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22 STORIES 4 NEEDTOBREATHE: SUCCESS HAS ITS PERKS //

ALAN SCULLEY

The venues aren’t getting any smaller as Needtobreathe tours behind its new album, “Hardlove.” The majority of the shows are in arenas and outdoor amphitheaters – a sure sign that the group’s popularity is continuing to expand.

6 SUGAR- THE NOT SO SWEET FACTS // RACHEL STEINER

9 BEER/WINE REVIEWS 10 IN THE KITCHEN

RESTAURANT GUIDE

14 PET PLANET 15 MOVIE REVIEWS

Studies have shown that too much sugar can lead to many chronic diseases not only in people who are overweight, but thin people as well. Read more to find ways to cut sugar from your diet.

16 EVENTS

7 WRIGHT'S RESTAURANT // SHEENA GREGG

19 ROAD TRIP

The best thing about the food is that everything tastes as good as it looks. Home cooking flavors matched with a quaint diner atmosphere have visitors curious to come back again and again.

22 COMMUNITY ARTS // RACHEL DOBSON, KEVIN LEDGEWOOD

Exhibits and more.

20 PUZZLEMANIA / EDITORIAL CARTOON 21 HOROSCOPE

HIGH TIDE SPORTS RECRUIT UPDATE GARY HARRIS

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NEEDTOBREATHE // SUCCESS HAD ITS PERKS

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ERIC RYAN ANDERSON

S

uccess, obviously, has its perks.

But it also brings a few challenges.

Needtobreathe discovered that firsthand in touring its 2014 album, “Rivers In the Wasteland.” As the venues got bigger, the group’s show and performing style had to change with it.

“The struggle or the difficulty of the last tour was, as the venues got bigger, you’re playing to 7,000, 8,000 people, sometimes you didn’t feel like you had that same intimacy with the people in the back as the front,” singer/guitarist Bear Rinehart explained in an early August phone interview.

The venues aren’t getting any smaller as Needtobreathe tours behind its new album, “Hardlove,” from August into November. The vast majority of the shows are in arenas and outdoor amphitheaters holding 10,000 or more fans – a sure sign that the group’s popularity is continuing to expand.

The group is trying to make sure people in the back of venues get the same experience as the lucky fans sitting close to the stage by adding video to its stage production.

“We’re bringing different production this time, (including) video, which we’ve never done before and a lot of (other) new things for us,” Rinehart said. “The whole idea of video was let’s take it out further so they can see our facial expressions.”

The group members have also learned how to tailor their performing style to help make sure what they’re expressing on stage reaches throughout the venue.

“I think one thing is you have to be a little more deliberate,” Rinehart said. “I think sometimes I feel like I’m putting a lot of passion and energy into my vocal performance. Maybe you can see the veins in my neck popping out, that kind of thing. In a theater that really comes across. In a big amphitheater you’ve got to do some bigger arm motions to get that across. It’s got to be larger than life.”

What’s also getting more difficult as success allows Needtobreathe to continue making albums is deciding what songs to play in a concert – a challenge that will be even greater on the current tour because, with three opening acts, Needtobreathe will have to play a slightly shorter set than usual.

“I would say this is the hardest set list we’ve ever had to make,” Rinehart said.

“When you’ve got this many records, six albums now, with three other bands on the bill besides us, it’s like how many songs can you fit in in that period of time?”

Needtobreathe is taking some steps to keep as many songs as possible – particularly from the back catalog – in it show.

“We’re trying to do a few medleys and maybe shorter versions of songs,” Rinehart said. “Let’s give people a chance to sing along to the choruses they know.

And then we’re going to play a lot of the new record. The record’s been received so well that it’s hard not to. We kind of think our fans might get pissed if

we don’t. We love the new songs, too, obviously, so that will be a fun part of it. And then the record’s vibe is a pretty fun record. It’s probably the most dance record we’re ever going to make, and so that’s really easy to translate live.”

Don’t get the idea, though, that Rinehart is complaining about the side effects of Needtobreathe’s continued success.

He’s seen much bigger problems than writing a set list or figuring out how to connect with fans in the nosebleed seats.

Go back five years or so and Rinehart didn’t know if Needtobreathe was even going to remain a band.

Formed in 2000 in Seneca, South Carolina when Rinehart, his brother Bo Rinehart (guitar), Seth Bolt (bass) and Joe Stillwell (drums) were still in college, the group made a quick impact in Christian music with its first two CDs, “Daylight” (2006) and “Heat” (2007). With the 2009 album, “The Outsiders,” that popularity began to expand to the mainstream market, as that album reached No. 20 on “Billboard” magazine’s Top 200 album chart.

Then, the 2011 follow-up, “The Reckoning,” hit No. 6 on the “Billboard” album chart and topped the magazine’s Christian music and rock album charts.

But within the band, tensions between the Rinehart brothers were building to a boiling point. The two split songwriting duties, and rather than pushing them to write better songs, the competitive approach they took to songwriting was corroding the brothers’ relationship and the

dynamic within Needtobreathe as a whole.

Stillwell, in fact, left the group in 2012.

(Keyboardist Josh Lovelace completes the current lineup.)

“We were in different dressing rooms.

We wouldn’t talk much on show days. We were doing a lot more fighting than creating,” Rinehart said, describing the place he and his brother had reached. “I think probably a lot things contributed to (this), but I think the biggest thing is when you start seeing music as a means to an end, yo start valuing the success of things or how many tickets you sold, whatever it is, over relationships or the reason that you do it. Then things are going to go bad.”

Fortunately, Bear and Bo Rinehart realized what was happening, and came to each other to say their relationship as brothers was more important than Needtobreathe. They would either find better ways to work together or they would move on to separate musical projects.

“It’s a strange thing when you’re in a business with your brother because there’s pressure,” Rinehart said. “You both have families and it’s kind of like you feel this thing like I can’t quit because he depends on me. I think both of us at that time gave each other permission, and said hey, if you don’t think this is right or we can’t make this work, let’s move on. It’s OK if you want to do that. I think even just that, taking that pressure off, changed a lot (of things).”

What emerged was a far more supportive songwriting dynamic between the two brothers for “Rivers In the Waste-

land.” And the brothers’ relationship only improved further in making “Hardlove” – even though they evolved the band’s sound notably on the album.

The melodic and punchy rock-pop sound of earlier albums remains, but where the earlier music was guitar based, “Hardlove” brings more synthesizers and a far bigger synthetic sound into the mix.

Songs like “Money & Fame” (with its faux horns and slick groove), the title track, with a soulful vocal that fits with the big programmed beats and cascading synths in the tune, are prime examples of the new Needtobreathe sound.

Rinehart traced the decision to explore the synthier/more synthetic direction back to a remix of the hit single song “Brother” (from “Rivers In the Wasteland”) that was done by Dave Tozer.

“He had done a lot more real kind of R&B/soul stuff,” Rinehart said. “And he kind of put a clap track in our drums and we were like ‘Huh?’ At first, we were like ‘I don’t know.’ But that really grew on us and we really liked it. I think that sort of maybe opened up that can, if you will, for us.”

But while the sounds and tones on “Hardlove” are different, Rinehart said the songwriting approach and fundamentals stayed pretty much the same.

“What’s really refreshing about this record is that we can still play all of the songs acoustic and the songs are still there,” he said. “At the base of it is just hopefully good songs.”

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NEWS

Ugo Convenience Delivery; SWJ Breilmann Complete Edge Incubation

Two local startup businesses, Ugo Convenience Delivery and SWJ Breilmann, celebrated graduation from The Edge Thursday, completing the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation’s incubation program.

Ugo is a service that delivers food, beverages and health and wellness items for a small delivery fee. Customers place orders via Ugo’s mobile app or website, and can track their order in real time as it is being delivered directly to their home, apartment or dorm room. The average delivery time is under 20 minutes. Formed in November 2015, the convenience delivery service has been particularly popular with University of Alabama students and gaining significant traction.

SWJ Breilmann, a flexible engineering, planning and project management firm overseen by Dr. Wolfgang Kneer, supports and optimizes facilities processes, products and services. They currently provide services for all major German automotive manufacturers internationally. The company focuses on streamlining processes products and services through the kaizen business philosophy, lean integration, Kanban systems and supply chain management. SWJ Breilmann delivers best-in-class services tailored to customer requirements and has more than 5,000 successfully completed projects worldwide.

“Although these two companies couldn’t be more different, they share a common trait,” said Jim Page, President and CEO, Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.

“They identified a need, and developed that need into a business.”

A partnership between the University of Alabama, the City of Tuscaloosa and the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, the Edge program offers emerging businesses assistance in developing management, financial and technical skills, while also providing virtual and co-working space, mentoring and counseling from subject matter experts.

Cooperation Important Message for State of the Community

At the annual Chamber in Session: State of the Community event August 24, local officials focused on their efforts to move the community forward through collaborative efforts. “ Speaking in a conversational panel style format moderated by JamisonMoneyFarmer PC’s Carl Jamison, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Chamber’s Public Affairs Council, Tuscaloosa County Probate Judge Hardy McCollum, Northport Mayor Bobby Herndon and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox spoke on the successes that cooperation has allowed the separate entities in West Alabama to achieve.

“When it matters the most, we are there for each other,” Maddox told the more than 380 people in attendance at the Bryant Conference Center.

Jamison asked McCollum to reflect upon his forty years serving as the county’s probate judge. He said that his experience in dealing with tight budgets is allowing the county to remain in good financial state even in the midst of the downturn in the area’s coal industry.

“The reserve fund has been depleted by 40 percent,” McCollum said. “But there is still $30 million in the reserves.”

Herndon said Northport is also in sound financial shape, noting that when he took office eight years ago, the city was just weeks from bankruptcy. “Although we are currently $10 million dollars in debt, Northport has $20 million dollars in assets,” he said.

“Northport needs to be run like a business.”

Maddox said there was never a better time to live in the area, whether it’s in Tuscaloosa County, the City of Tuscaloosa or the City of Northport. “I’m more excited than ever about being the mayor.”

Both Maddox and McCollum focused on transportation and infrastructure, noting that road construction will continue, including projects on Rice Mine Road, Jack Warner Parkway and James I. Harrison Parkway, among others. In addition to the infrastructure projects, Maddox said millions of dollars in paving projects are planned.

