Planet weekly 466

>>> N E W S | T H E C H AM B E R OF COMM E R C E

NEWS

ADOPT-A-SCHOOL GOLF TOURNAMENT SOON State of the Community Update Coming This 12th annual event, sponsored this year by Walker Associates, Inc., will be Aug. 27 at noon at the Tuscaloosa River Market. Scheduled to participate are Probate Judge Hardy McCollum, Chairman of the Tuscaloosa County Commission; Mayor Walt Maddox of the City of Tuscaloosa; and Mayor Bobby Herndon of the City of Northport. Speakers will give a report on the progress of our area and status of our local governments. Cost is $25/person for members and $30/person for non-members. Reserve your spot by Aug. 22 by calling 391.0559 or emailing Stacey@tuscaloosachamber.com.

Excel Class Kicks Off Fall Training Schedule Donna Gilliland from MOSTraining, Inc. will facilitate hands-on training in Microsoft Excel for Beginners on Sept. 3 from 9a.m. - 4p.m. at the Chamber office. Cost is $140 for members, which includes a graphically illustrated workbook for you to keep. Register by Aug. 27. As always, seating is limited. Register and get details

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by calling Stacey at 391.0559 or e-mailing Stacey@tuscaloosachamber.com AAS Golf Tournament Set for Sept.

11 The four-man scramble is set for Sept. 11 at Ol Colony Golf Complex. All teams will begin play with a shotgun start at 1p.m. Cost is $600/team, which includes greens fee, range balls, cart and lunch. Get a registration form here. Also, a variety of sponsorships are available. For more info, contact Loo Whitfield, loo@tuscaloosachamber. com or 391.0563.

Northport Citizen Award Nominations Sought For over 35 years, the Northport Citizen Awards Dinner has celebrated outstanding leadership in the city. Now is your chance to nominate someone for the Citizen Award or choose a leader in the field

of education, business, religion, public safety or a Northport historian. Visit www. tuscaloosachamber.com for more info.

Teams Needed for Bama Brew & Que

Got the best BBQ around? Here's your chance to prove it! Register for the 2nd Annual Bama Brew & Que in Tuscaloosa, a KCBS Sanctioned Event being held Sept. 12-13. There will be a Professional Division and a Backyard Division. Event is sponsored by Young Professionals of Tuscaloosa or YP(t). For more info, email bamabrewandque@gmail.com or call 633.0279 or 469.2410.

Limited Rooms Still Available for Washington Fly-In As always, our schedule while in the na-

tion's capital will allow time for interaction with our members of Congress as well as engagements with other elected officials.

It's also an opportunity, unlike any other, to network with fellow Chamber members. This year, the agenda will include some fun time at a Washington Nationals baseball game. Join us Sept. 24-26! Email Stacey@tuscaloosachamber.com for details. Sponsors this year are D.T. & Freight Co., Inc., Lewis, Smyth, Winter & Ford, Mercedes Benz, Merrill Lynch, Rosen Harwood, PA and TTL. Start Up Weekend Planned for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Startup Weekend is a global grassroots movement of active and empowered entrepreneurs who are learning the basics of founding startups and launching successful ventures. Backed by Google and supported by your Chamber and other local entities, a Tuscaloosa event will be held Sept. 26-28 at the South Engineering Research Complex on the UA Campus.

Early bird registration is on now through Aug. 27. Visit tuscaloosa.startupweekend. org register and learn more.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

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inside

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>>> planetweeklyissue466

STORIES 4 MULTI-USE DEVELOPMENTS // JUDAH MARTIN Going back to some old ideas

HIGH TIDE SPORTS 21 SABAN TALKS ABOUT FINAL SCRIMMAGE

By Gary Harris

6 HOUSE SHOWS // JUDAH MARTIN New outlets for underground artists

PUBLISHER LIN DA W. J OHNSON MANAGING EDITOR B E R T PAULS EN ASSISTANT EDITOR J U DA H MA R TIN COVER DESIGN LAU R A LIN E B E R R Y EVENTS J U D A H MA R TIN ROAD TRIP T R E Y B R OOK S DESIGN/PRODUCTION HERB NEU

IMAGES Common Use unless otherwise credited Cover image: UA Athletic Photography

ADVERTISING 205.792.7 239 205.765- 8007

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS R E G G I E ALL E N c a r a br a ke T R E Y B R OO K S G A R Y H A R R IS CINDY HUGGINS KEVIN LEDGEWOOD BEBE BAREFOOT LLOYD RYAN MAGEE J U D A H MA R TIN JIM REED BRETT REID j o n r o ger s VAN R O B E R TS STEPHEN SMITH

Planet Weekly P. O . B o x 2 3 1 5 T u s c a l o o s a , AL 3 5 4 0 3 Phone: 205.792.7239 |

8 HOT AUGUST BLUES // Bebe barefoot lloyd Caroline Shines Blues Festival

9 ACOUSTIC NIGHT // KEVIN LEDGEWOOD Rising star Sarah McQuaid

13 "TEENAGE MUTANT NINJAS" // VAN ROBERTS This film gets 4 stars.

14 ARTIST JONI GRUBER // KEVIN LEDGEWOOD A wickedly good read

UA Athletic Photography

27 IMAGINE MUSIC FESTIVAL // Trey brooks A big day in Atlanta on August 30

NOT READING BEING SO COOL

entertainment 205.765.8007

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. © 2014 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.

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FEATURE 26 RED CLAY DIARY // THE IMPORTANCE OF

By Jim Reed

RESTAURANT GUIDE / WINE & BEER

MOVIE REVIEW

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Events Calendar

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Road Trip

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Tuscaloosa music

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THE FLAT SCREEN

23 Horoscopes // Sudoku 24 CROSSWORD PUZZLe

under the cover >>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

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>>> O P I N I O N | J U D A H M A R T I N

MULTI-USE DEVELOPMENTS MAKE THEIR WAY SOUTH // GOING BACK TO AN OLD IDEA

When you are new to college, the best thing about living on campus is probably the ease with which you can find food/beverages/people that cheer for the same football team that you do without having to get in your car and look for any of it. If you find a job on campus, too, then you've really got it made.

It is a unique way of living, and most folks tend to miss if they move off of campus as an upperclassman.

But alas, the times, they are a-changin’. In Tuscaloosa, leasing has already begun for Riverfront Village, a brand new multi-use residential community located along Greensboro Avenue, adjacent to the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. At approximately one mile from the University of Alabama campus, the community is specifically geared toward college students. The community is spearheaded by Chance Partners, LLC. “We are happy with the progress on the construction of the Riverfront Village community,” Judd Bobilin, CEO & President of Chance Partners, said in a press release. “Once fully completed, the development will provide a unique place where neighbors can live, work and play—all without having to get in a car.”

But what exactly is a mixed-use community?

Innovative as they may seem in the face of contemporary urban sprawl, mixeduse communities that combine residential life, retail and office into one compact space are actually an age-old concept.

So perhaps the times aren't a-changin’ so much as they are just going back to the way they used to be, however gradually.

In fact, most settlements in history that were reliant on trade and commerce in one form or another thrived as close-knit, mixed-use communities. One might argue that this type of community made its most recognizable debut in the form of medieval

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fectively separated buildings and spaces villages, where enormous walls were conbased on their uses. Zoning played a structed closely together in order to secure crucial role in facilitating the mass midthe village. In these communities, villagers twentieth century exodus from urban accessed goods and services available in apartments and tenements to the suburbs. close proximity to their homes.

The result of these changes is a The concept later made its way to Colonial America and continued to be popular for uniquely American, uniquely capitalist, individualized conception of community. some time, particularly in urban areas like Immigrants unaccustomed to American Manhattan Island where markets, residenculture often recall that, upon arrival, tial spaces and businesses were frequently they were shocked at how little neighbors compacted into one acre of land or less. interact, how shut off people seemed from Mixed-used communities served a their neighpractical bors. purpose of Mixed-use communities that combine Too, the gaining as residential life, retail and office into one individualmuch use ization of from a limcompact space are an age-old concept…

America ited space as The times aren't a-changin’ so much through this possible. It as they are just going back to single-use seemed only facillogical to use the way they used to be... ity urban the ground sprawl greatly increased the need to comfloor of a building to do business and the mute. The result has been dramatically use the rest for residential space. A builtincreased traffic, increased pollution and in consumer market was an added perk. increased dependence on foreign oil, acIf a community became overcrowded, it could typically be expanded. If not, people cording to the U.S. Department of Energy Smart Communities Network. simply moved on elsewhere.

And thus there is something unmisThe practicality of these communities takably progressive about the revival of never changed, but American values did.

People began to move away from them as mixed-use communities. The resurgence the nation drifted further toward modern capitalism and the notion of independent personal destiny and ownership of private property led many to strike out on their own. The more industrialized the United States became, the more normative single-use facilities seemed to the public.

Neighborhoods were transformed into cheap, single-purpose tenements as rural and immigrant workers poured into the cities to take the new industrial jobs.

While many city dwellers still lived in close proximity to retail services and their places of employment, Euclidean zoning, or single-purpose zoning ordinances ef-

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began in cities in the latter half of the 20th century and gradually began making their way to rural markets over the last decade.

In the South, Chance Partners has introduces mixed-use communities in college towns like Athens and Savannah, Ga., Oxford, Miss., and Tallahassee, Fla, teaming up with architectural firms like architectural firm The Preston Partnership and J.M. Wilkerson Construction.

At the Tuscaloosa location, the development encompasses 7.5 acres, comprising five different buildings that will house 195 apartments, townhomes. Additionally, the development encompasses 30,000 square feet of commercial space that includes a health club and yoga studio, covered parking and a “SkyClub” that features an indoor lounge and patio overlooking the river.

“We are dedicated to leading the way in walkable urban infill design and this community is the latest example,” said Bobilin. “Downtown Tuscaloosa is undergoing a significant revitalization and we are thrilled to be a part of that progress.”

And while walkability is key to the development, residents have additional options. Like most student-oriented residential spaces, the property features-onsite Crimson Ride and Tuscaloosa Trolley shuttle stops. The community also offers a bike share program, following a growing international trend in which urban dwellers can borrow a bike from one location and return it to another spot on their route.

The earliest bike share programs can be traced to the 1960’s but, recently, they have become increasingly mainstream, yet the trend hasn’t yet caught on in most rural areas. By partnering with Republic Bike, a designer of custom bicycles, Chance Partners' Tuscaloosa properties hopes to help students circumvent campus parking by biking directly to campus.

“The bike share program we're implementing with Republic Bike will only add to the fast-paced, urban experience our tenants already enjoy", Jeffrey Rosen, Vice President at Chance Partners, said in a press release. "In addition to living in downtown Tuscaloosa's best properties, our residents will now have new ways to explore and experience the wonderful aspects of their surroundings, including the Riverwalk, the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, the University of Alabama campus and scenic downtown Tuscaloosa,"

DOWNRIGHT’S BREWFEST & COLLEGE FOOTBALL KICKOFF

When: Saturday, August 30 Where: Avondale Brewing Company (avondalebrewing.com),

201 41st Street South, Birmingham Supporting: Coosa Riverkeeper (coosariver.org) Sponsors: Cadence Bank & Cuko Rakko Music & Art Festival Tickets: General Admission $10; VIP $25 per person—includes: special viewing area, one Avondale beer, one-year membership to Coosa Riverkeeper, a copy of Downright’s latest CD, “Lightheaded” and more...

Tickets available through: Ticket Biscuit (Minors must be accompanied by an adult)

Football coverage starts at noon

Food Truck: Saw’s BBQ & Soul Food Blacksmith & Metal Casting Workshop hosted by Sons of Vulcan Mobile Rock Climbing Wall provided by Idlewild Adventure Co. Digital Projections created by bigfatmonster Music Schedule: 6:30—The Uri Band (Tuscaloosa) uriband.com 7:30—NoeL (Birmingham) pipeandgun,com 8:30—DJ Logic (Bronx, NY) djlogic.com 9:30—Downright (Birmingham) >>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

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Fall at the J upiter : It’s still the middle of summer, but if you’re confused we can’t blame you. The mornings have been incredibly fall-like this s

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>>> M U S I C | JUDAH MARTIN

A NEW TREND // HOUSE SHOWS OFFER OUTLET FOR UNDERGROUND ARTISTS F. Scott Fitzgerald once said that "too much champagne is just right."

And if you ignore the key role excessive boozing had in Fitzgerald’s early death, it may start to seem as if he were on to something. For Eric Mason and his band, Hot Gin, good things seem to happen when they are drinking. That is how they got their name, after all.

"Me and a buddy were playing Fantasy Football and we decided that the loser would have to do five shots of hot gin that had been sitting on [a heater]," Mason recalled.

Guess who lost…

"It tasted like warm pine needles," Mason recalled, sounding simultaneously disgusted and proud. How Mason would know to make the pine needles comparison is anyone’s guess, and he didn’t elaborate further on how many warm pine needles he has consumed in his time. It’s probably best if we all just take his word on it.

F. Scott Fitzgerald is said to have done some of his best writing when he was drinking. Or am I getting Fitzgerald confused with Mason?

“Well, we all like to drink,” he said in reference to the band’s lyrical themes.

They also like to vent their frustration about their jobs, he said.

“We all have jobs, and I think our daily grind kind of seeps into [the lyrics],” Mason said.

Hot Gin started about a year ago in Birmingham, Alabama as an amateur garage band playing indie rock and roll and they have begun gradually building a local following since then, playing most of their shows in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa.

On Friday, August 22 the band will play with other local musicians at a house show in Northport, organized by Do it Yourself Tuscaloosa.

