Hail Mutiny! AMC renews 'Halt and Catch Fire' for season 3

"Halt and Catch Fire" will be back for a third season.

From: http://www.hitfix.com
AMC once again gave a belated renewal to its drama about the early days of personal computing and the internet, ordering a third season of the critically-acclaimed but terribly-rated series. The show's second season concluded two months ago with its future in limbo (season 2 was ordered only a few weeks after season 1 ended); I responded with an article headlined, "Hey, AMC: Quit screwing around and renew 'Halt and Catch Fire.'"

The screwing around has concluded, and we'll get at least one more season of Kerry Bishé, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy and Lee Pace navigating the '80s version of life online, in a show that massively improved from its first year to its second.

Given the low ratings, and that basic cable channels can't as easily carry shows few people are watching in the way that an HBO or Showtime can, I got on the phone for a few minutes with AMC's president of original programming and development Joel Stillerman to discuss how they came to this decision.

This is a wonderful show, but the ratings haven't been there. Why did you decide to stick with it?

Joel Stillerman: We decided to stick with it primarily because we love the story, and we think it's a show that has a lot of life left in it. These things are always complicated, and the ratings play a part, but they're far from the entire story. If we see something that we truly love, and we see the talent and the momentum behind it that give us the confidence to move forward, we're all in.
Read more at http://www.hitfix.com/whats-alan-watching/hail-mutiny-amc-renews-halt-and-catch-fire-for-season-3#H3WB1bZCFk8aVz02.99

It's Tomorrow..........The 5th Annual Madison Ave Soapbox Derby

 Raul reminds us that

The Madison Ave Soapbox Derby is this Saturday

Could you please remind your readers that the Derby is this Saturday?
www.madisonavesoapboxderby.org

Here is the schedule for the day kicking off with Revolution Doughnuts at 9:30am:

9:30 Revolution Doughnuts will have Coffee & Doughnuts for sale near the registration table.
10:30 Registration OPENS: Teams arrive, sign in, wait for car inspection & park
Enter Madison Ave thru Johnston Place beginning at 10:30. Look for the registration tent. An adult must check in for their child regardless of team grouping. Waivers must be signed before you proceed. DON’T FORGET YOUR HELMETS! NO HELMET, NO RIDE!
-Please note, at this time, we cannot make any changes to the team, team names or drivers. If you have not paid your registration fee you have been withdrawn from the race and we hope you can join us to watch the event.

11:30 Food area is open: Grab a bite to eat and prepare for racing!

 These are never before published photos from the 2014 Madison Ave Soapbox Derby.

U Joint & Steinbeck’s tent
Hamburgers, black bean burgers, hot dogs, various cold wraps (chicken arugula, tuna salad, etc)
Matador tent
Pork Tacos & Grilled Corn
Bake Sale Tent
Beer Tent
SnoBayou Camper: New Orleans Snoballs
12:00 pm – Judging begins (cars all at the top of the street)
12:45 pm – Race introduction
1:00 pm – Race – ages 6 & under
1:45 pm – Race – ages 7 to 17
2:50 pm – Race – ages 18 and up
3:15 pm – Race over –band MoRhythm takes the stage
3:45 pm – Awards Ceremony and Check Presentation
4:15 pm – MoRhythm’s second set
5:00 pm – that’s a wrap! 
 
– This is a rough schedule. We cannot predict how the race will flow with over 70 drivers!
Please keep in mind that this is a grassroots event and we will do the best we can to stay on schedule.
Fun, fun, fun… The vision of this event is picnic/parade style where families, friends and neighbors will be walking to the event with their chairs & blankets while snacking with their families and watching the Derby. For those of you who live on Madison Ave we hope you invite your friends, set up a tailgate style picnic and enjoy the day! All others are welcome to set up their picnic goods on the sidewalks up & down the street.
We will have a “donation station” with baked goods for (cash or check) donation, t-shirts for sale ($20 for Youth & Adult) and checkered flags (1 for $2.00 OR 3 for $5.00) and encourage you to spread the word to bring cash & checks ONLY.

Relive the magic from the very beginning see all the photos from Next Stop Decatur

https://www.flickr.com/photos/24391992@N00/albums/72157631654033816
https://www.flickr.com/photos/24391992@N00/albums/72157631654760229
https://www.flickr.com/photos/24391992@N00/albums/72157635744962754
https://www.flickr.com/photos/24391992@N00/albums/72157647704676860

Video Friday - Ghostbusters - Ray Parker Jr.

DeKalb places you didn't know you needed to see

The Michael C. Carlos Museum holds the largest collection of ancient art in the Southeast, and it's one Georgia's oldest museums (dating back to 1876).

