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STORIES 5 SPECTRE: BEST EVER BOND // VAN ROBERTS
If picturesque settings, robust performances, sumptuous production values, and a lavish $250 million plus budget constituted the bottom line for a cinematic blockbuster, “Spectre” would rank as the best ever Bond.
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS REGINALD ALLEN R A I H A B A J WA WILLIAM BARSHOP CO U R T N E Y BLA N CH A R D K A I T LY N B LO U N T TREY BROOKS KELSEY CAMERON JORDAN CISSELL MARGIE GOLDSMITH SHEENA QUIZON GREGG GARY HARRIS C I N DY H U G G I N S KEVIN LEDGEWOOD BRETT REID VA N R O B E R T S JON ROGERS RACHEL STEINER ALEJANDRA TENORIO
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.
13 QUICK TIPS TO PURCHASING VITAMINS // RACHEL STEINER
Vitamins and supplements can definitely be beneficial in ones diet however, it is important to talk to a health professional or heavily do your research before you decide if and what you should be taking.
SEE ART ROUND-UP PAGE, 7
19 A SUMMARY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUSCALOOSA // ELLEN JOHNSON
Four years after the 2011 devestating tornado, Tuscaloosa is still in the stages of recovering.
22 WEEKLY HANGOUT // ALEJANDRA TENORIO
ENTERTAINMENT 6 BOOKS 6 RESTAURANT REVIEW 10-12 RESTAURANT GUIDE / WINE & BEER 14 MOVIE REVIEW 15 PETS 16 EVENTS 18 ROAD TRIP 20 PUZZLEMANIA / EDITORIAL CARTOON 21 HOROSCOPE
HIGH TIDE SPORTS 23 BAMA ROUTS MSU // GARY HARRIS
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SPECTRE // BEST EVER BOND U
ltimately, despite a variety of problems, this globe-trotting 007 outing boasts enough good stuff to offset the bad. If picturesque settings, robust performances, sumptuous production values, and a lavish $250 million plus budget constituted the bottom line for a cinematic blockbuster, “Spectre” would rank as the best ever Bond. Unfortunately, several factors undermine “Spectre” , among them Sam Smith’s mellow theme song, sophomoric scripting, lackluster villains, and a sluggish 148 minute running time. The above-average but formulaic screenplay by “Gladiator’s” John Logan, regular Bond scribes Neal Purvis & Robert Wade, and “Edge of Tomorrow’s” Jez Butterworth generates occasional spontaneity. The scenes depicting a brawl aboard a helicopter and later on an aircraft crashing into a convoy of vehicles amount to exciting milestones for the series. The car chase through Rome is thoroughly routine, and the fistfight above the train is more noisy than dangerous. Furthermore, the basic plot recalls the Tom Cruise espionage epic “Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation” where the CIA sought to disband the IMF. One of Bond’s secondary opponents dreams and schemes about dismantling the doubleO section, putting our protagonist out to pasture, and relying on a global satellite surveillance network to thwart terrorism. Despite these drawbacks and letdowns, “Spectre” benefits from an incomparable supporting cast. Ralph Fiennes distinguishes himself as Bond’s new boss, M, while Ben Whishaw as Bond’s quartermaster extraordinaire, Q, has more time to display his skills. Former wrestler David Bautista acquits himself admirably as Blofeld’s chief thug, while Jesper Christensen is a hold-over from “Casino Royale” and “Quantum of Solace.” If you’re a Bond fan, you’ll appreciate the homages to “From Russia with Love,” “You Only Live Twice,” “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” “The Spy Who Loved Me,” “For Your Eyes Only,” and “License to Kill.” Naturally, Daniel Craig returns as pugnacious 007, and he guns down a score of hooligans, beds a couple of babes, and swaps blows with the biggest hulk of a henchman since Roger Moore’s Bond grappled with Richard Kiel’s humongous Jaws. “Spectre” unfolds in Mexico City during the annual Day of the Dead festivities. James Bond has been shadowing Marco Sciarra (Alessandro Cremona of “Malèna”), and he discovers Sciarra and his cronies plan to explode a bomb in a crowded nearby stadium. Mind you, the new M (Ralph Fiennes of “Skyfall”) didn’t send Bond to pursue this dastard. In-
stead, 007 received a posthumous video from the former M (Judi Dench of “GoldenEye”) about Sciarra. In the event of her death, M instructs Bond to kill Sciarra and attend his funeral. Bond tails Sciarra to Mexico City and eavesdrops on a conversation before Sciarra’s conspirators spot him. A harrowing shoot-out ensues. One of Bond’s bullets ignites the bomb, and the explosion collapses half a city block, with 007 narrowly escaping death. Predictably, M is furious about the international incident that Bond has precipitated. Of
course, Bond says little about his reasons for killing Sciarra. Later, Bond sneaks off to Rome against orders to confabulate with Sciarra’s widow Lucia (Monica Bellucci of “Shoot’em Up”), and he gate crashes a gangster summit. He runs afoul of the nefarious Mr. Hinx (David Bautista of “Guardians of the Galaxy”) who pursues him. Simultaneously, M tangles with the new head of the Joint Intelligence Service, smarmy Max Denbigh (Andrew Scott of the BBC’s “Sherlock”), who has merged MI5 and MI6. Denbigh wants to scrap the double-0 section and replace it with a Babel-like global satellite surveillance system codenamed "Nine Eyes." Although Denbigh has the ear of the Home Secretary, something about the mysterious conglomeration of private backers who financed his project bothers M. Meantime, Bond races off to rescue another damsel, Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux of “Blue Is the Warmest Color”), who identifies the criminal organization that Bond has been investigating as ‘Spectre.’ If you haven’t seen Daniel Craig’s earlier James Bond escapades, you may be baffled by some of the events and characters. Not only does “Spectre” bring a sense of closure to Craig’s previous Bonds, but it also reunites our redoubtable hero with his career-long nemesis—Ernst Stavro Blofeld. For the record, James Bond has been contending with Blofeld as far back as
the original Sean Connery 007 epics in the 1960s. Although we didn’t see Blofeld in “Dr. No,” we caught glimpses of him with his white cat in “From Russia with Love” and “Thunderball.” Finally, Blofeld appeared in plain sight in “You Only Live Twice,” “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” “Diamonds Are Forever,” and “Never Say Never Again.” We got a glimpse of him again in “For Your Eyes Only,” but “Spectre” represents the first time since “Never Say Never Again” that Blofeld has stepped into the limelight. Oscar-winning character actor Christoph Waltz of “Inglourious Basterds” comes out of the shadows and confronts Bond late in the third quarter of “Spectre.” Waltz makes a terrific villain, but Mendes and his scripters have short-changed him on screen time. Blofeld’s final infamy sends Bond scrambling frantically in search of the plucky heroine at the old MI 6 building poised to be blown to smithereens. This ticking time bomb scene recalls the finale of the Sylvester Stallone movie “Expendables 3.” Sadly, unlike a traditional James Bond movie, “Spectre” furnishes 007 with few ingenious gadgets. He is reduced to wearing a wristwatch that comes with an alarm clock bomb. Most of Blofeld’s staff consists of executives or clerical staff, and Blofeld’s gunmen are terrible shots. It is only when the end credits roll that we learn the name of Blofeld’s chief henchman that David Bautista portrays. Mr. Hinx should have lasted longer than he does. Indeed, he should have shown up for the finale in the MI 6 building, so he could prevent Bond from escaping with Madeleine Swann.
