Home Energy Performance Evaluations are Getting more Popular.

Hi Dennis,

I thought your loyal blog readers might find the information below interesting. I’m sure many of them would be interested in having such a test done on their own homes. With all the green tax incentives now being offered by the government, home energy performance evaluations are getting more popular.



Thanks,

Kelly Cheek

Renewal Design-Build
-------------------------------


Local Decatur Business Now Offering Energy Audits March 10, 2009 –Considering that 45% of Decatur and 61% of Atlanta homes were built before 1960, it’s not surprising that local homeowners are often faced with drafty windows and doors and leaky ducts, often resulting in high energy bills. Renewal Design-Build is now offering Home Performance with Energy Star, a comprehensive home assessment that reveals where and why a home is not energy efficient. With diagnostic equipment, Renewal can pinpoint a home’s problems and provide the homeowner with solutions. Home improvement services include: energy efficient renovations, HVAC systems, duct systems, crawl space encapsulation, insulation and air sealing, replacement window and doors, and combustion safety. Improvements to the home result in improved energy efficiency and air quality, and lower utility bills. “Twenty percent of the energy produced in the United States is consumed by homes,” says Renewal CEO Peter Michelson. “By evaluating and making improvements to our homes, we as homeowners are protecting the environment by conserving energy, and we are saving money by cutting costs on our utility bills. It’s a win-win all around.” Homeowners will not only save on utility bills, but they can also get cash in their pockets through rebates and tax credits. Georgia Power is now offering its customers Home Performance rebates, and there is a multitude of federal tax credits available to those homeowners making green improvements to their homes in 2009 and 2010. For more information on Home Performance with Energy Star, visit georgiapower.com/energystar. Renewal Design-Build, 124 S. Columbia Dr. in Decatur, provides complete solutions for renovations, additions, kitchens, baths, small projects and repairs.

For information, call 404.378.6962 or visit www.RenewalDesignBuild.com. Kelly Cheek Marketing Manager Renewal Design-Build t. 404-378-6962 f. 404-378-6963 m. 770-361-7878 124 S. Columbia Dr., Decatur, GA 30030 Kelly@RenewalDesignBuild.com http://www.RenewalDesignBuild.com

Next Stop...Decatur is 1 Year Old Today.

Today marks 1 year since I started Next Stop...Decatur. I hope you all have enjoyed my blog style. In this first year, there has been all kinds of Decatur news stories, I try to post the ones that you might have an interest. My site has a style like no other. I try to mix Decatur news along with fun stuff, videos and all kinds of photos past and present.
Decatur has a variety of different blogs Dave's Indecatur site is one, he works 24-7, slow down Dave give us others a chance to catch up.
Another is Nick's Decatur Metro,
Nick how in the heck do you get so many comments ?
and Next Stop...Decatur, a little different but you get Decatur news just the same but with fun added into the mix.

The Regator tracks the most popular blogs in the Atlanta area and as you can see Decatur blogs rule the top 5.


Can anyone tell me what Next Stop...Decatur's first Photo header was ?

Other popular blogs that I read are asian cajuns
and The Decatur Minute ( city of Decatur blog)

Comments:
Dave Kell says:
Congratulations, Dennis! Thanks for mentioning other Decatur blogs. I'd say Decatur has the best mix of blogs of any community in ATL. They complement each other, with each bringing something unique to the table.

I seem to remember your first header being the old train depot.

You are correct Dave and you should know because you posted about it 1 year ago today.

Comment:
Jeff from Whit's End says:
Congrats on your 1 year anniversary Dennis!

Thanks for all your support.
Jeff

The High House Circa 1830

The first two-story house in Decatur is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. According to legend, General Sherman stopped here during the Civil War.

Corner of N. Candler St. and Sycamore St.

The Dekalb School Officials to Examine New Schools Location

The Dekalb School System has a problem to solve with student enrollment beginning to shift in south DeKalb area : students transfer from struggling schools and with home foreclosures , county school officials expect to recommend changes soon that could shift millions of construction dollars away from the area.

It’s a move that could reignite old north/south rivalries.
AJC full story

Decatur Fire Station No. 2- Update

Volunteer for the ING Georgia Marathon

The ING Georgia Marathon will be coming through the City of Decatur on Sunday morning, March 29 and we would love to have you participate! As the marathon organizers say “Volunteers are the heart and SOLE of the marathon”.

