Homemade slow down signs have become very popular in Decatur, these have a string of lights attached to them that go from one side of the street to the other.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Slow Down, You Move To Fast
Homemade slow down signs have become very popular in Decatur, these have a string of lights attached to them that go from one side of the street to the other.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Starbucks to close 300 more stores
Let's hope Decatur's Starbuck is safe.
Starbucks to close 300 more stores, cut 6,000 jobs
Coffee chain’s profits fall 69 percent; company says Atlanta market ‘will be impacted’
By MELISSA ALLISON
The Seattle Times
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Starbucks will cut 6,000 positions as it closes 300 stores worldwide over the next eight months and will eliminate about 700 non-store workers by mid-February as it cuts costs to stem its eroding profits.
The immediate layoffs include about 350 employees at its Seattle headquarters, about 11 percent of the 3,200 people who work there. The 300 store closures will include 200 U.S. shops.
“Though we do know the Atlanta market will be impacted, we do not at this time have specific details about numbers of or locations of stores that will be impacted by these announcements,” the company said in a statement.
AJC full story here.
Starbucks to close 300 more stores, cut 6,000 jobs
Coffee chain’s profits fall 69 percent; company says Atlanta market ‘will be impacted’
By MELISSA ALLISON
The Seattle Times
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Starbucks will cut 6,000 positions as it closes 300 stores worldwide over the next eight months and will eliminate about 700 non-store workers by mid-February as it cuts costs to stem its eroding profits.
The immediate layoffs include about 350 employees at its Seattle headquarters, about 11 percent of the 3,200 people who work there. The 300 store closures will include 200 U.S. shops.
“Though we do know the Atlanta market will be impacted, we do not at this time have specific details about numbers of or locations of stores that will be impacted by these announcements,” the company said in a statement.
AJC full story here.
What's going on with this building at East Lake
Does anyone know what's going on with this building in Oakhurst ?
Comment:
Anonymous said...
I heard that a church was moving into the space and a dance studio next to it?
January 28, 2009 9:11 AM
Life in a Northern Town - Dream Academy and Sugarland
Here is Dream Academy's original Music video:
This is Sugarland's version.
Which one do you like ?
Life in a Northern Town
A Salvation Army band played
And the children drank lemonade
And the morning lasted all day,
All day
And through an open window came
Like Sinatra in a younger day,
Pushing the town away
Ah -
(Chant)
Ah hey ma ma ma
Life in a northern town.
They sat on the stoney ground
And he took a cigarette out
And everyone else came down
To listen.
He said "In winter 1963
It felt like the world would freeze
With John F. Kennedy
And the Beatles."
(Chant)
Ah hey ma ma ma
Life in a northern town.
Ah hey ma ma ma
All the work shut down.
The evening had turned to rain
Watch the water roll down the drain,
As we followed him down
To the station
And though he never would wave goodbye,
You could see it written in his eyes
As the train rolled out of sight
Bye-bye.
(Chant)
Ah hey ma ma ma
Life in a northern town.
Ah hey ma ma ma
Life in a northern town.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Mortgage market clouds who owns woman’s house
How can something like this happen ? answer: The system is broken.
Mortgage market clouds who owns woman’s house
By CARRIE TEEGARDIN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Twenty years ago, Zella Mae Green bought a modest brick ranch house in DeKalb County with an American ideal in mind. The single mother of four, who raised her children working low-wage jobs, wanted to own something someday. And she wanted to pass something on.
“I was thinking that if anything would ever happen to me, the children would have a place they could come and stay,” said Green, a seamstress who is 68. “Their father passed away when they were young.”
reen says she has done her part, making payments on the house she bought for $40,000 to the series of lenders who have managed her mortgage over two decades.
But Citigroup and Wells Fargo say Green has failed miserably as a homeowner and is nine years behind on her payments. And they want to take the house.
“Nine years? There ain’t no way,” Green said. “Ain’t no way you can stay someplace for nine years without paying anything.”
AJC full story here
Mortgage market clouds who owns woman’s house
By CARRIE TEEGARDIN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Twenty years ago, Zella Mae Green bought a modest brick ranch house in DeKalb County with an American ideal in mind. The single mother of four, who raised her children working low-wage jobs, wanted to own something someday. And she wanted to pass something on.
“I was thinking that if anything would ever happen to me, the children would have a place they could come and stay,” said Green, a seamstress who is 68. “Their father passed away when they were young.”
reen says she has done her part, making payments on the house she bought for $40,000 to the series of lenders who have managed her mortgage over two decades.
But Citigroup and Wells Fargo say Green has failed miserably as a homeowner and is nine years behind on her payments. And they want to take the house.
“Nine years? There ain’t no way,” Green said. “Ain’t no way you can stay someplace for nine years without paying anything.”
AJC full story here
Monday, January 26, 2009
Trackside Tavern Fire Damage Photos
The Decatur Fire Dept. secure boards on backside of the Trackside Tavern.
An employee assistance fund has been established at Decatur First Bank. Those wishing to contribute can make checks payable to Trackside Employee Fund and mail it or drop it by the bank, and address it to the attention of Ann Berg at 1120 Commerce Drive, in Decatur.
H/T indecatur
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Zucca Bar & Pizzeria Opened on Saturday
A sign posted on Zucca Bar & Pizzeria front door Saturday read "We will open at 5:00 PM today.
