Planet Weekly 472

>>> N E W S | T H E C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

NEWS

GET A SANTA'S ELVES COLLECTION BOX Help by Helping Now in its 6th year, Santa's Elves is a charitable organization committed to providing gifts to children (K-5th grade) in our our area during the holiday season. Recipients are selected by guidance counselors in the city and county school systems based on need.

Each year, Santa's Elves partners with a number of local businesses and organizations to collect new toy and monetary donations. This year, Santa's Elves will be working with the Chamber and distributing collection boxes for monetary donations. If your business would like to participate, please contact Donny Jones by email at donny@tuscaloosachamber.com.

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NOVEMBER 13 + NOVEMBER 27

Tuscaloosa City Schools Launches Calendar & Communications Survey TCS is seeking community feedback as it develops the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 school calendars and works to improve its communication strategies. A survey will remain open until Wed., Nov. 19.

School district employees, parents and community members will be emailed invitations with links to access the survey. Also, a public link will be posted on tuscaloosacityschools.com and paper surveys will be available upon request by contacting any TCS school. The survey address two main topics. In the school calendar section, participants will be asked when they think the school year should start and end, the length of the school day and vacations, year-round school and professional development for employees. In the communications section, participants will rate the quality of the communications they receive from the district, how well informed they feel about the district and which ways they prefer to receive info. Get details at www. tuscaloosacityschools.com.

Local Business Owners Appointed to Small Business Commission Jheovanny Gomez, owner of the Jalapenos Mexican Grill restaurants, and Lee Henderson, owner of Which Wich restaurants in Tuscaloosa, have been appointed by Gov. Robert Bentley to the Alabama Small Business Commission.

The two businessmen also serve on the Chamber's board of directors. The commission, which was created in September, is an advisory body in formulating policies, encouraging innovation and discussing issues critical to small businesses. It will present an annual report to the governor at the end of each year beginning next year. Commission members serve twoyear terms and can be reappointed to a second term.

PARA Announces Christmas Parade Grand Marshals Tommy Hester and Jim Lawson will serve

as Grand Marshals and Ronnie Stith as Honorary Grand Marshal to preside over the festivities. Together they will flip the switch that turns on the lights of the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse Christmas Tree to officially welcome the season and lead the parade, which brings thousands to downtown Tuscaloosa. The theme for the December 8 parade is "Let it Snow." The evening kicks off with the Christmas Tree Lighting on the steps of the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse at 5:15 p.m. followed by the parade at 6:30 p.m. The parade route travels downtown Tuscaloosa from Greensboro Avenue to University Blvd.

Chicken Salad Chick Founders Named Alabama’s Restaurateur of the Year The Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance awarded Chicken Salad Chick Founders Kevin and Stacy Brown the honor of Restaurateur of the Year at their 15th Annual Hospitality Stars of Alabama Awards Oct. 30. These accolades recognize outstanding performance, commitment and achievements in the lodging, tourism and restaurant industry.

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

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STORIES 4 HARVEST HANDS // WILLIAM BARSHOP

With the holidays comes awareness of hunger in Tuscaloosa

HIGH TIDE SPORTS 19 THE HUNT FOR TOP PROSPECTS // Gary Harris Twenty-one commits for 2015, and counting

5 HAPPIEST SAD DAY // JIM REED Thanksgiving at a cafeteria

PUBLISHER L I N DA W. JOHN S ON MANAGING EDITOR BE R T PAUL S EN ASSISTANT EDITOR W I L L I AM BA R S HOP COVER DESIGN L AU R A L I N E B E R R Y EVENTS WILLIAM BARSHOP ROAD TRIP T R E Y B R OOK S DESIGN/PRODUCTION HERB NEU

ADVERTISING 205.792.7 239 205.765- 8007

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS WILLIAM BARSHOP CARA BRAKE TREY BROOKS GARY HARRIS SHEENA GREGG ADAM MILLER T H E L M A PAU L S E N JIM REED BRETT REID JON ROGERS VA N R O B E R T S STEPHEN SMITH

IMAGES Creative Common License unless otherwise credited.

Planet Weekly P. O . B o x 2 3 1 5 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 Phone: 205.792.7239 |

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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.

6 EMERGING STARS // WILLIAM BARSHOP Three Democrats and three Republicans won big

8 FESTIVALS GO TROPICAL // TREY BROOKS Where to go during the winter

14 PET PLANET // KELSEY CAMERON November is "Adopt a Senior Dog" month

15 "LITTLE WOMEN" // ADAM MILLER Theatre Tuscaloosa's show for the holiday season

18 ON PLAYER PERFORMANCE

// STEPHEN SMITH

Smith passes out "grades" for the Crimson Tide

FEATURE 4 A BRIEF HISTORY OF THANKSGIVING

ENTERTAINMENT 8

THE FLAT SCREEN / REVIEW

10-13 12

RESTAURANT GUIDE / WINE & BEER

MOVIE REVIEW

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EVENTS CALENDAR

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ROAD TRIP

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TUSCALOOSA MUSIC LINEUP

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

NOVEMBER 13 + NOVEMBER 27

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>>> H I S T O RY | THELMA PAULSEN

THANKSGIVING'S NATIONAL ORIGIN

I

t had taken 17 years and five U.S. presidents before influential editor and writer Sarah Josepha Hale succeeded in her persuasion, but on October 3, 1863, in the midst of the devastating War Between the States, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November a national holiday: “a day of Thanksgiving and Praise.”

It was the young country’s third union-wide holiday; George Washington’s birthday and Independence Day being the other two. The actual penman of the proclamation is said to have been Lincoln’s Secretary of State William Steward.

There had been celebrations of thanksgiving throughout the New England states ever since the so-called “first Thanksgiving” celebration of harvest at Plymouth Colony in 1621. But the date of the holiday varied from state to state by as much as a couple of months, and the southern states didn’t celebrate the holiday at all. The proclamation changed that.

Washington, D.C. October 3, 1863 By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln William H. Seward, Secretary of State

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>>> CO M M U N I T Y | WILLIAM BARSHOP

HARVEST HANDS //

COMMUNITY OF GENEROSITY

Mostly women and a few men crowd around the wood-panel tables in the prayer room at the University Church of Christ, chatting about their joys and troubles before Bible study begins. Everyone takes a scrap of orange paper with a number to mark who gets to leave first to cross the street and pick up their grocery bag. They eat a free lunch of coleslaw and sweet potatoes while they wait.

Today volunteers pack frozen ham, frozen blueberries, loaves of white bread and low fat fig cookies into brown paper bags.

(Plastic bags go quickly, and the church always appreciates the gift if someone has a stash of extras tucked away in their kitchen cabinets.)

At the helm of the operation is Vernita Garriott, and her husband, Bob. Countless prayers will be sent out to the less fortunate this Thanksgiving, but Vernita and Bob will send out 200 bags of potatoes, greens, stuffing and desserts with the help of the Harvest Hands program.

“You want to see fun, try putting together 200 packages in two or three days,” Vernita said. “We want people to have something to take home for the holiday, so there’s something on the table.”

Vernita is legally blind, and Bob was born without his right arm. Together they sell pork skins and kettle corn out of a food truck, and use whatever profits are left over after their personal expenses to support the people at the church. Vernita has even been known to lend money to someone who needs new clothes or a few gallons of gas to go to a job interview.

“For a blind woman, she can see right through you,” said Doug Key, an elder and Facilities Director at the UCC. “She has great generosity, but she can usually tell when someone’s trying to pull the wool over her eyes.”

The Garriotts have adopted nine children with disabilities, and taken many more into their home as foster parents.

They understand that unforeseen circumstances can put a family in a situation where they need to ask for help: a broken axel on the food truck almost put them out of business in October.

“It’s things that are out of your control,” Vernita said. “You could be living paycheck to paycheck, but what if your car breaks down?

What if you get some kind of sickness?

What if, God forbid, your husband dies and

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there’s no money coming in?”

For others, hard times are a pit they can’t seem to escape. Mary Ann Bauer, a resident of Duncanville, Ala. who makes her way to Harvest Hands for every Bible study, survived an abusive marriage, a childhood full of neglect, and a long battle with depression that she said she won by allying herself with God. “When I wasn’t going to church, things got real bad inside my brain,” Bauer said.

“A lot of days I felt suicidal. When you feel that way, like there’s no point in living, you need a bright light. A real bright light.”

Bauer’s relationships with her family are unsteady and lead to disappointment, but she says that her friendship with Hattie Presley is one of the strongest forces in her life.

“I’ve always wanted a Christian home and a Christian family and togetherness,” Bauer said. “I feel some of that warmth when I get out there and see everybody at church.”

Presley is a new grandmother who grew up in Hale County and attended Stillman College in 1967. She is something like a righthand woman for Vernita when it comes to Harvest Hands, and she says she is always amazed by the strength of faith she sees in the women who gather for Bible study.

“If you ask everyone where they go to church on Sunday, you could get as many different answers as there are people,” Presley said. “But it’s eye-opening the way these people really seek God.” The Thanksgiving celebration in 2013 was a huge success, Presley said.

“We had a wonderful meal,” Presley said. “A lot of the ladies are widows, some have been single all their lives, and they’re home alone.”

To once again send Thanksgiving meals to the homes of Tuscaloosans in need, the church needs donations which can be dropped off at 1200 Julia Tutwiler Dr. Contact: 205-553-3001 or email info@ universitycofc.org.

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>>> R E D C L AY D I A R Y | J I M R E E D

THE HAPPIEST SAD DAY OF THE YEAR

Here’s is a true story I re-tell every Thanksgiving, just to remind myself and you that everything that really matters is right before us, all the time. Here ‘tis:

The saddest thing I ever saw: a small, that flared out like trombones at one end. elderly woman dining alone at Morrison’s More fun than being a Pilgrim/Quaker Cafeteria, on Thanksgiving Day. was being an Indian—a true blue Native Oh there are many other sadnesses American, replete with bare chest, feathyou can find if you look hard enough, in ers shed by neighborhood doves, bows this variegated world of ours, but a diner made of crooked twigs and kite string, alone on Thanksgiving Day makes you arrows dulled at the tip by rubber stoppers feel really fortunate, guilty, smug, relieved, and corks, and loads of Mother’s distearful, grateful…it brings you up short carded rouge and powder and lipstick and and makes you time-travel to the pockmashed cranberries smeared here and ets of joy and cheer you experienced in there on face and body, to make us feel earlier days. like the Indians we momentarily were.

