New Shades at Glenlake Pool

Dan Magee sends this in.
FYI: The shades for Glenlake Pool have been installed. There are shades in front of the pool on Church St. and on the pool deck.

http://decaturactiveliving.blogspot.com/

Thanks much,
Dan Magee
Director, City of Decatur Active Living
Dan.Magee@decaturga.com

Sales Tax holiday Begins Today

By Staff report

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution



The economy may be in a boom or a tomb, but kids go back to school every August.
There’s another rite of summer that’s getting more attention than usual: the sales tax holiday, which begins today. This is the eighth year Georgia has offered the tax break exempting certain merchandise from all state and local sales taxes.

The sales tax holiday gets mixed reviews. Some shoppers are skeptical about whether or not they really get a deal. For others every penny saved helps the bottom line.

So what should you know about the sales tax holiday? The state’s Revenue Department Web site offers answers to some common consumer questions:
ajc story

Don't forget to Vote for Best of Atlanta

"Save the Clermont" Hotel design competition and party Thursday

The Clermont Hotel
789 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30306

Help save The Clermont party Thursday at The Clermont Lounge and The AsianCajun's want you to join them in hopes to save the Atlanta landmark. Gene Kansas the owner sent out a call to all architects,creative geniuses, bell hops etc...to redesign a room, the lobby and/or the roof of The Clermont Hotel. The design winners will be announced at the party.

1960's SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON Friday Night on Turner Classic Movies

set your tivo/recorder for this classic movie.
Friday night @11:45 PM on Turner Classic Movies Swiss Family Robinson (1960)
Stranded on a deserted island, a close-knit family creates a tropical paradise. Cast: John Mills, Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur. Dir: Ken Annakin. C-126 mins, TV-G, CC, Letterbox Format

Paul McCartney @ Piedmont Park August 15th

The Decatur Book Festival is Labor Day Weekend

For more info click on photos.
This Labor Day Weekend, mingle with 150 of your favorite authors, attend a reading or book signing, listen to live music and poetry, enjoy cooking demonstrations and fine wine, and participate in fun activities for the entire family during the fourth annual AJC Decatur Book Festival!

http://www.decaturbookfestival.com/2009/index.php

Decatur Square Could learn from the Marietta Square

As you know I like taking pictures of Theatre's, my latest is Marietta's Strand Theatre, recently brought back to life from being closed for many years, they did a perfect job. It is Grand.
While I was there looking around I noticed their park which is in the square.
The Marietta Square is very people friendly,unlike Decatur's . It's a park, even though they don't have a court house, the area has benches (many benches) all over the place, a layout Decatur could learn from. Another thing I like is you can drive around there square.
Decatur's square needs to be more like a park, it almost feels like someone might yell, Please Keep Off the Grass.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About The Strand Theatre: After sitting dark for over 30 years, the 1935 Art Deco theatre was renovated and reopened in 2009 for your viewing pleasure. We hope to see you at a show soon – you have the opportunity to see musical productions by the Atlanta Lyric Theatre, classic movies, concerts, and more! The unique facility is also available for corporate and private events such as workshops, receptions, rehearsal dinners, and holiday functions. Please explore our site for more information or call 770-293-0080 to learn more. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

No furloughs, but DeKalb teachers take retirement hit

By Ty Tagami

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution



There will be no new furloughs in DeKalb County schools for the coming year, but teachers and administrators will get a little less money when they retire.
he county school board responded Monday to state budget cuts by eliminating payments to retirement savings accounts for teachers and administrators.

The move will save $26 million - as much as $10 million more than was needed because of belt-tightening by the state.

As part of state budget cuts, Georgia is slashing money that supplements local school districts. Gov. Sonny Perdue had recommended that locals furlough teachers to accommodate the cuts. Some counties, such as Gwinnett, Fulton and Forsyth, decided to do just that. Others, including Cobb and now DeKalb, found other ways to shave money.

ajc story

Movie news: Seth Rogen arrived at Comic Con with a sweet ride The Green Hornet Car.