Mason said house shows are a growing trend in towns like Tuscaloosa and are ideal for college students, particularly since Under 21 regulations keep them out of most

docu-series called Town of the Living Dead to promote a zombie film he and a friend made, Thr33 Days Dead. Farley plays a “grave robber” in the film.

Is he a loser, or an unfunded artist? …Fitzgerald had funding.

Luckily, the convenient thing about house shows is that they don’t cost much of anything. In fact, there is no cover charge for the Back to School Show on Friday.

DIY does ask that guests make a donation if they can, even if it is a dollar or a little

pocket change (who can put a price on creativity?)

The event starts at 7 p.m. and is Bring Your Own Beer (or champagne, if you’re a Fitzgerald fan) and Bring Your Own Food- a barbecue grill will be available.

Other local acts scheduled to perform at the show include Maia Wade,Elvis Levis Southern Beauties, Mitch Carruthers, Kevin Forbus and Steels To request directions for the show, visit DIY Tuscaloosa on Facebook.

Ben Farley

bar shows. He estimated that about 30 percent of his band’s gigs are house shows. “[House shows] are much more intimate,” Mason said. “You’re not on a stage, you’re just kind of on the floor. People are more willing to have a good time.”

Another local rocker, Ben Farley, will play at the show. He agreed with Mason’s sentiments about house shows.

“A lot of places are really set up for that intimate viewing the way house shows are,” Farley said.

Farley has been making music for as long as he can remember. In 2002 he found some friends to play with him and the Ben Farley Band has been playing ever since.

The band started out playing punk and heavy metal, but now their sound is more “mellow.”

“I just got burnt out playing metal and punk,” Farley said. “I played some really hard stuff but now I’m into Americana and blues music, some hip-hop. We’re kind of like a fusion band.”

But Farley doesn’t just play music. These days, he’s mostly into making films. Between that and playing with his band, he doesn’t have much free time.

“I’m a loser,” he joked, because he is in his midthirties and he works fast food places off and on. He was laughing, but there was a note of self-consciousness.

Perhaps he’s just looking at the glass half empty, because he actually seems to be into a little bit of everything. He performs stand-up comedy, his band is recording an album. He’s Eric Mason even appearing in a Syfy

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AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

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>>> M U S I C | B E B E B A R E F O O T L LOY D

HOT AUGUST BLUES // GOOD THINGS COME // THE JOHNNY SHINES BLUES FESTIVAL

Say “the blues” or “blues music” to the average fan, and you will stir up images of smoke-filled juke joints, bathtub gin, and brazenly bawdy lyrics. An accurate picture, no doubt, but Carroline Shines Edwards wants you to know that this snapshot is only a small glimpse of the art form that is nothing less than a building block—indeed, a cornerstone—of American music. For Edwards, “blues” also means family, church, and community. She wants the world to know and

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understand this complexity, so a few years ago, she founded the Johnny Shines Blues Festival to celebrate and share it.

This year’s event, scheduled for August 30 in Edwards’s own back yard, promises to do that and more.

Blues and “family” have special meaning for Edwards. Her father, the legendary Johnny Shines, was a respected bluesman in his own right but also shared the stage with the likes of Robert Johnson.

More importantly, though, he nurtured unknown musicians and helped foster countless careers.

Shines moved his family from Chicago to Holt when Edwards was a child, and she grew up attending church with her mother as well as sharing the dinner table with some of the twentieth century’s best-known and beloved blues musicians.

No one had to tell her that the juke-joint sounds that put food on her family’s table had their roots in the South’s cotton fields and humble churches attended by slaves in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. She literally heard these links on a near-daily basis. This intricate connection between spiritual music and blues is part of Edwards’s DNA, so it is no surprise that this year’s Festival line-up includes a heaping helping of gospel.

As she helps keep the blues alive, Edwards wants to focus especially on young people and make sure they know their heritage.

She sees this as a way to also honor both her father and his good friend, the late Willie King. Both men devoted countless hours to educating children.

“The Johnny Shines Festival will help teach our kids and the community the history of the blues. These kids need to know their origins, and they need to know that the blues is the basis for all [American] music.

They need to have that sense of pride,” she says.

Edwards is unwavering in her determination to always hold the event at her house on Johnny Shines Street, not only because she wants to

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>>> M U S I C | K E V I N L E D G E W O O D CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

give back to her hometown of Holt, but also because she wants to emphasize that families build communities and that your community, in turn, becomes your family.

“Having the festival at my childhood home shows where my Dad stayed and where I’m from. It shows that we are simple, everyday people, and that good things come from Holt. Also, I feel closer to my Dad here,” says Edwards.

The festival is truly a family affair, as Edwards’s kin help her run it.

“They’re my eyes, ears, and legs,” she says. “Everything I can’t do, they do.

Where I can’t be, they are.”

The last Johnny Shines Festival took place in 2012. Edwards skipped last year for personal reasons, but she and a dazzling line-up will be back in full force for the 2014 event. More than 200 came out two years ago, and Edwards hopes that this year’s attendance exceeds that.

The gates will open at 10:30 a.m., and the festival will kick off at 11:00 with the Tuscaloosa Community Heritage Chorale, a non-denominational and multi-cultural group dedicated to music ministry and educational outreach. Arkeithan L. Bivins, another gospel act, will follow. Next up will be Hattie B (Hattie Butler), a Tuscaloosa native who performs everything from gospel to R&B and Hip Hop, with a “touch of jazz.” Local favorite B. J. Miller will take the stage after lunch, and Tuscaloosa party-circuit mainstay Simple Interest will follow.

Mid-afternoon, Stephen “BluesDude” Duncan, an Athens, Georgia, native now based in Atlanta, will fill the air with traditional sounds. A familiar face in Atlanta, Clarksdale, and other venues throughout the region, Duncan will also play the Annual Pinetop Perkins Foundation Homecoming Celebration later this year.

Following Duncan will be SharBaby Newport, an award-winning songwriter and performer whose electrifying sounds are known worldwide. A 2012 Blues Hall of Fame inductee (as “Master Blues Artist”), SharBaby has also received numerous other honors, including three songwriting awards from the Indie Music Channel.

Neon Smoke with Shawn Battles will close the Johnny Shines Blues Festival.

General Admission price is $15. VIP tickets are available for $25.

VIP tickets include: a chair, tent, table, meal, signed poster, and swag bag.

WHEN: Saturday, August 30, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (gates open at 10:30) WHERE: 4017 Johnny Shines Street, NE, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (If you look it up on Google it’s 4017 11th Street, NE, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404) LINEUP: 11:00 – Prayer 11:15 –Tuscaloosa Community Heritage Chorale 12:00 – Arkeithan L. Bivins 12:30 – Hattie B (Hattie Butler) 1:15 – B. J. Miller 2:15 – Simple Interest 3:15 – Stephen “BluesDude” Duncan 4:15 – SharBaby Newport 5:15 –Neon Smoke with Shawn Battles

RISING STAR SARAH MCQUAID // ACOUSTIC NIGHT AT THE BAMA Musician Sarah McQuaid will be featured in a performance on Acoustic Night on September 8, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bama Theatre. Presented by The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa, the project features both solo and ensemble performances of a wide range of acoustic music throughout the calendar year in the intimate setting of the theatre’s Greensboro Room. Cover charge is $10 with a full service bar available.

The voice of rising star Sarah McQuaid has been likened to malt whiskey, melted chocolate and “honey poured into wine” (Minor 7th). A captivating performer, she seduces her audience with cheeky banter and stories from the road, as well as with stunning musicianship. In her hands, the guitar becomes much more than merely an accompanying instrument.

McQuaid’s musical output reflects her own eclectic background. She was born in Spain, raised in Chicago, holds dual U.S. and Irish citizenship and now lives in rural England. Refusing to be pigeonholed, she spans the genres with both her beautifully crafted originals and her interpretations of material from around the globe and throughout the centuries.

Her third solo album, “The Plum Tree and the Rose,” has drawn critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. “Impeccable,” wrote fRoots (U.K.), while Midwest Record (U.S.) called it “low key but glorious and incendiary” and Hot Press (Ireland) said it “should feature on many end-of-year best-ofs.”

For more information about the artist visit sarahmcquaid.com, facebook.com/ sarahmcquaidmusic and Sarah McQuaid (sarahmcquaid) on Twitter.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

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>>> wine REVIEW | J O N R O G E R S

RED WINE FROM SPAIN // WHITE WINE FROM GREECE // QUITE GOOD Tres Picos Garnacha is a red wine from Spain. This review is of Tres Picos Garnacha 2011.

According to the bottle, the grapes for this wine come from old vine Garnacha vineyards. The growing conditions are said to be on “rugged terrain on the slopes of the famous Moncayo mountain.”

The Garnacha grape, per the Wine Bible, is native to Spain and is a widely planted grape in that country. It’s also often used in blends due to its big body and jammy flavors.

This particular wine is not a blend and is 100% Garnacha according to the tech specs.

Tres Picos Garnacha comes from Bodegas Borsao and has won many awards, including several from the Wine Advocate.

Alcohol content of Tres Picos Garnacha is 13.5% according to the bottle.

This wine was given to me as a gift from a good friend. He hinted he was very interested in seeing how this review would go.

In the glass this wine is deep ruby in color. It’s quite dark and very little shines through.

Many thick, slow moving legs were observed.

The fragrance of Tres Picos Garnacha was heavy with lots of jammy fruits and a good whiff of alcohol. I also noted hints of black raspberry.

The black raspberry carried through to the palate along with other jammy black and red fruits. Tres Picos Garnacha is fullbodied with a good amount of complexity.

Biting tannins were noted on the top of the tongue and the wine had a mouth coating viscosity.

The tasting notes for this wine say the tannins are soft and silky, however I disagree with that evaluation.

The wine’s finish was very long and quite enjoyable.

Price for Tres Picos Garnacha is about $11.00 to $14.00.

Overall, I really liked Tres Picos Garnacha.

It’s a great red wine from Spain that lives up to the expectation of the big and boldness of the Garnacha varietal.

I also liked the fact that it is a

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straight Garnacha and not a blend, which really allows you the full experience of a bold Garnacha. Give it a try!

Thalassitis by Gaia Wines is a Greek wine from the island of Santorini. It’s a dry white Greek wine made from Assyrtiko grapes. For this review we had a team of three men and one woman. We received a sample for review purposes. Alcohol 13.0% by volume.

According to the wine maker, “Assyrtiko is perhaps the only Mediterranean variety of grape to flourish under such difficult climatic conditions. From poor, porous soil formed by volcanic activity and composed largely of pumice, we harvest fully mature grapes with a relatively high acidity. Our vineyard, located on the Southeastern slopes of Episkopi is composed entirely of 70-80 year old, ungrafted vines with a dramatically low yield.

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

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

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

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

On the palate the Thalassitis was very dry, though lively. Tastes of citrus and grapefruit were noted. Not a sweet wine.

“Great acidity” was mentioned by a taster.

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

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

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

Recommend!

Visit Jon's www.honestwinereviews. com for some more reviews.

>>> RESTAURANTS |

W here to E at in T uscaloosa

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. | Wed-Sat 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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

CountryPride Restaurant 3501 Buttermilk Rd // 554.0215 www.ta.travelcenters.com Breakfast 24 hours. Lunch and Dinner buffet.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 4800 Doris Pate Dr | Exit 76 // 562.8282 www.crackerbarrel.com International House of Pancakes 724 Skyland Blvd // 366.1130 Jack's 1200 Hackberry Lane | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199 Maggie's Diner 1307 Ty Rogers Jr. Ave | Tuscaloosa // 366.0302 Mr. Bill's Family Restaurant 2715 McFarland Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 333.9312 Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd *402 | Tuscaloosa // 366.8780 Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip | Tuscaloosa // 342.0022 Rama Jama’s 1000 Bryant Dr // 750.0901 Closest restaurant to Bryant-Denny Stadium.

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

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

MEXICAN Chipotle Mexican Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0140 www.chipotle.com Don Rafa's 2313 4th Street | Temerson Square // 345.9191 El Mariachi 3520 McFarland Blvd E |Tuscaloosa // 409-8585

Thursday of every month. Happy Hour- Mon-Fri from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. featuring 1/2 price appetizers. $2 Domestic Draft Beers and $3 Well cocktails.

Epiphany Cafe 19 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 344.5583 “New American cuisine” with a strong emphasis on local produce, organic meats, and sustainable seafood. The menu is always changing and features include an extensive wine list, a large vibrant bar and martini lounge area, as well as patio seating. Reservations are available online at epiphanyfinedining.com or through open table. Hours: Mon–Sat 5 p.m. - until Evangeline’s 1653 McFarland Blvd. North // 752.0830 Located in the Tuscaloosa Galleria. 2004 West Alabama Tourism Award Winning Restaurant. American Eclectic Cuisine. Lunch: Mon–Fri 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: Tues–Sat 5 p.m. - until... Fall: Saturday Brunch.

FIVE Bar 2324 6th Street. // 205.345.6089 A restaurant/bar based on simplicity. We offer 5 entrees, 5 red wines, 5 white wines, 5 import beers, 5 domestic, and 5 signature cocktails, to go along with our full liquor bar.

Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 5-10; Friday and Saturday 5-12 Lunch: Friday and Saturday 11-3; Sunday Jazz Brunch: 10-3 five-bar.com; 205.345.6089 Kozy’s 3510 Loop Road E | near VA Medical Center // 556.4112 Eclectic menu, extensive wine list. Dinner at Kozy’s is a romantic experience complete with candlelight and a roaring fireplace. |killionrestaurants.com/kozys/ Twin 3700 6th St, Tuscaloosa in Tuscaloosa Country Club | 758-7528 | http://twinpowersactivate.com Certified USDA Prime Steaks; specialty Sushi and cocktails.