 From: http://www.ajc.com
Some well-known tourist attractions, like Stone Mountain Park, are certainly worth visiting, but often the market, building or garden that captures an area best is under-the-radar. In DeKalb County, there are a few surprising spots you may be unaware of — unless, of course, you are a resident or aficionado.

Here are 15 fun and quirky places in DeKalb the intrepid should seek out.
Mummies and ancient artifacts
Nestled on the Emory University campus is great destination for local art and culture. The Michael C. Carlos Museum holds the largest collection of ancient art in the Southeast, and it's one Georgia's oldest museums (dating back to 1876). The museum is small enough to be privately enjoyed at your leisure and large enough to offer a significant collection for viewing. Visitors can check out artifacts from Egypt, Nubia, Near East and more, as well as special exhibitions.
Where to go: The museum is located at 571 South Kilgo Circle NE at Emory University. Free parking is allowed anywhere on campus except in 24-hour restricted areas or reserved spaces. $8 for adults, $6 for students, seniors and children ages 6 to 17, free for ages 5 and under with $2 for audio guide rental. Free admission days are available from 1 to 4 p.m. on certain days. 404-727-4282.

see list 

North Dekalb Mountain Bike Team Formed

From: http://thechampionnewspaper.com
 Posted by Carla Parker
Football, basketball and baseball have always been the more popular sports with fans and the sports that children often want to play.

There are other sports that have gained popularity with children over the years such as soccer, tennis and lacrosse; and there is another sport that is gaining interest–mountain biking.

In 2013, the Georgia High School Cycling League was organized to provide competitive mountain biking programs for students in grades nine to 12. The league is under the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), which oversees all the leagues in the United States. There are 15 leagues in 14 states, including Georgia.

Dan Brooks, executive director of the Georgia High School Cycling League, organized the league to introduce children to a sport they can do for a lifetime.

“One of the biggest attractions to me is the fact that this is a life-long sport. You can ride a bike for your whole life,” he said. “One of the coolest developments we see in our league is when one student starts riding their brother or sister starts riding with them and then the family gets into it. It then goes from an activity that one of the kids will do to an activity that the entire family can do together. It’s just a great way for families to spend time together.”

The league has grown since its establishment and now has 21 teams with 248 riders. One of those teams is North DeKalb Mountain Bike. The team was formed in April by two parents, Richard Mansker and Mike Hatten.

“We have six kids on the team and they’re all middle school students,” Mansker said.

The team consists of Mansker and Hatten’s children as well as other children from the Lakeside area.

“Anybody from the central/northern part of DeKalb can easily get to us,” Mansker said. “We practice a couple of nights a week and on Saturdays we go out to one of the trail systems and do a longer ride.”
more

photo credit: Champion News Paper.

Reminder - The Madison Ave Soapbox Derby is this Saturday

--

 Raul reminds us that

The Madison Ave Soapbox Derby is this Saturday

Could you please remind your readers that the Derby is this Saturday?
www.madisonavesoapboxderby.org

Here is the schedule for the day kicking off with Revolution Doughnuts at 9:30am:

9:30 Revolution Doughnuts will have Coffee & Doughnuts for sale near the registration table.
10:30 Registration OPENS: Teams arrive, sign in, wait for car inspection & park
Enter Madison Ave thru Johnston Place beginning at 10:30. Look for the registration tent. An adult must check in for their child regardless of team grouping. Waivers must be signed before you proceed. DON’T FORGET YOUR HELMETS! NO HELMET, NO RIDE!
-Please note, at this time, we cannot make any changes to the team, team names or drivers. If you have not paid your registration fee you have been withdrawn from the race and we hope you can join us to watch the event.

11:30 Food area is open: Grab a bite to eat and prepare for racing!

U Joint & Steinbeck’s tent
Hamburgers, black bean burgers, hot dogs, various cold wraps (chicken arugula, tuna salad, etc)
Matador tent
Pork Tacos & Grilled Corn
Bake Sale Tent
Beer Tent
SnoBayou Camper: New Orleans Snoballs
12:00 pm – Judging begins (cars all at the top of the street)
12:45 pm – Race introduction
1:00 pm – Race – ages 6 & under
1:45 pm – Race – ages 7 to 17
2:50 pm – Race – ages 18 and up
3:15 pm – Race over –band MoRhythm takes the stage
3:45 pm – Awards Ceremony and Check Presentation
4:15 pm – MoRhythm’s second set
5:00 pm – that’s a wrap!
– This is a rough schedule. We cannot predict how the race will flow with over 70 drivers!
Please keep in mind that this is a grassroots event and we will do the best we can to stay on schedule.
Fun, fun, fun… The vision of this event is picnic/parade style where families, friends and neighbors will be walking to the event with their chairs & blankets while snacking with their families and watching the Derby. For those of you who live on Madison Ave we hope you invite your friends, set up a tailgate style picnic and enjoy the day! All others are welcome to set up their picnic goods on the sidewalks up & down the street.
We will have a “donation station” with baked goods for (cash or check) donation, t-shirts for sale ($20 for Youth & Adult) and checkered flags (1 for $2.00 OR 3 for $5.00) and encourage you to spread the word to bring cash & checks ONLY.