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BURGERFI TUSCALOOSA // MAKING ITS MARK
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n a town like Tuscaloosa, it seems that one can find a burger joint every hundred yards. However, it takes much craft and effort to be a memorable burger that has folks wanting more. BurgerFi Tuscaloosa has joined the ranks of spotlighted burger eateries, debuting in the Shoppes at Legacy Park area this month. Though Auburn opened the first Alabama BurgerFi location last year, Tuscaloosa is more than happy to call BurgerFi Tuscaloosa its own. The husband and I decided to try out BurgerFi for our Sunday night dinner. Sharing a parking lot with the other businesses and eateries in the area, it was hard to tell if the packed parking on a Sunday night belonged to our destination or another business. Walking into the restaurant we were welcomed by bright lights, vivid conversation, and happygo-lucky hipster musical mashes playing through the speaker system. We fell in line to order our burgers at the front counter and I immediately noticed the significant number of folks making to-go orders. Walking closer to the ordering counter I was overwhelmed by the variety of options on the electronic menu board. Various burgers, dogs, and custard varieties were all calling my name but I knew I needed to focus and make a decision. I opted for the VegiFi Burger, a concoction of crispy quinoa with a fresh cut veggie burger, white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and BurgerFi sauce on a multigrain bun. I banked on getting to taste a bite of my husband’s choice, a BurgerFi cheeseburger boasting double meat and cheese along with the regular cheeseburger veggie adornments and sauce. Sides included hand-cut fries and onion rings, and for folks that want a bit of both worlds, the Cry+Fry option let me have both. I noted the variety of side toppings for the fries and onion rings, including chili and cheese, salt and vinegar, garlic aioli and anything else you can imagine. Our cashier sent us off on our way with a GPS tracker buzzer, instructing us
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to have a seat wherever we wanted and our tracker would have a server bring our food right to us. While waiting on our food, I was pleasantly distracted by the rustic urban feel of the diner and learned from the staff that the seating and tables were made from recycled pallets, coke bottles, and milk jugs. Large pictures of Alabama football and memorabilia were clearly present around the restaurant, making BurgerFi’s mark as a Tuscaloosa tradition. Large 60-inch flatscreen televisions were amply placed all over the walls as well. It wasn’t long before our food was brought to us. Larger than life onion rings and a generous amount of fresh cut fries almost camouflaged our veggie burger and cheese burger. The veggie burger was full of flavor, and extremely cheesy. Taking a bite of my hubby’s burger, the high quality beef sans antibiotics and hormones was obvious. Our sides did not disappoint and the fresh flavors of the onion ring made it clear that these were never frozen products. If I had to pick my one disappointment, it would likely be that I didn’t’ save room in my tummy for a shake, malt, sundae or float. Until next time BurgerFi Tuscaloosa. BurgerFi Tuscaloosa is located in Suite 510 in the Shoppes at Legacy Park and opens daily at 11:00 a.m. Tweet us @ ThePlanetWeekly and let us know where you are eating! Sheena Gregg, MS, RDN,LD is a registered dietitian and local “Filipino foodie.” Follow her on Twitter @AFilipinoFoodie
>>> B O O K S | C O U R T N E Y B L A N C H A R D
ECOLOGY OF MODERNISM I
n Bound to Respect: Antebellum Narratives of Black Imprisonment, Servitude, and Bondage, 1816–1861, Keith Michael Green examines key texts that illuminate forms of black bondage and captivity that existed within and alongside slavery. In doing so, he restores to antebellum African American autobiographical writing the fascinating heterogeneity lost if the historical experiences of African Americans are attributed to slavery alone. The book’s title is taken from the assertion by US Supreme Court chief justice Roger B. Taney in his 1857 Dred Scott decision that blacks had no rights that whites were “bound to respect.” This allusion highlights Green’s critical assertion that the dehumanizing absurdities to which defenders of slavery resorted to justify slavery only brought into more stark relief the humanity of African Americans. A gifted storyteller, Green examines four forms of captivity: incarceration, enslavement to Native Americans, child indentured servitude, and maritime capture. By illuminating this dense penumbra of captivity beyond the strict definitions of slavery, he presents a fluid and holistic network of images, vocabulary, narratives, and history. By demonstrating how these additional forms of confinement flourished in the era of slavery, Green shows how they persisted beyond emancipation, in such a way that freed slaves did not in fact partake of “freedom” as white Americans understood it. This gap in understanding continues to bedevil contemporary American society, and Green deftly draws persuasive connections between past and present. A vital and convincing offering to readers of literary criticism, African American studies, and American history, Green’s Bound to Respect brings fresh and nuanced insights to this fundamental chapter in the American story. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Keith Michael Green is an associate professor of English at Rutgers University. REVIEWS “This is a provocative and important book. Bound to Respect gets at the difficult history of the recognition of African American humanity and liberty by expanding our
understanding of the means by which that recognition was denied or restricted. This is a study that gets at the complexity of African American identity, the overlapping levels of experience, and the nesting dolls of African American confinements that are involved in the construction of African American cultures of consciousness and understanding.” —John Ernest, author of A Nation Within a Nation: Organizing African-American Communities before the Civil War and Liberation Historiography: African American Writers and the Challenge of History, 1794–1861 “Keith Green’s Bound to Respect will assume an important place alongside earlier studies of African and African American captivity. Green has taken to heart Roderick Ferguson’s call to rethink narrow, plot-driven analyses of black history. He instead reroutes his readings of slave narratives through the vexed terrain of black ‘respectability politics.’ This unexpected turn expands notions of bondage beyond whips, chains, and plantations into the realms of political and affective imprisonment. The results are gratifying.” —Jennifer James, author of A Freedom Bought with Blood: African American War Literature from the Civil War to World War II
The University of Alabama Press is a proud member of the Association of American University Presses. The Press currently publishes 70-75 new titles a year and has over 1,800 titles in print. It is a founding member of the University Press Content Consortium and is at the cutting edge of digital publishing. The Press is the publishing arm of the University of Alabama.
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THEATRE TUSCALOOSA ANNOUNCES CHRISTMAS MUSICAL
T
heatre Tuscaloosa will present Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical December 11-20 in the Bean-Brown Theatre on the Martin Campus of Shelton State Community College. With book, music, and lyrics by Dan Goggin, this follow up to Nunsense features audiences’ favorite sisters taping their first TV special in the convent basement studio. Joining in the fun this time is Father Virgil and some of Mt. Saint Helen’s most talented students. Filled with Nunsense humor, this show includes funny songs such as “Santa Ain’t Comin’ to Our House” and “We Three Kings of Orient Are Us.” With an uproarious take on Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet, this show is filled with hilarious, heart-warming moments, making it the perfect holiday event. Nuncrackers is directed by Tina Turley, Executive Producer of Theatre Tuscaloosa, who directed Theatre Tuscaloosa’s production of Nunsense in 1998. “Nuncrackers will bring the gift of laughter and joy to your family’s holiday season,” says Turley. “We have a tremendously talented production team and an outstanding cast, so I know our audiences will have a wonderful time!” The production team includes John Hisey, lighting designer; Lindsey Jones, choreographer; Wheeler Kincaid, scenic designer and technical director; Leslie Poss, musical director; Charles Prosser, stage manager; and Jeanette Waterman, costume designer. The cast of Nuncrackers includes Carol DeVelice, Matthew Eubanks, Beth Stomps Feller, Alikah Hartley, Porsche Kemp, Amber Mills, Jenny Ryan, Brodrick Ryans, Brody Southern, Davida Tubbs, Kollin Ward, and Laura White. Theatre Tuscaloosa’s 2015-16 Season: Making Fun! is presented in cooperation with Shelton State Community College and is made possible with support from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Tuscaloosa, and WVUA23. Nuncrackers is sponsored by Jamison Money Farmer, Afflink, BF Goodrich, Townsquare Media, and TotalCom. Nuncrackers runs December 11-20, 2015, in the Bean-Brown Theatre on Shelton State Community College’s Martin Campus. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturday December 13; and at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Sundays, and Saturday, December 19. A pay-what-you-can dress rehearsal will be presented on Thursday, December 10, at 7:30 p.m.; all proceeds will benefit the Charlie Dennis Memorial Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors (60+) and members of the military, and $14 for students and children. Special rates are available in advance for groups of ten or more. For more information and for tickets, visit www.theatretusc.com or call 205.391.2277.
ART ROUNDUP from the UA Dept. of Art and Art History ENDING SOON NOV 20 Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center Holiday Open House, Camden, 10 am - 3 pm NOV 20 Triple Tongue II (fashion, music, poetry and art), Green Bar, Tuscaloosa, 7 pm NOW-NOV 20 K-12 Fellowship Exhibition: University Place Elementary and Bryant High, Paul R. Jones Gallery, Tuscaloosa NOW-NOV 20 ramble - art works by Kelly Parvin, Harrison Galleries, Tuscaloosa NOV 20 DEADLINE: Double Exposure Photography Exhibition, Arts Council of Tuscaloosa NOW-NOV 25 Namibian Craft: the Unknown and the Outsiders, UA Gallery, DWCAC, Tuscaloosa NOW-NOV 27 Entrelazado: An Exhibition of Cuban Printmaking, Sella-Granata Art Gallery, UA (reception NOV 12) NOW-NOV 27 Miz Thang in the T.E.M.P. Gallery, Kentuck Art Center, Northport NOW-NOV 27 WINGS - Insects and Other Life Forms by Kevin Ledgewood, Arts Council Gallery, DWCAC
ONGOING & UPCOMING (in order of ending date) DEC 4 Reception, People, Places and Things: Paintings by Paul Looney in the Arts Council Gallery, DWCAC, 5-8 pm NOW-DEC 4 Russ Warren: Works 1971 – 2015, Sarah Moody Gallery of Art (Nov. 2 reception) DEC 6 5th Street Vintage Market, Northport Farmer's Market, 4150 5th St., 11 am-4 pm NOW-DEC 15 31st West Alabama Juried Show Exhibit, Bama Theatre's Junior League Gallery, Tuscaloosa DEC 15 Art Talk Tuesday: Paul Looney on his People, Places and Things, DWCAC. Bring your lunch and a friend! Noon-1 pm DEC 15 Closing Reception, 31st West Alabama Juried Show Exhibit, Junior League Gallery, 5:30 pm-7 pm DEC 4-JAN 8, 2016 People, Places and Things: Paintings by Paul Looney in the Arts Council Gallery, DWCAC, Tuscaloosa DEC 19, 2015-MAY 15, 2016 Haitian Flags from the Cargo Collection, Birmingham Museum of Art (Tuscaloosan)
ANYTIME
Stroll between galleries through UA's Woods Quad Sculpture Garden with five outdoor sculptures, plus other sculptures in adjoining campus lawns.
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NEWS Chamber Hosts First Member Appreciation Party
Members of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama enjoyed food and fun Thursday, Oct. 5, during the Chamber’s first Member Appreciation Party. Planned as an annual event, the party featured barbecue prepared by the McAbee Pigfitters, a WTXT live remote, Small Business Saturday swag for members to take with them, and a dessert table that included goodies from Edgar’s Bakery and Gigi’s Cupcakes provided by Riverbluff Office Park neighbor PSI. The charitable organization Santa’s Elves was on hand, collecting toys for distribution this Christmas, and Chamber Ambassadors were available to give tours of the Chamber offices and meeting spaces. Sponsors for the event were Game Day Tents, McAbee Construction, Event Operations Group, Baumhower’s Restaurant, Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q, Flowers Baking Co. of Tuscaloosa, iHeart Media, Inc., Crown Limousine & Sedan Service, PSI, Twice the Ice and Buffalo Rock.
November Chamber After Hours Features Tastes around the World
Guests at the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama’s November Business After Hours, held Nov. 10 at the Bank of Tuscaloosa Plaza on Jack Warner Parkway, were treated to a taste tour around the world, as the event’s presenters each served cuisine from a different country during the event. Visitors to the Bank of Tuscaloosa’s first floor were treated to Mexican food from Chuy’s, and also had fun posing with props that included sombreros, mustaches, hats and other colorful attire. Southland Benefit Solutions, also located on the first floor, treated guests to a taste of New Orleans, as they draped visitors in Mardi Gras beads and served gumbo and rice. By traveling up the elevator to Rosen Harwood, guests then sampled the foods of Italy, including pasta dishes, cheeses and fruit. At JamisonMoneyFarmer, German delicacies including a variety of sausages, sauerkraut and pretzels awaited guests. At Hunt Refining Company’s location on the fourth floor, After Hours attendees sampled a traditional English Harvest Feast, surrounded by pumpkins and gourds. The event’s presenters also held a random drawing for gift baskets, and a contest was held to allow attendees to guess the number of Christmas lights on the Plaza’s trees.
