The Old Decatur Theatre Website Updated

The Decatur Theatre in the art world.
To see the new updates click here.

If anyone has a photo of the old Decatur Theatre I would love to add it to the site.

Welcome to Decatur's Own Rose Squared

Considered the 'best little frame shop in town,' last summer JD Isaacs expanded to a new downtown Decatur location on the Old Courthouse Square. The most exciting news though, is that it has given him the space for a gallery to feature prominent and upcoming artists and a classroom to teach painting in watercolor and drawing. It also allows him the opportunity to show his own paintings and drawings. I hope everyone goes by to say hello and look around.

Congrats on the three large commissioned paintings for Parkers on Ponce, one of which will be hung tomorrow morning.
JD Isaacs has a new website , check it out.

Great job JD on the new website

Looking back at East Court Sq. circa 1967

What's That ?

That's the money you could be saving with Geico..

------------------------------------------
ryan w fitzgerald said:
ha. that rocks.

thanks for an awesome blog!

February 20, 2009 4:28 PM

Shopping in Decatur

Boogaloos
246 West Ponce de Leon Avenue
Decatur, Georgia
404-373-3237
boogaloosboutique.com

DressCodes
201 West Ponce de Leon Avenue, #117
Decatur, Georgia
404-343-2894
dresscodesatl.com

Evolve
1581 North Decatur Road
Atlanta, Georgia
404-474-3244

Kaleidoscope Boutique Featuring 4Bags
252 East Ponce de Leon Avenue
Decatur, Georgia
404-378-1214
kscopeboutique.com.

Squash Blossom Boutique
113 East Court Square
Decatur, Georgia
404-373-1864
squashblossomboutique.com

from atlantamagazine

Now Playing at the Plaza

Pink flamingos to help fight crime

mountdesertislander.com photo mark good
Pink flamingos an anti-crime symbol in East Atlanta

By BEN SMITH

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

There’s campaign afoot in East Atlanta to turn the pink flamingo from an icon of tackiness into a crime-fighting symbol

“You always hear about neighborhood associations coming down on ugly pink flamingos,” said Jason Hatcher. “We thought it would be a clever form of civil disobedience to show that our concerns are being ignored.”
Hatcher, an art director for a local weekly newspaper, and Johnny Castellic (a.k.a. “Johnny Hollywood”) have launched a campaign to raise public awareness of what they insist is a growing crime problem in their area.

They say that problem is being ignored by Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Atlanta Police Chief Richard Pennington.

“People are practically yelling from the rooftops,” Hatcher said. “And every time we yell they parade out this revolving dog and pony to say that overall crime is down in the city of Atlanta.”

Pennington has said police data shows that while property crimes in some of Atlanta’s gentrified communities have increased, incidents of violent crime are down.

“The community groups work closely together,” said Pennington during a recent interview. “When they hear about one crime, they e-mail their neighbors and then you get a barrage of e-mails. I think they just respond to what they hear. And a lot of times, perception to them is reality.”

The pink plastic birds have shown up in front of restaurants along Flat Shoals Road and Glenwood Avenue and on the front lawns of nearby homes.

AJC full story

more photos

25 Years of Downtown Development in 2007

In 2007 Decatur marked it's 25 Years of Downtown Development
Here is a slide show of photos then.
Some have even changed since then.
click here to see the changes before and after.
Decaturga.com

Update on Decatur High School Construction

DAVID ELLINGTON at Twains Tonight

Wed, February 18, 8:00pm – 10:30pm
DAVID ELLINGTON - After studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston from 1980 - 1982, David Ellington moved to New Orleans in 1983 and quickly became a player in its extraordinary music scene. In 1988 he began a three-year stint as pianist/organist for legendary New Orleans guitarist, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, traveling the world and recording for Rounder Records. This led to another three years of study at the University of New Orleans under the tutelage of Ellis Marsalis, Steve Masakowski, Ed Petersen, and Harold Battiste, where his composition, “Armando” won the prestigious composer’s award in UNO’s “Svenson Composition Competition” in 1996. David’s work as a versatile sideman, versed in Funk, Jazz, R&B, and Latin styles, led to the formation of his own group “Chevere” and the release of “Baila Mi Ritmo,” a CD of Ellington originals. Chevere made its New Orleans Jazz and Heritage debut in 2000 and has been a standout at the Festival ever since, returning each year to excellent revues. Hurricane Katrina forced Ellington to abandon a busy musical career in New Orleans as bandleader, valued sideman, and church music director. David landed in Atlanta, near his parents and quickly became a first-call pianist/organist, in demand for many of Atlanta’s best groups and performers. He continues to develop his solid reputation in Atlanta, and has gained “roster” status with “Young Audiences of Atlanta - Woodfuff Arts Center.” David is leader of 'The David Ellington Organ Trio' as well as 'Trio Fino' here in Atlanta and sideman with several acts including singers Tommy Dean and Karin Williams and Atlanta's mainstay 8-piece band, 'The League of Decency'.