Crepe paper. Lots of crepe paper. And Sister Barbara and Mother would find construction paper. Bunches of differentsome long autumnal-hued dresses for colored construction paper. In my childthe occasion, but they were seldom seen hood home in Tuscaloosa, my Thanksgivoutside the kitchen for hours on end, ing Mother always made sure we creative while the eight-course dinner was under and restless kids had all the cardboard, construction. scratch paper, partly-used tablets, corThere was always an accordion-fold rugated surfaces, unused napkins, backs crepe paper turkey centerpiece on display, of cancelled checks, rough brown paper hastily bought on sale at S.H. Kress, just from disassembled grocery bags, backs after last year’s Thanksgiving season. of advertising letters and flyers…anything It looked nothing like my Aunt Mattie’s at all that we could use to make things. turkeys in her West Blocton front yard.

Yes, dear 21st-Century young’uns, we And for some reason, we ate cranberry kids back then made things from scraps. products on that day and that day only.

We could cut up all we wanted, and cut Nobody ever thought about cranberup we did. ries the other 364 days! And those lucky We cut out rough rectangular sheets turkeys were lucky because nobody ever from stiff black wrapping paper and glued the edges together to make Pilgrim hats. Old belt buckles were tied to our shoelaces—we never could get it straight, whether the Pilgrims were Quakers, or vice versa, or neither.

But it always seemed important to put buckles on our shoes and sandals, wear tubular hats and funny white paper collars, and craft Jim Reed (r) and his brother, Tim, celebrating Thanksgiving at Morrisons Cafeteria weird-looking guns

thought of eating them except at Thanksgiving and Christmas. They were home free the rest of the year!

Now, back into the time machine of just a few years ago.

It is Thanksgiving Day. My wife and son and granddaughter are all out of the country. Other family and relatives are either dead or gone, or just plain tied up with their own lives in other states, doing things other than having Thanksgiving Dinner with me.

My brother, Tim, my friends Tim Baer and Don Henderson and I decide that we will have to spend Thanksgiving Dinner together, since each of us is bereft of wife or playmate or relative, this particular holiday this particular year.

So, we wind up at Morrison’s Cafeteria, eating alone together, going through the line and picking out steamed-particle-board turkey, canned cranberries, thin gravy, boxed mashed potatoes and some bakery goods whose source cannot easily be determined.

But we laugh at our situation and each other, tell jokes, cut up a bit, and thank our lucky stars that this one Thanksgiving Dinner is surely just a fluke. We’ll be trying that much harder, next year, to not get blind-sided by the best holiday of the year, Thanksgiving

being the only holiday you don’t have to give gifts or reciprocate gifts or strain to find the correct gifts.

On Thanksgiving holidays ever since, I make sure I’m with family and friends, and now and then I try to set a place at the table of my mind, for any little old lady or lone friend who might want to join us, for the second saddest thing I’ve ever seen is a happy family lustily enjoying a Thanksgiving feast together and forgetting for a moment about all those lone diners in all the cafeterias of the world who could use a glance and a smile

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

©2014 by Jim Reed jim@jimreedbooks.com blog: www.redclaydiary.com

NOVEMBER 13 + NOVEMBER 27

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>>> D E M O C R AC Y | W I L L I A M B A R S H O P

NATIONAL STARS EMERGE // WHO WON BIG // THREE REPUBLICANS & THREE DEMOCRATS

Ideally, the careers of our politicians are built on hard work, leadership and the values of their constituents. But there is no denying that the most important moment is election night – the day that decides if they will get the chance to put those values to work. The hype of election season may overshadow what our representatives are actually doing, but the results are the best way to track the direction this country is headed.

Who will become a household name by the time their term is up? Who will you see duking it out over the issues on the evening news? Let’s look at three Republicans and three Democrats who picked up a boost of political momentum both at home and in the eyes of the whole nation.

were laughing at Ernst, a solid base of conservatives were energized by her values and demeanor. Seven months later, Iowans elected her to the U.S. Senate.

A viral video might not be the most glorious first impression for a nationally recognized politician, but in 2014, it is an effective start. With a Republican majority in both houses, Ernst may just be able to follow up on her campaign promises and bring home the bacon for her voters.

Ernst’s service in Kuwait makes her the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate, and she is also the first female to represent Iowa in Congress. Pundits have already started using Ernst as a counterpoint to the GOP’s “War on Women,” though females still favor Democrats at the polls.

Joni Ernst

Susana Martinez

“I’m Joni Ernst. I grew up castrating hogs on an Iowa farm.” That’s the line that introduced most Americans to the Iowa state senator and veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The bizarre choice of imagery seemed like a joke to many who saw the clip, and late-night talk show hosts were quick to laugh at her expense, but the ad secured the number one resource for a Senate campaign: attention.

“I’ll know how to cut pork,” she continued in the ad, detailing her goals to reduce spending and repeal Obamacare.

“Washington is full of big spenders. Let’s make ‘em squeal.” For all the viewers who

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With the mass exodus of moderate Democrat voters that has flipped so many blue seats to red, it’s fitting that one of the country’s most influential governors is a former Democrat, herself. Susana Martinez switched her party membership to Republican in 1995, back when she was a Deputy District Attorney, and since then she has won every public office she has sought. In 2011 she won the gubernatorial race for the first time, and in this past election she trounced her opponent, Gary King, by a 15-point margin. All in a state that voted twice for Obama.

Martinez manages to connect with New Mexico’s women while still standing

firm against elective abortion, and earned the votes of many Hispanics even with her plans to secure the US-Mexican border.

That charisma plus staunch opposition to same-sex marriage and medical marijuana has had Republicans across the country holding her up as an exemplary executive.

She made headlines in 2012 by selling the state’s luxury jet, and she even earned a spot on Time magazine’s 2013 list of most influential people.

The GOP has been vocal about goals to court more women and Hispanic voters, especially after the fate-tipping losses in those demos that Mitt Romney suffered in the 2012 presidential election. Martinez may be the perfect cure to those shortcomings, and even convince other ex-Democrats to vote red in 2016. She has denied plans to run for president or VP, but she has formed a close political tie to New Jersey’s Governor Chris Christie, another blue-state Republican who is already polling well for the GOP presidential nomination. Could she be the running mate of his dreams?

Elise Stefanik

The average age of a US Congressman has been creeping toward 60 since 1981, and the average Senator is even older. The American people have been hurting for a young, exciting political leader to stir things up in a room full of baby-boomers, and Democrats have yet to respond; their biggest names for the 2016 presidency are Hillary Clinton, 67, and Joe Biden, 71. Republicans, though, are offering new leaders that pull that average age way down.

Elise Stefanik, 30, became the youngest woman elected to Congress, representing the 21st district of New York as of this past election. She even took the House seat from a retired Democrat. After graduating from Harvard, Stefanik worked in the office of President George W. Bush’s Chief of Staff, then directed vice presidential debate prep for the Romney/ Ryan campaign in 2012. If those credentials weren’t enough, Romney himself worked on Stefanik’s own campaign, in addition to a heavy endorsement from House Speaker John Boehner.

Stefanik was criticized for vagueness

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on the campaign trail, and for clinging to pre-packaged talking points without detailing the “fresh ideas” she wanted to bring to Congress. Still, she’s years ahead of her peers in finding her bearings.

Andrew Cuomo

The last Democrat to serve more than one term as New York’s governor was Mario Cuomo, who narrowly missed out on the 1992 presidential nomination because of a vow to pass a state budget before announcing any campaigns. Mario’s son, Andrew Cuomo may fulfill that dream if the common rumors materialize. After he was re-elected as governor against Republican challenger Rob Astorino, backers have a renewed confidence that he will face off against Hillary Clinton in 2016.

Cuomo has overs=een several bureaucratic victories in office, restructuring New York’s tax codes, negotiating with a large union of state employees and passing a widely agreeable budget. While these endeavors aren’t as flashy as legalizing same-sex marriage, another promise he fulfilled, many see his time in office as a record of good governance. New York Democrats have speculated that Cuomo may have a shot at a 2016 presidential run.

Now dealing with a Republican majority in the New York Senate, Cuomo will be able to campaign on the spirit of bipartisanship, an issue that will be appealing to moderate voters with the coming gridlock between Congress and the president.

Cory Booker

New Jersey’s Sen. Cory Booker has nearly 1.5 million followers on Twitter.

Continued on next page

>>> CO N T I N U E D F R O M P R E V I O U S PAG E His 2014 Republican challenger, Jeff Bell? 814. In the political arena following Obama’s first election, it became clear that the Internet and social media are now crucial elements to any campaign, especially if you want any young people to show up and vote. Somehow the Republican Party hasn’t quite learned their lesson, and continue to flounder in cyberspace.

Booker didn’t win on cool points alone, though. He has eight years of service as the mayor of Newark under his belt, as well as degrees from Stanford and Yale Law that give him the credibility he needs to balance a hip, young public persona.

The comparisons to Obama’s Senate career are clear: Booker is eloquent, well-educated, African-American and highly in-tune with young voters. He’s even had surprisingly civil discussions with Rand Paul (R-Kent.) over Twitter that many saw as feats of bipartisanship.

Booker may be a little fresh to the public eye to make a run for President now, but as he gains credibility he may have a chance at the office in six, ten or 14 years. He’s only 45, so there’s plenty of time to build up his name on Capitol Hill and convince donors of his leadership skills. If Gov. Chris Christie’s approval is hurt by the Bridge-gate scandal when he runs for his third term, Booker may take the chance to swoop in.

stalking, and Southerland said he voted against it because he did not have time to read it.

While Graham slid by with less than a 3,000 vote lead over Southerland, the election showed that tolerance is thinning for shows of chauvinism and anti-women voting.

Bonus: A Midterm of “Firsts”

We're talkin' about books you can't put down!

Mia Love (R-Utah) became the first black Republican woman to be elected to Congress. She will be the first Haitian-American in Congress as well.

Massachusetts elected the first openly gay attorney general for any state, Democrat Maura Healey.

North Carolina held the most expensive Senate race ever between incumbent Dem. Kay Hagan and Rep. Thom Tillis, who won the seat. The candidates spent $32 million and outside groups contributed $81 million more.

In 2015, for the first time, 100 women will occupy seats in the two houses of Congress.

