Tag Renewal Problems to Persist Through December

From: http://www.fox5atlanta.com
 Car owners with December birthdays will not get the normal license tag renewal notices this year.

According to the Georgia Department of Revenue, vendor issues earlier this fall will continue to impact those renewal notices going out on time.
The vendor handling renewal notices, World Marketing, filed for bankruptcy in September and stopped sending them.

The state hired a new vendor to handle the notices, but the DOR said Thursday they must still finalize "future mailings" with the company.

Instead of the normal renewal notices, people with December birthdays should receive a letter explaining their other tag renewal options.

Earlier this month, Fulton County Commissioners passed a resolution temporarily waiving any late fees or interest for drivers impacted by the renewal delays in October and November.  Wednesday, they voted to extend that grace period through December.

Decatur Christmas Tree Lighting

Video Friday - Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Jessica Simpson

Eye on Decatur - New Waffle House

Mitchel Anderson signing at The Cook's Warehouse

Mitchell Anderson, owner of the very popular Midtown restaurant MetroFresh, will sign his new cookbook, “Food and Thought,” in two stores of The Cook’s Warehouse:

·       Midtown-Ansley Mall – Saturday, December 5, 3-5 p.m.

·       Decatur – Saturday, December 12, 3-5 p.m.

 

Anderson, a former actor on Doogie Howser MD and Party of Five, began his second career in 2002, apprenticing for “Souper Jenny” Levison before opening MetroFresh in 2005.

“Food and Thought” is a very special cookbook, half recipes from his popular restaurant and half musings and thoughts on food, business, family and current events.  You will love it!

“Food and Thought” makes a perfect holiday gift and Chef Anderson will be pleased to autograph and personalize his first cookbook just for you or those lucky folks on your gift list.

Mapping Atlanta's Ice Rinks, as If Atlantans Can Ice Skate!

 Centennial Olympic Park Ice Rink
 Photo credit  flickr member DEREK MEDLIN https://www.flickr.com/photos/

From curbedatlanta.com
Mapping Atlanta's Ice Rinks, as If Atlantans Can Ice Skate!
by Michael Kahn
Hey Atlanta: It's December! And with Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza/Festivus holidays looming, it's time to get out and enjoy one of winter's grandest outdoor activities. Sure, the only winter pastime we do really well is cause day-long traffic freakouts, but there are a few ice skating rinks scattered around that allow us Southerners to feel like Northerners for a few hours. And if you're worried about looking like a fool, think of it this way... ice is pretty much the great equalizer. Unless you're Michelle Kwan, you're probably going to bust your derrière a few times, no matter how sober you are. So check out the map, get out there and have some fun.
see map and list at http://atlanta.curbed.com/archives/2015/12/01/map-atlanta-ice-skating-rinks.php

Lost Disney film "Oswald the Lucky Rabbit" found in the BFI National Archive

From: http://www.bfi.org.uk/

 Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, the first-ever Disney character and a long-eared precursor to Mickey Mouse, features in this long-lost animated film. 

  The BFI National Archive and Walt Disney Animation Studios are pleased to announce the rediscovery of a rare, long-lost, Walt Disney animated film, Sleigh Bells (1928) featuring the first ever Disney character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, a long-eared precursor to Mickey Mouse. Oswald the Lucky Rabbit was invented by Walt Disney in 1927 and was loved for his mischievous and rebellious personality.

 A number of other films do survive but Sleigh Bells has been, until now, a lost film, unseen since its original release. The animation in the film was accomplished by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, both of whom went on to create the character of Mickey Mouse, following a contractual disagreement with Universal, for whom they had created the Oswald films The print of Sleigh Bells (1928) was preserved in the collections of the BFI National Archive.
The exciting rediscovery was made by a researcher browsing the online catalogue of the BFI National Archive’s holdings. Walt Disney Animation Studios have taken this unique surviving film print and created both a new preservation print and digital copies. The film has a running time of approximately six minutes. Robin Baker, Head Curator, BFI National Archive said: “What a joyful treat to discover a long-lost Walt Disney film in the BFI National Archive and to be able to show Sleigh Bells to a whole new audience 87 years after it was made.