SAN DIEGO (AP) - Seth Rogen arrived at Comic Con with a sweet ride. The "Funny People" actor stopped by the pop-culture convention's show floor Wednesday to unveil the Black Beauty, a modified 1965 Chrysler Crown Imperial he'll drive in "The Green Hornet."

Rogen, with writing partner Evan Goldberg, wrote the script to the upcoming big-screen re-launch of the comic book and TV show about a masked crime-fighter.

The vehicle is an homage to the Black Beauty driven by Van Williams in the original series. Rogen said the car's weapons - which include rockets, mini-guns and a "big flame-thrower" - were upgraded for the film to make them more powerful. The original Black Beauty from the 1960s TV show was equipped with explosive charges, gas nozzles and a scanner.

starpulse.com

12 things to know about Lenox Square mall

As posted earlier, Lenox Square turns 50 this week.


The Atlanta Journal-Constitution



1. Lenox Square says up to 
40 percent of its visitors are tourists. Robin Suggs, Lenox’s general manager, said a lot of Brazilians come to the mall during layovers at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Several morning walking clubs also meet at Lenox.
2. Three original statues were commissioned for the opening of Lenox Square. Only one remains — “Traveling Musicians,” which is near Peachtree Road and the Crate & Barrel entrance. The statue was made of cast stone by artist Elbert Weinberg. The donkey, dog, cat and rooster are from a Brothers Grimm tale of the same name in which the animals scare a robber from a cabin. Lenox officials don’t know what happened to the other two statues.
read the rest at: ajc
AJC STORY

A New Show at Rose Squared

Opening Party on August 7, from 7pm to 10pm!

Rose Squared

Gallery & Framing

Presents upcoming artist Jo Baskerville's

"CONVERSATIONS WITH SHOES"

A flirty, sexy romp through a series of paintings

that promises to put a smile on your face and a kick in your step!



and A Museum Showcase of Antique Women's Shoes from the 1930's

from the collection of Joel Diamond



Opening Party on August 7, from 7pm to 10pm!

Please Come and bring your friends!

Wine and appetizers will be offered.

111 Clairemont Avenue

On the Square in Downtown Decatur

"CONVERSATIONS WITH SHOES" runs through September 30, 2009

for details and more photos go to the EVENTS page on
www.RoseSquaredGallery.com

Lenox Square Turns 50

1960's postcard shows Rich's Department Store which is now Macy's

Simon Property Group Lenox Square, through the years, had services such as the Delta Air Lines ticket office, a U.S. Post Office, an American Express office and an upscale Colonial Grocery store.
More Photos from this Story
Years later, it’s still a shopping magnet
Lenox turns 50
By Rachel Tobin Ramos

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution



When an Oklahoma oil heir opened Lenox Square on Aug. 3, 1959, on the former estate of a Georgia banker, crickets could be heard chirping nearby.
At the time, Buckhead had barely graduated from an outpost of summer homes to an Atlanta suburb. Children from homes that ringed the center played on dirt mounds during construction.

Developer Ed Noble had done his homework. He knew this was a good place for a big shopping center.

He built the open-air center with 6,000 parking spots, an auditorium for community events, a grocery store and a delivery tunnel that made for a quiet shopping experience.

But what Lenox Square and Buckhead would become was beyond his wildest dreams.

Lenox, at 50 years old, is at the heart of a wealthy commercial district punctuated by office, hotel and residential towers. Major interstate highways crisscross nearby.

ajc story

Another movie to be Filmed in Decatur

The Decatur Minute is reporting another movie to be filmed in and around Decatur in August. “Shrinking Charlotte” is the name of this film (a romantic comedy)
A few of the cast are Sam Trammell,Brittany Murphy,Billy Zane and rumored Kathleen Turner.
more info here.

Guess Where This Is.

Here is a trivia question for you, where in Downtown Atlanta is this, and what is the name of the establishment.