Menu here.
Located on the Square next door to the Brick Store Pub
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Atlanta claims nation’s first ‘carbon-neutral zone’
JASON GETZ / jgetz@ajc.com /Staff
Antje Kingma, owner of Eco-Bella, stands in front of her business next to the green and purple carbon neutral site certified sticker on Highland Avenue in Atlanta.
Virginia-Highland businesses band together to help environment
By JIM AUCHMUTEY
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Think of it as the intersection of good times and good intentions.
A new sign at the corner of Virginia and North Highland avenues proclaims the intown Atlanta shopping and dining district a “carbon-neutral zone.” What it doesn’t say is that Virginia-Highland also claims to be the nation’s first such zone.
While this could be seen as the latest chapter in the annals of green marketing — another emission in all the talk about global warming — there’s actually substance behind the boast.
The carbon-free zone is the result of a pilot project engineered by a local environmental company — an intricate transaction linking 18 merchants, a trading exchange in Chicago, a charitable foundation in Atlanta and thousands of acres of forest in rural Georgia.
“I’m sure most of us don’t understand exactly how it works,” says Andy Kurlansky of Everybody’s Pizza, one of the Virginia-Highland businesses that paid to be part of the venture. “But I still thought it was worthwhile.”
AJC Full story here.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Paste Releases Indie Rock Alphabet Book, Party This Sunday in Decatur
Click on photo to link back to original post over at the atlanta music blog.
Paste Releases Indie Rock Alphabet Book, Party This Sunday in Decatur
So you're having a baby. Or maybe you already have one. And it's getting to that time when you've got to teach your wee one the basics of the English language. But you're cool and hip, and don't want to do the usual "A is for Apple" routine. So what do you do?
Well never fear, Paste is here, ready to put your hipster worries to rest. The "Signs of Life in Music and Culture" magazine has just released An Indie Rock Alphabet Book. With entries like the above one for V - Vampire Weekend - you can rest assured that your toddler will grow up wearing skinny jeans and sporting an ironic mustache.
Paste is also hosting a party at Decatur children's bookstore Little Shop of Stories this Sunday, January 25 at 3 p.m. - for more information click here.
Story and photo from http://www.atlantamusicblog.com/
Check them out, nice blog.
A bit of inaugural fun created by Paste Magazine
A bit of inaugural fun created by Paste Magazine
The longest election season in memory is now over, and we wanted to help you unwind and express yourself as we head into the new era.
Make your own "Obamicon" — your image in a style inspired by Shepard Fairey's iconic poster.
Regardless of your candidate of choice in the 2008 election, here's your chance to sound-off.
Take your picture with a webcam or upload a photo, choose your own message, and submit to the gallery.
Try it here and it's free
Russ Marshalek leaving Wordsmith's
Russ sent this over from Wordsmith's Books for me to post.
Associates, colleagues and friends:
With a heavy heart and a look to the future, I’m writing to inform you that, as a result of the recent heavy economic downturn, my position as Marketing and Publicity Director at Wordsmiths Books will be eliminated effective as of March 2009. During my time in this role, I’ve found your support essential in facilitating my approach to publicity and marketing in regards to authors, books and book events, and I have the utmost gratitude for the fun, massive rock-and-roll blowouts you’ve allowed me to turn author events into.
Upon my termination from my Marketing/Publicity position at Wordsmiths at the end of March, I will be relocating from Decatur, GA to New York to pursue other opportunities. I will continue to operate as a freelance writer/publicist as RussCommunications (russcommunications@gmail.com), and under that name I will serve as head of publicity for, amongst other projects, Zach Steele’s forthcoming novel Anointed, to be published in February by Mercury Retrograde Press, as well as the massive new media campaign being launched in conjunction with the book’s publication. I am, and shall continue to, entertain any and all New York-based full-time opportunities within my realms of experience in new media, publicity and marketing, as well as any freelance opportunities, and ask that I’m kept in mind should such arise. I can be contacted on a personal basis at (russ.marshalek@gmail.com).
All of that said, my time at Wordsmiths has been a simply incredible few years, and I am capping off my work here with a full February author line-up including local gay lifestyle writer Topher Payne, non-fiction writer David Hajdu and comedic fiction legend Christopher Moore, as well as the launch of the aforementioned Anointed. I look forward to, for the next month, working with your authors, publicists, writers and reporters in my capacity at Wordsmiths, and then continuing to work with you upon my relocation to New York.
Thanks, genuinely and sincerely
-Russ Marshalek
-----------
Russ Marshalek
Marketing/Publicity Director
Wordsmiths Books
545 N McDonough
Decatur, GA 30030
(404)378-7166
Associates, colleagues and friends:
With a heavy heart and a look to the future, I’m writing to inform you that, as a result of the recent heavy economic downturn, my position as Marketing and Publicity Director at Wordsmiths Books will be eliminated effective as of March 2009. During my time in this role, I’ve found your support essential in facilitating my approach to publicity and marketing in regards to authors, books and book events, and I have the utmost gratitude for the fun, massive rock-and-roll blowouts you’ve allowed me to turn author events into.
