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THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS DRAGON BALL SUPER CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP BEER & WINE REVIEW DEN OF THIEVES ROAD TRIP BAMA RECRUITMENT UPDATE

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ENTERTAINMENT 5 CHAMBER NEWS 6 BOOK REVIEW

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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 ELIZABETH MOSELEY 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.

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4 THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS // ALLEN SCULLEY

“John Linnell of They Might Be Giants says one of the group’s key goals has always been to not repeat themselves and bring something new to virtually every song he and his partner in the band, John Flansburgh, write and record.”

6 GRANDMA'S NOODLE SOUP // RACHEL PAXTON

16 FEATURE 19 ROAD TRIP CONCERTS & EVENTS

“Chicken noodle soup just like grandma used to make? Yes, please! This one you will have to put the noodles in to cook about 30 minutes before you serve it. You will also need cooked chicken, chicken broth, carrots, and onions.”

20 PUZZLEMANIA / EDITORIAL CARTOON

7 DRAGON BALL SUPER // REGGIE ALLEN

21 HOROSCOPE

“Dragon Ball Super, the recent installment of the popular anime franchise, is taking an infinite hiatus. Per Japanese news site Sanspo, Fuji TV announced plans to replace the program with GeGeGe no Kitaro in March.”

16 BAMA RECRUITING UPDATE// GARY HARRIS

“Several prospects were in for official visits this past weekend. Here are some quick notes. Keep in mind that numbers are tight and things are subject to change very quickly.

Some prospects, including Boling, TX linebacker and Bama commitment Vernon Jackson,

HIGH TIDE SPORTS 23

SABAN WEEKLY PRESS CONFERENCE GARY HARRIS

did not arrive until Saturday and stayed until Monday. Rodney Orr from Tider Insider gave us an update on Bama recruiting.”

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F E AT U R E | A L L A N S C U L L E Y

Photo Courtesy of Shervin Lainez

THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS J

ohn Linnell of They Might Be Giants says one of the group’s key goals has always been to not repeat themselves and bring something new to virtually every song he and his partner in the band, John Flansburgh, write and record.

But he admits that 35-plus years into the group’s career, it gets harder and harder to meet that goal.

“I mean, it’s easier said than done, obviously,” Linnell said in a lateDecember phone interview. “It’s a big challenge. But we take it seriously.

We’re not just blowing smoke. I think we feel like in a way that is the job, say something new. We’ve already written all these songs. There’s absolutely no call to write the same songs over again. One of the reasons it gets harder and harder is we’ve written so many songs. And then the other reason is it’s always been hard and we’re getting older, so we maybe have to work harder to reach the same goal…I’m not making any claims about whether or not we’re successful. But that is something we do take seriously and we feel that’s our job, to try to come up with a new thing to say, a new idea.”

The challenge to stay fresh musically isn’t stopping the two Johns in their quest to create new material. In fact, they’re about to relaunch their signature Dial-A-Song programming.

This will entail posting a new song every week as part of each weekly segment of the show.

What’s more, on Jan. 19, fans got 15 new songs via the new studio album, “I Like Fun.” Linnell hopes he and Flansburgh have built up enough of a backlog of songs to keep Dial-A-Song up and running for the first part of 2018.

Some of the initial Dial-A-Song material figures to come from a project Linnell and Flansburgh have undertaken with noted illustrator David Cowles.

“I don’t know if you’re familiar with “Big Daddy” Roth (Ed Roth), this 1950s illustrator who did monsters driving hot (cars). He invented a character named Rat Fink, who was hugely popular in the ‘60s,” Linnell explained. “That was his thing. It was all very Southern

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California car culture and monsters and he would mash, like combine all this into a style of illustration. So our guy, David Cowles, partly inspired by this guy, has come up with these characters, and what we’ve done is written back stories for the characters and then written songs for each one.

“So that will be part of the project for next year, these sort of monster characters,” he said. “We’ll see how that goes. But it was a good impetus for writing more songs. We had all these stories, and we kind of let our imaginations go wild on them.”

Those songs won’t cover all of the needs of Dial-A Song.

“We don’t have enough (songs) yet to fill the whole year,” Linnell said. “But the idea is we’re going to keep feeding the pile and keep the quality as high as possible.”

Chances are Linnell and Flansburgh will succeed just fine in meeting the weekly song demands of Dial-A-Song.

Over their history in They Might Be Giants, they have been one of the more prolific acts going.

“I Like Fun” will mark the 20th studio album (including several childrens albums) since Linnell and Flansburgh started They Might Be Giants as a duo in 1982. Theybrought on additional band members in 1992. Guitarist Dan Miller and bassist Danny Weinkauf have been on board since 1998, while drummer Marty Beller joined in 2004.

Along with the albums, Linnell and Flansburgh have contributed many songs to television, film and other projects, while a good number of other songs have been used only on DialA-Song, which debuted in 1985, ran until 2008, was reactivated in 2015 and early 2016 before shutting down again, and is being re-launched to coincide with the new album.

That second run of Dial-A-Song from 2015 until early 2016 produced enough material to fill three albums – “Glean” (2015), “Why? (2015) and “Phone Power” (2016).

They Might Be Giants enjoyed a few brushes with mainstream success in their first decade. “Birdhouse in Your Soul,” from the group’s platinumcertified third album, 1989’s “Flood,”

was a top 5 modern rock hit, while “Ana Ng” “Twisting” and “The Statue Got Me High” also charted in the modern rock top 25.

“Flood” was the first of four albums They Might Be Giants released on major label Elektra. Since then, the group has released its albums independently, building a solid fan base along the way for its adult-themed albums, and finding even greater popularity with children’s music, beginning with the 2004 album “No!” Three of the children’s albums have gone gold.

The group’s music has been distinctive from the start – a catchy and at times quirky brand of wide-ranging pop accompanied by clever and sometimes brainy lyrics. That general blueprint remains intact on “I Like Fun,” an excellent effort that evokes both the early and more recent They Might Be Giants sound.

“McCafferty’s Bib,” “The Greatest” and “I Like Fun” – three of the album’s quirkier tunes -- found Linnell and Flansburgh returning to their early mode of recording, where songs were mainly studio creations using a variety interesting instruments and sonics.

(The song “I Like Fun,” in fact, even features samples of Cream vocalist Jack Bruce singing wordless notes.)

On other songs, such as the bouncy piano-driven “I Left My Body,” the ultrahooky surfy rocker “An Insult to the Fact Checkers” and the punchy power pop-ish “All Time What,” the approach is more in line with the post-1992 full band-oriented albums, which gives these songs a more muscular sound that is entirely suitable for these tunes.

But if “I Like Fun” is immediately recognizable as a They Might Be Giants album, Linnell feels he, Flansburgh and the other band members – met the goal of not repeating themselves musically.

“I would say most of the songs on the album are, they don’t to me sound like retreads of stuff we’ve already done,” Linnell said. “Somebody who’s farther away from the project might say that, and I wouldn’t even know exactly which song they’d point to, but I’m sure people hear our new stuff and say ‘Oh yeah, that’s them.’ They recognize that it’s us. So there is some thread in common with stuff we’ve already done. But I don’t know. We are inside of this project and we don’t think about it, we can’t think about it from the perspective of someone who’s not inside it. We are deeply immersed in what we’re doing and that’s the only way we can approach it.”

For the tour in support of the new album, the five members of They Might Be Giants will be joined by trumpeter/multi-instrumentalist Curt Ramm. The show will feature fan favorites, some deep tracks that haven’t been played much on earlier tours and a healthy selection of songs from “I Like Fun.” Linnell knows emphasizing the new material is a bit of a risk, but he hopes the show will please hardcore and casual fans alike.

“It’s a challenge for people to go see their favorite band and be subjected to a whole bunch of new material that maybe they’re not that into,” he said. “So we have to make the case, basically. We’re trying to make the argument that the new stuff is good.”

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NEWS CHAMBER NAMES MEMBER OF THE YEAR; HONORS TOP VOLUNTEERS

thought leader behind a lot of that work. Bobby is one of the most dedicated volunteers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.”

The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama recognized top volunteers for 2017 during its 117th annual celebration, presented on Friday, January 19 by The University of Alabama at the Bryant Conference Center.

A departure from previous events, attendees were treated to signature dishes from area restaurants including 301 Bistro, Bar & Beer Garden; The Avenue Pub; Black Warrior Brewing; Central Mesa; Cypress Inn, Dotson’s Burger Spot; Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill; Jim N’ Nick’s; Legend’s Bistro; The Levee; Monarch Coffee Bar; OHenry’s Coffee; River; The Side By Side; Southern Ale House; Taziki’s; and Urban Cookhouse.

The Chairman’s Leadership Award was presented to Representative Bill Poole, member of the Alabama House of Representatives, representing District 63 and the chairman of the House Ways and Means Education Means Committee and head of the Tuscaloosa County Legislative Delegation.

Rep. Bill Poole, Chairman’s Leadership Award Honoree

The Robert C. Tanner Corporate Service Award, which recognizes the corporate leadership, philanthropic efforts and community service by a member entity in the West Alabama region, was presented to Mercedes-Benz U.S. International.