Anne says: Easy; that's J.R. Cricket's. Corner of North Ave and Spring.

Next Stop Decatur says: You are correct, above is the original picture.

Atlanta Weekend Events July 24-26

By SHANE HARRISON
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

See if those beer signs are worth anything at the Brewery Collectibles Show.

3 p.m. July 24-25. $2 for adults; ages 12 and under free. Atlanta Motor Speedway, 1500 Highway 19-41, Hampton. 770-946-4211, www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

AJC story :More events here

JOHNNY'S PIZZA & BOUTIQUE KAR-MA

JOHNNY'S PIZZA
340 CHURCH ST
DECATUR, GA
404-373-8511

BOUTIQUE KAR-MA
340 CHURCH ST
DECATUR, GA
404-373-7533

4th Friday Art Stroll in Historic Castleberry Hill

Atlanta is quickly becoming the next great place for art and no area is more alive with the arts than Castleberry Hill, Atlanta's historic arts district. Come stroll through Castleberry Hill during the next installment of the 4th Friday ArtStroll. Visit fascinating and diverse galleries and get a taste of what Atlanta has to offer. Neighborhood businesses and restaurants will be open and welcoming you to our little corner of Atlanta! Come have some dinner, buy some art and find your new loft or condo!

Always keep an eye out for this symbol which indicates a NEW gallery or business to Castleberry Hill, which is open and available during the Art Stroll!

Visit the Castleberry Hill Neighborhood Association website to find out more about the neighborhood, local businesses, and events!

Last Chance Thrift Store's New Location

Last Chance Thrift Store is now in Suburban Plaza Shopping Center.

Remembering The Atlanta Journal's Green Sheet

The Green Sheet was a section of The Atlanta Journal paper that was printed in green ink (very easy to find) the information included was: TV LOG, RADIO, RECORDS,RESTAURANTS, NIGHT CLUBS
This was from Dec. 25, 1965

We always kept ours folded and under the couch, very easy TV LOG to read, well we only had 3 main channels 2 , 5, and 11

brentgilroy says: I remember that Dick Gray was the TV editor. A kind of goofy looking guy with big, Buddy Holly glasses. His column? "Gray Matter"

DeKalb Swim Team allowed to Compete in State Meet

Bob Andres, bandres@ajc.com
Coach Mandi Bell watches members of her 11-and-older swim team practice Tuesday.

67-member DeKalb team can take part in meet by 4-3 board vote
By MARCUS GARNER

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution


The DeKalb Swim League will be allowed to compete in the state swim meet this weekend in Carrollton, state officials decided late Tuesday.
Board members for the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association voted 4-3 to allow the team back into the water, despite repeated failures by DeKalb County Parks and Recreation officials to comply with state rules for registering the team.

“The past five days have seen a tremendous amount of dialogue between GRPA committees and leadership to come to this ruling,” board president James Dodson said in an e-mail sent out to media and parents Tuesday evening.

AJC STORY

The Decatur Education Foundation needs your input.

This was sent in by Decatur Education Foundation


The Decatur Education Foundation needs your input. Please help us craft our vision
for the future by completing this short survey.

Click to begin survey


Thank you!

For our children and youth,

Gail


Gail L. Rothman, Executive Director
Decatur Education Foundation

Just Wear a Smile and a Jantzen

Retro swimwear finds a place at Miami Beach
By LISA ORKIN EMMANUEL



MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Old swimwear styles can still make a splash.
To prove it, Jantzen swimwear company — which celebrated its 100th anniversary on the sidelines of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim — has reinvented five bathing suits from the last century to create its Heritage Collection.

Designers created new suits and cover-ups based on classic styles, a project that coincided with the old-school, glamorous trends seen on the catwalk in South Beach. One thing is clear: retro is definitely back.

Jantzen reinterpreted the woolen suits of the 1920s as a boucle fabric maillot in a red-currant color and Swarovski crystals on the front. It now gets a matching cape.