Upon my termination from my Marketing/Publicity position at Wordsmiths at the end of March, I will be relocating from Decatur, GA to New York to pursue other opportunities. I will continue to operate as a freelance writer/publicist as RussCommunications (russcommunications@gmail.com), and under that name I will serve as head of publicity for, amongst other projects, Zach Steele’s forthcoming novel Anointed, to be published in February by Mercury Retrograde Press, as well as the massive new media campaign being launched in conjunction with the book’s publication. I am, and shall continue to, entertain any and all New York-based full-time opportunities within my realms of experience in new media, publicity and marketing, as well as any freelance opportunities, and ask that I’m kept in mind should such arise. I can be contacted on a personal basis at (russ.marshalek@gmail.com).
All of that said, my time at Wordsmiths has been a simply incredible few years, and I am capping off my work here with a full February author line-up including local gay lifestyle writer Topher Payne, non-fiction writer David Hajdu and comedic fiction legend Christopher Moore, as well as the launch of the aforementioned Anointed. I look forward to, for the next month, working with your authors, publicists, writers and reporters in my capacity at Wordsmiths, and then continuing to work with you upon my relocation to New York.
Thanks, genuinely and sincerely
-Russ Marshalek
-----------
Russ Marshalek
Marketing/Publicity Director
Wordsmiths Books
545 N McDonough
Decatur, GA 30030
(404)378-7166
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Trackside Tavern Fire Video
Champion Newspaper video
Read about a Fund established for employees of Trackside Tavern at Champion Newspaper
h/t indecatur
Come to Twain's for Super Bowl Sunday.
The Super Bowl
Come to Twain's for Super Bowl Sunday.
* 1/2 price off on all appetizers (including our awesome wings)
* $1 off 20 oz. Twain's Ales after 5:00
Having a party at home?
Bring Twain's wings and more to the party!
Specials on Super Bowl Platters available.
Ccontact: emily@twains.net
New at Twains!
Dark beer lovers unite! Twain's is now pouring two wonderful winterish delights. Three Lies Cocoa Stout has returned, and Thirty Days Belgian Black Ale has debuted. Check out the brewery page for full descriptions, then get down here and taste'em!
Telegram is playing at Twain's on January 24th, a rare Saturday show for this reunion show! We are very excited to be hosting these boys, and anticipate a very special night of music.
Sunday, January 25th at 5:00, get your fill of the genuine stuff as the New York Corned Beef Society returns to Twain's. Don't be late, we anticipate a big crowd for this mid-winter deli-fest!
Twain's is located at 211 E Trinity Pl
Decatur, GA 30030 (Cross Street: Church Street)
"DHS Buddies Luncheon" March 21, 2009
Jerry Andrews sends this in.
It's that time again. Our next "dhs buddies luncheon" is March 21, 2009. We will meet at the Universal Joint(see address below). We hope the weather will allow us to be outside. Pass the word and invite Decatur High Alumni. Information is also on Facebook.
Look forward to seeing a lot of classmates.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When: March 21, 2009
Where: Universal Joint
906 Oakview Rd
Decatur, GA 30030
Cross Street: East Lake Drive
Time: NOON
Who: Any Decatur High Alumni
Go BULLDOGS!!!!!!
It's that time again. Our next "dhs buddies luncheon" is March 21, 2009. We will meet at the Universal Joint(see address below). We hope the weather will allow us to be outside. Pass the word and invite Decatur High Alumni. Information is also on Facebook.
Look forward to seeing a lot of classmates.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When: March 21, 2009
Where: Universal Joint
906 Oakview Rd
Decatur, GA 30030
Cross Street: East Lake Drive
Time: NOON
Who: Any Decatur High Alumni
Go BULLDOGS!!!!!!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
More on Trackside Tavern
JOHN SPINK / jspink@ajc.com
The Trackside Tavern, a favorite watering hole for Agnes Scott students and other young Decatur residents, was destroyed by fire. • Story | Photo
Fire destroys Trackside Tavern in Decatur
Neighboring 5th Earl Market damaged
By APRIL HUNT
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Trackside Tavern, the Decatur watering hole that helped launched the Indigo Girls and other local acoustic acts, is no more for now.
The tavern was boarded up Wednesday, a day after it was consumed by a fire in the small commercial strip at East College Avenue and South Candler Street. A sandwich shop next door, the 5th Earl Market, suffered smoke damage.
There were no serious injuries.
Trackside opened in 1982 and, along with the Freight Room and Eddie’s Attic, became the epicenter of an acoustic music scene that flourished in Decatur.
In recent years, Trackside earned a loyal following for its laid-back vibe and late-night hours.
Some patrons have gathered on Facebook, looking for ways to help the pub rebuild. One group gathered Tuesday night at the Corner Pub, another Decatur bar that suffered a fire several years ago and re-opened with community support.
A “Soup-er Bowl” soup-off planned at Trackside this weekend will instead be held at the Corner Pub. The event begins at 3 p.m. at the bar in East Decatur Station on East College Avenue.
The Decatur Fire Department is still looking into the cause of the blaze. The owner of the 5th Earl Market vowed on the Decatur Metro blog to bring back his shop “better than ever.”
Update on the fire at Trackside & 5th Earl Market
This is posted on 5th Earl Market web site.
To Our Many Loyal Customers and Friends,
As some of you may now know, the restaurant was severely damaged on Tuesday, January 20 by a major fire that started next door at Trackside Tavern and spread into our space. Thankfully, nobody was injured in the fire; however, the damage is extensive.