Bobby Bragg, Charles H. Land Member of the Year

Bobby Bragg of JamisonMoneyFarmer PC was named the 2017 Charles H. Land Member of the Year, the Chamber’s highest honor presented to an individual member. Bragg, who serves as the Director of Practice Growth for the firm, is a driving force behind efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in West Alabama.

With extensive start-up and entrepreneurial experience, Bragg has dedicated time and effort to serving as a mentor and counselor to numerous area start-up businesses, most notably at The Edge Accelerator and Incubator, an entrepreneurial center that offers an incubation program for new and developing businesses. Bragg is also involved in the Leadership Tuscaloosa Alumni Association, and works to improve and develop Leadership Tuscaloosa, an issues-based program that informs and increases awareness of topics of importance of West Alabama, and develops future community leaders.

“A major priority for the Chamber over the last few years has been growing and expanding this community’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Jim Page, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. “During that time, there’s no question that Bobby Bragg has been a visionary and

The Minority Business Council Trailblazer Award was presented to Sylvester Hester of ARD Logistics, Inc. The Non-Profit of the Year Award was presented to Temporary Emergency Services.

Landon Lovell of Mariner Finance was named the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year for her exceptional service to and on behalf of the Chamber’s membership. The Ambassadors are the Chamber’s official hosts for all functions.

The Chamber also recognized outstanding community leadership with the presentation of two Distinguished Service Awards, which are presented to individuals or organizations for their service and leadership. The 2017 awards were presented to Angela Hamiter of JamisonMoneyFarmer PC and Bryan Winter of Winter McFarland LLC, Attorneys and Counselors at Law.

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

GRANDMA'S CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

THE PERFECT SCOUT

C

hicken noodle soup just like grandma used to make? Yes, please!

This one you will have to put the noodles in to cook about 30 minutes before you serve it. You will also need cooked chicken, chicken broth, carrots, and onions.

INGREDIENTS 1 small onion, diced 2 carrots, diced 2 stalks celery, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 8 c. chicken stock 1 c. water 1 t. lemon pepper seasoning 1 t. dill 1 t. salt 1 t. parsley 1/2 lb. dry egg noodles 4 c. shredded chicken

A SOLDIER’S MEMOIR OF THE GREAT MARCH TO THE SEA AND THE CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS BY GEORGE W. QUIMBY, EDITED BY ANNE SARAH RUBIN AND STEPHEN MURPHY

About the book rare and dramatic first-person account by a Union scout who served General William Tecumseh Sherman on his “march to the sea”

A

After his father-in-law passed away, Stephen Murphy found, among the voluminous papers left behind, an ancestral memoir. Murphy quickly became fascinated with the recollections of George W. Quimby (1842–1926), a Union soldier and scout for General William Tecumseh Sherman.

1. Place all ingredients in a large slow cooker {minus the noodles} on low.

2. Cook for at least 6 hours, or all day if at work. Stir in the uncooked noodles 30-45 minutes before serving. Soup is ready when noodles are tender.

3. Serve warm.

Before Quimby became a part of Sherman’s March, he was held captive by Nathan Bedford Forrest’s troops in western Tennessee. He joined Sherman’s Army in Vicksburg, destroying railroads and bridges across Mississippi and Alabama on the way to Georgia.

As the notorious march began, Quimby became a scout and no longer experienced war as his fellow soldiers did.

Scouts moved ahead of the troops to anticipate opportunities and dangers.

The rank and file were instructed to be seen and feared, while scouts were required to be invisible and stealthy. This memoir offers the rare perspective of a Union soldier who ventured into Confederate territory and sent intelligence to Sherman.

Written around 1901 in the wake of the Spanish American War, Quimby’s memoir shows no desire to settle old scores. He’s a natural storyteller, keeping his audience’s attention with tales of drunken frolics and narrow escapes, providing a memoir that reads more like an adventure novel. He gives a new twist to the familiar stories of Sherman’s March, reminding readers that while the Union soldiers faced few full-scale battles, the campaign was still quite dangerous.

More than a chronicle of day-to-day battles and marches, The Perfect Scout is more episodic and includes such additional elements as the story of how he met his wife and close encounters with the enemy. Offering a full picture of the war, Quimby writes not only about his adventures as one of Sherman’s scouts, but also about the suffering of the civilians caught in the war. He

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.

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provides personal insight into some of the war’s historic events and paints a vivid picture of the devastation wreaked upon the South that includes destroyed crops and homes and a shattered economy. He also tells of the many acts of kindness he received from Southerners, including women and African Americans, who helped him and his fellow scouts by providing food, shelter, or information.

Author/Editors Anne Sarah Rubin is a professor of history and the associate director of the Imaging Research Center at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

She is the author of Through the Heart of Dixie: Sherman's March and American Memory and the award-winning A Shattered Nation: The Rise and Fall of the Confederacy, 1861–1868.

Stephen Murphy is a retired management consultant for small businesses.

His wife, Chris, is the great-greatgranddaughter of George W. Quimby and helped bring Quimby's unpublished manuscript to the attention of the scholarly community. They live in Seattle, Washington.

Review “The Perfect Scout is a good read that will appeal to a general audience as well as scholars. George Quimby had a gift for storytelling and a great sense of humor.” —Lorien Foote, author of The Gentlemen and the Roughs: Violence, Honor, and Manhood in the Union Army

The University of Alabama Press is a proud member of the Association of American University Presses. The Press currently publishes 70-75 new titles a year and has over 1,800 titles in print. It is a founding member of the University Press Content Consortium and is at the cutting edge of digital publishing. The Press is the publishing arm of the University of Alabama.

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Photos Courtesy of Reggie Allen

DRAGON BALL SUPER

S

omeone might want to summon Shenron for this one.

Dragon Ball Super, the recent installment of the popular anime franchise, is taking an infinite hiatus.

Per Japanese news site Sanspo, Fuji TV announced plans to replace the program with GeGeGe no Kitaro in March.

However, the abrupt announcement doesn’t warrant cancelation. Fuji couldn’t give a specific return date but assured fans that the series isn’t ending any time soon.

Super, which debuted in July 2015, marked the widely anticipated return of original creator Akira Toriyama who left the franchise after Dragon Ball’s initial run in the early 90’s. Despite leaving the series, Toei Animation continued with the release of Dragon Ball GT, a sequel series taking place ten years in the future. Despite its 64-episode-run, GT is widely not viewed as canonical in the show’s timeline.

Set nine months after the original series, Super featured classic fan -favorites while also introducing a bevy of new players. Since its debut, the anime created a rift between loyal fans for its simplified animation style and non-fleshed out storylines.

However, many fans weren’t anticipating the show to go off the air.

Created by Toriyama, Dragon Ball followed the adventures of Goku, an alien originally sent to conquer Earth.

After a bump on the noggin wipes his memory clean, a new mission takes its place: become the best martial fighter. Hitting shelves in 1984, the long-running manga ran until 1995, subsequently spawning an equally lengthy animated series and multiple films. With over 240 million sales, the anime stands as one of the bestselling titles of all time.

In 2009, 20th Century Fox released Dragon Ball Evolution, an American live-action film based loosely off the early manga series. The film, which starred James Marsters(Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Chow Yun-Fat (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon), Justin Chatwin( War of the Worlds) and a pre Shameless Emmy Rossum, was panned by critics for its dramatic plot deviation and white-washed casting. Years after its release, Toriyama expressed his disdain stating, “What came out in the end was a movie I couldn’t call a Dragon Ball that lived to my expectations.”

CHAMBER NEWS, continued from page 5 The H. Pettus Randall III Entrepreneur of the Year Award was presented to Wolfgang Kneer of SWJ Breilmann. The Rising Star Award was presented to John G. Newman, III of Ugo Convenience Delivery.These awards are given to local business owners whose innovation is making a significant impact on the community and their respective industries.

The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama is a Tuscaloosa-based probusiness advocacy organization serving more than 65,000 working men and women through more than 1,350 business enterprises, civic organizations and educational institutions. The official transition to the 2018 leadership team was made at the annual celebration. Dean McClure of TTL, Inc. served as the 2017 Chairman of the Chamber and Blake Madison of Rosen Harwood, P.A. serves as the 2018 Chairman of The Chamber.

Currently, Goku and friends are participating in the Tournament of Power, an all-out brawl between fighters across the show’s 12 universes.

Throughout the intergalactic skirmish, disqualified teams are erased from existence, which seems strangely befitting for the series.

Super currently airs Saturdays during the Toonami block on Adult Swim and is available for streaming on Crunchy Roll, Amazon Video and Funimation.

While details on the show’s return are unknown, fans will always have special place in their heart, or sole.

In mid-January, Adidas announced plans to release a limited collection of shoes inspired by the popular anime behemoth in the fall. The footwear will take inspiration from the show’s roster of protagonists and villains such as Goku,Vegeta, Cell and Majin Buu. Last December, Yonkou Production announced a new feature film that will explore the origin of the Saiyans and their ability to transform. In addition to the announcement, the film company confirmed on social media that “Toriyama will be the script and character designs for the new Dragon Ball movie.”

CENTRAL MESA NAMED 2018 CHAMBER “TASTE OF THE TOWN” CHAMPION Downtown Tuscaloosa’s Central Mesa has been voted the 2018 Taste of the Town Champion, the Chamber of Commerce of Tuscaloosa announced Tuesday.

