Monday, March 31, 2014

Josh Elliott Leaves “GMA,” Jumps to NBC as Possible Matt Lauer Replacement

From: showbiz411.com -- by Roger Friedman - March 31, 2014
 Crazy stuff tonight: Josh Elliott is leaving ABC’s “Good Morning America” for NBC Sports. NBC Sports? Yes, that’s right. ABC wouldn’t meet his demand for $8 million a year, offered only $4-$5 million (up from $800,000 a year) so Josh is moving to NBC Sports. As in: Olympics and other miscellaneous sporting events. He’s not replacing Bob Costas or anyone else. But really, do you think he left the exposure of national TV every morning for that? The answer is: no. NBC needs someone else besides Willie Geist ready to take over for Matt Lauer when his contract runs out. With the ratings in such bad shape, it’s unlikely that Lauer will continue with “Today” past 2014. Right now, all they have is Geist, and he’s not ready. But Elliott is. A popular presence on “GMA,” he comes with a good Q rating. The morning audience knows him and likes him. You could absolutely see him transitioning into Lauer’s chair in November when Savannah Guthrie is back from maternity leave. And really, if NBC gave him more than $5 million a year, it wasn’t to be announcing golf scores. And if Elliott steps into the “Today” show slot, this wounds ABC. NBC has taken a key male morning presence off their side of the chess board. Just remember, I told you this first.
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Photo credit:  http://www.sdmackimages.com
 Next Stop...Decatur Comment :
Best move NBC has made in a long time.

Leon's 5 Year Anniversary Party


-- Photo from Grand Opening 5 years ago.

Friday, March 28, 2014

"Taken 3" to Film in Atlanta

From accessatlanta.com

"Taken 3," starring Liam Neeson, films in Atlanta soon
"The plot is unknown at this time," its imdb page says, but we're guessing it might be about someone who gets kidnapped? Just a guess.
We're told location folks are scouting some lovely homes in the Buckhead area, near where "Catching Fire" did a good bit of filming, followed by "Mockingjay," which has been filming in Atlanta for months now. (Most recently at a huge set north of the city).
In a recent interview with GQ, Neeson sounded surprised at how popular the "Taken" series has become.
 "I wanted to do more physical stuff," he told GQ. "I really thought it would be kind of a little side road from my so-called career. Really thought it would go straight to video. But it just got great word of mouth. I was stunned."
Neeson, who was in Atlanta last year for a cameo role in "Anchorman 2," is likely to keep a low profile when he returns for T3. He gave up drinking and is not interested in dating since the death of his wife, Natasha Richardson.

"I’m keeping myself to myself," he told GQ. "And I like it that way. I’m not hunting. I’m the opposite of a—what would a male cougar be? Is there such a thing? Whatever it is, I’m not that."

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Kristian Bush Headlines Decatur Arts Festival

Kristian Bush and some fans at The Decatur Book Festival a few years ago.

 From http://decaturartsalliance.org/blog/kristian-bush-headlines-decatur-arts-festival/

Kristian Bush, of the Grammy Award-winning group Sugarland, will perform with Larkin Poe on Saturday, May 24 at the Decatur Arts Festival. Bush has left his mark on music for more than two decades and has sold more than 22 million Sugarland albums worldwide with partner Jennifer Nettles. Bush is a graduate of Emory University, an Atlanta resident, a frequent performer at Eddie’s Attic, and an active member of the Decatur community. We are proud and excited to have him headlining the Performing Arts Stage this year! Read more about Kristian and the rest of our amazing line-up here.
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  kristianbush.com

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Neighborhood Clean-Up days

The City of Decatur offers Neighborhood Clean-Up days once a year to allow residents to dispose of bulky items that wouldn’t normally be placed in Pay-As-You-Throw bags.  Each street in the City is assigned to one Saturday each spring, generally between March-June.
<a href="http://cliparts.co/clipart/1524229" title="Image from cliparts.co"><img src="http://cliparts.co/cliparts/kiK/R8r/kiKR8rpLT.jpg" width="350" alt="NEXT STOP...DECATUR: March 2014" /></a>The event starts this Saturday, so make sure to check the schedule below to find out which day your street will be picked up.
.
For more information on either event, contact: Sean Woodson, Solid Waste Superintendent, sean.woodson@decaturga.com, 678-898-8562.
photo credit:  Clipart.co ------------------->

Inman Park Festival April 25-27, 2014



-- From Inman Park web site.