Peachtree Road Race T-shirt design contest begins

Peachtree Road Race T-shirt design contest begins
Winning entry becomes a keepsake for 55,000 runners

AJC Staff Report



Here’s your chance to create the Peachtree Road Race’s gold medal —well kind of. The Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Peachtree Road Race T-shirt design contest has begun.
Representatives of the Atlanta Track Club, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and local artists will judge t-shirt designs. Five finalists’ designs will be selected and published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The public will select the winning design.

The person who submits the winning design will receive $1,000 and have the design reproduced on the 2009 Peachtree Road Race T-shirt, distributed to runners at the race’s finish line. The four finalists who are not selected will each receive $100.
All entries must be postmarked by Feb. 28, 2009

ajc full story

more t-shirt photos

Atlanta Wine School Courses

click on photo for info.
Wed, February 18th, Sexy & Seductive Pinot Noir
Presenter: Michael Bryan
NOTE: 2 seats opened up.

Tuesday, February 24th, Winter in Italy
Presenter: Kelly Wheeler

Wednesday, February 25th, Wines & Cheeses
Presenter: Michael Bryan

Tuesday, March 3rd, Taste Like a Pro
Presenter: Kelly Wheeler

Wednesday, March 4th, For Beginners ONLY
Presenter: Michael Bryan

Monday, Mar 9 - April 27, Introduction to Wine, Level I
Presenters: TBD

Wednesday, March 11th, Boutique Napa
Presenter: Michael Bryan

Wednesday, March 25th, Wines & Cheeses
Presenter: Michael Bryan

Aaron Rents reports $21 million fourth-quarter profit

Aaron Rents reports $21 million fourth-quarter profit

By KELLY YAMANOUCHI

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Atlanta-based Aaron Rents Inc., a rent-to-own furniture chain, reported a $21.1 million profit for the fourth quarter, or 39 cents per diluted share, up from $15.5 million, or 28 cents per share, a year earlier.

It had $404.9 million in revenues, up 11 percent from the year-ago quarter. For the full year, Aaron Rents had $90.2 million in profit, or $1.66 per share, up from $80.3 million, or $1.46, in 2007.

Aaron Rents chief executive Robert Loudermilk said the company expects its business to continue to be strong, as “more people see the availability of their credit diminish or disappear.”

The company updated its guidance, saying it now expects to earn $1.72 to $1.87 per diluted share in 2009, up two cents from its previous guidance. It also expects first quarter earnings of 49 cents to 54 cents per diluted share, excluding store or asset sales.

Navo Church

Navo is a new church that meets in the Oakhurst community of Decatur. Picture the best music venue mixed with unabashed honesty. We’re about doing stuff instead of just talking about it. That’s why we’re called Navo - Hebrew for “we will go”.

Back in the 1960's this was a Colonial Store which I went in often.

Navo Church
630 East Lake Drive
Suite C
Decatur, GA. 30030
678-764-2492

Facebook’s terms-of-service change has users abuzz

More and more problems with Facebook lead to danger.
Read this AJC story.
--------------------------------------------------------

Facebook’s terms-of-service change has users abuzz

By Wailin Wong

Chicago Tribune

Monday, February 16, 2009

Facebook knows your age, alma mater and favorite band. It’s seen your spring break photos and read the messages you sent to your friend. So, can it do anything it wants with that content?

Legally, almost. But in practice, the rules that govern Facebook’s relationship with its users are abstract and subject to constant negotiation.

The blogosphere was abuzz Monday after a popular consumer affairs blog pointed out changes to Facebook’s terms of use that the social networking Web site quietly made earlier this month. The issue of who controls the data posted to the site is a massive gray area that continues to evolve as Internet companies and consumers shape social norms of how to define trust in the digital age and share their lives through new technology.

Under both the old and new rules, members grant Facebook a license to use content “on or in connection with the Facebook Service or the promotion thereof.” But the revised agreement eliminates language saying this license would “automatically expire” if content were removed from the site.

“They’re saying, ‘Once data gets in our database, we can do whatever we want with it,’” said Eric Goldman, associate professor and director of the High Tech Law Institute at the Santa Clara University School of Law.

Suzie White, Facebook’s corporate counsel for commercial transactions, announced on the company’s official blog on Feb. 4 that the site was updating its terms of use. But Facebook didn’t send out a mass notification asking users to sign off on the changes. And White’s brief post, which didn’t call attention to the content license, went unnoticed.

Then, on Sunday, the Consumerist blog, which is owned by the publisher of Consumer Reports, warned readers of the changes by describing the revised policy as, “We Can Do Anything We Want With Your Content. Forever.”
Full story
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Facebook is like living in a glass house.