Relive the magic from the very beginning see all the photos from Next Stop Decatur

https://www.flickr.com/photos/24391992@N00/albums/72157631654033816
https://www.flickr.com/photos/24391992@N00/albums/72157631654760229
https://www.flickr.com/photos/24391992@N00/albums/72157635744962754
https://www.flickr.com/photos/24391992@N00/albums/72157647704676860

Sydney Rhame captures the last spot on The Voice Blind Auditions

She took the last spot on team Pharrell

2015 HAINTS & SAINTS Decatur Halloween Parade Sun. Oct. 25

2015 HAINTS & SAINTS Halloween Parade registration is open. Join the fun! http://ow.ly/RB5uk

 More photos from last years Parade here.

-- -- https://www.facebook.com/HomeGrownDecaturHalloween

68 vehicles were burglarized in downtown Decatur.

From:  http://www.walb.com

DECATUR, GA (CBS46) - Decatur police are investigating several overnight car break-ins at three different parking deck locations.
Officers say 68 vehicles were burglarized in downtown Decatur.
Police say they canvassed a Marriott parking deck as well as two parking decks in the 300 block of West Ponce de Leon Avenue. Officers later determined a Jeep Cherokee had been stolen from one of the decks on West Ponce de Leon Avenue.
Police say most of the vehicles were entered by windows being broken.
Copyright 2015 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.

Video Friday - Bar Room Buddies Merle Haggard & Clint Eastwood

A report on DeKalb County Corruption is calling on Interim CEO Lee May to resign.

From: http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/30154645/appalling-report-calls-for-resignation-of-dekalb-co-ceo


A report released Wednesday alleging he violated the public's trust called for interim DeKalb Co. CEO Lee May to resign.
The investigation stems from an FBI inquiry into whether a company won a county contract in return for a contribution.
“Appalling corruption and a stunning absence of leadership in the DeKalb County government are a disgrace to its citizens and an embarrassment to our state,” the report said.
Former GA Attorney General Mike Bowers and his lead investigator Richard Hyde, said officials "delayed and impeded the truth seeking process" from the start of the report.
In at least two instances, the report said, "May and others in the administration conspired to actively block our efforts."
Bowers and Hyde specifically cited an instance where the moved up the investigators' deadline from Oct. 6 to August 26.
After the investigators said they couldn't finish the report by that date, Bowers and Hyde said May tried to terminate it. In fact, the strongly-worded, 40-page report is based only on info gathered before that "fabricated" deadline.
"It's a bad situation, it needs strong words," Bowers told CBS46.

Read more: http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/30154645/appalling-report-calls-for-resignation-of-dekalb-co-ceo#ixzz3nGCfYa81

Big Yard Sale in Decatur

From: http://thedecaturminute.com/

THE YARD SALE at First Baptist Church Decatur at the corner of Clairemont and Commerce

Oct. 1, 2 and 3
The sale begins at 8 a.m. on Thursday morning, Oct. 1

First Baptist Church Decatur at the corner of Clairemont and Commerce

This annual Decatur yard sale tradition—since 1995— will be held again this fall at First Baptist Church Decatur. All proceeds from the stuff you buy funds special projects that help people.

Math Playdate at Little Shop of Stories Oct. 11

Math Playdate at Little Shop of Stories

From: Leslie Gilbert


Hello,

My name is Leslie Gilbert and I am a resident of Decatur, a mother of two, and an enthusiastic math educator!

As a math teacher, I've been working to help parents support PreK-3 math learning in their homes. I have a couple of projects that would be of interest to Decatur residents. I would appreciate a moment of your time to tell you more about them. I'm happy to provide a little summary or whatever would be most helpful.

Math Playdate at Little Shop:
First, I'm delighted to be partnering with Little Shop of Stories to run a free math playdate there on October 11. It's like storytime, but math stories, games, and crafts!

More about the playdate >

MathKit:
Secondly, I have teamed up with another Oakhurst mom who is a designer to create a product called MathKit. MathKit is a research-based learning system for K-3, made to help parents support addition and subtraction learning at home.