 The restoration of this film will introduce many audiences to Disney’s work in the silent period – it clearly demonstrates the vitality and imagination of his animation at a key point in his early career. We thank Walt Disney for working with us and are thrilled to present the world premiere of this restored version here in London at BFI Southbank.” Andrew Millstein, President of Walt Disney

Animation Studios, which oversaw the restoration, added: “We’re thrilled to be collaborating with the BFI National Archives in the restoration of the ‘lost’ Oswald short, Sleigh Bells, and to be sharing this delightful animated discovery with audiences in the UK as part of this special Disney holiday programme.
 The Oswald shorts are an important part of our Studios’ history, and we have been working with film archives and private collectors all around the world to research the missing titles. We are grateful to Katrina Stokes, Robin Baker, and their associates at the BFI for helping us locate and preserve Sleigh Bells.”

What's Happening in Decatur (Nov. 29-Dec. 5)

 Here is a list of things going on in Decatur this week from
 thedecaturminute.com

 Posted by Catherine

This is a weekly blog post that lists all of the events and sales going on around town. It will be updated daily. If you would like to add an event, email Catherine.lee@decaturga.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 2
• Decatur Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m.
• Opening night of the Michael Weintrob: Instrumenthead exhibit at Three Taverns, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 3
• Terrific Thursdays
• Little Shop of Stories Tree Lighting, 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 4
• Decatur Holiday Marketplace and Cafe, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5
• Decatur Holiday Marketplace and Cafe, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Decatur Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Video Friday - All I Want For Christmas is You - Mariah Carey

Holiday deals at the Allinace - Black Friday & Cyber Monday

Black Friday Sale at the Alliance Theatre – all productions will be Buy One Ticket, Get One Ticket 50% Off –
Give the gift of theater this holiday season at great low prices! On Friday, November 27, select performances for all productions left in our 2015/16 season will be BOGO 50% off*, including the holiday classic A Christmas Carol, the Dad’s Garage production of Merry %#!*ing Christmas, Pulitzer Prize winner Disgraced, C.S. Lewis’s classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the world-premiere musical, Born for This: The BeBe Winans Story, and more! Use promo code BLACKFRIDAY50 when purchasing online at www.alliancetheatre.org/blackfriday (beginning at 12:01 a.m. on November 27) or by calling the box office at 404.733.5000 (beginning at 10:00 a.m on November 27).
*Some restrictions apply. Check the website for details.

Cyber Monday Sale at the Alliance Theatre – all January acting classes will be 20% Off –

On Monday, November 30, starting at 10:00 a.m., all upcoming January acting classes will be 20% off.  Classes cover a variety of age and experience levels and include acting for stage and film, playwriting, screenwriting, voiceover work, and more.  The discount will automatically apply on November 30 only, no promo codes necessary. The Cyber Monday sale does not apply to previously purchased classes.  See all our classes and learn more at www.alliancetheatre.org/classes. 

And after all the gift-giving, if you’re feeling charitable, the Alliance Theatre is participating in –

Giving Tuesday, December 1, 2015 –

On Tuesday, December 1, 2015 the Alliance Theatre will join with charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students worldwide for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give. Think of it like Black Friday, or Cyber Monday…only you’ll be making an investment in the artistic and cultural life of our city and the education of our children.  The Alliance does more than just create theater for our patrons. Reaching more than 165,000 patrons annually, we deliver programming that challenges adult and youth audiences to think critically and care deeply. The Alliance Theatre's commitment to education and new play development sets us apart and creates opportunities for audiences of all ages to experience the impact theater can have. Get #unscrooged on December 1 by donating to the Alliance Theatre on #givingtuesday. And make sure to share your story on social media about how you’re getting #unscrooged this holiday season!  http://my.alliancetheatre.org/dev/contribute.aspx

Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!

Kathleen Covington
Manager of Communications
 
Alliance Theatre
Tony Award® Recipient for Regional Theatrediscover us. discover you.