Owned and operated by restaurateur Craig Williams, Central Mesa’s menu focuses on offering fresh cuisine and signature cocktails. During the Taste of the Town event, which was held during the Chamber’s Annual Celebration, attendees were treated to a wide variety of signature dishes from the area’s most popular eateries.

“We’re fortunate to have a wide variety of excellent restaurants in our community, and we’re thrilled so many of our restaurateurs chose to take part in this fun, good-spirited event,” said Jim Page, President and CEO of the Chamber. “All of the food selections were incredible, which made this one tough competition. Congratulations to Craig and his team on a job welldone.”

Williams is also the owner of another popular downtown restaurant, The Avenue Pub. The full list of restaurants to take part in the Taste of the Town event were 301 Bistro, Bar & Beer Garden; The Avenue Pub; Black Warrior Brewing; Central Mesa; Cypress Inn, Dotson’s Burger Spot; Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill; Jim N’ Nick’s; Legend’s Bistro; The Levee; Monarch Coffee Bar; OHenry’s Coffee; River; The Side By Side; Southern Ale House; Taziki’s; and Urban Cookhouse.

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Photos Courtesy of Sheena Gregg

MR. CHEN’S // MORE THAN A RESTAURANT

A

s someone with both Filipino and Chinese heritage, my parents always made it my mission to find the most authentic Asian restaurants and markets when available. Enter Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese Cooking & Oriental Market. Opened since 2012, the eatery has provided Tuscaloosans with the authentic flare of Chinese cuisine.

Those local to the Birmingham area may recognize Mr. Chen’s as part of the original Hoover-based company.

The main entrance of Mr. Chen’s welcomes patrons to the fairly large oriental market. I was pleasantly surprised by the nostalgic smells of various Asian candies, spices, and novelty snacks like dried squid strips and tamarind candies. To my right I noticed the restaurant entrance and hostess waiting to take me and my husband to our table. Given the option for traditional fork and spoon utensils versus chopsticks, I kindly asked for both. I was happy to see the adequate amount of seating in the restaurant area as well as the stark contrast in ambiance compared to the market side of Mr. Chen’s. Dark wood tables, subtle lighting, and Asian décor including bamboo stalks and oriental paintings made the

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restaurant atmosphere worthy of a date night despite the harsh fluorescent lighting happening on the other side of the business.

Reviewing the menu, I quickly went for the standard lunch options available and opted for Kung Pao chicken with fried rice, an egg roll, and egg drop soup.

After making our order, I regretted my choices as carts of large seafood clay pots and authentic tapioca milk tea were taken to the various Asian patrons in the restaurant. Our soup came fairly quickly and I was satisfied with the flavors and temperature of the egg drop soup. And though my husband ordered the cashew chicken made extra spicy, our entrees looked virtually the same when brought to the table. I was impressed with the quickness of our food delivery but realized that the quality of the fried rice paid for the swift food prep. The flavors of my actual entrée were enjoyable; however, I found the rice to be nothing more than steamed rice with a tan of soy sauce.

Our server was good to bring anything we needed while balancing between hovering and good service. I got the impression that the staff likes to get

diners in and out as quickly as possible.

My husband and I ate quickly and made our way to explore the market after paying for our meal.

Walking the aisles of the grocery I found rows of various Asian ingredients including fresh produce and frozen products that are uncommon to your neighborhood market. My favorite finds were the unique soup base blends such as tamarind, crab, and ginger. Those that love the heat of Siracha will enjoy the 8.5 pound containers of fresh chili paste for purchase.

Plaza Shopping Center next to Oz music and open from 11:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. 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

Overall, I would like to visit Mr. Chen’s again. For a restaurant that boasts authentic Chinese cooking, I regret not being more adventurous in my food selection. However, I appreciate the restaurants attempt to keep classic “American Chinese” dishes available to meet the needs of the various palates in Tuscaloosa. The prices were affordable, the service is quick, and the variety of food available is bountiful. Foodies will also enjoy the unique ingredients available in the market and the costeffective prices of the produce compared to traditional grocery stores in town.

Mr. Chen’s is located in the Parkview

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DESTIHL BREWERY //

MEIOMI // ROSÉ

WILD SOUR SERIES BLUEBERRY GOSE

T

he weather outside definitely determines my choice in beer. If it’s cold, I’m going dark. If it’s hot, I’m going for something light. Luckily, my choices don’t have to be confined to just light and dark. Recently I was in my local bottle shop and was browsing for something sour when I stumbled upon something I had always seen from afar, but had never been able to get my hands on. The Wild Series from Destihl Brewery is a collection of soured beers that have a wide range of styles and flavors. The one that I was able to pick up is the Blueberry Gose and the reviews I found online led me to believe that this was one of the better offerings in the series to date. I took it home, cracked one open (with the boys) and was pleasantly surprised with what I had in front of me. Here are my thoughts: Immediately, you notice the absolutely horrid can art. I know that design has nothing to do with the taste of the beer, but the design is just awful. ANYWAYS, onto more important things, which would be the beer itself. I poured the beer from the can into a tulip glass to release the bouquet of aromas or whatever.

Really, the first thing you notice is that the head dissipates very quickly and leaves no head retention at all. In fact, the beer just looks flat and that was a minor issue for me because it forced the beer to lack in aroma overall. What I could pick up on was a hint of sourness that came through quite nicely paired with a faint blueberry aroma that was also very subtle. The beer is a purple-ish gold with not much light to be seen through the glass and looks kind of thin.

The taste on this beer was such a redeeming quality that it made up for the lack of head and very unappealing color. At first, you get a nice blueberry taste almost tastes like blueberry syrup that’s followed by a nice, light sour note and ends with a very faint salt character on the back of your tongue and on your lips. This is the kind of Gose style beer that I really enjoy, because I don’t want it to be over salty to the point that it begins to cover up other flavors and makes some of the better qualities. This level of salt really just rounds out the back end of the beer and dries it out ever so

slightly that makes it a really drinkable beer with such a unique taste and profile. One thing that I do wish was a bit different is that I wish the sourness had been a bit more intense. I do like the enamel peelers and this one was far from that style. I like beers with the sourness of a Warhead candy, but this one was more along the lines of a Warhead with only half of the sour left on it. Kind of disappoint, but at the same time it made it much more sessionable.

The beer had a light to medium body and a moderate carbonation level.

Like I stated earlier, I wish the head had stayed around a little longer than it actually did, because I would have been able to enjoy the aroma and nose a bit longer, but you play with the cards you’re dealt. After each sip, the sourness kind of stuck to the sides of your tongue, which was quite nice, but like I said, I wish it had been a bit sourer, but that’s just my take.

Overall, this beer was pretty good and I definitely do not regret buying it. This would be a great beach or lake beer on a really hot day due to the low ABV and the light touch of salt and sour. I am very interested in trying some of the other offerings in the Wild Series line just to see how they stack up against this one. One thing to note is that they are only sold in four packs and are priced moderately high for what they are. All in all, if you can find it, I suggest drinking it while the weather is warm and making it an addition the outdoors. Cheers!

M

eiomi Rose comes from Acampo, California, USA and the 2016 vintage is the first time Meiomi has ever released a Rose.

Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. Meiomi Rose alcohol content 13.2% by volume, per the bottle. There’s no sting of alcohol in the nose.

Meiomi Rose Review

Taste I tasted this wine slightly chilled.

On the palate, you get chamomile, cranberry and orange zest coupled with a good bit of minerality and acidity. For some reason, I was expecting sweetness however none was present, which suited me well. I found the taste enjoyable, uncomplicated and easily sippable.

From the bottle: Inspired by coastal maritime influences, Meiomi Rose bursts with vibrant, floral aromas and mouthwatering fruit flavors of strawberry, cranberry and watermelon.

Sample received for review purposes and I was so pleased to be considered to taste an inaugural release from such a well known wine brand!

For more, check out the Meiomi website. I’ve reviewed other Meiomi wines as well, including Meiomi Chardonnay and Meiomi Pinot Noir (one of my most talked about reviews) if you want to check those out.

Appearance In appearance, Meiomi Rose is pale salmon in color and very translucent. Light shining through leaves a lovely pale pink glow on the table. It’s quite a leggy wine and it coats up the glass nicely when tipped.

Legs appear in various sizes and forms and are mostly slow to fall.

Mouthfeel The wine exhibited a lush mouthfeel with some very mild tannins on the sides of the tongue.

Finish The finish was long lasting and pleasant. It started out with the orange zest flavors but then slowly gave way to just a bit of bitterness.

Aroma I normally don’t expect a Rose to have much of an aroma, but this wine’s aroma is noticeable from a foot away from the glass. It’s enjoyable, with notes of fresh watermelon and strawberry. You might find the aroma similar to a Sauvignon

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Overall Opinion Overall, I enjoyed this off-dry Rose and I think Meiomi is off to a great start with this inaugural vintage.

Give this a try if you want to get on Meiomi’s “ground floor” of Rose. And, enjoy it as a nice summer sipper.

Meiomi Rose price $19.99.

Suggested Food Pairing Give this one a try with Food and Wine’s recommendation of rosemary flatbread with blue cheese.

Actually, I think anything cheesy would pair well with this wine as the acidity might balance out the richness of the cheese. Go for a richer cheese versus a lighter cheese in this case.