The '40s mark the introduction of what's recognized as the modern bikini and the era is represented in the collection by a skirted two-piece with ruffles. The iconic strapless one-piece from the '50s that emphasized the hourglass figure was also reinvented, as was a stretch velvet, deep lunging monokini from the 1970s.

AJC STORY
Jantzen: www.jantzen.com/


SINCE 1910
EVOLUTION OF THE ICON 2008
JANTZEN APPAREL, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Mysterious Island at The Plaza Theatre This Saturday 7/25/09

IF YOU WENT TO THIS ,TELL US ABOUT IT. PICTURES ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.

Will renovated Cross Keys High help DeKalb community?

By Kristina Torres and Christian Boone

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution



In little more than two weeks, demolition at Cross Keys High School will begin. It will erase decades of decline at the DeKalb County campus, transforming brick and mortar literally coming apart at the seams into a newly modern school building.
But the renovation -- which months ago suffered an ill start when the first architect quit, among other delays -- seems unlikely to address a deeper concern among some advocates about Cross Keys’ future as a traditional neighborhood high school.

“I feel like a vibrant community, which has a vibrant commercial life and a vibrant identity, also has a vibrant public school community,” said Kim Gokce, who lives with his family in the Brookhaven area around Cross Keys and is president of the local HillsDale Neighborhood Association. He is also active with the Brookhaven Community Connection, the local business league.

“In this community,” Gokce said, “people see Cross Keys and roll their eyes.”

Built in the 1950s on North Druid Hills Road, the campus sits on about 40 acres just west of I-85. The city of Atlanta’s glitzy Buckhead business district is just around the corner. DeKalb school board member Don McChesney, who represents Cross Keys, said the site “is worth more money than any school property in the county.”

ajc story

FUN IN THE SUN AT GLENLAKE POOL

3 Popular Decatur Blogs

A Good Sign to See "Trackside Tavern Will Return"

A sign posted on front of Trackside Tavern says We Will Return.

Vote Wahoo! Grill

Michele Allen of Wahoo! Grill sends this in.

Vote Wahoo! Grill

Creative Loafing is looking for the best Atlanta has to offer and wants your opinion! Show your support for Wahoo! by voting for us in Creative Loafing's 2009 Best of Atlanta poll.

Click here to cast your vote today! Voting ends at midnight on Friday, July 31.
Winners will be announced Wednesday, Sept. 23.


Thank you in advance for your continued support.

Wahoo! Grill
1042 West College Avenue
Decatur, GA 30030
404-373-3331
www.wahoogrilldecatur.com

Ok Decatur, this is a reminder to vote for your favorite Decatur thing.
Lets see how many we can help win.

Whit's End is now on Facebook

Jeff at Whit's End wants all you fans to search for them on Facebook.

Join us….search Whit’s End Decatur Fans on Facebook.



Thanks,

Jeff


Whit's End, LLC
431 W. Ponce DeLeon Ave, #2
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 377-3310
(404) 377-8335 Fax
whitsenddecatur@bellsouth.net
www.whitsenddecatur.com

First Moon Landing 40 Years Ago. ???????

The video of the very first moon landing of the apollo 11 mission in 1969! Neil Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the moon with his now legenday words "One small step for man, a giant leap for mankind." This is a truly amazing video and it was in 1969!!! If you think about it, you have orders of magnitude more processing power in your mobile phone than they did in the whole space craft!! Incredible!

Do you belive we really went to the moon ?

Watch this video.




If you like this kind of stuff,
rent this movie. "CAPRICORN ONE"

The city that was never built

Cousins Properties. Fox Plaza plans are on hold until market conditions improve.
The city that 
was never built
Proposed in prosperous times, plans called for new look on Peachtree

By Rachel Tobin Ramos

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution



If you look up Peachtree Street, squint your eyes and let your mind wander, you could travel a boulevard of dreams.
Imagine a day trip aboard the $200 million Atlanta streetcar as it travels its 14.5-mile path up Peachtree.