Gwen Graham Women voters have consistently voiced their discontent with the GOP at the polls, and the party has responded with female candidates if not with any policy changes. Though several Republican women will take office for the first time in this Congress, Gwen Graham was the sole Democrat to overtake a sitting Republican in the House, and the race boiled down to gender.

Graham’s opponent, incumbent Steve Southerland, earned some bad press with Florida women after he hosted a males-only fundraiser with invitations that told “the Misses not to wait up.” If he regretted the word choice, he didn’t show it, answering criticisms with the puzzling remark, “Has Gwen Graham ever been to a lingerie shower? . . . How many men were there?”

The PR fumble, and failure to recover, allowed the Graham campaign to shine a light on Southerland’s voting record, that included a nay to the Violence Against Women Act. The bill aimed to strengthen defenses for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and

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How does a Congress with a

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90% re-election rate?

2014 Voter Turnout Lowest in 72 Years

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NOVEMBER 13 + NOVEMBER 27

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>>> M U S I C | T R E Y B R O O K S

FESTIVALS GO TROPICAL FOR WINTER MONTHS

Everyone knows summer is the festival season. The warm weather is perfect for outdoor venues and camping, and with school being out younger fans have the opportunity to travel to see major artists all over the country. But what happens when the temperature drops? How can music fans enjoy the festival experience during the long, cold winter months? For many promotions, the answer is going to Jamaica, the Bahamas, Mexico or any other tropical destination throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Some of these festivals encourage fans to travel to resort destinations in paradise.

Others are the travel themselves, providing music on board cruise ships. These festivals also tend to attract an older, more mature crowd. So if you’re more a fan of pools than of portable restrooms, you may want to ask off a week from work to check out one of these festivals that migrate south for the winter.

One of the larger winter festivals takes place in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Dominican Holidaze turns the Breathless Resort and Spa into a jamband festival December 3rd through the 7th. One of the highlights of the lineup for this festival is the Disco Biscuits headlining. One of the seminal jam acts, the Disco Biscuits were at the forefront of the scene’s acceptance of electronic music.

This is one of the few shows for “Bisco” this year, as they have slowed down tremendously in terms of touring. Other acts at Dominican Holidaze include Umphrey’s McGee, STS9 and Lotus. Punta Cana will also host Widespread Panic at the Hard Rock Casino January 24th-28th for Panic En La Playa Cuatro, where the jamband legends wil be joined by the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Bloodkin and the Playa AllStars.

Those who favor bluegrass and Americana music will want to travel to Puerto Morelos, MX for Strings and Sol. Taking place December 11-15th at the Now Sapphire Resort, Strings and Sol brings the sounds of American to the Yucatan

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among the ruins of Mayan civilization.

Headliners for this excursion include Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth, Leftover Salmon, Greensky Bluegrass, The Infamous Stringdusters and The Travelin’ McCourys. The Now Sapphire will also host the Closer to the Sun festival December 16th through the 20th. More focused on psychedelic rock, Closer to the Sun is headlined by Slightly Stoopid, Citizen Cope, G Love and Special Sauce, Steel Pulse and the Dirty Heads. These two festivals are sure to provide an amazing ten days on the Mayan Riviera on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. For those looking to enjoy music out at sea, nothing beats Jam Cruise. Leaving from Miami, Florida on January 6th, Jam Cruise provides all the traits of your typical luxury liner experience with the added bonus of live music sets throughout the day on different stages throughout the day and night. Headlining the cruise this year will be Pretty Lights, Umphrey’s McGee, Galactic, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Lettuce, the Revivalists and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Best part about this festival? The artists will be enjoying the cruise as well.

Negril, Jamaica will also be busy this season with festivals. From January 9th to the 13th, the band .moe will host the Tropical Throe.down in the city, adding to moe.down and snoe.down festivals the band already hosts. Beginning the next day and lasting until January 18th is Island Exodus 6, hosted by blues-rock legends Gov’t Mule. After a bit of a break, the town will host Jam in the Sand from February 27th until March 3rd, featuring Dark Star Orchestra, David Nelson Band and Keller Williams.

For students on Christmas break, or older fans who just want to get away for a few days, take the time to look into one of these tropical festivals. Make sure your passport is up to date, because you don’t want to miss the experience of seeing music in the Caribbean.

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

RERUN REVIEW // XOXO "GOSSIP GIRL"

The early 2000’s was a television era dedicated to the teenager; angst-filled plots and relatable characters were all the rage, and fiction gave glimpses into the lives of characters that young people wanted to be with, or be. One such show was "Gossip Girl," a show filled with drama from start to finish, and allowed the average teenager a glimpse into the privileged life of the corrupt and wealthy teenagers of rich families.

"Gossip Girl," which first aired in 2007, was about the lives of various charactersSerena Van der Woodsen, Blair Waldorf, Dan Humphrey, Nate Archibald, Jenny Humphry, and Chuck Bass being the main six-and all the drama that incurs in their lives. The show, narrated by a mysterious voice only known as popular blogger “Gossip Girl” (voiced by Kristen Bell), starts with Serena (Blake Lively) returning to the Upper East Side, much to the chagrin of her best friend, Blair (Leighton Meester), and everyone else in the inner circles. A couple of people, however, are quite excited for her return, including Blair’s boyfriend Nate (Chase Crawford), and resident womanizer and trouble maker Chuck (Ed Westwick). As the episode progresses we meet the people that Serena influenced before she left, whether she knew it or not. Those people include Dan (Penn Bagdley), a not so rich boy with a crush, and his sister Jenny (Taylor Momsen), a wannabe popular girl who idolizes the glamorous Serena and Blair. Gossip Girl follows these semi-celebrities’ ups and downs, all the while adding sarcastic and biting commentary. Who is Gossip Girl?

That’s a secret she’ll never tell.

After the first episode aired on the CW, “Gossip Girl” caught fire, running for a whopping six seasons. Just as popular, if not more, is the book series it started as, written by Cecily von Ziegesar. And while the show was popular, the NY Times review pointed out something interesting-that the television show differs greatly from the book by adding importance to the parents of the teenagers. The books are private school horror stories for parents, describing wild parties, shoplifting, sex, drugs, and underaged drinking. In this writer’s opinion, that would be the only minor setback to this wild ride-how can you properly scare parents into watching their kids if you give them

parents to lean on? Regardless, the show was a massive hit, amassing 19 awards, including 17 Teen Choice Award wins for various categories, and 35 nominations.

As much as teens love it, some questioned whether or not it was safe for teens and kids to watch, with some rather graphic scenes of drinking, drug use, and semi-nudity. That didn’t stop it from gaining 3.5 million viewers during the show’s heyday, only dropping to about 1 million by the season finale, which could be caused by the long-running nature of the show and the convoluted plots.

Despite the controversy of the content and the not so great ending ratings, “Gossip Girl” remains a pop culture icon for the ages, still fresh in people’s minds. The show aired its finale in 2012, where Gossip Girl’s identity was finally revealed. Who is she?

You’ll just have to watch to find out. All six seasons are currently available for streaming on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and iTunes, and is also available on DVD.

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

Author, Scott Bomar

Paul Hornsby

Chuck Leavell

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

NOVEMBER 13 + NOVEMBER 27

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>>> 2 WINE REVIEWS | J O N R O G E R S

THE WAXED BAT BLEND // AND THE FRANK FAMILY PINOT NOIR The Waxed Bat wine is a blend from Argentina.

The blend is 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Shiraz and 27% Malbec.

For this review, I tasted the 2013 vintage.

Rodolfo Sadler is the winemaker for Waxed Bat wine and he goes by the name Opi. According to Opi, and from the bottle, his family has been in the wine business for quite some time.

He tells the tale of exploring his grandfather’s cellar and seeing bottles with wax tops along with sleeping bats! Hence the name, The Waxed Bat. Alcohol content of Waxed Bat wine is 14.5% by volume, according to the bottle.

The wine is produced and bottled in Mendoza by Andean Vineyards.

Waxed Bat WineThis wine is deep and rich in color. Primarily deep garnet in appearance.

It’s very leggy and definitely coats the glass when swirled.

Aroma of the Waxed Bat wine is deep and noticeable from afar. I noted earth and dark black cherry. Given the deep and dark aroma, I was expecting the flavor to also be deep and dark.

However, it wasn’t! It was actually quite bright with flavors of cherry and blackberry.

The Waxed Bat is a dry wine, even though it’s a blend. You can sense that there’s multiple varietals, but I think the Cabernet is what comes through the most. At least that’s what I suspect is providing the majority of the dryness.

The tannins are very present and very round. I noticed them all over my tongue and this contributed to a cottony mouthfeel for this wine.

Finish of this wine is two pronged.

There’s an initial finish that is directly tied to the general flavor of the wine. That finish is short.

However, there’s also a second longer finish that lasts quite long and delivers the tannins’ impact.

Overall, I really enjoyed this wine.

What I liked about it especially, was the wine’s complexity in the finish. It provided a multi-layered experience that I happen to enjoy.

Also, I liked that I was thrown a curve ball by the Waxed Bat’s aroma versus the flavor.

Waxed Bat price ranges about $14.00 to $20.00.

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NOVEMBER 13 + NOVEMBER 27

Frank Family Vineyards Pinot Noir is sourced from 100% Pinot Noir grapes.

This review is of their 2012 Carneros Pinot Noir. The winemaker is Todd Graff.

The grapes for this Pinot Noir come from their 138 acre Lewis Vineyard, located in Napa-Carneros. Weather affecting this vineyard is primarily Pacific Ocean induced coolness, wind and fog.

The 2012 Frank Family Vineyards Pinot Noir was aged in 35% new French Oak barrels and 65% once and twice filled French Oak barrels. The wine was aged for about 10 months.

8700 cases of this wine were produced in July of 2013. Per the bottle, alcohol content is 14.5% by volume.

Frank Family Vineyards Pinot Noir price about $35.00.

For this review, I had help from my regular tasting assistant, “Big Al.” His keen palate and descriptive vocabulary is always spot on!

In appearance, this wine is ruby to cherry in color with a bit of rust. Not overly dark, it’s typical of a pure Pinot Noir in terms of opaqueness.

It’s a very leggy wine with a lot of fine legs that fall fast in the glass. Definitely hinting at a lighter bodied wine.

Aroma of the Frank Family Vineyards Pinot Noir is very noticeable from afar.

We noted florals and cherry on the nose with a bit of spice. Very enjoyable!

