PLANET WEEKLY 522 OCT 27 - NOV 10 by The Planet Weekly

// IN THIS ISSUE AN AMERICAN STATE WICKED WEED BREW TURBO CHARGED QUICK BREADS NUTCRACKER

OCT 26 + NOV 9

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

Planet Weekly P. O . B o x 2 3 1 5 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 Phone: 205.792.7239 Email: publisher@theplanetweek ly.com Please direct correspondence to: publisher@theplanetweekly.com The Planet Weekly is a proud member of The West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. © 2015 All rights reserved. THE PLANET WEEKLY is a registered trademark. Planet Weekly is published every other Thursday. No part of this publication including editorials may be reproduced, in whole or part, by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the Publisher’s prior expressed written consent. One copy of each issue of THE PLANET WEEKLY is free to each of our readers. Any reader who takes more than four copies without expressed permission of the publisher shall be deemed to have committed theft. The views and opinions of the authors of articles appearing in this publication may not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Publisher.

Kaput

STORIES 4 DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS: AMERICAN BAND //

ALAN SCULLEY

“It’s going to all get played,” he said. “Luckily most of the stuff so far has worked really well live. There’s not anything that’s too slow or moody. Sometimes there are those things that come together in the studio and it’s a great track on the record. But it’s a one-time thing and it doesn’t really work live. But in this case, I think most everything is going to work very well.”

6 BENEFITS OF BREAST FEEDING // RACHEL STEINER "I want to emphasize that although there are numerous benefits of breastfeeding for both baby and mother, it is okay if you decide not to or cannot. Whatever your reasons for not breastfeeding-health, intense discomfort, or unrelenting frustration, give yourself a break. Good parenting is more than breastfeeding!"

7 UA THEATRE & DANCE’S FALSETTOS //

DOMINIC M. YEAGER

UA Theatre & Dance presents the hilarious and touching Falsettos at the Allen Bales

22 COMMUNITY ARTS // RACHEL DOBSON, KEVIN LEDGEWOOD

Film Series, Exhibits and more.

9 BEER/WINE REVIEWS 10 IN THE KITCHEN

RESTAURANT GUIDE

14 PET PLANET 15 MOVIE REVIEWS 16 EVENTS 19 ROAD TRIP 20 PUZZLEMANIA / EDITORIAL CARTOON 21 HOROSCOPE

HIGH TIDE SPORTS 23 SABAN WEEKLY PRESS CONFERENCE GARY HARRIS

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DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS // AMERICAN BAND

s the Drive-By Truckers begin a new touring cycle this fall behind one of their best, most lyrically provocative albums ever in the new release “American Band,” the group also celebrates its 20th anniversary as a band. Singer/guitarist Mike Cooley, who cofounded and shares frontman duties with fellow singer/guitarist Patterson Hood, is well aware of the anniversary. But what’s special to him has more to do with the music the Drive-By Truckers are making now than simply the band’s longevity. “To still be, to be coming up on 20 years and not only still be doing it, but to be excited about it and to be able to make a record like this (“American Band”) with so much passion in it still, that’s the greatest thing,” Cooley said in an early September phone interview. “Everybody would like to have a little more money. Everybody would like to have a little more success. But I can’t complain,” he said. “You see so many people that do what we do and get to this point, 20 or so years, and you’re pretty much going through the motions. You’re not making new records. If you do, they’re not well received. You have a fan base that still pretty much all revolves around the two or three at the most albums they got into way back when. Nobody wants to hear the new stuff. You play the new stuff and everybody goes to the bathroom. For us, and if that was the case, I’d be happy I could still make a living doing that instead of going and finding a regular job of some sort. But I feel lucky.” “American Band” is a resounding indication the Drive-By Truckers are still as inspired and scrappy as when the group was formed in Athens, GA in 1996 and came

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onto the scene with its rocking alt-country debut, “Gangstabilly” in 1998. A second album, “Pizza Deliverance,” followed a year later. But it was the group’s third release, the 2001 double album, “Southern Rock Opera” that signaled that the Drive-By Truckers were becoming a force to be reckoned with. It thoughtfully examined the question of what it meant to be Southern through a thematic song cycle that touched on the legacies of, among others, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Neil Young and Buford Pusser of “Walking Tall” fame. The songs, written separately by Hood and Cooley, had lyrics that were literate, insightful and relevant, while the music was forceful, as punk-edged as it was twangy. By that point, the band’s lineup had undergone several changes, with drummer Brad Morgan joining Hood and Cooley as core members. And with the addition of Jason Isbell as a third songwriter and singer/guitarist in 2001, the Drive-By Truckers followed up the epic “Southern Rock Opera” with two of its best albums, “Decoration Day” (2003) and “The Dirty South” (2004). But as the Drive-By Truckers reached their first decade together, the band went through a period of change that saw the departure of Isbell, followed by a period where Cooley’s songwriting output slowed and Hood carried the songwriting load for the 2010 album “The Big To Do” and the 2011 follow-up, “Go-Go Boots.” But by early 2012, a revamped lineup that included keyboardist Jay Gonzalez (who replaced Isbell in 2008) and bassist Matt Patton (replacing Shonna Tucker) roared back on the inspired 2012 album

“English Oceans.” A stirring three-CD live album, “It’s Great To Be Alive,” followed last year and now the veteran group has hit a new peak with “American Band.” It’s an album that’s potent musically, and even more powerful lyrically, as Cooley and Hood unflinchingly and intelligently examine where America stands in this election year. The album doesn’t specifically address the rise of Donald Trump as the Republican candidate for president; the first primaries were still a few months away when the bulk of “American Band” was recorded in a productive three-day session last November. And while Cooley strongly opposes Trump and said he sees him as playing to the deepest fears of white male America that they are losing their power to minorities and women, the songs he and Hood wrote address a variety of topics that have been front of mind throughout the recent primary and now general election seasons. “American Band” opens with “Ramon Casiano,” which deals with the transformation of the National Rifle Association from its sportsman and conservation beginnings into what Cooley now sees as a radical right wing supremacist gun cult. “Surrender Under Protest,” written by Cooley in the aftermath of the successful campaign to remove the Confederate flag from the South Carolina statehouse following the alleged murder by white supremicist Dylann Roof of nine African Americans at a Charleston church meeting, examines the meanings and implications of the Confederate flag in America today. That song is one of several that in some

way deals with the issue of race relations. Hood’s “What It Means” directly takes on the hottest of hot button issues – the volatile relations between blacks and police that intensified with police shootings of black subjects in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson, Baltimore and other cities. Hood doesn’t pull punches in this deliberately paced song. He questions the lack of consequences faced by police officers who pulled the triggers, how the media treats coverage of the shootings and the reluctance to face up to the key question of what’s behind the tensions. Cooley made no bones in this interview about what he feels has fueled the issues of race leading into this year’s election. “If I had to pick one primary motivator for so much of this has been watching the backlash to the first non-caucasian president,” he said. “Now, I’m from the South. I know what racism looks like and I know damn well it’s not over. But it went beyond what I could have imagined. And the people in general, the masses out there, they feel how they feel. You can’t change it. They’ll change if they change or they won’t. “But there are people exploiting this and stirring this up and who I really believe know better,” Cooley said, pointing to people in the media and politics as particular offenders. “That’s what really makes my blood boil.” The thought-provoking lyrics demand attention in and of themselves. But the music on “American Band” is nearly as powerful. Hood, in general favors moderate tempos in his songs, but there’s still plenty of edge and heft in songs like “Baggage,” “Darkened Flags” and “What It Means.” Cooley, meanwhile, ties his words to muscular, high energy rock, as he and fellow Truckers tear through sturdy “Ramon Casiano,” the brisk “Surrender Under Protest” and the Stones-ish swagger of “Kinky Hypocrite.” As a band that generally plays sets that run two hours or more, there will be time to cover plenty of back catalog songs in the Drive-By Truckers shows this fall. But Cooley said most, if not all of “American Band” will be performed from night to night. “It’s going to all get played,” he said. “Luckily most of the stuff so far has worked really well live. There’s not anything that’s too slow or moody. Sometimes there are those things that come together in the studio and it’s a great track on the record. But it’s a one-time thing and it doesn’t really work live. But in this case, I think most everything is going to work very well.”