Volunteers are needed to staff one of two Hydration Stations in the City of Decatur, one at the East Lake MARTA Station and one in downtown Decatur. Volunteers will have a lot of fun handing out water to the runners and cheering them on. To volunteer, go to www.inggeorgiamarathon.com and click on the volunteer link. Choose either Hydration Station #11 – Oakhurst, or #13 Downtown Decatur. The password is COD.

Most importantly, Decaturites are needed to come to the official cheering station at Fellini’s Pizza on Commerce Drive on Sunday morning to help cheer the runners on. In 2007, the City of Decatur won $10,000 for the Best Cheering Station and in 2008 we won $5,000 for the second best station. We want to reclaim our #1 title, so come out with a noise maker, signage, and/or a musical instrument. Let’s make noise so the runners remember our city. Runners are going to vote for their favorite Hydration Stations and their favorite Cheering Section so we want them to remember us! Prize money will go to the Decatur Youth Fund for children obesity programs.

For more information on the marathon, email Cheryl Burnette or call 678-553-6573.

Decaturga.com

Leon's Full Service

Atlanta Rollergirls Roller Derby

Saturday Bouts, Midtown location, Free Parking Yaarab Shrine Center
400 Ponce de Leon Ave.

Atlanta Rollergirls

Goober and The Art of Love

Kavarna presents The Amanda Cup: a sad-song writing event

Kavarna presents The Amanda Cup: a sad-song writing event (how Cher wrecked a show and started a revolution)

Oakhurst (Decatur), GA – The story: two Atlanta-based folk singers (Amy Lashley and Wayne Fishell) were having an artist-in-the-round show at Kavarna in March 2008. The crowd was small, save for a birthday party (for a young woman named Amanda) going on in the background. Everyone seemed to be having a good time until Fishell attempted to perform his cover of Cher's 1998 hit, Believe. When he hit the lyric, "Do you believe in life after love," pandemonium broke out: the birthday crowd was not impressed. There were screams of "NO!" There was uncomfortable laughter. There was gnashing of teeth. It would seem that Amanda's relationship had ended the day before, and the lyrics weren't sitting well with the partygoers. To call the show from that point forward an unmitigated disaster (for both Amanda and Wayne) would be a kindness.

Fast forward to March 2009: Kavarna will be hosting The Amanda Cup, a sad-song writing event on Saturday, March 28 at 8:00 p.m., featuring songwriter friends of both establishments. Wayne Fishell will be the emcee. There will be a songwriter judge (Brian Slusher of Slushco), a poet judge (Stacie Boshma), two surprise guests who will make up “the average Joe” vote, and Amanda herself will be judging!

Performers include: Night Driving in Small Towns, The Good Graces, John McNicholas, Amy Lashley, Julia Carroll, Sean Kagalis, among others!

To round off the evening, prior to announcing the winner, dates with Amanda and a male friend of hers will be auctioned off (funds will go to Twin Cedars Youth Services Inc. on behalf of Kavarna and Steinbeck's).

Information on the location:
Kavarna
707 East Lake Drive
Decatur (Oakhurst), GA 30030
www.instantkavarna.com

Frequent Shoppers Club @ Whit's End

Dear Whit’s End Shoppers,

On your next stop in to the store to purchase something, let us know you want to join our Frequent Shoppers Club. For every $250 pretax dollars you spend, we will reward you with a $25 gift certificate/store credit which will be good for 6 months. No need to do anything but let us know, we will keep track of everything.

Spring items are here, and more is arriving weekly. The remaining winter items are so discounted, it hurts! So, come and get em! For a limited time, if you buy a clearance item, we will give you 10% off your purchase of a new spring item.

See you in soon,

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

I Got Hooked on Overhaulin

I recorded the TV show Overhaulin one time and now my DVR is recording all episodes.
I am hooked , I love this show.

A new learn-to-run 5K program that Fleet Feet Decatur is Kicking Off.

Kim from Fleet Feet sends this in.
I wanted to let you know about a new learn-to-run 5K program that Fleet Feet Decatur is kicking off this month. We'll be taking all levels of runners and walkers and helping them train for the Virginia Highlands 5K in June. I thought this information might be of interest to your readers.

Thanks Kim.