JAN 24 + FEB 7

9

>>> RESTAURANTS |

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

BREAKFAST / LUNCH Brown Bag 9425 Jones Road | Northport // 333.0970 Its speciality, fried green tomatoes, joins barbecue plates and fish filets on an extended list of meats and vegetables.//Tues 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | WedSat 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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

Cook Out 100 15th St E, Tuscaloosa Fast-food chain known for its drive-thru BBQ, burgers & more than 40 milkshake flavors.//Thur-Fri 11:00am-4:00am Sat-Wed 11:00am-3:00am//www. cookout.com CountryPride Restaurant 3501 Buttermilk Rd // 554.0215 | www. ta.travelcenters.com Breakfast 24 hours. Lunch and Dinner buffet.

Sun 10am-10pm | www.fuzzystacoshop.com

from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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

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

Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill 2001 New Watermelon Rd | Northport // 342.3378 LaGran Fiesta 9770 Hwy 69 S // 345.8871 La Fiesta Mexican Grill 6521 AL-69, Tuscaloosa// 345-8580 Mon-Thur 11am-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-10:30pm Sun 11am-9pm Los Calientes Mexican Grill 3429 McFarland Blvd E // 553.1558 La Fiesta Mexican Grill 345-8580//6521 AL-69, Tuscaloosa Mon-Thur 11am-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-10:30pm Sun 11am-9pm Los Tarascos (2 locations) 110 Skyland Blvd E - Tuscaloosa//553-8896 New LOCATION 3380 McFarland Blvd - Northport//330-0919//www.lostarascos.com

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 4800 Doris Pate Dr | Exit 76 // 562.8282//www. crackerbarrel.com Holler & Dash 1130 University Blvd A-1, Tuscaloosa//752-3310 Sun-Thur 7am–2pm Fri-Sat 7am–9pm Sun 7am2pm//www.holleranddash.com

Margarita's Grill 1241 McFarland Blvd E // 343.0300 Moe’s Southwest Grill (2 locations) 2330 McFarland Blvd E // 342.1487 1130 University Blvd // 752.0234 | moes.com

International House of Pancakes 724 Skyland Blvd // 366.1130

Pastor's Kitchen 2910 5th St, Northport//553-2320 Mon-Fri 10:30am-2pm, 4:30–9pm Sat 10:30am-8pm Closed Sun

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

Sweet Home Food Bar 2218 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 764-9346 Mon.-Fri. Mon-Sat 9am–9pm Sun- 10am-3pm Tropical Smoothie Cafe 1800 McFarland Blvd E, | Tuscaloosa// 331-4070 Casual, health-conscious cafe featuring custom smoothies, sandwiches & wraps. Mon-Thur 6:30am– 9:30pm Fri-7am-9pm Sun-10:30-8pm T-Town Café 500 14th Street, Tuscaloosa | 759-5559 |www. ttowncafe.com Mon - Fri 6am - 3pm; Sat - Closed; Sun 10:30am 3pm The Waysider 1512 Greensboro Ave // 345.8239 Open for breakfast and lunch. Smoke free.

Pepito’s (2 locations) 1203 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9028 1301 McFarland Blvd NE // 391.4861 Taco Mama Tuscaloosa 2104 University Blvd A, Tuscaloosa Mon-Wed 11am–9pm Thur-Sat 11am–10pm Sun 11am–9pm www.tacomamaonline.com FINE DINING 301 Bistro (Was L&N Train Station) 301 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa //764-1395 Casual Dining, Full Bar and Beer Garden Mon-Sat 4–11PM Sun 11am-9pm | www.301bistro. com 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.

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.

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.

MEXICAN Central Mesa 523-7738// 519 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa Mon-Thur 11am-10pm Friday-Sat 11am-11pm Sunday: 10am-3pm Chipotle Mexican Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0140 www.chipotle.com Chuy's 1320 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa// 349-4947 Sun-Thur 11am-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-11pm | www. chuys.com Don Tono's 2312 4th Street | Temerson Square // 345.9191

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 The Side by Side Restaurant 2410 University Blvd. | Embassy Suites | 561-2500 | thesidebysiderestaurant.com River 1650 Jack Warner Pkwy NE, Tuscaloosa//632-3801 Tue,Wed,Thur-11am–2pm, 5:30–9PM Fri-11am– 2pm, 5–10pm Sat-10am–1pm, 5–10 Sun-10am– 1pm Closed Monday | www.rivertuscaloosa.com

El Mariachi 3520 McFarland Blvd E |Tuscaloosa // 409-8585 El Rincon (2 locations) 1225 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 366.0855 1726 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.1274 Fernando's Mexican Grill 824 McFarland Blvd E | Northport // 205.331.4587

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

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop 2321 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa//409-8344 Mon-Thur 10am–10pm Fri-Sat 10am–12am

Hokkaido Japanese Restaurant 607 15th Street Open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday

10

JAN 24 + FEB 7

Maki Fresh 759-2555//1530 Mcfarland Blvd N, Tuscaloosa// Mon-Sun 11am–9pm Asian chain serving maki, rice bowls, tempura, sliders & more.

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 // 7591400//Lunch: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sat & Sun 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Pokirrito 68 (was Ezell's Southern Food Express) 220 15th St E, Tuscaloosa Sushi Bar Rock 'n Roll Sushi 469-9060//2229 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa Mon-Thur 11am-9pm Fri-Sat 11am-10pm Sun 12-9pm 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 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 Animal Butter 710-5455// 2217 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa// TueSat 11am–10pm Sun 11am–9pm Monday Closed | www.animalbutterinc.com 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 Buddy’s Ribs & Steaks 2701 Bridge Ave | Northport // 339.4885 Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd // 523.0273 Mon–Wed 11 a.m. - midnight | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Chicken Salad Chick The Shoppes at Midtown & Essex Square, Northport www.chickensaladchick.com Dat's Good 333-4663// 4300 AL-13, Northport Specializes in Catfish, Hot Wings,and BBQ Tue-Sat 10am-9pm Closed Sun & Mon www.facebook.com/DatsGoodBBQ 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 Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers//764-9097 315 15th St, Tuscaloosa Fri-Sat 10:30am–11:00pm Sun-Thur 10:30am– 10:00pm | www.freddysusa.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.

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

- 11 p.m.

The Kitchen 2322 4th St, Tuscaloosa//331-4731 Tue-Fri 8am–3pm Sat-Sun 9am-9pm Closed Sunday Madear’s 1735 Culver Road // 343.7773 Mon–Fri 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. | 2nd & 3rd Sunday 11 a.m.

- 3 p.m.

Mae's Southern Cafe 710-5488//4419 hwy 43 n suite 5, Northport Tue-Sat 11am–7pm Sun-10:30pm–12am Sun 11am6pm Mon-12AM–8PM Metro Diner 464-9428//1800 McFarland Blvd E #404 Tuscaloosa Sun-Thur 7am–8pm Fri-Sat 7am–9pm www.metrodiner.com Miss Dots 1715 University Blvd, Tuscaloos Mon-Sun 11am-9pm | www.lovemissdots.com 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 Mr Bill's Family Dining 333-9312 2715 McFarland Blvd, Northport Mon-Fri 10am-8pm Closed Sat-Sun Nothing But Noodles 1320 McFarland Blvd E #530// 349-2900// www.nothingbutnoodles.com Pastas, Salads, Soups, Desserts Fri-Sat 10:30am–10:30pm Sun-Thur 10:30am-9:30pm 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 PHO TOWN 248-7663 Vietnamese Noodle Soup & Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E #420, Tuscaloosa Mon-Sat 11am-9pm Sun-11am-8pm 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 Sitar Indian Cuisine 500 15th St // 345-1419 Southern Ale House 1530 McFarland Blvd N//Monday-Thursday 11a.m9p.m., Friday-Saturday 11a.m.-10p.m. Sunday Brunch 11a.m.-2p.m.

Southland Restaurant 5388 Skyland Blvd E // 556.3070// Steaks, chops and home-cooked vegetables | Mon–Fri 10:45 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sweet Home Food Bar www.sweethomefoodbaral.com//764-9346 Mon-Sat 9am–9pm Sun- 10am-3pm Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe 1800 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa// 344-6444 Mon-Sat 11am-9pm Sun 11am-8pm Urban Cookhouse 1490 Northbank Parkway #110, Tuscaloosa// 5616999//We use the freshest ingredients available with an emphasis on supporting the local farmer Mon-Sun 10am–9pm//www.urbancookhouse.com Zoe’s Kitchen 312 Merchants Walk // 344.4450 A wonderful selection of Greek foods