“You’re going to see a lot of asphalt over the next couple of years,” he said.

McCollum credited House Bill 600, which authorized the funding for local road projects as a problem solver. “HB600 allowed us to come together to solve much needed infrastructure problems that should have been solved a long time ago,” he said.

In addressing the future, the local leaders pointed to workforce development as a crucial need. Maddox said the challenge was not having jobs, but having people ready to fill jobs. “I commend the Chamber for taking the lead on workforce development,” he said. “People around the nation are coming to look at what they’ve done. And this is not government led – it’s small business led.”

Chamber in Session: State of the Community was presented by Walker Associates, Inc. Gold Sponsors for the event were the City of Northport, Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ and Tuscaloosa Academy. Silver Sponsors were TekLinks and Ward Scott Architecture, Inc. Bronze Sponsors were BLG Logistics, Inc., FASTSIGNS of Tuscaloosa, Hudson Poole Fine Jewelers and Perfect Shine, Inc.

Table Sponsors were Alabama One Credit Union, BankFirst, Buffalo Rock Company / Pepsi Cola, Burk-Kleinpeter, Inc., Capstone Bank, JamisonMoneyFarmer, PC, Neel-Schaffer, Inc., Robertson Banking Company, Shelton State Community College, Tuscaloosa City Board of Education, Tuscaloosa County Board of Education, Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports Commission and Way, Ray, Shelton & Company.

Special thanks to David Pass, Sealy Furniture Company.

Chamber Hosting Free Overtime Regulation Training Series

The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama is offering a series of free training sessions designed to aid the community in preparing for new overtime regulations.

Led by local attorneys R. Kevin Davis, Sydney Cook & Associates, LLC; Bruce Henderson, Phelps, Jenkins, Gibson & Fowler, L.L.P; Tom Scroggins, Rosen Harwood, Attorneys at Law; and Bryan Winter, Winter McFarland, Attorneys & Counselors at Law, these two-hour sessions include topics such as determining if the overtime regulations affect your business, learning how commissions and bonuses count toward the salary minimum and how to follow the rules for youth employment.

The sessions run through October 28. Each session is from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office. To reserve your spot, call (205) 391-0556 or emailcarolyn@tuscaloosachamber.com.

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SUGAR: THE NOT SO SWEET FACTS

I

s sugar making us sick? According to over 8,000 scientific papers, it is! Studies have shown that too much sugar can lead to many chronic diseases not only in people who are overweight, but thin people as well. These diseases include type 2 diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, and even cancer. On average, Americans consume 19.5 teaspoons of sugar a day when the recommended daily limit is 6-9 teaspoons depending on body weight. A soda contains 8-9 teaspoons of sugar alone, so you can see how sugar intake can quickly add up.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, liquid sugar found in sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks like Powerade make up 36% of our diet.

When we have an overload of sugar, our bodies store the sugar in our organs like our pancreas and liver. It also increases the amount of sugar (or glucose) in our bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone that acts as the “Pac Man” for sugar. Simply put, insulin goes around and eats the excess sugar in our bloodstream. The problem is, our body can only send out so much insulin and over time the body stops responding to it. When this happens, the sugar stays in our blood circulation that leads to type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes typically comes on later in life and is due the overconsumption of sugar and a sedentary lifestyle.

Research shows that 79 million Americans suffer from this disease and it cost the healthcare system 279 billion dollars last year. It is estimated by 2050, one in every three Americans will suffer from diabetes.

On a positive note, this type of diabetes is reversible and can be overcome with proper nutrition and lifestyle changes.

The frightening fact about sugar is that has been found to be addictive. When we eat sugar, it stimulates a part of our brain, which releases hormones into the body. This is why we actually crave sugar and when the craving is satisfied, we get a “sugar high” experience. This is a scary concept because at this point, our body is dependent on sugar and withdraw experiences can occur when it isn’t consumed.

Our brain goes through the same process with sugar as it does with any addictive

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substances like with nicotine from tobacco or other drugs.

Bottom line, sugar is cheap to add to food substances and makes our food taste better, which is why it is an ingredient on nearly every food label. What can we do about? Below are some ways to cut sugar from your diet that in return will lower your chances of developing many preventable diseases as mentioned above.

Choose whole foods. The closer a food is to its original form, the less processed sugar it will contain. Like I mentioned in my last article, we must be consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables daily. Food in its natural form, usually presents no metabolic problems for a normal body.

Try incorporate protein and fat with each meal. This helps control blood sugar levels if consumed from a healthy source.

Good options of protein sources are lean meats such as chicken and turkey, eggs, and raw nuts such as almonds and cashews. Examples of good fats are avocado, oils like coconut and olive, and seeds like chia and flax.

Be Active. Walk, run, dance, or do some yoga. Whatever movement you enjoy will help reduce your stress levels, boost your energy, and decrease your need for a sugar lift.

Scare yourself straight. As mentioned in this article, there is a strong physical component to sugar addiction. A way to kick off your sugar-free journey is to re-frame the way you think about sugar.

Treat it like an illegal drug, a dark force to be avoided, and a substance that can lead our body to start breaking down.

There are great programs such as detoxification that can be extremely helpful with this process. My clinical and personal experiences have proven that a proper detox not only resets the appetite but also decreases sugar cravings. After the initial sugar cravings (I won’t lie, they can be overwhelming), our bodies adjust and you won’t even want the sugar anymore. If you have any questions on this, feel free to reach out to me by e-mail drrachelsteiner@gmail.com . .

>>> B O O K R E V I E W

RHETORIC CULTURE AND SOCIAL CRITIQUE SERIES

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n Laying Claim: African American Cultural Memory and Southern Identity, Patricia Davis identifies the Civil War as the central narrative around which official depictions of southern culture have been defined.

Because that narrative largely excluded African American points of view, the resulting southern identity was monolithically white. Davis traces how the increasing participation of black public voices in the realms of Civil War memory—battlefields, museums, online communities—has dispelled the mirage of “southernness” as a stolid cairn of white culture and has begun to create a more fluid sense of southernness that welcomes contributions by all of the region’s peoples.

Laying Claim offers insightful and penetrating examinations of African American participation in Civil War reenactments; the role of black history museums in enriching representations of the Civil War era with more varied interpretations; and the internet as a forum within which participants exchange and create historical narratives that offer alternatives to unquestioned and dominant public memories. From this evolving cultural landscape, Davis demonstrates how simplistic caricatures of African American experiences are giving way to more authentic, expansive, and inclusive interpretations of southernness.

As a case-study and example of change, Davis cites the evolution of depictions of life at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Where visitors to the site once encountered narratives that repeated the stylized myth of Monticello as a genteel idyll, modern accounts of Jefferson’s day offer a holistic, inclusive, and increasingly honest view of Monticello as the residents on every rung of the social ladder experienced it.

Contemporary violence and attacks about or inspired by the causes, outcomes, and symbols of the Civil War, even one hundred and fifty years after its end, add urgency to Davis’s argument that the control and creation of public memories of that war is an issue of concern not only to

scholars but all Americans. Her hopeful examination of African American participation in public memory illuminates paths by which this enduring ideological impasse may find resolutions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Patricia G. Davis is an assistant professor of communication at Georgia State University.

REVIEWS "A provocative and timely work that contributes something new to our understanding of both Civil War memory and the evolution of African American identity."

—Craig A. Warren, author of The Rebel Yell: A Cultural History "Laying Claim makes several important contributions to the study of African American history and rhetoric, most notably its exploration of the ways in which African Americans in the south are reclaiming and redefining their role in southern history. This is an important work that offers a unique and compelling argument for the rethinking of southern identity."

—Mark Lawrence McPhail, author of The Rhetoric of Racism Revisited: Reparations or Separation?

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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Photos Courtesy of Sheena Gregg

WRIGHT'S RESTAURANT // A FAVORITE HOLE IN THE WALL

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s a college town, it’s expected we have quite the number of corporate/ chain restaurants in our community.

However, this corporate boom of gastronomic establishments has provided a new found appreciation for your mom and pop, hole-in-the-wall eateries. As a dietitian and foodie, I often pride myself in finding that next hidden gem. There’s a selfishness in not wanting others to know about your secret space, but considering I’m a pretty generous person, I think it’s time to let the cat out of the bag.

This discovery began a few months ago, all in the process of riding with my husband to the gym in the wee hours of the morning. Driving down University Boulevard on the way to campus, I noticed a restaurant on our route that had a packed parking lot full of pick-trucks at 5:30 a.m.

Fastforward to 6:00 p.m., and once again the parking lot was completely packed. For such obvious popularity, I couldn’t understand why I had never noticed or heard of Wright’s Restaurant before.

I made a pact with my husband that if we tried Wright’s, we had to try it together.

Remembering that I had seen the most amount of cars for breakfast service, we finally decided to break down and give Wright’s a try. We ventured out on a Saturday morning, and once again, despite the weekend, the parking lot was packed. The hubs and I immediately noticed a handwritten note on the door asking people to

kindly refrain from using curse words in the restaurant because it was a family atmosphere. This already got bonus points in my book. We entered the eatery and saw a mix of older men groups, families, and couples. Booths, tables, and bar seats were filled during such an early part of Saturday morning. The waitresses all immediately made eye contact with us and encouraged us to sit where ever we

wanted.

Our booth was cozy and my eyes bulged from the exhaustive selection of breakfast items. Pancakes, waffles, biscuits, omelettes, and much more danced on the menu. My eyes immediately darted to the side items and the hashbrowns served with cheese and ham. While my husband opted for biscuits and sausage gravy, I went for the bedazzled hash-

browns with a sunny side up egg and biscuit.

Waiting on our food, I was finally able to acknowledge all the buzzing conversations around us. It was obvious that the waitresses knew almost everyone in the restaurant. Inquiries about hospital stays, new babies, and job promotions let me know that this was my kind of place. I suppose if Cheers was a restaurant, then it would be Wright’s. Our food came up pretty rapidly, and I was pleased with the portions on my plate. Despite the fact that not all the cheese on my hashbrowns were melted, I was excited that it was such an ample portion size. Glancing at my hubby’s plate, I coveted the thick-cut bacon accompanying his biscuits. The best thing about this breakfast is that everything tasted as good as it looked.