West Alabama Job Fair Set for Wed., Dec. 2
Area employers seeking to hire new personnel are invited to participate in the Greene County/West Alabama Job Fair, scheduled to be held on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the New Greene County High School. The school is located at 14221 US-11 in Eutaw, Alabama. The Alabama Department of Industrial Relations, the Greene County Board of Education, University of West Alabama and West Alabama Works are hosting the job fair to promote employment opportunities for local citizens. There is no cost to participate in the fair; however, participating companies must currently have positions available for hire. The deadline for employers to register is Monday, Nov. 30, 2015. To obtain more information about the fair or to register, contact Phillis Branch-Belcher at (205) 372-9769 or (205) 315-1091.
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BAREFOOT CABERNET SAUVIGNON
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
F
or this review I teamed up once again with my good friend Big Al. We settled in to taste the 2012 vintage of this wine on its own and then paired with a simple cheddar. As you’ll see below, we agreed and disagreed on a few things about this wine. But put together, I think you’ll get a comprehensive review. APPEARANCE In appearance, Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon is opaque red in color. When it was poured, we noticed just a little bit of effervescence around the outer edge of the wine in the glass. That quickly dissipated and no effect was noticed on the wine. Much more noticeable were the wine’s legs which were quick to form and thick. They were perfectly spaced and we noted a quarter inch between each leg in our fairly large wine glasses. AROMA Barefoot Cabernet is moderately aromatic. I noticed whiffs of earth and black cherry. Al described the earthy notes as “mossy oak.” He didn’t agree with me on the black cherry aroma. To him, it was more about the red fruits, describing it as primarily currant. We both agreed that very little alcohol was noted in the aroma. There was a little sting, but it wasn’t overpowering. Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon alcohol content 13.5% by volume, per the bottle. TASTE I think Al best described the taste experience of this wine in one sentence. He said it was a “three part experience that started buttery, then moved to currant and finished oaky.” Additionally I noticed flavors of ripe raspberry and much less of the oak. When we were tasting this wine, I wrote down the word “buttery” about one second before Al said it. That really spoke to predominance of the “butteryness” of this wine, which I found to be
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a little unusual for a Cabernet. But, it worked for this wine. MOUTHFEEL AND TANNINS I described the mouthfeel as velvety, whereas Al described it as linen. We both agreed that the tannins were subtle and most noticeable on the sides of the tongue and back of the roof of the mouth. FINISH We noted an 8 to 10 second finish that we characterized as long. It was definitely carried by the wine’s flavors along with a bit of oak. OVERALL OPINION Overall, Al said he was “Satisfied by the overall experience. Great for sipping in front of a fire. Middle of the road kind of wine.” I called it an enjoyable light sipper that was medium-light in body for a Cabernet Sauvignon. My highlight was that I enjoyed the balance between the aroma, the flavor and the finish. We both agreed this is a straightforward, non-complex wine that will probably be enjoyed by many. If you’re looking for a highly crafted and complex Cabernet Sauvignon, look elsewhere. But, overall this wine would be great to serve at gatherings with friends due to its approachability. Especially if you like a fruity, jammy kind of Cabernet. Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon price $5.99 for the 750ml bottle and $10.99 for the 1.5L, making it a very inexpensive wine to have on hand. WITH CHEDDAR PAIRING After the above tasting, we paired Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon with a simple cheddar cheese. I found that the cheese allowed the dark fruits (think non-rich black cherry) that were previously not noticed to come through. Al thought it muted the tannins, but resulted in no noticeable changes in the wine’s flavor profile.
Rama Jama’s 1000 Bryant Dr // 750.0901 Closest restaurant to Bryant-Denny Stadium. Sweet Home Food Bar 2218 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 764-9346 Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Waysider 1512 Greensboro Ave // 345.8239 Open for breakfast and lunch. Smoke free.
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/ 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
MEXICAN
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.
Don Tono's 2312 4th Street | Temerson Square // 345.9191
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.
Chipotle Mexican Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0140 www.chipotle.com
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
ITALIAN
Avenue Pub 405 23rd Avenue
Broadway Pizzeria 2880 Rice Mine Road Northeast Tuscaloosa, // 391.6969
Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill 2001 New Watermelon Rd | Northport // 342.3378
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
LaGran Fiesta 9770 Hwy 69 S // 345.8871
Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.345.4343
Los Calientes Mexican Grill 3429 McFarland Blvd E // 553.1558
Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd // 758.0112 Pizzas, calzones, hoagies and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. www.mellowmushroom.com
Iguana Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 752.5895
Los Tarascos (2 locations) 1759 Skyland Blvd // 553.8896 3380 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.0919 Margarita's Grill 1241 McFarland Blvd E // 343.0300 Moe’s Southwest Grill (2 locations) 2330 McFarland Blvd E // 342.1487 1130 University Blvd // 752.0234 moes.com Pepito’s (2 locations) 1203 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9028 1301 McFarland Blvd NE // 391.4861 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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Mr. G’s 908 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339-8505 Olive Garden 2100 McFarland Blvd E // 750-0321 Open daily from 11 a.m. www.olivegarden.com
CASUAL DINING
Avenue Pub 405 23rd Avenue // Tuscaloosa Brunch, lunch, and dinner. Specialty cocktails, local pints, bottled beer, and wine. Mon - Fri. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sat. Noon – 11 p.m., Sun.Noon p.m. – 9 p.m. Big Daddy’s Cafe 514 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 759.9925 The Blue Plate Restaurant (Was Northport Diner) 450 McFarland Blvd, Northport // 462-3626 Brumfield's Restaurant 4851 Rice Mine Road | Tue. - Thu.: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri - Sat.: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., and Sunday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Buddy’s Ribs & Steaks 2701 Bridge Ave | Northport // 339.4885 Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd // 523.0273 Mon–Wed 11 a.m. - midnight | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Chicken Salad Chick The Shoppes at Midtown & Essex Square, Northport | Said to be the very best chicken salad that can be found anywhere. www. chickensaladchick.com
>>> B E E R R E V I E W | B R E T T R E I D
SIERRA NEVADA // COFFEE STOUT W e finally made it, everyone. Cold weather is here and that means firing up the heaters, holiday food, and, most importantly, dark beers. I love this time of year for many reasons; one being that I love to bundle up. You can only take so many layers of clothing off before the police are called, but you can bundle up until you look like the Michelin Tire Man if you choose to do so. Either way, you’ll be able to find me sitting on my porch in the evenings enjoying a rich, roasty stout or porter. While at the grocery store recently, I picked up a mixed 12 pack of the Sierra Nevada Snow Pack Seasonal Sampler. It had two old favorites, the Pale Ale and the Torpedo Extra Pale Ale, but there were two others in the mix that I had never had before. One was the Snow Wit White IPA that was mediocre at best, but then there was what I was really after, the Coffee Stout. I got them home, chilled them, and cracked open the first of three to see how this seasonal offering stood up to my high standards for stout beers. First of all, let it be known that I’m not a huge fan of Sierra Nevada’s beers. I am however a fan of what they’ve done for the craft beer environment and the economic landscape of beer. If it were not for Sierra Nevada, we wouldn’t have our Good People or our Druid City beers that we all know and love. So in that aspect, I salute them. Although, I’ve only had one Sierra Nevada beer that I’ve just been crazy about and it’s only made once a year. Anyways, the beer they make is good, just not my favorite and probably never will be. I drank this beer from a pint glass and as I poured, a thick, pitch-black body filled the glass. Topped with a smooth, frothy khaki colored head that was about two finger widths thick. The head sticks around for a long time and recedes more in the middle and makes a crown-like head of foam on top of the beer. As it dissipates though, there is a nice amount of lacing that lines the glass and sticks around very nicely. The aroma is a beautiful bouquet of coffee and roasted malts that blend together in an amazing way. There are faint notes of chocolate on the back end and a biscuit like malt rounds out the finish on the nose. The coffee was the strongest aroma I picked up with the chocolate coming in a close second. I really love the smell this beer has, because it’s everything that I enjoy in stouts. That rich, roasted malt aroma mixed with the right amount of chocolate and fresh roasted coffee is a match made in heaven.
The taste resembles the aroma slightly, but man, the coffee really shines here. When you take the first sip, you’re punched in the mouth with an extreme coffee flavor that sticks around in your mouth throughout the duration of the entire beer. Along with the coffee is an overwhelming presence of roasted malt and dark chocolate. Towards the end of each sip, you pick up on a bit of pine and citrus from the hops, and it finishes up with more of that coffee flavor and another mouthful of the roasted malts. There’s a light sweetness that gives you another depth of flavor and takes the beer to another level that you normally don’t get with Sierra Nevada beers. This is an extremely balanced beer that I honestly didn’t see coming at all. The body is where everything kind of fell flat for me, literally. The body just isn’t there as with a lot of their other beers. You get this amazing rush of flavors and then the mouthfeel just goes limp and it almost feels like you’re drinking cold coffee. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the worst beer I’ve ever had, but it’s definitely lacking in some areas that I happen to feel are quite vital for having a great beer. Carbonation was pretty weak for the most part, so there’s that as well. There was a very dry finish to the beer that wasn’t exactly pleasing either. I don’t know, it just wasn’t hitting where I wanted it. Overall, Sierra Nevada played it safe with a classic Sierra Nevada beer. It’s good for what it is, but it’s nothing to write home about either. I’m afraid I’m predisposed to criticizing their beers too harshly, but on the other hand, I think I just know what I’m talking about when it comes to each beer style. The aroma was awesome, the taste was awesome, but everything after that was a huge setback that I just couldn’t get over. Easily a six out of ten for me, but for me to buy it again, it would have had to register at least an eight. Oh well, there are plenty others that are worth my time and money from here on out. Better luck next time, SN.
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NOVEMBER 19 + DECEMBER 3
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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.)
Chili’s 1030 Skyland Blvd | Near McFarland Mall // 750.8881 Fax: 758.7715 // www.chilis.com
Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 366.8780 www.panerabread.com
Dave’s Dogs 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 722.2800
Piccadilly Cafeteria 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 556.4960 www.piccadilly.com
Five Guys Burgers & Fries 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0575 www.fiveguys.com Glory Bound Gyro Company 2325 University Blvd // 349-0505 Glory Bound Gyro Company is a unique restaurant that focuses on great food and service in a funky, fun-filled atmosphere. Open Mon-Thu: 11am - 10pm | Fri - Sat: 11am-10pm | Sun: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Heritage House 700 Towncenter | Northport // 758.0042 Open Mon-Fri 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Hooligan’s 1915 University Blvd // 759.2424 From hamburgers to hummus. Open daily 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
New Orleans Steak and Seafood House 824 McFarland Boulevard |11:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. daily. 248-7666
Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip // 342.0022 www.bamaquickgrill.com
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).