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

SPORTS GRILL Baumhower's Wings of Tuscaloosa (2 Locations) 500 Harper Lee Drive | catering-Pick-up Tuscaloosa //556.5858 4251 Courtney Dr, Tuscaloosa // 556-5658 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 BurgerFi 1320 McFarland Blvd E #510, Tuscaloosa//759-2510 Stylish, eco-minded chain serving grass-fed beef burgers, plus hot dogs, craft beer & wine. Fri-Sat 10:30am-10:00pm Sun-Thur 10:30am-11:00pm | order.burgerfi.com/menu/tuscaloosa Billy's Sports Grill Historic Downtown Northport // 879.2238 Mon through Wed from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thurs through Sat from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sun 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 www.hooters.com Innisfree Irish Pub 1925 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199 Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave // 391.0572//Great burgers. Full service bar. Open late. | www.mugshotsgrillandbar. com Walton's 915 Patriot Pkwy, Tuscaloosa//752-1693 Wings and much more Mon-Sat 9am-10pm Closed Sun | waltonstuscaloosa.com Wilhagan’s 2209 4th St | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 366.0913 Wings U 1800 McFarland Blvd East Suite 218 | Pick-up Tuscaloosa // 561.3984 Features the first coal-fired pizza oven in Alabama. Owned by former UA/Miami Dolphins great Bob Baumhower. Completely open concept! www.wingsu.com WingZone 1241 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 342.2473 BARBEQUE Archibald & Woodrow's BBQ 4215 Greensboro Ave | Tuscaloosa // 331.4858 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sun lunch Bama BBQ & Grill 3380 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.9816 Dickey's BBQ (3 locations) 9770 Alabama 69; Midtown; and 13544 Hwy 43 North at Rose Blvd. in Northport. Texas Barbecue. | 344.6500 1800 McFarland Blvd, Midtown Village, Tuscaloosa. | 758-1133 | 13544 Hwy 43 North, Winn Dixie Shopping Center, Northport. | 330-1147 Dreamland (2 locations) 5535 15th Ave | Tuscaloosa // 758.8135 101 Bridge Ave | Northport // 343.6677 The legend. On game day, get there early if you want to make kickoff. Seating is limited. Hours: Mon–Sat 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sun 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Full Moon BBQ 1434 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa// 366-3555 (sports Grill) Mon-Thur 10am–9pm Fri-Sat 10am–10pm Sun 11am-9pm Hick’s BBQ 4400 Fayette Hwy // 339.3678 // Tues–Sat 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q 469-2060//305 21st Ave, Tuscaloosa Sun-Thur 11am-9pm Fri-Sat 9am-10pm | www. facebook.com/JNNTuscaloosa Hoo's Q 345-6400 101 15th St E, Tuscaloosa//Mon-Sun 10am-9pm | www.hoosbbq.com

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

6521 Highway 69 S // 391.9990 / Open daily 11 a.m.

- 10 p.m.

Mr. Chen's Authentic Chinese Cooking & Oriental Market 514 14th St. | In the Oz Music shopping center // 343.6889 // Open Sun - Thu 11am - 9pm, Fri & Sat 11am - 9:30pm New China Fun 4213 University Blvd E, Tuscaloosa//553-2435 Mon-Thur 11am–9:30pm Fri-Sat 11am–10:30pm Sun 12–9:30PM

STEAKS Logan’s Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd | next to Sams // 349.3554 Steaks, ribs and spirits

Panda Express 636 15th St E// 343-6888 Fri-Sat 10:30am-10:00pm Sun-11:00am-9:00pm Mon-Thur 10:30am-9:30pm www.pandaexpress.com

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

Pearl Garden 2719 Lurleen Wallace Blvd | Northport // 339.0880

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.

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.

Outback Steakhouse 5001 Oscar Baxter Dr // 759.9000

Swen Chinese Restaurant 1130 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9887

R. Davidson Chophouse 2330 4th St. /Downtown Tuscaloosa/ 205.614.8782 Reservations are available online at rdchophouse.com or by phone. Hours - Tues–Fri. 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

Trey Yuen 4200 McFarland Blvd E // 752.0088

Texas Roadhouse 1363 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa// 759-2596 // Fri-Sat 11am–11pm Sun-11am-10pm Mon-Thur 3pm-10pm www.texasroadhouse.com 43 Prime Steakhouse 13620 Highway 43 N Northport// 331-5800 Monday-Thursday 4:30-9 Friday-Saturday 11-10 Closed Sunday 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.

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) Shrimp Basket 3249 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa//469-9786 Mon-Fri 10:30am–9pm | www.shrimpbasket.com Catfish Heaven 2502 21st St, Tuscaloosa// 752-7222 Mon-Sat 11am-7:30pm Closed Sun Steamers on The Strip 1301 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa//750-0203 Mon-Sat 11am-8pm Sun 11am-5pm | www.steamersonthestrip.net The Levee Bar and Grill 1 Bridge Ave | Northport // 632.3136 Casual riverfront dining Hours: Mon-Thurs 11 AM-9 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-10 PM, Sun 10:30 AM-3 PM (Happy Hour Mon-Thurs 2 PM-6 PM) | leveebarandgrill.com CHINESE Buffet City 1747 Skyland Blvd E // 553.3308 All you can eat buffet.

Open 7 days a week.

Chang’s Chinese Restaurant 1825 McFarland Blvd N // 391.9131 China Fun 2600 University Blvd | Alberta City // 553.2435 Chongwah Express 1425 McFarland Boulevard, Northport. 333-1088 Hot Wok Express 6571 Alabama 69, Tuscaloosa// 758-0148 | Mon-Sat 10:30am–8pm

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

California Underground 13552 Highway 43, Northport | 339.8660 Chuck E. Cheese's Midtown Village, 500, Tuscaloosa St//979-3420 Mon-Thur 11am-9pm Fri-11am-10pm Sat-9am10pm Firehouse Subs 1130 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 248.0680 Hungry Howie’s (4 locations) 1105 Southview Ln | South Tuscaloosa // 345.6000 1844 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.2633 1211 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa | The Strip // 366.1500 4851 Rice Mine Rd | Northriver/Holt // 345.3737 Little Caesars Pizza 1414 10th Ave // 366.2220 | www.littlecaesars.com (Second location) 5980 Old Greensboro Rd, Tuscaloosa// 331-8150 Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. // 345.4354 Marco’s Pizza 1021 McFarland Blvd, Northport// 330-4555 Mon-Thur 11am–10pm Fri-Sat 11am–11pm Sun 3–10PM | http://www.marcos.com Subs n' You 2427 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.758.0088 Roly Poly Sandwiches 2300 4th Street | Tuscaloosa // 366.1222 The Pita Pit 1207 University Blvd | The Strip // 345.9606 Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30 a.m. - 3 a.m. | Sun 11:30 a.m.

- midnight Pyros Fire Fresh Pizza 1320 McFarland Blvd E #270, Tuscaloosa//248-7343 Mon-Fri 10:30am-10pm | www.pyrospizza.com DELICATESSEN Honeybaked Ham Company 421 15th St. E // 345.5508 //www.honeybaked.com Jason’s Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd // 752.6192 www.jasonsdeli.com Located in the Meadowbrook Shopping Center Jimmy John’s (3 locations) 1400 University Blvd | The Strip // 366.3699 1875 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 752.7714 815 Lurleen B. Wallace S | Tuscaloosa // 722.2268 Delivery 7 days a week. www.jimmyjohns.com Manna Grocery & Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 752.9955

McAlister’s Deli (2 locations) 101 15th St | Tuscaloosa // 758.0039 3021 Tyler Dr | Northport // 330.7940 Sandwiches, salads and spuds www.mcalistersdeli. com Momma Goldberg’s Deli 409 23rd Ave // 345.5501 | www.mommagoldbergs.com Newk’s Express Cafe 205 University Blvd. East // 758.2455// www. newkscafe.com Sun–Wed 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Schlotsky’s Deli 405 15th St. E // 759.1975 // schlotskys.com Which Wich University Blvd.// Downtown Tuscaloosa // Mon – Sat 10:30 – 9 // Sunday 11 – 7 // Fresh ingredients, great sandwiches. 764.1673 ASIAN CUISINE Ruan Thai 1407 University Blvd // 391.9973 | ruanthaituscaloosa.com 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 Open daily.

Lunch: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dinner: 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | www.surinofthailand.com Coffee Shops OHenry's Coffee 650-4044 //2531 University Blvd #100 Mon-Thur 6am-9pm Fri 6-10pm Sat 7-10pm Sun 7-9pm Uperk 553-8505 // 405 20th Ave, Tuscaloosa Mon-Fri 6:30am-9pm Sat 8am-2pm Sun 2-9pmBarnes & Noble 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 349.6366 Five Java Coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and treats from Mary's Cakes.

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

Krispy Kreme Doughnut 1400 McFarland Blvd // 758.6913 //www.krispykreme.com Starbucks (2 locations) 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 343.2468 1901 13th Ave East | Inside Super Target // 462.1064 | starbucks.com DESSERTS Celebrations Bakery, Inc. 1832 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339.3221 Dunkin' Donuts 2520 Stillman Blvd. |Tuscaloosa// 349.3400 McCorvey Dr. | Tuscaloosa // 348.4041 | www. dunkindonuts.com Frutta Bowls 752-3293//2531 University Blvd Suite 110 Mon-Sun 7am–9pm | www.fruttabowls.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 1403 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 462.3664 TCBY (2 Locations) 2304 Mcfarland Blbd | Meadowbrook Shopping Center // 349.4661 2 Mcfarland Blvd | Northport | Essex Shopping Center // 758.6855 Yogurt In Love Patriot Center 7402 Highway 69 South//764.9173 Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-10 pm.