Home cooking flavors matched with a quaint diner atmosphere have me curious to come back for lunch and dinner.

Wright’s is located at 3750 University Boulevard East and opened Monday through Saturday. Tweet us @ThePlanetWeekly and let us know where you are eating!

Sheena Gregg, MS, RDN,LD is a registered dietitian and local “Thrifty Dietitian.”

Follow her on Twitter @TheThriftyRD

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MIAMI BREWING // CITRUS AND HERBAL HOPS

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

GREEK WINE GAIA THALASSITIS SANTORINI

I

love Miami Vice, and no, I’m not talking about that stupid Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell movie.

I’m talking about the spectacular 80s show featuring Crockett and Tubbs, pastel colors, speedboats, and sports cars. The show is so intriguing to me, and I get so into it; the acting isn’t always the best by today’s standards, but I still enjoy it nonetheless. When I saw that Miami Brewing Co. had a Vice IPA, I knew I had to find a way to purchase it. I mean, come on, it combines two of my favorite things: Miami Vice and an IPA. So, when we were in Miami, I knew that I had to get it before we left, because I don’t make it to Miami as much as I would like. I found the beer, made the trek back to Birmingham, and I threw it in the fridge. I waited about as long as I could before I cracked one open. I guess I was waiting because I knew, when I started drinking it, it would shorten my time that I could be with it. It’s like a collectable to me at this point, but nonetheless, I cracked open the first one this afternoon, turned on an episode of Miami Vice, and enjoyed the two side by side.

First of all, the can is not nearly as cool as I would want it to be. I mean, there are so many options when you’ve got a Miami Vice influenced beer. Regardless of what the outside looked like, the inside is what really matters. That being said, I wanted to take in every part of this beer as much as I could. It poured a deep golden, almost orange, hue with a lingering thin, offwhite head that was somewhere between bubbly and foamy. I’m not sure if there is someone measuring the amount of beer being put into the cans, but this one wasn’t as full as others I have had in the past.

The aromas were nice and pleasant, but heavier on the toffee and caramel than most IPAs that I’m used to. There were some nice notes of citrus, specifically grapefruit and orange, paired with some earthy hops in it as well. If there’s one thing I’ve noticed about Miami Brewing beer, now having two, it’s that everything smells distinctly tropical. The aromas remind me of the beach and fresh fruit. Maybe I’m forcing too much here, but it’s just something that clicks in my head.

The flavor was a bit milder than I was expecting, but still nice nonetheless. Up front, you get a ton of toffee and caramel that settles well on the tongue and then powers through your nose. After hanging out with the caramel and toffee notes for a while, you start to pick up on some of the citrus flavor, but it’s very light. I wish there was a little more citrus, being that Florida is the citrus Mecca that it is, but there just isn’t a lot there. It finishes up with some nice herbal notes that substitute the citrus flavors nicely. It leaves a nice aftertaste of toffee and orange with some bitterness

from the hops on the back of your tongue and makes you want to take another sip.

The mouthfeel is around the same, as you would expect from a classic American IPA. There is a tart bitterness towards the end that comes standard from and IPA, but it also has a nice carbonation level that doesn’t mask the flavor. The beer settles nicely on the tongue and allows you to pick up the flavors from the beer quite well. It’s not harsh in the least bit, and, dare I say, easy going and easy to drink. It’s one of the lightest IPAs I’ve had in a long time, and in the words of Crockett “this is Miami, things are more relaxed.” Measuring at 5.3%, you really don’t pick up on a lot of alcohol which was nice and makes this for a somewhat sessionable IPA. The profiles in this beer are brewed so that it compliments well with different types of food, much like most IPAs. If you plan on finding this beer and having it with dinner, I would suggest pairing it with chicken, or any poultry for that matter, something spicy, like Thai or Chinese, basically anything deep fried, or, if you’re in Miami, some really nice Cuban food. The flavors would blend nicely and add to your dinner experience. I plan on doing so this weekend, hopefully, with a recipe for Cuban chicken that I found earlier today.

Overall, this beer is great, and it doesn’t bring down the Miami Vice name.

Miami Brewing, although a young brewery, knows what they’re doing and really focus on the flavor profiles of the beers they produce. While I did have a small issue with the flavors of the beer, it’s extremely well balanced and has all the qualities of a nicely crafted American IPA. The bold caramel and toffee mixed with the citrus and herbal hops blend together to make something that any seasoned beer drinker would enjoy. I know that when I make it back down to Miami, I’m going to pick up more than one of these six packs so I don’t have to guard them from myself.

T

halassitis by Gaia Wines is a Greek wine from the island of Santorini. It’s a dry white Greek wine made from Assyrtiko grapes.

According to the wine maker, “Assyrtiko is perhaps the only Mediterranean variety of grape to flourish under such difficult climatic conditions.

From poor, porous soil formed by volcanic activity and composed largely of pumice, we harvest fully mature grapes with a relatively high acidity. Our vineyard, located on the Southeastern slopes of Episkopi is composed entirely of 70-80 year old, ungrafted vines with a dramatically low yield.

Prior to wine-making, harvested berries are chilled down to 39 degrees F. in cooling chambers and then destemmed and cold soaked for 12 hours at approximately 50 degrees C. This pre-fermentation extraction will contribute greatly in enhancing the varietal aromas of Assyrtiko. Fermentation is carried out at 60 degrees F. by inoculating with selected yeast strains. The new wine (due to the climatic conditions of Santorini) does not contain any malic acid. Thus, no malolactic fermentation is required.”

For this review we had a team of three men and one woman.

Sample received for review purposes.

Alcohol 13.0% by volume.

In the glass this wine appears clear, non-effervescent and light like a Chablis.

Also described by the tasters as light golden or the color of light straw.

On the nose this Greek wine had aromas of non-potent lemon and a slight hint of grapefruit. One person likened the nose to Greek lemon soup. No noticeable whiff of alcohol.

On the palate the Thalassitis was very dry, though lively. Tastes of citrus and grapefruit were noted. Not a sweet wine. “Great acidity” was mentioned by a taster.

The wine finished fresh, crisp and tart and we all felt it to be agreeable and appealing.

Overall, all three of us really enjoyed this nice Greek wine. One of the tasters professed to not liking whites very much but nonetheless said this was a white they’d purchase! Other comments were “very good to excellent and better than a Pinot Grigio”, “pleasant” and “an excellent cocktail hour choice.”

We determined this wine would pair well with a fish dish, appetizers or poultry. Recommend!

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>>> I N T H E K I T C H E N | R AC H E L PA X T O N

>>> RESTAURANTS |

EASY SUMMER CHICKEN SALAD RECIPES

BREAKFAST / LUNCH Brown Bag

Summer is a great time to make chicken salads. They are light, easy to make, and make a great addition to summer picnics and family barbecues. I like to keep extra frozen chicken fillets on hand for easy spur of the moment dinners like these. At Costco, you can buy a large package of individually frozen chicken fillets for a very reasonable price. You can just take out what you need for your recipe and leave the rest in the freezer.

CHICKEN SALAD 5 c. cooked chicken, cubed 2 tbsp. salad oil 2 tbsp. orange juice 2 tsp. vinegar 1 tsp. salt 3 c. cooked rice

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

1 1/2 c. green grapes 1 1/2 c. sliced celery 1 (13 oz.) can pineapple tidbits 1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained 1 c. slivered almonds 1 1/2 c. mayonnaise

Combine chicken, salad oil, orange juice, vinegar, and salt. Let stand while preparing other ingredients. Gently toss all ingredients together.

SUMMER FRUIT AND CHICKEN SALAD Dressing: 1/2 c. low-fat raspberry yogurt 1/4 c. light mayonnaise or salad dressing 2 tbsp. honey Salad: 4 leaves leaf lettuce 1 c. cooked chicken, cubed 1/2 medium cantaloupe, seeds removed, peeled, cut into very thin slices and halved

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

Jack's 1200 Hackberry Lane | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199 Mr. Bill's Family Restaurant 2715 McFarland Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 333.9312 Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd *402 | Tuscaloosa // 366.8780 Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip | Tuscaloosa // 342.0022 Rama Jama’s 1000 Bryant Dr // 750.0901 Closest restaurant to Bryant-Denny Stadium.

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

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

El Rincon (2 locations) 1225 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 366.0855 1726 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.1274

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.

ITALIAN

Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.345.4343

Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill 2001 New Watermelon Rd | Northport // 342.3378 LaGran Fiesta 9770 Hwy 69 S // 345.8871

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

Los Calientes Mexican Grill 3429 McFarland Blvd E // 553.1558

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

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

TARRAGON CHICKEN SALAD

Taco Mama 2104 A University Blvd, Tuscaloosa // 409.8173

AUG 31 + SEPT 14

Ichiban Japanese Grill & Sushi 502 15th Street // 752.8844

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

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

10

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.

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

Mix all salad ingredients together. Add dressing and re-mix.

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.

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of five. For more recipes, gardening, organizing tips, home decorating, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com.

Bento Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar 1306 University Blvd // 758.7426

El Mariachi 3520 McFarland Blvd E |Tuscaloosa // 409-8585

CHINESE CABBAGE SALAD

Combine yogurt, tarragon and mustard. Let stand for 10 minutes. Add chicken, celery, tomatoes, and seasoning to taste. Let stand for 15-20 minutes. Serve over mixed greens.

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.

Broadway Pizzeria 2880 Rice Mine Road Northeast Tuscaloosa, // 391.6969

Iguana Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 752.5895

1 c. plain yogurt 1 tsp. dry tarragon 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard 3 c. cooked diced chicken 2/3 c. celery 1-1/4 c. halved cherry tomatoes salt and pepper to taste 6 c. mixed greens

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

Don Tono's 2312 4th Street | Temerson Square // 345.9191

In small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients; blend well. Refrigerate until serving time. To serve, arrange lettuce on large serving platter or on 4 individual plates. Arrange chicken, cantaloupe, raspberries and blueberries over lettuce.

Drizzle dressing over salad.

Dressing: 3 tbsp. white vinegar 2 tbsp. sugar 1 1/2 c. oil 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper

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/

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.