On the palate, this wine has flavors of cherry, dark berries and more spice. As Al noted, the flavors were “dancing all over the place” and “engages every part of the mouth!”

Tannins of the Frank Family Vineyards Pinot Noir were only noted by me. I called it a bit of a tingle on the sides of my tongue. Mouthfeel was of linen.

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

Overall, we both loved the Frank Family Vineyards Pinot Noir. It’s very vibrant, evenly balanced and would go well with a brisket.

Two thumbs up… Recommend!

>>> RESTAURANTS |

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

BREAKFAST / LUNCH Brown Bag 9425 Jones Road | Northport // 333.0970 Its speciality, fried green tomatoes, joins barbecue plates and fish filets on an extended list of meats and vegetables.

Tues 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | 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

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.

More wine reviews by Jon Rogers at www. honestwinereviews.com

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.

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

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

Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.345.4343 Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd // 758.0112 Pizzas, calzones, hoagies and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. www.mellowmushroom.com Mr. G’s 908 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339-8505 Olive Garden 2100 McFarland Blvd E // 750-0321 Open daily from 11 a.m. www.olivegarden.com

CASUAL DINING Avenue Pub 405 23rd Avenue // Tuscaloosa 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 H E R E T O E AT I N T U S C A L O O S A ( C O N T. )

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

SWEETWATER HOP HASH DOUBLE IPA // BE PREPARED I took a trip to Atlanta for Halloween to see one of my good friends, Thomas.

We both share a love for beer, so I knew we would end up drinking a lot of it. He took me to a package store minutes away from his apartment to pick-up a keg for his newly finished kegerator. As he was filling out the paperwork to get our keg of Sweetwater IPA, I took a stroll. As I walked around, I saw one of the best selections of craft beer I had ever seen. Stuff that isn’t available in Alabama is in sheer abundance at Green’s, and at really low prices, too. So, while I’m walking around I pick up a bomber of Red Brick’s Matcha Super Green Yuzu IPA, an IPA made with green tea that culminates into one of the smoothest IPA style beers I have ever had, and then I turn around and I see something I had only read a little about before my trip. Sweetwater, who has a multitude of IPA and Pale Ale options, had yet to produce a Double IPA other than small-batches known as the Dank Tank. That was until now. When you use a hop pelletizer, a “hop hash” also known as lupulin, forms and produces a super concentrated hop element. Sweetwater took that “hash” and put into this Double IPA that is the epitome of dank as well as a year-round brew. Here are my thoughts: The beer pours a pale, hazy golden with a lot of visible carbonation. This was a turn off immediately, because it led me to believe that there was going to be too much carbonation for me to handle. Anyways, There were about two finger widths of tall, dense off white foam that reduced slowly to a solid finger width. The foam falls down further in the center to about a half of a finger width and retains on the sides of the glass. There was a ton of lacing throughout the whole beer. As soon as I opened it I wanted to smell it straight from the bottle. There was an immediately strong scent of marijuana. I wish I was joking, but it really does. I’ve heard people say that a fresh hop cone has a similar resemblance, so I can see where the connection is made. After you move past the pure dank smell, you start to pick up a lot of pine and some citrus, specifically grapefruit and orange. After you move past those, you start to pick up a lot of herbal hops with some lightly sweet malt notes.

As soon as the beer touches your lips, you immediately get a strong bitterness from the hops and citrus. There is also a complexity to this with the layering of a slight spice character with some maltiness thrown in as well. There was barely any sweetness from the amount and different types of malts used in the brew. As you continue through the beer, you begin to pick up a more harsh bitterness that only intensifies as it finishes. By the time I got to the end of each sip, I was telling Thomas that it was very, very bitter; he agreed and said that by the end of the bottle he would expect his tongue to be raw. Albeit that wasn’t the case, the beer

was extremely bitter all the way through.

It never maintained a single flavor from front to back like a lot of Sweetwater beers do. In that aspect I really felt like it fell short in terms of comparing to other beers on their roster.

This is no light beer; that’s for sure. After I finished half of the beer, I could definitely feel it settling in my stomach.

Sweetwater describes it as having a medium body.

Lie. It’s pretty heavy and nothing, at least for me, could drink multiples of in one night.

I mentioned earlier about how you could see a good bit of carbonation after pouring, but I was proved wrong. There was a really nice level of carbonation in the beer that made it very enjoyable to drink.

The carbonation blended well with the flavors in the beer, and, in a way, it enhanced some of the flavors of the citrus and pine.

Overall, this was good a good beer, but it wasn’t world class. The flavors were there in some aspects, but, in my opinion, it could have used a bit more sweetness from the malt to truly be called a Double IPA. Like I said, this was good, but I have definitely tasted better of the Double IPA style on multiple occasions.

I think the novelty will wear off soon and this will be just another beer from Sweetwater like Sweetwater Blue is. All in all, I would drink it again, but not something I would enjoy spending a lot of money on.

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

NOVEMBER 13 + NOVEMBER 27

11

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

"JOHN WICK" // SIZZLING SHOOT 'EM UP // NATURALLY, IT'S BARELY BELIEVABLE ✭✭✭

Never kill an action hero’s dog! All Hell breaks loose in the sadomasochistic, R-rated, revenge-thriller “John Wick” because the malevolent villains not only steal our hero’s ‘to die for’ vintage 1969 Mustang, but they also murder his dog.

Had these unsavory felons had contented themselves with the Mustang, they might have survived the ordeal.

Watching the ferociously violent “John Wick” rekindledmemories of director Antoine Fuqua’s conspiracy theory thriller “Shooter” (2007) where the villains made the fatal mistake of killing Mark Wahlberg’s dog. Bob Lee Swagger, the Wahlberg hero in “Shooter,” cleaned everybody’s clock after he buried his dog.

Basically, Keanu Reeves does the same thing to the heartless hooligans who slew his adorable puppy. “John Wick” pits our resilient hero against the malignant Russian mafia infesting New York City like a cancer; much like Denzel Washington did in “The Equalizer.” Most of the ruffians who died in “The Equalizer” perished off-screen, and we were shown their twisted bodies sprawled like blood-stained laundry after the fact. Unlike Denzel’s sympathetic, good-guy vigilante, Keanu Reeves is cast as a retired Russian hitman who exterminates everybody in sight without a qualm. Along the way, our hero has his nose bloodied, his ribs kicked in, and stitches sewn up in his stomach.

“Matrix” stuntman turned film director Chad Stahelski has taken scenarist Derek Kolstad’s formulaic, B-movie screenplay and fashioned it into a cynical, rapid-fire, actioneer with the double-digit body count of Asian director John Woo’s classic “Hard Boiled.” If you haven’t heard of John Woo, then “John Wick” is comparable to the two Gareth Evans’ hard-knuckled, non-stop thrillers “The Raid” (2012) and “The Raid 2” (2014). Kolstad’s larger-than-life script recalls venerable genre classics like the Lee Marvin shoot’em up “Point Blank” (1967) and the hard-as-nails Mel Gibson movie “Payback” (1999). A lone gunman in both “Point Blank” and “Payback” wipes out the mob in a metropolitan city.

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NOVEMBER 13 + NOVEMBER 27

If you cannot tolerate seeing dozens of gunmen getting riddled with bullets, you should skip “John Wick.” After a string of forgettable, half-baked thrillers and fantasies, including “The Day The Earth Stood Still,” “The Private Lives of Pippa Lee,” “Man of Tai Chi,” and “47 Ronin,” Reeves appears to have recovered his poise with this high body count, pistol opera.

The hard-bitten Keanu Reeves title character hung up his hardware after he fell in love with Helen (Bridget Moynahan of “Battle Los Angeles”), an angel in disguise who saved him from a life of crime. Unfortunately, she succumbed to a fatal illness and died at the hospital with John at her bedside. Before she passed away, Helen has the presence of mind to write a farewell card to her husband and attach it to a pet taxi containing a cute, floppy-eared puppy. Our dry-eyed hero weeps at the memory of his long, lost wife and prepares a place at the foot of his bed for Daisy. One day while Wick is fueling up his Mustang with gasoline, a carload of rude Russians cruise in to the convenience store. One of the Russians, Iosef Tarasov (Alfie Allen of “Atonement”), admires Wick’s ride and asks him how much he would sell it for. “It’s not for sale,” Wick replies without a second thought. When Iosef mutters in Russian that everything has a price, Wick rebuts him in Russian that his Mustang is not for sale. Later that evening, after he has gone to bed alone, Wick awakes as Daisy starts barking and scampers off the bed and downstairs.

No sooner has Wick followed Daisy to investigate the disturbance in his sleek, ultra-modern house than he is knocked down and violently beaten up. The three thieves confiscate his car keys, and Iosef kills poor Daisy. Later, Iosef and his accomplices careen into an automobile chop shop run by Aureilo (John Leguizamo of “Carlito's Way”) for new papers and a VIN number. Areola refuses to accommodate them. He goes so far as to punch Iosef in the face. Iosef’s father Viggo Tarasov (Michael Nyqvist of “London Voodoo”) offers his son a drink and

then slams his fist into Iosef’s stomach so his son vomits on the floor. Viggo tells Isoef that Isoef has made a fatal mistake. Viggo explains that John Wick consolidated Viggo’s empire before Wick retired. Viggo witnessed Wick kill three ruffians in a bar with nothing but a pencil.

Unfortunately, we don’t see Wick repeat this rather astonishing act. Nevertheless, Wick is a crack shot with any kind of gun and drives a car like a racer. Immediately, Viggo hires the next best hitman alive, Marcus (William Dafoe of “The Boondock Saints”), but sets up the contract on a first-come/first-sell basis for anybody.

Like I said earlier, all Hell breaks loose, and everybody relies on the same cleanup crew to mop up the blood, bodies, and broken glass.

Naturally, “John Wick” is barely believable. This is a slam-bang, shoot’em up done with a straight face and a cast of familiar faces dodging bullets in New York City. Everybody wears body armor and packs extra pistols. When John Wick shoots an adversary, he puts at least three slugs in each adversary with a coup de grace to the head. Sure, blood splashes from these wounds, but it isn’t gratuitous like “Saving Private Ryan.”