More and more people are now learning the danger of Facebook.

Decatur Self Storage

Decatur Self Storage
2915 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Decatur, GA.
404-378-3232
web site: http://www.selfstoragedecatur.com/

Check out Angela Bond Art. here.

Liberty Belle B-17 was at Peachtree Dekalb Airport this week-end

More than 12,000 B-17s were produced from 1935 to 1945; of those, 14 are still flying. The planes also flew in Korea and Vietnam, but are most famous for the bombing runs by the 8th Air Force from England deep into Germany in 1944-‘45.

My Dad was a navigator on a B-17 in World War II
This is his Flight Crew photo.
He is standing far left.

Relics & Rarities and Ice Cream Coming in March

The photo above is just my vision of what the outside "might" look like, remember it's only my vision.



Looking inside were a dozen or so old and/or classic cars.
A vintage Atlanta Police Car, Plymouth-Prowler,and what looks like a (Delorean -Back to the Future) are just a few of what I saw.
I am wondering what brand ice cream it will be ? Could it be Jakes Ice Cream. I don't know for sure but I think that's a good guess.
I guess we will have to wait and see.

Paul Anka - Smells like teen spirit

Leon’s Full Service...... Decatur GA

131 E. Ponce De Leon Ave Decatur, GA 30030 404-687-0500


Please give your comment about your visit to Leon's Full Service

Valentine's Day at Eddie's Attic

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14th - VALENTINE'S DAY!
JOHN GORKA / PETER BRADLEY ADAMS
Show time: 8:00 pm / Doors open: 6:30 pm
Individual tickets: $20 / Tables of 4: $100

For 2 decades JOHN GORKA has been at the forefront of the new-folk movement - perhaps the most respected/admirer performing songwriter by his peers. Simply amazing songs, hummable melodies with serious themes, delivered with a warm/mellow baritone and an engaging/intimate performing style. He's touring in support of his latest CD entitled "Writing In The Margins", which features harmony vocals by Nanci Griffith.




PETER BRADLEY ADAMS, formerly of the duo eastmountainsouth, has the kind of songs that you can listen to over and over. He is a classically trained pianist and has a hushed, mellow voice. His music has been featured in over 30 films and TV shows. His debut solo CD, "Gather Up," received critical acclaim, and he is here tonight performing songs from his second solo release, "leavetaking."

Happy Valentine's Day....from Hallmark

Steak ‘n Shakes promotion in Atlanta offers 1934 price

15-cent Steakburger on sale for 3 hours Friday
Steak ‘n Shakes promotion in Atlanta offers 1934 price

By JOE GUY COLLIER

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution


Atlanta-area Steak ‘n Shakes are rolling back the clock on prices to celebrate the chain’s 75th anniversary and give customers a break in a tough economy.

On Friday, between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., Atlanta-area outlets will sell the single Steakburger for 15 cents, the cost in 1934. After the initial offer, the single Steakburgers will be 75 cents all day, every day through March 29.

Also on Friday, the first 75 guests at each of the 20 Atlanta-area locations also will get a VIP card providing them a free combo meal each month for a year.

While a nice gesture by Steak ‘n Shake, the offer likely won’t impress diehard Chick-fil-A fans. For every new store it opens, Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A provides the first 100 guests enough coupons to get a free meal each week for a year.

photo courtesy of steak n shake

Thanks from Russ at Wordsmiths

My final blog for the Wordsmiths Books blog is up, and is here:



http://blog.wordsmithsbooks.com/?p=400



I’d like to extend a gigantic, all-encompassing gratitude to everyone-readers, friends, publicists, publishes, authors, journalists-for making my years here exciting, challenging, and enjoyable.



My last day at Wordsmiths will be Friday, Feb 21th. As of that date, I will neither check nor respond from this email address. For all personal or professional communications and/or opportunities, please contact me at RussCommunications@gmail.com.



Take care.



-Russ Marshalek



*PLEASE NOTE*

Effective Feb 22, 2009, I will no longer be with Wordsmiths Books. To reach me for publicity/marketing/event opportunties, email RussCommunications@gmail.com For inquiries regarding Wordsmiths, please contact owner/operator Zach Steele at zach@wordsmithsbooks.com.