MathKit comes with a set of 10 hands-on games and learning tools. It provides welcome help and structure for families who want to build a strong math background for their kids, but don't know where to start.

I am also passionate about supporting girls in STEM, and while MathKit is for all children, it is particularly focused on ways to build girls' confidence and skills.

More about MathKit >
More about the research behind MathKit >
More about the Oakhurst moms who made MathKit together >
More about MathKit and girls in STEM here and here

Thank you so much for your time. Feel free to call or email. I would love to tell you more about these projects, and how they can help Decatur families!

Learn more at below links

Links:
http://www.getmathkit.com/math-playdate
http://www.getmathkit.com/why-mathkit/
http://www.getmathkit.com/our-story/

Best,
Leslie Gilbert
Founder of MathKit, LLC.
404-436-3946
leslie.gilbert@gmail.com

Video Friday - The Mamas and the Papas- Dancing in the Street

Serenity Charity Screening at The Plaza Theatre Sunday Sept. 27

 From: http://www.atlantabrowncoats.com/
The ever-generous Plaza Theatre has offered to donate a ticket to a future film (1 per person, $12 value) for each attendee who brings canned food donations. So, essentially, showing up for this charity drive and cleaning out your pantry pays for itself!! Come on out, and see what the spirit of Atlanta is all about while having a wonderful time!

For Sydney Rhame Fans

From her facebook page  https://www.facebook.com

So proud of all my friends on ‪#‎TheVoice‬ so far! Ya'll please keep watching and tuning in every Monday and Tuesday. I wish I knew which episode I'll be on but I don't. Thanks again for all of the support and the love! It's truly overwhelming!

 http://sydneyrhame.com/

Las Brasas Restaurant will Open this Saturday

This popular chicken joint which was located at 310 Howard Ave for several years is opening at their new location 614 Church Street Decatur this Saturday.
 http://www.lasbrasasdecatur.com

Three Local Breweries have been named Top Beer Destinations.

Decatur, Avondale Estates Breweries Makes Top List

Three local breweries have been named top beer destinations.

From:http://patch.com
Three breweries in Decatur and Avondale Estates have been named to EaterAtlanta’s top 10 local beer destinations.

Blue Tarp opened in December 2012, and recently started canning beers. The brewery is open for tastings and tours on Saturday from 3:30-7:30pm.

Three Taverns specializes in Belgian-inspired beers. Its parlor is open for tours and samples of beers Thursday and Friday from 5:30-9 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 1-5pm.

Wild Heaven in Avondale Estates launched in 2010. Its tasting room is open on Thursday and Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

WILLY'S 20 Years and Still Rolling!

From: http://www.tonetoatl.com
 Atlanta-based Willy's Mexicana Grill has signed leases for two new locations.  Each location will make use of a former restaurant.  Consequently, each location is slated to open soon. Willy's will open a new location in Roswell and will add a second location in Kennesaw. 

In Kennesaw, Willy's will open in place of Ray's Pizza on Chastain Road at The Village at Townpark.  This marks the second time that Willy's has taken over a former Ray's, having previously opened in the the former Ray's at Sandy Springs Plaza on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. The Kennesaw location is 2,986 square feet and should open in late October.  Willy's already operates a Kennesaw location on Barrett Parkway at Cobb Place shopping center. 

In Roswell, Willy's will do something rather extraordinary: they will open in a soon-to-be-vacated Moe's Southwest Grill. The local Moe's franchisee has apparently found what he considers a better location about a mile away, and will reopen there soon.  The existing Moe's space is about 2,500 square feet and is located on West Crossville Road in Stonebridge Station, across the street from the Trader Joe's-anchored Roswell Crossing center.  Willy's plans to be open in Roswell by late November. 


The West Paces Ferry Road Willy's recently reopened after an extensive remodel that brought the popular location many of the design elements in the new Druid Hills and Brookhaven locations.

more

Decatur Police Dept. Drug Take-Back initiative this Saturday, September 26, 2015

The Decatur Police Department will be participating in the DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back initiative

From: thedecaturminute.com
Drug Take-Back: Saturday, September 26th

 by Lt. Jennifer S. Ross

The Decatur Police Department will be participating in the DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back initiative this Saturday, September 26, 2015 between 10am-2pm. The Drug Take-Back initiative is an opportunity for you to safely dispose of any unwanted, unneeded or expired prescription drugs.  It is important to safely dispose of prescription medications so they are not targeted for theft, accessible to youth or disposed of into the water supply or trash where they can harm the environment, animals or end up in the wrong hands.