OU T OF 4

Stahelski stages everything as if he were directing a Spaghetti western. Bodies spin, topple, and stagger. Here and there, Stahelski slips in a surprise or two because John Wick may be indestructible, but the Russian mobsters aren’t totally asinine. “John Wick” isn’t strictly about guys with guns. Actress Adrianne Palicki shows that gals can be just as lethal with firearms, too. British tough guy Ian McShane of “Deadwood” fame makes a memorable appearance as the owner of an off-limits nightclub motel who doesn’t cater to killers killing killers on his premises. Although it isn’t wholly original and is often predictable, “John Wick” qualifies as a sizzling saga with slimy villains and lots of kinetic, bullet-piercing action.

Thursday, Nov. 13 – Knympho Knife with Ham Bagby! No Cover Friday, Nov. 14 – Harpooner w/Blue Ash Saturday, Nov. 15 – Backup Planet with Eric the Red Thursday, Nov. 20 –Take the Power Back Friday, Nov. 21 – Cold Cold Sweats / The Darnell Boys

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

>>> RESTAURANTS |

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

Featured Cocktails and $20 Bottles of Wine.

6521 Alabama 69 | 752.5444

Red Lobster 2620 McFarland Blvd // 553.8810 McFarland Plaza Shopping Center

Tut’s Place 1306 University Blvd | The Strip // 759.1004

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.

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.

DELICATESSEN

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

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

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

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

Hot Wok Express 6751 Alabama 69, Tuscaloosa // 758.0148

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

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

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

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

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

Pearl Garden 2719 Lurleen Wallace Blvd | Northport // 339.0880

COFFEE SHOP

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.

Barnes & Noble 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa 349.6366

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

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

Trey Yuen 4200 McFarland Blvd E // 752.0088

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

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

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

PIZZA AND SUBS

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

Heritage House 18 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 758.0042 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

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

Five Java Coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and treats from Mary's Cakes.

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

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

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.

Pizza 120 50115th St. East | 561.6853

Chloe's Cup 2117 University Blvd.| Tuscaloosa // 764.0218

>>> R E S T A U R A N T R E V I E W | S H E E N A G R E G G

MAKI FRESH // DELICIOUSLY QUICK AND CONVENIENT Photos: Sheena Gregg

With the booming variety of restaurants in the area, it’s no surprise that many of those originating in the Birmingham area have made their way to T-town. One of the most recent eateries to debut in our area is the Asian-inspired Maki Fresh boasting a variety of sushi creations and other delicacies. As a product of Zoe’s Kitchen originator John Cassimus, the newest Maki Fresh location seems natural with Cassimus’s alumnus ties to the Capstone.

I decided to take my husband along for my first trip to Maki Fresh. Being the kind of gal that likes to look at a restaurant’s website and menu before visiting, I noticed that the eatery has marketed itself as a “fast casual Asian restaurant in a modern and inviting atmosphere.” Though we were the first customers of the day, it didn’t take long for others to start trickling in on what I assumed would be a quiet early lunch on Sunday morning. The cashier was quick to point out that the Hibachi Rice Bowl and the Bubblegum Signature Maki were quite popular. After one more brief glance over the menu and a temptation to get slider burgers with a side of onion rings, we finally went with the rice bowl and sushi recommendations that were first provided.

As part of the same restaurant family, I was quick to observe the aesthetic similarities to Zoe’s Kitchen in furniture form and table set up. Dark wood tables and Asian Dogwood trees painted on the walls added to the subtle Japanese style atmosphere. While waiting on our food, I noticed that the number of indoor tables were maximized for the small space of the restaurant while a good abundance of outdoor tables on the small outside patio provided extra seating. I was pleasantly surprised with the quick delivery of our first dish, the Hibachi Rice Bowl containing flank steak, cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, yellow bell peppers, edamame, and maki spicy sauce. The variety of veggies in the rice bowl worked well to provide lots of color while drizzled in the “spicy sauce.”

After mixing everything up for good measure, I noticed that the sauce was not particularly spicy and tasted very similar to a typical shrimp sauce found in other Japanese restaurants. Between the maki

spicy sauce and the sweet Teriyaki type sauce that covered the flank steak, I found it difficult to taste the other flavors of the food. However, the rice had a wonderful texture while in contrast with the crunch of the fresh veggies and the flavor of the flank steak. Next came our Bubblegum sushi roll. I was immediately pleased with the visual appeal of the dish and anxious to taste as we opted for the brown rice option rolled in with the crab, avocado, cucumber, ahi tuna, wasabi aoioli, and sriracha listed on the menu. After a small mix and dip of soy sauce and wasabi, I realized that the Bubblegum roll had so much fresh flavor and really didn’t need the addition of wasabi and soy sauce.

According to masters in Japan, the true sushi experience strives to make each bite a ride of color, texture, taste, and presentation. Even in Tuscaloosa, these standards also hold true. I found our sushi to be a deliciously quick and convenient option that we’ve not had in the past.

Though the amount of maki spicy sauce in my rice bowl wasn’t exactly my style, I still found the dish to be quite tasty. I’ve already made note in my head to ask for the sauce on the side next time. I consider Maki Fresh to be a great option for lunch or dinner; however, with a price tag of over $25 dollars for the two of us with drinks included, many folks may consider this too steep for lunch. All in all, I give this place two thumbs up with a side of sriracha.

Maki Fresh is located in the Indian Hills area at 1530 McFarland Boulevard and open from 11:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. daily.

Tweet us @ThePlanetWeekly and let us know where you are eating!

Sheena Gregg, MS, RDN,LD is a registered dietitian and local “Filipino foodie.”

Follow her on Twitter @AFilipinoFoodie

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

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

BACKROAD ANTHEM NOVEMBER 13 + NOVEMBER 27

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>>> EVENTS CALENDAR |

THE SOUTHEAST'S LARGEST

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

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14

ROOTS, ROUTES, REVERENCE WHEN: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 405 McCorvey Dr PHONE: 498.1893 LINK: art.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: In his upcoming exhibition, MFA candidate Darius Hill traces his artistic influences to the iconic imagery of 1970s and 1980s African American pop culture, as well as abstract expressionist, minimalist and pop art paintings created by artists Kenneth Noland, Jasper Johns and Robert Indiana. Take a look at the Sella-Granata Gallery in Woods Hall before the exhibit closes on Friday.

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

COST: $10 and up WHERE: 348 Stadium Dr PHONE: 348.3400 LINK: theatre.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: Based on the 1934 play of the same name, we meet Franklin Sheppard and get his life story unfold from lyricist to famous motion picture maker, in reverse! One of Sondheim’s most acclaimed scores! Enjoy the show at Rowand-Johnson Hall for the last night on Friday, Nov 14.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15

RISING TIDE TAILGATE WHEN: All day COST: Free WHERE: University Quad PHONE: Register online LINK: upua.tix.com DESCRIPTION: Join University Programs as we team up with Health Promotion and Wellness for the Rising Tide Tailgate on Oct. 18 for the Alabama vs. Mississippi State game! The tailgate begins four hours before kickoff.

Stop by for some free food and great company! Register for free at upua.tix.com.

GHOSTBUSTERS 30 YEAR ANNIIVERSARY WHEN: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

COST: $6 – 9 WHERE: 2213 University Blvd PHONE: 349.4235 LINK: chomonline.org DESCRIPTION: The Children’s HandsOn Museum invites kids for Ghostbusting activities and even marshmallow roasting 30 years after the famous film. Come with a parent, all activities are included in the price of admission.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16

[ENTER] CONNECT EXHIBIT WHEN: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 620 Greensboro PHONE: 758.5195 LINK: cac.tuscarts.org s.org DESCRIPTION: The works presented in this exhibit will range from 3D printed and laser-cut sculptures to computer generated animation and sound installation. The University of Alabama Gallery will host multiple student projects for the duration

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NOVEMBER 13 + NOVEMBER 27

of November, presented in these various media. Visit the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center to view these futuristic pieces.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17

WADE HALL’S LIBRARY WHEN: All day COST: Free WHERE: 711 Capstone Dr PHONE: 348.0506 LINK: lib.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: Wade Hall’s personal collection of books allows researchers to see the full flowering of American writing through nearly 17,300 titles that date from 1779 through the 1990s. These books encompass a wide range of genres including poetry, prose, travel narratives, religious tracts, abolitionist material, government documents, and cookbooks. The collection will be in the J. Wray and Joan Billingsley Pearce Grand Foyer of Gorgas Library through the month of November.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS FUNDRAISER WHEN: 4 – 9 p.m.

COST: $10 and up WHERE: 1530 McFarland Blvd PHONE: 758.5734 LINK: southeralehouse.com DESCRIPTION: Show support for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program of West Alabama by having dinner at the Southern Ale House. Servers will be accompanied by their littles! Everything from the burgers and po-boys on the Southern Ale House menu to the craft beer selection ensures a great night out.

SOUTHERN EXPOSURE FILM FESTIVAL WHEN: 6 – 7:30 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 600 Greensboro Ave PHONE: 758.5185 LINK: bamatheatre.org DESCRIPTION: Alabama’s environment and wildlife has been documented in local documentaries that will be shown at the historic Bama Theatre. Hosted by Black Warrior Riverkeeper, Hurricane Creekkeeper, and Sassafras Center for Arts and Environment and sponsored by Southern Environmental Law Center.

UNIVERSITY CHORUS WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

COST: $10, $5 seniors, $3 student WHERE: 810 2nd Ave PHONE: 348.7111 LINK: music.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: This performance by the expertly trained vocalists of the University of Alabama music program is always sure to impress. To be blown away by musical talent, visit the Moody Music Building and sit back for a set list that will have you humming along for days.

>>> PET PLANET | K E L S E Y C A M E R O N

TIGGER IS PRECIOUS // MACKLEMORE IS SWEET

This precious little fellow is Tigger, an 8- to 9-year-old male Dachshund/Terrier mix. He has the long body and face/ears like a Doxie, but he is a little taller with longer legs that we think are from a Terrier. Tigger has a smooth, golden brown coat and is small, weighing only 17 pounds. Tigger was found as a stray out in the country running along a busy highway where he was about to be hit by cars.

When the good Samaritans who found him rode around trying to find his home, no one claimed him.

Poor fellow! He was full of worms and malnourished. It seemed that he had been out on his own for a while. We think he was probably dumped. Tigger is a very loving, sweet dog! He loves jumping in laps and licking faces. He should be fine with children ages 10 and up. He is good around other dogs, although he is crated when left home alone. He would be fine in an apartment as long as he has daily walks. He will require a fenced yard if outside off the leash, but he is definitely a primarily inside dog. Tigger is up to date on his vet care, neutered, and is heartworm negative.