-----------

Russ Marshalek

Marketing/Publicity Director
Wordsmiths Books
545 N McDonough
Decatur, GA 30030
(404)378-7166
russ@wordsmithsbooks.com



Currently reading: Yesterday's Weather, by Anne Enright

Love is in the air February 14th at Wahoo! Grill

Happy Valentine's Day

Love is in the air February 14th at Wahoo! Grill





Make your reservation now!
404-373-3331


Valentine's Day Features & Wine Pairings
In addition to our full dinner menu


Appetizer
Fried Cold Water Rock Shrimp drizzled with
Hoisin and Mayhaw-Pineapple Sauce.....$8
Kris Pinot Grigio

Entrées
Heart-shaped Ravioli stuffed with Lobster and
Smoked White Cheddar sautéed in brown butter,
topped with Lobster and Parmesan.....$19
Appetizer Portion.....$10
Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay

Eight ounce Filet Mignon with Black Truffle Butter,
Lobster Risotto, Grilled Asparagus.....$28
Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon

Blackened Grouper with Shrimp Buerre Blanc,
Mashed Potatoes, Today's Fresh Vegetable.....$24
George DuBoeuf Pouilly Fuisse

Dessert
Fresh Berries in a Lemon Cream .....$6
Campbells Tokay Dessert Wine

(No split plates this evening please)

*********

Now Selling Wahoo's delicious coffee
by the pound!




Since we opened our doors, Wahoo Grill has been serving locally-roasted Lakehouse Coffee right to your table. We've now decided to take our coffee one step closer to your kitchen table. Wahoo Grill and Lakehouse Coffee have teamed up to create a package that you can now purchase and bring home as you leave our restaurant. Lakehouse Coffee has been roasting Mountain Blend (our blend of choice) for the last 15 years. Mountain Blend consists of the perfect combination of Indonesian coffee with the finest Central American beans, and then, we top these off with a touch of French Roast. You will enjoy a comfortably rich taste that allows you to pick up on the full-bodied, sweetness; along with a snappy, tingling sensation on the back end of this coffee. Enjoy - $10 per lb.




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

2009 TOUR deCATUR

2009 TOUR deCATUR
5K Road Race,1 Mile Fun Run & Tot Trot


March 21, 2009
Renfroe Middle School

TIME: 8:45 am

ENTRY FEE:
(if submitted by March 13)
Adults: $18
Children under 18: $12
CSD Employees: $15

Race day entry fee is $25 for all participants


Register On-Line at www.tourdecatur.com
All proceeds benefit the
Decatur Education Foundation
PO Box 3159
Decatur, Georgia 30031
404-377-0641
www.decatureducationfoundation.org








Decatur Education Foundation | 315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Suite 770 | Decatur | GA | 30030

Hobbyist looking for home for empire

This is a model of the old downtown Rich's building, built by train enthusiast Frank Lowrie, 71. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

Hobbyist looking for home for empire

By JAMIE GUMBRECHT

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Monday, February 09, 2009

Frank Lowrie’s Atlanta is about 1,700 square feet, full of trees and buildings forgotten by the real Atlanta, the one he lives in. Lowrie hand-built his city, with long-gone landmarks from history and his childhood, with trains still running everywhere.

The miniature city and trains operated for years at Underground Atlanta. These days, it’s packed up in boxes that fill Lowrie’s basement and two-car garage in southwest Atlanta. Lowrie doesn’t want it to stay that way.

His “Good Old Days Atlanta” exhibit was a class field trip favorite and nostalgia-generating machine at Underground in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and again from 1999 to 2003. Lowrie began making models as a hobby in 1974, and was known to wear his conductor hat and overalls at Underground to explain the cardboard and plaster structures.

He’s 71 now, still living with his wife in the same home where he began piecing models together as an adult. He doesn’t add much to his Atlanta anymore, except for a few key pieces he’d like to perfect — the Fox Theatre, for one. His goal now is to find a place for the city to live, something even bigger than his old space at Underground.

“I’d like to set it up somewhere where it’s permanent,” Lowrie said. “It takes about 90 days to put this up. It’s not something I can just throw up or tear down in a day or two.”

Kelli Copeland, director of specialty retail for Underground Atlanta, said they’d love to have Lowrie’s Atlanta back on display, but they don’t have a large, long-term, wheelchair-accessible space they can promise. (Underground Atlanta operators recently proposed building a $450 million casino and entertainment destination at the site; no timeline for the project has been announced.)

“He knows that we’re interested. It’s a great concept for us to have here, being so close to the zero-mile marker,” Copeland said, referring to the spot where the Western and Atlantic Railroad ended. The area became the settlement Terminus, the town of Marthasville and then the city of Atlanta.

Underground still gets phone calls asking about the old exhibitions, Copeland said. She, too, remembers the last time Lowrie’s city went on display.

“I was amazed by his craftsmanship, his attention to detail. He made the old Rich’s building look like the old Rich’s building,” she said. “It was so inspiring to see him put it all together, like a city within a city.”

After 30-some years of rebuilding Atlanta, Lowrie admits it’s nice to have some time off. He’s gotten into Japanese gardening, adding waterfalls, bridges and trees to his back yard. But if ever he found a space large enough space to hold the mini-city permanently, he said he’d go back to modeling.

As he told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for a 1989 story: “I’ve never met a model railroader who was finished.”