Runmotivated with No Boundaries!
This spring, join Fleet Feet Decatur to run or walk your first 5K. Our No Boundaries program focuses on beginners, but all levels of runners and walkers are welcome. Sponsored by New Balance and Fleet Feet Sports, the program is designed to help you cross the finish line in 10 weeks. Along the way, we’ll be providing you with motivation to keep you moving, guidance and advice, weekly group training runs or walks, and educational seminars on topics such as proper nutrition, choosing the right gear, and avoiding injury. Plus, you’ll have the camaraderie of others just like you!

Registration: Registration is now available at Fleet Feet Decatur - 431 W Ponce de Leon Ave in Downtown Decatur. Receive $5 off your registration if you register before March 15. Registration is available through March 31.

Informational Sessions: Stop by the store to learn more about the program on March 5 at 6:00 p.m., March 14 at 10:00 a.m. and March 18 at 6:00 p.m.

Kick-Off Sessions/Packet Pick-Up: Saturday, March 21, at 9:30 a.m. OR Tuesday, March 24, at 9:30 a.m. or 6:00 p.m.

Group Runs: We will meet to run or walk twice a week: on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. OR Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. AND Saturdays at 8:00 a.m.

Training Dates: Training will begin on Tuesday, March 31, and continue through the goal race. Our target race is the Virginia Highlands Summerfest 5K race on June 6.

Cost: $80 for training session (includes coaching, educational seminars, free technical t-shirt and jacket and coupon booklet). Price does not include $20 race registration.

Questions? Email Fleet Feet Decatur at staff@fleetfeetdecatur.com or visit one of our informational sessions.


Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks!
Kim Scarborough
Fleet Feet Decatur
404.371.0208

More Decatur Snow Pictures

More on Wordsmith's Books Closing.

Read AJC story about Wordsmith's Books closing.

DECATUR HOBBY HOUSE / SPEEDWAY

This building use to be The Dekalb Theatre.
When this was taken it was a hobby house selling models of all kinds and it also had slot car tracks for racing.
The front side walk windows had electric trains set up.
It was a neat place I spent alot of time there.
The building to the left of The Hobby House used to be F.W. WOOLWORTH and on the right was The Candler Hotel.
Location: E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Photo 1983

What are your memories of this great place.

Comments:


bc1970ad says:

This was a few doors down from "The Paper Chase" comics&bookstore, where I used to stay all day, all summer when I was a kid. I confess now that I stole a D&D figurine from this Hobby Store once.

Great photo :)

bumaride says:

From 1965 to about 1968 I spend hours and hours here. We lived on Glenn Circle about a mile or two to the east and this magnificent place was within easy walking distance. I spend much of my free time with my Dad and brother building things to run at the track here. We used to take static plastic models and adapt them for slot car chassis. I believe it was on Wednesday nights when they had the official race night. We would occasionally participate, but there were always the electrical geniuses who knew how to "rewind" the slot cars' motors and those guys always won.

Wordsmith's Books Announce they are Closing

One Last Time
By Zachary Steele


I've pondered how to start this, but this is the best I can come up with. There is no great way to begin the end of a dream, and there is no gentle way to state that finality is upon you. That said, I regret to announce that, as of Monday, March 2nd, 2009, Wordsmiths Books will close its doors for good. I don't do this willingly, and I would love to say that there were avenues of exploration yet to wander, possibilities that could avert this outcome, but that would be untruthful. I have explored every possibility open to me, but the sheer magnitude of the decline in sales alone (on the heels of our efforts to right the boat) from our current economic downturn has long since evaporated the fumes. Frankly put, there's nothing left to make the engine go, and sitting on the side of the road with a thumb out doesn't seem to earn you much grace as a business.

It had been my hope to leave more of a gap between the announcement and the closing, or to perhaps discuss it with everyone as the date approached, but that possibility just was not open to me. For all of the things I may regret or wish to offer an apology for, that would be the most prominent. So, to all of our loyal customers, to those who have followed our journey, to those who offered their support when it was needed the most, I apologize that I could not fulfill a more lasting obligation to you. I apologize for falling short in this endeavor. Unfortunately, we are in a period in which it is more difficult to produce the services you would like to offer without losing your shirt, and far more challenging to meet the demands on a daily basis. Not impossible, but difficult nonetheless.