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NEWS TUSCALOOSA RESTAURANTEUR EARNS GOLD RETAILER OF THE YEAR TITLE Pursuing his high school sweetheart to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, had more allure for Jheovanny Gomez Zuluaga than pursuing drug cartel members as an undercover intelligence operative or going to college in his native Colombia. In 1999, two years after she moved, he moved and started college in Alabama while working as a busboy in the same restaurant his girlfriend’s parents worked. A year later he and his girlfriend became husband and wife, and, by 2001, he became a partner in a restaurant in downtown Tuscaloosa. Today, along with his partners Wayne and Justin Grimball, Gomez owns three restaurants in Tuscaloosa, Northport and Cottondale. Gomez personifies the American dream. “His story is unique, but his success speaks for itself,” said Jim Page, president and chief executive officer of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, which named Gomez as its 2013 Member of the Year. That success earned Gomez and Jalapeños Mexican Restaurants the title of Alabama’s 2016 Gold Retailer of the Year Award in the Annual Sales $1 Million to $5 Million category. The Alabama Retail Association, in cooperation with the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Collat School of Business, honored Gomez today at the Alabama Retail Day luncheon in Birmingham. Terrance G. “Terry” Finley, president and chief executive officer of Alabama-based Books-A-Million Inc., gave the keynote address. “Jheovanny sets the standard among the local business community as far as paying his civic rent, as far as being engaged and by leading by example. He is a role model for people who have been in business a lot longer than he has by the way he puts Jalapeños out there as being part of the community,” Page said of Gomez, who leads by example as a member of the Alabama Small Business Commission. The Alabama Retailer of the Year judges noted Gomez’s strong support from his community, evidenced by letters of recommendation from the mayors of Tuscaloosa and Northport as well as the Boys and Girls Clubs of West Alabama. Gomez and Jalapeños were the only Retailer of the Year finalists to receive a unanimous vote on the first ballot by the panel of independent judges. “Ever since we opened this business, started meeting people and making friends, this community as a whole surrounded us and supported the business and my family,” Gomez said. One way Gomez gives back to his community is by talking to students who are a part of the Junior Achievement League and career technical education programs in Tuscaloosa County, especially young entrepreneurs. “I tell them, ‘If you surround yourself with good people; if you really think that you can have your own business, you will have it,” Gomez said. He credits his work ethic to his parents, Luis and Fabiola, who still live in Colombia, but were in Tuscaloosa on a rare visit the day Alabama Retail interviewed Gomez. “All of my values, motivation and strength come from my parents,” he said. Jalapeño’s Mexican Restaurants, an Alabama Retail member since 2007, was one of 13 retail businesses honored at today’s luncheon. This year’s winners came from a pool of more than 70 nominees. The Alabama Retailer of the Year awards program, started in 1999, honors outstanding retailers who have demonstrated growth, innovation and a commitment to their respective communities. “Jheovanny Gomez is a retailer of the year EVERY year to the Jalapeños Mexican Restaurants customers, its 73 employees and the three communities it serves,” said Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown.

TUSCALOOSA COUNTY CIVIC HALL OF FAME HOLDS INDUCTION CEREMONY The Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held Thursday, October 20, at the Northport Civic Center, and recognized six civic giants who have contributed to the betterment of Tuscaloosa County. The Class of 2016 are Karen Phifer Brooks; Hezekiah T. Carstarphen, Jr.; Eugenia Patton (Pat) Faucett; Hilliard N. Fletcher; Timothy Mize Parker, Sr.; and Fitzgerald Washington. The inductees were presented by Jimmy Warren of TotalCom and Dr. E Roger Sayers, Chair of the Tuscalosoa County Civic Hall of Fame Committee. Jessica Proctor, Miss Leeds 2017, sang the National Anthem. Gold Sponsors for the event are the Award Company of America, McAbee Construction, Inc. and The University of Alabama College of Arts & Sciences. Silver Sponsors are Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelers and the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority. Special thanks to Buffalo Rock Company/Pepsi-Cola, the City of Northport and Tuscaloosa Flower Shoppe.

FIRST US BANK HOSTS OCTOBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Chamber members and guests enjoyed networking and socializing at October's Business After Hours, hosted by First US Bank in downtown Tuscaloosa. The event is one of the Chamber's most popular, often attracting up to 200 attendees. Next month's Business After Hours will be November 8th at the Bank of Tuscaloosa Plaza.

Jheovanny Gomez (center) with his partners Justin (left) and Wayne Grimball (right).

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See Chamber News, Page 7 OCT 26 + NOV 9

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BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING FOR BABY AND MOM

eople are well aware of the benefits for a baby who is breastfed but many do not know there are just as many benefits for the mother as well. Breastfeeding rates continue to rise in the United States as more research is being published about the benefits and with the push of women’s rights and equality. Currently, 79% of infants are being nursed, 49% at 6 months, and 27% at 12 months. The benefits of a mother’s milk are pretty much endless and are made perfectly for baby. Some of the main benefits the baby receives from breast milk include an increased immune system, stronger bones, lower risk of SIDS, fewer problems with weight as an adult, and long term protection against chronic conditions like Type 1 diabetes, Celiac Disease, and Chron’s Disease. Others benefits for the baby that are often not mentioned as much include better skin. Many pediatricians who have developed a keen eye and sense of touch over years of examining babies report that they can often tell by the look and feel of an infant’s skin whether or not the baby is breastfed or formula-fed. The skin of a breastfed baby often has a softer, smoother feel. Not only does breast milk help with skin, it’s valuable to baby’s vision. Studies comparing breastfed and formulafed infants show that visual development is more advanced in breastfed babies. The presence of DHA may be one of the reasons for this. DHA is one of the prime structural components of the retina of the eye. As with all tissues, the better you feed it, the better it grows and functions. One of the best-kept secrets about breastfeeding is that it's as healthy for mothers as for babies. Not only does lactation continue the natural physiologic process begun with conception and pregnancy, but also it provides many short and

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long-term health benefits. These issues are rarely emphasized in prenatal counseling by health care professionals but should be, as I think it would motivate those who are unsure about nursing. Immediately after birth, the repeated suckling of baby releases oxytocin from the mother's pituitary gland. This hormone not only signals the breasts to release milk to the baby, but simultaneously produces contractions in the uterus. The resulting contractions prevent postpartum hemorrhage and promote the shrinking of the uterus to pre-pregnancy size. Research shows that it takes roughly 10 weeks for a women’s uterus to return to normal size not breastfeeding compared to 6 weeks when nursing. As long as a mother nurses without substituting formula or foods, the return of her menstrual cycle is delayed unlike bottle-feeding mothers who typically get their periods back within six to eight weeks. As for getting pregnant again, nursing is 98% successful with preventing pregnancy during the first six months. In contrast, mothers who do not breastfeed will need to start some form of contraception within six weeks of the birth. One of the most rewarding benefits of nursing for the mom is weight reduction. Breastfeeding burns on average 500 calories a day. In just a week, that would equal 3500 calories, which is equal to one pound. I want to emphasize that although there are numerous benefits of breastfeeding for both baby and mother, it is okay if you decide not to or cannot. Whatever your reasons for not breastfeeding-health, intense discomfort, or unrelenting frustration, give yourself a break. Good parenting is more than breastfeeding!

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ALABAMA: THE MAKING OF AN AMERICAN STATE

labama: The Making of an American State is itself a watershed event in the long and storied history of the state of Alabama. Here, presented for the first time ever in a single, magnificently illustrated volume, Edwin C. Bridges conveys the magisterial sweep of Alabama's rich, difficult, and remarkable history with verve, eloquence, and an unblinking eye. From Alabama's earliest fossil records to its settlement by Native Americans and later by European settlers and African slaves, from its territorial birth pangs and statehood through the upheavals of the Civil War and the civil rights movement, Bridges makes evident in clear, direct storytelling the unique social, political, economic, and cultural forces that have indelibly shaped this historically rich and unique American region. Illustrated lavishly with maps, archival photographs, and archaeological artifacts, as well as art works, portraiture, and specimens of Alabama craftsmanship--many never before published--Alabama: The Making of an American State highlights Alabama's most significant struggles, conflicts, achievements, and developments. Drawn from decades of research and the deep archival holdings of the Alabama Department of Archives and History, this volume will be the definitive resource for decades to come for anyone seeking a broad understanding of Alabama's evolving legacy. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Edwin C. Bridges served as the director of the Alabama Department of Archives and History for thirty years and is the coauthor of Georgia's Signers and the Declaration of Independence. PRAISE FOR ALABAMA "We have long needed Alabama, and who better to write it than Edwin Bridges, director emeritus of the Alabama Department of Archives and History? His well-balanced and magnificently illustrated account of the state's history is just a

delightful--if sometimes sobering--read." --G. Ward Hubbs, author of Searching for Freedom after the Civil War: Klansman, Carpetbagger, Scalawag, and Freedman and Guarding Greensboro: A Confederate Company in the Making of a Southern Community. "In beautiful and concise prose that understands the heart of the state, this story traces the successes and failures of Alabama and its people and, more importantly, explains why events played out as they did. The full-color illustrations and maps make it the first adult history of Alabama to be so richly illustrated." --Leah Rawls Atkins, coauthor of Alabama: The History of a Deep South State

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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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“WE’RE SITTING AND WATCHING”… UA THEATRE & DANCE’S FALSETTOS

Theatre & Dance presents the hilarious and touching Falsettos at the Allen Bales Theatre, November 7-11 at 7:30PM and November 13 at 2:00PM and 7:30PM. Falsettos is a musical comprised of two stories from composer William Finn’s (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) Off-Broadway In Trousers trilogy. The audience will be introduced to the unconventional hero Marvin, his son Jason, his lover Whizzer, his ex-wife Trina, and his therapist and Trina’s new husband Mendel. When Whizzer becomes ill, this dysfunctional Jewish family must come together despite past wrongdoings. The musical seemed like an appropriate fit for MFA Directing candidate Raines Carr to undertake, “I was looking for a big, powerful and thought-provoking musical that would be great for our students. I want them to be challenged with the material,” states Carr. The musical offers more than a spotlight on AIDS and homosexuality during America in the early 1980s, and is a story that is universal for anybody. According to Carr, “It’s about a man trying to find himself in his relationships. How does a person define themselves? How does a person come to terms with being a parent, a friend, a lover and a human being? I think many people in life rush to get married, have children and choose a career. At some point, they take a

moment and ponder those questions about life and themselves. Marvin comes to that place of trying to define himself and has to deal with the reality of how the world reacts to his relationship with Whizzer.” The production is passionate, but also has a sweet, funny and tender nature. Marvin is a relatable and imperfect everyman that has made his share of mistakes, but becomes a better person from them. Falsettos is a wonderful reflection of love, personal drama, anxieties, responsibility and family. We welcome you to a memorable event and we welcome you to Falsettos. Tickets are $10 and are available in Rowand-Johnson Hall at the ticket office in the front lobby, or online at theatre.ua.edu. There will be a special Friday Night Talkback (11/11) after the performance with a special guest. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@uatheatredance). For more information, a full performance and event calendar, and to sign up for a free newsletter, visit theatre.ua.edu or call (205) 348-3400.