Holding a scale model of a Stuckey's gas station, model train enthusiast Frank Lowrie, 71, says "I went to every building that was still standing, smelled them, and tasted them, before I built a model." Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

more photos

Waffle House Now taking Valentine’s reservations

Now taking Valentine’s reservations: Waffle House
Chain expands its romantic promotion to 32 restaurants, including 10 in metro Atlanta.

By JIM AUCHMUTEY

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Jennifer Payne was skeptical last year when she heard that her bosses at Waffle House wanted to offer candlelit Valentine’s Day dinners at the unit she managed in northern Fulton County.

“Ain’t nobody gonna come to Waffle House for Valentine’s Day,” she thought. “And if they do, it’s because the guys are cheap.”

Cheap or not, the couples came — some of them in dresses, coats and ties — and so did TV news crews. The promotion proved so successful that Waffle House is expanding it this year to 32 restaurants, including 10 in metro Atlanta.

Pink signs at participating locations invite customers to “get scattered, smothered and covered” in romance. Reservations are encouraged.

The idea originated with Calvin Stokesbary, a division manager for the Norcross-based chain. The trick was how to make a sunny-side-up diner seem more cozy and intimate for the big evening.

AJC full story

Tonight at Eddie's Attic

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10th
OLIVER WOOD / PIETA BROWN
Show time: 8:00 pm / Doors open: 6:30 pm
Individual tickets: $12 / At the door: $15 / Tables of 4: $60

OLIVER WOOD (OF THE WOOD BROTHERS) takes the Attic stage tonight. This will be another night to remember as his music has a rootsy feel and a timeless quality with echoes of country blues, Appalachian bluegrass, and New Orleans R&B. The critically acclaimed debut CD (recorded with brother Chris Wood of Modeski, Martin & Wood)"Ways Not To Lose" was Amazon.com's #1 pick for folk music in '06



Raised in a bare-bones bohemian home, PIETA BROWN is the daughter of two-time Grammy nominee Greg Brown. In her early 20s, she garnered the attention of Lucinda Williams' guitarist and bandleader Bo Ramsey. He subsequently co-produced "In The Cool" in 2005 - a release that was named one of the year's best by Amazon.com and a number of newspapers across America. It also broke the Top 20 of the Americana Music Association radio chart and the Top 30 on the AAA radio chart. The BBC quotes her blends folk, blues, country and rock music as "Self-styled poetess, folk goddess and country waif, Pieta's music resonates with a seductive simplicity and lyrical grace."

Pub's first pint ($2,650) swigged for a good cause

Mikki K. Harris/kharris@ajc.com
Marshall Davis, co-owner of Steinbecks’s, drinks the first glass of beer at Leon's Full Service that he paid $2,650 to benefit a fund set up for employees of Trackside Tavern and 5th Earl Market employees.




By JOHN KESSLER

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Monday, February 09, 2009

Marshall Davis took his time before choosing a pint of Terrapin India Brown Ale — the maiden pint sold at Leon’s Full Service on its first day of operation in downtown Decatur. But for $2,650, he had the right to be picky.

Standing on a chair, he took a lusty swig and announced to the crowd, “It’s wonderful to have a community like this.” The beer preceded him off the chair and was passed from mouth to mouth like a communion chalice.
Davis’ business partners, Marc and Shelby Brennan, bid on eBay for the privilege of buying the first pint for a good cause: All proceeds go to the twin funds set up for the employees of Trackside Tavern and 5th Earl Market, two adjacent Decatur businesses that were destroyed by a fire in January. The three business partners own Steinbeck’s restaurant in Decatur’s Oakhurst neighborhood; the Brennans also own the nearby Universal Joint and made the donation from both restaurants.

In addition to the pint of beer, the winners also get a specialty cocktail named for them on the drinks menu at Leon’s, a new gastropub from the Brick Store Pub owners.

Marc Brennan joined the bidding for the beer after seeing an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution last Friday. “It seemed a good thing to do; Decatur’s a small community.” Bidding was fierce up until the end between the Brennans and Dr. Will Draper of Village Vets of Decatur.

“He used to be my vet, until he made me pay $2,650 for a beer!” Marc Brennan joked. Draper, somewhat less ceremoniously, got the second pint.

Many local businesses have rallied to help the employees of the two establishments since the fire. A recent soup cook-off at the Corner Pub raised over $6,000.

The Brennans are also partners in the Standard Food and Spirits — the Grant Park tavern where bartender John Henderson was shot and killed by armed intruders in early January.

“After everything that happened, this feels really good,” said Marc Brennan.
Mikki K. Harris/mkharris@ajc.com
The Terrapin Beer Co’s India Brown Ale is the beer Marshall Davis selected.

Proceeds go to workers who lost jobs after fire

Cold Play Wins Best Song

Georgia artists Sugarland win Grammys

Chris Pizzello / AP
Georgia artists win Grammys

Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland reacts after hearing she won.