Hours: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; 5 – 10 p.m.

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.

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

Kobe Steak House 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 759-1400 Lunch: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Sat & Sun 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.

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

ITALIAN

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

Avenue Pub 405 23rd Avenue

Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill 2001 New Watermelon Rd | Northport // 342.3378

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

LaGran Fiesta 9770 Hwy 69 S // 345.8871

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

Los Calientes Mexican Grill 3429 McFarland Blvd E // 553.1558 Los Tarascos (2 locations) 1759 Skyland Blvd // 553.8896 3380 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.0919 Margarita's Grill 1241 McFarland Blvd E // 343.0300 Moe’s Southwest Grill (2 locations) 2330 McFarland Blvd E // 342.1487 1130 University Blvd // 752.0234 moes.com Pepito’s (2 locations) 1203 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9028 1301 McFarland Blvd NE // 391.4861 Taco Mama 2104 A University Blvd, Tuscaloosa 409.8173

FINE DINING Chuck’s Fish 508 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 248.9370 Monday - Thursday 5-10 p.m. and Friday - Saturday 5-11 p.m.

Steak, seafood, & sushi specialities. Daily specials: Monday $20 Bottles of Wine; Tuesday - Ladies Night 1/2 off Domestic Beer and House Wine, Select $5 Martinis, $2 off Select Sushi Rolls for Everyone; Uptown Wednesday - $6 Uptown Shrimp; Featured Cocktails and $20 Bottles of Wine.

Cypress Inn 501 Rice Mine Rd // 345.6963 Fax: 345.6997 | www.cypressinnrestaurant.com 2003 Restaurant of Distinction. Beautiful riverfront location.

Steaks, seafood and more with Southern flavor. Wine list, full bar. Specialities of the house include Shrimp Cypress Inn and Smoked Chicken with white barbecue sauce. Kid friendly. Closed Saturday lunch. Mike Spiller is featured the first

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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 The pub offers a different menu for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Feature foods include pineapple French toast, pork sliders, and a house burger which changes daily. The drink menu features specialty cocktails, local pints, bottled beer, and wine.

Monday through Friday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday Noon – 11 p.m., Sunday Noon p.m. – 9 p.m.

Big Daddy’s Cafe 514 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 759.9925 The Blue Plate Restaurant (Was Northport Diner) 450 McFarland Blvd, Northport // 462-3626 Brumfield's Restaurant 4851 Rice Mine Road | Tuesday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., and Sunday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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

>>> RESTAURANTS |

W here to E at in T uscaloosa ( cont . )

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

Chicken Salad Chick The Shoppes at Midtown & Essex Square, Northport | Said to be the very best chicken salad that can be found anywhere. www.chickensaladchick.com

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).

Chili’s 1030 Skyland Blvd | Near McFarland Mall // 750.8881 Fax: 758.7715 // www.chilis.com

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

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.

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.

Tacogi 500 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 342.3647 Logan's Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd E // 349.3554 Madear’s 1735 Culver Road // 343.7773 Mon–Fri 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. | 2nd & 3rd Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 391.0572 Great burgers & sandwiches. Unique setting, full service bar, veggie entrees, kid friendly, and open late www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com Newk’s Express Cafe 205 University Blvd. East // 758.2455 Fax: 758.2470 // www.newkscafe.com An express casual dining experience in a refreshing and stylish atmosphere. Serving fresh tossed salads, oven baked sandwiches, California style pizzas and homemade cakes from Newk’s open kitchen. Sun–Wed 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

O’Charley’s 3799 McFarland Blvd // 556.5143 Open daily for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch www.ocharleys.com Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 366.8780 www.panerabread.com Piccadilly Cafeteria 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 556.4960 www.piccadilly.com Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip // 342.0022 www.bamaquickgrill.com Ruby Tuesday (2 locations) 6421 Interstate Drive | Cottondale // 633.3939 Just off I-20/59 at exit 77. Near Hampton Inn and Microtel Inn 311 Merchants Walk | Northport // 345.4540 www.rubytuesdays.com Ryan’s 4373 Courtney Dr // 366.1114 Near Marriott Courtyard and Fairfield Inn Sitar Indian Cuisine 500 15th St // 345-1419 Southland Restaurant 5388 Skyland Blvd E // 556.3070 Steaks, chops and home-cooked vegetables Mon–Fri 10:45 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd. East | Tuscaloosa // 523.0273 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine selection, full bar

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 Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave // 391.0572 Great burgers. Full service bar. Open late. www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com Tuscaloosa Burger & Seafood Company 1014 7th Ave. | Tuscaloosa // 764.1976 Over 160 craft beers.

Tue. - Thu 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri - Sat 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Large selection of decadent desserts Wilhagan’s 2209 4th St | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 366.0913 Wings U 1800 McFarland Blvd East Suite 218 | Pick-up Tuscaloosa // 561.3984 Features the first coal-fired pizza oven in Alabama.

Owned by former UA/Miami Dolphins great Bob Baumhower.

Completely open concept! www.wingsu.com WingZone 1241 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 342.2473

BARBEQUE Archibald & Woodrow's BBQ 4215 Greensboro Ave | Tuscaloosa // 331.4858 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sun lunch Bama BBQ & Grill 3380 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.9816 Dickey's BBQ 9770 Alabama 69; Midtown; and 13544 Hwy 43 North at Rose Blvd. in Northport. Great Texas Barbecue. | 344.6500 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 Serving up an award-winning, all things Southern BBQ and Live music experience. Come dine-in or sit on the patio and enjoy some great Que, beers, whiskey, and live music on Thursday-Saturday. Roll Tide!

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

The Southern Dining Room Grill (Behind Ryan's) 4251 Courtney Dr, Tuscaloosa 331-4043

STEAKS

T-Town Café 500 14th Street, Tuscaloosa | 759-5559 |www.ttowncafe.co Mon - Fri: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sat: 5 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sun: 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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

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.

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

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

SPORTS GRILL

Nick's In the Sticks 4018 Culver Rd | Tuscaloosa // 758.9316 A long-time Tuscaloosa tradition.

Good steaks at a reasonable price Try a Nicodemus if you have a designated driver.

Outback Steakhouse 5001 Oscar Baxter Dr // 759.9000

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

Twin Restaurant 3700 6th Street |Tuscaloosa | 758-7528 A full service restaurant specializing in Sushi, Prime Steaks, made fresh daily pasta, and whiskey oriented cocktails. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. // Former Tuscaloosa Country Club

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

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;

SEAFOOD

>>> beer review | B R E T T R E I D

GOOD PEOPLE PALE ALE // AN AMAZING BEER I had a lot of free time recently, being that I am basically off work for the entire week, so I decided to throw some meat on my smoker. I had a Boston Butt in the freezer, so I put that on around 9:30 this morning and waited.

Toward the end, to celebrate a successful cook, I decided to pop open a cold one and enjoy my hard work.

I decided to drink a Good People Pale Ale, which is by far my favorite beer currently made in Alabama, and has been for a while. A pale ale was not a great choice to pair with pork, but I went with it.

I enjoyed this one straight out of the can, but I know from previous experiences that this beer pours a hazy straw color with about two finger widths of off-white foam that creates some nice lacing on the glass. The aromas coming off here are really hop forward, specifically earthy hops; along with some citrus scents and some pine too. The citrus scents I always pick up are in the way of lemon and grapefruit, but I also know it’s packed with Citra hops. I love the way this beer smells; it’s one of the better smelling Good People beers offered.

Some people think it smells more like an IPA, but personally, I think it smells exactly how American Pale Ales should smell; hoppy, earthy, and full of citrus.

My favorite aspect of this beer is the taste (shocker,) but really, the taste has so many different elements that make this an amazing beer. The taste really drifts away from the aroma, but takes a nice turn toward some different flavors.

Up front, you get a lot of pine notes pair with some serious earthy hops, whereas the aroma had just a faint note of the pine quality. There is a nice malty backbone that really balances all of these qualities and brings the whole beer together with a full body flavor. You get some floral notes toward the end with a touch of some citrus flavors like the lemon I picked up in the nose. It finishes dry and leaves a nice piney aftertaste that almost requires you to take another sip, which can be attributed to the bread-like taste that you get midway through. The whole taste is so developed and the flavors come through really clear unlike a lot of pale ales that really lean toward the use of different spices like cardamom or coriander. I tend to prefer the more citrus centered beers, but that’s not to say that I don’t enjoy the flavors of spices used sometimes.

The mouthfeel is perfect for the style as usual with all Good People beers.

They really know how to dial in that carbonation level and make sure it complements the flavors in the beer. There is a creaminess aspect of the beer toward the end that really rounds it out and makes it a little heavier, but that’s fine by me.

The beer can settle on your tongue while

you take it all in and allow it to develop.

You can’t really pick up on the alcohol, but along with the dry finish, you do get a slight burn as the beer warms up.

Overall, this is a great beer, and it makes me really happy that it’s so readily available in Birmingham. I’m glad that this is one of the beers that Good People chose to produce, and I hope it continues to be canned year-round. The flavors are such a refreshing take on the American Pale Ale and really what I compare other beers to since having this for the first time.

Like I said, this is one of my favorite beers, not only of beers made in Alabama, but one of my favorites ever. I drink it whenever it’s offered and so should you.

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AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

11

>>> RESTAURANT REVIEW | C I N D Y H U G G I N S

SWEET HOME FOOD BAR // "AFTER ONE BITE MY HEART WAS WHOLE AGAIN"

Tucked between Mellow Mushroom and Black Warrior Brewery Company, sits Tuscaloosa’s newest restaurant Sweet Home Food Bar. Native New Yorkers and owners, Debra Rubino and George Harsch, bring a little northern touch to southern comfort foods. They serve breakfast, lunch, and tapas. Tuscaloosa’s local fresh and seasonal produce and meat inspire the menu. Displaying the motto “Be Social. Eat Well.” Rubino and Harsch wanted to create an atmosphere that draws together good company and good food. Conversation at my table was not lacking after biting into their decadent pastries and savory comfort cuisines.

The restaurant is charming, whimsical, and stunning. At the entrance was a hostess booth placed next to a black gothic door holding two door knockers. I was reminded of the talking door knockers from the movie "Labyrinth." The long and narrow space is broken up by a bar which displays a case of tapas and sampler salads. Seating around the bar was occupied by several students casually dining solo.

Moments after my husband and I arrived, we were greeted by one of the owners, George Harsch. He was dressed casually in a t-shirt, blue jeans, and apron. In between a few jokes and pleasant banter, he told us to help ourselves to any table we desired. The lovely tables appeared brand new and were accented with vintage encyclopedias dated 1947. White lights twinkled from long stem tress against the exposed brick wall, while the opposite wall presented a cluster of eye-catching abstract art. George handed us menus and began to introduce us to the new restaurant. He noted that the décor was strategically placed throughout the restaurant to allow for a hidden object game.

The challenge was to find a number of hidden items: the wall of noses, guardian angels flying above, a rocking horse on a mantle and even a hidden room. Though devised for kids, I found myself carefully inspecting my surroundings and seriously considering knocking on Labyrinth door.

The menu is short and sweet—literally, sweet. I was immediately drawn

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AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

to the hand cakes, five light and fluffy crafted puffs filled with an assortment of fruits, peanut butter, coconut, Nutella, or chocolate. Tears nearly flooded my eyes when the waitress announced there were none being made that day. Heart broken, I reluctantly ordered the pancakes with a side of turkey bacon.

My husband went with something a little more substantial, the Meatball Parmesan Hero with Caesar salad on the side. It was served like a piece of art: a well puttogether sub next to a bowl of green salad with freshly made Caesar dressing. Melted Parmesan cheese oozed out of the toasted hero bun. The house-made meatballs had been covered with a creamy tomato sauce.

These delicately handcrafted meatballs literally crumbled with each savory bite.

Very fresh and delicious.

The pancakes and bacon were very satisfying. Although, my hand kept making its way to my husband’s plate. The freshly made Caesar dressing was light. I didn’t feel as if I were sinning by nearly licking the cup clean. The waitress took the leftover salad, topped it off, and packaged it up with another cup of house-made Caesar dressing. To our surprise, two warm, freshly baked coconut cupcakes sat side-by-side in the box.

After one bite my heart was whole again.

Debra Rubino and George Harsch have really brought something special to Tuscaloosa, though, they have a few kinks to work out. It was apparent, that everyone who walked in was confused as to whether take a seat or wait to be seated.

Perhaps, a hostess is in the near future.

The limited hours made it extremely difficult for me to find time to come in and eat.

Fortunately, Debra says, extended hours will be offered by reservation on certain days of the week.

Currently, Sweet Home Food Bar is open Monday-Friday 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Let us know where you are eating, tweet us @ThePlanetWeekly.

Cindy Huggins, RDN, LD is a registered dietitian nutritionist and local “foodie.” Tweet her @DietitianCindy

>>> RESTAURANTS |

W here t o E a t i n T u s c a l o o s a ( c o n t . )

Featured Cocktails and $20 Bottles of Wine.

Red Lobster 2620 McFarland Blvd // 553.8810 McFarland Plaza Shopping Center Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar 4851 Rice Mine Rd NE #460 // 462.3399 McFarland Plaza Shopping Center & Temerson Square 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.

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.