 Inman Park Spring Festival takes place in one of Atlanta’s oldest and most scenic neighborhoods. First developed in the late 1800s, Inman Park is home to many historic homes and parks. The Festival began in the early 1970s as a means to attract attention to gentrification efforts that sought to revitalize the community. Now celebrating its 42nd anniversary, the festival offers something for everybody. Music, kids activities, a Tour of Homes, a marvelous street parade, an artists’ market, some of the city’s best people-watching. Come early, stay late, and be our guests at Atlanta’s best street festival. - See more at: http://inmanparkfestival.org

Friday, March 21, 2014

Eye on The Imperial

The Imperial is a neighborhood pub, nestled in beautiful Oakhurst in Decatur, Georgia.
Follow them on facebook

 Hours:
Mon - Wed: 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Thu: 11:30 am - 1:00 am
Fri - Sat: 11:30 am - 2:00 am
Sun: 12:30 pm - 12:00 am
The Imperial
726 W. College Ave
Decatur  GA
(404)464-5698

Morocco. Visit Mingei this weekend!

MOROCCO
Finds from our most recent buying trip
Saturday, March 22
10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 23
12:00-5:00 p.m.
Please join us!
Shopping and refreshments.
Need complete directions to our new space?
Please click here.
Plan to visit our fine neighbors and make a day of it!
Brunch or lunch at Duck's Kitchen, right next door!
Dine at Corner Pub.
Pick up goodies from Calavera Bakery!

Three Taverns Events for Mar 21 and 22

Three Taverns Events
March
21
HAWKTOBERFEST
6:00-8:00pm


Celebrate local craft beer with the Atlanta Hawks at Phillips Arena and vote for Three Taverns! We’ll be hanging out with local Atlanta craft breweries at the Hawks vs. Pelicans game. Come on out for good beer, food + live music!
March
22
Georgia Craft Beer Festival
1:00-6:00pm

Join us at Red Brick Brewing Company on Saturday March 22, 2014 for our GA Craft Beer Fest. This Celebration of Georgia brewing culture showcases tastes from local breweries around out the state. The event is aimed at bringing everyone together in support of the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild.


Info from http://threetavernsbrewery.com/

Spring Fever

Spring fever, spring is here at last
Spring fever, my heart’s beating fast
Get up, get out spring is everywhere...

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Spotlight on Ray's Indian Originals in Avondale

 From Ray's Indian Originals website.
We are a family business, started by my mother and father in 1973. My father’s native heritage offered our family many unique opportunities to meet some of the most beautiful people and blessed us with the joy of appreciation for some of the most incredible and unique native artwork in the world! Swift Arrow Trading is the online store for Ray’s Indian Originals Avondale Store, located in Avondale, Georgia.

We hope you enjoy our selection of indian pottery created by various tribes including Acoma, Hopi, Santa Clara, San Ildefonso, Zuni, San Juan, Cochiti, and Jemez. We carry a large selection of Native American woven baskets including representations from tribes such as: Apache, Hopi, Alaskan, and California tribes. Our Native American woven baskets are of exceptional quality with tribes that include Hopi, Zuni, Navajo and Santo Domingo. We also have a great selection of Navajo weavings and rugs.

We have been blessed over the years with great clients and friends. We hope with your support we will continue to grow and learn with you. Our goal is to bring a greater appreciation of the first Americans. They maybe the smallest minority, however in my mind, they could teach us all a lot about their love of this land, their family and a spiritual connection we all long for.

If you’re ever in Atlanta, please come by and visit! Phone: (404) 292-4999

Peace be with you.

Jonathan Ray Belcher


Ray's Indian Originals
32 N. Avondale Rd.
Avondale Estates, GA

The Rededication of the Eloise T. Leveritt Buidling on Talley Street

 Sent in by Linda Harris of decaturga.com

Join us as we rededicate the Eloise T. Leveritt Buidling on Talley Street

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Is Trader Joe's Looking for another Midtown Location ?

Word on the street they are very interested in the Ponce City Market area. They already have one at 931 Monroe Dr. Atlanta. Could they pull this off ? I guess we will have to wait and see.

Recycle and Shred Event March 22, 2014

Decatur has combined two of your favorite recycling events to make it simple and convenient for you to recycle your old electronics and Styrofoam, and safely shred and recycle your documents too!

WHEN: Saturday, March 22nd, 9 am -1 pm

NEW LOCATION: Decatur Public Works, 2635 Talley Street
*Enter from Columbia Drive

MORE INFORMATION: Sean Woodson, Solid Waste Superintendent, 678-898-8562.


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Kudzu & Company of Sandy Springs

If you like Kudzu Antiques in Decatur you will love Kudzu & Company in Sandy Springs.

From: http://kudzuandcompany.com/
Kudzu & Company of Sandy Springs encompasses 24,000 sq.ft., featuring a unique mix of Antiques, Midcentury, Industrial and Home Decor.

Special order Living room Sofas and Chairs, Original Fine Art and Custom Furniture services are available through Kudzu’s Design Bar, where customers have the assistance of our Resident Design Staff to assist in making fabric selections, choosing from Kudzu’s custom furniture builders, or deciding on a piece of original art.