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

Lee Palace

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JAN 24 + FEB 7

11

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JAN 24 + FEB 7

13

>>> PET PLANET

SIR OLIVER // HANDSOME CAT

SPYRO // BIG DOG

S

T

ir Oliver, or Ollie, as we affectionately call him, is quite a handsome young adult male at 1 year old. Ollie is a gray tabby with a white bib and mitts. He is a jumper and very curious! He is quite fond of snuggling with his humans and with other animals. He gets along great with dogs in his current living environment. and he would also get along well with other cats and children. He even follows people around just like a dog. Ollie is up-to-date on his vet care, is neutered, and is microchipped.

his big boy is Spyro, a 2-to 3-year-old male mystery mix! We see St. Bernard/ boxer/lab/mountain cur, so who knows what he is, but we know he is a good-looking dog! Spyro has a brindle head and some brindle spots on a thick white coat. He weighs 57 pounds and is in pretty good shape.

He is a really friendly, nice dog. Spyro has some energy and gets excited when first meeting, but then he settles down nicely. He is playful but seems to be the submissive dog. Spyro seems to get along well with other dogs and would love to have some kids to play with, but it is probably better if they are over 8 years of age so he doesn't knock them down by accident!

Spyro is too big for an apartment, and he will need a fenced-in yard, but he is not to be left out all day and night because he wants to be with his people.

We have started on his crate training. Spyro is up-to-date on his vet care, is neutered, is heartworm negative, and is microchipped. He is on heartworm and flea/tick prevention.

Spyro is such a unique dog and is truly a "natural" designer dog!

Please call 205-554-0011 or visit humanesocietyofwa.org to request an appointment to meet our available animals.

Vet records will be provided to adopters. If you are interested in giving SPYRO or SIR OLIVER a 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.

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 >>

UP-TO-DATE RESTAURANT LISTINGS ›› JASON ISBELL ›› YOUTH TO THE MOVIES ›› TOTS FOR BREAKFAST ›› BEER & WINE REVIEW ›› DOWNSIZING ›› ROAD TRIP ›› VICTORY OVER GEORGIA

Turning point domestic violence and sexual assault services center and the Board of Directors are excited to announce the new Executive Committee at its annual meeting. The annual meeting starts at 6:30pm at the First United Methodist Church and features awards, a chance to meet the new committee members and exciting guest speakers on February 27, 2017. A few words of welcome are planned by local officials including, Chief Tommy Reese of Demopolis, Dr. Mallory of Shelton, board members and others. In recognition of Turning Point, >>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

JAN 10 + JAN 24

1

Next Issue // February 7

Advertising Deadline: Friday, February 2 205-523-4668//205-792-7239

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JAN 24 + FEB 7

issuu.com/planetweekly

the West Alabama areas domestic violence/sexual assault agency, is inviting all citizens, social groups and other non-profits to join with them in this annual event to thank them for their continued support.

Our goal is to create a conglomerate displaying the strength gained by joining together. We are asking individuals and various groups and members to join us and continue a commitment to ensure that all lives are lived free of violence and abuse,? said Amy Gundlach-Foster, Executive Director of Turning Point.

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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

DEN OF THIEVES // THINK FAST, SHOOT FASTER. DON'T MISS ★★★★OU T OF 4

A

n audacious, white-knuckled, adrenaline-laced, cops and robbers’ crime thriller with a twist ending, writer & director Christian Gudegast’s “Den of Thieves” pits a loose cannon L.A. County Sheriff’s Department detective against a crackerjack team of gunmen shaped in the crucible of combat while serving as soldiers in the Middle East. These nonconformist warriors came home, clashed with the law, and survived the purgatory of prison to emerge as an elite gang angling for the big score before they retreat into obscurity. The lead in “300” and “Olympus Has Fallen,” Gerard Butler turns in a strong performance as an obsessive cop struggling with marital woes. Pablo Schreiber of “13 Hours” commands the villains. He matches wits with Butler in a lively cat and mouse game where survival is the prize and a cold slab in a morgue is the penalty for those who stray from the straight and the narrow. 50 Cent fans may not recognize Curtis James Jackson III with his Hercules physique.

“Den of Thieves” reminded me of Michael Mann’s bank robbery movie “Heat” (1995) where Al Pacino’s rugged cop tangled with Robert De Niro’s hard-nosed bank robber in a high stakes showdown. The difference between “Den of Thieves” and “Heat” is Butler displays little respect for his adversaries.

Meantime, the villains have a few tricks up their sleeves that nobody, especially armchair detectives, may be prepared for at fadeout.

Although he makes his debut as a director, Christian Gudegast has already established his bonafides as a genre specialist with not only the Vin Diesel thriller “A Man Apart,” but also Butler’s “London Has Fallen,” the gung-ho sequel to “Olympus Has Fallen.” Butler is at his best as a tough-guy protagonist, and his gritty performance compares strongly with Gene Hackman’s Oscarwinning portrayal of an unorthodox, hard-as-nails, NYPD detective in the 1972 Best Picture “The French Connection.” A wry sense of humor pervades this 140-minute, R-rated opus, but it never undercuts the gravity of the action. Mind you, a fourth quarter glitch in credibility threatens to unravel the plausibility of plot. Nevertheless, Gudegast and “Prison Break” creator and coscribe Paul Scheuring have worked out meticulously the logistics of this

far-fetched caper. They conclude it with an out-of-left-field finale like Bryan Singer’s “The Usual Suspects” (1995) that wowed everybody. If you like your heist thrillers served up with lots of testosterone, tense ‘snap, crackle, pop’ firefights, and obstinate adversaries who refuse to flee, “Den of Thieves” is your ticket.

Nick Flanagan (Gerard Butler of “London Has Fallen”) runs a squad tasked with bank robberies. His guys could be mistaken for stone-cold, Russian mafia gunsels. They are unkempt, and their arms are engraved with tattoos. They have no qualms about violating rules. Everything is fair once they “click” off their safeties.

Nick’s free-for-all lifestyle doesn’t harmonize with his wife, Debbie (Dawn Olivieri of “The Wolverine”), and her dreams of middle-class domesticity with their two elementary school age daughters. Naturally, they don’t understand why she walks out on their father. As the film unfolds, “Den of Thieves” presents statistics that classify Los Angeles as “the bank robbery capital of the world” with a hold-up every 48 minutes. Basically, Gudegast’s epic is a West coast version of Ben Affleck’s “The Town” (2005), where Boston boasted more bank robbers per capita than any other city. Meanwhile, Merrimen (Pablo Schreiber) has assembled a posse of heavily-armed, former Marines, who have matriculated through prison after returning stateside.

They carry out their crimes with a military precision. Those plans hit a snag when they approach an armored car after dark outside a donut shop. A hail of bullets erupts like Armageddon descending. An innocent bystander lives to tell

the authorities that he saw masked shooters lay down a barrage on the guards. Later, after he arrives at the scene, Nick plunders a sprinkled donut from a box that one of the guard’s dropped during the massacre.

Gudegast doesn’t give the audience a chance to get comfortable. Upfront without any delay, he stages a violent, night-time attack on an armored car as if he were imitating “Black Hawk Down.” The villains mow down the off-duty guards, steal their armored car, and then stash it safely out of sight. They send somebody back to photograph the various law enforcement personnel at the crime scene. Merrimen isn’t happy one of their own lies sprawled dead in it.

Eventually, Nick suspects Merrimen may be the ringleader. Unfortunately, the police don’t have enough evidence to arrest him. They stake Merrimen out and search for accomplices.

They abduct an African-American, Donnie (O'Shea Jackson Jr. of “Straight Outta Compton”), who tends bar where Merrimen drinks.

The two show up in surveillance snaps. Nick interrogates Donnie in a motel where his deputies are having a party. Primarily, Nick is interested in Merrimen, and Donnie confesses he serves just as a getaway driver.

Merrimen confides nothing in him.

Donnie heaves a sigh of relief when Nick turns him loose. Meantime, Donnie doesn’t share the incident with Merrimen. Merrimen unveils their master plan. They have decided to liberate $30-million in clean currency from the fortress-like branch of the L.A. Federal Reserve Bank!

The gauntlet of security checkpoints and surveillance cameras that they must contend with makes “Den of Thieves” look like a Tom Cruise “Mission Impossible” cliffhanger.

Apart from a domestic strife scene when Nick fails to reason with his wife, “Den of Thieves” shifts back and forth between the sheriffs and the robbers. Gudegast emphasizes the professionalism on both sides.

Merrimen’s gunmen shoot only those who shoot at them. Furthermore, the bad guys orchestrate a multifaceted heist that involves them infiltrating the Federal Reserve and looting it smack under the nose of the guards.

Suddenly, brazen Nick blows his cover and approaches Donnie and Merrimen in a restaurant and lets them know about him. This is Nick’s way of going off the reservation that spikes the suspense. Surprises and revelations ensue. “Den of Thieves” is “Heat”/”The Town” laced with “The Usual Suspects.”

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JAN 24 + FEB 7

15

>>> F E AT U R E | ELIZABETH MOSELEY

Photos courtesy of Aid to Inmate Mothers

PACK-A-PURSE: AN EASY WAY TO GIVE BACK TO A FORGOTTEN CAUSE

T

uscaloosa is home to countless opportunities to give back to the community.

Nonprofits, churches, businesses and schools can be found hosting fundraisers and awareness events across town year-round that benefit one cause or another. Many of these causes are high-profile crises like disaster relief, child literacy, and animal rights. However, there are some causes that do not receive such a magnitude of attention yet still warrant ample support. One of these such programs is the Pack-aPurse drive, put on by the University of Alabama’s Women and Gender Resource Center. This toiletry drive seeks to provide women who are just getting out of prison with a bag that takes care of some of their basic necessities as they reenter society.