We will be collecting in front of the police department, located at 420 West Trinity Place, Decatur, GA 30030, so you can just drive up and drop off.
photo credit  http://atlanta.cbslocal.com

Decatur MARTA overpass to receive a grant for the creation of a mural.

From: http://patch.com/georgia/decatur/decatur-marta-overpass-receives-art-grant?

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) has chosen the

The overpass is located at the intersection of W. Trinity and Atlanta avenues.

According to a statement from MARTA:
“The Decatur MARTA overpass bisects several diverse communities while sheltering children waiting for school buses, as well as neighbors and employees walking and riding bikes. Many cars traverse the corridor daily, and thousands of citizens from all over the Atlanta Region ride the Blue Line MARTA train across the overpass every day. In essence, it creates a gateway into these economically and racially diverse communities and provides an opportunity for real connections through meaningful art on this large, durable concrete canvas.

“The MARTA overpass mural will create neighborhood connections and an exceptional art form that is reflective of the revitalization and vibrancy of this historical community in downtown Decatur.”

The grant is part of a series that were awarded by ARC to create the Atlanta Regional Public Art Program.
Decatur MARTA overpass to receive a grant for the creation of a mural.

photo credit: google maps

Atlanta area Schools Looking into Doing away with makeup Snow Days

 Gwinnett county is the first to look into this. Other counties may follow.

 

http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/news/2015/sep/18/gwinnett-schools-considering-cyber-school-for/SUWANEE
 The novelty of a traditional snow day may be coming to an end in Gwinnett County Public Schools. Gwinnett County Public Schools CEO/Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks said Thursday that the school district is considering utilizing its eCLASS digital curriculum component during a period of prolonged inclement weather.
That would allow the district to avoid adding makeup days at the end of the school year, or adding time to a school day. Wilbanks admitted there’s a “good bit of buzz” going around about “cyber day,” and if it’s possible to execute, he figured a lot of people would be happy.
“There may be the opportunity if we have inclement weather days to continue with instruction pretty much as we are,” Wilbanks said. “Now that’s not saying that there will be 100 percent. There are some families that don’t have Internet connections, so we’ll have to take care of that.” The district each year typically builds into the calendar three inclement weather makeup days in February, March and April.
“If we have to close a week, that exceeds the days and then it starts running into spring break and everything, that people have bought tickets to Honolulu and other places,” Wilbanks said. “It’s hard to make them up, so we are looking to do that. … I don’t know if we’re ready for that today. I’m not sure it’s entrenched enough, but hopefully we will be by the time the snow days generally occur.”

Decatur's Sydney Rhame on the Season Premiere of “The Voice” Tonight

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Here is Sydney in 2010 at Earth Day in Oakhurst ---

Video Friday: Sugarland and Sara Bareilles - Come On Eileen

Downtown DeKalb Idea Closer to a Reality

Atlanta United FC will construct a 3,500-seat stadium, three practice soccer fields and a two-story corporate headquarters on 41 acres of government land near Memorial Drive and I-285. An indoor training facility and additional fields may be built later. The team will play its first season in 2017 in the new stadium being built for the Falcons in downtown Atlanta. Credit: Atlanta United FC

From: http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/downtown-dekalb-design-envisioned-around-soccer-co/nng58/
A concept for a Downtown DeKalb development near Memorial Drive calls for converting the county jail into an office or apartments and building a convention center, concert hall, hotel, recreation complex and 20-story government office tower alongside Atlanta United’s planned soccer headquarters.

DeKalb is taking bids from architectural design firms to create a master plan for the area, an early step toward bringing the Downtown DeKalb idea closer to a reality. The county asked contractors to submit quotes under $50,000 by Friday.
Interim DeKalb CEO Lee May highlighted the idea of relocating the county’s government operations from Decatur in his State of the County address earlier this year. The government tower would house more than 3,000 employees and anchor the Downtown DeKalb development, according to county bid documents.
The master plan should envision a “live-work-play urban mixed use district” covering about 150 acres of government land near the DeKalb Jail and Interstate 285, according to the documents.

The area could also include a square with fountains, retail, apartments, office space, parks and a movie theater.

The only part of the development that’s been approved so far is Atlanta United’s facility.

The soccer team agreed to locate its headquarters, a 3,500-seat stadium and several practice fields on the site last month, and the DeKalb Commission approved incentives for the team worth more than $12 million.