Fernando's Mexican Grill 824 McFarland Blvd E | Northport // 205.331.4587

1 large head cabbage, thinly chopped 1 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed 2 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds 2 tbsp. toasted slivered almonds 4 green onions, chopped 1 Ramen style oriental noodles, broken

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

MEXICAN Chipotle Mexican Grill

1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0140 www.chipotle.com

1 c. raspberries 1/2 c. fresh blueberries

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.

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.

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

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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 Chili’s 1030 Skyland Blvd | Near McFarland Mall // 750.8881 Fax: 758.7715 // www.chilis.com Dave’s Dogs 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 722.2800 Five Guys Burgers & Fries 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0575 www.fiveguys.com Glory Bound Gyro Company 2325 University Blvd // 349-0505 Glory Bound Gyro Company is a unique restaurant that focuses on great food and service in a funky, fun-filled atmosphere.

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

>>> RESTAURANTS |

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

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

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

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

Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave // 391.0572 Great burgers. Full service bar. Open late. www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com

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

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

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

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

Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 391.0572 Great burgers & sandwiches. Unique setting, full service bar, veggie entrees, kid friendly, and open late www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com Newk’s Express Cafe 205 University Blvd. East // 758.2455 Fax: 758.2470 // www.newkscafe.com 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 lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch // www.ocharleys.com Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 366.8780 www.panerabread.com

Tuscaloosa Burger & Seafood Company 1014 7th Ave. | Tuscaloosa // 764.1976 Over 160 craft beers.

Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Large selection of decadent desserts Wilhagan’s 2209 4th St | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 366.0913 Wings U 1800 McFarland Blvd East Suite 218 | Pick-up Tuscaloosa // 561.3984 Features the first coal-fired pizza oven in Alabama. Owned by former UA/Miami Dolphins great Bob Baumhower. Completely open concept! www.wingsu.com WingZone 1241 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 342.2473

BARBEQUE

Archibald & Woodrow's BBQ 4215 Greensboro Ave | Tuscaloosa // 331.4858 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sun lunch Bama BBQ & Grill 3380 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.9816 Dickey's BBQ (3 locations) 9770 Alabama 69; Midtown; and 13544 Hwy 43 North at Rose Blvd. in Northport. Texas Barbecue. | 344.6500 1800 McFarland Blvd, Midtown Village, Tuscaloosa. | 758-1133 13544 Hwy 43 North, Winn Dixie Shopping Center, Northport. | 330-1147 Dreamland (2 locations) 5535 15th Ave | Tuscaloosa // 758.8135 101 Bridge Ave | Northport // 343.6677 The legend. On game day, get there early if you want to make kickoff. Seating is limited. Hours: Mon–Sat 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Sun 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Piccadilly Cafeteria 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 556.4960 www.piccadilly.com Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip // 342.0022 www.bamaquickgrill.com Ruby Tuesday (2 locations) 6421 Interstate Drive | Cottondale // 633.3939 Just off I-20/59 at exit 77. Near Hampton Inn and Microtel Inn 311 Merchants Walk | Northport // 345.4540 www.rubytuesdays.com Ryan’s 4373 Courtney Dr // 366.1114 Near Marriott Courtyard and Fairfield Inn Sitar Indian Cuisine 500 15th St // 345-1419 Southern Ale House 1530 McFarland Blvd N Monday-Thursday 11a-9p, Friday-Saturday 11a-10p Sunday Brunch 11a-2p A warm and inviting restaurant just north of the river with both classic and contemporary interpretations of Southern Cuisine. We boast a large variety of local craft beers on tap and other options in bottle for our beer loving constituents. Wine and Signature cocktails

Hick’s BBQ 4400 Fayette Hwy // 339.3678 // Tues–Sat 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Moe's Original BBQ 2101 University Blvd.. // 752.3616 Mon–Sat 11am - 10pm | Bar service Mon-Sat 2am and Fri -3am | Kitchen closes at 10pm Pottery Grill (2 locations) Highway 11 | Cottondale // 554.1815 3420 Alabama 69 | Northport // 333.5848 Menu: thepotterygrill.com Awesome barbecue. The Pottery Grill serves up everything from pork, chicken, ribs and sausage to burgers, hot dogs and salads.

Take-out and catering available.

Tee’s Ribs and Thangs 1702 10th Avenue // 366.9974 |11 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily

STEAKS

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 | next to Sams // 349.3554 Steaks, ribs and spirits

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.

Longhorn Steakhouse 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 345-8244 #412

Tacogi 500 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 342.3647

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

248-7666

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.

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.

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

Outback Steakhouse 5001 Oscar Baxter Dr // 759.9000

SEAFOOD

SPORTS GRILL

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

Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd. East | Tuscaloosa // 523.0273 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine, full bar Champs Sports Grille 320 Paul Bryant Drive | inside Four Points Sheraton Hotel // 752.3200 Breakfast and lunch buffets. Sunday brunch 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Hooter’s 5025 Oscar Baxter Dr | Next to Jameson Inn // 758.3035 Wings, clams, shrimp and of course the Hooters Girls www.hooters.com Innisfree Irish Pub 1925 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199

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

New Orleans Steak and Seafood House 824 McFarland Blvd |11:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. daily. // 248-7666 Red Lobster 2620 McFarland Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.553.8810 Sun-Thurs 11AM-10PM//Fri & Sat 11AM-11PM Reservations Accepted Take-Out Available Private Dining Area Available for Advanced Booking (Lunch Specials Available Mon-Fri 11AM-3PM) Tuscaloosa Burger & Seafood Company 1014 7th Ave. | Tuscaloosa // 764.1976 Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Over 160 craft beers. Large selection of decadent desserts.

The Levee Bar and Grill 1 Bridge Ave | Northport // 632.3136 Casual riverfront dining Hours: Mon-Thurs 11 AM-9 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-10 PM, Sun 10:30 AM-3 PM (Happy Hour Mon-Thurs 2 PM-6 PM) leveebarandgrill.com

CHINESE

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

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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.)

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

PIZZA AND SUBS

A Taste Of Chicago 1700 Greensboro Avenue 205-342-DOGS Mon. - Thurs. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Fri. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

17th Street and Greensboro Avenue. Authentic Chicago style foods.

Italian Beef Sandwiches, Chicago Rib Tips, and Chicago Style Pizza.

California Underground 13552 Highway 43, Northport | 339.8660 Firehouse Subs 1130 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 248.0680 Hungry Howie’s (2 locations) 1105 Southview Ln | South Tuscaloosa // 345.6000 1844 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.2633 1211 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa | The Strip // 366.1500 4851 Rice Mine Rd | Northriver/Holt // 345.3737 Lenny’s Sub Shop 220 15th St // 752.7450 // Fax: 752.7481 // www.lennys.com Little Caesars Pizza 1414 10th Ave // 366.2220 | 1www.littlecaesars.com Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. // 345.4354 Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 758.0112 Subs n' You 2427 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.758.0088 Roly Poly Sandwiches 2300 4th Street | Tuscaloosa // 366.1222 The Pita Pit 1207 University Blvd | The Strip // 345.9606 Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30 a.m. - 3 a.m. | Sun 11:30 a.m. - midnight Pizza 120 50115th St. East | 561.6853 Pizza Palace Buffet 6521 Alabama 69 | 752.5444 Tut’s Place 1306 University Blvd | The Strip // 759.1004

DELICATESSEN

Honeybaked Ham Company 421 15th St. E // 345.5508 //www.honeybaked.com Jason’s Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd // 752.6192 Fax: 752.6193 // www.jasonsdeli.com Located in the Meadowbrook Shopping Center.

Jimmy John’s (3 locations) 1400 University Blvd | The Strip // 366.3699 1875 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 752.7714 815 Lurleen B. Wallace S | Tuscaloosa // 722.2268 Delivery 7 days a week. www.jimmyjohns.com Manna Grocery & Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 752.9955

McAlister’s Deli (2 locations) 101 15th St | Tuscaloosa // 758.0039 3021 Tyler Dr | Northport // 330.7940 Sandwiches, salads and spuds www.mcalistersdeli.com Momma Goldberg’s Deli 409 23rd Ave // 345.5501 |www.mommagoldbergs.com Newk's 205 University Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 758.2455 Schlotsky’s Deli 405 15th St. E // 759.1975 // schlotskys.com Which Wich University Blvd.// Downtown Tuscaloosa // Mon – Sat 10:30 – 9 // Sunday 11 – 7 // Fresh ingredients, great sandwiches. 764.1673

ASIAN CUISINE

Ruan Thai 1407 University Blvd // 391.9973 | ruanthaituscaloosa.com Exotic Thai cuisine. Offers vegetarian options, outdoor dining, and a full bar. Sushi on Thursdays. Lunch: Mon–Sat 11 a.m. -2 p.m. | Dinner: Mon–Thurs 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fri & Sat 5 p.m. -10pm | Sun 11 a.m. -3 p.m.

Surin of Thailand 1402 University Blvd // 752.7970 Authentic Thai restaurant and sushi bar. Open daily.

Lunch: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. www.surinofthailand.com

COFFEE SHOP

Barnes & Noble 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 349.6366 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.

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

DESSERTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12

AUG 31 + SEPT 14

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INCOME

Help Local Businesses Get More Customers!

Sell Advertising Space in the Planet Weekly Please Call or Email Linda Johnson 205.792.7239 • publisher@theplanetweekly.com

GET NOTICED ADVERTISE IN PLANET WEEKLY.

To learn more, please email PlanetEditor@yahoo.com

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AUG 31 + SEPT 14

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>>> PET PLANET

PEPPY // LOVES BELLY RUBS Pretty Peppy is a 2-3 year old female Border Collie/terrier mix. She has a sleek black and white coat and a lean build, weighing around 43 pounds and this is full grown and in good shape. Peppy was pulled from our local animal shelter where she had been down there for 3 months. She had been a stray picked up by Animal Control and no one came to claim this sweet dog. Peppy is a very friendly, social dog. She is very smart and highly trainable, typical of a Border Collie. Peppy will make a great workout partner in that she would love long walks or jogging! She probably is too large and energetic for an apartment and will require a fenced yard to run and play within. Peppy seems to get along with most dogs but a trial adoption would be done if other pets are in the household to make sure all get along ok. She should be fine with children 10 and up. We have started on her crate training. Peppy is up to date on her vet care, spayed, heartworm negative and is microchipped. She is on heartworm and flea/tick prevention.