CHAMBER NEWS, continued from page 5 ENROLLMENT PERIOD NOW OPEN FOR CHAMBER AMBASSADORS The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama is now accepting applications for the Chamber Ambassador program. The Chamber Ambassador Program is an active group designed to bridge the current active membership and new members with the services provided by the Chamber. Chamber Ambassadors welcome new members to the Chamber and share ways on how to get the most out of their membership through an informal mentor relationship. They serve as greeters at Chamber events and generally foster good will among the membership. This personal contact is pleasant for the recipient and a rewarding networking experience to the Ambassador. The Ambassador program has also proven to be a creative resource for the development of future Chamber leaders. Each year Ambassador Applications are accepted until November 30th. New applications will be contacted to set up an interview by the Leadership Team. Chamber Ambassadors must be employed by a member firm. For more information or to request an application, call LoWanda James at (205) 758-7588 or email LoWanda@tuscaloosachamber.com.

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Photos Courtesy of Sheena Gregg

VERA CRUZ // MEXICAN OPTION NEAR CAMPUS W

orking on UA’s campus, I’m always in search of the most convenient place to grab lunch. Despite the new lane openings on McFarland Boulevard, traveling around town during the lunch hour is rarely a pleasant experience. My options tend to be limited to the eateries on the 15th street area if I’m hoping to make it back to campus within my time constraints. If you’ve been around town over the past few months, you’ve likely noticed the boom of new restaurants along the 15th street stretch that continue to complement the variety of businesses already in the area. Whether you’re in the mood for a pizza buffet, barbecue, fast food, sushi, or even Indian cuisine, this staple road in Tuscaloosa has it all. The only thing that has been the biggest lacking for me is Mexican. Sure the Tuscaloosa faithful often like to pass off Taco Casa and Taco Bell as acceptable Mexican food, but I don’t feel like that’s always the case. More recently, I was excited to see the opening of Veracruz Mexican Grill in the old Pizza 120 location near Subway. I finally decided to make the trek over there to see how Veracruz compared to my staple Mexican restaurant selections in other parts of Tuscaloosa and Northport. Walking into Veracruz I was pleased with the updates made to the interior to convert the Pizza 120 aesthetic to a more Mexican restaurant feel. Despite coming to the restaurant right when they opened at 11:00 a.m., I felt like the number of staff present was on the low side. I noticed a server hurriedly running over to me to ask how many were in my party. After sharing that I was a party of one, he generously gave me a booth to myself. Since it took a while for the lone server to get my order, I spent most of my time observing the furniture and the overall atmosphere of the restaurant. The seating and tables appeared quite new, and though there was quite an ample number of seating, the restaurant still had a nice openness ambiance. Directing my attention to the menu, I quickly looked for the lunch menu options and combos that featured the standard

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taco salad, quesadilla, chimichanga, fajitas, and burrito enchilada combinations. Among the most exotic lunch options, fajitas with bacon and cheese caught my eye as well as the camaron frito, deep fried jumbo shrimp served with rice, tossed salad, and cheese dip. I tend to be a visual selector and ended up going with the fajita salad after noticing a picture that looked quite similar to chicken fajita nachos. It wasn’t long before my entrée was placed in front of me. Right off the bat, I was impressed with the ample portions and overall presentation of the plate. I don’t usually peg Mexican restaurants for rating high in beautiful or appealing plating, but for whatever reason, my fajita chicken salad looked pretty delicious. Bite after bite, I was pretty pleased with my selection, especially noting the perfect chips to chicken to queso ratio. Overall, I would definitely visit Veracruz Mexican Grill again, most importantly due to the convenient location. The pricing isn’t the cheapest Mexican lunch menu in Tuscaloosa, but it is comparable to many restaurants in town. Veracruz Mexican Grill is located at 501 15th Street, Suite A and opened daily. Tweet us @ThePlanetWeekly and let us know where you are eating! Sheena Gregg, MS, RDN,LD is a registered dietitian and local “Filipino foodie.” Follow her on Twitter @ AFilipinoFoodie

Concerned about climate risk energy freedom? SOUTHERN ENERGY FREEDOM TOUR Come learn how you can engage your member of Congress and community on a market-friendly solution to climate change that can also increase your family energy freedom of choice WHEN Tuesday, October 18, 2016 @ 6:30 to 7:30 pm WHERE Forest Lake Methodist Church Tuscaloosa SPEAKERS Peter Bryn, Ricky Bradley, and Bishop Dansby RSVP CCLtuscaloosa@gmail.com

"I support what Citizens' Climate Lobby is doing and I support your Carbon Fee and Dividend solution.”

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WICKED WEED BREWING BENEVOLENCE BARREL AGED AMERICAN SOUR ALE

BOGLE PHANTOM

’ve been on a pretty serious sour beer kick lately. The whole style just fascinates me every time I try a new brew. There’s just something about a beer that’s left alone to do its own thing in a barrel for several months that blows me away. I guess it’s the aspect of not knowing exactly what it’s going to taste like once it’s done or how different things added to it will affect the flavor. Either way, the rise in popularity of sour beers has brought a plethora of brewers into the style to see what they can do and how well they can do it. A few weeks ago I was in Atlanta and decided to stop at a bottle shop on my way back home. I have had Wicked Weed a few times, but never anything that was worth more than saying “yeah, I’d drink that again” and definitely never “I need to tell the world about this.” Hesitations aside, I decided to browse the Wicked Weed offerings (since it’s distributed there and not in Alabama) and I stumbled across Benevolence, a barrel-aged sour that’s brewed with aged hops. I’m in. Can’t get into this fast enough. In hindsight, I probably should have let it set a bit longer to age a bit more, but I couldn’t wait any longer. So, while Alabama was playing Tennessee, I decided to start my celebration a little early and broke this one out. Here are my thoughts: I poured the beer into a tulip glass and first noticed the deep, hazy copper color with about two finger widths of white head. The beer seemed a lot more effervescent than I normally care for, but it made the aroma really shine. The head slowly descended and left a thin film around the top of the glass with some incredible lacing as I drank. The aroma was quite interesting and unlike similar beers in the style. First you can tell that the beer is sour, like real sour, but in a good way. You get some slight fruity notes along with an earthy aroma that blends with a faint hint of oak. This is good, because if you’re barrel-aging something, I hope to smell that oak. Taste only slightly mimicked the aroma, but it mimicked the high points for sure. I got mostly fruity flavors, like orange and raspberry; it’s a very sharp and assertive sour taste. You can almost taste a bit of apple cider vinegar flavor coming through about midway, but that quickly changes. At the end of each sip, the beer starts to develop this intense creamy, almost oaky flavor that mellows out all the sourness and makes it extremely easy to drink. The beer finishes very dry and leaves a subtle tartness on your tongue that almost resembles a sour candy or a tart fruit. The taste is much more interesting that I’m probably describing, but it’s one of those things like “you have to be there” or similarly “you have to taste this.” There are earthy notes mixed with fruity flavors that blend into a sour, barnyard-like taste (very musty and slightly grassy) but all come together to be very refreshing and very, very tasty. Mouthfeel is, like I said, very carbonated; almost like a kombucha. It’s tart, yet creamy, earthy, yet sweet. This is definitely a very interesting taste profile as well as an interesting feeling beer to drink. I’m definitely

ready to drink another one. Overall, this is super weird, but in the best way possible. There’s so many things going on that it’s hard to pinpoint one thing to talk about, but if you’re familiar with sour beers, you may be able to pick apart different tastes and all of the interesting quirks that make this beer so good. The barrel-aged component comes through, thankfully, really strong, and I’m sure a lot of that earthy flavor I was getting is coming from the aged hops, but it was welcomed. I could definitely see myself buying this one again, and at $12.99 per bottle, it’s a priced a little high but definitely worth it. So, if you see it, get it, drink it, and enjoy.

SHELTON STATE MARKS FIFTH YEAR WITH BEST COMPETITION Tuscaloosa, Alabama – Shelton State Community College will host its fifth Shelton’s BEST Robotics competition on Saturday, October 29 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology) is a non-profit, volunteer based program designed to inspire students through competitive robotic design. Through exploration and creativity, student teams are encouraged to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. Additionally, Shelton’s BEST enhances marketing-based skills. The marketing category of competition allows students to brand and advertise their school’s robotic concept. All teams have the opportunity to be mentored by engineers and technical professionals from local industry. Twenty-two schools from West Alabama and East Mississippi will compete at the 2016 event. This year’s game, “Bet the Farm,” requires teams to gather and transport crops using a robot designed, built, and programmed entirely by students. The marketing component will ask teams to develop a marketing plan including a display booth and marketing presentation. The marketing presentations will be judged on Friday, October 28 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The top four teams participating at Shelton’s BEST will qualify to compete at the regional level at Auburn University in December. For more information, visit sheltonstate.edu/best.

or awhile now, a number of website and social media followers suggested I check out Bogle Phantom. After reviewing Apothic Inferno, I again heard a lot of suggestions to review this wine. So, here goes…Bogle Phantom is a “proprietary red wine” from Bogle Vineyards in Clarksburg, California, USA. While Bogle doesn’t reveal the blend composition, they do say the vineyard source is Amador, Clarksburg and Lodi. And, the wine is aged 24 months in one and two year old American oak. On the bottle, underneath the title of the wine, reads the tagline: “Mysterious and Hauntingly Seductive” If you’re a fan of Bogle, I’ve also reviewed Bogle Merlot and Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel.