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
Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd. East | Tuscaloosa // 523.0273 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine selection, full bar
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)
Ryan’s 4373 Courtney Dr // 366.1114 Near Marriott Courtyard and Fairfield Inn
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.
Sitar Indian Cuisine 500 15th St // 345-1419
Hooter’s 5025 Oscar Baxter Dr | Next to Jameson Inn // 758.3035 Wings, clams, shrimp and of course the Hooters Girls www.hooters.com
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
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.
Southland Restaurant 5388 Skyland Blvd E // 556.3070 Steaks, chops and home-cooked vegetables Mon–Fri 10:45 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Logan's Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd E // 349.3554
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.
Madear’s 1735 Culver Road // 343.7773 Mon–Fri 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. | 2nd & 3rd Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Tacogi 500 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 342.3647
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
Buffalo Phil’s 1149 University Blvd | The Strip // 758.3318 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine selection, full bar
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
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
The Levee Bar and Grill 1 Bridge Ave | Northport // 632.3136 Casual riverfront dining Open Mon-Thurs 11am-9:30pm, Fri&Sat 11am, Sun 11am-8pm. www. leveebarandgrill.com Wintzell's Oyster House 808 Skyland Blvd. at the intersection of Skyland and Alabama Highway 69. | 247-7772 | wintzellsoysterhouse.com/location/tuscaloosa/
CHINESE
Buffet City 1747 Skyland Blvd E // 553.3308 All you can eat buffet. Open 7 days a week. Chang’s Chinese Restaurant 1825 McFarland Blvd N // 391.9131 China Fun 2600 University Blvd | Alberta City // 553.2435 Chongwah Express 1425 McFarland Boulevard, Northport. 333-1088 Hot Wok Express 6751 Alabama 69, Tuscaloosa // 758.0148 Lee Palace 6521 Highway 69 S // 391.9990 Open daily 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Mr. Chen's Authentic Chinese Cooking & Oriental Market 514 14th St. | In the Oz Music shopping center // 343.6889 // Open Sun - Thu 11am - 9pm, Fri & Sat 11am - 9:30pm Pearl Garden 2719 Lurleen Wallace Blvd | Northport // 339.0880 Peking Chinese Restaurant 1816 McFarland | Northport // 333.0361 Open 7 days a week. Super lunch and dinner buffet. Hours: Sun–Thurs 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Swen Chinese Restaurant 1130 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9887 Trey Yuen 4200 McFarland Blvd E // 752.0088
ASIAN CUISINE
Ruan Thai 1407 University Blvd // 391.9973 | ruanthaituscaloosa.com Exotic Thai cuisine. Offers vegetarian options, outdoor dining, and a full bar. Sushi on Thursdays. Lunch: Mon–Sat 11 a.m. -2 p.m. | Dinner: Mon–Thurs 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fri & Sat 5 p.m. -10pm | Sun 11 a.m. -3 p.m.
Hick’s BBQ 4400 Fayette Hwy // 339.3678 // Tues–Sat 10 a.m. - 8 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
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.
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.
Tee’s Ribs and Thangs 1702 10th Avenue // 366.9974 |11 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily
Firehouse Subs 1130 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 248.0680
STEAKS
Hungry Howie’s (2 locations) 1105 Southview Ln | South Tuscaloosa // 345.6000 1844 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.2633 1211 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa | The Strip // 366.1500 4851 Rice Mine Rd | Northriver/Holt // 345.3737
Longhorn Steakhouse 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 345-8244 #412
Lenny’s Sub Shop 220 15th St // 752.7450 Fax: 752.7481 // www.lennys.com
New Orleans Steak and Seafood House 824 McFarland Boulevard |11:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. daily. 248-7666
Little Caesars Pizza 1414 10th Ave // 366.2220 | 1www.littlecaesars.com
Logan’s Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd | next to Sams // 349.3554 Steaks, ribs and spirits
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
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.
NOVEMBER 19 + DECEMBER 3
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.
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.
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
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Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar 4851 Rice Mine Rd NE #460 // 462.3399 McFarland Plaza Shopping Center & Temerson Square
California Underground 13552 Highway 43, Northport | 339.8660
Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. // 345.4354 Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 758.0112 Subs n' You 2427 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.758.0088 Roly Poly Sandwiches 2300 4th Street | Tuscaloosa // 366.1222 The Pita Pit 1207 University Blvd | The Strip // 345.9606 Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30 a.m. - 3 a.m. | Sun 11:30 a.m. - midnight
>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS
>>> H E A LT H | D R . R AC H E L S T E I N E R
QUICK TIPS TO PURCHASING VITAMINS
TO HAVE YOUR RESTAURANT LISTED HERE PLEASE EMAIL PLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM Pizza 120 50115th St. East | 561.6853
Krispy Kreme Doughnut 1400 McFarland Blvd // 758.6913 www.krispykreme.com
Pizza Palace Buffet 6521 Alabama 69 | 752.5444
Starbucks (2 locations) 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 343.2468 1901 13th Ave East | inside Super Target // 462.1064 starbucks.com
Tut’s Place 1306 University Blvd | The Strip // 759.1004
DELICATESSEN
DESSERTS
Honeybaked Ham Company 421 15th St. E // 345.5508 www.honeybaked.com
Celebrations Bakery, Inc. 1832 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339.3221 Fax: 349.1945
Jason’s Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd // 752.6192 Fax: 752.6193 // www.jasonsdeli.com Located in the Meadowbrook Shopping Center.
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.
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
Dunkin' Donuts 2520 Stillman Blvd. |Tuscaloosa// 349.3400 McCorvey Dr. | Tuscaloosa // 348.4041 www.dunkindonuts.com
Manna Grocery & Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 752.9955
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.
McAlister’s Deli (2 locations) 101 15th St | Tuscaloosa // 758.0039 3021 Tyler Dr | Northport // 330.7940 Sandwiches, salads and spuds www.mcalistersdeli.com
Smoothie King (2 locations) 415 15th Street | Tuscaloosa // 349.1721 Fax: 349.1945 1403 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 462.3664
Momma Goldberg’s Deli 409 23rd Ave // 345.5501 |www.mommagoldbergs.com Newk's 205 University Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 758.2455
Sweet CeCe's Frozen yogurt Treats 2217 University Blvd. | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 561.6458 A fun and friendly make your own creation, yogurt experience!
Schlotsky’s Deli 405 15th St. E // 759.1975 schlotskys.com Which Wich University Blvd.// Downtown Tuscaloosa // Mon – Sat 10:30 – 9 // Sunday 11 – 7 // Fun atmosphere,fresh ingredients, great sandwiches. 764.1673
COFFEE SHOP
Barnes & Noble 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa 349.6366
Yogurt In Love Patriot Center 7402 Highway 69 South Phone Number: 764.9173 Fax Number: 764.9228 Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-10 pm. Yogurt Lab 920 Paul W. Bryant Dr Ste 200 | Tuscaloosa // 347.9522
Five Java Coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and treats from Mary's Cakes. Open Monday - Saturday at 7am; 9am on Sundays Heritage House 700 Towncenter | Northport // 758.0042 Open Mon-Fri 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
TCBY (3 Locations) 2304 Mcfarland Blbd | Meadowbrook Shopping Center // 349.4661 // 2 Mcfarland Blvd | Northport | Essex Shopping Center // 758.6855 // 1130 Univ. Blvd. | The Strip // 345.0804
Yogurt Mountain 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 342.1484 Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - midnight
F
rom a recent survey, it is reported that 63% of Americans take some kind of daily vitamin or supplement. When asked why they started taking them, most responded that they saw some kind of advertisement of the benefits and thought they needed it. Vitamins and supplements can definitely be beneficial in ones diet however, it is important to talk to a health professional or heavily do your research before you decide if and what you should be taking. Just as important it is to make sure you are taking dietary supplements that are right for you, knowing the quality and dosage is just as crucial. Earlier this year the New York State Attorney General accused major retailers of fraudulently labeling several of their supplements. It was also found that some of these stores were not including all of the additives to their supplements on the ingredient list. Such a practice is concerning, especially with many people taking supplements to be sure they are getting all they need from their diets. The world of supplements can seem confusing at first. The shelves at retail shops carrying nutritional products are overloaded with everything from vitamin A to Zinc. Just taking a look at the supplement section feels overwhelming, some stores having numerous aisles of them. Each product has different formulations, with different doses and percentages on the label. If you are considering taking a supplement or are currently taking some,
there are some important tips to consider to make sure what you are taking is actually of benefit and not just a waste of your money. QUALITY OF THE SUPPLEMENT The reputation of the manufacturer, their suppliers, and their record of quality are helpful, but most important is what is actually in the supplement. If you are looking for a particular supplement, make sure to take a look at the ingredients. If you are researching on the Internet, search for things like “most bio available” or “most absorbable form”. Like most things, you get what you pay for. Vitamins can be full of additives and other fillers, which decrease the quality of the vitamin and allows the retailer to sell it for much cheaper. If you see numerous types of a particular supplement on the shelf, typically the higher priced one is going to be better quality. DOSAGE Do your research. To benefit optimally from a supplement, there’s a specific dosage for a specific person, at specific frequencies and durations. READ THE LABELS CAREFULLY Choose a supplement based on your research and not just what the label says. The labels are the selling point for the manufacturer; everything will probably sound good to the potential buyer. The FDA does not require a warning label on most supplements so it is important to make sure what you are going to start taking does not interfere with any current medications or conditions you have. Most importantly, when possible it is always best to get your nutrients from actual food instead of supplement form. When in doubt, seek out health care practitioner that can make the best recommendations for you.