If you are interested in giving PEPPY the forever home she wants and deserves, visit the Humane Society of West Alabama at http://www.humanesocietyofwa.org or call us at (205)-554-0011.

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

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JULY 21 + AUG 4

VOLUNTEER

ALLERGIES IN DOGS What Can I Do About Dog Allergies Symptoms?

I

t is suggested that if you are looking for permanent relief for dog allergies symptoms you need to go see a veterinary dermatologist. Here you can find the cause for sneezing in dogs, general allergies in dogs and most of your dog skin problems.

People medicines such as Benadryl and Claritin will only provide temporary relief of the signs and your dog will still be uncomfortable.

In some cases the dermatologist may be able to make up allergy shots if they find out the cause of your dogs allergies.

You should not make any diet changes or treat your pet with any medication without strict guidance from a veterinarian.

Changing the dog's diet without the guidance from a veterinarian can make it more difficult for them to isolate the cause of the allergies. It’s entirely possible that the causes may involve specific foods.

This requires an extensive food trial. However it could be environmental agents that are causing your dog allergies symptoms which would require further allergy testing.

On your own you could try hydroxizine or atarax for some relief. Do Not use prednisone, it is not the greatest it's a steroid and have several side effects. You can also try eliminating the normal protein source with another protein like fish or venison. It takes up to 2 to 3 months of a diet change to tell if there is any effect.

Allergic contact dermatitis usually shows up in dogs as a hypersensitivity reaction to particular molecules in your pet's environment. Irritant contact dermatitis happens when the skin is exposed to noxious substances in the environment. The symptoms and biologic mechanisms in these two disease structures are closely similar and are often discussed together.

Allergic contact dermatitis is a rare

disease, which occurs when an animal's skin overreacts to certain small molecules in the environment. Substances, which can cause allergic contact dermatitis in dogs include some antibiotics applied to the skin, metals such as nickel, materials like rubber or wool and chemicals such as dyes and carpet deodorizers.

Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the dog’s skin is exposed to intensely irritating chemicals like the sap in poison ivy or road salt.

What are the symptoms of allergic and irritant contact dermatitis?

Lesions occur on the areas of skin that are sparsely haired and exposed to the offending cause. Areas like the back of the paws, abdomen, muzzle, and lips.

The affected areas are usually very red, have small bumps or blister-like lesions, and itch like crazy. Also in irritant contact dermatitis may occur.

The key to managing these dog allergies symptoms is the obvious removing or restricting of exposure to any allergen or contact irritant in the pet's environment.

If your not able to do this, then using fatty acids, antihistamines, biotin, and topical shampoos can at least control the itching.

As a rule, for any pet suspected of having an allergy problem that could include an allergic contact component, we recommend: • Glass or stainless steel food and water bowls, cleaned and rinsed well daily • Hypoallergenic detergents for the pet's bedding • Routine hypoallergenic shampoos for the pet to remove any allergens • Restricting walking to sidewalks or paved surfaces-completely avoiding the grass, if possible.

Hopefully in the not to distant future there will be an easier fix for all allergies in dogs.

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

SUICIDE SQUAD // DOESN'T SUGARCOAT

A

s the follow-up to “Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “Fury” director David Ayer’s DC Comics extravaganza “The Suicide Squad” qualifies as a gritty, slam-bang, straight-faced, but formulaic action thriller with some surprises. Although far from realistic in an any conventional sense, Ayer’s ensemble epic casts a dark shadow over everything that it depicts, and its unsavory psychotic felons tangle with powerful mystical entities from an ancient era. Indeed, the chief villain is almost seven thousand years old and she relies on magical incantations. Clearly, the ostensible difference between DC Comics movies and Disney’s Marvel movies is night and day, with DC preferring the dark, while Marvel basks in the daylight. Unlike The House of Mouse’s Marvel costume-clad, crime fighters, “Squad” doesn’t sugarcoat either its costume-clad convicts or their sinister shenanigans. Interestingly enough, Twentieth Century Fox’s three Marvel franchises (“X-Men,” “Fantastic Four,” and “Deadpool”) land somewhere between DC and Disney. Whereas the “Captain America: Civil War” characters survived miraculously to fight another day, some “Suicide Squad” characters die. Meanwhile, the guys and gal that constitute “The Suicide Six”—even by PG-13 standards—are not role models.

Most of the “Suicide Squad” characters are as repugnant as they are formidable, and I don’t mean just the heinous criminals that the Government has recruited for Task Force X to perform their unscrupulous chores. The trigger-happy dame, Amanda Waller, who assembles these dastards, ranks as pretty despicable herself. In one scene, she murders in cold blood several subordinates because they weren’t cleared to handle the information that they were ordered to handle. Unless you’re a literate DC Comics bibliophile, you may not be familiar with the Suicide Squad; they bear some resemblance to Marvel Comics’ Avengers, but altogether lack their charisma. At the same time, Amanda Waller emerges as a version of Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. because she is far less honorable than Fury when it comes to dealing with her underlings.

Historically, the first “Suicide Squad” bore little resemblance to the cinematic “Suicide Squad.” Captain Rick Flag and his girlfriend Karin Grace, Dr. Hugh Evans, and Jess Bright battled monsters back in 1959 in DC Comics’ “The Brave and The Bold.” They were all humans and flew jetbombers. In 1987, DC Comics’ Legends Crossover graphic series introduced the new “Suicide Squad” that consisted of an assemblage of super-convicts, such as Captain Boomerang, Deadshot, and Enchantress, similar to those in Ayer’s film.

As “Suicide Squad” unfolds, Superman is still dead and gone. Street vendors sell ‘Remember’ T-shirts commemorating the last son of Krypton. Although Clark Kent’s alter-ego doesn’t show up for this clash of the titans, anybody with half-a-brain should know that Superman will eventually make an encore appear-

ance. Indeed, Warner Brothers and DC Comics have plans in the pipeline for a “Man of Steel” sequel. Nevertheless, Superman is nowhere to be seen here, and an unscrupulous, top-level government official, Amanda Waller (Viola Davis of “The Help”), fears that the next extraterrestrials may not be as benevolent as the Man of Steel. Consequently, she mobilizes a gang of costume-clad, superconvicts that she classifies as “the worst of the worst.” When she presents Task Force X, the National Security Council initially wants nothing to do with it. The Pentagon thinks that Waller’s idea is foolhardy. In short order, Waller changes their minds. She dispatches one of her motley crew, the witch-goddess Enchantress, aka June Moon (Cara Delevingne of “Paper Towns”), and Enchantress swipes a top-secret document from the Weapons Ministry Vault in Tehran that the Pentagon has been desperately trying to obtain by any means possible. An ex-Arkham Asylum psychiatrist Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie of “Focus”); a cream of the crop, crack-shot assassin Deadshot (Will Smith of “Concussion”); a guilt-stricken pyromaniac gang-banger El Diablo (Jay Hernandez of “Hostel”); a sociopathic Australian bank robber Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney of “Terminator Genysis”); a mutant half-man, half-crocodile cannibal Killer Croc (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje of “Pompeii”); and a specialized assassin Slipknot (Adam Beach of “Cowboys & Aliens”) comprise Waller’s group. Rounding out this diversified outfit of unsavory savages is an implacable female ninja, Katana (Karen Fukuhara), armed with a bizarre samurai sword which traps the souls of all who die by its blade. Actually, she serves to protect the group’s com-

mander, Special Forces Colonel Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman of “Robocop”), who has a genius for strategic planning. Oddly enough, Flag is involved romantically with June Moon, an archeologist who blundered into the wrong cave and encountered the spirit of the Enchantress. Unlike the other members of the Suicide Squad who bide their time in a miserable Louisiana dungeon isolated in a swamp, June and the creepy Enchantress share the same body. Think of the Enchantress and June Moon split-personality as a variation on Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Whenever Waller requires June to summon the Enchantress, this treacherous 7,000-year old sorceress exerts control over June’s body.

Meantime, an elite team of Seals, led by Captain G.Q. Edwards (Scott Eastwood of “Fury”), are around to mop up what the Suicide Squad doesn’t wipe out. Most of G.Q.’s soldiers turn out to be expendables as “The Suicide Squad” boasts a high body count.

“The Suicide Squad’’ differs from “Batman Vs Superman.” Although Batman appears momentarily in two scenes while Bruce Wayne puts in a cameo appearance, the costume-clad convicts dominate events in “The Suicide Squad.” They carry or conceal standard-issue weapons, and their outfits aren’t as colorful as either Batman or Superman. Basically, they are like an infantry squad that infiltrates enemy territory. Ayers uses short but exciting scenes with appropriate golden oldies hits to introduce the eponymous convicts.

Deadshot lives up to his name. In one scene, he demonstrates his extremely accurate marksmanship by pouring scores of bullets into the same holes that he made with his first bullets. Colonel Flag is visibly impressed. El Diablo comes the

★★★

OU T OF 4

closest to being a superhero because he can transform himself into an incendiary human torch on impulse. Harley Quinn is a total fruit loop but she is about as dangerous a lady as you can imagine and uses her beauty to beguile men. The one man that she beguiles the most is the Joker and he struggles to keep a tight rein on her. Enchantress starts out as a team player but she defects and makes a strong adversary. She can conjure up things out of thin air and she can vanish in the blink of an eye and reappear where you least expect her. At one point, she summons the spirit of her long-lost brother to help her subjugate mankind.

Second, “The Suicide Squad” resembles a zombie combat movie. Our anti-heroic team marches through the apocalyptic wreckage of Midway City as if they were soldiers entering a recently bombed city. The Witch-Goddess Enchantress possesses the power to turn Flag’s own men against him. She kills Flag’s soldiers and reconstitutes them as her hooligans. In this sense, Enchantress’ army behaves like the zombies from “The Walking Dead,” and they whittle down our heroes. If a witch-goddess with an army of zombies weren’t enough with which to contend, our heroes clash with the Joker (Jared Leto of “The Dallas Buyers Club”) who pops up as a largely peripheral villain to rescue his sweetheart Harley Quinn.