FROM THE BOTTLE: In the dark recesses of the cellar you sense a presence, hear footsteps. Why is it these things only happen when you are alone? In the shadows, a glimpse of muddy boots and old blue jeans… the lurking legacies of hard work and determination left by those who have come before you. We are proud to carry on the traditions of our founders with this unique red wine. A deep ruby apparition that personifies the true spirit of the Bogle. Mwahahaha!!! Anyway, I tasted the 2012 vintage of Bogle Phantom.

was a noticeable sting of alcohol when I gave the wine a good sniff. Bogle Phantom alcohol content 14.9% by volume, per the bottle. TASTE Phantom’s taste was congruent with its aroma. I noted flavors of juicy plum and berries, subtle caramel and smooth yet peppery clove like spices. The flavors all worked together in an elegant fashion, with just the slightest hint of bitterness. MOUTHFEEL AND TANNINS This wine is pretty dry, leaving a noticeable grip from the tannins all over the palate. FINISH The wine’s finish was long and lasting. It seemed to linger behind the lips. The finish was a nice balance between the wine’s flavors and tannins. OVERALL OPINION Overall I enjoyed Phantom quite a bit. I was expecting something more sultry from the label but in the end this wine is a nicely crafted red blend. I’d even go so far as to call it well refined. Recommend!

APPEARANCE As suggested by the bottle, this wine is ruby in color. While it is fairly dark, some light was able to shine through. The wine exhibited average legs, with a slow to medium fall rate. AROMA I had to get up pretty close to the glass to notice the aroma. The aroma was enjoyable with notes of ripe plum, caramel and spice. There

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Thanks to everyone who recommended I review this wine. I see why you all liked it. Bogle Phantom price $19.99. Suggested Food Pairing Since the flavor of clove came through to me, I’d suggest pairing this wine with a nice baked ham. Put some cloves on it and see if it works with the wine! Have you tried Phantom? OCT 26 + NOV 9

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EASY HOLIDAY QUICK BREAD RECIPES

BREAKFAST / LUNCH Brown Bag

Quick breads are a quick, easy accompaniment to any holiday meal. For the best-tasting holiday quick breads, here are some helpful hints: - Only grease the bottoms of the loaf pans or the sides of the bread will pull away from the sides of the baking pan. - Bake in the center of the center rack of the oven. - When adding liquids to the dry ingredients, stir only until dry ingredients are moistened. Batter will be lumpy. - Quick breads can be made ahead and frozen from 1 to 2 months.

City Cafe 408 Main Ave | Downtown Northport // 758.9171 Established in 1936. Big on food, low on price. Open for breakfast and lunch. Historic downtown Northport. Closed weekends. CountryPride Restaurant 3501 Buttermilk Rd // 554.0215 www.ta.travelcenters.com Breakfast 24 hours. Lunch and Dinner buffet. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 4800 Doris Pate Dr | Exit 76 // 562.8282 www.crackerbarrel.com International House of Pancakes 724 Skyland Blvd // 366.1130 Jack's 1200 Hackberry Lane | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199

Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd *402 | Tuscaloosa // 366.8780

2 eggs, beaten slightly 2 cups sugar 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 cup canned pumpkin 2 1/4 cups flour 1 cup chopped cranberries 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt

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. T-Town Café 500 14th Street, Tuscaloosa | 759-5559 |www.ttowncafe.com Mon - Fri 6am - 3pm; Sat - Closed; Sun 10:30am - 3pm

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin, mixing well. Combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the batter and add the pumpkin. Stir in cranberries. Spoon batter into 2 greased and floured loaf pans. Bake for 1 hour.

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

MEXICAN

Chipotle Mexican Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0140 www.chipotle.com Don Tono's 2312 4th Street | Temerson Square // 345.9191

Apple Bread

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

3 cups flour 2 cups sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 1/4 cups oil 2 apples, chopped 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) 1 teaspoon baking soda

El Rincon (2 locations) 1225 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 366.0855 1726 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.1274 Fernando's Mexican Grill 824 McFarland Blvd E | Northport // 205.331.4587 Iguana Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 752.5895 Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill 2001 New Watermelon Rd | Northport // 342.3378 LaGran Fiesta 9770 Hwy 69 S // 345.8871 Los Calientes Mexican Grill 3429 McFarland Blvd E // 553.1558

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients until well blended. Pour batter into 2 greased loaf pans. Bake for about 1 hour.

Los Tarascos (2 locations) 1759 Skyland Blvd // 553.8896 3380 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.0919 Margarita's Grill 1241 McFarland Blvd E // 343.0300

Pumpkin Bread

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

5 cups flour 4 cups sugar 2 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 4 eggs 1 cup vegetable oil 1 large can pumpkin 2 cups nuts (optional) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs. In another bowl, mix together flour and baking soda. Add flour and pumpkin alternately to the egg mixture. Add nuts. Pour into 2 greased loaf pans. Bake for 1 hour.

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. OCT 26 + NOV 9

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.

Mr. Bill's Family Restaurant 2715 McFarland Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 333.9312

Cranberry Pumpkin Bread

W H E R E TO E AT I N T U S C A LO O SA is always changing and features include an extensive wine list, a large vibrant bar and martini lounge area, as well as patio seating. Reservations are available online at epiphanyfinedining.com or through open table. Hours: Mon–Sat 5 p.m. - until Evangeline’s 1653 McFarland Blvd. North // 752.0830 Located in the Tuscaloosa Galleria. 2004 West Alabama Tourism Award Winning Restaurant. American Eclectic Cuisine. Lunch: Mon–Fri 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: Tues–Sat 5 p.m. until... Fall: Saturday Brunch. FIVE Bar 2324 6th Street. // 205.345.6089 A restaurant/bar based on simplicity. We offer 5 entrees, 5 red wines, 5 white wines, 5 import beers, 5 domestic, and 5 signature cocktails, to go along with our full liquor bar. Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 5-10; Friday and Saturday 5-12 Lunch: Friday and Saturday 11-3; Sunday Jazz Brunch: 10-3 five-bar.com; 205.345.6089/ The Side by Side Restaurant 2410 University Blvd. | Embassy Suites | 561-2500 thesidebysiderestaurant.com

JAPANESE

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

ITALIAN

Broadway Pizzeria 2880 Rice Mine Road Northeast Tuscaloosa, // 391.6969 DePalma’s Italian Cafe 2300 University Blvd, Downtown // 759.1879 Menu ranges from sanwiches to finer pasta dishes and pizza. Varied beer and wine selection. Hours: Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. www.depalmascafe.com Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.345.4343 Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd // 758.0112 Pizzas, calzones, hoagies and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. www.mellowmushroom.com Mr. G’s 908 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339-8505 Olive Garden 2100 McFarland Blvd E // 750-0321 Open daily from 11 a.m. | www.olivegarden.com

CASUAL DINING

Avenue Pub 405 23rd Avenue // Tuscaloosa Brunch, lunch, and dinner. Specialty cocktails, local pints, bottled beer, and wine. Mon - Fri. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sat. Noon – 11 p.m., Sun.Noon p.m. – 9 p.m. Big Daddy’s Cafe 514 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 759.9925 The Blue Plate Restaurant (Was Northport Diner) 450 McFarland Blvd, Northport // 462-3626

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

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.

Taco Mama 2104 A University Blvd, Tuscaloosa // 409.8173

Buddy’s Ribs & Steaks 2701 Bridge Ave | Northport // 339.4885

FINE DINING

Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd // 523.0273 Mon–Wed 11 a.m. - midnight | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

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

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.

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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. Hooligan’s 1915 University Blvd // 759.2424 From hamburgers to hummus. Open daily 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Horny's 508 Red Drew Ave | Tuscaloosa // 345.6869 Mon 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. | Tues-Thurs 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Fri 11 a.m. - 3 a.m. | Sat 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. New Orleans style atmosphere in the heart of Tuscaloosa on the strip. Horny's offerings include a full liquor bar, beer, and a variety of classic American food. Horny's Bar and Grill offers a limited late night menu from 1:30 a.m. - 2:30 a.m.

Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave // 391.0572 Great burgers. Full service bar. Open late. www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com Tuscaloosa Burger & Seafood Company 1014 7th Ave. | Tuscaloosa // 764.1976 Over 160 craft beers. Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Large selection of decadent desserts Wilhagan’s 2209 4th St | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 366.0913

Logan's Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd E // 349.3554

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

Madear’s 1735 Culver Road // 343.7773 Mon–Fri 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. | 2nd & 3rd Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

WingZone 1241 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 342.2473

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

Archibald & Woodrow's BBQ 4215 Greensboro Ave | Tuscaloosa // 331.4858 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sun lunch

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 Piccadilly Cafeteria 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 556.4960 www.piccadilly.com Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip // 342.0022 www.bamaquickgrill.com Ruby Tuesday (2 locations) 6421 Interstate Drive | Cottondale // 633.3939 Just off I-20/59 at exit 77. Near Hampton Inn and Microtel Inn 311 Merchants Walk | Northport // 345.4540 www.rubytuesdays.com Ryan’s 4373 Courtney Dr // 366.1114 Near Marriott Courtyard and Fairfield Inn Sitar Indian Cuisine 500 15th St // 345-1419 Southern Ale House 1530 McFarland Blvd N Monday-Thursday 11a-9p, Friday-Saturday 11a-10p Sunday Brunch 11a-2p A warm and inviting restaurant just north of the river with both classic and contemporary interpretations of Southern Cuisine. We boast a large variety of local craft beers on tap and other options in bottle for our beer loving constituents. Wine and Signature cocktails Southland Restaurant 5388 Skyland Blvd E // 556.3070 Steaks, chops and home-cooked vegetables Mon–Fri 10:45 a.m. - 9 p.m.