>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS
NOVEMBER 19 + DECEMBER 3
13
>>> M O V I E R E V I E W | V A N R O B E R T S
LOVE THE COOPERS // SAVE YOUR DIME
T
he fair to middling Yuletide yarn “Love the Coopers,” about a dysfunctional family and their dog during a snowy Christmas in Pittsburgh, wrecks the halls rather than decks them. Like “The Family Stone” and Thanksgiving themed “Home for the Holidays,” this outing depicts the various trials and tribulations that four generations of a family face as they assemble for their ritualistic Christmas Eve dinner. “Corrina, Corrina” director Jessie Nelson and “Stepmom” scenarist Steven Rogers supply soap opera rather than holiday hilarity in this contrived PG-13 rated hokum that shares more in common with a Lifetime movie than a Hallmark movie. Literally, everybody in “Love the Coopers” is concealing something, lying about something, and/or hating somebody else. A top-drawer ensemble cast that shouldn’t be squandering its considerable talents for such a contrived exercise in tedium makes this bittersweet potboiler more tolerable than it has any right. Diane Keaton and John Goodman play the long-suffering couple that sponsors this disastrous dinner. Keaton appears in her element as a Martha Stewart housewife who has more than enough time to lavish on this supper. After all, she appeared in the similarly minded “Family Stone.” For a change, heavyset John Goodman looms front and center as her husband for a change rather than as an eccentric bystander on the periphery. Goodman’s presence reminds us that not all Hollywood husbands need look either trim and slim like Michael Douglas or charismatic like Brad Pitt. Naturally, obstacles galore ensue as the various couples encounter the problems in their lives and struggle to triumph over them. No matter how robust the cast is, everybody is inevitably upstaged by a large mixed breed dog named Rags that steals the show in the final
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NOVEMBER 19 + DECEMBER 3
frame with the surprise of all surprises. Charlotte (Diane Keaton of “Anne Hall”) and Sam Cooper (John Goodman of “The Big Lebowski”) have been married for 40 years. They have a grown-up son, Hank (Ed Helms of “The Hangover”), with a family of his own, while their adult daughter, Eleanor (ravishing Olivia Wilde of “Cowboys and Aliens”), has found neither love nor success as a playwright. Eleanor has just flown back home, and she is loitering at the local airport terminal because she doesn’t want to face her folks. Eleanor and her mom rub each other the wrong way, and the former doesn’t approve of the patronizing way the latter treats her. Eleanor is beginning to feel the burden of being single. Since her fiancée cheated on her, she has been leery of the opposite sex, but she still craves affection. At the airport, she comes across a soldier on leave, Charlie (Jake Lacy of “Obvious Child”), whose flight has been grounded because of inclement weather. Eleanor and Jake have a series of encounters and eventually get chummy. Rather than face her mom as a single daughter, Eleanor invites Jake to accompany her to her parents’ holiday dinner and masquerade as her fiancé. Charlotte’s widowed father, Bucky (Alan Arkin of “Argo”), has retired and frequents a local diner where he has developed a platonic friendship with a young waitress, Ruby (Amanda Seyfried of “Momma Mia”), who may have tried to slash her wrist at some time in the past. Bucky has been cultivating Ruby’s appreciation of movies with Hollywood classics like Charlie Chaplin’s “City Lights” and the Judy Holliday comedy “Born Yesterday.” Meantime, an even more obnoxious character lingers on the sidelines in the person of Charlotte’s jealous younger sister Emma (Oscar winner Marisa Tomei of “My Cousin Vinny”) who has always clashed
with her sister. Emma remains single and self-absorbed. She carries drama around with her like luggage. Conventional as this set-up appears with the meal as the finale, more is going on than initially than meets the eye. Charlotte and Sam plan to use the Christmas dinner to announce their imminent divorce. Director Jessie Nelson and scenarist Steven Rogers hint, but never outright explain what prompted Charlotte and Sam’s martial meltdown. Mind you, we catch a glimpse of their adorable second daughter who didn’t survive infancy. Presumably, her demise has taken a toll on Charlotte’s life and ruined her happiness. Sam wants to embark on a trip to Africa with her that they had planned decades ago. Sadly, Charlotte has forsaken her adventurous spirit. Meantime, Hank and his estranged wife Angie (Alex Borstein of “Ted”) squabble about their three children, a lusty teenage son named Charlie (Timothée Chalamet of “Interstellar”), his younger brother Bo (Maxwell Simkins of “And So It Goes”), and their 5-year old sister, Madison (newcomer Blake Baumgartner) who spouts the crude phrase “You’re such a dick.” Of course, Madison provides the comic relief because everybody is appalled by her tactless diction. Furthermore, Hank has been replaced as a Sears’ portrait photographer by automation. Worse, he hasn’t informed anybody that he is no longer employed! Aside from Eleanor’s antics, Emma faces the worst predicament of her life. She swallows a brooch at a jewelry store, and the store detective nabs her. Pittsburgh policeman, Officer Williams (Anthony Mackie of “Marvels’ Avengers”), claps Emma in cuffs and transports her to jail. During the drive, Emma bonds with Officer Williams, and he reveals that not only is he gay, but he also is terribly lonely. Eventually, the Cooper dinner turns into a family feud. Everybody is at each other’s throats when suddenly Bucky collapses from a stroke. The family rushes their paterfamilias to the emergency
★★
OU T OF 4
room. Fortunately, Bucky doesn’t kick the bucket, and the family manages to resolve their differences. Virtually every character in “Love the Coopers” is objectionable. Moreover, the filmmakers have given us too many characters to keep track of and furnished too few details about some. The biggest surprise is that “Love the Coopers” is narrated from the perspective of Charlotte and Sam’s Saint Bernard named Rags. Although it is a clever conceit, no dog could know as much as this omniscient narrator knows. Holiday movies are a dime-a-dozen, but “Love the Coopers” isn’t worth a dime.
>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS
>>> PET PLANET | K E L S E Y C A M E R O N
WENDY // SNOW WHITE Meet Wendy! Wendy is an all-white beauty. Although she is solid white, she is not hearing impaired as many white cats are. She is 11 years old, but she does not act her age. She is quite active. She is extremely vocal and is always willing to have a conversation. We call her a talker! She also enjoys going out on our catio and watching the birds. Wendy is very friendly to people and social with other cats. She would do well as an only cat or as a companion cat. Wendy came to us because her elderly owners were moving to California to be near their family and were going into a retirement home. Sweet Wendy needs a second chance at a forever home. Will it be yours? Wendy is negative for FIV and FeLK, current on vaccinations, and spayed/neutered. If you are interested in giving TODD or WENDY the forever home they want and deserve, visit the Humane Society of West Alabama at http://www. humanesocietyofwa.org or call us at (205)-554-0011.
TODD // LOVES ATTENTION Let’s get this pup a family to grow up in!! This fine young man is Todd, a 6-month-old male Terrier/ Heeler mix. Todd has a smooth black coat and some white ticking on his chest. He weighs 25 pounds and still has some growing to do, so he should get to about 35-40 pounds. Todd was pulled from our city Animal Shelter, where he had been picked up by Animal Control as a stray. Poor Todd was at the pound for 3 months, so we had to get him out of there. Todd is so happy to get lots of fresh air and playtime, but he is very ready for a real home after having been in a shelter environment for so long. Todd is very friendly and eager to please. He loves attention and to play! Like any puppy (and he is still a puppy), he will need training and structure to help him develop into a well-mannered adult dog. Todd should be fine around children over age 10 (he is still a bit jumpy as most pups are!) and he enjoys being with other dogs. He may have too much energy for an apartment setting, and he will require a fenced in yard if left outside any unattended. We have started his crate training. Todd is up to date on his vet care, neutered, heartworm negative and is microchipped. He is on heartworm and flea/tick prevention. Let’s show Todd what a real home life should be for a dog – will it be your home? >>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM
NOVEMBER 19 + DECEMBER 3
15
>>> EVENTS CALENDAR | T H E S O U T H E A S T ' S L A R G E S T NOTE: All events listed here have phone numbers in the 205 area code unless otherwise indicated.
FRIDAY, Nov 6
First Friday WHEN: 5:00am-9:00pm COST: Free WHERE: Cultural Arts Center 600 Greensboro Avenue Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 758-5195 LINK: http://tuscarts.org/ DESCRIPTION: First Friday takes place on the first Friday of the month from 5-9 pm in Downtown Tuscaloosa and is free to the public. Local galleries, businesses and restaurants are open as an event for the community to see what Downtown Tuscaloosa has to offer. The First Friday event will offer gallery owners and merchants the chance to showcase their offerings after hours within the festive atmosphere created with the emerging presence of the downtown arts community
SATURDAY, Nov 7
Tuscaloosa Farmers' Market WHEN: 7:00am-12:00pm COST: Vendor prices WHERE: River Market and Visitors Center 1900 Jack Warner Parkway Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 248-5295 LINK: http://www.tuscaloosarivermarket. com/ DESCRIPTION: Join us for the Tuscaloosa Farmers' Market from your local farmers every Saturday from 7AM - Noon. Fall Festival & Chili Cook-Off WHEN: 11:00am-1:00pm COST: Free WHERE: Rosedale Baptist Church 2424 28Th Street Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 657-3824 LINK: http://visittuscaloosa.com/calendar-ofevents-old DESCRIPTION: FREE Family Fun for ALL Ages! Inflatables, Carnival Games, Chili cook-Off, Cake Walk and much much more! Open to the Public! FREE!
COST: $10 WHERE: Bama Theatre 600 Greensboro Ave PHONE: (334) 549-9795 LINK: http://bamatheatre.org/comingattractions.php DESCRIPTION: November 12: Acoustic Night: Scottish singer-songwriter Jim Malcolm. 7:30PM $10 Mismatched Ball WHEN: 7:00pm-10:00pm COST: Free WHERE: 1900 Jack Warner Pkwy Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 349-9493 LINK: http://visittuscaloosa.com/calendar-ofevents-old DESCRIPTION: The Mismatched Ball will prove to be an evening of widespread fun as attendees sport their most outlandish and fashion-less attire. No environment will ever boast a group as unmatched but connected through their commitment to embrace and celebrate their fantastically mismatched ensembles.
FRIDAY, Nov 13
Bama Rama Gymnastics Invitational WHEN: 8:00am- 8:00pm COST:free WHERE: Jerry Belk Activity Center, PARA 2101 Bowers Park Drive Tuscaloosa PHONE: (507) 759-9359 LINK: http://visittuscaloosa.com/calendar-ofevents-old DESCRIPTION: Join us at the Belk Center for the 29th edition of one of the Southeast's largest gymnastics meets. Last year over 700 gymnasts tumbled their way to medals and trophies at the Bama Bounders annual event.