Country Song: “Stay,” Jennifer Nettles, songwriter (Sugarland), track from “Enjoy the Ride” (Mercury Records; Publisher: Jennifer Nettles Publishing)

Valentines Day: Silver and Silk at Mingei World

What is still on the way from Thailand?
flowers
Fine cotton scarves and shawls and some fabulous scroll paintings are flying here now, and may have arrived by the time you read this.
Coming soon by sea?
Carved wooden monk figures from Burma, picture frames from recycled teak, mulberry paper lanterns, vintage Burmese puppets, trick wallets made of Thai funny papers, spirit houses, and more!
What's back?

Mola shoes
from Colombia
A store favorite!
These whimsical traffic-stopping shoes are well-made and very
comfortable!
The popular Mary Janes are back instock, as well as a new style..

Arghand soap
from Afghanistan
These gorgeous soaps look like river stones but are rich, lovely treats for the bath!
Made of local fruits, oils and herbs near Kandahar by a cooperative founded by former NPR reporter, Sarah Chayes!

Amulets
We'd gotten low on some of our Thai amulets, but they have been replenished!

silver Ann is Back with Wonderful Finds from Thailand!

Ann has just returned from Thailand with beautiful new silk scarves in a variety of rich colors and styles and a big bag of hilltribe silver. Also, her finds include an assortment of bags including unique bags made of recycled Hmong textiles! Shop soon for the best selection!
Nan earrings Jewelry Trunk Show
with Nan Albertson.



Nan manipulates a precious metal "clay" (PMC) which allows her to make textural impressions on these elegant pieces. Once fired the PMC becomes a hard fine (99.9% pure) silver work of art that will never tarnish. 24K gold can then be applied to pure silver using an ancient Korean process called Keurn Boo.


ratanabag Bagorama!

Some of the most exciting treasures being unpacked from Thailand are the bags made of recycled Hmong textiles. From coin purses to totes, there is something for everyone. But supplies are limited, so shop soon!

In order to make room for these new bags, we are marking down some other bags.



Remember our National Geographic bags? Carpet bags from Teotitlan del Valle? Hand-woven bags from Chiapas? Net bags from Argentina?

Those are all now 50% off!

February Book Club

The Mingei Book Club will meet Tuesday, February 10th, at 7:30. This month's book is Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder. If you can't make it this month, From Land of Green Ghost,
by Pascal Khoo Thwe on March 10th and on April 14 When a Crocodile Eats the Sun, by Peter Goodwin will be the books for discussion.


Mingei World Arts, Inc.
427 Church Street
Decatur, GA 30030
404.371-0101

At Taste, Oddball Valentine’s Day gifts show you care

JON WATERHOUSE/Special
Taste in Decatur carries stone coasters with images of Atlanta landmarks. Custom coasters can be ordered featuring a picture of your respective sweetheart.

Oddball Valentine’s Day gifts show you care
Think outside the box of chocolates with these unique gift ideas

By JON WATERHOUSE

For the Journal-Constitution

Sunday, February 08, 2009

In the realm of Valentine’s Day goodies, it’s no secret flowers and candy can be passe. So in the spirit of creativity, we’re taking Cupid on an alternative shopping trip with affordable and unique gift ideas.
COASTERS

Cost: Four for $39 or $13 each.

Where you can find it: Taste, 416 Church St., Decatur. 404-370-1863.

What you get: Taste, a gift and houseware shop in downtown Decatur, has a bundle of unique Valentine’s gifts on its holiday roster. Its stone drink coasters each feature a respective image of a popular Atlanta or Georgia landmark. Sift through the stacks and you’ll find the Big Chicken, Mary Mac’s Tea Room, Clermont Lounge, The Varsity, Oakland Cemetery and more. A special selection of Valentine’s Day coasters include images of heart candies, retro Valentine’s Day cards and an image of artist Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss.” You can have a custom photo of your sweetheart put on a coaster at no extra charge. Turnaround time on custom coasters is typically two days.

Other Valentine’s Day goodies at Taste include Vosges’ Flying Pig Chocolate ($12.95). This pig-shaped chocolate wrapped in pink ribbon and housed in a pink box is made of applewood smoked bacon, milk chocolate and other ingredients. A pair of pink rubber gloves by Gloveables ($14.95), featuring heart prints on the bottom of the sleeves, can be used for both gardening or doing the dishes after a V-Day meal.

Bottom line: Thoughtful Valentine’s Day gifts don’t necessarily cost a mint.

AJC Full story

Pratice Opening Night for Leon's Full Service

Leon's Full Service had a pratice opening night last night (invitation only) official opening will be on Monday.
I'm sure they will "pratice" Saturday and Sunday as well.

Oakhurst Wine Tasting Festival.

It's time again for the 2009 Oakhurst Wine Crawl (aka Oakhurst Wine Tasting Festival).

