Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Will renovated Cross Keys High help DeKalb community?


By Kristina Torres and Christian Boone

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution



In little more than two weeks, demolition at Cross Keys High School will begin. It will erase decades of decline at the DeKalb County campus, transforming brick and mortar literally coming apart at the seams into a newly modern school building.
But the renovation -- which months ago suffered an ill start when the first architect quit, among other delays -- seems unlikely to address a deeper concern among some advocates about Cross Keys’ future as a traditional neighborhood high school.

“I feel like a vibrant community, which has a vibrant commercial life and a vibrant identity, also has a vibrant public school community,” said Kim Gokce, who lives with his family in the Brookhaven area around Cross Keys and is president of the local HillsDale Neighborhood Association. He is also active with the Brookhaven Community Connection, the local business league.

“In this community,” Gokce said, “people see Cross Keys and roll their eyes.”

Built in the 1950s on North Druid Hills Road, the campus sits on about 40 acres just west of I-85. The city of Atlanta’s glitzy Buckhead business district is just around the corner. DeKalb school board member Don McChesney, who represents Cross Keys, said the site “is worth more money than any school property in the county.”

ajc story

FUN IN THE SUN AT GLENLAKE POOL





3 Popular Decatur Blogs

Monday, July 20, 2009

A Good Sign to See "Trackside Tavern Will Return"



A sign posted on front of Trackside Tavern says We Will Return.

Vote Wahoo! Grill


Michele Allen of Wahoo! Grill sends this in.

Vote Wahoo! Grill

Creative Loafing is looking for the best Atlanta has to offer and wants your opinion! Show your support for Wahoo! by voting for us in Creative Loafing's 2009 Best of Atlanta poll.

Click here to cast your vote today! Voting ends at midnight on Friday, July 31.
Winners will be announced Wednesday, Sept. 23.


Thank you in advance for your continued support.

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

Ok Decatur, this is a reminder to vote for your favorite Decatur thing.
Lets see how many we can help win.

Whit's End is now on Facebook


Jeff at Whit's End wants all you fans to search for them on Facebook.

Join us….search Whit’s End Decatur Fans on Facebook.



Thanks,

Jeff


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

First Moon Landing 40 Years Ago. ???????




The video of the very first moon landing of the apollo 11 mission in 1969! Neil Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the moon with his now legenday words "One small step for man, a giant leap for mankind." This is a truly amazing video and it was in 1969!!! If you think about it, you have orders of magnitude more processing power in your mobile phone than they did in the whole space craft!! Incredible!

Do you belive we really went to the moon ?

Watch this video.




If you like this kind of stuff,
rent this movie. "CAPRICORN ONE"

Sunday, July 19, 2009

The city that 
was never built


Cousins Properties. Fox Plaza plans are on hold until market conditions improve.
The city that 
was never built
Proposed in prosperous times, plans called for new look on Peachtree

By Rachel Tobin Ramos

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution



If you look up Peachtree Street, squint your eyes and let your mind wander, you could travel a boulevard of dreams.
Imagine a day trip aboard the $200 million Atlanta streetcar as it travels its 14.5-mile path up Peachtree.

You could leave your condo at Fox Plaza, just across from the famous theater, then stroll up the block for a facial at a 40-story spa-hotel. Now it’s time to hop on the streetcar and head for lunch at the Mandarin Oriental and a matinee performance at the new Atlanta Symphony Center.

You could round out your day shopping the luxurious Streets of Buckhead, dining at one of its signature restaurants, and snuggling in the Egyptian cotton sheets of the flagship Hilton Hotel in Buckhead.

ajc story

Decatur High Construction Update Photo

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Historic Plaza Theatre becomes a non-profit


Historic Plaza Theatre becomes a non-profit
by Richard Eldredge
Peach Buzz


In order to keep the city’s longest continually-operating movie theater open, owners Jonathan and Gayle Rej have announced that the 70-year-old Ponce de Leon Avenue institution has become a non-profit.