Wintzell’s Oyster House 1 Bridge Ave | Northport // 247.7772 Casual riverfront dining Sun–Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Fri–Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

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

CHINESE

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

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

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

Chang’s Chinese Restaurant 1825 McFarland Blvd N // 391.9131 China Fun 2600 University Blvd | Alberta City // 553.2435 China Garden Hwy 69 S | Hillcrest Center // 758.0148 Hot Wok Express 6751 Alabama 69, Tuscaloosa // 758.0148 Lee Palace 6521 Highway 69 S // 391.9990 Open daily 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Mr. Chen's Authentic Chinese Cooking & Oriental Market 514 14th St. | In the Oz Music shopping center // 343.6889 // Open Sun - Thu 11am - 9pm, Fri & Sat 11am - 9:30pm Pearl Garden 2719 Lurleen Wallace Blvd | Northport // 339.0880 Peking Chinese Restaurant 1816 McFarland | Northport // 333.0361 Open 7 days a week. Super lunch and dinner buffet.

Hours: Sun–Thurs 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Swen Chinese Restaurant 1130 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9887 Trey Yuen 4200 McFarland Blvd E // 752.0088

ASIAN CUISINE

Momma Goldberg’s Deli 409 23rd Ave // 345.5501 www.mommagoldbergs.com Newk's 205 University Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 758.2455 Schlotsky’s Deli 405 15th St. E // 759.1975 schlotskys.com Which Wich University Blvd.// Downtown Tuscaloosa // Mon – Sat 10:30 – 9 // Sunday 11 – 7 // Fun atmosphere,fresh ingredients, great sandwiches. 764.1673

COFFEE SHOP Barnes & Noble 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa 349.6366 Chloe's Cup 2117 University Blvd.| Tuscaloosa // 764.0218 Crimson Cafe International Coffee House & Gourmet Deli 1301 University Blvd | The Strip // 750.0203 Mon–Fri 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Sat & Sun 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. thecrimsoncafe.com Five Java Coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and treats from Mary's Cakes.

Open Monday - Saturday at 7am; 9am on Sundays

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.

Heritage House 18 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 758.0042

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

Starbucks (2 locations) 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 343.2468 1901 13th Ave East | inside Super Target // 462.1064 starbucks.com

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

17th Street and Greensboro Avenue. Authentic Chicago style foods. Italian Beef Sandwiches, Chicago Rib Tips, and Chicago Style Pizza.

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

Krispy Kreme Doughnut 1400 McFarland Blvd // 758.6913 www.krispykreme.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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>>> F I L M | V A N R O B E R T S

"TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES" // AN ✭✭✭✭ EXHILARATING JOY RIDE

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Believe it or not, I saw the original “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” movie when it appeared in theaters back in 1990, and I enjoyed it for the harmless guilty pleasure that it provided. The exploits of a quartet of anthropomorphic Chelonian crime-fighters was as entertaining as its eponymous characters were bizarre. Bandanna-clad vigilantes armed with an arsenal of feudal Japanese weaponry; these nimble turtles talked, walked, and displayed a predilection for pizza.

Creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird never imagined their mutated box turtles with the names of Renaissance painters would become a comic book sensation and remain in print for 26 years from 1984 to 2010.

Eastman and Laird say they drew inspiration from the works of Frank Miller and Jack Kirby. Specifically, Eastman and Laird sought to skewer not only “The New Mutants” and “Daredevil” at Marvel Comics, but also the eccentric Canadian comic book “Cerebus the Aardvark” as well as Frank Miller’s “Ronin” at DC Comics. The Ninja Turtles have since metamorphosed into a cult phenomenon, with three animated television series and a short-lived live-action series boasting a fifth turtle, a female called "Venus de Milo" skilled in the supernatural art of shinobi. Four “TMNT” films followed from 1990 to 2007. The first three movies were live-action, while the fourth film “TMNT” (2007) was an animated opus.

Almost 25 years after the original “Turtles” movie came out; Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon have rebooted “The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” with bombastic “Transformers” director Michael Bay as producer and “Wrath of the Titans” director Jonathan Liebesman calling the shots. No matter what you’ve heard about this latest adaptation, the new “Ninja Turtles” movie sticks pretty much to the origin. Casey Jones, the human vigilante with a hockey stick who served as news reporter April O’Neil’s romantic interest, has been jettisoned by “Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol”

scenarists Josh Appelbaum & André Nemec and “Divergent” scripter Evan Daugherty. Happily, while the characters have undergone some significant changes, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”emerges as a derivative, but an exhilarating rollercoaster of a joyride that should satisfy most vintage fans.

Unlike the 1990 movie, this “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” reboot gives the characters a makeover. Channel 6 news reporter April O’Neil (Megan Fox of “Jennifer’s Body”) is more than a television journalist covering a widespread crime wave in New York City. She is now the daughter of one of the two scientists who toiled on Project Renaissance. April’s father and his partner Eric Sacks (William Fichtner of “The Lone Ranger”) were conducting experiments on four turtles and a rodent to devise a new mutagen strain for its medicinal qualities. Unfortunately, O’Neil’s father perished during a mysterious fire in his laboratory while Sacks managed to survive. Neither April’s deceased father nor Eric Sacks knew about April’s role in rescuing the rodent and the turtles from the conflagration. She set them free in the sewer.

Years later April finds herself struggling with a story about the Foot Clan, an underworld syndicate run by a notorious Asian criminal called Shredder. Unlike the original “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” movie, Shredder doesn’t use homeless adolescents to accomplish his evil designs. Instead, he commands an army of deadly adult ninjas packing automatic weapons with orders to kill. After he discovers that the Turtles survived the fire, Shredder orders his second-incommand, Karai (Minae Noji of “The Last Run”), to take hostages. Shredder hopes the vigilante turtles will try to rescue the hostages and fall into his trap. Naturally, Raphael (Alan Ritchson), Michelangelo (Noel Fisher), Leonardo (Pete Ploszek) and Donatello (Jeremy Howard) show up to save the hostages held at gunpoint in a subway station. Shredder explodes with rage when the Turtles not only thwart his

plan, but also leave his minions trussed up like turkeys for the police. Meantime, April shadows the Turtles and tries to photograph them, but they frustrate her efforts and delete the photos from her cell phone. Eventually, the Turtles escort her to their lair where Master Splinter (Danny Woodburn) reveals that she alone rescued them from the fire. When she divulges her outlandish tale to her boss, Bernadette Thompson (Whoopi Goldberg of “Ghosts of Mississippi”), April loses her job. Desperately, April turns to her father’s old partner, affluent billionaire Eric Sacks, for help and gets the surprise of her life.

“Wrath of the Titans” director Jonathan Liebesman generates madcap momentum throughout this PG-rated film’s melodramatic 101 minutes. The new Ninja Turtles are even more differentiated than their predecessors. Standing six feet tall, they resemble the Marvel Comics character the Incredible Hulk.

They still crave pizza, but their abilities have been ramped up far and away beyond what they could have achieved before this fantastic reboot. For example, Donatello has been transformed into a nerdy computer hacker. Furthermore, the Turtles’ leader Splinter sports a longer

tale which he deploys as if it were a bull whip. Shredder resembles a samurai version of Darth Vader from “Star Wars.” He has special devices attached to his wrists that enable him to hurl dozens of deadly knives. The knives behave like boomerangs so he can retrieve them if they miss their targets. Truly, Shredder emerges as a stronger, more belligerent villain who puts the lives of our heroes in jeopardy until the last minute. Interestingly enough, unlike most fantasy thrillers that create massive destruction, but almost no collateral damage; innocent bystanders suffer from debris falling in one scene.

Liebesman lenses the action so his cameras are whirling constantly around the various characters. The most gripping scene occurs when our heroes plunge an 18-wheeler helter-skelter down a snow-swept mountain. This adrenaline-laced scene alone makes the classic chase in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” look like a spin on a tricycle! People who suffer from motion sickness may find this scene a challenge to endure. You don’t have to be a kid to appreciate this entertaining, slam-bang, over-the-top actioneer with spectacular computer generated imagery and hilarious shenanigans to spare.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

BACKROAD ANTHEM AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

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

ARTIST JONI GRUBER // ENCAUSTIC PAINTINGS AT THE CAC The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa will host a presentation of work by artist Joni Gruber at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center. The exhibit, titled "Aqua," will open with a reception on Sept. 5, 2014 from 5 – 8 p.m. during First Friday and will conclude on Sept. 26. The exhibition will present Gruber’s recent encaustic paintings portraying the ocean including works from her Black Water series representing the devastating 2010 BP oil spill.

Gruber was born and raised in Ohio

by North Carolinian transplants and has lived in Tuscaloosa since 1995. She earned a BFA in Drawing and Painting from The Ohio State University. In addition to being a full-time artist, she has worked at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta and the Birmingham Museum of Art. Her paintings, mixed media and photography have been in numerous galleries and juried exhibitions around the country including the Columbus Museum of Art in Ohio, Magic City Art Connection Festival in Birmingham and Double Exposure, Alabama’s annual juried photography exhibit. In 2014 her work was selected for publication in “Studio Visit” and “Art Galleries and Artists of the South.” Her work is currently on display at the biennial exhi-

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AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

bition "B14" at the Wiregrass Museum of Art in Dothan, Ala. Gruber’s work is represented by the Encaustic Art Institute Gallery in Cerrillos, N.M. "My paintings are composed of vaporous and fluid imagery that often reveals its own evolution,” states Gruber.

“The "Aqua" exhibit reflects my strong attachment to the shimmering, translucent and eternally transforming ocean.

I want to capture the qualities of movement, reflectivity and ever-shifting coloration. My intuitive style of working and the improvisational nature of encaustic (beeswax) create meditative and mythological imagery as seen from a vantage point within. These paintings portray the ephemeral quality of nature and the imprecision of dreams and memories."

Gallery ours are weekdays from 9 a.m. – 12 noon and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is free.

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"ATLANTIS" by Joni Gruber

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AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

15

>>> EVENTS CALENDAR |

THE SOUTHEAST'S LARGEST

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

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21

Hannah Brown: “Caught in a Web” Exhibit WHEN: 9 a.m.

COST: Free WHERE: The Arts Council Gallery PHONE: 758.5195 LINK: tuscarts.org DESCRIPTION: The exhibit features the abstract watercolor works of local artist Hannah Brown. Brown’s technique involves applying vibrant liquid watercolor to a non- absorbent surface. One of her paintings, "I Can Almost See the Sun," was accepted into the Watercolor Society of Alabama's National Exposition for 2014.

UA Sculpture: Virginia Eckinger & Craig Wedderspoon WHEN: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: The University of Alabama Gallery PHONE: 758.5195 LINK: cac.tuscarts.org DESCRIPTION: The UA Gallery is hosting an exhibit of work by Craig Wedderspoon, Associate Professor of Sculpture at the University of Alabama, and Virginia Eckinger, who is currently opening a studio in Northport. Exhibit runs through Aug. 31.

Acoustic Night Featuring the Mulligan Brothers WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

COST: $10 WHERE: Bama Theatre PHONE: 758.5195 LINK: tuscarts.org DESCRIPTION: The Mulligan Brothers come from Mobile County, Alabama. Their band blends folk rock, Americana, roots and country. The Acoustic Night series features both solo and ensemble performances of a wide range of acoustic music throughout the calendar year

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22

21st Annual Night Light Golf Tournament WHEN: 3:30 p.m.

COST: $500.00 per team and $125.00 per person WHERE: Ol’ Colony Golf Course PHONE: 758.1159 LINK: capstuscaloosa.org DESCRIPTION: All proceeds benefit the mission of Child Abuse Prevention Services. Prizes and awards will be given.

Up Close with the Blues Crew WHEN: 6 p.m.

COST: $37.50, single; $150, full table WHERE: Fireman’s Lodge PHONE: 310.0452 LINK: tuskaloosamusicmafia.com DESCRIPTION: The Tuskaloosa Music Mafia’s funder, Michael B. Reddy, will perform with his band, the Blues Crew and local musician Chris Simmons. The cover charge includes reserved seating, food and entertainment.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23 Indoor Community Garage Sale WHEN: 7a.m COST: Free WHERE: PARA, BELK Center

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AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

PHONE: 562.3200 LINK: tcpara.org DESCRIPTION: An indoor community event in the Tuscaloosa Park and Recreation Authority’s Miller Center where shoppers can come for great bargain hunting. The event is described as an indoor flea market.

Walk to Remember WHEN: 8 p.m.

WHERE: University Mall COST: Free PHONE: 752-6840 LINK: caringdays.org DESCRIPTION: The 10th annual Walk to Remember honors adults with Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders as well as their caregivers.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24

Tails & Tutu’s TCD Fundraiser WHEN: 5 p.m.

COST: $35 WHERE: Cultural Arts Center PHONE: 752.4220 LINK: tuscaloosacommunitydancers.com DESCRIPTION: The Event is the Tuscaloosa Community Dancers’ second annual crawfish and shrimp boil.

MONDAY, AUGUST 25

Alabama National Juried Exhibition WHEN: 10 a.m.

COST: Free WHERE: The University of Alabama, Sella-Granata Art Gallery PHONE: 348.7007 LINK: art.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: The University of Alabama Department of Art and Art History presents the first annual Alabama National, a fine art juried competition open to all artists 18 years or older.

WAMBA Weekly Beginners Ride WHEN: 5:45 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: Munny Sokal Park PHONE: 562.3220 LINK: wambarides.org DESCRIPTION: Interested in mountain biking but don't know where to ride in Tuscaloosa? Come out to Sokal Park and join the beginners' group that ride out weekly on Monday evenings.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26

TPL Monthly Book Discussion WHEN: 10 a.m.

COST: Free WHERE: TPL, Main Branch, History Room PHONE: 345.5820 LINK: tuscaloosa-library.org DESCRIPTION: The Tuscaloosa Public Library will discuss Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28

Redefining the Multiple: 13 Japanese Print Makers WHEN: 9 a.m.

