Greenberg's Great Train and Toy Show at Cobb Galleria Centre Sat & Sun Nov 21-22

Admission: $ 9.00 Good for both days
Kids under 12 Free10AM -4PM  Both Days
Free Parking

Cobb Galleria Centre
2 Galleria Parkway
Atlanta GA 30339 GreenbergShows.com

Photos from previous shows

Ponce City Nights Nov. 19

Ponce City Nights

From:  http://poncecitymarket.com/event/ponce-city-nights/

A Free Concert Series

Visit Ponce City Market every other Thursday for live music in the courtyard or Central Food Hall. Join us on on Thursday with music from Jason Collier Music Project and Book Club.

Gingerbread Party / Polar Express Party Planned for Little Shop of Stories

From: http://www.littleshopofstories.com/events.php
Come into the store or give us a call to RSVP and purchase tickets for the Gingerbread Party (Saturday, December 5th at 11 A.M., 1 P.M., and 3 P.M.); and Polar Express Party (Saturday, December 12th at 2 P.M. and 4 P.M.). Tickets are $5/child, and space is limited for these always popular events.
Our Gingerbread Party includes a sweet storytime featuring our favorite gingerbread books, and a chance to decorate your own gingerbread man. You’d better gobble him up quickly before he runs away!
The Polar Express Party features a reading of the beloved classic book, and a visit with Santa! We’ll be serving hot chocolate, and kids will all leave with their very own jingle bell from Santa’s sleigh.

The Name is Bond, James Bond

Decatur No. 4 in Drunkest Cities in Georgia

These Are The 10 Drunkest Cities In Georgia

From: http://www.roadsnacks.net

This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. Don’t freak out.

It’s not always the college towns and big cities that are getting ‘Georgia drunk’ the most.

By: Bud Tapman, RoadSnacks
The state of Georgia, as a whole, drinks the 5th least amount of alcohol in the entire nation, something close to 20 beers apiece. But we’re about to find out which places more than make up for the slow sippers in the Peach State.

But for those of you who aren’t in Conyers, Georgia and seeing double right now, let’s discuss (perhaps over a glass of wine, or a 12-pack), just what makes one place “drunker” than the next.

First, off: the number of places you can actually buy booze. Certainly an important factor in actually getting drunk. Then, the amount of people who actually go around saying things like “Dude I was so tanked last night,” or “How did I wake up in my neighbor’s attic… again?!”

And of course, playing to stereotypes, the divorce rate. Because studies have shown that when one or both partners drink a lot, they are three times more likely to divorce.
Incidentally, Georgia’s divorce rate is a little higher than the national average.

Don’t worry, we’ll talk more about our methodology in the next section. First, though, these are the 10 drunkest places in Georgia, according to the research:

   1. Conyers
   2. College Park
   3. Athens
  4.  Decatur
  5.  Atlanta
   6. Brunswick
    7.Savannah
   8. Covington
    9.Kennesaw
  10. Marietta

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Don’t you throw your empty beer can at the computer just yet. First off, it’ll damage the computer. Second, there’s actually a method behind this madness.
more

California Pizza Kitchen to Reopen at Lenox Square November 18th

From: http://www.tonetoatl.com/2015/11/bits-bites_11.html#more
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) plans to reopen is restaurant at Lenox Square November 18th.
  The popular pizza restaurant was completely gutted to create a new, more contemporary eatery.  A restaurant representative referred to the location as a "flagship."
 A number of non pizza "main plates" were added to the restaurant's menu, including hearth-roasted halibut and fire-grilled ribeye. 
photo credit: http://www.10best.com/destinations/georgia/atlanta/shopping/shopping-centers-districts/

Macy's Great Tree Lighting Ceremony Changed to Sunday before Thanksgiving

From: http://www.ajc.com/news/business/macys-shifts-great-tree-lighting-date/npLRQ/
Those who make watching the lighting of the “Great Tree” at Lenox Square an annual Thanksgiving Day tradition will have to change their plans this year.