Due to the condition of the building, 5th Earl Market will be closed for business until further notice.
We have already received many calls and e-mails offering support and encouragement and we wish to extend our thanks for all of these. It is our plan to re-open. We do not know when, but do know that we want nothing more than to keep serving our many wonderful customers.
See fire damage photos here.
Thank you.
The 5th Earl Market Team
No word yet on Trackside's future
I hope they come back.
To Our Many Loyal Customers and Friends,
As some of you may now know, the restaurant was severely damaged on Tuesday, January 20 by a major fire that started next door at Trackside Tavern and spread into our space. Thankfully, nobody was injured in the fire; however, the damage is extensive.
Due to the condition of the building, 5th Earl Market will be closed for business until further notice.
We have already received many calls and e-mails offering support and encouragement and we wish to extend our thanks for all of these. It is our plan to re-open. We do not know when, but do know that we want nothing more than to keep serving our many wonderful customers.
See fire damage photos here.
Thank you.
The 5th Earl Market Team
No word yet on Trackside's future
I hope they come back.
Satellite Image of Inaugural Celebration at the Capitol
AP Photo/GeoEye Satellite Image
This satellite image, taken through high, whispy white clouds, shows the masses of people attending the inaugural celebration at the Capitol.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Trackside Tavern Damaged by Fire this Morning.
This is very sad news to learn.
I just took this picture last week.
See photo of damage over at Indecatur
read more about it over at Decatur Metro
see more photo at Ali Laipple's Photos facebook
Here is AJC Story
Fire destroys Trackside Tavern in Decatur
Neighboring 5th Earl Market damaged
By TY TAGAMI
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A fire consumed a business and shut down traffic along a thoroughfare through Decatur Tuesday, but caused no serious injury.
The Decatur Fire Department responded at 5:25 a.m. to a blaze at East College Avenue and South Candler Street, and closed the intersection as the fire consumed the roof of a bar in the low-slung commercial strip.
“We had heavy fire coming through the roof when the first engine pulled up,” said Fire Chief Jerry Malone. The intersection remained closed Tuesday morningas commuters tried to get into or around Decatur.
One business, the Trackside Tavern, was destroyed. A sandwich shop next door, the 5th Earl Market, suffered smoke damage, he said. Investigators were still looking into the cause of the fire Tuesday afternoon. One firefighter bruised his arm and leg when he slipped on ice from the fire hoses in the bitter cold, but the injuries were not serious enough for hospital treatment, Malone said.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Close Up program at Decatur High School going to Inauguration.
DECATUR, Ga. -- Students from across Georgia are getting ready to go to Washington for the Obama Inauguration, with their families, and with school and church groups.
Thirty-three of them are with the Close Up program at Decatur High School. They're actually looking forward to the cold, the crowds and even controversial demonstrations and protests.
"It's a really historic election with Obama winning, and I'm really excited to see what's going to happen," said one of the girls going on the trip.
The students will remember the year they came of age, politically -- arguiing and debating with each other about the Presidential campaign.
"There was extreme adulation for Obama," one boy said, not approvingly.
They're still debating each other -- about whether Obama's going to be able to cut it as President.
11 alive
Full story and video
h/t Decatur Metro
Thirty-three of them are with the Close Up program at Decatur High School. They're actually looking forward to the cold, the crowds and even controversial demonstrations and protests.
"It's a really historic election with Obama winning, and I'm really excited to see what's going to happen," said one of the girls going on the trip.
The students will remember the year they came of age, politically -- arguiing and debating with each other about the Presidential campaign.
"There was extreme adulation for Obama," one boy said, not approvingly.
They're still debating each other -- about whether Obama's going to be able to cut it as President.
11 alive
Full story and video
h/t Decatur Metro
Update on Leon's Full Service Pub.
A new fence is being built close to the sidewalk.
Each week it looks better, I can't wait until it opens.
Church St. & E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Update on the New Decatur High School Auditorium
Construction is starting to take shape on the new Decatur High School Auditorium.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Amid slumping economy,subdivision adds cheaper homes
A sign of the times.
Decatur has always been like this, small bungalow's with big new homes built right next door. to me it's no big deal who wants to have every house to look alike, not me.
What I would like to see are new homes built like the 1940's and 50's bungalow's like the ones below.
BOB ANDRES / bandres@ajc.com
Sign for the Hays Farm subdivision advertise two different house price points.
By DAN CHAPMAN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The for-sale signs at the entrance to Hays Farm offer the first clues that not all went as planned at the subdivision alongside Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.
The older, more weathered sign reads, “new homes … high $500s.”
The newer, shinier sign reads, “distinctive homes … from the low $300s.”
Two price ranges. Two sets of home buyers.
And one big headache for original homeowners who paid more for their homes only to see the newer, cheaper homes lower their property values. Many of these owners can’t refinance because their homes are worth less than their mortgages. And they can forget trying to sell them — they’d lose tens of thousands of dollars on homes now assessed at much lower values.
Homeowners point many fingers: at a bankrupt builder; a financially challenged developer; skittish bankers; an over-built, over-priced West Cobb housing market; and a lousy economy that’s ravaging the real-estate industry.