COST: Free WHERE: Sarah Moody Gallery of Art PHONE: 348-1891 LINK: art.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: The exhibition features

>>> PET PLANET | T H I S M O N T H ' S P E T S

MEET SAGE AND HUNTER // BOTH ARE SWEET AND WANT HOMES

Need to spice up your life? Sage can help you do it! This sweet young lady is Sage, a three year old terrier/dachshund mix.

She is a small/medium dog weighing 23 pounds and has a smooth light brown coat. She has the long body and short legs of a dachshund, but she is a little bigger. Sage is a very friendly, social dog and has such a nice, easy going temperament. She loves to be with you and get attention but is not obnoxious about it! She has a moderate energy level, so she should be fine in an apartment as long as she gets some nice daily walks. Sage will need a fenced in yard if left outside. Sage is fine with children six and up and does very well with other dogs. We have started her on crate training. Sage is up to date on her vet care, spayed, heartworm negative and is micro-chipped. She is on heartworm and flea/tick prevention.

Sage is a wonderful dog who is ready for a lucky family to come claim her as their own!

If you are interested in giving Sage the forever home she wants and deserves, visit the West Alabama Humane Society at www.humanesocietyofwa.org or call us at 554.0011.

This handsome little tyke is Hunter, a shorthaired orange and white tabby kitten. Hunter is very small and young at only 16 weeks old (as of 7/23/14). Hunter is a very sweet, cuddly boy who loves to play! He'll mew at us when he wants to be held, but falls in love with toys or any new possible playmate. He is the perfect combination of cuddles and play! He may be too energetic to be a companion for an older cat. Due to his age and size, we don't recommend Hunter for a home with children under the age of 12 and prior pet ownership experience is necessary. He'll need a watchful eye and can't be left alone for several hours during the day. We do not recommend Hunter around dogs until he is a few months older. Stop by our cat adoption center to meet this sweet boy! Hunter is negative for both FIV and FeLK and is current on first round vaccinations. The next and final round for the year (which includes Rabies vaccination) is due three weeks after the previous round. Due to being underage for a spay/neuter surgery, adoption requires an additional refundable spay/neuter deposit to reinforce state requirements for all adopted pets to be fixed by age of maturity. If you are interested in giving Hunter the forever home he wants and deserves, visit the West Alabama Humane Society at www. humanesocietyofwa.org or call us at 554.0011.

11th Annual Canine Classic See Page 27 for Details

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

>>> F I L M | K E V I N L E D G E W O O D

>>> EVENTS CALENDAR | digital technology in three-dimensional modeling and image projection, as well as more traditional methods of printmaking.

TUESDAYS // TREATS FOR FILM BUFFS Screenings of the nine feature films in the Bama Art House Film Series began on Aug. 19, with eight films remaining as of this printing of the PW. Screenings are at the Bama Theatre on Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m. with the box office opening at 6:30 p.m. and doors at 6:45 p.m.

Discount Punchcard Tickets ($60) are available at the door prior to the screenings and will be good for any 10 Bama Art House films. Single Tickets will be priced at $8 general, $7 seniors & students and $6 Arts Council members. Patrons can visit www.bamatheatre.org/bamaarthouse to view the list of films, details and accompanying trailers.

August 26: Mood Indigo (2013) Comedy/ Drama/Fantasy (Rated R) Director: Michel Gondry Writers: Michel Gondry, Luc Bossi Stars: Romain Duris, Audrey Tautou, Gad Elmaleh Synopsis: Wealthy, inventive bachelor Colin endeavors to find a cure for his lover Chloe after she's diagnosed with an unusual illness caused by a flower growing in her lungs.

Leopold von Sacher Masoch Stars: Emmanuelle Seigner, Mathieu Amalric Synopsis: An actress attempts to convince a director how she's perfect for a role in his upcoming production. Seriously very funny, says the NY Times.

September 16 September 16: Life Itself (2014) Documentary/Biography (Rated R) Director: Steve James Stars: Roger Ebert, Chaz Ebert, Gene Siskel Synopsis: The life and career of the renowned film critic and social commentator, Roger Ebert.

Sept. 23: Frank (2014) Comedy/ Drama/Mystery (Rated R) Directors: Lenny Abrahamson September 2: Writer: Jon Ida Ronson, Peter Sponsored by Straughan Left Hand Soap Stars: Michael Company Fassbender, (2013) Drama Maggie Gyllen(Rated PG-13) haal, Domhnall Director: Pawel Gleeson Pawlikowski Synopsis: Jon, a Writers: Pawel Pawlikowski, Rebecca young wanna-be Lenkiewicz musician, discovStars: Agata Kulesza, Agata Trzebuers he's bitten off chowska, Dawid Ogrodnik more than he can Synopsis: Anna, a young novitiate nun in chew when he 1960s Poland, is on the verge of taking joins an eccentric her vows when she discovers a dark fampop band led by ily secret dating back to the years of the the mysterious Nazi occupation. and enigmatic Frank.

September 9: Venus In Fur Sept. 30: Bye (2013) Drama (Rated R) Week Director: Roman Polanski Jimmy "Mr. Wiggly" Oct.Welborn, 7: Magic in Piggly the Moonlight Writers: David Ives, Roman Polanski, Oct. 14: Art and Craft

Estate Planning and Asset Planning Workshop WHEN: 4 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: Red Oak Legal, PC PHONE: 764.1262 LINK: redoaklegalpc.com DESCRIPTION: Educational workshop presented by local attorneys Steve Wiggins and Raley Wiggins. The workshop covers wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, living wills, probate administration, protecting assets from creditors, bankruptcy, divorce and remarriage, nursing homes, long-term care and Medicaid qualification. Those who wish to attend can register online or by phone.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29

Rockin’ & Rollin’ WHEN: 6 p.m.

COST: $7 WHERE: Para, Phelps Center PHONE: 562.3230 LINK: tcpara.org DESCRIPTION: Bring your roller blades or skates and "Rock N Roll" on wheels to your favorite tunes. The event will feature prizes, games and a D.J. The fee includes 1 slice of pizza, drink and one snack.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30

Story Time at the Owl Tree WHEN: 2:30 p.m.

COST: -Under 1 year: Free -Under 3 years: $6 -3-59 years: $9 -60 years and above: $7 WHERE: Children’s Hands-On Museum PHONE: 349.4235 LINK: chomonline.org DESCRIPTION: The event is available for children of all ages.

THE SOUTHEAST'S LARGEST

-$7 students and seniors -$6 Arts Council members WHERE: Bama Theatre PHONE: 758.5195 LINK: http://bamatheatre.org/ DESCRIPTION: Sponsored by Tuscaloosa’s Left Hand Soap Company, Bama Art House will show the film Ida, starring Agata Kulesza, Agata Trzebuchowska and Dawid Ogrodnik.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Pre-School Story Time WHEN: 10 a.m.

WHERE: Tuscaloosa Public Library, Brown Branch PHONE: 391.9989 LINK: http://tuscaloosa-library.org/ DESCRIPTION: Preschool Story Time consists of stories, songs, activities, and crafts.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 Kentuck Art Night WHEN: 5 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 503 Main Avenue PHONE: 758.1257 LINK: kentuck.org DESCRIPTION: Local galleries and their artists are featured in an “open house” atmosphere. Patrons can visit galleries in any order which is convenient, but are encouraged to visit all to take advantage of what is offered.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

WAMBA Weekly Beginners Ride WHEN: 5:45 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: Munny Sokal Park PHONE: 562.3220 LINK: wambarides.org DESCRIPTION: Interested in mountain biking but don't know where to ride in Tuscaloosa? Come out to Sokal Park and join the beginners' group that ride out weekly on Monday evenings.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 TPL Monthly Book Discussion WHEN: 6:30 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: TPL, Brown Branch PHONE: 391-9989 LINK: tuscaloosa-library.org DESCRIPTION: The Tuscaloosa public library will discuss The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman.

PUBLICIZE YOUR EVENT. CONTACT

planeteditor@yahoo.com

Bama Art House WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

COST: -$8 general

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

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>>> ROAD TRIP | SOUT H E AST E R N CONC E R TS AN D E V E NTS

CROSBY, STILLS, & NASH // BIRMINGHAM // AUGUST 22

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21

DARIUS RUCKER //

HUNTSVILLE // AUGUST 24

NASHVILLE Mad Decent Block Party, 12 Ave Block Party Government Cheese, Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom Cory Branan, High Watt

BIRMINGHAM Holly Williams, WorkPlay Theatre The Valley Roots, Bottletree Café

MONTGOMERY Crossing Main, The Mellow Mushroom ATLANTA Nothing More, The Masquerade NASHVILLE Avery Sunshine, Mercy Lounge/ Cannery Ballroom

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24

NEW ORLEANS Will Downing, Saenger Theatre Southern Journeys, House of Blues

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22

BIRMINGHAM Crosby, Stills and Nash, BJCC Flow Tribe w/ Space Cadet, Zydeco

NASHVILLE The Revivalists, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill

HUNTSVILLE Blackbird, Bishops East Side Pub Peter Moon Band, London’s

BIRMINGHAM Lissie w/ George Stanford, WorkPlay Theatre

MONDAY, AUGUST 25

MONTGOMERY Shane Owens, Double Branch Rick and Johnny, Tally-Ho Restaurant NASHVILLE Vertical Horizon and Tonic, Wildhorse Saloon Les Claypool’s Duo De Twang, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill ATLANTA Boyz II Men, Chastain Park Amphitheatre Michael McDonald and Toto, Fabulous Fox Theatre Old Crow Medicine Show, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park Sister Hazel, The Buckhead Theatre NEW ORLEANS Honky, One Eyed Jacks

saturday, AUGUST 23

BIRMINGHAM Keith Urban, Oak Mountain Amphitheatre MartyParty, Zydeco MONTGOMERY DJ Bank$, Blue Iguana HUNTSVILLE Ledisi, Redstone Arsenal Tim Bogle, London’s

NASHVILLE Merle Haggard, Ryman Auditorium OMG Music Festival, Rocketown Charm City Devils, Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom The Time Jumpers, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill NEW ORLEANS The Panorama Jazz Band, Gasa Gasa

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26

BIRMINGHAM Keb’Mo’ and G. Love & Special Sauce, Alys Stephens Center ATLANTA Sound and Lyrics, Apache Café

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27

ATLANTA Jay Leno, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center NASHVILLE Jeff Bridges and the Abiders, Ryman Auditorium NEW ORLEANS Royal Southern Brotherhood, Freret Street PubliQ House Pocket Aces Brass Band, Howlin’ Wolf

ATLANTA Lyle Lovett, Atlanta Botanical Garden

Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree St NE 404.881.2100

Amphitheater at the Wharf 23101 Canal Rd 251.224.1020

The Hangout 251.948.3030 thehangout1.com

Bridgestone Arena 501 Broadway 615.770.2000

Marathon Music Works 1402 Clinton St 615.891.1781

Centennial Olympic Park 265 Park Ave W NW 404.223.4412

Minglewood Hall 1555 Madison Ave 901.312.6058

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AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

T-PAIN // NEW ORLEANS //AUGUST 19 JEFF BRIDGES // NASHVILLE // AUGUST 27

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30

ATLANTA Chris Tucker, Fabulous Fox Theatre Heffron Drive, Variety Playhouse Wess Morgan, The Arena at Gwinnett Center IMAGINE Music Festival, 4th Ward Park BIRMINGHAM Kevin Gates, Zydeco NEW ORLEANS Rebirth Brass Band, Tipitina’s

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31

BIRMINGHAM Rick Ross, BJCC

ATLANTA Drake & Lil Wayne, Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood Jennifer Nettles, Chastain Park Amphitheatre IMAGINE Music Festival, Masquerade Park NASHVILLE Martina McBride, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill NEW ORLEANS Maze, UNO Lakefront Arena

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

BIRMINGHAM Austin Mahone, Boutwell Auditorium ATLANTA Grouplove and Portgal. the Man, The Masquerade

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

MONTGOMERY John Bull Band, Montgomery Performing Arts Center

Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa St 334.481.5100 The Nick 2514 10th Ave S 205.252.3831 Sloss Furnaces 20 32nd St N 205.324.1911 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 2200 Encore Pkwy 404.733.5010

>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

JOHN BULL BAND // MONTGOMERY // SEPTEMBER 3

>>> 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

AUGUST 29

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29

HUNTSVILLE Sugar Lime Blue, Diamond’s Sports Bar

ATLANTA Chicago and REO Speedwagon, Chastain Park Amphitheatre

WILL DOWNING // NEW ORLEANS //

BIRMINGHAM Bruce Bruce, Comedy Club Stardome Beitthemeans, Zydeco

NEW ORLEANS Papa Mali, Freret Street PubliQ House Jake Owen, Champions Square at MercedesBenz Superdome Doombalaya, Howlin’ Wolf HUNTSVILLE Darius Rucker, Redstone Arsenal

NEW ORLEANS OneRepublic, UNO Lakefront Arena

GIPSYHAGGARD KINGS // ATLANTA // AUGUST 15 MERLE // NASHVILLE // AUGUST 25

Von Braun Center 700 Monroe St SW 256.551.2345 WorkPlay 500 23rd St S 205.380.4082 Zydeco 2001 15th Ave S 205.933.1032

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

BIRMINGHAM August Alsina, Iron City

MONTGOMERY Jerriell Braswell, The Mansion

WRITERS WANTED CONTACT PLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM

For Sale Local Florist Boutique Newly Remodeled Highly Successful

Be your own boss in the Rewarding Floral Design Field.