Those wanting to donate can drop off items at the Women and Gender Resource Center in South Lawn Office Building from now until Feb. 16. Pack-a-Purse is a program started by Montgomery-based organization Aid to Inmate Mothers.

The Pack-a-Purse drive offers the campus community and beyond an opportunity to give back to a group that often goes unnoticed.

“One of my favorite things [about Pack-a-Purse] is that you don’t have to have a lot of money to be able to give something back,” said Program Coordinator Paige Miller. Situated on UA’s campus, the Women and Gender Resource Center seeks to be accessible to students, faculty and staff regardless of financial status. Contributions of shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, feminine products, lotions and many other items are welcome from any member of the community. More information on donations can be found on the AIM website, inmatemoms.org.

In 2016, when the Women and Gender Resource Center began the Pack-a-Purse drive, it was able to donate around 25 bags. Last year, it packed 53 bags. Miller aims to sustain around 50 bags and hopes to increase their impact even more.

“It doesn’t seem like a lot, but it would add up to a lot,” Miller said.

“We’re hoping just to give those

16

JAN 24 + FEB 7

women a little bit of a basic need— basic necessities that they can start out with, and the money that have, they can use on more important things.”

“That way, when women in Alabama are being released from prison, they have at least one thing.”

Miller said. In the Alabama prison system, 23.3% of women return to prison within three years of release, according to the Alabama Department of Corrections 2016 Annual Report. Pack-a-Purse along with other AIM programs seek to lower this statistic. Among the women who participated in AIM programs, the recidivism rate was down to only 11%. Reintegration into society after prison is a rarely discussed struggle, and AIM’s goals are to help women beat the odds and give them opportunities to become productive and successful members of society.

Aside from raising awareness about inmate mothers and women leaving the prison system, the Women and Gender Resource Center has evolved its programming to include more education and advocacy projects as well as volunteer opportunities for those wanting to help.

“A part of the mission of the Women & Gender Resource Center is that we want for each student to experience the most opportunities on campus and in the world.” Miller said. “To make sure that every person, which includes people of all genders, has an equal opportunity to pursue their dreams, or their education, or whatever it is that they need.”

“Providing knowledge, information, education to the community is to me one of the most important things that we can do.”

Miller’s focus is not only on programming like Pack-a-Purse, but also on raising awareness about gender issues. She hosts programs like Start Smart that teach college women how to negotiate salaries and benefits when they enter the workforce. The Women

and Gender Resource Center also organizes awareness events for global women’s issues and International Women’s Day, mentoring programs for children in the community and also an annual film festival. A great deal of planning goes into these events, so volunteers are always needed in a variety of fields. Miller encourages people to come by the Women and Gender Resource Center, drop off a donation for Pack-a-Purse, and see what it has to offer. The center is home to a library where books and DVDs are available for check out and volunteer forms are available for application.

Visit their website for forms and more information at wgrc.ua.edu.

A carload of purses filled with donated toiletry items makes its way to Tutwiler Prison.

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>>> R OA D T R I P | S O U T H E A S T E R N C O N C E R T S A N D E V E N T S

BIRMINGHAM

NASHVILLE

ATLANTA

Saturday, Jan 27 Leeds Art Councik//Brandi Overbeck & the Shades of Grey Band Concert

Saturday, Jan 27 Bridgestone Arena//Harlem Globetrotters

Friday, Jan 26 The Buckhead Theatre//Majid Jordan

Sunday, Jan 28 Capitol Grille//Enchanted Brides Bridal Show Ryman Auditorium//Walk the Moon

Saturday, Jan 27 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre//My Favorite Murder Live

Thursday, Feb 1 Mercy Lounge//Jacob Sartorius The Basement East//Sleigh Bells Tickets Ryman Auditorium//First Aid Kit

Wednesday, Jan 31 The Buckhead Theater//Jacob Sartorius

Sunday, Jan 28 Legacy Arena at the BJCC//Shen Yun Tuesday, Jan 30 Saturn//They Might Be Giants Thursday, Feb 1 Zydeco//The Funk Hunters

Friday, Feb 2 Ryman Auditorium//Luke Combs Schermerhorn Symphony Center//Nashville Symphony – Lea Salonga

Friday, Feb 2 Red Mountain Cabaret Theater//The Color Purple Saturn//Machine Head Saturday, Feb 3 Legacy Arena at the BJCC//Birmingham winter Beer Fest Tuesday, Feb 6 Iron City//Killswitch Engage Thursday, Feb 8 The Alabama Theatre//Kelsea Ballerinit & Walker Hayes

Monday, Feb 5 Phillips Arena//Lana Del Rey

Monday, Feb 5 Marathon Music Works//Killswitch Engage & Anthrax Ryman Auditorium//Chris Janson: the Everybody Tour

Wednesday, Feb 7 The Buckhead Theatre//OTW & Radio 105.7 Present Coin

Tuesday, Feb 6 Bridgestone Arena//Lana Del Rey Wednesday, Feb 7 Exit In//Anti – Flag, Stray From the Path

Friday, Feb 16 Legacy Arena at the BJCC//Widespread Panic

Tuesday, Feb 13 Marathon Music Works//Black Veil Brides Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Sunday, Feb 18 Iron City//St. Vincent

Sunday, Feb 4 The Masquerade//Tokio Hotel

Saturday, Feb 3 Ryman Auditorium//Luke Comb

Wednesday, Feb 14 Workplay Theatre//Emanicipator Ensemble

Saturday, Feb 17 Lyric Theatre//Jim Brickman

Saturday, Feb 3 The Buckhead Theatre//The Devil Makes Three

Thursday, Feb 15 Ryman Auditorium//Blues Traveler Friday, Feb 16 Marathon Music Works//Snarky Puppy

Saturday, Feb 10 The Buckhead Theatre//Chase Rice Coca Cola Roxy Theatre//Big Gigantic Monday, Feb 12 Tabernacle//Black Veil Brides Wednesday, Feb 14 Variety Playhouse//Snarky Puppy Thursday, Feb 15 Phillips Arena//Disney On Ice Wednesday, Feb 24 Fabulous Fox Theatre//The Lion King

Saturday, Feb 17 Ryman Auditorium//Tommy Emmanuel

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

Acoustic Café 2758 County Hwy 9 205.647.3237

Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree St NE 404.881.2100

Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa St 334.481.5100

Von Braun Center 700 Monroe St SW 256.551.2345

Amphitheater at the Wharf 23101 Canal Rd 251.224.1020

The Hangout 251.948.3030 thehangout1.com

The Nick 2514 10th Ave S 205.252.3831

WorkPlay 500 23rd St S 205.380.4082

Bridgestone Arena 501 Broadway 615.770.2000

Marathon Music Works 1402 Clinton St 615.891.1781

Sloss Furnaces 20 32nd St N 205.324.1911

Zydeco 2001 15th Ave S 205.933.1032

Centennial Olympic Park 265 Park Ave W NW 404.223.4412

Minglewood Hall 1555 Madison Ave 901.312.6058

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 2200 Encore Pkwy 404.733.5010 >>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

JAN 24 + FEB 7

19

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

Across 1. Gooey mass 5. Noncommittal response 10. Letters on a centurion's flag 14. "Youse guys" alternative 15. "____ to Pieces" (Patsy Cline hit) 16. Idol 17. Disneyland attraction 18. Relax 20. Sketched 21. IV measurements 22. Presentation graphics 23. Narrow spot 25. My, in Madrid 26. _____ part (behave appropriately) 28. Dines after 8 p.m., perhaps 33. Big ___ (Outkast rapper) 34. Hypoallergenic skin care brand 36. Actress DeGeneres 37. Hair parter 39. "The Wizard of Oz" producer Mervyn 41. "Sixteen Candles" character Long Duk ____ 42. Uncool person 44. "Not ___" ("Sure thing!")

46. The "good" cholesterol 47. Tangles up 49. Lubricate 51. Today in Tijuana 52. Capital of Morocco 53. Scheduling break 57. Badge owner 58. Dispersed 61. She played Kevin's sister on "The Wonder Years" 63. Too, too cute 64. Give money to 65. Trademarked symbols 66. Pencil filler that's really graphite 67. Understands 68. Lucky numero 69. Boats similar to Noah's SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMANIA CROSSWORD ON PAGE 21

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JAN 24 + FEB 7

Down 1. Longest-serving senator in U.S. history 2. Lion's den 3. Long ago 4. Let one get away 5. Maverick's last name in "Top Gun" 6. "I never forget ___" 7. Gabs 8. Wheat, in France 9. Evoke 10. ____ butter (skin moisturizer) 11. Fall fruit 12. P-U link 13. Orbison, et al.

19. Some persons 24. "___-ching!"

25. City leader 26. Opening letters 27. Possess jointly with another 28. Noted Tombstone family 29. Law prof's degree 30. Honolulu landmark 31. Takes care of 32. Author Madeline L'___ 35. ___-mouthed 38. Famed Franklin 40. Downward dog, for example 43. Religion founded in Persia in 1863 45. Online chat abbreviation 48. Kings and queens 50. Oscar de la Hoya's birthplace 52. C-3PO or R2-D2 53. Punch in the gut responses 54. Chimney passage 55. Dandy's partner 56. Movie buff's collection 57. Canary home 59. Anemic 60. Beatty and Sparks 62. "How ___ love thee? Let me..."