You could leave your condo at Fox Plaza, just across from the famous theater, then stroll up the block for a facial at a 40-story spa-hotel. Now it’s time to hop on the streetcar and head for lunch at the Mandarin Oriental and a matinee performance at the new Atlanta Symphony Center.

You could round out your day shopping the luxurious Streets of Buckhead, dining at one of its signature restaurants, and snuggling in the Egyptian cotton sheets of the flagship Hilton Hotel in Buckhead.

ajc story

Decatur High Construction Update Photo

Historic Plaza Theatre becomes a non-profit

Historic Plaza Theatre becomes a non-profit
by Richard Eldredge
Peach Buzz


In order to keep the city’s longest continually-operating movie theater open, owners Jonathan and Gayle Rej have announced that the 70-year-old Ponce de Leon Avenue institution has become a non-profit.

“The Plaza Theatre Foundation is intent on providing Atlanta a unique and classic filmgoing experience for years to come,” explains Jonathan Rej in an e-mail to Buzz Central. ”But the day-to-day operations of an independent cinema are rife with challenges. To keep the doors open, the film rolling and the popcorn popping, The Plaza Theatre Foundation needs your help.”

In order to keep the indie community arts theatre open, the Rejs are asking Plaza Theatre fans help in the following ways:

— Donate $250 and get the name of your choice engraved on a 9” gold star, which will be hung on The Plaza Theatre’s prestigious Star Wall.

— For a tax deductible donation of $400, you can purchase a seat to be installed in The Plaza Theatre. The name of your choice will be permanently displayed on an engraved brass plate attached to your seat.

— Be a Plaza Theatre V.I.P. by purchasing a membership package. Choose from a variety of

packages, which offer perks, discounts and more like movie passes, private screenings

and Plaza merchandise.

“Our goal is to keep The Plaza Theatre open and for it to continue to be a cornerstone of the

local arts community,” says Jonathan. “And gifts of all sizes will make a big difference.”

The Plaza Theatre Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and all gifts are tax deductible. All

funds generated will be used toward restoration, furnishings, equipment, operations and community initiatives for The Plaza Theatre.

On Friday Jonathan told Buzz: “When we bought this place, we just wanted to keep the theatre open. We never thought we were going to make a lot of money off of it. But we were hoping that it would at least support itself. That hasn’t turned out to be the case.”
http://blogs.ajc.com/peachbuzz/

For more info: www.plazaatlanta.com.

Looking for something to do this weekend

Looking for something to do this weekend

This Weekend: The Spinners, jazz at the High, Butterfly Festival, ‘Food for Fish’

By SHANE HARRISON

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution



FRIDAY
Sing along to the hit tunes with the gang from Rydell High at the “Grease” Sing-A-Long, hosted by Lucky Yates. Audience members can add to the fun by dressing up as a favorite character from the film, with prizes to be awarded for the best costumes at each performance.

8 p.m. July 17-18. $12. Plaza Theatre, 1049 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-873-1939, www.plazaatlanta.com.

More at AJC

Pet Rock Art Sunday 7/19/09 at Hoopla

Join us this Sunday, July 19th from 1-4pm. We will have a facepainter, balloon artist and bubbles and pet rock art for the kids! Our neighbors will have lots going on too! Taste is hosting a Grits Battle! More from our friends at Mingei World Arts, Java Monkey and Seen Gallery!


Hoopla

Rose Squared Presents "Conversations with Shoes"

Rose Squared Presents

"Conversations with Shoes"
Featuring the work
of Fashion Modernist Painter
Jo Baskerville


Also Presenting
A Museum Showcase of
Antique Women's Shoes
from the 1930's!
Collection of Joel Diamond

Opening Event
August 7, 2009
7p.m. to 10p.m.

Rose Squared is proud to present the work of upcoming artist Jo Baskerville.

"Conversations With Shoes" takes you into the world of "Fashion Modernism," a phrase coined by the artist to describe taking the art of fashion into the two dimensional world of painting on canvas and paper.