Essentially, “The Suicide Squad” pays tribute to two cult films. First, director Robert Aldrich’s World War II classic “The Dirty Dozen” (1967) concerned the U.S. Army recruiting commandos from a death row military prison for a mission behind enemy lines. No, Aldrich’s film was the first one to use the idea that a government would give felons a chance to redeem themselves. Movies like this go back as far as the Errol Flynn pirate caper “The Sea Hawk” (1940). “Second, John Carpenter’s “Escape From New York” (1981) clearly inspired director David Ayers. In “Escape from New York,” the authorities, led by Haulk (Lee Van Cleef of “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”), cut a deal with the deadliest man alive, Snake Plissken (Kirk Russell), to rescue the President of the United States from evil criminals after Air Force One crashed on an island prison, in exchange for commuting his death sentence. Just to make sure that Snake didn’t renege on the deal, Haulk injected an explosive pellet into his neck designed to blow Snake’s head off if he didn’t accomplish his mission. As you can see, “The Suicide Squad” borrowed from the best. Actually, there isn’t a bad performance in this offbeat film. Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Jay Hernandez, Viola Davis, and Jared Leto take top acting honors. Clocking in at two hours and three minutes, “The Suicide Squad” doesn’t provide enough detail about some characters, like Katana, but director David Ayes doesn’t squander a second as he parades the convicts to the brink of extinction.

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JULY 21 + AUG 4

15

>>> E V E N T S

THURSDAY, SEP 1

"Remember 4 Little Girls: A Gallery of Creative Expressions" Exhibit

WHEN: 10:00am-4:30pm COST: Free WHERE: Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum 1901 Jack Warner Pkwy NE Tuscaloosa, AL PHONE: (205) 248-4932 LINK: visittuscaloosa.com DESCRIPTION: We are honored and excited to announce the Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum will host an exhibit from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute from June 28th to September 24th!

The exhibition is composed of winning entries in a nationwide high school creative expression contest based on Spike Lee's Oscar (R) nominated documentary about the 1963 Birmingham, Alabama church bombing that took the lives of four young girls. In 1998, Home Box Office (HBO) announced winners of its nationwide high school creative expression contest.

Winners, chosen on the basis of originality, style and content, were selected in four categories--art, audio/video, essay and poetry. Four grand-prize winners were selected from among 4,125 entries. The four winners each received a college scholarship and were honored during an awards ceremony at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. During the ceremony, HBO presented BCRI with this collection of the top entries.

Screen on the Green WHEN: 8:00pm- 12:00am COST: Free WHERE: Midtown Village 1701 McFarland Blvd. and 15th Street Tuscaloosa, AL LINK: www.midtownvillagetuscaloosa.com DESCRIPTION: Free movies every Saturday night at dusk on the Green Homegrown Alabama WHEN: 3:00pm-6:00pm WHERE: Canterbury Episcopal Chapel 812 5th Ave Tuscaloosa, AL PHONE: (205) 210-9621 LINK: visittuscaloosa.com DESCRIPTION: A weekly local farmers market hosted at Canterbury Episcopal Chapel every Thursday from 3 pm to 6 pm.

Most weeks the market also hosts live local music. They accept cash, debit cards, EBT, and Bama Cash.

Rural Studio: Alabama Design | Build Projects WHEN: 8:00am-8:00pm COST: Free WHERE: Sarah Moody Gallery of Art 103 Garland Hall, University of Alabama Campus Tuscaloosa, AL PHONE: (205) 348-1890 LINK: art.ua.edu/gallery/smga/ DESCRIPTION: August 18 through September 16. The public is invited to a reception on Thursday, August 18, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. to meet and talk with students and professors in the program.

16

AUG 31 + SEPT 14

Rural Studio, a field learning extension for Auburn University’s architecture program established in 1993 by Samuel Mockbee (1944-2001), has designed and built multiple projects across the state. In this exhibition, photography and architectural models represent projects produced by the design | build program including three devoted to Perry Lakes, located near Marion, Alabama: Bathrooms, Birding Tower and Pavilion. Other projects include the Antioch Baptist Church in Perry County and the Newbern Fire Station.

FRIDAY, SEP 2

T-Town Trade Daze, Flea Market WHEN: 3:00pm-8:00pm COST: Vendors WHERE: 2407 Jack Warner Parkway Tuscaloosa, AL PHONE: (205) 887-8051 LINK: visittuscaloosa.com DESCRIPTION: From antique to modern Chiche, from home craft to home business, from one persons trash, to another persons treasure, you will find it all at T-town trade daze. 2407 Jack Warner parkway, across from the tuscaloosa amphitheater. First weekend of every month, over 50 vendors and food trucks. www.facebook.com/ ttowntradedaze

SATURDAY, SEP 3

Tuscaloosa Farmers' Market WHEN: 7:00am-12:00pm COST: Free WHERE: Tuscaloosa Rivermarket 1900 Jack Warner Parkway Tuscaloosa, AL PHONE: (205) 248-5295 LINK: www.tuscaloosarivermarket.com DESCRIPTION: The Tuscaloosa Rivermarket is located on the banks of the Black Warrior River, hosting the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market and special events throughout the year.

Band of Brothers Tailgate Food Truck Fest WHEN: 4:00pm-11:00pm COST: Vendors WHERE: Band of Brothers Brewing Co. 1605 23rd Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL PHONE: (205) 246-2569 LINK: visittuscaloosa.com DESCRIPTION: The Band of Brothers Brewing Co. Tailgate Food Truck Fest brings together three great loves: craft beer, great food and Alabama football! The event will feature Band of Brothers mainstay craft brews and new, limited release brews; Tuscaloosa- and Birmingham-area food trucks and an Alabama Crimson Tide vs. USC watch party. Vendors include Archibald & Woodrow's BBQ, JoJo's Food Trunk, Local Roots, Off The Hook Food Truck and Catering, NOLA Ice Birmingham, Eugene's Hot Chicken, Naughty But Nice A Kettle Corn Co., Fetch - A Treat Truck for Dogs, Southern Wanderer and more!

TUESDAY, SEP 6

Cherub Bleed Gold Tour at Druid City Music Hall AND September Concert Schedule!

WHEN: 8:30pm-12:00pm COST: Vendor WHERE: Druid City Music Hall 1307 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL PHONE: (205) 523-7833 DESCRIPTION: Druid City Music Hall presents the Cherub Bleed Gold Tour Tuesday, September 6 at 8:30 pm. Doors will open at 7:30 pm.

FRANK FOSTER on Friday, September 9 at 8:30 pm; BACKUP PLANET on Thursday, September 15 at 11 pm; SICK PUPPIES w/ THROUGH FIRE & ONE LESS REASON on Wednesday, September 21 at 8:30 pm; THE FLOOZIES on Thursday, September 22 at 8:30 pm; JUDAH & THE LION w/ THE LONELY BISCUIT on Friday, September

23 at 8:30 pm; HIPPIE SABOTAGE on Tuesday, September 27 at 8:30 pm; and THE DEXATEEN w/ BAD COLOGNE on Friday, September 30 at 8:30 pm.

SUNDAY, SEP 11

5th Street Vintage Market WHEN: 11:00am-4:00pm WHERE: 5th Street Vintage Market 4150 5th St Northport, AL PHONE: (205) 345-4763 LINK: 5thstreetvintagemarket.com/ DESCRIPTION: Curated by This Ol’ Thing Vintage, Grace Aberdean Habitat Alchemy and DJ Tom Kat Kitten, 5th Street Vintage Market brings a one of a kind shopping experience to the area. We will feature many dealers from the region who specialize in vintage clothing, furnishings and vinyl recordings. The fall dates are: Sept. 11, Oct. 2, Nov. 6, and Dec. 4.

Accepting New Patients!

Chiropractic Care Nutritional & Weight Management Programs Sports Physicals 9770 Highway 69 South Unit A | Tuscaloosa Englewood Plaza next to Winn Dixie

205-409-6333

Check us out online at www.freemanchiropracticandwellness.com Now Accepting Blue Cross Blue Shield!

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AUG 31 + SEPT 14

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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

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AUG 31 + SEPT 14

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willhagans.com

willhagans

>>> 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 Lumineers // September 20

n Thursday, Sept 8 BIRMINGHAM Cody Jinks, Whitey Morgan // Iron City NASHVILLE Garth Brooks // Ryman Auditorium

n Friday, Sept 9

n Saturday, Sept 10

BIRMINGHAM An Evening of Love with Kem // Legacy Arena at the BJCC ATLANTA One MusicFest 2016 // Lakewood Amphitheatre

n Sunday, Sep 11

BIRMINGHAM Sturgill Simpson // The Alabama Theatre Indigo Girls // Iron City

NASHVILLE Boyz II Men // Ascend Amphitheater Kidz Bop Kids // Ryman Auditorium ATLANTA Darius Rucker // Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park Joanna Newsom // The Buckhead Theatre

Effective

ADS CONTACT

205.523.8007

n Saturday, Sept 24

NASHVILLE Heart with Joan Jett // Ascend Amphitheater Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats // Ryman Auditorium

BIRMINGHAM 3 Doors Down // Legacy Arena the BJCC

NASHVILLE The Lumineers // Ascend Amphitheater

NASHVILLE Melanie Martinez // Ryman Auditorium

n Tuesday, Sept 20

NASHVILLE St Paul & the Broken Bones // The Basement East Ben Folds // Schermerhorn Symphony Center ATLANTA La Rule and Ashanti // The Buckhead Theatre

n Monday, Sept 19

n Wednesday, Sep 21 BIRMINGHAM Chevelle // Iron City

n Monday, Sept 12

NASHVILLE Avenegd Sevenfold // Bridgestone Arean

ATLANTA Kanye West // Phillips Arena

n Thursday, Sept 22

n Friday, Sep 16

BIRMINGHAM R. Kelly // Legacy Arena at the BJCC Zac Brown Band // Oak Mountain Amphitheatre NASHVILLE Amos Lee // Ascend Amphitheater Brian Wilson // Ryman Auditorium

ATLANTA Widespread Panic // Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

n Sat, Sept 17

ATLANTA Music Midtown // Piedmont Park

n Sunday, Sept 18

NASHVILLE Bad Boy Family Reunion // Bridgestone Arena

NASHVILLE Carrie Underwood // Bridgestone Arena Opry Country Classics // Ryman Auditorium Chevelle // Nashville War Memorial Auditorium

n Friday, Sept 23

BIRMINGHAM Jason Isbell // The Alabama Theatre The Sword // Saturn

NASHVILLE Mahler’s Second // Schermerhorn Symphony Center James Bay // Ryman Auditorium ATLANTA Amos Lee // Cobb Energy Performing Arts Gov’t Mule // Tabernacle

NASHVILLE Kanye West // Bridgestone Arena

n Sunday, Sept 25

n Monday, Sept 26

NASHVILLE 3 Doors Down // Ryman Auditorium

n Tuesday , Sept 27 BIRMINGHAM Gov’t Mule // Avondale Brewing Company Band of Horses // The Alabama Theatre

n Wed, Sept 28

ATLANTA The Used // The Masquerade James Blake // Tabernacle

n Friday, Sept 30

NASHVILLE Counting Crows and Rob Thomas // Ascend Amphitheater

n Thurs, Sept 29

ATLANTA Porter Robinson & Madeon // Tabernacle Stryper // Center Stage

>>> 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

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

AUG 31 + SEPT 14

19

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

Across 1. Bach's "____, Joy of Man's Desiring" 5. Guitarist Allman 10. Island off Alaska 14. "Stick ____!"