Kirkwood Wine Stroll on Friday, September 25th

 From: http://www.xorbia.com/events/assc/kirkwood-wine-stroll-2015/

The Kirkwood Business Association is holding its 9th annual Kirkwood Wine Stroll on Friday, September 25th in the historic Kirkwood neighborhood. Visit the many adorable shops, unique galleries and amazing restaurants that are making Kirkwood a destination location! Also enjoy a beautiful night of music with three local acoustic and light rock bands performing throughout the night. A variety of businesses in Kirkwood will be participating in the stroll which will enable you to sample wines from around the world in each of the participating locations.
The wine tasting portion of the event will end at 9:30pm and the street party will continue until 11:00pm. All wine tasting guests must be 21 and older with valid ID. Tastings are while supplies last only.
You will receive a souvenir wine glass and program with each ticket that is purchased. Tickets are limited and may sell-out in advance.
GA Ticket:

• Souvenir Wine Glass
• Wine tasting from 6:30pm - 9:30pm
• Live Music

Early Bird Ticket: $30 (On Sale from 8//7 until 8/14)
Regular Ticket: $40 (On Sale from 8/15 until 9/10)
Late Ticket: $50 (On Sale from 9/11 until 9/24)
Day of Event Ticket: $60 (IF AVAILABLE)
VIP Ticket:

• Souvenir Wine Glass
• Exclusive selection of premium wines
• Two catered VIP Only lounges
• VIP Restrooms

Early Bird VIP Ticket: $50 (Sale from 8//7 until 8/14)
Regular VIP Ticket: $60(On Sale from 8/15 until 9/10)
Late VIP Ticket: $70 (On Sale from 9/11 until 9/24)
Day of Event VIP Ticket: $80 (IF AVAILABLE)

Special: Video Wednesday: Bee Gees Stayin' Alive (Satuday Night Fever)

Atlanta Warbird Weekend Photos

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A reenactment of a Bob Hope Show (including Hollywood starlets) entertaining the troops.
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Video Friday - Roy Orbison - Oh, Pretty Women

B-17 “Memphis Belle” Joins Atlanta Warbird Weekend Lineup at PDK this Week-end

 “Memphis Belle,” will join dozens of WWII warbirds on the tarmac at Dekalb-Peachtree Airport Sept. 12-13 for the Commemorative Air Force Dixie Wing 2015 CAF Atlanta Warbird Weekend. The B-17 will be available for photos and tours, along with other vintage aircraft including a fleet of P-51 Mustangs, British RAF Spitfire, German FW-190, Stearman biplane; a DC-3 and other famous WWII aircraft. 

The event is FREE but it will cost you  $10.00 to Park.

B-17 Joins CAF Atlanta Warbird Weekend Lineup, Along With Family Fun Activities
From: http://www.commemorativeairforce.org

Families will enjoy activities provided by Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta History Center and the Museum of Aviation History in Macon. WWII veterans will discuss their experiences at a series of “Warbirds in Review” sessions. Military reenactors will display their uniforms and equipment, and the Dixie Wing PX will offer souvenirs, including authentic military dogtags.
WWII pilot Bud Anderson will captivate this year’s audience as guest speaker for the Atlanta Warbird Weekend’s “Dinner with an Ace,” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 at the 57th Fighter Group restaurant, Dekalb-Peachtree Airport. Tickets are $125 for this limited seating event, which was sold out last year. This is a rare opportunity to hear first-hand about WWII from one of the dwindling number of heroes who flew the aircraft and experienced the battles.
“This weekend is dedicated to the remembrance and celebration of the men, women and machines of the Greatest Generation,” said Jay Bess, program coordinator. “AWW is a catalyst that brings together organizations, aircraft and people to keep this history alive, and to engage the public and businesses to preserve the spirit of America’s shared past.

“Our goal is to create “hands-on” history that brings the era alive and inspires in a way that goes beyond textbook learning,” Bess said. CAF “This event helps us fulfill that mission, increases awareness of the Commemorative Air Force in Atlanta and raises much-needed funds for restoration and preservation of our historic aircraft.”
“Memphis Belle,” will join dozens of WWII warbirds on the tarmac at Dekalb-Peachtree Airport Sept. 12-13 for the Commemorative Air Force Dixie Wing 2015 CAF Atlanta Warbird Weekend. The B-17 will be available for photos and tours, along with other vintage aircraft including a fleet of P-51 Mustangs, British RAF Spitfire, German FW-190, Stearman biplane; a DC-3 and other famous WWII aircraft. Atlanta Warbird Weekend is open free to the public from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. each day. All of the planes will be on display and rides will be available in the Dixie Wing’s P-51, Douglas SBD-5 dive bomber, LT-6 Mosquito, PT-26, and DC-3, among others.

Macy's will close 35 to 40 Underperforming Stores

   Will Macy's at North Dekalb Shopping center in Decatur Ga. make the cut?

The stores, slated to be shuttered in early 2016, will be identified at a later date, said the company with corporate offices in Cincinnati and New York.