He is on heartworm and flea/tick prevention. Tigger is just a darling, mature dog looking for a forever home! Little dogs like Tigger can easily live to 14 to 16 years old, so he hopefully has The 1981 production closed shortly after opening despite wide audience acclaim. Today, many more years ahead of him! Tigger is currently in foster care. If you are interested in giving it's among the most popular musicals in the U.S. Tigger the forever home he wants and deserves, visit the Humane Society of West Alabama at humanesocietyofwa.org or call us at 554-0011.

This sweet little dude is Macklemore, a male orange tabby kitten with mitted white paws and a bit more white on his belly. Macklemore is approximately 4 months old, and he is a very friendly guy!

He does well with other friendly kittens. Macklemore would do okay with children who can handle him gently. We do not recommend him around dogs over 20 lbs. Macklemore is negative for FIV and FeLK, He is also current on his vaccinations. Macklemore is scheduled to be neutered next week. Visit our cat adoption center to meet Macklemore and more adoptable cats and kittens! If you are interested in giving Macklemore the forever home he wants and deserves, visit the Humane Society of West Alabama at www. humanesocietyofwa.org or call us at 554-0011.

If you ever decide to adopt a dog, check out your local shelter.

Buying dogs from pet stores or online increases the demand for the cruel puppy mills that often supply them. If you already have a dog, please remember to get it spayed or neutered. It's the best way you can help prevent dog overpopulation.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 TWELFTH NIGHT WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

COST: $10 and up WHERE: 348 Stadium Dr PHONE: 348.3400

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>>> E V E N T | A D A M M I L L E R

>>> EVENTS CALENDAR |

THEATRE TUSCALOOSA'S HOLIDAY PRODUCTION // LITTLE WOMEN The stage adaptation of Little Women by Peter Clapham is based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott. The story interweaves the lives of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March. Their mother strives to provide her daughters with a happy childhood despite the absence of their beloved father who is away fighting in the Civil War. This cleverly written story of a family’s enduring love through difficult circumstances touches audiences of all ages, and it’s a perfect show for the holiday season.

Little Women is directed by Theatre Tuscaloosa Executive Producer Tina Turley. “Little Women is one of my favorite stories, and I’ve wanted to do a stage adaptation here at Theatre Tuscaloosa for a long time,” said Turley. “We’ve finally found the right script, and I’ve got a wonderful team of designers and performers who are just as enthusiastic about producing this show as I am!”

Working alongside Turley is a talented production team including Andy Fitch, scenic designer; Jeanette Waterman, costume designer; Richard Dunham, lighting designer; Charles Prosser, sound designer; Kim Palm, props master; and Ashlyn Lambert, stage manager.

The cast of Little Women includes Theatre Tuscaloosa veterans Carol DeVelice, Matthew Eubanks, Kate Gates, Zoe Jones, Emily McGuire, Charles Prosser, and Dianna Brown Shaw. They are joined by newcomers Alex McDonald, Rachel Potts, Christopher Scalla, and Jared Wetzel.

“I believe that our audience members will find this production to be a perfect holiday event for the whole family. They’ll be transported back to a simpler time – before electricity, cars, and television,” said Turley. “It’s a time when people actually talked to each other and spent time together as a family, without the constant interruption of cell phones, email, and TV.” Theatre Tuscaloosa’s 2014-15 Season: To Life! is presented in cooperation with Shelton State Community College and is sponsored by JamisonMoneyFarmer PC. Little Women is sponsored by Alabama One Credit Union, Warrior Roofing, TotalCom Marketing, and TownSquare Media Group. Additional sponsors include ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Afflink, Buffalo Rock, Left Hand Soap Company, Renfroe Outdoor Advertising, Southland Benefit Solutions, Mercedes-

Benz U.S. International, Inc., Ameriprise Financial, Campbell Guin, and Bank of Tuscaloosa. This program has been made possible by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts and the City of Tuscaloosa.

Little Women will be presented December 5-14 in the Bean-Brown Theatre on Shelton State Community College’s Martin Campus, 9500 Old Greensboro Road. Performances will take place Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays and Wednesday at 2 p.m. A second Saturday matinee will be added at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 13. All proceeds of a pay-what-you-can final dress rehearsal on Thursday, December 4, at 7:30 p.m., will benefit the Charlie Dennis Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors (60+), and $12 for students and children. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more in advance. For more information about Little Women or to purchase tickets visittheatretusc.com or call 391.2277.

“Don't laugh at the spinsters, dear girls, for often very tender, tragic romances are hidden away in the hearts that beat so quietly under the sober gowns, and many silent sacrifices of youth, health, ambition, love itself, make the faded faces beautiful in God's sight. Even the sad, sour sisters should be kindly dealt with, because they have missed the sweetest part of life, if for no other reason.” ~ Louisa May Alcott, Little Women ~

LINK: theatre.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: A perilous storm and devastating shipwreck separates brother Sebastian and sister Viola, washing them ashore in the Jazz filled streets of 1920’s New Orleans. They set out separately to survive in a land confounded both by love itself, and by the lack of it in their lives.

Sit back in the Marian Gallaway Theatre of Rowand-Johnson Hall for this Shakespeare classic, showing Tuesday, Nov 18 through Friday, Nov 21 RESONANCE SHOW CHOIR WHEN: 7 p.m.

COST: $5 – $7 WHERE: 600 Greensboro Ave PHONE: 758.5185 LINK: bamatheatre.org DESCRIPTION: Resonance is a performance-based musical ensemble composed of 40 male and female students from the University of Alabama. Each show is designed to excite the audience by a musical selection that spans the ages. Past performances have included songs by Aerosmith, Lady Gaga, Tina Turner, Rascal Flatts, and N*SYNC. Come see the choir’s fall spectacular at the historic Bama Theatre!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20 CREATIVE SPACE: ART FROM THE CRIMSON HEART WHEN: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 812 5th Ave PHONE: 348.1893 LINK: creativecoopua.com DESCRIPTION: Artists will demonstrate making their work and dialogue with community members about their process. Musical and theatrical performances and a poetry reading are also planned. Creative Space is sure to be a fun and enlightening way to engage with the Tuscaloosa art community.

BREAKFAST AND BINGO WHEN: 8 – 10 a.m.

COST: $4 WHERE: 3801 Loop Rd PHONE: 562.3235 LINK: tcpara.org DESCRIPTION: Come and join us for a fun and a delicious breakfast at the McAbee Center for an affordable price. Afterwards, those purchasing breakfast can play bingo for free. This event is designed especially for seniors.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21

DOUBLE EXPOSURE SUBMISSIONS WHEN: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 620 Greensboro PHONE: 758.5195 LINK: cac.tuscarts.org DESCRIPTION: This is the deadline for the widely recognized Double Exposure competition hosted by the Arts Council.

In its 12th year, the Double Exposure juried photography competition is open to photographers in the state of Alabama with divisions for both Juniors and Adults. CD submissions are accepted in person and by mail.

THE SOUTHEAST'S LARGEST

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22

HOMECOMING ON THE QUAD WHEN: TBD COST: Free WHERE: 902 University Blvd.

PHONE: 348.6052 LINK: education.ua.edu/alumni/homecoming DESCRIPTION: Graves Hall is the place to be on Homecoming Saturday before the game. To continue a long-standing tradition at the Capstone, the College of Education will host a Pre-Game BBQ for friends of the College. The event will begin two hours prior to kickoff. Make your reservation online before Nov 18.

SEISMIC SHIFT BY SKY SHINEMAN WHEN: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 620 Greensboro PHONE: 758.5195 LINK: cac.tuscarts.org DESCRIPTION: This University of Alabama faculty member experiments with organic media and powdered pigments in this new exploration of elemental relationships. Visit the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center to see this stunning exhibition

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23

WADE HALL’S LIBRARY SCIENCE SUNDAY: A DIVERSE EARTH WHEN: 1 – 4:30 p.m.

COST: Free WHERE: 427 6th Ave PHONE: 348.7550 LINK: amnh.ua.edu DESCRIPTION: Join us for an afternoon of discovery and exploration as we learn how a fortunate series of perfect circumstances led to the biologically diverse Earth we live on today. Free and fun for all THORNTON // amazing ages!MICHAEL There is always something MONTGOMERY // DECEMBER to discover at the Alabama Museum22of Natural History, and this week in addition to the fossils and artifacts, you can dive into the beginnings of our planet.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24

TSO’S CHAMBER ORCHESTRA WHEN: 7 – 8:30 p.m.

COST: $20, $10 student WHERE: 900 Greensboro Ave PHONE: 752.5515 LINK: tsoonline.org DESCRIPTION: Join us for the inaugural chamber orchestra concert in the First Presbyterian Church, including one of Vivaldi’s wildly popular Four Seasons, the elegant Tchiakovsky Serenade for Strings, and a little-known concerto by the lesserknown man named Mozart – the famous Mozart’s father!

COMING NEXT ISSUE

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

NOVEMBER 13 + NOVEMBER 27

15

>>> ROAD TRIP | S O U T H E A S T E R N CO N C E R T S A N D E V E N T S

LEON RUSSELL // BIRMINGHAM // NOVEMBER 14

DAUGHTRY // NASHVILLE // HARLEM STRING QUARTET // MONTGOMERY // NOVEMBER 16

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13

BIRMINGHAM Big KRIT, Zydeco Framing Hanley, Iron Horse Café Johnny Sansone & John Fohl, WorkPlay Theatre HUNTSVILLE Richard Gilewitz, The Fret Shop ATLANTA Dirty Heads with Rome, Variety Playhouse Hannibal Buress, The Buckhead Theatre

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14

BIRMINGHAM Charlie Daniels Band, Iron City St Paul and the Broken Bones, Alabama Theatre Tribal Seeds, Zydeco Sean Rivers Band, Tin Roof Leon Russell, WorkPlay Theatre Puddle of Mudd, Iron Horse Café

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16

HUNTSVILLE Jekyll and Hyde, Von Braun Concert Hall

NASHVILLE Daughtry, Ryman Auditorium Stars, Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom B.O.B., Anthem

NASHVILLE Slipknot, Bridgestone Arena The Black Lillies, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Grill

NASHVILLE The Time Jumpers, 3rd and Lindsley Bar and Gril Dillon Francis, Marathon Music Works

NEW ORLEANS Caribou with Jessy Lanza, One Eyed Jacks

NASHVILLE Sleeping With Sirens, Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom

BIRMINGHAM Blackberry Smoke, The Alabama Theatre

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18

MONTGOMERY Harlem String Quartet, Crosby Theatre

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15

HUNTSVILLE Pickin and Grinnin, Tims Ford State Park

NASHVILLE Phillip Phillips, Ryman Auditorium Papadosio, Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom

NEW ORLEANS Garfunkel and Oates, House of Blues

NEW ORLEANS Chris D’Elia, The Civic Theater Frankie Ballard, House of Blues

NEW ORLEANS Phantogram, Champions Square at MercedesBenz Superdome

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24

BIRMINGHAM Flogging Molly, Iron City

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21

>>> 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.