The Hays Farm saga, a rarity in Metro Atlanta, mimics two-tiered subdivision troubles more common in the over-heated housing markets of California, Nevada and Florida.
Full story
Highs in 40s Today; on Sunday, sleet?
On Saturday, highs in 40s; on Sunday, sleet?
By ANDRIA SIMMONS, RHONDA COOK
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After a frigid couple of nights in metro Atlanta, Saturday’s weather will be deceptively warmer —- with temperatures rising to the 40s -— but Sunday could bring sleet.
The Sunday forecast calls for “mostly a slight chance of rain with maybe some sleet in Atlanta,” said Robert Beasley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Friday morning lows around metro Atlanta were in the low teens, with wind chills as low as zero. Two west Georgia school systems, in Carroll and Haralson counties, canceled classes because of the biting cold. Daytime temperatures reached the low 30s.
The cold has been stretching homeless shelters to their limits.
The Atlanta Union Mission, which operates the largest shelter in the city, with space for more than 1,000 people, said it had to put cots and mats in the hallways to accommodate the number of people looking for warmth.
Grady Memorial Hospital treated no one for exposure or other weather-related problems, though there was an increase in the number of homeless people looking for shelter, hospital spokesman Sean Van Dorn said Friday afternoon.
Friday morning, an investigator with the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office said no overnight weather-related deaths had been reported.
Frigid temperatures caused a water sprinkler pipe to burst Friday morning at the Studio 6 motel on 9955 Old Dogwood Road in Roswell. The water caused part of the roof to collapse, and six rooms were damaged, hotel staff said.
The motel sustained thousands of dollars in damage, said Rick Raymond, a front desk clerk. He added with a chuckle, “I guess there’ll be no bonuses this year.”
Assistant Chief Paul Piccirilli of the Roswell Fire Department said his firefighters responded to about two houses, two apartment buildings and two commercial buildings because of burst pipes. “I’m sure there’s a lot of departments that went on a lot of calls today,” he said.
Atlanta Fire Department spokesman Bobby Stewart said investigators were trying to determine if two house fires Friday were caused by people trying to keep warm.
“Definitely, the cold weather does play a part in some fires,” Stewart said. “If people are using space heaters, we try to encourage safety. Don’t put them close to furniture, and don’t put firewood close to things that may catch on fire.”
Looking ahead to the beginning of the week, partly cloudy skies are forecast for Monday’s Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, with highs in the mid 40s. Another cold front is expected to arrive Tuesday. Chances of snow are “questionable” because there may not be enough moisture in the air, Beasley said.
By ANDRIA SIMMONS, RHONDA COOK
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After a frigid couple of nights in metro Atlanta, Saturday’s weather will be deceptively warmer —- with temperatures rising to the 40s -— but Sunday could bring sleet.
The Sunday forecast calls for “mostly a slight chance of rain with maybe some sleet in Atlanta,” said Robert Beasley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Friday morning lows around metro Atlanta were in the low teens, with wind chills as low as zero. Two west Georgia school systems, in Carroll and Haralson counties, canceled classes because of the biting cold. Daytime temperatures reached the low 30s.
The cold has been stretching homeless shelters to their limits.
The Atlanta Union Mission, which operates the largest shelter in the city, with space for more than 1,000 people, said it had to put cots and mats in the hallways to accommodate the number of people looking for warmth.
Grady Memorial Hospital treated no one for exposure or other weather-related problems, though there was an increase in the number of homeless people looking for shelter, hospital spokesman Sean Van Dorn said Friday afternoon.
Friday morning, an investigator with the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office said no overnight weather-related deaths had been reported.
Frigid temperatures caused a water sprinkler pipe to burst Friday morning at the Studio 6 motel on 9955 Old Dogwood Road in Roswell. The water caused part of the roof to collapse, and six rooms were damaged, hotel staff said.
The motel sustained thousands of dollars in damage, said Rick Raymond, a front desk clerk. He added with a chuckle, “I guess there’ll be no bonuses this year.”
Assistant Chief Paul Piccirilli of the Roswell Fire Department said his firefighters responded to about two houses, two apartment buildings and two commercial buildings because of burst pipes. “I’m sure there’s a lot of departments that went on a lot of calls today,” he said.
Atlanta Fire Department spokesman Bobby Stewart said investigators were trying to determine if two house fires Friday were caused by people trying to keep warm.
“Definitely, the cold weather does play a part in some fires,” Stewart said. “If people are using space heaters, we try to encourage safety. Don’t put them close to furniture, and don’t put firewood close to things that may catch on fire.”
Looking ahead to the beginning of the week, partly cloudy skies are forecast for Monday’s Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, with highs in the mid 40s. Another cold front is expected to arrive Tuesday. Chances of snow are “questionable” because there may not be enough moisture in the air, Beasley said.
Proposal would leave casinos up to counties
By LEON STAFFORD, RACHEL TOBIN RAMOS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Just days after Underground Atlanta officials announced their hopes of bringing video gaming to the downtown attraction, a state legislator wants to offer full-fledged casinos statewide.
Rep. Roger Bruce (D-Atlanta) said Friday he plans to introduce legislation in the General Assembly next week that would allow voters to decide whether they want to bring gambling to their individual counties.
By going this route, he said, each jurisdiction will have the opportunity to plot its own destiny, instead of letting legislators decide.