From: http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2015/09/08/macys-store-closings/71896348/
Macy's will close 35 to 40 underperforming stores, around 5% of its total locations, the department store chain announced Tuesday.
The stores, slated to be shuttered in early 2016, will be identified at a later date, said the company with corporate offices in Cincinnati and New York.

Annual sales volume at the stores, "net of sales expected to be retained in nearby stores and online," as the company puts it in a statement, is expected to be about $300 million. That would represent about 1 percent of total Macy's sales, the company said.

The closures are a bold move: Macy's has closed a net total of 40 stores over the past five years. CEO Terry Lundgren said the retailer will remain a major store operator, but noted the change comes as shoppers alter their habits, buying more merchandise online.

There are now 770 Macy's stores in 45 states. Over the past five years, 52 stores have been closed and 12 new ones opened, the company (ticker M) said.

Lundgren called brick-and-mortar stores "absolutely vital" to the brand.

"As new shopping centers are opened, however," he said in a statement, "many customers change their shopping habits and often the sales volume of a store gets divided among the new and nearby, existing centers. Each year, we prune some stores that are our weakest performers so that we can concentrate our resources on the best locations and maintain a strong physical presence."

At the same time the company opens a "small number" of new stores "to fill gaps in our market coverage or where we have outstanding real estate opportunities," he said.

Third Annual Open Streets to return to Emory Village Sept 20

 Open Streets is free and open to the public. The family and pedestrian-friendly event is presented by the Emory Village Alliance and DeKalb County

 From: http://emoryvillage.org/2015/05/08/open-streets-draws-neighbors-families-and-friends/

The circus is coming to the third Annual Open Streets DeKalb at Emory Village. And high school bands,  drummers, a bouncy house and waterslide, a cappella and choral music, face painting, tasty treats from Village businesses, and more. New this year will be a giant climbing wall and a “Best in Show” dog contest.

 Neighbors, students and street performers will reclaim the streets between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. when North Decatur Road will be closed to vehicular traffic  from the roundabout at the intersection of North Decatur and Oxford roads to Lullwater roundabout, and on north Oxford Road from the roundabout to Clifton Road.  Both roundabouts will remain open.

Open Streets is free and open to the public. The family and pedestrian-friendly event is presented by the Emory Village Alliance and DeKalb County
Sponsors include the Imperial OPA Circus, Lisa Hill Photography, Emory University, the Druid Hills Civic Association, John Oxford of State Farm Insurance, Niki Paris and Kevin Steward of Paris and Associates, Nicole Davis of Coldwell Bankers, RisenDine,  Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, Earthfare, Saba, PressBox, Slice and Pint, Majik Touch Cleaners, Ali’s Cookies, Thomas Winn of Keller Williams, Tori Winn Interiors, and Nathan Hartman.

Could Buford Hwy Become a Leafy Pedestrian Paradise

Buford Hwy's Alter Ego: Buford Blvd, Leafy Pedestrian Paradise
photo credit atlanta curbed
From: http://atlanta.curbed.com/

Some residents would be thrilled if police could just control crime and gang activity around Buford Highway, but Brookhaven has bigger ideas. According to a plan presented to city council earlier this month, the city would like to turn its part of the six-lane, vegetation-devoid highway into a lovely pedestrian-friendly boulevard chock full o' bike lanes, trees, multi-use paths, mixed-use developments and new businesses. The grand vision is outlined in a report prepared by the Jaeger Company and Urban Partners and is expected to be adopted starting next month. In addition to the physical changes, the plan proposes that the Brookhaven portion of the street be renamed Buford Boulevard to really drive home those improvements and ditch the negative connotations of "Buford Highway."
Read more  http://atlanta.curbed.com/
photo credit: atlanta.curbed.com

The DeKalb County Board of Health has asked the city to share the following information:

The DeKalb County Board of Health has asked the city to share the following information: 
 From: thedecaturminute.com

A mosquito collection from a DeKalb County Board of Health’s sampling station which is located in Decatur has been reported as positive for West Nile virus (WNV).

While most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms or experience mild flu-like symptoms, the virus potentially can cause serious and sometimes fatal illness. The chance that any one person is going to become ill from a single mosquito bite is low. The risk of severe illness and death is highest for people over 50 years old, although people of all ages can become ill.

The easiest and best way to avoid West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites. While the potential for WNV transmission exists throughout the metro area, this WNV positive collection does indicate a higher risk at this time in this area. Please remember to use the following precautions and remind your neighbors, friends and coworkers to do the same.

•    Apply insect repellent. DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are effective repellents recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more information, please see: http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html.

•    When possible, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks. Clothing may also be treated with permethrin.