“The Plaza Theatre Foundation is intent on providing Atlanta a unique and classic filmgoing experience for years to come,” explains Jonathan Rej in an e-mail to Buzz Central. ”But the day-to-day operations of an independent cinema are rife with challenges. To keep the doors open, the film rolling and the popcorn popping, The Plaza Theatre Foundation needs your help.”

In order to keep the indie community arts theatre open, the Rejs are asking Plaza Theatre fans help in the following ways:

— Donate $250 and get the name of your choice engraved on a 9” gold star, which will be hung on The Plaza Theatre’s prestigious Star Wall.

— For a tax deductible donation of $400, you can purchase a seat to be installed in The Plaza Theatre. The name of your choice will be permanently displayed on an engraved brass plate attached to your seat.

— Be a Plaza Theatre V.I.P. by purchasing a membership package. Choose from a variety of

packages, which offer perks, discounts and more like movie passes, private screenings

and Plaza merchandise.

“Our goal is to keep The Plaza Theatre open and for it to continue to be a cornerstone of the

local arts community,” says Jonathan. “And gifts of all sizes will make a big difference.”

The Plaza Theatre Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and all gifts are tax deductible. All

funds generated will be used toward restoration, furnishings, equipment, operations and community initiatives for The Plaza Theatre.

On Friday Jonathan told Buzz: “When we bought this place, we just wanted to keep the theatre open. We never thought we were going to make a lot of money off of it. But we were hoping that it would at least support itself. That hasn’t turned out to be the case.”
http://blogs.ajc.com/peachbuzz/

For more info: www.plazaatlanta.com.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Looking for something to do this weekend



Looking for something to do this weekend

This Weekend: The Spinners, jazz at the High, Butterfly Festival, ‘Food for Fish’

By SHANE HARRISON

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution



FRIDAY
Sing along to the hit tunes with the gang from Rydell High at the “Grease” Sing-A-Long, hosted by Lucky Yates. Audience members can add to the fun by dressing up as a favorite character from the film, with prizes to be awarded for the best costumes at each performance.

8 p.m. July 17-18. $12. Plaza Theatre, 1049 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-873-1939, www.plazaatlanta.com.

More at AJC

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Pet Rock Art Sunday 7/19/09 at Hoopla


Join us this Sunday, July 19th from 1-4pm. We will have a facepainter, balloon artist and bubbles and pet rock art for the kids! Our neighbors will have lots going on too! Taste is hosting a Grits Battle! More from our friends at Mingei World Arts, Java Monkey and Seen Gallery!


Hoopla

Rose Squared Presents "Conversations with Shoes"



Rose Squared Presents

"Conversations with Shoes"
Featuring the work
of Fashion Modernist Painter
Jo Baskerville


Also Presenting
A Museum Showcase of
Antique Women's Shoes
from the 1930's!
Collection of Joel Diamond

Opening Event
August 7, 2009
7p.m. to 10p.m.

Rose Squared is proud to present the work of upcoming artist Jo Baskerville.

"Conversations With Shoes" takes you into the world of "Fashion Modernism," a phrase coined by the artist to describe taking the art of fashion into the two dimensional world of painting on canvas and paper.

Come see these exciting paintings presented in a loose, fluid style of rendering that translates the art of shoe design into another form of art altogether.

"Jo Baskerville has done something unique not only in theme, but also in his personal style of painting. Every drip, every run and every brush stroke is perfectly placed to interpret his subject in just the way he wanted it. These paintings are not only serious depictions of iconic shoe fashions in history, but they have a whimsical air about them that puts a smile on your face and a kick in your step."

JD Isaacs

Rose Squared
111 Clairemont Ave
Decatur, GA 30030
ph: 404 377-1414

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

The Z that stands for ZORRO



After reading a post over at the Asian Cajuns I had to post this.