BARBEQUE

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

STEAKS

Logan’s Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd | next to Sams // 349.3554 Steaks, ribs and spirits Longhorn Steakhouse 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 345-8244 #412

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

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 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

R. Davidson Chophouse 2330 4th St. /Downtown Tuscaloosa/ 2056148782 We specialize in traditional American steakhouse fare including filets, New York strips, ribeyes, porterhouses, and more.The wine list and cocktail menus are exceptional and rotate with the seasons. Reservations are available online at rdchophouse.com or by phone. Hours - Tuesday – Friday Lunch – 11:00am – 2:00pm; Cocktail Hour – 4:00pm; Dinner – 5:00pm - untill. Saturday: Lunch – 11:00am – 4:00pm; Cocktail Hour – 4:00pm; Dinner – 5:00pm - until. Sunday Brunch: 10:00am - until

SEAFOOD

Chuck’s Fish 508 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 248.9370 Monday - Thursday 5-10 p.m. and Friday - Saturday 5-11 p.m. Steak, seafood, & sushi specialities. Daily specials. New Orleans Steak and Seafood House 824 McFarland 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

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OCT 26 + NOV 9

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

CHINESE

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

Manna Grocery & Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 752.9955

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

McAlister’s Deli (2 locations) 101 15th St | Tuscaloosa // 758.0039 3021 Tyler Dr | Northport // 330.7940 Sandwiches, salads and spuds www.mcalistersdeli.com

China Fun 2600 University Blvd | Alberta City // 553.2435

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

Chongwah Express 1425 McFarland Boulevard, Northport. 333-1088

Newk's 205 University Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 758.2455

Hot Wok Express 6751 Alabama 69, Tuscaloosa // 758.0148

Schlotsky’s Deli 405 15th St. E // 759.1975 // schlotskys.com

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

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

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.

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

California Underground 13552 Highway 43, Northport | 339.8660

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

Firehouse Subs 1130 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 248.0680

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

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

DESSERTS

Celebrations Bakery, Inc. 1832 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339.3221 Fax: 349.1945 Cold Stone Creamery 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa //343.1670 Specializes in customized ice cream Hours: Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sun 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. Dunkin' Donuts 2520 Stillman Blvd. |Tuscaloosa// 349.3400 McCorvey Dr. | Tuscaloosa // 348.4041 www.dunkindonuts.com Mary's Cakes & Pastries 412 22nd Avenue | behind Opus | Northport // 345.8610 www.maryscakesandpastries.com Mon–Fri 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Sat 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Smoothie King (2 locations) 415 15th Street | Tuscaloosa // 349.1721 Fax: 349.1945 1403 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 462.3664 Sweet CeCe's Frozen yogurt Treats 2217 University Blvd. | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 561.6458 A fun and friendly make your own creation, yogurt experience! TCBY (3 Locations) 2304 Mcfarland Blbd | Meadowbrook Shopping Center // 349.4661 // 2 Mcfarland Blvd | Northport | Essex Shopping Center // 758.6855 // 1130 Univ. Blvd. | The Strip // 345.0804 Yogurt In Love Patriot Center 7402 Highway 69 South Phone Number: 764.9173 Fax Number: 764.9228 Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-10 pm. Yogurt Lab 920 Paul W. Bryant Dr Ste 200 | Tuscaloosa // 347.9522 Yogurt Mountain 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 342.1484 Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - midnight

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OCT 26 + NOV 9

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OCT 26 + NOV 9

>>> PET PLANET

SALLY // PLAYFUL ENERGY

RUFUS // VELCRO DOG Meet Rufus, the ultimate lap dog! Rufus is a 3-yearold male Pug mix. He has a reddish brown coat and is small, weighing only 18 pounds, and this is full-grown. Rufus was pulled from our local animal shelter where he had been picked up by Animal Control. Poor Rufus was so scared and nervous that he would hide under the cot in his run. So we pulled him out, and he has really come out of his shell and showing his adorable personality!

This sweet cat is Sarah, a short-haired gray tabby with beautiful charcoal stripes. This laid-back, green-eyed beauty is ready to snuggle just in time for fall. She has beautiful brown spots that shine through her gray tabby fur. Sarah is a calm, quiet and friendly girl who would make a wonderful companion. She is house-trained, spayed, and up-to-date on her vaccinations. If you are interested in giving RUFUS or SARAH the forever homes they want and deserve, visit the Humane Society of West Alabama at http://www.humanesocietyofwa.org or call us at (205)-554-0011.

Rufus is pretty calm but playful. Rufus loves attention and to be with you. He loves his "bone," which he will tote around everywhere with him. He should be fine in an apartment as long as he gets some daily walks. He will need a fenced yard if left outside any unattended. Rufus seems to do ok with other dogs and should be fine with children 10 and older, not younger due to his small size and wanting a rather calm environment. We have started his crate training. Rufus is up to date on his vet care, neutered, heartworm negative and is microchipped. He is on heartworm and flea/tick prevention. If you are looking for a sweet companion dog, Rufus is the one for you!

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

VOLUNTEER

// IN THIS ISSUE LAST WORD STUPID RICH SPOOKY TREATS HELLO, IT'S ME

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OCT 12 + OCT 26

Next Issue // November 9 Advertising Deadline: Friday, October. 28 205-523-4668//205-792-7239

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OCT 26 + NOV 9

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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

MAX STEEL //“TURBO CHARGED”

★

OU T OF 4

he superficial teenage science-fiction superhero saga “Max Steel” belongs at the bottom of a scrap heap. The Mattel Toy Company created its ‘turbo-charged’ children’s action figure back in 1997, and the company promoted this toy as the protagonist in an animated television series in 2000. Later, they produced nine direct-tovideo Max Steel movies, and eventually launched another series on the Disney Channel in 2013. Not surprisingly, Mattel developed this big-screen feature as an ‘origins’ epic with an inevitable franchise to follow. Unfortunately for Mattel, “Max Steel” melted down during its first weekend in theatrical release. This generic, 92-minute, PG-13 rated opus coined less than three million dollars in box office receipts at over two-thousand screens across the country. You’d think that Mattel would have shown greater creativity for their potential franchise. Instead, “Sorority Row” director Stewart Hendler and “Thor: The Dark World” scenarist Christopher Yost have cribbed shamelessly from Marvel’s first liveaction “Iron Man” movie with Robert Downey Jr., for the bulk of their imitative plot. The formula is so synthetic that “Max Steel” sacrifices any sense of narrative spontaneity. In short, no surprises enhance this movie. You know that Andy Garcia is the villain long before he slips into his own sinister, bad guy, outfit. Afterward, Garcia’s villain goes toe-to-toe with our sixteen-yearold, high school hero who is the son of a scientist that apparently died when a tornado struck his laboratory and killed him. Little about the Max Steel hero is singular. He has been forged from the crucible of countless other heroes right down to his widowed, single mom who only wants to shield him from any form of adversity. Naturally, Max has the typical, standard-issue girlfriend so no doubts are raised about his status quo heterosexuality. Finally, like every teen movie protagonist, Max performs his heroic feats—contending with enigmatic alien invaders that use the weather as their arsenal of weapons-- with the aid of a sidekick. In this instance, the sidekick isn’t a loyal canine, but a one-eyed extra-terrestrial robot named Steel that classifies itself as “parasitic, silicon-based lifeform" and resembles an airborne crab. Max McGrath (Ben Winchell of “The Last of Robin Hood”) is a theoretically interesting teenager. Here is a kid who knows nothing about his late father and has even less of an idea where he fits into the general scheme of things. Although teenagers find themselves struggling to deal with their emotions and their goals after the onset of puberty, Max experiences even greater trials and tribulations. He has the mysterious ability to generate his own source of energy that can make electronic appliances

malfunction for no apparent reason. He can blow fuses with his fingertips, shut down smartphones, and trigger vending machines to catapult their inventory. Meanwhile, Max’s caring and conscientious mother, Molly (Maria Bello of “Coyote Ugly”), has contributed to his sense of confusion. She has been moving Max around from one town to another because she fears the aliens that killed her husband will target her son. As the plot unfolds, Molly takes Max back to their hometown where her husband, Jim McGrath (Mike Doyle of “Green Lantern”), perished under puzzling circumstances. Worse, she evades Max’s questions about Jim. Invariably, Molly introduces Max to his late father’s partner, Dr. Miles Edwards (Andy Garcia of “Ghostbusters”), who admired Jim. Molly thinks Dr. Edwards may help Max understand what happens. Little does she realize that Edwards is the last man with whom Max should associate. As it turns out, Edwards has defected to the murderous aliens that killed Max’s father and he wants to exploit Max. Eventually, Max encounters Steel, and the two take a while to bond, because Max doesn’t totally trust this wisecracking alien drone. Of course, it is only a matter of time before Steel convinces Max they would make an invincible team if they worked together. Max and Steel smash the lock on the gate of the deserted N-tek factory where Max’s father died and prowl the property. In the privacy of this factory, the two discover that they are capable of

some rather extraordinary feats when they combine their strengths. Max acquires super-strength, with energy radiating from his body, beneath headto-toe body armor that enables him to soar like Iron Man. Technically, the title character emerges when Max and Steel cooperate with each other to fight aliens that take the form of tornadoes. Chiefly, director Stewart Hendler and scenarist Christopher Yost use Steel (voiced by Josh Brener of “The Internship”) as comic relief to offset their largely leaden hero who lacks a sense of humor. Meanwhile, Max has a habit of making an absolute buffoon out of himself that endears him to his brunette girlfriend,

Sofia Martinez (Ana Villafañe of “Magic City Memoirs’), who isn’t sure what to make of his strange behavior. The first few times that they cross each other’s paths, Max is pedaling a bicycle and desperately trying to avoid from colliding with Sofia who knocks around in a huge jeep that she restored with her father. Apparently, Mattel cast Ben Winchell because the tall, clean-cut, young actor bears a striking resemblance to “Superman” star Henry Cavill. Sadly, Winchell lacks Cavil’s charisma. The filmmakers don’t give Winchell adequate opportunities to display his superhero skills or suit. Maria Bello and Andy Garcia deliver strong performances respectively as Max’s mom and Max’s nemesis. The best thing about “Max Steel” is the seamless way the special effects have been integrated into the secondrate shenanigans during the latter half of the action. Nevertheless, little else distinguishes this uninspired superhero spectacle. Ultimately, “Max Steel” neither surprises us with its clichéd, predictable plot nor attracts us to its cardboard characters. Concluding the film with a whimper, Mattel hints at the possibility of a sequel, but the toy maker doesn’t provide a cliffhanger ending to whet our appetite for such a prospect. Consequently, most people who see “Max Steel” will probably catch it when it appears on home video rather than in theaters.