15. Aquatic animal 16. Reposed 17. Abatement 19. Beekeeper in a 1997 movie 20. Early period in human history 21. Community workout spots, for short 22. Loom 26. Dank meeting place 30. Lid coloring 34. Frequent site for flight layovers 35. "All hands on ____!"

36. Old English letter 37. Some park users 39. Medium-sized sofa 42. Ambient music pioneer Brian 43. Critic Walter 47. Garbo born Gustafsson 48. It's symbolized by a light bulb,

in cartoons 51. Rip open at the seams 52. Table salt component 54. "___ Man" (Village People hit) 57. On pins and needles 62. Copter predecessor 63. Swivel-based aerials 66. Too cute, in England 67. Thread unit 68. Skinny 69. Old sayings 70. Stalemates 71. Figure (out)

SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMANIA CROSSWORD ON PAGE 21

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AUG 31 + SEPT 14

Down 1. "Return of the ____" 2. Kuwaiti chief 3. Japanese sport 4. ___ the air: uncertain 5. Breadmaker's raw material 6. Said 7. Glitter finisher 8. Three-time role for Keanu 9. Sea eagle 10. Certain graduate 11. Shower powder 12. "____ yellow ribbon round ... " 13. Quelques-____ (some, in Somme) 18. Talk non-stop 21. Slangy agreement 23. Iris's place 24. Old nuclear watchdog (abbr.)

25. Shows disapproval 26. Sacha Baron ___ 27. Zoo beast 28. Comic Smirnoff 29. Post's opposite 31. Impede 32. "Waitng for Lefty" playwright 33. Farm product 38. Craftsman competitor 40. Ninth-century king of Wessex 41. Nickname for Capote 44. Former capital of Japan 45. Parisian's rail syst.

46. "Double ___ all the way!"

49. Empty hall sounds 50. Infamous inits. in the 1963 news 53. Young and Diamond 54. Executive orgs.

55. Electronics brand, once 56. Airplane workers 58. Seasoned hands 59. Third-largest Hawaiian island 60. "Exodus" novelist 61. IRS IDs 63. Serbian dinar currency symbol 64. CPA's busy time (abbr.)

65. Showy wrap

>>> PUZZLEMANIA| S U D O K U

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

WRITERS WANTED

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

>>> HOROSCOPES | W E E K L Y O V E R V I E W There's plenty happening in your leisure sector this week, beginning with the potential for a special meeting with romantic overtones.

The Solar Eclipse in this sector on Thursday suggests that you should be careful if you find yourself falling in love. Relationships can take unusual twists if they begin around the time of the Solar Eclipse, so it's good to be cautious. And with Mercury turning retrograde, it would be better not to rush to take things to the next level.

Home and family matters, real estate, and DIY projects are key this week as the focus encourages you to move forward with any plans you've been nurturing. It's possible that you may be pushed into taking action sooner rather than later, as a Solar Eclipse can coincide with events that force the pace. While this may seem uncomfortable at first, you'll soon realize that you have more opportunities and freedom than you had before. Mercury turns retrograde, so delays could be inevitable.

This week could center on negotiation and communication. It seems that you may be involved in meetings and discussions of varying degrees of importance. Mercury flips backward in this same zone, so be wary of signing important deals or contracts at this time. If you can wait until Mercury turns direct, in approximately three weeks, things should go more smoothly. With a Solar Eclipse in this sector, don't be surprised if an unexpected opportunity changes your life in some way.

The coming week could be very lively, particularly when it comes to matters associated with values, the wise use of resources, and making the most of your skills and talents. While there are opportunities to push forward with your plans, retrograde Mercury means you might be better off researching your options in the coming three weeks. A Solar Eclipse in this area could coincide with long overdue changes, so take your time before making any key decisions.

This week could see one or two changes in your life that could please you very much. You may notice some turbulence early on as a Solar Eclipse, which peaks on Thursday, stirs up feelings. At the same time, your ruler Mercury flips backward for three weeks.

Bearing this in mind, it might be best to take each day as it comes.

Trying to plan ahead could be difficult, especially if events occur that you'll need to respond to immediately.

You could find yourself in the position of helping others who need unbiased advice or a shoulder to cry on. With a powerful lineup in a more secluded sector of your chart, this is also a chance to take time out for yourself. Should you be in the position of doing all the giving without getting much back, this is your opportunity to create firm boundaries. The Solar Eclipse could bring one such situation your attention, requiring positive action on your part.

Your social life looks ready to rock this week, with a lot going on in this sector of your chart. Mercury turns retrograde on Tuesday, so you may find that old friends or even old flames walk back into your life. The coming three weeks could bring opportunities for reunions and making amends. A Solar Eclipse on Thursday could bring changes regarding your current social situation. Whatever happens, you may find that you're catapulted into new friendships that could be your making.

The Sun is now in a dynamic section of your chart and encouraging you to push forward with your plans. You might even find that an unexpected opportunity leads you to make new plans on the spur of the moment. Should this occur, it will likely involve moving out of your comfort zone. You might have to overcome certain feelings of resistance in order to take advantage of it. Things could work out well for you if you do.

Will you be heading out into the wild, blue yonder? If this week's Solar Eclipse has anything to do with it, you might. Eclipses can often coincide with unexpected events, so you could be offered a trip associated with your job or a family celebration. Or you could spontaneously decide to take a class that has positive consequences for you. Mercury turns retrograde on Tuesday, so think very carefully before you make any life-changing decisions.

A major focus on your zone of change and transformation indicates this week could set the pace for the rest of the year. As Mercury flips backward in your sign it can encourage you to come to grips with any financial issues that may be holding you back. The reason is that a Solar Eclipse can coincide an opportunity that you won't want to miss. Also, a key relationship could go through some dynamic changes that take things to a more intimate level.

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Other people could have a dynamic effect on your life this week, perhaps more so than usual. This will be due to the Solar Eclipse in this sector, which could coincide with a love affair or proposal.

Equally, you might be tempted into a business partnership or some other collaboration. Whatever happens, don't rush to get involved.

Think about it carefully over the next three weeks or so and then make a decision once you have more to go on.

Three upbeat planets are hovering together in the last few degrees of Virgo, so you could feel a push to get certain plans up and running.

With Jupiter close to moving into Libra, you might want to make as much progress as you can by taking advantage of openings that enhance your job or health prospects. There's even a chance you could be pushed into acting, as the Solar Eclipse coincides with an event that could work out well over the long term.

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>>> C O M M U N I T Y A R T S

OCTOBER 3, 2016 SET AS DEADLINE FOR GRANT APPLICATIONS

T

he Arts Council of Tuscaloosa is announcing its annual Small Grants Program, awarding projects by Tuscaloosa County artists, non-profit organizations and teachers. Teachers are also eligible for an Arts in Education Grant through the Community Foundation of West Alabama for any arts related project.

Since the advent of the Small Grants program in 1986, local artists, schools and organizations have received more than $130,000. The Arts Council is now accepting grant applications for upcoming projects taking place from Oct. 3-May 31, 2017. The deadline for applications is Oct. 3, 2016. Recipients will be announced by Oct. 31, 2016. A oneto-one match of funds is required for those applying for grants. These goals include the promotion of the arts and humanities in Tuscaloosa County.

Organizations may apply for Small Grants Program awards for such projects as exhibits, festivals, residencies, consultants, attendance at seminars, institutes, workshops by artistic and/or administrative staff and productions. Professional artists may apply for small grants for pilot or short-term projects or opportunities such as seminars, workshops, conferences, or apprenticeships with master artists.

The maximum Small Grant available to schools and organizations is $1000 and $750 to individuals.

The Arts in Education Grant was established to award funding from the Arts in Education Fund within the Community Foundation of West Alabama. Tuscaloosa City/County educators in public and private schools pursuing a project with an arts-based element are eligible for this grant. The application process takes place through The Arts Council with a deadline of Oct. 3, 2016 for grant activities to be completed by May 31, 2017.

Guidelines and applications for both grant programs are available online at www. tuscarts.org/smallgrants. Additional information is available to individuals or groups interested in applying by calling Sharron Rudowski, Director of Education Programs, at 345-9801.