Retail giant Macy’s, which puts on the annual ceremony — one of metro Atlanta’s most anticipated — has moved the event up four days to 7 p.m. the Sunday before Thanksgiving .

The company said the switch is an attempt to accommodate more fans of the holiday ritual, which dates back 68 years.
By moving the tree lighting to Sunday, we believe more Atlantans will be able to join us to experience the tradition in person, and enjoy the show,” Macy’s spokeswoman Melissa Goff said in an email.

Macy’s switch to a new day is part of a plethora of changes surrounding the holiday in the last few years. First retailers began opening stores earlier and earlier on Black Friday until they took the plunge three years ago to open on Thanksgiving itself.

Then last year Macy’s switched to an artificial tree for the first time, erecting a 56-foot-tall tree made by Alpharetta-based Christmas Lights, Etc. This year’s tree also will be artificial, standing at 56 feet and illuminated by 45,000 white and multi-color LED lights.
Debby Cannon, director of Georgia State University’s hospitality program, said it may be tougher for fans to attend the tree lighting than Macy’s officials think. The Sunday before Thanksgiving is often reserved for grocery shopping for the big day or cleaning the house for family and friends. Attending the ceremony on Thanksgiving also is easier because the next day is a holiday for many workers.

But, she said, people can change and create new traditions. “We’re an adaptable group,” she said.

Video Friday - Great Balls of Fire - Dennis Quaid as Jerry Lee Lewis

Local Kickstarter for Family Math Games

Local Kickstarter for Family Math Games
Sent in by Leslie Gilbert

LOCAL MOMS KICKSTART GAMES TO TEACH GIRLS MATH CONFIDENCE.

DECATUR, GA, NOVEMBER 11, 2015: Introducing MathKit, a set of 10 hands-on math games designed to help parents create a safe space for kids to learn.

MathKit applies research on math and mindset to help kids, especially girls, persist through mistakes and struggle. “Kids need math skills to keep their future open,” says Leslie Gilbert, founder of MathKit, “but many girls lose math confidence and shy away from hard problems as early as third grade.”

Gilbert wants to make “playing math” as easy and inviting as bedtime reading. She designed the kit to tackle addition and subtraction “math facts” from 0-20, a task that schools ask families to practice at home. “This often doesn’t go very well,” says Gilbert sympathetically, “Kids are tired, they don’t want to be drilled, and they get stressed out by timers.”
MathKit helps parents nurture a “math learning mindset.” A positive mindset towards learning math is a powerful predictor of math success, especially for girls. MathKit focuses on math strategies, not drill. Each kit comes with a set of hands-on math learning tools to help kids visualize math.

MathKit was designed by Leslie’s neighbor and fellow mom Rebekka Connelly. “Kids really respond to the look and feel of their toys,” says Connelly, “so we embraced a warmer, more welcoming look than most math products, while keeping it gender neutral.”

A family friendly solution to math stress? Yes, but Gilbert and Connelly are currently making every kit by hand. Bringing MathKit to a wider market requires start-up funding. That’s where Kickstarter comes in.
Kickstarter campaigns are “all-or-nothing,” so the project must reach its goal of $30K within 30 days of its November 11 launch date in order to receive any funding.

You can follow their progress on Twitter (@getmathkit) and Facebook (MathKit).

Please help spread the word via your social media networks, and consider donating (as little as $5) to help the project come to life. Rewards include full handmade kits in time for the holidays.

To support the campaign, visit http://kck.st/1ROfSiy.

Walmart Grand Opening at Suburban Plaza

Fox Brothers Bar-B-Q Looking at a Westside Location

  From: http://www.tonetoatl.com
The Fox Brothers are interested in bringing their popular Bar-B-Q to the Westside. 