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OCT 26 + NOV 9

>>> E V E N T S

THURSDAY, Oct 27

Monster Makeover VII WHEN: 5:30am-7:30pm COST: WHERE: The Drish House 2300 17th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 PHONE: (205) 422-9713 LINK: http://visittuscaloosa.com/ events/#!/98982-monster-makeover-vii DESCRIPTION: The Tuscaloosa News and the Tuscaloosa Public Library present Monster Makeover VII. Art Auction and Festival Thursday October 27 Festival 5:30-7:30 Drish House Auction 5:30-8:00 Drish House For more information, contact pwilliamson@ tuscaloosa-library.org or 205-345-5820

FRIDAY, Oct 28

Haunted Tuscaloosa Tours WHEN: 7:00pm- 10:00pm COST: $20-$25 WHERE: The Drish House 2300 17th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 PHONE: (205) 422-9713 LINK: http://www. hauntedtuscaloosatours.com/ DESCRIPTION: Experience Tuscaloosa's haunted locations in a whole new way! Your 1.5-hour journey begins and ends at the historic Drish House, recently ranked the most haunted house in Alabama. The haunted tour takes you to several area locations where you can enjoy hair-raising tales and learn about Tuscaloosa's dark history. The tours ends with a tour of the Drish House. Book your adventure today!

SATURDAY, Oct 29

Band of Brothers One Year BeerIversary WHEN: 4:00pm-11:00pm COST: WHERE: Band of Brothers Brewing Co. 1605 23rd Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 PHONE: (205) 246-2569 LINK: https://www.facebook.com/ brewingbrothers DESCRIPTION: This amazing journey has flown by quickly, and we have you, our fans and supporters to thank. We're feeling rather celebratory, so we're inviting all of our friends, tapping some great brews and having a party! We'll have live music, food trucks and special release beers. Trust us - you're going to love it!

FRIDAY, Oct 29

Howl-o-ween Petacular Adoption Event WHEN: 9:00am-8:00pm COST: WHERE: Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter 3140 35th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 PHONE: (205) 752-9101 LINK:http://www.metroanimalshelter. org/ DESCRIPTION: From 9 AM to 8 PM, we will have a reduced adoption fee for all pets. $50 for dogs and $25 for cats. A goody bag will be given to each adopter that will include basic necessities. We will also have candy available for any kids that come. Check out our website www. metroanimalshelter.org for general adoption information and to see what is included in an adoption.

SATURDAY, Nov 1

Screen on the Green WHEN: 8:00pm-12:00am COST: Free WHERE: Midtown Village 1701 McFarland Blvd. and 15th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 PHONE: LINK: http://www. midtownvillagetuscaloosa.com/ DESCRIPTION: Free movies every Saturday night at dusk on the Green SATURDAY, Nov 1 Performers @ Tuscaloosa Public Library WHEN: 9:00am-9:00pm COST: Free WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library 1801 Jack Warner Parkway Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 PHONE: (205) 345-5820 LINK: http://www.tuscaloosa-library.org/ summerreading/ DESCRIPTION: June 28th and 29th: McWane Science Center http://www. mcwane.org The science of sports. July 12th: Alabama Blues Project (Weaver Bolden Branch) http://www. alabamablues.org Enjoy cool music and fun. July 12th: LifeSouth Birmingham (Main) http://www.lifesouth.org Learn about health and blood. July 13th: UA Natural History Museum http:// www.almnh.ua.edu Have fun learning about animals and nature. July 19th and 20th: Alabama 4-H Animals www.aces.edu/4hcenter Discover an educational experience that unites kids to the wonderful world of animals, while fostering respect and compassion for the planet. July 26th and 27th: Bill Packard, Magic Man http://www.magicmanentertainment. com Discover an educational experience that unites kids to the wonderful world of animals, while fostering respect and compassion for the planet.

SATURDAY, Nov 1

Tuscaloosa Farmers' Market WHEN: 7:00am-12:00pm COST: Free WHERE: Tuscaloosa Rivermarket 1900 Jack Warner Parkway Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 PHONE: (205) 248-5295 LINK: http://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.

THURSDAY, Nov 3

Live Music at The Lookout WHEN: 8:00pm-12:00am COST: WHERE: Hotel Indigo Tuscaloosa 111 Greensboro Ave Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 PHONE: (850) 421-9007 LINK: http://visittuscaloosa.com/ events/#!/98745-live-music-at-thelookout DESCRIPTION: Nov. 3rd and Dec. 1st there will be a band and WZZK, WBPT, WEZZ, 107.3 Birmingham Mountain Radio may broadcast the station from the rooftop as well.

to Host Kick Event for Breast Cancer

local kickboxing gym franchise, 9Round, will be hosting its Kick Event for BreastCancer. Fitness enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to help raise money forThe DCH Foundation, with one penny being donated for every kick recorded throughout the day. Since the event’s inception five years ago, participating 9Round locations throughout the United States and Canada have recorded over 18.8 million kicks and raised nearly $189,000 to advance breast cancer treatment and laboratory research. WHEN: Thursday, October 13, 2016, During Regular Hours WHERE: Northport at 80 McFarland Blvd #9 and Tuscaloosa at 2730 Jack Warner Pkwy, A104 Founded in 2008 by professional kickboxer Shannon Hudson, 9Round is a specialized fitness center that brings boxing and kickboxing fitness training to the average person in a convenient, affordable, 30-minute, full body circuit format. The program is developed around a proprietary and copyrighted system of nine challenging workout stations developed by Shannon himself. Today, there are nearly 400 9Round clubs open and operating throughout 39 states and 10 countries.

OCT 26 + NOV 9

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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CRAFT BEER | WINE | BARCADE | GROWLERS

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OCT 26 + NOV 9

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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ADVERTISE IN PLANET WEEKLY. To learn more, please email PlanetEditor@yahoo.com 18

OCT 26 + NOV 9

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

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 n Friday, Oct 28

n Tuesday, Nov 1

BIRMINGHAM Legacy Arena at the BJCC// Magic City Music Fest Oak Mountain Amphitheater// STS9 & Griz Ryman Auditorium//Sturgill Simpson Lyric theatre//Taylor Hicks

BIRMINGHAM Iron City//Johnnyswim Lyric Theatre//Portugal

ATLANTA Phillips Arena//Adele The Buckhead Theatre//Eli Young Band Variety Playhouse//Marshall Tucker Band

n Saturday, Oct 29

BIRMINGHAM Nashville Municipal Auditorium// The Chainsmokers ATLANTA Lakewood Amphitheatre//Laid Back Festival Variety Playhouse//Above & Beyond Variety Playhouse//Blue Oyster Cult Lakewood Amphitheatre//Laid Back Festival

n Sunday, Oct 30

BIRMINGHAM The Alabama Theatre//The Phantom of the Opera NASHVILLE Schemerhorn symphony Center// Loreena McKennitt ATLANTA Tabernacle//Switchfoot

NASHVILLE The Franklin Theatre//Judy Collins

Adele // October 28

n Sunday, Nov 6

NASHVILLE Schermerhorn Symphony Center//Colbie Caillat

BIRMINGHAM BJCC//Christmas Village Festival

n Monday, Nov 7

n Wednesday, Nov 2

BIRMINGHAM BJCC//Christmas Village Festival NASHVILLE Kings of Leon// Ascend Amphitheater Bridgestone Arena//2016 CMA Awards ATLANTA Center Stage//Colbie Caillat The Buckhead Theatre// Phantogram

BIRMINGHAM Iron City//Ingrid Michaelson Ryman Auditorium//Elle King

ATLANTA Bridgestone Arean//Stevie Nicks & the Pretenders

n Wednesday, Nov 9

BIRMINGHAM Iron City//Carcass, Deafheaven

n Thursday, Nov 3

BIRMINGHAM BJCC//Christmas Village Festival Saturn//Strfkr

n Friday, Nov 4

BIRMINGHAM BJCC//Christmas Village Festival Legacy Arena at the BJCC//Jeff Dunham Legacy Arena at the BJCC//Bonnie Raitt

n Saturday, Nov 5

BIRMINGHAM BJCC//Christmas Village Festival

NASHVILLE Marathon Music Works//Stryper ATLANTA Tabernacle//Ingrid Michaelson

n Thursday, Nov 11

BIRMINGHAM Legacy Arena at BJCC//Gucci Mane and Friends The Alabama Theatre//Kip Moore ATLANTA Tabernacle//Tegan and Sara The Masquerade//Streetlight Mansifesto n Saturday, Nov 13