"The Iberian Pig" will take over the old Sage Restaurant Space

The Decatur Minute is reporting on a new Restaurant "The Iberian Pig" will be coming to the old Sage Restaurant Space located at
121 Sycamore St.
Decatur, GA.
(On the Square"
Read about it over at thedecaturminute.com

At any given time Decatur blogs are always in the top five.

Gorgeous restoration in Kirkwood


Photos by Christopher Oquendo/AJC Special; Captions by Laughing Sun Renovations
more photos

The first thing you'll notice upon approaching the house is the porch gable with its timber framing and Japanese inspired porch beams. These stout beams rest on massive tapered granite columns and their ability to be structural and load-bearing as well as beautiful allows the ceiling of the porch to soar. If you look up, you'll see the antique heart pine lumber that composes this stunning beaded ceiling.
More: More Private Quarters |

Emile Baran Instruments Inc.



Emile Baran Instruments Inc.
113 Clairemont Ave., Decatur, Georgia 30030 (404) 377-3419

Monday, July 13, 2009

DeKalb earns cash from landfill trash

DeKalb earns cash from landfill trash

By TY TAGAMI

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution



Money may not grow on trees, but it does waft from a trash heap in DeKalb County.

This month, DeKalb is expecting a third monthly check for around $12,000 from a venture that uses new filtration technology to harvest methane from rotting garbage at the defunct Live Oak Landfill.
The partnership with the landfill owner and a developer has produced the largest “high BTU” methane-extraction plant in Georgia. The plant refines the gas to a potent commercial grade that can be piped directly to consumers.

Cash from trash. It’s an idea that would seem to fit nicely into America’s energy independence strategy, but it is not without controversy. Proponents, including the developer of this project, are pushing for federal subsidies that would treat trash gas like other “renewable” energy sources, but some environmentalists say public money should only be spent on energy sources such as solar, wind and geothermal power.

AJC story

Evian Roller Babies - Live Young

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Are you for or against Clothes Lines ?


Back in the 50's and 60's almost every home had a clothes line in their back yard, but today not many are around, but they say they are coming back.

Here is a article on clothes lines,

Ontario Home Builders Association is in a tizzy!


Oh the horrors! The Ontario Home Builders Association has worked themselves into a tizzy over an uber serious issue here in Ontario – the veto on banning clothes lines. Yes ladies and gentlemen, the OHBA thinks it’s a terrible thing for the Ontario government to do.

Today, the Ontario gov announced that no longer will subdivisions etc in the Province of Ontario be allowed to ban the use of clothes lines. We are allowed to … er, air our clean laundry in public, so to say. For a long time many areas have forbidden the use of this venerable method of drying clothes. Not sure why anyone would get into a lather over such a thing, but there you have it. It was such an issue with some knuckle dragging folks, they actually banned the use of them. “Can’t have that in our neigbourhood”.

In this day and age of trying to get people to decrease their energy consumption, the ban made even less sense. To help remedy this Ontario has now said it can no longer be enforced. To encourage people to use clothes lines, Ontario Hydro will be giving out clothes lines (for both indoor and outdoor use).
catpawsblbog.com

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Popular Local Blogs

Let Me Be Myself

Remember The North 85 Twin Drive-In ?



Visit my North 85 Twin Drive-In site for some 1979 photos just added.

If you have any Theatre or Drive-In photos that were in the Atlanta area, send us a copy to post.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Medlock Garden Tour Saturday Morning


click photo for more info.


MEDLOCK GARDEN TOUR JULY 11!
Second Annual Medlock “Funky-Elegant Lush Summer” Garden Tour


As our neighborhood and the whole metro area burst into full and glorious spring, the Medlock Garden Tour Committee has been out walking the neighborhood, checking out all kinds of new gardens for the second annual Medlock Garden Tour. Gardeners are so grateful that rain has finally returned to the Southeast that they are not complaining too much about delayed planting due to storms. In fact, this seems like one of the freshest and greenest springs in many years, and we hope that our summer gardens will be lush and bounteous as well.