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q is actively working to bring their popular BBQ restaurant to the corner of Bolton and Marietta Roads in Atlanta's burgeoning westside.  The restaurant would occupy the former Adams Hardware building and likely an adjacent building as well.  Adams Hardware dates from 1920 and its building(s) are being marketed as "historic." The building(s) are being offered for lease by Vantage Realty Partners who indicates the property is "five minutes from Buckhead and seven minutes from Vinings." 
more

Friday Night Football...Decatur Style

From: http://ireport.cnn.com
 By cmparks
The moment that you hit Memorial Drive in Decatur, Georgia, you see the lights from the stadium. That beat from the drums less than a mile away gets your heart pumping. You know that you are in for a treat. No matter what team you are pulling for, you know that it is going to be a fight. Each side has on the colors for their team. With all the great teams in Decatur, everyone thinks their team is the best. I am partial to South West DeKalb, my high school. But around DeKalb County, there is always a buzz Friday and Saturday nights.
From the minute you pull into the parking lot at the stadium, it is like a college or pro football game. People are tailgating! I have never have seen this for high school games before. I lived a number of other states, and I have never experienced this before. The fans are so into the game. It is like something on another level. The line is long. People wait with blankets, seats, and sound makers ready to see the game.
But what others don’t understand about the DeKalb County culture is you don’t go to the concession stand or the bathroom during half time. Most of the time, it’s just not the team that we come to see. It is also the band. With some of the most professional bands in the world, halftime is sometimes the best part of the game. The bands are always large. Along with the dancing young ladies of the drill team, flag corps, or majorettes, the bands play the latest songs and have elaborate routines. You can see everyone swaying and singing along to the band. And even though you may not like the other team, you can find yourself saying that was a good routine. You always get a great show.
No matter what you do, the buzz of Friday and Saturday is always present in DeKalb County. You know that you will go no matter what the weather. You are going to support your team. You team is always the best team in DeKalb…no matter the record.

Video Friday - Sam Smith - Writing's On The Wall (from the new James Bond Movie Spectre)

Ray's Indian Originals in Avondale to Close at Year end.

 The family business, which opened in 1948 as a radio and jukebox repair shop and in 1972 turned into  a Native American gallery . but in recent years the brick and mortar store has struggled, but their online store  flourished, so the owners have decided to close their doors December 30, 2015
You can read the full announcement from the city at decaturish.com
 

An Event for The Restaurants of Diners, Drive- Ins and Dives

From: http://atlantaeats.com

 Don’t miss an event filled with your favorite restaurant celebrities this Thursday, November 5th!

 Suzanne Vizethann of Buttermilk Kitchen hosts a live screening of Diners, Drive- In’s and Dives with fellow food stars, Jon and Joy Beber of Joy Cafe, Todd Ginsberg of The General Muir, Terry Koval of Wrecking Bar Brewpub and Jonathan and Justin Fox of Fox Bros. BBQ. The premiere also includes chef tastings and drinks! All proceeds benefit Georgia Organics.

Flash sale happening NOW for a $20 ticket discount www.bit.ly/gohometownheroespromo

Terrific Thursdays Nov 5 thru Dec 17

  From : http://www.visitdecaturgeorgia.com
2015 Details
Nov. 5, 12, 19
Dec. 3, 10, 17
It's time to get gifty! - Shop in Decatur on Thursdays in November and December. Terrific Thursdays are back with special in-store events, discounts, and treats at more than 20 shops, restaurants, and services. Park once and walk around town. Participating businesses will stay open late, offering beverages, snacks and special offers. In December Santa joins the fun visiting shops and restaurants within the city limits.


   http://www.visitdecaturgeorgia.com/see-do-play/special-events/terrific-thursdays

see video at link above.


Back by Popular Demand This Year!
Spend $200 at any Decatur shop during the month of November, bring your receipts to the Decatur Visitors Center and receive a $20 gift card from a local restaurant. You don't have to spend $200 all in one place, just make sure you keep all of your receipts from any store located in City of Decatur any day of the week (not just Thursdays!). Bring your receipts to the Visitor's Center at 113 Clairemont Ave. and you'll have your choice of gift cards from one of Decatur's restaurants. Limited to 3 cards per person while supplies last. $200 can only be spent on items, not meals or spa
 services.