NASHVILLE Ryman Auditorium//Tesla Ryman Auditorium//Hats Off to High Hopes

ATLANTA Tabernacle//The Fray & American Authors

n Tuesday, Nov 18

NASHVILLE Bridgestone Arena//Casting Crowns Schermerhorn Symphony//The Temptations & Nashville Symphony

n Wednesday, Nov 19

ATLANTA Tabernacle//Drive By Truckers Atlanta Coliseu//Safe In Sound Festival

n Monday, Oct 31

BIRMINGHAM Iron City// Switchfoot & Relient K NASHVILLE Marathon Music Works// Phantogram

>>> R OA D T R I P D I R E C T O RY Travel the South's best venues. Visit their website for ticket info and more. Acoustic Café 2758 County Hwy 9 205.647.3237

Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree St NE 404.881.2100

Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa St 334.481.5100

Von Braun Center 700 Monroe St SW 256.551.2345

Amphitheater at the Wharf 23101 Canal Rd 251.224.1020

The Hangout 251.948.3030 thehangout1.com

The Nick 2514 10th Ave S 205.252.3831

WorkPlay 500 23rd St S 205.380.4082

Bridgestone Arena 501 Broadway 615.770.2000

Marathon Music Works 1402 Clinton St 615.891.1781

Sloss Furnaces 20 32nd St N 205.324.1911

Zydeco 2001 15th Ave S 205.933.1032

Centennial Olympic Park 265 Park Ave W NW 404.223.4412

Minglewood Hall 1555 Madison Ave 901.312.6058

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 2200 Encore Pkwy 404.733.5010

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OCT 26 + NOV 9

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

Across 1. Med. school course 5. Bric-a-____ 9. Runs, like a river 14. Slam-dance 15. Graph starter 16. Keep an ___ (watch) 17. Winter wear 19. ___-cop 20. Japanese electronics giant 21. Do road repair 23. Guitar great Montgomery 25. Artsy partner 30. Not suitable 33. Anais the diarist 35. Reduce, as clutter 36. Data to enter 37. China starter 39. Conductor Zubin ___ 42. "What ____ do to deserve this?" 43. Wake Forest women, for instance 45. Reunion attendee 47. Albany's place (abbr.) 48. Warren Beatty's wife 52. Enter the station, perhaps 53. Rhea relative 54. Brown-noser 57. Raring to go 61. "___ mind?" 65. Conference table site 67. Hotel accommodation 68. Rob of "Wayne's World" 69. Camaro named for a race acronym 70. Salon treatments 71. "David Copperfield" girl, Little ____ 72. "...costs and arm ____ leg"

SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMANIA CROSSWORD ON PAGE 21

OCT 26 + NOV 9

Down 1. Love god 2. SE Michigan town 3. "Just hold on ____!" 4. Cast 5. White House initials 6. Laugh heartily 7. Der ____ (Adenauer) 8. BJ's competitor 9. Sporty Italian car 10. Soapmaking substance 11. Prefix meaning wine 12. Know, to Brits 13. Snow, in Scottish dialect 18. Far from dear 22. With "A," a retiree's org. 24. Cybertrash 26. Drop-down menu option 27. Using a camcorder 28. Prepare for finals 29. Legendary snow creatures 30. Set back from the margin 31. Start with school 32. Detox locale 33. Kind of battery, briefly 34. Hole-___ (ace) 38. River in central Europe 40. Election Day in the U.S. (abbr.) 41. Green Gables girl 44. Some sculptures 46. Like a wallflower 49. Familia member 50. Permit 51. Coypu fur 55. Dire fate 56. Ketch relative 58. Silly humor 59. Cowl 60. Song sung with arm motions 61. It starts in Mar. 62. Yes, in Paris 63. Negative Chinese principle 64. Baseball great Mel 66. Marina del ____, Calif.

>>> PUZZLEMANIA| S U D O K U

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

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>>> HOROSCOPES | W E E K L Y O V E R V I E W Relationships come into focus this week, with both the Sun and Mercury encouraging you to take stock of your friendships, social life, and closest connections. In fact, this aspect combined with both Venus and Saturn in a sensitive sector of your chart could encourage you to rewrite the script or unspoken rules concerning certain associations in order to improve matters. Where money is concerned, you may splurge just as you're getting ahead. Avoid doing so, as you could cause unnecessary problems. The focus shifts to your sector of lifestyle, work, and wellness issues, so this can be an opportunity to consider how well you're doing in this area. In fact, if you feel dissatisfied with the progress you've made so far, Mercury's presence here encourages you to research other options. Perhaps a book, life coach, or class could give you the information and motivation you need. However, check out the prices before you commit, as the most expensive isn't necessarily the best. The cosmos encourages you to indulge in those abilities that you're naturally good at. Moreover, the coming weeks can provide you with opportunities to showcase your skills and let others know just how talented you are. Whether you're a great cook, craftsperson, artist, or musician, this isn't the time to hide your light under a barrel. Let it shine! On another note, a restless blend of energies could make you impatient with someone. Understanding and diplomacy would be the better response. Over this week it may be time to get serious about a plan, project, or even love relationship that you've been dabbling in for some time. First you'll need to decide whether it's a worthwhile investment. In fact, as Venus edges closer to Saturn, you'll want to think about what's involved. Matters on the home front take center stage, so you may find yourself involved with entertaining, DIY, and other such matters. Go easy on Friday, as an impulsive move could backfire. Although the focus on your financial sector could encourage you to splurge, your instinct may be to cut back this week when it comes to home and family expenses. You may find ways you can reduce your shopping or household bills and still live comfortably. All your efforts could be thwarted if you spend impulsively, especially around Friday. In fact, avoid doing anything on the spur of the moment and you'll save yourself a lot of trouble. The week ahead can be excellent for business deals so long as you're prepared to investigate the facts and you don't take anything for granted. With Venus linking to both Saturn and Neptune, a realistic approach is essential if you're going to get the best out of discussions or offers. You may need to tread with care concerning a conflict between you and a partner or family member. Things could flare up on Friday, so use tact and diplomacy to keep things calm. You'll feel a lot more in control of situations and circumstances this week. The coming weeks can be excellent for pursuing those plans and projects that have personal meaning for you. It's also time to take stock of your goals, as certain ones may no longer be applicable. There could be disruptions to your routine over this week, as unexpected events could intrude. Bearing this in mind, leave plenty of room in your schedule. Don't put anything off to the last minute! The coming weeks can be a good opportunity to reflect upon and release emotions that may be draining your energy. If you can take time out for reflection and meditation, this can be very helpful. As Venus moves closer to Saturn in your sign, you could get quite businesslike about certain relationships, especially those in which people have taken you for granted. Finally, if someone tries to persuade you to go on an expensive outing, don't do it. After the intensity of last week, there may still be a residue of conflict between you and a family member. And this could develop as the week progresses. Rather than get emotional about things, focus on the facts of the situation. Once you have these, you'll be in a better position to negotiate or find a compromise. If you feel you've been wronged, a heart-to-heart chat can help you resolve this. Finally, your social life looks a lot more positive. Mercury joins the Sun in the topmost sector of your chart, so the coming weeks could see you getting excited about your career plans or current ambitions. This is your opportunity to impress key people by showcasing your many talents. With Mars making an awkward angle to Uranus later in the week, you could make a move that surprises even you. While this can be liberating, avoid alienating close friends. In addition, committing to a new club or group could be beneficial.

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The intensity of last week lessens, but when it comes to planning for the future you may be eager to find an experience or interest that satisfies you emotionally. You may be looking for something that not only teaches you about life but also changes you as a person. With Venus and Saturn in the topmost sector of your chart, you could also get very serious about a key ambition. If someone has advice for you, take it. Shared resources, business matters, and transformation are all on the agenda as Mercury joins the Sun in Scorpio. This can be an opportunity to look beneath the surface in a relationship or key situation and perhaps change your thinking or beliefs so as to positively affect it. At the same time, a deep-seated source of restlessness could inspire you to disregard your responsibilities and focus more on pleasure. This could be a mistake. A more measured approach to change would be better.