Ave Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 758-5195 LINK: http://bamatheatre.org/ DESCRIPTION: Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors Medicine Tour 2015 Bama Theatre Friday, November 13th Showtime: 8:00pm Doors: 7:00pm All seating reserved$17.00 http://bit.ly/1Enl0FX Tickets on sale now! Online at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster Outlets or charge by phone 800-745-3000 Presented by Red Mountain Entertainment
SATURDAY, Nov 14
Breakfast with Santa WHEN: 9:00am-11:59pm COST: $14 WHERE: Indian Hills Country Club 1650 Mcfarland Blvd N Tuscaloosa AL PHONE: (205) 345-7416 LINK: http://visittuscaloosa.cayennecreative. com/jltuscaloosa.org DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a delicious breakfast, professional photo with Santa, shopping with local merchants and fun activities for the little ones at Indian Hills Country Club! Photo images will be promptly available online for purchase! Proceeds benefit our community partners.
MONDAY, Nov 15
Diwali Festival of Lights- Hindu Holiday Celebration WHEN: 6:00pm-9:00pm COST: Free WHERE: Bama Theatre 600 Greensboro Ave Tuscaloosa
PHONE: (205) 758-5195 LINK: http://bamatheatre.org/comingattractions.php DESCRIPTION: November 15: Diwali Festival of Lights- Hindu Holiday Celebration
MONDAY, Nov 16
Alabama Women's Basketball Salute to Service Game WHEN: 6:00pm-11:59pm COST: Free WHERE: Coleman Coliseum 1201 Coliseum Circle Tuscaloosa AL PHONE: (205) 348-9600 LINK: http://www.rolltide.com/facilities/ DESCRIPTION: Alabama's Women's Basketball team will be recognize local military veterans at the ballgame November 16th at 6 p.m. All military members will get in free by showing a military id.
WEDNESDAY, Nov 18
Sister Hazel WHEN: 8:30pm-11:59pm COST: $25 WHERE: Druid City Music Hall 1307 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 523-7078 LINK: http://druidcitymusichall.com/ DESCRIPTION: Sister Hazel is living the dream. Originating from Gainesville, FL, Sister Hazel is comprised of five gifted, seasoned musicians whose well-spring of natural talent has been called "one of the Top 100 Most Influential Independent Performers of the last 15 years" by Performing Songwriter Magazine.
Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors WHEN: 8:00pm-11:59pm COST: $17 WHERE: Bama Theatre 600 Greensboro
SUNDAY, Nov 8
FWorship Services WHEN: 11:00am-12:00pm COST: Free WHERE: Rosedale Baptist Church 2424 28Th Street Tuscaloosa PHONE: (205) 657-3824 LINK: http://visittuscaloosa.com/ calendar-of-events-old DESCRIPTION: Join us each Sunday Morning for Music, Prayer and a great Sermon. Rosedale Baptist Church is a loving church that welcomes everyone just as they are. We have Sunday School classes for all ages, a nursery, women's and men's groups that start at 9:45am. We are located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama just off Greensboro Blvd. Worship starts at 11:00am. If you sing, join us in the choir!
SUNDAY, Nov 12
Acoustic Night: Scottish singer-songwriter Jim Malcolm WHEN: 7:30pm- 9:30pm
Monday – $5 Bud Light Pitchers Tuesday – Free Poker Tournament Wednesday – $3 Pint Night @7 p.m.
Thursday – Live Team Trivia and beer specials @8 p.m.
Sunday – Free Poker Tournament @2:30 p.m.
DOWNTOWN TUSCALOOSA 205.366.0913 16
NOVEMBER 19 + DECEMBER 3
>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS
willhagans.com
willhagans
>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS
NOVEMBER 19 + DECEMBER 3
17
>>> ROAD TRIP | S O U T H E A S T E R N CO N C E R T S A N D E V E N T S
The Sword // Saturn Shakey Graves // Workplay Theatre
FRIDAY, NOV 27
ATLANTA
MONDAY, NOV 23
Blackberry Smoke // Tabernacle Cirque Dreams Holiday // Fabulous Fox Theatre Blind Guardian // The Masquerade
FRIDAY, NOV 20
Eli Young Band // Tabernacle
SUNDAY, NOV 29
Moscow Ballets Nutcracker // Alabama Theatre
THURSDAY, NOV 21
SATURDAY, DEC 5
MONDAY, NOV 23
Eddie Izzard // Alabama Theatre Relient K w/ Run River North // Zydeco
SUNDAY, DEC 6
Chris Tomlin Adore Christmas Tour // Alabama Theatre
Joe Bonamassa // Fabulous Fox Theatre
SATURDAY, NOV 28
Shawn Mullins // Variety Playhouse
SUNDAY, NOV 29
Circa Survive // Tabernacle
Mac Miller // Tabernacle
TUESDAY, NOV 24
Mayday Parade // The Masquerade Parkway Drive // Tabernacle
WEDNESDAY, NOV 25
Jeezy // Tabernacle Gware with Guests/ Battlecross // The Masquerade
NASHVILLE FRIDAY, NOV 20
Randy Rogers Band // Nashville War Memorial Auditoriium Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas // Grand Ole Opry House Drive By Truckers // Mercy Lounge/ Cannery Ballroom
SUNDAY, NOV 22
Tokens // Ryman Auditorium
MONDAY, NOV 23
8
The Time Jumpers // 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill WWE Raw // Bridgestone Arena The Marshall Tucker Band // Ryman Auditorium
BIRMINGHAM THURSDAY, NOV 18
St. Paul and the Broken Bones // The Alabama Theatre
WEDNESDAY, NOV 25
FRIDAY, FEB 19
SATURDAY, NOV 28
Collective Soul // Marathon Music Works
Vince Gill and Lyle Lovett // The Alabama Theatre
Radio City Christmas Spectacular // Grand Ole Opry House
FRIDAY, NOV 20
WEDNESDAY, DEC 2
SATURDAY, NOV 21
MONDAY, DEC. 7
Smokey Robinson // The Alabama Theatre Cathedral Caverns Cave Tour // Cathedral Caverns
SUNDAY, NOV 22
Tab Benoit w/ Edward David Anderson // Workplay Theatre
ADS CONTACT
205.523.8007
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NOVEMBER 19 + DECEMBER 3
St. Paul and the Broken Bones // NOV 19 & 20
Christmas with Amy Grant // Ryman Auditorium
St. Paul and Broken Bones // The Alabama Theatre
Effective
DAVID MCCLISTER
Carrie Underwood // DEC
Jonny Lang // Schermerthorn Symphony Center
TUESDAY, DEC 8
Carrie Underwood // Ryman Auditorium
MONDAY, DEC. 14
Vince Gill & Lyle Lovett // NOV 19
August Burns Red // Rocketown
>>> R OA D T R I P D I R E C T O RY Travel the South's best venues. Visit their website for ticket info and more. Acoustic Café 2758 County Hwy 9 205.647.3237
Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree St NE 404.881.2100
Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa St 334.481.5100
Von Braun Center 700 Monroe St SW 256.551.2345
Amphitheater at the Wharf 23101 Canal Rd 251.224.1020
The Hangout 251.948.3030 thehangout1.com
The Nick 2514 10th Ave S 205.252.3831
WorkPlay 500 23rd St S 205.380.4082
Bridgestone Arena 501 Broadway 615.770.2000
Marathon Music Works 1402 Clinton St 615.891.1781
Sloss Furnaces 20 32nd St N 205.324.1911
Zydeco 2001 15th Ave S 205.933.1032
Centennial Olympic Park 265 Park Ave W NW 404.223.4412
Minglewood Hall 1555 Madison Ave 901.312.6058
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 2200 Encore Pkwy 404.733.5010
>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM
>>> FEATURE | E L L E N J O H N S O N
A SUMMARY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUSCALOOSA A
fter a string of detrimental tornadoes ripped through Tuscaloosa in 2011, it looked like things were at their worst for the city. The tornado destroyed about 12 percent of the city, and it heavily damaged or destroyed about 5,300 homes and businesses. Four years later, this city is still in the stages of recovering. But under the leadership of Mayor Walter Maddox, and in the wake of a university that grows more and more each year, the city is booming and growing more and more each day. One area of Tuscaloosa that continues to grow is downtown, and one key piece of those recent developments is the addition of the Embassy Suites hotel that opened in early 2015. Embassy Suites is the first hotel of its kind in Tuscaloosa, offering amenities such as two-room suites, and is one of only 8 locations in the state of Alabama. The hotel is also home to Side by Side, a restaurant led by James Beard Award winner Chris Hastings. The addition of this hotel is bringing new life to downtown Tuscaloosa, and each fall weekend its rooms are booked solid with fans who have traveled to town to support the Crimson Tide. Embassy Suites gives another option for visitors looking for a more luxury-like hotel experience. Embassy Suites started a wave of hotel development in Tuscaloosa. In early September of this year, Hotel Indigo also announced plans to bring a new hotel to downtown Tuscaloosa. The hotel will join the Riverfront Village, which runs along the Black Warrior River, and also provide
Effective
ADS CONTACT
205.523.8007
>>> L O C A L B A R S
each guest room with a touch-screen neighborhood guide that allows guests to explore the local life. “Downtown Tuscaloosa and our riverfront are emerging beyond what we envisioned 10 years ago when I took office, and we dreamed big,” Mayor Maddox said in a press release announcing the plans for Hotel Indigo. The addition of these hotels to this ever-changing city is just one example of how much the city has grown in the last decade and continues to grow. Another example of this growth is the expansion of The University of Alabama itself. It seems that each year the University breaks its enrollment record, and this year is no different. UA enrolled a record of 37,100 students in the fall of 2015, the most ever enrolled in the history of the school. The amount of students enrolled continues to follow the trend of growing by the year, increasing 2.6 percent from 2014. Not only is the University growing in breadth, but in academic quality as well. The 2015 freshmen class consists of 7,211 students and boasts an average ACT score of 26.6, according to the
University’s website. Additionally, around one third of the class has an ACT score of 30 or higher, and 2,261 freshmen students are enrolled in the Honors College. In 2012, the University of Alabama released a campus master plan, in collaboration with officials from the city of Tuscaloosa, to plan out development of the campus over the next several years. Since then, new suite-style dorms have been constructed to accommodate large numbers of students. Also, additions to the Ferguson Center, the campus’ central hub of student activity, were completed, and plans to construct new buildings such as sorority and fraternity houses were set in motion. So with the University practically bursting with students (and scholars), it also begs the question, how does the city support the ever-growing campus? It seems that traffic on McFarland Blvd. becomes more congested with each passing hour, and items at Target and Wal-Mart fly off the racks leaving shelves empty as students do their weekly shopping. But new developments such as the recently opened Shoppes at Legacy Park shopping center provide some ease to stress of the growing city. Joining the development of the Lofts at City Center, a student apartment
complex, grocery store Aldi and a Texas Roadhouse restaurant, Legacy Park is the second major commercial development near McFarland Blvd. since the tornadoes. The first business to open was The Fresh Market, a natural grocery store that has found favor with students and yearlong residents alike. The shopping center also includes a Bed Bath & Beyond, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Pet-Smart, Mountain High Outfitters, Pyro’s Fire Fresh Pizza, DSW and Tex-Mex restaurant Chuy’s, all coming to Tuscaloosa for the first time. With these many developments joining the already thriving Midtown shopping center, traffic could be even more of an issue around the area of McFarland and 15th Street. In result, the Alabama Department of Transportation has invested around $5.9 million to go towards road improvements in the area. Even after the tornadoes that turned Tuscaloosa upside down made national news as they damaged home after home and business after business, the city has found ways to come back. Residents have joined with officials in rebuilding and reconstructing the city. And with more students at The University of Alabama now than ever, campus is growing and changing to provide more ways to accommodate students and visitors. And as the future becomes more eminent, Tuscaloosa will continue to grow and sustain its reputation for being an ideal place to work, learn, study and live.