Decorate Decatur Halloween House Winner

From thedecaturminute.com
It wasn’t easy to decide the winner of this year’s Commissioners’ Cauldron. There were 19 wonderfully creative entries. After much deliberation, the judges picked the mutant lawn flamingos at 204 Adair St:
Thank you to everyone who sent in nominations this year! You can see all the great entries on the Decorate Decatur Halloween map.
Photo credit The Decatur Minute.

Brush Sushi Izakaya Coming to Decatur

From: http://www.atlantamagazine.com/dining-news/craft-izakayas-jason-liang-is-opening-brush-sushi-izakaya-in-decatur/
 Brush will offer a full bar with local beers, wine, and 8 to 10 Asian-inspired cocktails. The focus will be on sake, soju, and Japanese whiskey.

When Brush Sushi Izakaya opens in January at 316 Church Street in Decatur, former Craft Izakaya and One Sushi Plus sushi chef Jason Liang plans on using Gulf-sourced fish (as well as locally grown and raised vegetables and meats) on his nigiri and other dishes whenever possible. “The Japanese are known for how they butcher fish and keep the quality,” he says. “Why should we bring fish from overseas when we have the good quality locally?”

Business partner John Chen, who owns bars in Buckhead and Athens, says Brush will be a true Japanese izakaya, or pub, serving sushi, fried and grilled skewers, and other items cooked on a robata grill using bincho-tan (white charcoals) from Japan. There will be three tiers of omakase offerings ranging from $65 to $125.

Menu items will include robata grilled whole squid with wasabi salt and chili miso sauce; chicken wing and thigh yakitori; braised pork belly bun with peanuts, mustard greens, and coriander; and fried octopus balls, in addition to sushi. There will be a limited amount of tori ramen (chicken ramen) nightly.

Since izakayas are also known for their abundant liquor, Brush will offer a full bar with local beers, wine, and 8 to 10 Asian-inspired cocktails. The focus will be on sake, soju, and Japanese whiskey.

Special Saturday Video - Michael Myers Halloween Theme Song

Why not spend Halloween afternoon at Revival?

From: https://www.facebook.com/RevivalDecatur

The weekend forecast is looking better and better, so
why not spend Halloween afternoon at Revival? Join us in the front yard from noon to 3 p.m. this Saturday, October 31. We'll have $5 Terminus City BBQ sandwiches, Wild Heaven Craft Beers on tap and plenty of candy for the kiddos! No tickets required, just come enjoy the day with us!
photo credit: Revival

Video Friday - THRILLER

Eye on Giant Spider on Sycamore

This Halloween house with giant spider is located on Sycamore just down from the Library.

North Dekalb Macy's May Soon make way for Costco

From: http://www.tonetoatl.com/2015/10/macys-north-dekalb-mall-may-morph-into.html#more
Macy's may soon make way for Costco.
A well placed source indicates that they received confirmation that at least one local Macy's store will close as part of the company's previously announced plan to close up to 40 stores by early next year. 

All indications lead me to believe that the Macy's at North DeKalb Mall is likely to be (one of) the store(s) to close.
 Other possible closure candidates are stores in nearby Northlake Mall in Tucker, Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth or Greenbriar Mall in southwest Atlanta. 

It's no secret that Issaquah, Washington-based Costco has been looking to build a location in North DeKalb county, and the Macy's, (formerly Rich's) at North DeKalb Mall makes perfect sense for their store. 


The 2008 plan to bring Costco to the mall would have placed the retailer in a different portion of the mall, in what would have been a newly built, roughly 142,000 square foot space. The space would have essentially been between the current Burlington Coat Factory and the 16 screen AMC Theatres. 

Be Safe on Halloween from Decatur Police Dept.

From: thedecaturminute.com
Happy Halloween from your Decatur Police Department!
Start your trick-or-treating early by stopping by the front lobby of the Decatur Police Department this Saturday, October 31st from 3pm-5pm for free treats and reflective Trick-or-Treat bags.