Buy-out includes 1000+sq. ft. delivery vehicle and all Inventory Serious inquiries only.

Call for details 205-792-4214

>>> LOCAL MUSIC | WHO'S PLAYING AROUND TOWN ATLAS ROAD CREW // GREEN BAR

// SEPTEMBER 4

MARK CHESNUTT // RHYTHM & BREWS

THURSDAY AUGUST 21

Bad Stick, Rhythm & Brews

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22

Mark Chesnutt, Rhythm & Brews Devines, Rounders

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

Belle Adair, Green Bar Axe to Grind, Rounders Glenn Templeton, Rhythm & Brews

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26

// AUGUST 22

ARCHNEMISIS // JUPITER BAR // AUGUST 28

PINK BOX BURLESQUE // GREEN BAR // AUGUST 30

Wednesday September 3

Josh Abbott and The Casey Donahew Band, Jupiter

THURSDAY September 4

Devines, Rounders Atlas Road Crew

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

Trigger Proof, Rounders A Drawing Benefitting the Austin Shepard Foundation, Jupiter

Plato Jones, Innisfree

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28

Archnemesis // Official Umphrey's McGee After Show, Jupiter Trig Country, Rhythm & Brews Matt Bennett Acoustic, Rounders

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29

Desperate Measures, Rhythm & Brews Economy Cartel, Green Bar

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30

Pink Box Burlesque, Green Bar

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

HAVE YOUR LOCAL MUSIC EVENT

Plato Jones, Innisfree DJ Proto J, Rhythm & Brews

LISTED FREE. PLEASE EMAIL PLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM

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Buffalo Wild Wings // 523-0273

Gallettes // 758-2010

Jackie's Lounge // 758-9179

Rhythm & Brews // 750-2992

1831 // 331-4632

Capones // 248-0255

Gnemis Top Shelf Tavern // 343-0020

The Jupiter // 248-6611

Rounders // 345-4848

Alcove // 469-9110

Carpe Vino // 366-8444

Grey Lady // 469-9521

The Legacy // 345-4848

Bear Trap // 345-2766

Catch 22 // 344-9347

Harry's Bar // 331-4151

Mellow Mushroom // 758-0112

Big Al's // 759-9180

Copper Top // 343-6867

Houndstooth // 752-8444

Mike's Place // 764-0185

The Booth // 764-0557

Downtown Pub // 750-0008

Innisfree // 345-1199

Mugshots // 391-0572

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AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

19

Photos: UA Athletic Photography

>>> O P I N I O N | S T E P H E N S M I T H

TOP TEN TIDE FRESHMEN TO WATCH IN 2O14 // HUGE TALENT // ROLL TIDE

Cameron Sims

Starting true freshman provides a double-edged sword at any sport, and especially in college football. In recent years, freshmen were expected to be redshirted and learn the playbook. With social media evolving and high schools producing huge talent, more and more freshmen are starting to see the field quicker.

This offseason was productive for Alabama as it lined up 27 commitments. Of the 27 players, many of them were four-star prospects. Though fans would love to see all 27 players participate in 2014, only the ones that have put in the work will see the field. Here is a list of the top 10 freshmen to look out for in this upcoming season.

Top 10 freshmen 10. Josh Fraizer Size: 6’3” 335 pounds Position: Defensive Line Hometown/High School: Springdale, Ark./ Har-Ber Summary: Alabama lacked depth on the defensive line in 2013. Bringing in Frazier in the 2014 recruiting cycle provides a fresh body in the rotation. Frazier is a four-star prospect. 247 sports ranked him as the No.6 defensive tackle and the No.1 player in Arkansas. Frazier recorded 65 tackles (7.0 tackles for loss) and 3.5 sacks in 2012. He is a keen pass rusher who can also fill in gaps to stop the run.

9. David Cornwell Size: 6’5” 240 pounds Position: Quarterback Hometown/High School: Norman, Okla./ Norman North Summary: Everyone talks about Jacob Coker, but Cornwell was a huge piece in the 2014 recruiting class. A former Elite 11 finalist, Cornwell entered the University of Alabama as one of the top pro-style quarterbacks in the nation. He was ranked as the No.4 pocket passer nationlly according to ESPN 300. Despite a knee injury,

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AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

Cornwell tossed for 2,742 yards and 27 touchdowns in his junior season. He has a talented arm, but Cornwell can aggravate defenses with his mobility. He rushed for 755 yards and six touchdowns at Norman North High School. He may not play a lot this season, but if given the opportunity, Cornwell could surprise a lot of people.

8. Shaun D. Hamilton Size: 6’0” 240 pounds Position: Linebacker Hometown/High School: Montgomery, Ala./Carver Summary: Being an early enrollee has helped Hamilton learn the system. Before graduating Valedictorian of Carver High School, Hamilton displayed exceptional instincts on the field. In his senior season, Hamilton totaled 119 tackles, four sacks, three interceptions, six forced fumbles and a blocked punt. With losing CJ Mosley and Tana Patrick to the National Football League, Alabama will have to cross train players for inside linebacker. Hamilton may be one of the players cross-trained. Aside from instincts, Hamilton is a hard-hitter who can also cover running backs and receivers.

7. Da’Shawn Hand Size: 6’4” 270 pounds Position: Defensive Line Hometown/High School: Woodbridge, Va./ Woodbridge Summary: For the first time since Courtney Upshaw and Marcell Dareus, Alabama may finally have its big time pass rusher in Da’Shawn Hand. Both Rivals and 247 Sports ranked Hand as the No.1 strong-side defensive end in the nation.

He tallied 56 sacks and 259 tackles in his tenure at Woodbridge High School. Hand has quick hands and explodes off the ball.

He displays an array of pass rush moves and can contain the outside on run plays.

It may be little opportunities for him this season, but down the stretch keep your

eyes on Hand.

6. Laurence “Hootie” Jones Size: 6’2” 215 pounds Position: Defensive Back Hometown/High School: Monroe, La./ Neville Summary: Jones hasn’t even played a down of Alabama football, yet people are starting to compare him to former Crimson Tide safety, Mark Barron. Like Cameron Robinson and Cameron Sims, Jones hails from Louisiana. A former consensus four-star recruit, Jones was ranked as the No.3 safety by ESPN and the No.4 safety according to Rivals.com. He has great on ball instincts, but excels at delivering punishing hits. Learning from Landon Collins, Nick Perry and Jarrick Williams will help Jones develop his game more.

5. Cameron Sims Size: 6’4” 200 pounds Position: Wide Receiver Hometown/High School: Monroe, La./ Ouachita Parish Summary: Not many receivers get to shine for as Alabama as freshmen, but Sims is one of few that will. He’s gotten better acquainted with the team and system since enrolling in January. Sims has great hands and displays body control. He isn’t a speed demon, but he is a precise route runner. Watching Amari Cooper, Christion Jones and DeAndrew White has really made an impact on Sims. A former four-star prospect, Sims caught 39 passes for 948 yards and eight scores as a junior in 2012. He averaged 24.3 yards per catch during the period.

4. Marlon Humphrey Size: 6’1” 180 pounds Position: Cornerback Hometown/High School: Hoover, Ala./ Hoover Summary: His father, Bobby Humphrey, was a star running back at Alabama.

Now, it’s Marlon’s turn to make a name for himself as a cornerback. Like Tony Brown, Humphrey was a dual-sport athlete at Hoover. In football, Rivals.com ranked Humphrey as the No.2 cornerback and the No.1 player in Alabama. He finished his career at Hoover with 77 tackles, 31 pass breakups, 13 interceptions and three touchdowns. Humphrey ended his high school career as one of the top track athletes in the nation. He won seven Alabama State Championships across the indoor and outdoor track seasons in 2013. Unlike Brown, Humphrey didn’t enroll early at Alabama. He will see the field this season, but is battling for a starting spot right now.

3. Rashaan Evans Size: 6’3” 225 pounds Position: Linebacker Hometown/High School: Auburn, Ala./ Auburn Summary: Evans turned Auburn on its head when he donned an Alabama hat on national signing day. 247 sports listed Evans as the No.1 outside linebacker and No.2 player in Alabama. ESPN 300

ranked him as the No.4 outside linebacker nationally. In his senior year, Evans collected 77 tackles (43 tackles for loss), 17.5 sacks, five pass breakups, three forced fumbles, a blocked punt and a fumble recovery. He’s impressed teammates and coaches so far in camp and teammate Reggie Ragland said Evans is a “stud.” Of the linebackers Alabama recruited in the 2014 cycle, Evans will receive the most playing time in 2014.

2. Tony Brown Size: 6’0” 195 pounds Position: Cornerback Hometown/High School: Beaumont, Texas/Ozen Summary: Size can’t be coached in college football. The average cornerback is 5’9,” Brown exceeds that weighing in a 6’0.” A former five-star prospect, Brown excelled at football and track. He finished his career at Ozen High School, recording 191 tackles, 31 pass breakups, four interceptions and a fumble recovery. In 2013, Brown won the Texas Class 4A state championship for his time in the 110-meter hurdles (13.40). He is not only fast, but Brown also has great on ball skills. Enrolling early has helped Brown get familiar with the system. He collected an interception in the 2014 A-Day Game and looks to start at cornerback for Alabama in the opener against West Virginia.

1. Cameron Robinson Size: 6’6” 325 pounds Position: Offensive Line Hometown/High School: Monroe, La./ West Monroe Summary: Like Andre Smith, DJ Fluker and Cyrus Kouandjio, Robinson is next in line to handle the task of playing left tackle for the Crimson Tide. It may seem nerve wrecking having a true freshman start on the offensive line, but the potential of Robinson is positive. A former five-star prospect, Scout. com ranked Robinson as the top offensive tackle in the nation. ESPN rated him as the No.1 offensive tackle and No.2 player in Louisiana. Robinson has received nothing but praise from teammates and coaches.

Since enrolling in January, Robinson has progressed well. He’s exploding off the ball and locking up at the point of attack.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

Tony Brown

Photos: UA Athletic Photography

>>> HIGH TIDE | G A R Y H A R R I S / W V U A S P O R T S D I R E C T O R

TIDE HOLDS FINAL SCRIMMAGE // SABAN TALKS ABOUT IT

Following Saturday's (Aug. 16) which was closed to the media, Nick Saban detailed some of the good and the not-so-good aspects from the Tide's second, and last, full scrimmage of fall camp.

"I think we had a lot of players who made a significant amount of improvement from last week to this week," Saban said.

"But I also think there were other players who we would hope would have made more progress from where they were a week ago and where they got to today.

"Defensively, there was much better tackling, better hitting. Not as many missed tackles. The second team defense makes too many mental errors. First group played pretty well, except for down on the goal line today.

"Offensively, we never really got a lot rhythm. A couple of drives we got some rhythm. Whether it was a dropped ball, misfired pass, penalty, a lot of shooting ourselves in the foot. Definitely some stuff we can get cleaned up. Definitely stuff that we can fix.

"We did make some explosive plays today. I do think with the skill guys that we have, that's very, very important."

Saban was asked specifically about the performance of running back Kenyan Drake, who once again had a good day statistically with three catches for 77

scrimmage,

yards, including a 65-yard touchdown reception from Jacob Coker. Photography Photo: UA Athletic "He's done a good job," Saban said.

"He caught three or four passes today.

Had a couple of runs. Kenyan Drake has been doing a really good job."

Saban was also pleased with the kicking specialists. Placekicker Adam Griffith made three kicks of over 40 yards, including one from 50. Freshman J.K. Scott had a good day punting.

"The specialists were really good today," Saban said. "Punting was good.

Griffith was really good. We punted the ball effectively. The special teams part of it was good. I was encouraged by the specialists and the progress we made on special teams."

Saban on the QBs Just like the first scrimmage, no passing stats were released from the second scrimmage. But in his post-scrimmage comments, Nick Saban did offer a hint as to which quarterback, between Blake Sims and Jacob Coker, is playing a little better right now.

"Both guys played an equal number reps with the ones today," Saban said.

"Both guys had their moments doing good things. I also saw inconsistencies with those guys. I do think that Blake probably is playing faster right now. He's been in the system a little longer. Has a better understanding. Has a little but more rhythm. I think sometimes Jake is still trying to feel his way.

He made some real significant strides in practice this week. Had some really good practices.

That's still going to be a competitive situation.

Until somebody clearly wins the job, we're not making a decision."

OL needs to get more physical Saban said that the offensive line needed to become more physical.

"I didn't think we were physical enough on the line of scrimmage today," he said.

"I think that's something that we've got to work on."

Saban said part of the problem up front was due to the players who were out with injuries.

"Vogler is a very good blocking tight end. He didn't scrimmage today. He will be full go on a Monday. He probably could've scrimmaged today. He got an ankle sprain," Saban said.

"Leon Brown (foot) probably could've scrimmaged today. He practiced for really the first time yesterday. I'm talking about got in there in team and did reps.

"Dominick Jackson and Leon will be back on Tuesday. Dominick Jackson (ankle) is a guy that showed a lot of promise and potential. He will start to do some stuff on Tuesday. May not be ready until later in the week.

"But I think those guys are three pretty significant players when it comes to being physical and helping us be able to run the ball."

Other players held out of scrimmage Saban ran through a list of other players who didn't scrimmage, including safety Geno Smith (knee), who Saban said probably could've worked today. Cornerback Eddie Jackson (knee) did not scrimmage.

Defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson (knee) was also held out.

"A'Shawn is getting better," Saban said. "We expect for him to return to the field probably on Wednesday to be able do a lot of football-related stuff.