Come see these exciting paintings presented in a loose, fluid style of rendering that translates the art of shoe design into another form of art altogether.

"Jo Baskerville has done something unique not only in theme, but also in his personal style of painting. Every drip, every run and every brush stroke is perfectly placed to interpret his subject in just the way he wanted it. These paintings are not only serious depictions of iconic shoe fashions in history, but they have a whimsical air about them that puts a smile on your face and a kick in your step."

JD Isaacs

Rose Squared
111 Clairemont Ave
Decatur, GA 30030
ph: 404 377-1414

The Z that stands for ZORRO

After reading a post over at the Asian Cajuns I had to post this.

"The Iberian Pig" will take over the old Sage Restaurant Space

The Decatur Minute is reporting on a new Restaurant "The Iberian Pig" will be coming to the old Sage Restaurant Space located at
121 Sycamore St.
Decatur, GA.
(On the Square"
Read about it over at thedecaturminute.com

At any given time Decatur blogs are always in the top five.

Gorgeous restoration in Kirkwood

Photos by Christopher Oquendo/AJC Special; Captions by Laughing Sun Renovations
more photos

The first thing you'll notice upon approaching the house is the porch gable with its timber framing and Japanese inspired porch beams. These stout beams rest on massive tapered granite columns and their ability to be structural and load-bearing as well as beautiful allows the ceiling of the porch to soar. If you look up, you'll see the antique heart pine lumber that composes this stunning beaded ceiling.
More: More Private Quarters |

Emile Baran Instruments Inc.

Emile Baran Instruments Inc.
113 Clairemont Ave., Decatur, Georgia 30030 (404) 377-3419

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S

Vintage Decatur Theatre & Hilan Theatre movie ad
See new updates at The Decatur Theatre site.

Staycation Sundays on Church St

DeKalb earns cash from landfill trash

DeKalb earns cash from landfill trash

By TY TAGAMI

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution



Money may not grow on trees, but it does waft from a trash heap in DeKalb County.

This month, DeKalb is expecting a third monthly check for around $12,000 from a venture that uses new filtration technology to harvest methane from rotting garbage at the defunct Live Oak Landfill.
The partnership with the landfill owner and a developer has produced the largest “high BTU” methane-extraction plant in Georgia. The plant refines the gas to a potent commercial grade that can be piped directly to consumers.

Cash from trash. It’s an idea that would seem to fit nicely into America’s energy independence strategy, but it is not without controversy. Proponents, including the developer of this project, are pushing for federal subsidies that would treat trash gas like other “renewable” energy sources, but some environmentalists say public money should only be spent on energy sources such as solar, wind and geothermal power.

AJC story

Evian Roller Babies - Live Young

Are you for or against Clothes Lines ?

Back in the 50's and 60's almost every home had a clothes line in their back yard, but today not many are around, but they say they are coming back.

Here is a article on clothes lines,

Ontario Home Builders Association is in a tizzy!


Oh the horrors! The Ontario Home Builders Association has worked themselves into a tizzy over an uber serious issue here in Ontario – the veto on banning clothes lines. Yes ladies and gentlemen, the OHBA thinks it’s a terrible thing for the Ontario government to do.

Today, the Ontario gov announced that no longer will subdivisions etc in the Province of Ontario be allowed to ban the use of clothes lines. We are allowed to … er, air our clean laundry in public, so to say. For a long time many areas have forbidden the use of this venerable method of drying clothes. Not sure why anyone would get into a lather over such a thing, but there you have it. It was such an issue with some knuckle dragging folks, they actually banned the use of them. “Can’t have that in our neigbourhood”.

In this day and age of trying to get people to decrease their energy consumption, the ban made even less sense. To help remedy this Ontario has now said it can no longer be enforced. To encourage people to use clothes lines, Ontario Hydro will be giving out clothes lines (for both indoor and outdoor use).
catpawsblbog.com

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