On February 28th from 4 to 7 pm, local Oakhurst businesses will open their doors and feature wine from around the globe.

This is one of the favorite Oakhurst events and it really kicks off the Spring Festival season. Usually about 20 different businesses will participate and it is great fun to visit the local auto repair shop or the optomotrist's office and sample a glass of wine.

If you haven't been to the Oakhurst Wine Crawl before, please know that it SELLS OUT FAST. Only 750 tickets are sold each year and it is best to purchase them prior to the wine festival so you don't have to wait in the long lines.

ADVANCE TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: Kavarna Coffee, Steinbecks and Universal Joint (all are on the corner of East Lake Dr and Oakview).

TICKET PRICES: $20 advance purchase; $25 on the day of the event


www.oakhurstga.org

Upcoming Book Signings and Events at Wordsmiths Books

Upcoming Book Signings and Events at Wordsmiths Books

Visit Wordsmith's to order signed books from upcoming events. Please specify in the Comments Box on the ordering page that you're ordering signed books and also enter any special instructions or personalization requests in the Comments Box.

All orders for signed books must be placed through our website at least 48 hours in advance of the event. We can not guarantee a signed copy or personalization requests - authors are sometimes unable to sign books - but we will try our hardest to get you one.

Event Quick Links:

View Events on Google Calendar
February 5 - Topher Payne with The Wayne Fishell Experiment
February 8 - Jim Warren
February 12 - David Hajdu
February 21 - Zachary Steele
February 23 - Christopher Moore

Sugarland makes a run at Grammys’ top prize

Universal Music Nashville
Sugarland’s Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles are nominees in two categories at tonight’s Grammy Awards.


By SHANE HARRISON

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution



In January 2004, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ran a roundup of some local acts to watch in the coming year. Among them was Sugarland.

At the time, then-member Kristen Hall said this about the band’s songs: “I want to hear them in Wal-Mart. I want to hear them on the ringtone of somebody’s phone over there.”
That mission was soon accomplished. But four years later, Hall is no longer part of the band she helped start with Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles.

Despite setbacks, the band has gone from strength to strength and is once again a Grammy contender.

Still, the oft-awarded band has yet to secure that trophy.

Tonight could be its night, though, as it is up for both country performance by a duo or group with vocals and country collaboration with vocals.

As the duo reaches for this possible new milestone, let’s look back at the short but still quite strange trip of Sugarland.

AJC Full story

My favorite Super Bowl Commercial

Watch more AOL Sports videos on AOL Video

116 Waffle Houses to stay open under deal

JOEY IVANSCO / jivansco@ajc.com
Waffle House is based in Norcross.
WAFFLE HOUSE
• Headquarters: Norcross
• Founded: 1955
• Restaurants: 1,553
• Background: Started by Joe Rogers Sr., a former Toddle House manager, and Tom Forkner, who worked in real estate, when they opened the first Waffle House in Avondale Estates.


116 Waffle Houses to stay open under deal
Restaurant chain takes control of locations owned by largest franchisee, now in Chapter 11

By JOE GUY COLLIER

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Waffle House has taken control of more than 100 restaurants once owned by Northlake Foods, a Tampa, Fla., franchisee that filed for bankruptcy protection in September.

The move keeps open 116 restaurants that employ about 3,500 people across the Southeast. Northlake, the largest Waffle House franchisee, operated restaurants in Florida, Georgia and Virginia.
Northlake’s largest shareholder was W.B. Johnson, an Atlanta businessman who owned Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. before selling it in the 1990s to Marriott. Johnson was sued by other Northlake shareholders for reportedly using Northlake money to pay for aircraft, a Buckhead office and other expenses unrelated to the Waffle House business.

Under a bankruptcy plan that cleared this week, the Northlake restaurants have been transferred to East Coast Waffles, a wholly owned subsidiary of Norcross-based Waffle House.

Waffle House wanted to take over the restaurants because it saw value in the outlets, said Jon Waller, general counsel for Waffle House and an officer for the newly formed East Coast Waffles.
AJC Full story

Update on Decatur Fire Station no. 2

Elvis Presley ....Blue Suede Shoes

Leon's Full Service auctioning off the right to buy the first pint

Current bid on Ebay is 850.00 as of 2/5/09
You can bid here.
Remember :All the proceeds go to the Trackside Tavern/Fifth Earl Employee Fund.
End time:Feb-07-09 08:44:49 PST

At this rate I would not be surprised if it goes over $ 2,000.00



Ebay listing reads:

After months of waiting, Leon's Full Service is ready to open. The Brick Store guys are putting the final touches on their new space for an official opening Sunday or Monday. Who gets to buy the first official pint at the new hub of our fair city? It could be you! Mike, Dave, and Tom are auctioning off the right to buy the first pint, and all the proceeds go to the Trackside Tavern/Fifth Earl Employee Fund. The historic moment will be photographed and enshrined on the wall of Leon's along with the first bill. This is history in the making. You'll tell your grandkids. This will make the Inauguration look like a Concert on the Square. Mary Jane Mahan will immortalize you in the sequel to "Love at the Pub." You'll get to choose from the finest beer selection in the Southeast. And it's all to help out the good folks down on College Avenue. So bid like crazy. Even in a bad economy, you've got to have a drink every once in a while. Why not this one? First Pint will be served at 5pm on Opening Day.