"We had no significant injuries. We had some nicks. A guy got a sprained ankle, Shaun Dion Hamilton, but he continued to play. Coop got his knee bruised on the ground. He'll be fine. Jarran Reed sprained his knee a little bit. He'll be ready

to go on Tuesday."

Saban added: "I think the good news is that we've had a lot of guys miss time in camp, but it's really provided an opportunity for a lot of other guys to get a lot reps.

Marlon and Tony got a lot of reps at corner because Eddie wasn't out there all the time. Eddie is sort of getting better. Trey was in and out at linebacker with his knee.

That gave Reuben, Reggie and Shaun Dion Hamilton, those guys really got a lot of turns. I think it forced them to make calls and do things that they could have depended on somebody else to do had Trey been in there.

"Missing Ivory and Reed and A'Shawn Robinson up front, you could say that coming out of spring that was the starting defensive line. But really that's given a lot of other guys, Frazier and several other guys, Da'Shawn Hand, a lot of reps and they have improved significantly. Rashaan Evans has gotten a lot of reps, because Tim Williams hasn't been here. So this has really helped the depth of our team long term."

Saban said that Shaun Dion Hamilton has made a lot of progress.

"He's still got a lot to learn," Saban said, "but for a freshman he's really done a good job."

Jones, Sylve doing a good job Saban was asked how cornerbacks Cyrus Jones and Bradley Sylve performed in coverage.

"They did a good job," Saban said.

"They didn't give up a lot of big plays. The two defense gave up a couple of explosive plays. A couple of busted coverages, but a couple of them were really good plays by the offense. But those two guys did a good job. They're playing a lot better. A lot better knowledge and experience and play with better technique, so they've done a really good job." * Alabama will open the season on August 30, in Atlanta against West Virginia.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • tuscaloosa's SOURCE for entertainment, music, sports & THE ARTS

Photo: TouchdownAlabama.net AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

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>>> BOOKS | RYA N M AG E E

>>> T H E F L AT S C R E E N | C A R A B R A K E

HORNS // WICKEDLY GOOD "THE FOSTERS" // HEAVY

TOPICS HANDLED WITH CARE // HIGHLY ACCLAIMED

A year ago, Ignatius Perrish was a happy nobody: involved in his church, respected by his tiny, New England community, loved by his wealthy family, and adored by his girlfriend Merrin. Now, Ignatius (“Ig”) is a social pariah, pathetically living off the pity of others and shunned by those that loved him for a crime he didn’t commit. When Ig wakes one day to discover he has is growing a pair of devilish horns and has a remarkable power over people’s desires, he begins to seek retribution on those that made his life hell.

Horns was not my first encounter with author Joe Hill; his first novel, Heart-Shaped Box, was a wonderful read and had a meteoric debut. Upon hearing that a film will be released in October this year based on another novel of his starring Daniel Radcliff, I decided to see if Mr. Hill could possibly follow through with a repeat performance.

In short: he certainly did. Horns is a darkly twisted tale, beginning as straight forward as a tongue-in-cheek campfire story and then gradually convulsing into a legend right out of Revelation. Hill has a certain humanity in his style, allowing for the reader to continually cheer on Ig and be deliciously repulsed by him, and by making every detail of small-town life relatable for the reader’s imagination. There are moments where the novel reads like a newspaper clipping or the narration of a home video, and other times where it is similar to a surreal, highly mystical dream. This translates well to the cast characters; each have dark secrets and evil desires that are sold so convincingly that one begins to wonder if their own friends and neighbors are as noxious and petty as the ones in the novel. For example, the dialogues between Ig and his family after he reveals his horns towards the end of the first act are absolutely chilling and leave you wondering dark thoughts yourself. Hill encourages this type of forbidden, yet tempting sacrilege through the blackest of comedy, of which involves pushing a sleeping, hateful old woman down a hill in a wheelchair.

Despite the evil, guilty pleasure of Horns, there are issues with the novel. I felt that there wasn’t a cohesive theme, which made its message hard to interpret. I couldn’t decide if it was a cautionary tale about faith, a sermon on the decay of human morals, a perverted coming-of-age story, or just a simple revenge tale. There is also a disappointing shallowness to some of the characters outside of the main cast that is makes them forgettable and only necessary for the current situation.

Regardless, Horns is a wickedly exciting novel that will surely entertain fans of Stephen King and Dean Koontz, or anyone looking for a little sinful escape.

Author Joe Hill

A more popular genre on television currently is family shows. These shows can be full of drama, laughter, and heart-warming moments-all which make a great family show.

The Fosters is an example of how all of those things can be wrapped up in unconventional packaging.

The Fosters is about mixed-race married couple Lena Adams and Stef Foster who are raising five kids-two adopted, two fostered, and one biological. Lena, Stef, Jesus, Mariana and Brandon are a family of five who get a surprise when one spouse agrees to foster two more kids-Callie and Jude Jacob. Callie is a rough-and-tumble girl who lives to protect her little brother Jude from their father. The siblings learn to live with three other kids and two moms, along with trying to handle teenage angst and a turbulent past.

The rise of the LGBT* couple on television has become more prominent, with shows like Modern Family and The Fosters showcasing queer families just trying to live. The Fosters takes the mystery and stereotype out of the queer TV family and shows it for what it really is—family life.

Not only does I touch on LGBT* issues, but it deals with heavy topics such as statutory rape, drug use, abortion, abuse, divorce, and the conflicts that come with adopting children. While some topics are handled with a little humor, most are handled with the care and seriousness needed to resolve the real-life issues dealt with by the characters.

Make no mistake, no matter how the issue is presented The Fosters deal with it with the class and care it deserves.

The Fosters hasn’t escaped critical acclaim by any means. Now in its second season, the show has several wins under its belt, including a 2014 GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Award for Outstanding Drama Series, a 2013 Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Series, and wins at the Television Critics Association Awards and The Television Academy Honors.

The cast is headed by Sherri Saum and Terri Polo as Lena Adams and Stef Foster.

Saum as several guest appearances under her belt, including stints on Law and Order, CSI, Sunset Beach, and Gossip Girl. Polo has had several tv spots as well, including Law and Order, Felicity and The West Wing, and movie credits from the popular comedies Meet the Fockers, Meet the Parents, and Little Fockers. The cast also includes up and coming young actors David Lambert, Cierra Ramirez, Maia Mitchell, and Hayden Byerly. A younger cast member who isn’t new to tv is Jake T. Austin, who started on Disney Channel as Max Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place.

Season one of The Fosters is available to stream on Netflix. The season finale aired on Monday the 18th of August, but all episodes are available to stream on ABC Family’s website, abcfamily.go.com/shows/the-fosters. There has been no announcement for a season three, but personally, I’m hoping they renew the show because television can benefit from having it on the air.

Jil Chambless

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AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

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>>> HOROSCOPES |

weekly overview

>>> PUZZLEMAniA |

Sudoku

Certain people may seem more opinionated than usual, and perhaps given to extremes of behavior. It might help to calm a tricky situation by talking things through before they come to a head. The accent on home and family matters brings relaxation and relief, though it pays not to upset the apple cart. Go easy when it comes to romance, as someone may not be as they seem. There are attractive options, but remember that all that glitters is not necessarily gold.

You may feel somewhat stressed if too many demands are made on your time and energy. This week's alignment suggests this could be the case unless you take steps to delegate work and ease the pressure. Plus, if you face delays, it might be easier to go with the flow than try and force the pace. On a positive note, friends and family have your best interests at heart and will want to step in with bright suggestions if they suspect you're feeling overwhelmed.

There's too much positive potential showing up around you to let negative thinking win out this week. If someone insists on talking about their problems and it's getting to you, you may need to have a word. You're in your element when it comes to financial matters.

Confidence and ease could be the catalysts for ideas that bring in extra cash. The more creative you can be with your money, the more money you'll have to enjoy.

You may feel like strutting your stuff and sharing your natural genius with the world, but you could be stopped in your tracks by issues at home, where there could be a setback. However, it won't help to vent or dramatize the situation. Insight and understanding could help you get to the bottom of things if all else fails. In addition, asking for help may be necessary if you've come to the end of your tether. Later, cast a glance at your finances, as doing so could save you money.

If you've been caught up in dreams and fantasies, the week ahead brings an opportunity to restore them to life. While there's still a focus on your spiritual sector, the days ahead spotlight a shift as the Sun moves into your sign. Pick one goal that appeals to you and start some serious planning. On another note, you may hit a brick wall in your interaction with a certain person. Resist the urge to keep trying, as things will likely sort themselves out.

Social pursuits bring the most pleasure over the week ahead. If it's a lighthearted social buzz you want, you can have that and a lot more besides. Dating and romance may figure strongly in your plans, with opportunities to rekindle the bond in a long-term partnership or spice up your options concerning a new love affair. You could be strapped for cash over the weekend due to no fault of your own, so keep some money in reserve for everyday bits and pieces.

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 27

Be as cooperative as you can, but don't let others distract you from achieving your objectives. Keep your priorities in front of you and try to stick to them. This sounds easy in principle, but in practice you may find that obstacles and delays prevent you from moving ahead.

Try not to let this get to you, as with just a little patience things may be quickly resolved. In addition, your social life perks up pleasantly, giving you an outlet for restless energy.

With the current alignment giving you a craving for action, you have an abundance of energy for activities that are strictly fun, exciting, and adventurous. However, as the Sun joins Mercury in Virgo and your career sector, you may be drawn back down to earth and to more mundane activities. Focusing on your job and business and career issues could be very profitable if you're willing to make a plan and see it through to the end. On a spiritual note, meditation may enhance relaxation when you most need it.

Your social life could disappoint if you allow a certain person to get you down. You might need to firm up your boundaries and tell them in no uncertain terms that the behavior won't be tolerated.

You can go on to enjoy yourself once you get this out of the way. In addition, finances continue to look good and could get even better if you're willing to use your creative abilities to earn extra cash. Plus, travel and adventure may appeal, particularly if you're in need of a vacation.

A misunderstanding or skewed judgment is a real possibility, so don't take anything at face value, especially regarding financial matters. If you need to sign anything, double-check to make sure it's OK. In addition, participation in a social or group-sponsored event can have many benefits for an important relationship. It's worth your while to get busy planning your social calendar for the weeks ahead. Regarding a career matter, delays may work in your favor if you can avoid impatience.

There may be a restless energy present that if channeled constructively could result in a golden opportunity. Rather than indulge a desire to enjoy yourself, put some effort into work or career goals. It could pay big dividends. Later, the focus shifts to your relationship sector as the Sun joins Mercury in Virgo. Over the coming weeks you may benefit from the practical advice of a friend, partner, or co-worker, especially if you act on it. However, delays around travel plans could cause frustration.

Courage and vitality are strong, so put your energy to good use and reap the results. The accent on leisure and pleasure continues, when the chance to goof off and do things you enjoy can help recharge your batteries.

However, go easy if you need to sign an agreement or have detailed work to do, as there is potential for mistakes unless you take extra care. The Sun's move into Virgo on Friday ushers in a time of year when the focus turns to health and lifestyle issues.

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AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

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

>>> BOOKS | R E G G I E A L L E N

LET'S EXPLORE DIABETES WITH OWLS // PLENTY OF LAUGHS

Down Across 1. Muslim's pilgrimage 1. "I want it all!" types 2. English horn relative 5. Longstocking lass 3. Hood's thousands 10. Suffix with disk or novel 4. Tank type 14. Have ____ in one's bonnet 5. Viewer-supported TV 15. Destructive insect 6. Org. overseeing the Atlanta games 16. Brand of microwave wax 7. Malay sail canoe 17. Portrayer of Frank Sinatra 8. ___ up (enlivens) on "Saturday Night Live" 9. Morissette hit 19. 1962 Bond villain 10. Made beloved 20. Leg-pulls 11. Late, in Livorno 21. "When it hurts," in prescriptions 12. Trident's trio 23. Each or every: Scot.

13. Lose slowly 26. Poker table declaration 18. __ Malvinas (the Falklands) 27. Moulin Rouge performer 22. "You are" in Spain 32. Palindromic English river 24. Sack starter 33. Louvre hall 25. Deviates from the script 34. Insecticide 27. Corp. kingpins 38. River in Norway 28. Have an ___ grind 40. Rice dish: var.

29. Kids' indoor ball material 42. Mischievous trick 43. The fifth letter of "garage,"but not the first 30. Shaded walk 31. ___ hand (close) 45. "Mr. Tuesday Night" 47. '50s All-Star first baseman Kluszewski 35. Sonny's dad in "The Godfather" 36. Bibliography word 48. Domicile doubled 37. Lymph bump 51. Most vile 39. Like Solon 54. Exclamation with a drum roll 41. Bone by the humerus 55. Little John portrayer in 'The 44. "Golly" Adventures of Robin Hood' whose namesake son starred in "Gilligan's Island' 46. Iceland's literary treasures 49. Salt Lake City resident 58. Havens 50. Jumbles 62. Actress Moore 51. Having no gift for 63. Farrier, at times 52. Olds model 66. Venezuelan copper center 53. Luzon neighbor 67. "There Is Nothing Like ___" 56. Napoleonic victory site: 1796 68. Furry sci-fi creature from the forest 57. The Depression and the cold war, for two moon of Endor 59. Cries after being burned 69. Ripped 60. Trotsky or Jaworski 70. Impulse 61. Commodious boats 71. IDs sought by phishers 64. Sch. where Doak Walker won the Heisman Trophy 65. Some M.I.T. alumni SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMANIA CROSSWORD ON PAGE 27

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AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

It is hard to not judge a book by its cover, especially when it is penned by New York Times bestselling author, David Sedaris.