For 2 years, Wordsmiths Books has been recognized for its events, for its atmosphere, and for its venture into a new media that stretches well beyond traditional marketing methods. From a purely idealistic point of view, we achieved what we had hoped to achieve. We left our mark. Hopefully, it will be one that is remembered fondly. I'm not going to revisit the authors or musicians we staged, nor am I going to tell you tales of my favorite moments, or list our accolades, because that would just be indulgence on my part, and I won't presume to force that on you. If you wish to hear me ramble on, or if you wish to pass along your thoughts, you can still reach me via email. I'll do my best to respond to you in a timely manner, and answer any questions that you might have.

Before signing off, I would like to wish my fellow independents well in their journey. To Little Shop of Stories, Eagle Eye, Bound to Be Read, The Blue Elephant, Outwrite Books, Charis, and Acapella, I wish you good luck on your journey. May your days be filled with profit and your businesses thrive for many years to come. To our customers, I say thank you for your support, and thank you for allowing me this opportunity to serve you.

Time to turn the page.

A Snowy N. McDonough St.

Looking down N. McDonough St. Decatur, GA. on 3-1-09

A Snowman bigger than kids.

This little girl had a snowman that was taller than she was on Avery St. near Winnona Park School on this first good Snow Day this year.

Snow Sledding in Decatur GA.

This family who lives on W. Hill St. was having a good time

Decatur Snow...Will Decatur See it Again ?

Relics & Rarities and Ice Cream Planning March 15th Opening

Warren Pickard of Relics & Rarities tells Next Stop...Decatur he is planning to open Sunday March 15th
I took a tour through it and it is looking good.
Ice cream shop looks great, looks like an old diner.
Full story on this place coming soon with more pictures.
Decatur kids & adults will love this place.
-----------------
It's an old garage converted to a wonderful Ice Cream Parlor, that desires to be a museum.... Simply put, it's Relics and Rarities. A unique place full of the weird and wonderful, from delicious ice cream to history to classic cars, and so much more.



Relics & Rarities
409 N. McDonough St.
Decatur, Ga

Across from Decatur High School

Winning ....Paul Newman - Great Music soundtrack

This is one of my favorite movies, Winning with Paul Newman & Robert Wagner.
I loved the music soundtrack so much I bought it when the movie first came out and still have it today and listen to it all the time. Great music.

see photos from the movie

Comment from farid:
It is a good post show me more about Paul Newman. Please visit my blog at music6six.blogspot.com

February 28, 2009 12:26 AM

Remembering My Three Sons

MY THREE SONS

U.S. Domestic Comedy

Created by Don Fedderson and Leave it to Beaver alumnus George Tibbles, My Three Sons was one of television's longest running and most influential domestic comedies. The program was conceived originally as a television vehicle for Fred MacMurray, (who owned 50% of the program), when Fedderson was approached by Chevrolet to develop a program that was "representative of America." During its twelve year run, the program averaged a respectable, but not spectacular 22.2 rating and a 35% share, and underwent enormous narrative and character changes. It is most significant for its development of a star-friendly shooting schedule and for its redefinition of the composition of the television family.

Before he agreed to his contract, Fred MacMurray queried veteran television performer, Robert Young, about Young's workload. Upon Young's complaint about television's time-consuming schedule, MacMurray insisted on a unique shooting plan that was to be copied by other top actors and christened "the MacMurray Method." This so-called "writer's nightmare" stipulated that all of MacMurray's scenes were to be shot in 65 non-consecutive days. All other actors had to complete their fill-in shots while MacMurray was on vacation. Practically speaking, this meant the series had to stockpile at least half a season's scripts before the season ever began so that MacMurray's role could be shot during his limited work days. The repercussions of this schedule were enormous. Guest-stars often had to return nine months later to finish filming an episode; MacMurray's co-stars had their hair cut weekly so as to avoid any continuity discrepancies (MacMurray wore a toupee); and any unforeseen event (a sudden growth spurt, a guest-star's death) could cause catastrophe. Often times, the producers were forced to film MacMurray in scriptless episodes, and then construct a script around his very generalized monologues. Frequently, to avoid complication, the writers simply placed his character "out of town," so that there are an inordinate number of episodes in which Steve Douglas communicates to his family only by telephone. Despite the hardship on writers, directors and co-stars, the MacMurray method was adapted by a number of film stars (Jimmy Stewart, Henry Fonda) as a conditional requirement for their work in a television series.