1280 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
p. 404.733.4601
f. 404.733.4625
AllianceTheatre.org/season
facebook.com/AllianceTheatre
twitter.com/AllianceTheatre

Shop Decatur Saturday & Sunday

     DECATUR GA
From thedecaturminute.com
Why go out on Black Friday when there’s a much better way to shop this week? Go to Small Business Saturday and Sunday in Decatur instead!
To honor the greatness that is Decatur’s local independent shops and restaurants, we’ll have a Small Business Saturday and Sunday tent this. . .Saturday and Sunday. . . on the square. Spend your weekend supporting your favorite local businesses and then stop by the tent for:

• Free gift wrap (on any locally purchased items)
• Hot chocolate, candy and other goodies
• A chance to win a City of Decatur basket (with gifts from all over town)
• A visit from Santa (Saturday only)
• To turn in your receipts – spend $200 at local shops in Decatur during the month of November and get a $20 gift card to a local restaurant
• Holiday music and other festive things

Here are the details:
What: Small Business Saturday and Sunday in Decatur
When: Saturday, Nov. 28 and Sunday, Nov. 29
Time: Saturday, 11-5 p.m., Sunday, noon- 5 p.m.
Why: See details above, plus, Santa, and a much more enjoyable shopping experience than the mall
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and see you this weekend!

The Pink Pig at Lenox Sq. Macy's Now thru Jan 3

 CLICK TO PLAY VIDEO
From:http://www.macys.com/
Over fifty years ago, a beloved tradition was born in Atlanta-the Pink Pig. Since its 1950s debut as a holiday ride at the Rich's downtown store to its brief stint at the Egleston Children's Hospital Festival of Trees, Priscilla the Pink Pig has been a beloved tradition in Atlanta for more than five generations. Join us this year at Macy's for our annual tradition!

 The original Rich's Pink Pig Flyer.
 http://pinkpigflyer.blogspot.com/

Decatur's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting is Thursday Dec. 3 at 7:00 PM

    DECATUR  GA
From: littleshopofstories.com
Christmas Tree Lighting Thursday, December 3rd  7 p.m.
It's one of the highlights of our year! Come downtown and gather with your neighbors on East Court  Square.
There will be hot chocolate and song and a visit from The Big Man himself. Ho..Ho..Ho!
   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s almost time for the  annual Decatur Christmas Tree lighting. This year's event will be Thursday Dec. 3rd at 7:00 PM (which is a Terrific Thursday) . All the local businesses  help make this possible each year! The tree will be up all holiday season,  the lighting is always a fun event for the whole community. They block off East Court Square and have hot chocolate, treats, carols, snow, and a visit from Santa!  Be there to see this event that Little Shop of Stories puts on each year.

For those who don't know about Terrific Thursdays here is some info about it from http://www.decaturga.com/

 Make Decatur your shopping and dining “mallternative” this holiday shopping season, especially on Terrific Thursdays in November and December. You’ll find cool deals at Decatur's hottest shops, galleries and restaurants. Park once and walk around town. Participating businesses will stay open late, offering beverages, snacks and special offers. In December Santa joins the fun visiting shops and restaurants within the city limits.

Video Friday - Chrissie Hynde- Back on the Chain Gang

From: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/pretenders/backonthechaingang.html "Back On The Chain Gang" I found a picture of you, oh oh oh oh
What hijacked my world that night
 To a place in the past
 We've been cast out of? oh oh oh oh
Now we're back in the fight
We're back on the train
 Oh, back on the chain gang
 A circumstance beyond our control, oh oh oh oh
 The phone, the tv and the news of the world Got in the house like a pigeon from hell, oh oh oh oh Threw sand in our eyes and descended like flies
Put us back on the train
 Oh, back on the chain gang
 The powers that be
 That force us to live like we do Bring me to my knees
When I see what they've done to you
 But I'll die as I stand here today
 Knowing that deep in my heart
They'll fall to ruin one day
 For making us part I found a picture of you, oh oh oh oh
 Those were the happiest days of my life
Like a break in the battle was your part, oh oh oh oh
In the wretched life of a lonely heart
Now we're back on the train
 Oh, back on the chain gang

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

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

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

Photos from previous shows

Ponce City Nights Nov. 19

Ponce City Nights

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

A Free Concert Series

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

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

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

The Name is Bond, James Bond

Decatur No. 4 in Drunkest Cities in Georgia

These Are The 10 Drunkest Cities In Georgia

From: http://www.roadsnacks.net

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Don’t you throw your empty beer can at the computer just yet. First off, it’ll damage the computer. Second, there’s actually a method behind this madness.
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California Pizza Kitchen to Reopen at Lenox Square November 18th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Local Kickstarter for Family Math Games

Local Kickstarter for Family Math Games
Sent in by Leslie Gilbert

LOCAL MOMS KICKSTART GAMES TO TEACH GIRLS MATH CONFIDENCE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walmart Grand Opening at Suburban Plaza

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

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

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