

DL Rashard Lawrence

6-2, 305, 5.21 Monroe, LA / Neville HS UA offer Can Alabama steal the number one prospect from Louisiana again? Two years ago, the Tide went to the Monroe area to get Cam Robinson. Now it’s trying to lure Lawrence away, and all indications are that it’s in excellent position to do so. There is still a long ways to go. LSU will pull out every stop. But don’t be surprised if Alabama wins again.

DE Jeffery Simmons

6-4, 270, 4.8 Macon, MS / Noxubee County HS UA offer Alabama knows what it’s like to get burned in Mississippi, but it continues to pursue heavily several top Magnolia State stars, including Simmons. Many feel that Simmons is one the premier prospects in the country. Alabama appears to be in great position with him. It is difficult to pull a player of the caliber of Simmons out of that state, but Alabama looks to be the leader at this point.

WR Trevon Diggs

6-1, 185, 4.5 Gaithersburg, MD / Avalon HS UA offer The talented Maryland receiver recently had a great visit to Alabama. We think he left with a good idea of where he wants to go. Of course, things can always change, but Alabama is looking extremely strong. For now, Diggs plans to take other visits before announcing his decision.

PLANET WEEKLY.

OT Greg Little

to the top of his list. That list also includes Auburn, Clemson, Georgia and Oklahoma.

To learn more, please email PlanetEditor@yahoo.com

ick Saban has made Alabama into a national recruiting power like never before. His recruiting classes have been loaded every year with top prospects from every corner of the country. The class of 2016 will be no different. Among the Tide’s current list of 18 commitments, eleven other states are represented. Here’s five top out-of-state uncommitted prospects being targeted by Alabama.

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