“What I’m talking about doing is creating full-scale casinos or horse racing if they want them,” he said.
Gambling in Georgia has been bandied about for years, especially as states across the country have seen huge revenue gains from visitors and locals playing poker or spinning the roulette wheel.
House Speaker Pro-Tem Mark Burkhalter (R-Johns Creek) said last month most lawmakers in the Republican majority don’t support changing the state’s constitution to allow gambling. He couldn’t be reached immediately for this story.
Full story.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Just days after Underground Atlanta officials announced their hopes of bringing video gaming to the downtown attraction, a state legislator wants to offer full-fledged casinos statewide.
Rep. Roger Bruce (D-Atlanta) said Friday he plans to introduce legislation in the General Assembly next week that would allow voters to decide whether they want to bring gambling to their individual counties.
By going this route, he said, each jurisdiction will have the opportunity to plot its own destiny, instead of letting legislators decide.
“What I’m talking about doing is creating full-scale casinos or horse racing if they want them,” he said.
Gambling in Georgia has been bandied about for years, especially as states across the country have seen huge revenue gains from visitors and locals playing poker or spinning the roulette wheel.
House Speaker Pro-Tem Mark Burkhalter (R-Johns Creek) said last month most lawmakers in the Republican majority don’t support changing the state’s constitution to allow gambling. He couldn’t be reached immediately for this story.
Full story.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Decatur parents concerned about schools shift
By KRISTINA TORRES
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
More than a dozen parents Tuesday told Decatur city school board members about their concerns for a plan that could move fourth- and fifth-graders to the city’s lone middle school.
Parents are concerned about having the younger students on the same campus as older students. Board members said they have not formed an opinion and were open to hearing other suggestions.
The board could vote on the plan in March. The move would help the small system weather an expected increase in students, particularly in elementary grades.
Over the next two months, however, expect a lot of discussion as the system holds public meetings about the proposal.
Decatur’s fourth- and fifth-graders now attend classes in a standalone school called Glennwood Academy. The proposal was among recommendations forwarded by a committee of parents and staff formed to look at enrollment options. If the move happened, Glennwood would then host kindergarten through third grade.
According to system officials, the number of students in kindergarten through eighth grade is expected to grow over the next four years from 1,897 to 2,388.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
More than a dozen parents Tuesday told Decatur city school board members about their concerns for a plan that could move fourth- and fifth-graders to the city’s lone middle school.
Parents are concerned about having the younger students on the same campus as older students. Board members said they have not formed an opinion and were open to hearing other suggestions.
The board could vote on the plan in March. The move would help the small system weather an expected increase in students, particularly in elementary grades.
Over the next two months, however, expect a lot of discussion as the system holds public meetings about the proposal.
Decatur’s fourth- and fifth-graders now attend classes in a standalone school called Glennwood Academy. The proposal was among recommendations forwarded by a committee of parents and staff formed to look at enrollment options. If the move happened, Glennwood would then host kindergarten through third grade.
According to system officials, the number of students in kindergarten through eighth grade is expected to grow over the next four years from 1,897 to 2,388.
I triple-dog dare you: Boy's tongue stuck on pole
HAMMOND, Ind. — In a scene straight out of the movie "A Christmas Story," a 10-year-old boy got his tongue stuck to a metal light pole. Police said the unidentified fourth-grader was able to tell them that a friend dared him to lick the pole Wednesday night. Temperatures in Hammond were around 10 degrees at the time.
By the time an ambulance arrived, the boy was able to yank his tongue off the frozen pole.
Police said ambulance personnel explained to the boy's mother how to care for his bleeding tongue.
The 1983 movie is set in a fictional city based on Hammond, the hometown of author Jean Shepherd.
___
Information from: The Times, http://nwitimes.com
By the time an ambulance arrived, the boy was able to yank his tongue off the frozen pole.
Police said ambulance personnel explained to the boy's mother how to care for his bleeding tongue.
The 1983 movie is set in a fictional city based on Hammond, the hometown of author Jean Shepherd.
___
Information from: The Times, http://nwitimes.com
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Shopping & Dining - Decatur GA Style
Shopping & Dining - Decatur GA Decatur’s unique and diverse retail business owners invite you to their shopping oasis, a real “mallternative.” Decatur offers charming storefronts and unique boutiques for your shopping pleasure in a small-town setting. Are you looking for whimsical folk art, contemporary furnishings, funky accents for your home, primitive antiques or the perfect creative gift? Decatur shops have it all. Your shopping experience will be enhanced by the diverse commercial districts with everything from locally-owned shops to larger commercial ventures. Shop in Historic Downtown, the Oakhurst District or along the College Avenue Corridor and you will enjoy the surroundings as much as the wide selection of available merchandise. After all that shopping treat yourself to a memorable dining experience in Decatur. From neighborhood bistros and pubs to elegant dining with a wide range of cuisine choices, you will find an interesting mix of locally-owned and national restaurants. Other options at various establishments include: outdoor dining, full service catering, live entertainment and dining in restored historic buildings.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Whit's End Clearance Sale
As we get ready for our Spring items to arrive in a few weeks, we need to clear out the Winter items.
This means more savings for you. Keep in mind though, that these sales are final.
Columbia fleece, sweaters, sweatshirts, shirts and jackets are now 40% off!