And don’t forget to Be Safe!
- Go trick-or-treating with a grown-up or in groups.
- Make sure to cross streets carefully and properly.
- Make sure you are seen! By wearing bright colors or something with reflective trim. By carrying glow sticks, reflective bags and/or flashlights.
--
photo credit https://www.pinterest.com

Halloween Decorated Home on Kings Hwy

     Halloween Decorated Home on Kings Hwy

Mondo Modern building ( Lightroom Studio) Seeks $1.3 M

From: http://curbed.com/archives/2015/10/26/mondo-modern-house-in-atlanta-can-be-had-for-13m.php
Across the street from Decatur, Georgia's Decatur High School, a hybrid art gallery, office, studio and residential project known as "Lightroom 2.0" is being marketed by Estately as a standalone "house" for $1.3 million. The massive four-story space (6,800 friggin' square feet, per the listing) has housed Lightroom, an interior and graphic design and architecture firm. According to a feature in Architizer, the project was "inspired by the British artist Rachel Whiteread and her concrete castings of existing buildings" and is crowned by a rooftop terrace and movie theater "that frames the view of Midtown Atlanta and the forests of Druid Hills and Inman Park."

photo credit: google maps

Decorate Decatur Contest - Send in your photo by Oct 28

 From: Nancy Wilkinson at https://www.facebook.com/groups/DecorateDecatur/


Guys! I asked about the deadline for the contest and just got a response from the city: " Send in your photo and description by Wednesday, Oct. 28 at midnight. That’ll give the judges time to pick the winner. The judges will be using the photos and description to determine the winner this year.
Please feel free to submit pictures of neighbors’ homes that you think should be recognized."

----
This yard is on Kings Hwy.

Eye on Decatur - TRINITY Mercantile and Design's new Location

From : https://www.facebook.com/TrinityMercantileandDesign
Have you heard? Trinity Mercantile and Design has moved to a bigger, better, bolder space! Read about the dynamic contrast brewing at the Bowen Press Building in the latest issue of Decatur Living! 

 New location: They just moved across the street to 116 E. Trinity Pl.
 Bottom photo credit : https://www.facebook.com/TrinityMercantileandDesign

Haints and Saints Halloween Parade Photos

Attack of the Killer Toys

This Halloween yard is located on Kings Hwy. Check out the two large dolls playing catch with another dolls head.

Video Friday - Flashmob

Marco's Pizza Coming to N. McDonough St.

Marco's Pizza Coming Soon to N. McDonough St. just across the street from Decatur High School in the spot where the closed Books Again store sits.
What's next for N. McDonough  St. just up the street Grindhouse Killer Burgers is now under construction.

2015 Decorate Decatur Halloween going Digital

   This house is located on Adair St.
Related news
 From City of Decatur  thedecaturminute.com
2015 Decorate Decatur Halloween
 Decorate Decatur Halloween is going digital this year! We’ve created an online map that will include pinpoints of homes decorated for Halloween in the City of Decatur. You can access the map at www.decaturga.com/decoratedecaturhalloween.
 If you would like to submit an address, email events@decaturga.com. Include the street address, description of the decor, and a photo of the decorated home.

Decatur's Grindhouse Killer Burgers to have Roof Top Bar

    The restaurant is announcing an anticipated opening date of Jan. 2016. 

 From Tori Allen of Grindhouse Burgers.

Construction continues on the Decatur location, and the restaurant is announcing an anticipated opening date of January 2016. This location will offer a full rooftop bar, seating for 200 throughout the restaurant and bar games including cornhole and darts in addition to more TVs than the other locations. Address is 433 N. McDonough St.

If there's something strange In you neighborhood Who you gonna call ?

     I ain't afraid of no ghost... This Halloween decorated yard is on E. Davis St.

 Nancy Wilkinson who decorates her yard on Adair St every year has started a site for people to share photos of their decorated yards. So join and start sharing your photos, here is her site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DecorateDecatur/

 She explains it below.
"The City of Decatur, Georgia has two annual holiday yard decorating contests, in October and December. This group is for decorators and their fans. Share your pictures, ideas, questions and have fun."