An exciting addition to North Atlanta’s shopping choices, Kudzu & Company draws its inspiration from the original Kudzu Antiques in Decatur, one of Atlanta’s most beloved vintage stores for 34 years, and winner of numerous “Best of Atlanta” awards year after year.

A family owned business, Kudzu has a recognized tradition of friendly, professional service, terrific selection, and great prices. If you’re looking to sell, Kudzu buys estates and unique items. Kudzu is also one of Atlanta’s most experienced sources for rentals to the Movie and Television production industries.


Owners Kate and George Lawes, and their official 4-legged greeters, Isabella and Charlie, invite you to stop in, say hello, and discover Atlanta’s best vintage home store.
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All photos from a recent visit.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

2014 Ride to the Capitol March 18 - LET'S RIDE

From: http://www.georgiaridestothecapitol.org/
ABOUT THE 2014 EVENT

2014 will be a watershed year for bicycling in Georgia. Interest in bicycling - be it for sport or transportation - has never been higher. Georgia has six official "Bicycle Friendly Communities," Complete Streets policies are taking hold statewide, and strong local advocacy groups have won major successes in cities like Atlanta, Milledgeville, and Rome.

We've come a long way, but there's still so much more to do. Join us at the

Please REGISTER for the ride – only registered riders are covered by event insurance. Also, registered riders will receive a FREE commemorative reflective leg band! Details on the registration page.

PLEASE NOTE that there is a route CHANGE this year. The Edgewood Ave. bridge (at Krog St.) is closed and there is streetcar track construction as well. The route will detour at Edgewood and Krog to Irwin St. and follow Irwin (name changes to John Wesley Dobbs near downtown) to Courtland. See map for details.


W H O
Metro Atlanta Mayors Association (MAMA), Georgia Bikes!, and event sponsors will host over 1,000 cyclists from the metro Atlanta region. Police-escorted rides will depart from Decatur and Roswell led respectively by City Commissioner Fred Boykin and Mayor Jere Wood as well as other mayors and public officials from the region.


W H A T
During the ninth annual "Georgia Rides to the Capitol" event, cyclists will embark on rides to the Capitol in order to raise support for improved conditions for cycling, including the development of regional systems of both on-road bicycling facilities and multi-use-trails.


W H E N
Tuesday, March 18, 2014, during the state legislative session. Estimated time of arrival at the Capitol is 11:40 a.m. Your starting time will depend on which city or auxiliary location you choose to start at or which route you choose to join along the way.
2014 Ride to the Capitol to demonstrate your support for safe, economically vibrant communities. Let's create a Georgia that provides residents and visitors alike great opportunities for enjoying the simple, healthy joy of riding a bike.

 Original Photo credit  http://www.reporternewspapers.net/2011/03/24/march-25-2011/

Thursday, March 13, 2014

“Ideas of March” - Saturday, March 15, 2014 @ Decatur Gallery

“Ideas of March” - Saturday, March 15, 2014. It is for an art reception at the Decatur Gallery. The Ides of March brings an historic moment to mind, but it also provides artists with an impetus to create.
 In this group exhibition, artists will interpret the theme as a play on words: “Ideas of March.” Whether referencing the whimsical or historical, 20 participating artists will use individual mediums such as painting, encaustic, metal, ceramic, glass and jewelry to create new works inspired by the theme.
 “Ideas of March” - Saturday, March 15, 2014.
 Opening reception - 6:00- 10:00 p.m. Complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres
 153 Ponce de Leon Place Decatur, GA 30033 404.377.0755

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Steinbeck’s Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration

Steinbeck’s Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration
From: steinbecksbar.com  
We will have live music during the St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations on
  Sunday the 16th from 3pm to 8pm and Monday the 17th from 5pm-8pm! On Sunday, Stonehouse Posse will start us off, followed by The Dammages, and then The Bitteroots. Monday evening, Troy Cono will be here to help us celebrate the big day. It’s going to be a great St. Pat’s at Steinbeck’s!

In addition, Decatur Education Foundation (DEF) will host an event on 3/16 from 1:30p until 5:30p with a Bouncy House, Face Painting, etc.