For those of you who didn’t attend last year’s First Annual Medlock Funky-Elegant Lush Summer Garden Tour, let it be said that it was a rousing success! We had huge lots, small plots, fish ponds, bird houses, showpiece gardens, old gardens, new gardens, community gardens, vegetable bounty, butterfly habitat, shade gardens, and sunflowers galore.

Approximately 250 adults and many children toured these gems of our neighborhood. Those who had never planted anything learned a lot and took great inspiration; gardeners and non-gardeners alike delighted in the uniqueness of each individual garden; neighborhood kids sold out of cookies and lemonade and gave guided garden tours; produce was given away; live classical music was played; neighbors had a wonderful time meeting each other as they walked, bicycled and drove through the neighborhood; and we raised $811 to benefit environmental education at Medlock School.

So, what’s in store for 2009??? The garden list is having the finishing touches put on it as we go to press; we have found that there are many more wonderful gardens in our community than we could have imagined. The list this year will include mostly new gardens, with a couple of star repeats from last year. We are looking at gardens with multiple raised beds for vegetables; a front yard that is nothing but flowers; a 1.7-acre lot featuring a huge shade garden, creek, swinging bridge and pond; a “power line garden” which includes a stream trail and bluebird habitat; a “rain pond garden” fed by gutter drainpipes going underground; and some major historical neighborhood landmarks on large lots, including one with a very large fish pond.

Summer Movies


Check out all the movies now playing and movies coming soon

Ponce de Leon Ball Park memories at The Wren's Nest


Great picture of The Old Ponce de Leon ball park over at The Wren's Nest Blog.
This is a cool blog, it's on my blog roll.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Vote for your Favorite - Best of Atlanta 2009


"You can even vote for your Favorite blog." look under cityscape at the bottom for it in the link below.
Vote at the Creative Loafing site.

How can you be down with the Filthy Rich? Vote today for Best of Atlanta 2009! That’s right, voting starts today at clatl.com/bestofatlanta, and you can vote for your favorites through July 31. We’ll publish the results in September.

Now, you don’t have to be Filthy Rich to join us July 23, 9 p.m., at the Tabernacle for a Best of Atlanta 2009 party! Admission is only $5, with beverages and food included (while the rations last). Attractive Eighties Women and Hardy Morris of Dead Confederate are on the bill, and you can vote onsite.

We’ve got some newfangled additions to this year’s ballot, too: You’ll be able to save and come back to your ballot, and you can vote through Facebook and share your experience with your Facebook friends.

To get you warmed up, take this quick poll on what you love most about the Best of Atlanta issue. Check back here and on our other blogs for more fast ways to get your voice heard. And vote today!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

A&P Super Market @ N. Decatur Rd & Clairmont circa 1950




Here is a 1950 photo of the A&P Super Market which was located at N.Decatur Rd & Clairmont.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Mid Summer Sale at Whit's End.


There is much on sale at Whit’s End!

*All Levis Jeans, & Dockers Slacks.

*All Columbia, Kuhl, and Prana, Shorts & Shirts.

*All Shoes…by Toms, Rafters, Columbia, & Patagonia.


Come on in!


Thanks,

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

Grease at The Plaza Theatre July 17 & 18



Tickets on sale now.
To order tickets go here.

More info

Monday, July 6, 2009

Ponce de Leon Mansion of Asa Candler, Coca-Cola magnate.


This elegant Ponce de Leon Ave. mansion of Asa Candler, Coca-Cola magnate, now serves the St. John's Melkite Catholic Church.
circa 1902 Photo from Joseph M. Lee DEK-115-85
Courtesy of Vanishing Dekalb
Dekalb Historical Society

Sunday, July 5, 2009

FOX BROS. BAR-B-Q






After Decatur's Pied Piper Parade we headed over to FOX BROS. BAR-B-Q on Dekalb Ave. for some great Bar-B-Q. This is a cool place............. Hope you had a great 4th.

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
1238 Dekalb Ave.
Atlanta, Ga.