•    Use extra care when mosquitoes are most active, particularly from dusk to dawn.

The DeKalb County Board of Health is aggressively working to prevent West Nile virus transmission. Program technicians will be in the area providing additional mosquito control services including applying larvicide and investigating for mosquito breeding sites. This will keep mosquito larvae from developing into flying biting insects.

Along with the larvicide treatment, it is important to eliminate any containers and other removable breeding sites which may hold water for five or more days. Some items such as bird baths can be dumped and rinsed twice a week, but do need continual attention. Also, gutters should be cleaned and checked to make sure they drain properly.

For more information about West Nile virus, refer to the following web sites:

•    http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/

•    http://dekalbhealth.net/envhealth/west-nile-virus/

Contact the Division of Environmental Health (404-508-7900) with any questions or concerns on this matter.

Video Friday - Troy Donahue Live Young

Smith’s Olde Bar granted lease extension through end of 2015

            Will Smith’s Olde Bar Move to Decatur after Lease Ends ?

“There are some new developments in town that have approached us about if we leave, they’d love to have Smith’s. There’s a chance we’d go to Decatur. But that’s all speculation,”

From: http://music.blog.ajc.com/2015/09/02/smiths-olde-bar-granted-lease-extension-through-end-of-2015/

 BY MELISSA RUGGIERI

The beat goes on for Smith’s Olde Bar – at least until the end of the year.

The watering hole/music venue/restaurant was threatened with vacating its Atlanta strip mall locale, where it has hosted hundreds of concerts for 23 years, when the property was put up for auction Aug. 28.

But prior to that deadline, Dan Nolen, owner-operator of the venue on Piedmont Avenue in Morningside, was able to renegotiate with the current landlord, the family of original owner Beverly Taylor, to keep Smith’s and Nolen-Reeves Music office intact until at least Jan. 1. Taylor passed away earlier this year at the age of 97.

“Our whole thing was to stay there long enough, assuming the building sells, to see if whoever our new landlords are will be interested in keeping Smith’s,” Nolen said Wednesday afternoon. “We haven’t heard yet if anyone has bought it, so we’re doing a wait and see, paying our rent and serving up a good time.”
Nolen said when news of the possible eviction became public in July, he was contacted by “at least” five different groups of developers who expressed interest in the property, but only if Smith’s would remain.

“We’ve certainly got our fans. We have a 23-year track record that we want to keep going forever,” Nolen said.

While he isn’t anticipating a move in 2016, should the new owners have other plans for the property, a historic building that is believed to be the first strip mall in Atlanta, Nolen has some ideas.

“There are some new developments in town that have approached us about if we leave, they’d love to have Smith’s. There’s a chance we’d go to Decatur. But that’s all speculation,” Nolen said. “Moving Smith’s would be like moving the Alamo! I’ve got a third of my life invested here. People have met their spouses here. We’ve helped bands achieve superstardom here. It would be very hard to take what we’ve got and duplicate it. But I don’t anticipate that being the case.”

Indeed, of the countless bands that have performed at Smith’s, many have escalated to great acclaim, including Kings of Leon, which played its first official show as a band at the venue, John Mayer and Widespread Panic.
Nolen expects the new owners to be in place by November, at which point he will negotiate a new lease to solidify the future of the venue.

“Right is might and we prevailed,” he said. “We’re staying and hope that we’re here for a long time to come.”

Toco Hills to Welcome Taziki's

Taziki's is coming to Toco Hills

From: http://www.tonetoatl.com
Birmingham, Alabama-based Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe plans to open a new location at Toco Hills Promenade. The Mediterranean eatery will open in the former Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint at the Publix-anchored center on North Druid Hills Road.  Uncle Maddio's at Toco Hills was the now chain's first location when it opened in 2009.  As I reported in April, the restaurant closed due to a reported "30% rent increase."   

Ironically, Taziki's will mark the return of "Mediterranean fare" to the 3,551 square foot space at Toco Hills.  Prior to Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint, Mama Fu's Asian House, and some other random Asian eatery, the space was for many years home to Gyro Wrap.  Gyro Wrap, today known as Great Wraps, is Atlanta-based and known for their "Mediterranean inspired menu."  This location was a favorite of my family's in the 90s. 

Taziki's entered metro Atlanta in 2012 with a location in Sandy Springs at the  "Glenridge Springs" development, near the Haverty's building. Taziki's added a location on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta in late 2013. Last spring, the chain opened in Athens in the Bottleworks on Prince Avenue. 
photo credit: http://www.playnwa.com/play/destination/tazikis-mediterranean-cafe_2

Remembering Horton's at Emory Village