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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NOVEMBER 13 + NOVEMBER 27

NOVEMBER 22

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Amphitheater at the Wharf 23101 Canal Rd 251.224.1020

MANNHEIM STEAM ROLLER // ATLANTA //

BIRMINGHAM Better Than Ezra, Iron City

NASHVILLE Michelle Chamuel, High Watt

Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree St NE 404.881.2100

NOVEMBER 21

ATLANTA Anberlin, Center Stage Slayer, Tabernacle Mannheim Steamroller, Fabulous Fox Theatre Say Anything, The Masquerade NASHVILLE Adrian Belew, Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom

Acoustic Café 2758 County Hwy 9 205.647.3237

JEKYLL & HYDE // HUNTSVILLE //

MONTGOMERY King of Clubs, Playoffs Pub

BIRMINGHAM Method Man and Redman, Iron City

NEW ORLEANS SuicideGirls, House of Blues

NEW ORLEANS Mike Epps, UNO Lakefront Arena Tom Segura, House of Blues

ATLANTA Reliant K, The Masquerade

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22

NEW ORLEANS Attila, House of Blues

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19

ATLANTA Jenny Lewis, The Buckhead Theatre John Butler Trio, Tabernacle Guided By Voices, Center Stage

MONTGOMERY Goodbye June, Alley Bar

ATLANTA Breathe Carolina, The Masquerade

NEW ORLEANS Method Man and Redman, House of Blues

MONTGOMERY Missused, Rock Bottom

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26

MONTGOMERY Tony Brook, Cigar and Fine Spirits Bar

ATLANTA Lecrae, Tabernacle Andrew McMahon, Center Stage Justin Townes Earle, Variety Playhouse

NASHVILLE Pepper, Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom

HUNTSVILLE Blithe Spirit, Tom Bevil Lyceum

ATLANTA Crowder, Tabernacle Steve Tyrell, Center Stage

BIRMINGHAM Riff Raff, Zydeco

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17

NEW ORLEANS Steel Pulse, Tipitina’s Lewis Black, Mahalia Jackson Theater

SUICIDEGIRLS // NEW ORLEANS // NOVEMBER 19

WAR, Variety Playhouse Little Big Town, Fabulous Fox Theatre

BIRMINGHAM Aaron Carter, Zydeco

NASHVILLE Neon Hitch, High Watt

BIRMINGHAM Straight No Chaser, The Alabama Theatre We Were Promised Jetpacks, Bottletree Café

NOVEMBER 18

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

PHANTOGRAM // NEW ORLEANS // NOVEMBER 23

COMING NEXT ISSUE

404.733.5010 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

SPECIAL ADVERTISING RATES CALL LINDA JOHNSON @205.792.7239

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

>>> LOCAL MUSIC | WHO'S PL AYING AROUND TOWN

AMERICAN AQUARIUM // JUPITER

// NOVEMBER 15

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 13

Knympho Knife w/Ham Bagby, Green Bar Snazz, Rhythm & Brews Ethan Gardner, Coppertop

TAKE THE POWER BACK //GREEN BAR NOVEMBER 20

//

ANOTHER HERO //RHYTHM & BREWS NOVEMBER 21

//

LOCKED & LOADED /CRIMSON BAR // NOVEMBER 22

Ax to Grind, Coppertop Another Hero, Rhythm & Brews Cottonbox Road, Crimson Bar Cold Cold Sweats / The Darnell Boys, Green Bar Trigger Proof, Rounders

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Locked & Loaded, Crimson Bar Nic Snow / Trigger Proof, Rounders Anthony Orio, Rhythm & Brews Lamont Landers, Coppertop

Johnathan East, Crimson Bar Your Girlfriend, Rhythm & Brews Harpooner w/Blue Ash, Green Bar The Devines, Rounders J-KO, Coppertop

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Aaron Carter, Jupiter

Jason Miller Band, Rhythm & Brews Who Shot Lizzy, Crimson Bar Backup Planet / Eric the Red, Coppertop The Devines, Rounders American Aquarium, Jupiter Sean Rivers, Coppertop

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26

Nothin' Special / DJ ProtoJ

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Sean Rivers, Rhythm & Brews

Plato Jones, Coppertop

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19

COMING NEXT ISSUE

Aaron Carter, Jupiter DJ ProtoJ, Rhythm & Brews CBDB, Coppertop

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Glen Templeton, Rhythm & Brews Randy Rogers Band, Jupiter Take the Power Back / Eclectic Tuba, Green Bar Charlie Argo, Coppertop

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21

SPECIAL ADVERTISING RATES CALL LINDA JOHNSON @205.792.7239

HAVE YOUR LOCAL MUSIC EVENT LISTED FREE IN PLANET WEEKLY. JUST EMAIL

PLANETEDITOR@YAHOO.COM

>>> LO C A L B A R S 4th & 23rd //

Buffalo Wild Wings // 523-0273

1831 // 331-4632

Capones // 248-0255

Houndstooth // 752-8444

Mugshots // 391-0572

Downtown Pub // 750-0008

Innisfree // 345-1199

Rhythm & Brews // 750-2992

Alcove // 469-9110 Bear Trap // 345-2766

Carpe Vino // 366-8444

Gallettes // 758-2010

Jackie's Lounge // 758-9179

Rounders // 345-4848

Catch 22 // 344-9347

Gnemis Top Shelf Tavern // 343-0020

The Jupiter // 248-6611

Big Al's // 759-9180

Copper Top // 343-6867

Grey Lady // 469-9521

The Legacy // 345-4848

The Booth // 764-0557

Crimson Bar // 764-0185

Harry's Bar // 331-4151

Mellow Mushroom // 758-0112

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

NOVEMBER 13 + NOVEMBER 27

17

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

FOCUSING ON PLAYER PERFORMANCE

Photo: TouchdownAlabama.net

Defensive Play—Overall [B+] Defensive Line [B] – Alabama’s defensive line affected Anthony Jennings, but it lost containment on some plays. Jarran Reed was engaged all game long. He led all defensive linemen with 15 tackles.

Brandon Ivory and A’Shawn Robinson both excelled against the run. Ivory registered eight stops. Robinson had seven tackles. Jonathan Allen recorded a full sack. Xzavier Dickson and D.J. Pettway each collected 0.5 sacks.

Linebackers [B] – Reggie Ragland and Trey DePriest brought the wood against LSU. Ragland started the fire with eight stops in the first quarter. He finished the game, totaling 13 tackles. DePriest collected nine stops. Dillon Lee, Reuben Foster, Denzel Devall and Ryan Anderson all had two tackles apiece.

Secondary [A] – Nick Perry took his shots against LSU’s running back Leonard Fournette, but he led Alabama’s secondary in tackles with eight. Perry recorded a critical pass breakup in overtime. Landon Collins registered seven stops, including a punishing hit on Fournette. Eddie Jackson totaled five tackles, a pass breakup and an interception. Cyrus Jones covered LSU’s receiver Malachi Dupre well. Geno Smith had four tackles and Jarrick Williams recorded two stops.

Summary: Alabama’s defense gave up 183 rushing yards, but it didn’t let Anthony Jennings beat it. Jennings completed 36.4 percent of his passes (8/22) for 76 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Travin Dural was LSU’s leading receiver, but he was held to three catches for 25 yards.

Landon Collins made secure tackles in run support and Cyrus Jones rose to the occasion. Jennings picked on Jones a lot Saturday, but he held his ground and played well. Jones and Jabriel Washington deflected a pass away from Malachi Dupre on LSU’s lone possession in overtime.

Special Teams—Overall [B] Adam Griffith [B] – Kickers need to have a short-term memory. Adam Griffith displayed it Saturday against LSU. He

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NOVEMBER 13 + NOVEMBER 27

missed a 27-yard field goal in the second quarter, but responded with two clutch kicks. Griffith nailed a 39-yard attempt late in the second quarter to give Alabama a 10-7 lead. He made a 27-yard field goal as time expired in regulation, sending the game into overtime. Griffith recorded one touchback on kickoffs. He averaged 58.0 yards per kick.

JK Scott [B] – JK Scott got work in against LSU. He averaged 48.6 yards per punt. Scott pinned the Tigers inside its 20-yard line twice, but he out kicked Alabama’s coverage a lot. He ended with nine punts for 437 yards.

Summary: He entered the contest in a funk, but Adam Griffith found his way out of it. Griffith executed his job on two of three kicks and helped Alabama secure a win. JK Scott had a few bad punts, but overall he was fine. Reuben Foster had fun on special teams. He drilled Fournette on a kick return in the fourth quarter.

Offensive Line—Overall [C] Summary: Alabama’s offensive line couldn’t establish a run game. LSU’s defense dominated in the trenches. The Crimson Tide did a good job in pass protection. Blake Sims was sacked one time against the Tigers. Penalties continue to haunt Leon Brown. He made two critical errors in Alabama’s first possession in overtime.

Running Backs—Overall [C] T.J. Yeldon [C] – T.J. Yeldon wasn’t used enough against LSU. He would rip off some big runs, but offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin would then revert back to passing. Yeldon averaged 4.5 yards per carry.

He totaled 68 yards rushing on 15 carries.

Ball security demons appeared for Yeldon late in regulation. He lost a fumble inside Alabama’s 20-yard line, and aggravated a foot injury he suffered against Tennessee.

Summary: Lane Kiffin got too cute with Alabama’s play-calling against LSU. It’s good to open an offense up, but proper execution is a coordinator’s main priority.

The Crimson Tide had moments when its run game was working, but Kiffin got away

from it. Alabama totaled 106 rushing yards against LSU. Receivers—Overall [B+] Amari Cooper [B] – He stands alone in the Alabama record books, but Amari Cooper had a few critical drops Saturday night. Blake Sims hit him in stride, but Cooper couldn’t hang on. Overall, Cooper still remained a factor. He ended with eight catches for 83 yards and a touchdown.