Event to celebrate DeKalb history book’s release

Event to celebrate DeKalb history book’s release

By APRIL HUNT

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Residents are invited to celebrate the release of a new book chronicling DeKalb County history at a party and silent auction next week to benefit the county’s history center.

As part of the launch of the book, “Historic DeKalb County,” the history center will host a party and fund-raiser on Thursday, Feb. 12. The event features hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction, with hotel stays, dinner certificates, children’s items and more up for grabs.
The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. on the Old Courthouse on Decatur Square.

For information, call 404-373-1088 or send an e-mail to dhs@dekalbhistory.org

Every Girls Break-Up Song "I Will Survive"

Whit's End needs to make room for Spring Items

Dear Whit’s End Shoppers,



Ok, our Spring items will be in shortly, and we need to get rid of the rest of this winter stuff so we can pay for the new items.



So this means more savings for you!



All Patagonia and Columbia shoes are now only $69-$10 (Regularly $110-$35)

All Woolrich Slippers are only $19 (Were $39.99)

All shorts are only $10 (Were $30-$38), and Columbia and Dockers short sleeve shirts are only $9-$10 (were $30-$45)

All Dockers Cords and Cargo pants are now only $19 (Were $44-$55)

All Columbia winter upper body wear are now 50% off.

All Prana, Kuhl, Dockers, and Flyshacker winter upper body wear are now 40% off.

All scarves and Toms Shoes are 25% off.

All Chiliwear boxers are 10% off.

Dockers slacks and chinos are discounted too!


So, please come in a take these items from us!

Jeff and Greg

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

Agnes Scott College circa 1960

Agnes Scott College was established in 1889 with a distinctive mission: to educate women for the betterment of their families and the elevation of their region. The college was named in honor Agnes Irvine Scott, a Scots-Irish immigrant who upheld a strong sense of integrity and intellectual curiosity. Her son Col. George Washington Scott was the college’s primary benefactor, and the Rev. Frank Henry Gaines, minister of Decatur Presbyterian Church, was the founding president.

Initially named the Decatur Female Seminary in 1889 and renamed the Agnes Scott Institute in 1890, the college was chartered as Agnes Scott College in 1906 and was the first institution of higher education in Georgia to receive regional accreditation.

Plain White Ts - Hey There Delilah - Official (HQ)

Punxsutawteney Phil Predicts Six more weeks of Winter

Phil Says "Six More Weeks of Winter!"

Phil's official forecast as read February 2nd, 2009 at sunrise at Gobbler's Knob:
Hear Ye Hear Ye

On Gobbler's Knob this glorious Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 2009

Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of all Prognosticators

Awoke to the call of President Bill Cooper

And greeted his handlers, Ben Hughes and John Griffiths

After casting a joyful eye towards thousands of his faithful followers,

Phil proclaimed that his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers were World Champions one more time

And a bright sky above me

Showed my shadow beside me.

So 6 more weeks of winter it will be.



Here are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the holiday:

. Yes! Punxsutawney Phil is the only true weather forecasting groundhog. The others are just impostors.

. How often is Phil's prediction correct? 100% of the time, of course!

. How many "Phils" have there been over the years? There has only been one Punxsutawney Phil. He has been making predictions for over 120 years!

. Punxsutawney Phil gets his longevity from drinking the "elixir of life," a secret recipe. Phil takes one sip every summer at the Groundhog Picnic and it magically gives him seven more years of life.

. On February 2, Phil comes out of his burrow on Gobbler's Knob - in front of thousands of followers from all over the world - to predict the weather for the rest of winter.

. According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.

. No! Phil's forecasts are not made in advance by the Inner Circle. After Phil emerges from his burrow on February 2, he speaks to the Groundhog Club president in "Groundhogese"(a language only understood by the current president of the Inner Circle). His proclamation is then translated for the world.

. The celebration of Groundhog Day began with Pennsylvania's earliest settlers. They brought with them the legend of Candlemas Day, which states, "For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far will the snow swirl in May..."

. Punxsutawney held its first Groundhog Day in the 1800s. The first official trek to Gobbler's Knob was made on February 2, 1887.

. So the story goes, Punxsutawney Phil was named after King Phillip. Prior to being called Phil, he was called Br'er Groundhog.

GROUNDHOG.ORG


Groundhog Day the Movie