Big Al's // 759-9180
Crimson Bar // 764-0185
Innisfree // 345-1199
The Booth // 764-0557
Downtown Pub // 750-0008
Jackie's Lounge // 758-9179
Buffalo Wild Wings // 523-0273
Gallettes // 758-2010
The Legacy // 345-4848
4th & 23rd //
Capones // 248-0255
Gnemis Top Shelf Tavern // 343-0020
Mellow Mushroom // 758-0112
1831 // 331-4632
Carpe Vino // 366-8444
Gray Lady // 469-9521
Mugshots // 391-0572
Alcove // 469-9110
Catch 22 // 344-9347
Harry's Bar // 331-4151
Rhythm & Brews // 750-2992
Bear Trap // 345-2766
Copper Top // 343-6867
Houndstooth // 752-8444
Rounders // 345-4848
>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS
NOVEMBER 19 + DECEMBER 3
19
>>> PUZZLEMANIA | C R O S S W O R D P U Z Z L E
Across 1. Looks up to 8. From Prague 13. Kowtowing 14. Took a new picture 16. More benevolent 17. Esoteric 18. Loved deeply 19. Ralph Kramden's pal 21. Mountain monsters 22. To be, in Toulon 23. Other, south of the border 24. ___ Leppard (British band) 25. Visage 26. "Chances are, 'cause ___ a silly grin..." 27. Old coin 30. Monopoly props. 31. Unchallenging college course 33. ___-weensy 35. Popular sandwich, upside down? 36. Toenail, sometimes 40. Showed in syndication 42. Breaks bread 43. "Oh," in German 46. "God Don't Own ___" (Jimmy Buffett song) 47. Clark's lady 48. None of the above, on a survey 50. Response to a coincidence 52. Luminescent phenomenon 53. Clans 54. Cemented 56. Bygone Russian group 57. Dilettantish air
SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMANIA CROSSWORD ON PAGE 21
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NOVEMBER 19 + DECEMBER 3
58. Kisses and then some 59. Flower arrangement Down 1. Waited 2. Mean explicitly 3. Bellies 4. Capri and Wight 5. Surprise attack 6. 112.5 degrees from S 7. Final run 8. Stretch, as a neck 9. Zilch 10. Mortgage payment add-on 11. Some Internet users, primarily 12. Unofficial, like some degrees 13. So-so 15. Choral section 20. Zwรถlf divided by vier 22. Take in food 25. First name of TV's "The Nanny" 26. "____ the hint!" 28. 16th letter of the Hebrew alphabet 29. Information 31. Collider particle 32. Harsh 34. Port city in southeast Vietnam 35. What genes determine 37. High school subj. 38. Barry Levinson's Best Picture 39. Fifth qtrs. 41. Language of Libya 44. Nervous system disorder 45. Joan of Arc's crime 47. Shopping aids 48. Belly button type 49. Energy units 51. Look for 52. Newspaper section 55. Conquistador's quest
>>> 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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>>> PLANETWEEKLY โ ข TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS
>>> HOROSCOPES | W E E K L Y O V E R V I E W You have the option to clear the decks and resolve an issue concerning a relationship or romantic association. However, if you're going to sort things out, you might need to get rid of excess baggage that has been holding back for some time in the course of a key partnership. The focus shifts to shared finances and resources, encouraging you to take stock of your present situation and act accordingly. Business matters could show promise so long as you take any pitfalls into account. As Saturn moves to aspect Neptune next week, it's important to keep your boundaries firm, particularly when handling business or professional matters. If you don't, someone may steal your thunder and undermine your efforts. However, the focus on relationships intensifies this week as Mercury and the Sun hike into Sagittarius, adding a lighter note to the coming weeks. Though certain associations could seem to test your patience, the ability to spice your interactions with a dose of good humor can make a difference. Should you or another dare to share your feelings, a romance could blossom early this week. Even so, you might wonder whether you should have waited a little longer. Saturn has been in your health sector for some time now, and this week it's joined by Mercury and the Sun. It could push you to examine wellness and lifestyle issues in greater depth. Although there might be a tendency to indulge, Saturn's sterner note can help keep you on track when temptation strikes.
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Mars and Venus in Libra are perfect for charming the socks off of a business associate or love interest. Indeed, you might be willing to bend over backward in order to prove your suitability for a job, project, or romantic relationship. However, if such acrobatics begin to hurt, it might be because you aren't being completely true to yourself. Find the right balance and you'll be fine. Your pleasure zone lights up from Friday, encouraging you to indulge in creative, romantic or competitive pastimes. If you're planning to increase your income, cutting back on small but inessential luxuries could be the key to increasing your stash of cash. However, with Venus and Mars sauntering through your personal financial sector, the desire to shop could be stronger than ever. Set yourself a limit. It might help you feel more in control. From Friday, Mercury and the Sun in your home zone could see you getting ahead with DIY projects that have been on the back burner. You could be busy arranging deals, contracts, or even a first date, as well as resolving situations in which you've been taken for granted. Mars in your sign encourages you to take action regarding circumstances that aren't fair. It's time to let others know that you're a force to be reckoned with. On Friday the focus shifts to your zone of communication, so you could be busy with writing projects or a backlog of administrative tasks. Study or research could boost your credentials. A decision made early in the week could set your mind at rest, as could a conversation you've been putting off for some time. Tuesday's alignment suggests that you'll benefit from taking rather than avoiding action. Neptune's forward motion midweek could see a new romance becoming more defined, particularly if it's been somewhat sporadic until now. Soon you could become an item! Finances come into view from Friday, when it's time to take stock and make plans. As Saturn in your sign gets closer to squaring off with Neptune, any feelings of insecurity may come down to changes occurring within you. Shifts in your spiritual awareness can be reflected in changes in or around your home and family situation. You may find that meditation or other spiritual activities steady inner turmoil and help you feel more confident about the future. Once Mercury and the Sun dance into your sign, start on any projects that are long overdue. Priorities could shift and change early in the week, particularly if a dream or goal no longer holds your interest. However, switching to something that you're truly passionate about could act as a catalyst, encouraging you to start now. Once Mercury and the Sun dance into your spiritual sector, you'll enter that time of year when rest and relaxation are mandatory. You need this opportunity to clear out the clutter of thoughts and emotions that no longer serve you. As the Sun and Mercury move through the last degrees of Scorpio, your feelings about one aspect of your job or career may leap to your attention. If something needs to be done, this is the time to take action. Neptune pushes forward in your personal financial sector midweek, so if you've suffered delays in this area, things should slowly get better. The heightened focus on your friendship zone from Friday encourages you to move in new circles and be more socially adventurous.
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Saturn, now in your career sector, puts your attention on the here and now, encouraging you to meet deadlines, define goals, and take action regarding your career plan. As Neptune pushes ahead in your sign from midweek you may find that you begin to get clarity on what you hope to accomplish, helping you to bring your dreams to life. Watch out for the green-eyed monster on Friday, as jealousy could upset a longstanding friendship unless you take steps to sort things out. The week begins with a focus on Scorpio and perhaps a desire to resolve an issue by doing some detective work. Neptune pushes ahead midweek, which could help illuminate your path ahead, particularly where a dream of yours is concerned. The focus then shifts as both Mercury and the Sun dance into Sagittarius, bringing thoughts of travel or encouraging you to expand your horizons in other ways. Relationships flourish, too, with the chance that one may become more serious by the weekend.