Pied Piper Parade as it winds through downtown Decatur







Check out a video at the inDecatur site.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

James Cagney/Mickey & Judy - Yankee Doodle Dandy

Have a Happy Fourth of July




I guess you will have to settle for Lay's Potato Chips unless you can find a bag of Sunshine Potato Chips.
Gordon's Potato Chips sold to Sunshine Biscuits in 1956

Friday, July 3, 2009

Decatur's Main Streetcar No. 274 circa 1948



When Decatur's main streetcar gave way to the trackless trolley, tracks were removed from the streets and new traffic patterns were established.
photo courtesy of Vanishing Dekalb

Location: Decatur, GA
N. McDonough St. in front of old court house, look close and you can see it in background.

North Decatur Drugs


This is from Flickr member xpkranger os on vacation

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Plans for DeKalb amusement park end in foreclosure

Plans for DeKalb amusement park end in foreclosure

By PAUL DONSKY

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Developers had big plans for a 32-acre plot of land just north of I-20 in southeast DeKalb County: an amusement park, indoor water park, 6,500 seat arena and hotel conference center, all with a theme based on the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

But despite more than four years of planning, it appears the project, known as Grand Empire Palace & Resort, will never be built.

AJC story

A Parade, Concert and Fireworks, Fun times 3

Join Decatur's July 4th Pied Piper Parade as it winds through downtown Decatur. Decorate your wagon, ride your bike, skate, or walk in this event.

The City Commissioners will lead the parade in the mini-firetruck. Neighborhoods and organizations are encouraged to make floats and join the fun.

Parade line-up is at the First Baptist Church of Decatur at 5:30 p.m. The parade begins at 6 p.m. It ends at the Community Bandstand on the square with a presentation of colors and the Star Spangled Banner.

Anyone may participate in the parade but those with vehicles must register by completing the July 4th Pied Piper Parade Guidelines form.

The concert, featuring the Callanwolde Concert Band, begins at 7 p.m. in the Community Bandstand. Fireworks begin at dark (approximately 9 p.m.) and are shot from the top of the DeKalb County parking deck.

For information call 404-371-8386 or email cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com. For 24-hour information call the Decatur Events Hotline, 404-371-8262, or check this website.

>Parade guidelines and registration form at decaturga.com

http://www.decaturga.com/events_july4.aspx

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Decatur Sidewalk Sale


Linda Harris from decaturga.com sends this over:


Blue Moon Designs • 418 Church St. • 404-378-1114
10 percent off the entire store and 40 percent off select furniture.

Decatur Yoga & Pilates • 431 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. • 404-377-4899
10 percent off class cards, yoga wear discounts and free YogaKids summer drop-in with class card purchase.
Eyeworks of Decatur • 335 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. • 404-377-3937
20 to 50 percent off select frames.
Fabutique - 335-D W. Ponce de Leon Ave. - 404-377-6363
40 to 50 percent off select items.
Fleet Feet Sports431 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. • 404-371-0208
Sale on select merchandise.
Heliotrope248 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. • 404-371-0100
50 to 75 percent off select items.
Little Shop of Stories • 133 E. Court Sq. • 404-373-6300
20 to 50 percent off select books and toys.
Mingei World Arts • 427 Church St. • 404-371-0101
Outdoor sales tables and a variety of specials.
Opus Winds Classical Music • 308 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite D • 404-370-0507
Select items marked down from 10 to 50 percent.
Salon Red • 416 Church St. • 404-377-3164
Select items on sale July 3 and 5.
Taste • 416 Church St. • 404-370-1863
10 to 50 percent off select items.
Vivid Boutique • 133 E. Court Sq. • 404-371-5181
Get a free pair of earrings with $30 purchase of regular price merchandise.
Whit's End 431 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. #2 • 404-377-3310
10 percent off Columbia shorts and shirts, Patagonia shoes, Toms Shoes and 20 percent off Dockers pants.