>>> 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 With lovely Venus and the sun putting the focus on your sector of responsibility, you can make use of your charm and diplomacy to help further your aims. You might also find yourself in the limelight, and this could provide an opportunity to showcase your skills and influence certain events. It’s also possible that you’ll have to make a decision that could be legally binding. As chatty Mercury aligns with dynamic Pluto, it might pay to think before you decide.

You might want to keep your thoughts yourself, particularly early in the week while you’re mulling over a decision. However, once you’ve made it, there’s no problem letting others know what you’ve decided. In fact, as lively Mercury aligns with Jupiter, doing so could hasten a positive conclusion. On another note, with the sun and lovely Venus in your travel sector, thoughts of a vacation or short break could be very appealing. It’s certainly something to consider.

If you need to make any promises this week, give them careful thought. Be guided by your instincts as to what your next move should be. However, with inquisitive Mercury making a positive aspect to expansive Jupiter, it would be no bad thing to put your needs first. On another note, fiery Mars moves into your lifestyle sector on January 26 for a six-week stay, which could encourage you to think about your health and how you might improve it.

With both the sun and delectable Venus in your sector of relating, friendships and close bonds can be upbeat and empowering.

The coming weeks can provide an opportunity to smooth over any difficulties, and perhaps find a compromise. However, if you’re involved in a new romance, this blend of energies can be a positive force in the development of your relationship. At work, though, listen to your instincts when trying to decide on a course of action. Logic may not be enough.

Although you might want something early in the week, you could have different thoughts about it by week’s end. As important as it might seem, lively Mercury’s link with potent Pluto could push you to act too quickly to satisfy a desire. If you can wait, things could look very different later, and you might realise you’re better off without it. On another note, feisty Mars enters your home zone on January 26, which brings a great opportunity to clear out any clutter.

After a busy time with family, a focus on your leisure sector could see you taking time out for yourself. And while you might have one pending issue to deal with on the domestic front, it can probably be quickly resolved if you trust your instincts. This could be a purchasing decision or something else related to finances, and, in this instance, logic may not be all that helpful. With feisty Mars entering your communication sector on January 26, networking and marketing could fuel your success.

You could find yourself deep in thought early in the week as key influences encourage you to study a matter in depth before you take it any further. Nevertheless, if you intuitively sense that all will be well, this may be enough. You’re also entering a natural phase when the cosmos encourages you to step back from life and indulge in some self-care. The focus on your domestic sector can be an opportunity to spend time with close ones, as well as nurture and pamper yourself.

You may be guided by a soulful and very spiritual influence to make a decision that can be very beneficial to others. If you do, you could feel a great sense of satisfaction, which can be a clue that you have done the right thing. However, the big news for you is that stirring Mars moves into your sign on January 26 for a six-week stay. This can boost your vitality and encourage you to exercise more or kick-start a bold idea.

If you need to decide something, asking your friends for their advice could be helpful. If you attempt to make the decision on your own, you could overthink it, which might not be very helpful.

On January 26, fiery Mars moves into a secluded sector of your chart for a six-week stay, which could stir up your psyche. It might make your dreams more vivid, and it could bring buried issues to the surface. This might be your opportunity to resolve them and let them go.

With the sun and lovely Venus now in your sign, you could feel a surge of energy and well-being. The coming four weeks can be excellent for getting ahead with plans and projects that have been sitting on the back burner, as well as for initiating social events and making new connections. You might also feel moved to change your image. Your social life also picks up the pace. Dynamic Mars in this zone could bring more opportunities for good times your way.

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You are now in a natural phase when the cosmos is encouraging you to take life a little more easily. The focus on thoughts, feelings, and inner issues could also encourage you to do some emotional housecleaning and release any baggage that may be holding you back. However, with dynamic Mars hiking into the topmost sector of your chart, activity on the goals and career front might increase. You’ll be eager to act on your biggest plans, and your determination could help you succeed.

With the sun now in your social sector with lovely Venus, you may feel more inclined to get out and about and make new connections. These could be especially valuable over the coming weeks as you push ahead with new ideas and opportunities. There is also a romantic focus here, which could make the coming week or so excellent for dating and meeting that special person. With feisty Mars moving into your sector of adventure, though, it’s best not to commit to anything that might hold you back.

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JAN 24 + FEB 7

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

FIRST FRIDAY-TUSCALOOSA First Friday takes place on the first Friday of the month in Downtown Tuscaloosa. Local galleries, businesses and restaurants are open in the evening for the community to experience what Downtown Tuscaloosa has to offer.

Participants encourage patrons to visit other galleries and businesses within walking distance on the Art Walk. Galleries on the Art Walk include The Arts Council and The University of Alabama Galleries at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center, The Paul R. Jones Gallery, Harrison Galleries, O’Connor Art Studios and Grace Aberdean Habitat Alchemy.

Visit firstfridaytuscaloosa.com for offerings and hours.

To get a monthly First Friday email sign up for Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports' e-newsletter at the bottom of their contact us page here: visittuscaloosa.com/contact-us To view the most recent Art Round Up from The University of Alabama Department of Art & Art History visit art.ua.edu/roundup

ART NIGHT- NORTHPORT Art Night takes place on the first Thursday of the month from 5-8 pm in downtown Northport at Kentuck Art Center and is free to the public.

For tickets to all Spring 2018 shows

call 205.348.3400 or visit theatre.ua.edu.

22

JAN 24 + FEB 7

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

Courtesy UA Media Relations

ALABAMA RECRUITING UPDATE SECOND SIGNING DATE IS SET FOR FEBRUARY 7

S

everal prospects were in for official visits this past weekend. Here are some quick notes. Keep in mind that numbers are tight and things are subject to change very quickly.

Some prospects, including Boling, TX linebacker and Bama commitment Vernon Jackson, did not arrive until Saturday and stayed until Monday.

Rodney Orr from Tider Insider gave us an update on Bama recruiting.

Orr said he's not sure when, but he expects Huntsville-Lee defensive lineman Malik Langham to pick Alabama. Orr really likes Langham. Long and very athletic. 6-5, 270. Great frame. Good basketball player. Orr feels he is just developing as a football player and his potential is limitless.

Arlington, Texas Tide DL commit Bobby Brown was in over the weekend on an unofficial visit.

As of Sunday afternoon, Orr said he continues to hear that Brown remains very solid to Bama but Texas and Texas A&M won’t quit recruiting the big defensive lineman.

It's common knowledge that Georgia has put the all-out press on Bama linebacker commitment Quay Walker of Cordele-Crisp County, GA. Late last week the feeling was the Bulldogs would likely flip Walker. But the feedback now sounds much more favorable for the Tide. Great visit.

Confidence in Tuscaloosa is up for now. Again, Georgia won't give up on this five star though and his final decision could come right down to the wire.

Linebacker J.J. Peterson from Moultrie-Colquitt County, GA was a longtime Bama lean until Jeremy Pruitt went to Tennessee. Everybody knows that Peterson committed to the Vols. Orr said he heard that Peterson had a great time in Tuscaloosa, but the feeling on Monday morning was that Tennessee was still the favorite. We'll see if that changes.

to land offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere of Tampa-Berekeley. Ohio State and possibly Florida are in the mix. Again, as noted previously, spots in this class are filling up so it will be interesting to see what happens with Petit-Frere.

TI has been reporting for several weeks that the Tide had made a very strong impression on the family of Phenix City-Central WR Justyn Ross.

Orr thinks Alabama is in very good position to land Ross. On another note, Orr feels very good about Alabama's position with dynamic receiver Jaylen Waddle of Bellaire, TX. Again, given that Alabama has only eight spots open and several extremely talented prospects still on the board, it is hard to predict exactly who fills each spot. But it does look like a strong finish.

Due to the number of open spots, does Alabama skip taking a QB? Orr says it would not surprise him either way. Does not sound like a definite decision has been made at this point.

For several weeks though, Orr has said to keep an eye on Gilbert, AZ quarterback Brock Purdy.

Recently the 6-1, 200-pound Purdy announced via twitter that he had picked up an offer from new Tide assistant Jeff Banks. Nick Saban is hoping to meet with Purdy soon in Tuscaloosa. If things go well, Orr would expect Purdy to pick Alabama.

Cornerbacks Eddie Smith of Slidell-Salmen, LA and Isaac Taylor-Stuart of San Diego, CA will visit Tuscaloosa on the weekend of the 26th.

Alabama signed 15 players back in December but should sign 7 to 8 more in February.

In the secondary, Tider Insider has been reporting that Bama has a real shot with PlantationAmerican Heritage, FL elite cornerback Patrick Surtain. Word is that Alabama took another very positive step with Surtain this past weekend.

Don't want to get ahead of the game, but Orr is feeling stronger and stronger about Alabama's position here. As for Surtain's elite corner teammate, Tyson Campbell, other than general comments on his visit going very well this weekend, we have not heard enough details to draw any conclusions. Georgia has been considered the strong leader.

Tider Insider feels Alabama is in great position >>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

JAN 24 + FEB 7

23

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