Like Forrest Gump's box of chocolate, you never know what you are going to get from a man as unrestricted and open as Sedaris. Library and bookstore receipts are practically binding contracts to expect the unexpected from words that flow off the pages of Sedaris' work.

This cover, a beige background with an owl perched on the front, is no different. Simplistic, but only a tease for a strong content-filled novel. After playing the role of modern Aesop in his last publication featuring an all animal ensemble, Sedaris returns to providing commentary on the beasts he is more familiar with: Humans.

His most recent novel Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls is composed of 27 Explore Diabetes with Owls is a strange first-person-style narrative essays that piece of work that is printed as a novel, once again gives readers a personal but meant to be enjoyed by ear. On the glance into his life accompanied with his other end, the audiobook, narrated by iconic deadpan humor. the author, himself, readers can hear his Opening with the macabre tale, "Unwords come to life and are treated to a derstanding Understanding Owls" where fewPanic of his funnier pieces read live from Widespread Sedaris talks about his search for the some of his touring lectures. perfect Valentine's Day gift, a stuffed owl, Those that only follow Sedaris' work for his partner, and the strange encounsolely from his published novels will love ters he had in the process, set the stage the book of essays. But to those that for his myriad odd, yet insightful tales. loyally read other mediums that host Other stories like "Obama!!!!" and his work, like The New Yorker, might be "Standing By" make for well-orchestrated disappointed; many of his essays might and humorous rants on the overall human be seem familiar. That is because more experience. Ranging from people's (in Se- than a handful of stories are recycled from daris's mind) odd view on the 2012 elecprevious publications. tions to the difficulty of flying, he pokes Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls fun at everyday experiences while adding is a book best savored in moderation his own uncensored comical views, prowhether it be by reading or listening. viding an enjoyable experience.

With Sedaris being a such unique storySedaris once again proves to be the teller, his tales are the kind that you only master "everyman." A Forest Gump-like hear once aday or every now or then. character with a higher I .Q, and no movie While one can listen or read his books in deal. Telling tales that anyone could, but one sitting, stories (which range around breathing a certain amalgam of vulner20 minutes ability, self-reflection and eloquently well when spoken thought-out brutal honesty flows naturally

by Sedaris) can for the writer. Stories usually end on an become a bit of obtuse, yet meaningful reflection that resoan overload. nates with readers without being clichĂŠ.

Overall, Dispatch Proud and unashamed, the bestselling this novel is an author puts everything on the table from a interesting read, story in which his father attempts at trying or listen, that to locate African American that allegedly caters to those assaulted his sister to his personal opinions looking for a and experiences at his own book signings. good story and David Sedaris Like all of Sedaris's publications Let's laugh.

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>>>F L AT S C R E E N | C A R A B R A K E

"TWISTED" // NOT YOUR RUN-OF-THE-MILL CRIME DRAMA

The Pixies, 1986

Murder mysteries are common in adult television; the “whodunit” aspect captivates viewers rapidly. In a teen show, however? Not that popular, save shows like Pretty Little Liars where the friends find the killers. In the case of "Twisted", however, the killer is helping to catch another killer. Intrigued?

Danny Desai was sent to juvie when he was a child after killing his aunt with a jump rope. Now, years after the killing, Danny has been released back into his home town, along with his mother Karen.

After making a shaky reconnection with his two childhood best friends, Lacey and Jo, someone else winds up dead-and Danny is the prime suspect. Jo, Danny and Lacey try to prove Danny’s innocence, but can they with the whole town against Danny?

The cast of "Twisted" is headed by Avan Jogia, who has credits from television including the teen show Victorious, iCarly, and several made for TV movies.

Maddie Hasson plays the tomboy Jo Masterson, and has a few credits herself, including Grimm and The Finder. Lacey is played by Kylie Bunbury, who was featured in the movies The Sitter and Prom.

"Twisted" isn’t just up and coming actors, either. It features model/actress Denise Richards as Karen Desai. Richards has been in several movies, including Wild Things, Valentine, and Starship Troopers, and tv shows such as 30 Rock, Two and a Half Men, Blue Mountain State, and Melrose Place. Other actors include Ashton Moio, Kimberly Quinn, Sam Robards, and Aaron Hill.

While the show itself hasn’t been nominated, the actors have. Avan Jogia was nominated two times for a Teen Choice Award, and Maddie Hasson has been nominated for one. The New York Daily News says that, just like Pretty Little Liars, “The characters know no more than the audience-and it should be fun finding out.” TV Fanatic says it’s time for "Twisted" to come back on, because the season finale left viewers with tons of questions.

What separates "Twisted" from a run of the mill crime drama is Danny’s involvement. The viewer is instantly attracted to him due to his stereotypical air of mystery, and his down to earth nature keeps him a loveable character. Lacey is a little harder to like, since she spends most of the show very dramatic and hateful of Danny. Jo comes across as clingy sometimes, but her good nature and fierce defense of Danny has her keeping a soft spot in the heart of the viewer.

The parents, however, are not as mature; they constantly dredge up drama and fight with each other over various things including Danny and the relationship he has with Jo and Lacey.

There hasn’t been an announcement for season two yet, and season one ended in April. So far it looks like "Twisted" has been cancelled, as tweeted by Avan Jogia and reported by TV Line. We aren’t sure whether the cancellation will stay, or if by some miracle ABC Family will renew. My opinion? I can’t get enough of Danny, and want to see him resolve all of this troubles and live happily ever after.

Catch all the episodes on abcfamily. go.com/shows/"Twisted", and on Netflix.

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AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

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>>> RED CLAY DIARY | J I M R E E D

THE IMPORTANCE OF NOT READING BEING SO COOL FRESH START 2014 YOU CAN CLEAN THE SLATE BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 8 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22 Have fines, overdue materials or damaged items been keeping you from all the great stuff at your local Tuscaloosa Public Library location? TPL customers can now get a clean slate, thanks to the library’s “Fresh Start” initiative.

Starting Monday, September 8, 2014 and running until Monday, September 22, 2014, TPL will welcome customers to get a “Fresh Start” with the Tuscaloosa Public Library. The campaign is designed to encourage library cardholders to donate school supplies or pet supplies in exchange for amnesty on any accumulated fines, missing items or damaged materials. A donation of any amount will wipe the slate clean on the library card account.

The collected school supply items will be donated to Tuscaloosa’s One Place. The pet supplies will go to the Humane Society of West Alabama.

The “Fresh Start” campaign is intended to start customers with a clean slate in mid-September, when a new fine structure begins for materials. The purpose is to get people back to the library, who might have stopped visiting a TPL library location because their cards had been suspended for fines or missing materials. The “Fresh Start” campaign is a way to encourage those customers to come back and enjoy many new and exciting services provided by the library. Also, replacement cards will be issued for free during this period too.

For more information on the “Fresh Start” campaign, getting a new replacement library card, or the new fines structure, call 345.5820, or visit the library’s website, www.tuscaloosa-library. org.

Canine Classic 5K Road Race To Benefit the Humane Society of West Alabama

T

he eleventh annual Canine Classic 5K road race to benefit the Humane Society of West Alabama will be held Saturday, September 13, 2014 at Kentuck Park.

The 5K road race will start at 8 a.m. and is part of the Tuscaloosa Track Club Grand Prix of West Alabama. Registration starts at 7 a.m., and the cost is $20 day of the race. Humans only, please, in the road race.

The race course is a flat, fast certified course. The first 150 registrants will receive a t-shirt on the day of the race and all entrants will be entered into a drawing for door prizes. Sport drinks, food, fruit and water will be available and walkers are welcomed. Participants can download a registration form from either www.TuscaloosaTrackClub.com or www.HumaneSocietyofWA.org, or pick one up at local gyms and sports retailers. Awards will be given out to standard age groups.

The Humane Society of West Alabama, founded in 1971, is a no-kill, all volunteer, non-profit organization. For more information please call 554-0011 or visit HumaneSocietyofWA.org.

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AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

“So, what are you reading these days?” I ask a ten-year-old customer at the shop. He is accompanied by an avid-reader sister and parents who are enjoying digging through tons of books.

“Uh, I don’t read,” he proudly announces, working hard to look cool and macho at the same time.

“You mean you can’t read at all?” I ask, faking sympathy.

“Er, no, I know how to read,” he replies a bit disdainfully.

“He knows how to read, he just doesn’t like to read,” his nearby sister explains patiently, thumbing through a Nancy Drew book.

“So, you don’t read anything?” I persist, knowing that what he really means is that he reads everything he wants to read, but never in the form of a book, which would not be cool.

He doesn’t know how to answer, so I say, “You did not read street signs on the way over, to find out where you are…you don’t read anything on the internet…you don’t read video game instructions…you don’t text or facebook or tweet…you don’t read comic books…you don’t read the sports page to see what your favorite team is doing?”

He admits he does read these things.

“Then, I guess what you mean is that you just don’t read books, right?”

He nods.

“OK. Follow me for a second,” I engage his gaze and trap him for a moment or two. “What would happen if you hard-copied everything you read this week—you know what a hard copy is?” He nods, a little hypnotized now. “Then,” I continue, “What if you made a hard copy of each and every thing you read and placed it in a stack after seven days. Do you think the stack would be about this thick?” I measure out 1 1/2 inches with thumb and finger. He agrees that’s about right.

“Well, if you took that stack of paper to Kinko’s and asked them to bind it together with hard covers, that would be what we call a Book.”

He gets it, I can tell.

“So…you read at least one book a week…so you do read books!” I smile. His parents are paying attention but hiding this fact from the boy. It’s obvious they have tried to work through this with him in various ways but have never thought of the “book” approach.

I smile again and say, “Thanks for reading books. They are quite fun to read!” He kind of relaxes and continues to wander the shop. His sister is grinning. And I relax because I can see that he is not offended or embarrassed—thank goodness! A fine line to walk.

As I head to the front of the shop to assist other customers, I quote Mark Twain to his sister and parents because it’s my store and I can do things like this: “A man who doesn’t read has no advantage over a man who can’t read.”

I know—I’m a tad overbearing. But dang it, I just have to sermonize now and again.

By the way, this happens at least twice a week in the shop. Sometimes it’s a fortysomething man who brags about never reading books, once in a blue moon it’s a young girl, but the scenario is always the same—someone brags about never reading books as if it is the politically correct thing to do in the modern South. And I, the avid bookseller, try to demonstrate in various ways that books are everywhere in every form, ready to be read, even if they are in no way called books

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©2014 by Jim Reed | jim@jimreedbooks.com

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JENNIFER CHIAVERINI

THE IMAGINE FESTIVAL // TOP ELECTRONIC ACTS TO ATLANTA

"Adventure, love, perseverance and quilters.

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Alabama fans will descend on Atlanta for the season opener against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Georgia Dome, a venue quite familiar to the Crimson Tide faithful. Another aspect of the city that Tide fans will also find familiar is the vast and varied nightlife in the ATL that attracts visitors from all over the South. Part of that nightlife involves an active electronic dance music (EDM) scene. Beginning with raves in the early 1990’s, EDM has grown into one of the most popular genres of modern popular music. Trance, house, dub step and more DJ styles fall under the EDM umbrella. It is present at most major festivals, and sells out some of the largest venues in the nation.

It has also influenced artists in pop, rock and hip-hop that top the charts currently. And on August 30th, it will take Atlanta by storm.

The Imagine Music Festival will be held August 30th and 31st at the Historic Old Fourth Ward Park and Masquerade Music Park in downtown Atlanta. The festival will feature some of the biggest names in electronic music currently touring. It will surely bring a lot of excitement to the city for Labor Day weekend. The festival will be headlined by Adventure Club, Destroid and Fedde Le Grand. Adventure Club are a duo of DJs from Canada that lean towards a slicker sound of electronica. Destroid is a collaboration between EDM artists Excision, Downlink and KJ Swaka. Fedde Le Grand is one of the most renowned house music DJs in the world. These acts lead a monstrous lineup that is sure to have the ATL bumping deep into the night.

Not all acts fit the mold of DJ led electronica. Beats Antique features a band, with the DJ also playing guitar. They also feature a belly-dancer who provides additional percussion as well. Other artists are influenced by genres far different from EDM, like Mantis, who began their career involved in metal and hardcore scenes. The festival will include legends like Infected Mushroom, who pioneered the use of psychedelic music in electronica to help create trance music. It also features rising stars such as Buku, who is making a name for himself in the glitch scene. Other highlights of the lineup include Paper Diamond, Archnemesis, Araab Muzik, Ethan Kath of Crystal Castles, Neon Indian, Shpongle, Protohype and Wick-It the Insitgator.

Electronica has come a long way as a genre. Evolving from the techno scene pioneered by Kraftwerk in the 1970’s, and the industrial scene led by Nine Inch Nails in the early 1990’s, EDM has become almost dominant since 2010. Almost every artist on modern radio has heavy electronic instrumentation, especially in pop and hip-hop.

Artists such as Skrillex and Calvin Harris are sought after as producers by some of the top selling acts in music today. It is a genre that has also shown potential for even more growth, although the tendency to focus on instrumentals will keep it from ever overtaking pop on the charts.

Imagine Music Festival brings another major music festival to the Dirty South.

Shaky Knees back in May brought a more traditional crowd to Atlanta. More and more, Atlanta is showing itself to be just as big a music destination as New Orleans and Nashville, long known for their contributions to southern music. Imagine Music Festival adds to that growing legacy. The festival will be in downtown Atlanta, so don’t expect parking to be easy, especially with major football games taking place in the city at the same time. But if you can brave the traffic, this is definitely a must-do for any EDM fan.

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AUGUST 21 + SEPTEMBER 4

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