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ONGOING & UPCOMING EXHIBITS SEP 9-10 Birmingham Art Walk Juried Show, downtown SEP 10 47th Annual Fayette Arts Festival, Guthrie Smith Park, Fayette, 9 am - 4pm AUG 15-SEP 16 Rural Studio: Alabama Design | Build Projects, Sarah Moody Gallery of Art, UA NOW-SEP 24 Remembering 4 Little Girls, Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum, Tuscaloosa SEP 8-29 Dennis Ritter | Eleanor Aldrich, Sella-Granata Art Gallery, UA AUG 1-SEP 30 Alabama Quilts, Gorgas House Museum, UA AUG 5-SEP 30 UAB/UA Faculty Exhibition, Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center, Tuscaloosa AUG 24-SEP 30 #blackgirls4change: the Hobson City 9, Cultivating Community and Creating Change, Paul R. Jones Gallery, Tuscaloosa OCT 1 Closing Reception, 43nd Annual Bi-State Art Juried Competition Exhibit, Meridian Museum of Art, 2-4 pm AUG 17-OCT 1 43nd Annual Bi-State Art Juried Competition Exhibit, Meridian Museum of Art, Meridian, MS OCT 6 Reception, Matt Ziemke | Melissa Stern, Sella-Granata Art Gallery, 4-6 pm (Art Night) OCT 6-27 Matt Ziemke | Melissa Stern, Sella-Granata Art Gallery, UA OCT 7, Ines Schaefer Photography, UA Gallery, DWCAC, 5:30-7:30 pm OCT 27 Reception, Cuban Artists Exhibition, Harrison Galleries, Tuscaloosa, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

OCT 27 Monster Makeover Art Auction and Festival, Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum, Tuscaloosa (check for updates) OCT 7-28 Ines Schaefer Photography, UA Gallery, DWCAC, Tuscaloosa OCT 25-30 Cuban Artists Exhibition, Harrison Galleries, Tuscaloosa (OCT 27, reception) SEP 14-OCT 31 Smithsonian Exhibit: Hometown Teams: How Sports Shape America, Black Belt Museum, sponsored by University of West Alabama NOV 3 Art Night Reception, Ashlynn Pope, Sella-Granata Art Gallery, 4-6 pm NOV 4 First Friday Reception, BFA Exhibition: Kat Bornhoft and Graham Harrison, UA Gallery, DWCAC, 5:30 to 7:30 pm (NOV 1-30) NOV 4 First Friday Reception, Harrison Galleries, Tuscaloosa SEP 29-NOV 4 Pinkney Herbert: Distilled – The Narrative Transformed, Sarah Moody Gallery of Art, UA NOV 5-6 Chilton County Arts Festival, Clanton AUG 12-NOV 10 Vicki Lowe Retrospective, Hardin Cultural Arts Center, Gadsden NOV 3-22 Ashlynn Pope, Sella-Granata Art Gallery, UA (NOV 3) NOV 1-25 Kate Rothra Fleming: Glass Jewelry, Kentuck Art Center, Northport NOV 1-30 BFA Exhibition: Kat Bornhoft and Graham Harrison, UA Gallery, Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center, Tuscaloosa (NOV 4) NOV 4-DEC 5 Eric Nubbe Exhibit - Sculpture, Arts Council Gallery, DWCAC, Tuscaloosa NOV 17-DEC 16 Saturated: Selections from the Permanent Collection of the Sarah Moody Gallery of Art, UA NOV 28-DEC 16 K-12 Fellows Exhibition, Paul R. Jones Art Gallery, Tuscaloosa NOV 28-DEC 30 Studio Artists Exhibition: Ann Betak, Steve Davis, Kerry Kennedy and Daniel Livingston, Kentuck Art Center, Northport DEC 2-JAN 6, 2017 Kelly Shannon - Paintings, Arts Council Gallery, DWCAC, Tuscaloosa JAN 9 2017 Reception, Jim Graham and Laura Tanner | Morgan Price, SellaGranata Art Gallery, 4-6 pm JAN 9-26, 2017 Jim Graham and Laura Tanner | Morgan Price, Sella-Granata Art Gallery, UA JAN 12-FEB 17 Echoes along the Syrian Border: Family Archeology and the Sound of Distant Gunfire: Works by James Emmette Neel, Sarah Moody Gallery of Art, UA MAR 2 – APR 12 Mel Kendrick: In and Out of Paper, Sarah Moody Gallery of Art, UA APR 6-20 EXIT 2017 BA Group Exhibition, Sella-Granata Art Gallery, UA APR 21 – MAY 26 MFA Thesis Exhibitions: Kelsey Windham and Celestia Morgan, Sarah Moody Gallery of Art, UA

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

SABAN ADDRESSES QUESTIONS WHO'LL PLAY QUARTERBACK?

As the Tide prepares for the season opener against USC, Nick Saban addressed some big questions on Monday in his press conference. First and foremost, of course, was at quarterback, where competition in camp boiled down to Cooper Bateman, Blake Barnett and true freshman Jalen Hurts.

Saban discussed where the race stands at this point.

"We're sort of down to two guys here," Saban said. "Cooper Bateman and Blake Barnett are probably the two guys we're getting ready to play in this game, and that's the way it's going to be for right now."

Bateman, a redshirt junior, gained valuable experience last season getting reps each week as the backup to Jake Coker.

"I think the big thing is that Cooper has a great knowledge of the offense. He manages things well, because of his knowledge and experience," Saban said.

"I think he's continued to improve his passing ability and we have a lot of confidence in him. We feel good about the progress that he's made."

Barnett is a redshirt freshman and it appears he is ready to play.

"I think that, in Blake's case, he's been here a little longer," Saban said. "He's got a little better knowledge of the offense. He's a more confident in what he's doing. He's gotten bigger and stronger.

He's throwing the ball effectively.

"One of our strengths on our team are the receivers. We want to continue to try to have an offense that can create explosive plays through those guys.

So Blake has really been an effective passer for us, so we want to try to continue to develop him and see where his knowledge and experience will take him relative to whether we feel like he can be a winning player at that position or not."

On Hurts, Saban said, "Jalen has a tremendous future. He's got great ability. I think that what you have to be really concerned about is, is a guy ready to go out there and not just do things that he can do, but can he run the offensive team? If the back is lined up on the wrong side, is he going to put him on the right side? Is he going to be able to point out the protection right so that we can pick up the blitz?

These things are things that we want to be able to continue to develop in the players, so that when they go out not the field, they can have success."

Saban seem to indicate that Hurts might still be a factor at quarterback this season.

"Jalen Hurts has tremendous ability," Saban said.

"We are not giving up on that ability. Hopefully we'll be able to develop it so that at some point in time this season, he's going to be a productive player for us."

Saban was asked, in determining a starter, what were benefits of playing two quarterbacks early in the season.

"Because I can't tell you how they're going to play in the game, especially with guys who have never played in a game," Saban replied. "Cooper has played in a game here, which I think that experience is certainly a benefit to him. Some guys go into a game and play a lot better. I can't tell you that about two of our guys (Barnett and Hurts), because

they've never played in a game before. That's the reason it's hard to think that you have a crystal ball and you look in it and say that a certain person is going to play better. I don't know that. I don't have the ability to do that. Sometimes maybe you can be risk aversive and you don't find out. Maybe sometimes you try to find out and things backfire on you too. So there's no perfect way to do it."

Saban stressed that all areas of the team, including the quarterbacks, needed improvement.

"We're going to try to continue to develop all of our guys," Saban said. "When we make this decision, it's about what's going to give us the best chance to win this game, but it's also about future development of our players. We want to play the guy that's going to give us the best chance, but we also want to develop guys that can compete at this position in the future. That's kind of where it is right now."

RUNNING BACK ROTATION

"We've always played two guys here and I think the two guys that we will play are Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris," Saban said. "They're the guys that have been in the program the longest and they've had the best camps. We have two young guys, both of the freshmen running backs (B.J. Emmons and Joshua Jacobs), we want to try to continue to try to develop, and they could see action in the game as well."

BOZEMAN AT CENTER

In recent practices, Bradley Bozeman and Ross Pierschbacher have flipped positions. Bozeman has been at center with Pierschbacher sliding to right guard. Saban was asked about the moves.

"We're going to play Bradley at center and Ross at right guard," Saban said. "So it wasn't a competition at center. It what's the best combination of guys for us to play. So that's kind of how it is."

In 2014, when Ryan Kelly went down with an injury, Bozeman started two games at center. Pierschbacher started all 15 games last season at left guard before moving to center in the spring.

Pierschbacher said that he was willing to do whatever was best for the team. He doesn't think right guard will be a big adjustment.

"Call-wise, it's basically the same (as center)," Pierschbacher said. "I'd just say, with the stance, it's getting comfortable with that and having to switch feet around."

Pierschbacher said that Bozeman had looked good at center in practices.

"He's done a great job picking up the slack," Pierschbacher said. "He's played center before in the past. He's done a great job. There's been no dropoff and that's been nice to see."

and get some repetitions and that he could help us in the secondary. He's handled it very well.

"I think he was doing extremely well until we started putting in a gameplan. Then the formations changed that they run on the other team and the adjustments changed a little bit, so that's usually the challenge for young players, especially a guy who was just learning the position to start with. But he's a bright guy. He's very conscientious. It's important to him. We think he can develop into being a really good player for us on both sides of the ball."

On the depth chart released today, Diggs was listed as the second punt return man behind Calvin Ridley. He's listed first with ArDarius Stewart as kickoff return men.

BAMA IS EXCITED TO PLAY USC

"We're excited for game week. I know our players are excited to have the opportunity to play a great program with a great tradition like the University of Southern California. This is a always sort of a bowllike atmosphere when you play in these neutral site games.

"Southern Cal has got an outstanding team. Clay Helton has been there for a good while. They've been very productive offensively under him. They have nine starters back on offense. A very, very good offensive team. A couple of good runners (Justin Davis and Ronald Jones). JuJu Smith-Schuster is as good a receiver as we'll play. The offensive line has a whole bunch of starts between them and they're very quality football players. They've been able to run the ball effectively against most people that they've played. I know they have a new quarterback (Max Browne), but he's a very talented guy and I am sure he will do a great job for them.

Defensively, all word is that they're much improved.

They've got a new coordinator (Clancy Pendergast).

They've got an influx of new players. Very explosive in the kicking game.

"Overall, I think this is an outstanding team and I think it's going to be a real challenge for us in many, many ways."

DIGGS WORKING BOTH WAYS

One of the most impressive freshmen in camp has been Trevon Diggs, who has worked at wide receiver and safety.

"Trevon Diggs is a very talented guy," Saban said. "We certainly feel like he's a guy who can make plays as a receiver. So we want to try to utilize that ability. We're a little deeper at receiver right now, so it would be a little more difficult getting him the playing time that we feel he deserves. We have some depth issues in the secondary. He played defensive back very well in high school. Actually talked about playing defensive back when he was being recruited, so we thought he was the best guy to try

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