Prana/Kuhl/Dockers/Flyshacker fleece, sweaters, shirts and jackets are 30% off!
Toms Shoes are 25% off!
Chiliwear boxers are 10% off!
Columbia and Patagonia shoes, and Woolrich slippers, Columbia and Prana pants are SUPER discounted. (Some savings over 65% off!)
Dockers Cargo pants and Cords are now $29 (regularly $44-$55)
Dockers Chinos are $39.99 and Dress Slacks are $49.99 (regularly $50 and $70!)
There are a few gifts items, and leftover summer items that are marked below cost!
Sizes, styles and colors are limited. Sale may be discontinued at any time.
If you have any returns from items bought in December, they need to be returned by 1/15/09 for either an in-store merchandise exchange, or store credit.
See you in soon.
Jeff and Greg
Whit's End Blog
Take a tour of the Historical City Hall
Decatur's City Hall: A Historic Treasure Transformed"
Take a tour of the historic city hall in Decatur, Georgia. Originally built in 1926, the building was recently renovated and expanded, restoring many unique architectural features and creating an up-to-date work environment. The video also provides an overview of Decatur, Georgia and the history of City Hall
Short & Sweet Studios video, Decatur, Georgia - decaturga.com
Underground Atlanta is ready to roll the dice.
Cope Linder Architects
This is an artist’s rendering of the proposed casino and redeveloped Underground.
By RACHEL TOBIN RAMOS, LEON STAFFORD
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Underground Atlanta is ready to roll the dice.
The operator of the downtown attraction said he has brought a proposal to the Georgia Lottery Board for a casino that would fund the HOPE scholarship and bring millions in tax dollars to the city.
While the idea of a downtown casino has been kicked around for years, this is the first concrete plan brought forward by a developer and presented to an institution that can make it a reality.
In an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Tuesday, developer Dan O’Leary, who with his business partner John Aderhold, holds a 50-year lease on Underground Atlanta, outlined a $450 million proposal that would bring up to 5,000 video lottery machines, completely gut and redevelop Underground and add a new 29-story hotel.
O’Leary estimates the casino would generate gross receipts of $600 million. Half of that would go to the lottery board.
“In order to truly change the perception of Underground,” he said, “we do have to bring a very significant element to that property that it doesn’t have now — a big draw. VLT machines would be an anchor tenant that would bring folks in.”
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
First National Bank Temperature Sign
The Temperature sign was at the corner of the bank building of E. Court Sq. & E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
circa 1966
Hidden Hills residents develop green-space plan for golf course
By DONNA WILLIAMS LEWIS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Residents of south DeKalb County’s Greater Hidden Hills community are finalizing a proposed guide for new development that envisions new walking and bike trails, architectural standards and community facilities.
The study, developed with the county Planning and Development department, includes residents’ request that the county purchase for green space a dormant 18-hole golf course that winds through the community’s center.
Jan Costello, coordinator of the Greater Hidden Hills Overlay District, said residents met a dozen times over the past year to develop a unified vision for an area bounded by Redan Road, Covington Highway, Panola Road and South Hairston Road.
“We are seeking to put concrete details in the zoning codes so that we conserve precious green space, create a walkable community with pleasing streetscapes and nature trails, and provide the guidelines for attractive mixed-use commercial areas with desirable businesses,” Costello said.
Similar studies and plans have been prepared for other DeKalb communities, including Candler Road, Scottdale, downtown Tucker and the Stonecrest area. Community input is being accepted on the Hidden Hills plan, which is expected to go before the county commission by early spring.
Hidden Hills’ draft plan calls for consideration of establishing the area as a tax allocation district, or TAD, to make redevelopment sites more attractive to investors.
AJC
Full story here.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Residents of south DeKalb County’s Greater Hidden Hills community are finalizing a proposed guide for new development that envisions new walking and bike trails, architectural standards and community facilities.
The study, developed with the county Planning and Development department, includes residents’ request that the county purchase for green space a dormant 18-hole golf course that winds through the community’s center.
Jan Costello, coordinator of the Greater Hidden Hills Overlay District, said residents met a dozen times over the past year to develop a unified vision for an area bounded by Redan Road, Covington Highway, Panola Road and South Hairston Road.
“We are seeking to put concrete details in the zoning codes so that we conserve precious green space, create a walkable community with pleasing streetscapes and nature trails, and provide the guidelines for attractive mixed-use commercial areas with desirable businesses,” Costello said.
Similar studies and plans have been prepared for other DeKalb communities, including Candler Road, Scottdale, downtown Tucker and the Stonecrest area. Community input is being accepted on the Hidden Hills plan, which is expected to go before the county commission by early spring.
Hidden Hills’ draft plan calls for consideration of establishing the area as a tax allocation district, or TAD, to make redevelopment sites more attractive to investors.
AJC
Full story here.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Artisan In Decatur, Georgia
Make the next move.
The Artisan
201 West Ponce de Leon Avenue
Decatur, GA 30030
phone: 404.377.5902
fax: 404.377.4903
Driving directions to the Artisan.
Sales Office
201 West Ponce de Leon Avenue #10
Sales Office Hours:
Monday–Friday: 10–6
Saturday: 12–5
Sunday: 12–5
Agnes Scott, Emory earn ‘best value’ honors
Agnes Scott (above) and Emory University, both in DeKalb, have been ranked as being among the 'best value' private universities in the country.