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LOGAN BOWDEN I
n a town that is deeply immersed in sports, some might not see Tuscaloosa as the place one comes to find and develop their artistic “vein” but for 22 year old and senior at The University of Alabama, Logan Bowden, it was exactly the place he needed to be at in order to figure out his dreams and aspirations. His soft yet filled with passion and yearning folky voice was something Logan himself wasn’t too familiar with until his Junior year at the capstone. “You know, no one was like ‘yeah do music!’ it just wasn’t something that was ever suggested,” Logan explained. “So it wasn’t until Junior year where I kind
of had a break down and told myself I needed to figure out what I wanted to do.” Though it was a journey that didn’t officially begin until his twenties, Logan recalls his adolescent self and how music helped him cope and understand his teenage mood swings and thoughts. “You know, I wrote my first song when I was 14,” Bowden said. “I think that’s the
age where you’re sort of developing new thoughts and feelings so, it just sort of helped me understand it all.” Opening up for Gregory Alan Isakov, a South African native singer-songwriter, at The Fillmore is something Bowden recalls as one of his most life changing musical experiences. “He told me to take every opportunity that presents itself to me, to not give up and just do it,” Bowden added. “He told me he’d seen a lot of people just ‘do’ music but that when he saw me perform, he could tell I needed to do it.” That’s when he decided, music was the answer. From then on, he has been working endless hours on perfecting his craft and sound, making sure everything he
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puts his name on, will sound pure, honest, and represent him as an individual. Now, while many students are busy figuring out their next semester schedules, summer internships and jobs, Logan looks ahead at the possibilities the future holds with recording being the ultimate plan. “I’m open to any style and collaboration,” Bowden explained. “But folk music is where my heart is at. I love the innocence and story behind it.” Bowden goes on to add, “There has to be passion behind what you are singing. A connection between the song and you. That’s what I feel like a lot of the top 40 artist lack, it gets to a point where you can sense the loss of emotion behind what they’re singing.” The inspiration behind Logan’s original records come from those who surround him, his interaction with friends and their stories. A lover of nature and the open world, he is greatly inspired by stories such as “Into the Wild” but there is one person who subconsciously inspires all of Bowden’s lyrics. “My dad passed away when I was 10,” Bowden said. “And I don’t even mean to sing about him, it just sort of comes out. It’s not until later that I realize it was my dad I was talking about.” Underneath the talent, old soul, and desire to make a difference in the world, Bowden is your ordinary college student at heart. He enthusiastically talked about his love for video games, long distance girlfriend and Grammy Award winning
artist, Adele. With the hopes of moving to a more artistically inclined city after graduation, Logan explained just how little he actually likes being a solo artist. “I don’t like doing it alone. It’s stressful. I just don’t have that ego that makes me want to be the center of attention. I like the cultural aspect of music and i like it to be a friendly thing where everyone comes and hangs out” It’s his humble, modest, unpretentious demeanor that attracts listeners from all across the nation to Logan’s earthy, honest, and vibrant folk lyrics. As many of the greats before him, there have been moments in his career that have prompted the ever looming thought of giving up. “It’s definitely something that everyone thinks about,” Bowden said. “But, I’m sort of like a slave to it. I can’t give up because there’s nothing else that I enjoy or love so I just keep going back. I go between loving music and hating it while still needing it and it’s just really odd.” Now, as he prepares for his upcoming concert at Moody Recital Hall on November 20 at 7:30 p.m., Logan wants those who get to meet him and hear him perform to walk away fully grasping his message to the world. Which is: “Know that even the smallest act of kindness goes such a long way and to hang in there, because we are all struggling in this thing we call life but in the end, we are all going to get through it.”
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BAMA ROUTS MSU 31-6 Post-Game Notes GAME CAPTAINS Alabama's captains for Saturday's SEC West road contest at Mississippi State were seniors Denzel Devall and Ryan Kelly, and junior A'Shawn Robinson. The Crimson Tide won the opening toss and deferred to the second half, with the Bulldogs receiving the opening kick. SERIES HISTORY With the 31-6 win over the Bulldogs, the Crimson Tide holds a 78-18-3 (80-17-3 actual including vacated and forfeited games) advantage against the Bulldogs and is currently riding an eight-game win streak in the series. BEATING THE BEST With the win over No. 17 Mississippi State, Alabama owns a 37-13 (.740) mark against the Associated Press top 25. NON-OFFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNS Cyrus Jones returned a punt 69 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter against Mississippi State, the 42nd nonoffensive touchdown of the Nick Saban era. This season, the Tide had recorded six non-offense touchdowns. Since Saban took over in 2007, the Crimson Tide has garnered 16 interception returns, 10 punt returns, five kickoff returns, four fumble returns and four blocked punt returns for a touchdown. SABAN VS MSU With the 31-6 victory, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban is 13-1 in his career against Mississippi State, with his only loss coming in his first visit to Starkville as the Tide's head coach in 2007. Saban is 8-1 against the Bulldogs in his nine years at Alabama. Saban was 5-0 against Mississippi State while serving as head coach at LSU from 2000-04. The Tigers outscored the Bulldogs, 214-57, in those five games. Alabama has outscored MSU 211-60 in the last seven games and 22387 during Saban's tenure. ROAD RECORD VS TOP 25 With the win over the Bulldogs, Alabama is 23-2 in regular season games (does not include bowl games) away from BryantDenny Stadium since the start of the 2011 season. The Crimson Tide is 4-0 this season with wins over No. 20 Wisconsin in Arlington, at eighth-ranked Georgia, at College Station against No. 9 Texas A&M, and against Mississippi State in Starkville on Saturday. Alabama was 5-1 in 2014, 4-1 in 2013, 6-0 in 2012 and 5-0 in 2011. SABAN'S ROAD RECORD With the win over Mississippi State, head coach Nick Saban owns a 59-29-1 mark in
road games across his four career stops, including a 31-6 mark while at Alabama. Saban has notched four perfect road seasons (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012) and has lost more than one game on the road in only two seasons (2007, 2010). Including Saturday's win over Mississippi State, Saban, is riding a six-game winning streak, rebounding from an early season loss in Oxford to Ole Miss last season to come back and defeat Arkansas (14-13), Tennessee (34-20) and LSU (20-13 OT) on the way to winning the SEC Western Division and eventually the Crimson Tide's 24th SEC Championship in program history. SABAN'S SEC ROAD RECORD With the win at Mississippi State, Nick Saban is 41-14 overall in Southeastern Conference road games during his time at LSU and Alabama. While with the Crimson Tide, Saban is 29-6 and is currently riding a six-game SEC road winning streak dating back to a 14-13 victory over Arkansas in Fayetteville on Oct. 11, 2014. All but one of his losses (South Carolina, 2010) at Alabama have been by seven points or less. His teams have collected a perfect road SEC schedule in five different seasons, including one at LSU (2003) and four at Alabama (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012). SABAN VS THE SEC With the win at Mississippi State, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban owns a 93-26 career record in 119 games against SEC opponents across three different stops (Michigan State, LSU and Alabama). While at Alabama, he has compiled a 63-13 record against conference foes, and is outscoring opponents by a staggering 3,038-1,172, or 39.9-15.4 points per game. Of his 13 losses against SEC opponents while at Alabama, all but two (Florida, 2008 and South Carolina, 2010) have been by seven points or less. Saban's first matchup with an SEC team came in the 1995 Independence Bowl against LSU, where his Michigan State Spartans fell, 45-26, to the Tigers. He would later go on to coach LSU to 30-12 overall record against conference opponents. 91-6 UNDER SABAN WHEN LEADING AT HALF Alabama led Mississippi State, 213, heading into halftime. Under head coach Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide is 91-6 (.938) when leading at the half. Alabama has led at the half in seven of its 10 games this year, trailing Ole Miss and Arkansas, and tied at 7-7 versus Tennessee at the midway point. UA had
converted 36 straight halftime leads into wins before falling at Auburn on Nov. 30, 2013. The Crimson Tide had converted 28 consecutive halftime leads into victories before seeing that streak snapped in 2010 against LSU. The first two losses in that run (when leading at the break) came against LSU, followed by a defeat to Auburn in 2010. In 2007, Alabama
held a 20-17 halftime lead before losing to LSU, 41-34, in 2007 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. In 2010, the Tide led 10-3 at the half before the Tigers rallied for a 24-20 win in Death Valley. Alabama lost 28-27 to Auburn to close out the 2010 season, after leading 24-7 at the half. The Crimson Tide is 4-8 under Saban when trailing at halftime after coming away with a victory against Arkansas on Oct. 10, despite trailing 7-3 at half. The four wins in the Saban era when trailing at the half: 34-24 over No. 7 Virginia Tech in 2009 (in Atlanta); a 24-15 over No. 9 LSU in 2009; 24-20 at Arkansas in 2010; 27-14 vs. Arkansas in 2015. His Tide teams are 4-3 when tied at halftime, and Alabama's four wins under Saban when tied at halftime: at LSU in 2008, (27-21), at Auburn in 2009 (26-21), against Tennessee in 2011 (37-6) and against Tennessee this season (19-14). ALABAMA'S TV RECORD Alabama has compiled a 234-131-4 (.639) all-time record in 369 televised games (not including pay-per-view, tapedelayed or closed circuit telecasts). *UA MEDIA RELATIONS CONTRIBUTED TO THIS REPORT
SWEET HOME ALABAMA Tuscaloosa star knew he wanted to stay home
A
uburn thought that making a strong early impression might help the Tigers lure Brian Robinson out of Tuscaloosa. The AU staff had been recruiting the Hillcrest star hard since last spring. But that wasn't enough to convince the 2017 running back to leave home. "I texted Coach Napier and told him that I was committing to Alabama," says the 6-1, 217-pound Robinson. "He texted me back to congratulate me. I'm supposed to talk to Coach Saban here in a little bit." In picking the Tide, Robinson is turning down offers from Auburn, Georgia, Ole Miss and South Carolina, among SEC schools. "Alabama is where I knew I wanted to be," Robinson says. "The facilities, the tradition, the coaching staff, the academics... they have everything that I want. "I feel very comfortable with the coaching staff. I love the staff. I've talked to Coach Saban a lot. He thinks I can come in and play and be out of there in 36 months." As a sophomore, Robinson rushed for 1,491 yards and 19 touchdowns. He's
closing in on 1,500 yards this season. His top performance in 2015 was a 447-yard, five touchdown effort against the state's number one team, Clay-Chalkville. "I like their offense. It's running back oriented," Robinson says of the Tide. "Everything they do feeds off the running game. You could tell that by the LSU game the way they kept feeding it to Derrick Henry. They need a running back who can get them the clutch yards. That's what I like." Robinson led Hillcrest to a first round playoff win over Dothan-Northview with 170 yards and a touchdown. He was at Bryant Denny Stadium for the AlabamaLSU game. "Oh man, it was crunk even before the game started. It was awesome," Robinson says. "Even during warmups the whole stadium was crunk." Robinson says his commitment is "very strong." "I wouldn't have committed if I hadn't felt good about it," he says. "I don't think I will make any visits. I might go to some other games. But I don't think I will be making any official visits to other schools. I'm very satisfied with my decision."
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