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OCT 26 + NOV 9

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

TUSCALOOSA’S NUTCRACKER: A HOLIDAY TRADITION IN WEST ALABAMA What: Tuscaloosa Community Dancer’s Nutcracker When: 12/8, 12/9, 12/10 at 7:00 p.m. 12/10 at 10:00 a.m. (“Breakfast with the Nutcracker” begins at 8:45 a.m. This is a separate activity and ticket holders can purchase tickets at the box office. Admission for each person eating breakfast is $5. Perfor mance begins immediately after at 10:00 a.m.) 12/11 at 2:00 p.m. Where: Bama Theatre, Tuscaloosa Tickets: TCD Office: 205-752-4220 or www.tuscaloosadancers.com Tuscaloosa Community Dancers’ (TCD) annual performances of The Nutcracker are a true community treasure. Every year, dancers from West Alabama and the surrounding area present the magical story of Clara, a little girl whose uncle, the mysterious Herr Drosselmeyer, gives her a nutcracker doll at her family’s Christmas Eve party that turns into a prince and a dramatic ball with the Mouse King and his army ensues. Together Clara and her victorious prince travel through an enchanted forest to the Land of the Sweets, where they are greeted by the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy, who presents dancing confectionary delights for Clara’s entertainment. Set to Tchaikovsky’s classic score, various versions of The Nutcracker have been performed throughout the world since 1892 and TCD’s has been enjoyed in Tuscaloosa for over thirty years. TCD has a long history of presenting professional ballet dancers in their performances along side the community cast, which creates an environment of learning with seasoned veterans for the cast, as well as exposure to world renowned artists for the community of West Alabama. This year’s production of The Nutcracker is no exception. TCD is thrilled to welcome back Jennifer Lauren and Kyle Seguin, performing as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Jennifer has performed with the Miami City Ballet for eight seasons and was promoted to Principal Soloist in 2015. She previously performed with the Alabama Ballet for eight seasons. A native of Tuscaloosa, Jennifer has been featured as TCD's guest artist as Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, Juliet, in Romeo and Juliet, Odette, the Swan Queen in Swan Lake and the title roles in Snow White, Paquita, Sans Vue, Black Swan Pas De Duex, Sugar Plum Fairy as well as Dream Clara in The Nutcracker for many years. From 2001-2008, Kyle danced with The Alabama Ballet in Birmingham, Alabama where he performed many principal roles. Kyle is a personal trainer, a Stott trained Pilates instructor, holds a BS in Psychology with honors from the University of Alabama in Birmingham and is currently adjunct faculty at Columbia College, Chicago where he teaches ballet, Pilates, and anatomy. In March 2010, Kyle opened One Hundred, a Pilates and Dance studio in Chicago’s East Lakeview neighborhood. Tuscaloosa audiences have seen Kyle as Clara’s Dream Prince/Cavalier in several TCD Nutcracker productions and as Von Rothbart in Swan Lake. Kyle choreographed “Sans Vue”, a contemporary ballet on Tuscaloosa Community Dancers and has taught many Master Ballet Classes for the company. The role of Herr Drosselmeyer will be reprised by David Blumenfeld, a colleague of TCD co-artistic directors Katie Gebler Spitzer and Jenna McKerrow Wilson , from their time in the company with the Alabama Ballet. West Alabama is truly fortunate to have the opportunity to see such high caliber artists perform that also have a special, “home grown” connection to the community. This year, Susanna Jackson and Sarah Moore will dance the role of Clara and her mischievous little brother Fritz will be performed by Lydia Smith. If you have not seen The Nutcracker in a while, make this your year to see it. In addition to the fantastic and whimsical choreography

OCT 26 + NOV 9

West Alabama has come to know and love, there are new and exciting surprises that are sure to delight. Last year’s hugely successful “Breakfast with The Nutcracker” is happening again this year before the 10:00 performance on Saturday morning ($5.00 for ticket holders and begins at 8:45). If you have young children and have never seen The Nutcracker, bring them this year and begin a family tradition of your own.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: It’s that time of year again and Christmas is in the air. That means it is time for the Tuscaloosa Community Dancers’ annual production of The Nutcracker at the historic Bama Theatre in downtown Tuscaloosa. The Nutcracker is a wonderful way to begin your holiday season. This magical ballet has touched the hearts of so many through the years ushering in the holiday season while creating a family tradition to be treasured for years to come. This year’s performances, including over 70 dancers from West Alabama and surrounding areas performing alongside professional guest artists and students in the University of Alabama’s Dance Department will be on: Thursday, December 8th at 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 9th at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 10th at 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 11th at 2:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $21 for adults, $17 for seniors and $12 for students and children. Group rates are available. For more information call 205-752-4220 or online at www.tututix.com.

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LOCAL ARTISTS AND ORGANIZATIONS AWARDED GRANTS BY THE ARTS COUNCIL (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa recently awarded over $7,000 in financial assistance through its Grants Program with local artists, non-profit organizations and educators among the list of those awarded. The grants program was established to aid Tuscaloosa County non-profit organizations, educators and artists in their pursuit of projects contributing to the greater good of local students and citizens through the arts. Organizations may apply for 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. Since the advent of the program in 1986, local artists and organizations have received more than $140,000. A committee comprised of members of The Arts Council’s Board of Directors is in charge of the selection process for grant programs. The yearly deadline for submission of completed applications is October 1 with required forms and guidelines available at tuscarts.org/smallgrants.

The following grants were awarded for 2016-2017: Individual Artist Grants Awarded: Richard Nowell Trenton White Dylan Scott Organization Grants Awarded: Brookwood Middle School The Literacy Council of West Alabama Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre Hillcrest High School Kentuck Art Center Tuscaloosa County High School Northridge High School For more information about The Arts Council, Bama Theatre or CAC, patrons should LIKE the Facebook page “The Arts Council-Bama Theatre -Cultural Arts Center” and follow tuscarts on Twitter. Call 205-7585195 or visit tuscarts.org for further information.

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

NICK SABAN'S WEEKLY PRESS CONFERENCE STANFORD SAMUELS TIDE DEFINITELY IN THE MIX FOR FSU COMMIT Alabama has a commitment from star JUCO cornerback Jhavonte Dean. The Tide would like to add another top corner in the 2017 class. Stanford Samuels, a highlytouted 6-2, 177-pounder from Flanagan HS in Pembroke Pines, FL, was in Tuscaloosa on an official visit for the Alabama-Texas A&M game this past weekend. "I really enjoyed the game day atmosphere," says Samuels, who has been committed to Florida State since June. "It was a lot of fun." "Definitely one of the highlights was going to to the stadium and seeing how the fans react. It was pretty crazy to see how many fans were there and how loud it was. They're definitely die-hard fans." During the game, Samuels kept a close eye on the Tide defense. "That was something that got my attention," Samuels says. "The Alabama defense plays with a lot of intensity." After the game, Samuels spent time with the team. "I was with Ronnie Harrison most of the time," he says. "But it was really like I was around the whole team, not just one or two guys. That was fun." Samuels has good rapport with Tide defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt and with Coach Saban. "I talk with Coach Saban all the time," Samuels says. "(During the visit) he was just talking about how much they need some corners. He said that they could really use me and that I'd have a chance to come in and play as a freshman. Those were the main points he made." Samuels says that he's still committed to FSU. "Alabama is definitely in the mix," says Samuels, who plans to be an early enrollee. "I don't know when I'll make a final decision, but Alabama is definitely in the mix."

PHIDARIAN MATHIS TOP 2017 LOUISIANA DL HAS AMAZING VISIT TO TUSCALOOSA

was crazy. That was only the second college game I've ever been to. It was my first SEC game. It blew me away -- the crowd, the noise. "The way Alabama's defense dominated also stood out. It was fun to watch. The defensive line caught my attention. I thought they played great." Mathis spent some time with the Tide coaching staff. "Coach (Billy) Napier is recruiting me. He's a really good guy," Mathis says. "I got to speak with Coach Saban. He mainly talked to me about their need for defensive linemen. He also encouraged me to stay humble and focused on my grades. That's mainly what he stressed. "I also spoke with Coach (Karl) Dunbar. He's a really cool guy. He's pretty big, too. This is his first season there. He had to step in quickly and he's done a great job with the defensive line. I could see myself playing for him. "I also like Coach (Jeremy) Pruitt. He's a really funny guy. I could see myself playing for him, too."

Among the top prospects visiting Tuscaloosa this past weekend was star defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis of Monroe-Neville, LA. Following the Tide's win over Texas A&M on Saturday, speculation was that Mathis might pull the trigger for Alabama very soon. But the 6-4, 293-pound standout says that he's not ready to make a decision just yet.

Mathis also spent time with some of the Monroe, LA area players on the team, including safety Hootie Jones, who played at Neville.

"Right now, it's Alabama, LSU and TCU," he says. "I want to take my visits to those three schools before I make a decision."

Mathis will visit Baton Rouge for the Alabama-LSU game.

But Mathis admits that Alabama has taken the lead. "Alabama is recruiting me the hardest," Mathis says. "I would say that they're my leader as of now. "It was an amazing visit over there. It was an amazing game. The crowd is what stood out to me. The fans. It

"I've really just gotten to know Hootie recently," Mathis says. "The main thing he was telling me was to do what's best for me."

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK COURTESY UA MEDIA RELATIONS

and Cam Robinson were the honorees on offense, while Jonathan Allen, Reuben Foster and Marlon Humphrey represented the defense. Keith Holcombe, JK Scott, and Mack Wilson rounded out the list, representing the honorees on special teams. Harris exploded for 125 yards rushing, averaging 6.9 yards per carry while picking up a first down on nine of his 18 carries. The sophomore running back led the way for an offensive attack that gained 287 yards on the ground. Bozeman and Robinson set the tone for an offensive line that cleared a path for 451 yards of total offense. Bozeman anchored the unit, making all the calls from the center position, while Robinson posted a grade of 89 percent from the left tackle position without allowing a quarterback hurry or sack. The offensive line also provided time for 164 yards passing and two touchdowns, while helping the Crimson Tide average over 5.5 yards per play and 6.6 yards per rush. Allen, who was honored for the second week in a row, totaled six tackles with three solo stops. The senior accounted for his second defensive touchdown of the season with a 30-yard fumble return for a score in the third quarter. He also recorded a sack and notched a career-best four quarterback hurries to give him a teamhigh 10 for the season. Foster lead the Tide defense with 12 tackles, including eight solo stops, while assisting on a tackle for loss. Humphrey picked off his second pass of the season, and finished with three tackles and a tackle for loss while shutting down the dangerous Aggie receivers on the outside. Holcombe and Wilson helped limit the Aggies to just 2.5 punt return yards, while Wilson recorded a couple of monstrous hits on kickoffs. Scott finished with a pair of punts for 107 yards. He added a long of 60 while keeping the Aggies in favorable field position all afternoon.

Nine Alabama players were recognized by the Crimson Tide coaching staff following Saturday's 33-14 win over then-No. 6 Texas A&M. Bradley Bozeman, Damien Harris

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OCT 26 + NOV 9

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