DeAndrew White [A] – DeAndrew White has battled injuries, but he came to life against LSU. Two of his three catches came at pivotal moments. White’s second reception set up Griffith’s tying field goal late in regulation. His third catch was the clincher in overtime. White totaled 36 yards receiving and a touchdown.

O.J. Howard [B] – He still has issues blocking, but O.J. Howard was huge on Alabama’s final possession in regulation.

He caught two passes for 12 yards in the fourth quarter. Howard got out-of-bounds and preserved time for Griffith to attempt a 27-yard field goal. He had three catches for 21 yards.

Christion Jones [B] – Christion Jones’s 22-yard reception late in regulation was priceless. He secured the catches throughout the play. Jones wasn’t targeted much, but he made plays when it mattered. He recorded three catches for 38 yards.

Summary: Amari Cooper owns records, but Alabama’s receiving corps was clutch down the stretch. Christion Jones, DeAndrew White and O.J. Howard all made critical catches in the fourth quarter.

Alabama even got an unlikely reception from Brandon Greene in overtime. Greene caught a 24-yard pass, setting up a 6-yard

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

touchdown pass from Sims to White.

Quarterback Play—Overall [C] Blake Sims [C] - It wasn’t easy, but Blake Sims got it done. He battled nerves throughout the game. Sims misfired on many pass attempts, but he didn’t lose confidence. He showed leadership on Alabama’s final two possessions. Sims managed the clock well and got the Crimson Tide in prime position to force overtime.

He audibled to a pass play in overtime and found White for a 6-yard touchdown.

Sims attempted 45 passes, but his last one sealed the deal. He completed 44.4 percent of his passes (20/45) for 209 yards and two touchdowns.

Summary: Wins at Tiger Stadium are hard to come by. Blake Sims displayed strength in the fourth quarter. It wasn’t his best outing, yet he finished with a win.

The Smoke Clears LSU ran more plays, but Alabama’s defense stood its ground. The Crimson Tide gave up 259 yards of offense. Alabama held LSU to a field goal late in regulation.

Move over Julio Jones and D.J. Hall.

Amari Cooper stands alone. He’s now Alabama’s all-time leading receiver in yards with 2,951. Cooper has 1,215 receiving yards this season.

The Playoff Picture Alabama took care of business Saturday. It defeated LSU 20-13. Auburn’s 41-38 loss to Texas A&M potentially moves the Crimson Tide to 4th in College Football Playoff rankings.

Baton Rouge, La., was Alabama’s final road test. The Crimson Tide has Mississippi State and Auburn at Bryant-Denny Stadium. A Southeastern Conference title is still within reach if Alabama wins out.

>>> H I G H T I D E | GARY HARRIS / WVUA SPORTS DIRECTOR

THE HUNT FOR TOP PROSPECTS // RECRUITING HEATING UP AGAIN A sleeper in the mix might be the versatile Keith Mixon (5-9, 170) of IrondaleShades Valley, AL. Mixon, who is also a dangerous kick return man, is committed to Mississippi State. But an offer from Alabama would be hard to turn down.

A labama currently 21 commitments (though some of those spots could possibly come open). Let's take a glance at where the class stands and look at a few prospects the Tide is still pursuing. has

QUARTERBACK This all important spot has been set since the commitment of Corona-Santiago, CA sensation Blake Barnett (6-4, 205) back in the summer.

Barnett was the MVP at the prestigious Elite 11 QB camp in July. After a bit of a slow start this season, Barnett has rounded into form in recent weeks. He's thrown for 2,446 yards, 19 touchdowns and just five picks in eight games. He's also rushed for 402 yards and six touchdowns on 67 carries.

RUNNING BACK Will Alabama sign a top running back? That's a question some Tide fans have been asking for a while. With Tuscaloosa native Bo Scarborough, who didn't qualify in 2014 but is expected to enroll in January, the Tide might have the best all-around back in America. The 6-2, 235-pound Scarborough is a blend of speed, power and hands. He's versatile enough to play wide receiver and he has legitimate breakaway speed.

DeSherrius Flowers (6-1, 215) of Prichard-Vigor, AL is also committed. As for other possibilities, Jacques Patrick of Orlando-Timber Creek, FL is perhaps the top 2015 target. The 6-1, 230-pound Patrick is committed to FSU, but the Tide continues to recruit him. Another highlyrated target, Damien Harris of Berea, KY, appears ticketed for Ohio State or Kentucky, but UA is still pursuing him.

OFFENSIVE LINE The Tide has again rounded up an excellent group of OL commits, including Richie Petitbon (6-4, 315) of Washington DC-Gonzaga, Lester Cotton (6-4, 325) Tuscaloosa-Central, Brandon Kennedy (6-3, 300) of Wetumpka, AL and Dallas Warmack (6-2, 306) of Atlanta-Mays, GA. In terms of versatility and leadership, Petitbon has drawn comparisons to Barrett Jones. Cotton, who expects to start his career at right tackle, joins Petitbon as one of the nation's elite OLs. Kennedy has great upside as an interior player. Warmack is another strong interior prospect.

Another tackle to watch is Matt Womack (6-7, 335) of Senatobia-Magnolia Heights, MS. Womack, who picked up a UA offer earlier this fall, is committed to LSU, but Alabama and Ole Miss are lurking. The Tide feels it has a good chance to sway Womack. Jalen Merrick

(6-4, 315) of New Smyrna Beach, FL is another possibility the staff has a close eye on.

Alabama continues to recruit other guys, such as Martez Ivey (6-6, 280) of Apopka, FL. A prospect can change his mind in the blink of an eye. That's one reason the Tide never gives up on a top one. But it appears that Ivey will likely end up elsewhere, possibly at Florida or maybe Auburn.

TIGHT END The Tide landed a big commitment back in the summer from H-back type Hale Hentges (6-5, 235) of Jefferson City-Helias, MO. But UA really needs a big, strong traditional tight end. Could Dadeville star/Tide commit Anfernee Jennings fill that spot? The 6-3, 260-pound Jennings, who was a standout defensive end at the Alabama summer camp, has the versatility to play several spots, including tight end. Could he become the next Travis McCall? We'll see.

DeAndre McNeal (6-3, 230) Mesquite-Poteet, TX was another standout at UA's camp in the summer. McNeal could play H-back or linebacker on the next level. Alabama is one of several schools he continues to consider.

DEFENSIVE LINE The Tide has four spots open on the defensive line. TD Moton (6-4, 320) of Shreveport-Woodlawn, LA snagged one of those spots back in the summer.

As noted earlier, Tide commit Anfernee Jennings had an impressive showing at camp this summer and could be a stellar DE. The state's number one player accordingly to some, Daron Payne (6-3, 335) of Irondale-Shades Valley, has long been considered a strong Alabama lean over Auburn and Mississippi State.

Alabama defensive line coach Bo Davis is keeping a close eye on Payne.

JUCO star DJ Jones (6-2, 310) of East Mississippi CC is committed to FSU. But we're not sure this one is over just yet. Several schools, including Alabama and Auburn, are still lurking. Jones remains very interested in Alabama. If the Tide turns up the heat, it could get interesting between now and mid-December when Jones signs.

The nation's top prospect, Byron Cowart (6-3, 265) of Seffner-Armwood, FL, had a great official visit to Alabama for the Texas A&M game. Cowart left very high on Alabama. He said that he hoped to return to Tuscaloosa for the Mississippi State and Auburn games. Some think UA now has the inside track, but there's a long way to go for Cowart, who was considered a strong Florida lean for several months. Again, this is one that we'll have to wait to see how it turns out.

LINEBACKER Alabama has four linebacker types

committed. They are Christian Bell (6-4, 225) of Hoover, AL, Mekhi Brown (6-5, 225) of Columbus-Carver, GA, Josh McMillon (6-3, 250) of Memphis-Whitehaven, TN and Keaton Anderson (6-1, 215) of Florence, AL. Another LB to keep an eye on is Adonis Thomas (6-4, 220) of Lawrenceville-Central Gwinnett, GA. Recently Thomas officially backed off of his commitment to Florida. Central Gwinnett head coach Todd Wofford told Tider Insider that he felt Alabama was now leading LSU, with Florida still in the mix.

CORNERBACK Alabama has done very well at this spot. The nation's top corner, Minkah Fitzpatrick (6-1, 195) of Jersey City-St. Peter's Prep, NJ, has been committed since A-Day. Fitzpatrick is a big, physical corner with the speed and versatility to play safety. Montrell Custis (6-0, 175) of Hampton-Lovejoy, GA is also committed.

Rumors persist that Rico McGraw (5-11, 195) of Nashville-Ensworth, TN might flip back to Georgia. But McGraw remains committed to Alabama. He could play corner, safety or nickelback.

Alabama is still in hot pursuit of speedy Kendall Sheffield (5-11, 180) Missouri City-Ft. Bend Marshall, TX. Sheffield is not the slam dunk for Texas A&M that everyone thought. Alabama remains a solid contender. The Tide expects to make it's major move when Sheffield comes on his official visit on December 12.

SAFETY The Tide seems to have shored up this spot with big-time commitments from Ronnie Harrison (6-2, 205) TallahasseeUniversity, FL, Shawn Burgess-Becker (6-0, 202) of Coconut Creek-Monarch, FL and Deionte Thompson (6-2, 175) of Orange-West Orange Stark, TX.

WIDE RECEIVER Calvin Ridley (6-1, 175) of Coconut Creek-Monarch, FL ranks as one of Alabama's top commitments in the class of 2015. Ridley stole the show at The Opening back in July. While FSU continues to pursue him hard, it appears that Ridley's commitment to UA is still solid. He will enroll in January. And even though LSU keeps knocking, Daylon Charlot (6-0, 180) of Patterson, LA also seems solid in his commitment to UA. Alabama would like to add another top receiver to the class. Can the Tide sway Terry Godwin (6-0, 170) of HogansvilleCallaway, GA from his commitment to Georgia? Godwin and his family have been to Tuscaloosa this fall. His parents and his sister (who plays basketball at UGA) thoroughly loved the visit. Right now, the guess would be that Godwin sticks with Georgia. But UA continues to pursue him hard. We'll see what happens.

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

NOVEMBER 13 + NOVEMBER 27

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