Read full story at MBC

An Afternoon Drive Down Ponce

Vintage Bottle Caps...When they were Cool.

Remember when Bottle Caps were cool looking.
Today they are a plastic piece of crap.
Photo from Blog.epromos.com

5th Earl Gives Thanks to Communty

5th Earl gives thanks for all the donations that they received for the employee fund
as you know they had heavy damage from the fire at Trackside.
read all about it over at Decatur Metro

2009 Decatur Arts Festival ... FAQ

2009 Decatur Arts Festival

Frequently Asked Questions for Artists



Can you tell me some general facts about the 2009 Decatur Arts Festival?

How can I apply for the 2009 Decatur Arts Festival?

What are the steps for applying to the festival?

How do I make digital images of my work, and how do I prepare my images for uploading to ZAPP?

When is the deadline for applications?

When will I know if I have been selected for the Decatur Arts Festival?

Why was I not selected for the 2009 Decatur Arts Festival?

Is there a wait list for the 2009 Decatur Arts Festival?

How much is the booth fee for the 2009 Decatur Arts Festival?

I am a gallery artist. How can I participate in the 2009 Decatur Arts Festival?

How can I learn more about the jury for the 2009 Decatur Arts Festival?

http://www.decaturartsalliance.org/FAQ.html

Entrance to Agnes Scott College from train tunnel to Decatur

Walkway to downtown Decatur for students or a kid like me taking a short cut to Decatur. I lived one block from Agnes Scott in fact it was almost my backyard.

This is for you Mary who requested more photos of Agnes Scott back in the day. I will try and post more photos soon.

Java Jive on Ponce

Java Jive Co.
790 Ponce de Leon Ave.
Atlanta, GA.
404-876-6161

read review

Spring Items at Whit's End

Dear Whit’s End Shoppers,



Spring items begin arriving Friday, February 27, and will continue on through the end of March. For a limited time, you can get 10% off any new Spring item when you purchase any item on Winter Clearance which is already deeply discounted.



We have some terrific new products to offer Decatur. We are adding a line of summer footwear from Rafters, made from recycled materials. Please call or email if you have any questions about when something is coming in.


See you in soon.

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

Improvements to the Pay by Phone Parking in Decatur

I received this email from Park Now (this is the pay by phone parking in Decatur.)

Dear cell phone parking user:

Thank you for trying cell phone parking in Decatur. We are continuing to improve the functionality of the system and are pleased to announce that beginning this week you will be able to select the amount of time you wish to park. Just follow the new system prompts. You will be asked to push "1" for two hours , "2" for 1 1/2 hours, "3" for one hour, and "4" for one-half hour or you may select the actual number of minutes you wish to park (minimum 15), each followed by the # key. An additional new feature allows you to call the number again and add time to your current parking session remotely, up to the two hour limit.
If you have not yet added funds to your account we encourage you to do so. Please log onto your account at www.goparknow.com If you forgot your username or passcode please call the cell parking telephone number 678-791-4116 press 0# and you will receive a text message containing the information. Your passcode is case sensitive. Alternatively you may call our help desk at 1-866-951-7275 and a customer service representative will assist you.

If you have any questions please contact us at info@goparknow.com

Thank you,

ParkNOW!

My photo of the old Columbia Theatre used in Atlanta Time Machine

This picture I took of The Columbia Theatre is being used in a new Atlanta Time Machine
Greg Germani of Atlanta Time Machine sent me the link here.

Greg does a great job on all of his Atlanta Time Machine photos.
Thanks Greg for using one of my photos. Good job.

The Majestic Diner

Check out this myspace blog someone started.

Edward L. of Atlanta says:
I love the Majestic for it's Americana and for its Poncey-Highlandness - but they gotta change their breakfast prices!

I love the Majestic for the new polished metal and red restroom doors and fancy track jackets - but they gotta change their breakfast prices!

I love the Majestic for the 24/7 ness and cleanliness and bright whiteness - but they gotta change their breakfast prices!

I don't know what else to say... I love the Majestic - but they gotta change their breakfast prices!

1031 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 875-0276

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.
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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
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Facebook is like living in a glass house.

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