By TY TAGAMI
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Two private institutions in DeKalb County have made a list of the 100 “best value colleges” in America.
Princeton Review, a publisher of college guidebooks, rated Agnes Scott College in Decatur and Emory University among the 50 best-value private schools for undergraduates based on cost, financial aid and academics.
Georgia Tech in Atlanta made a similar list of 50 public schools, along with the University of Georgia in Athens and Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville.
The criteria included cost, financial aid and academics, and was based on surveys of administrators and students. The results included a ranking for only the top 10 in each category. No private schools made the short list, but the University of Georgia was ranked 9th among public schools.
Agnes Scott was one of only four women’s colleges in the country to make the list. Over half the school’s students got a “hefty” financial aid package, the review notes.
Emory, meanwhile, met the financial needs for 84 percent of students who applied for financial aid, though the review says fewer than half the students there asked for aid.
The list was published on USA Today’s Web site, at www.usatoday.com/news/education/best-value-colleges.htm.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Reminder: Baths and Bedouins @ Mingei World Arts
Skin feel dry?
Want to treat yourself, help support local business women AND a Bedouin women's co-op
in Morocco?
On Saturday, January 10
we'll be previewing
Sweetie's Sugar Scrub,
a wonderful local product that will be in the
swag bags for the Sundance Film Festival
a week later!
Lavender, grapefruit
and argan oil from Morroco...
Our friend Lisa Callens, who developed the scrub, will be at Mingei from 1-4pm.
Come on by so we can wish you a Happy 2009!
Ellen and Ann
Mingei World Arts
427 Church Street
Decatur, Georgia 30030
404-371-0101
Friday, January 9, 2009
Buried baseball treasure found
CRAIG KOHLRUSS / THE FRESNO BEE Bernice Gallego of Collectique holds a rare 1869 baseball card of the Cincinnati Red Stockings that turned up at her Tower District shop in Fresno.
The strange story goes like this: Last summer, Bernice Gallego pulled an old baseball card from a box of antiques. She figured it might be worth something to someone, so she listed it on eBay.
The starting bid was $10.
But after getting a flurry of inquiries about whether the card was authentic or not, Gallego started to suspect she was holding something a little more valuable and immediately ended the auction.
Turns out her hunch was correct. She did have something more valuable. The card she found was made in 1869 and featured the "Red Stocking B.B. Club of Cincinnati," the sport's first professional team. It's considered one of the first baseball cards ever produced and its actual value could be worth more than $100,000 when she puts it back on eBay (with a higher starting price, of course).
Of course, the news that she had found a rare piece of early baseball history came as a shock to the 72-year-old Fresno, Calif., resident who said she's never been to a baseball game. Her tale, from unwitting discovery to learning about the card's history, is wonderfully captured by our old pal Mike Osegueda of the Fresno Bee. Click here to read it.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
First Female Fire Chief for city of Decatur.
Toni Tolbert Dixon will be the city’s first black and first female fire chief
By DONNA WILLIAMS LEWIS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Toni Tolbert Dixon, former deputy fire chief in East Point, has become the first black and first female fire chief of the city of Decatur.
Dixon, 40, will work alongside current fire chief Jerry Malone for the next six months. Malone plans to retire in July after 30 years of service.
Dixon leaves a department of 139 firefighters to lead a department of 40. There is one fire station in downtown Decatur and another under construction in the city’s Oakhurst neighborhood, she said.
Dixon said she plans to focus on professionalism and customer service.
“We want to be a fire department where you don’t just see us in an emergency,” she said.
The married mother of four lives in South Fulton. She got her start in the firefighting field in 1992 as a fire safety technician in the state Fire Marshal’s Office.F
By DONNA WILLIAMS LEWIS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Toni Tolbert Dixon, former deputy fire chief in East Point, has become the first black and first female fire chief of the city of Decatur.
Dixon, 40, will work alongside current fire chief Jerry Malone for the next six months. Malone plans to retire in July after 30 years of service.
Dixon leaves a department of 139 firefighters to lead a department of 40. There is one fire station in downtown Decatur and another under construction in the city’s Oakhurst neighborhood, she said.
Dixon said she plans to focus on professionalism and customer service.
“We want to be a fire department where you don’t just see us in an emergency,” she said.
The married mother of four lives in South Fulton. She got her start in the firefighting field in 1992 as a fire safety technician in the state Fire Marshal’s Office.F
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Decatur Recreation Center Master Plan
Decatur Recreation Center Master Plan
The City of Decatur is developing a master plan to direct future improvements to the city’s 50 year old recreation center. We invite you to think creatively and submit your ideas to the questions listed below. Forward your answers by Thursday, Dec. 31 to Lyn.menne@decaturga.com or hugh.saxon@decaturga.com or mail to Lyn Menne, City of Decatur, P.O. Box 220, Decatur, GA 30031.
What Should Our Community/Recreation Center Provide?
1. What community programs are needed?
2. What kind of visual and/or performing arts programs would you like to see?
3. What exercise or athletic programs do we want?
4. What new active adult/senior oriented activities should be provided?
5. What activities or facilities for young professionals are of interest?
6. What activities or facilities for children and youth should be provided?
7. What should the Center provide in 15 years?
8. What other ideas or suggestions would you like to add?
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