659 East Lake Drive
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 373-1116

R.A.D. Studio Cruise Saturday March 15

From the decatur minute
The Decatur Arts Alliance is partnering with the Avondale Arts Alliance to host the Rail Arts District (R.A.D.) Studio Cruise this Saturday, March 15, 12-8 p.m.
Two of Decatur’s art studios will be on the tour:
  • Paradise Studios at 306 E. Howard Ave. – Five artists studios located on the second floor of the building across from the Kimball House.
  • Sycamore Place Galleries & Art Studios at 120 Sycamore Place.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Big Tex Spring Block Party Sat. March 15

 From bigtexdecatur.com

BIG TEX SPRING BLOCK PARTY - SATURDAY MARCH 15TH

Big fun in Decatur as we block off our street to celebrate spring's arrival with a stage full of great bands:
CODY BEARDEN BAND
RALPH RODDENBERRY
HIGH STRUNG STRING BAND
THE BLUEFIELDS
DANGERMUFFIN
COPIOUS JONES


 Texas Born Southern Made Cooking
in Downtown Decatur

Big Tex Cantina 
308 W Ponce de Leon Ave
Decatur, GA 30030
404 377-3939
-- This event starts at noon with music at 1 p.m. on the outside stage with the Codey Bearden Band, then Ralph Roddenberry and later on the High Strung String Band. At 4:30 p.m. is The Bluefields followed by Dangermuffin at 5:30 p.m. When Dangermuffin is finished rocking, the party heads inside for a late night set with Copious Jones starting at 9 p.m. There is no cover charge for this all-day and night event! Call 404-377-3939 for more information or visit our website http://www.bigtexdecatur.com/big-tex-events.html

Monday, March 10, 2014

Dearborn Animal Hospital Grand Opening March 29

From accessatlanta.com

Saturday, Mar 29 10:00a to 4:00p
We are please to invite everyone to come and help us celebrate our new location and hospital. Come and join us for a tour of our new home and have a great time.
We will have Free food and drinks, give aways, several rescue groups will be here and much more. Saturday March, 29, 2014 from 10 am to 4 pm. fun for the whole family! Our new address is 235 Dekalb Industrial Way, Decatur GA 30030
Photo from google maps.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

The 2014 Decatur Postcard Project

From:  decaturartsalliance.org
The 2014 Decatur Postcard Project is looking for artists, students, residents, businesses and members of the community who would like to submit images that reflect different aspects of the city. If you have photos or other artwork that captures the essence of what Decatur is all about and would like to share, send in your work. Submissions are welcome from all ages.
A jury will select six pieces that best represent Decatur for a set of 6 x 4 postcards, which will go on sale in May. The cards will be available at the Decatur Visitors Center and local retailers.
Keep in mind as you select your entries: brides like to use the postcards for wedding “Save the Dates” and parents like to use them for children’s thank you notes.
Submission deadline: Friday, April 11, 2014.
More details about the guidelines and a printable application are available here. (PDF)
Additional forms
Artists release form (PDF)
Model release form (PDF)
Minor release form (PDF)
More information: tourism@decaturga.com

Friday, March 7, 2014

Walgreens project looks to be a model of historic preservation.

 From: http://atlurbanist.tumblr.com
 --

Downtown Atlanta’s Walgreens project looks to be a model of historic preservation. The images above, posted elsewhere by a fellow downtowner, show the care that’s being taken with the beautiful Olympia Building.

The 1935 building, famous for its Coca Cola sign, has been empty for years. And after having had a portion removed during the 1990s, it bears little resemblance to its former self, when it served as a bustling center of activity in Atlanta’s Five Points intersection.
The current building owner is committed to doing a full restoration of the structure and re-enclosing the portion lost in the 90s. And now we learn that Walgreens is planning to fill the space with a two-story, truly urban store. It will sell the store’s usual goods, along with beer and wine and dry groceries.

Having a new place to shop for necessities will be great for downtowners like my family. Doing so in a beautifully restored building is more than I could’ve hoped for, particularly in a city not known for its preservation efforts.
- See more at: http://atlurbanist.tumblr.com/post/78329233479/downtown-atlantas-walgreens-project-looks-to-be-a#sthash.B8xhRxH1.dpuf

Touch A Truck is Saturday March 8

 From http://beactivedecatur.wordpress.com/
by  
The Weather Channel says it will be 68 degrees and sunny on Saturday, so celebrate by coming out to Touch A Truck!
The City of Decatur and DeKalb County will have a variety of trucks and other vehicles to explore.
When:    Saturday, March 8, 10 am – 1 pm
Where:  Callaway Parking Lot, 120 West Trinity Place
Why:       It’s loads of fun!
Cost:  Free, but we ask you to bring a non-perishable food item to Feed The Hungry. Decatur Active Living is partnering with Decatur Fire to celebrate March which is National Nutrition Month.

The Atlanta Film Festival March 28-April 6.

From: www.accessatlanta.com
By Howard Pousner

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Atlanta Film Festival has announced the films that will command the prestigious opening and closing slots of the 38th annual fest, March 28-April 6.

The opening night feature will be “Joe,” starring Nicolas Cage as a hard-living ex-con who meets a hard-luck 15-year-old boy and becomes an unlikely protector and role model. Based on the novel by the late Mississippi writer Larry Brown, the Texas-set drama is directed by David Gordon Green (HBO’s “Eastbound and Down,” “Pineapple Express”), who will appear at the screening.

The closing film is “The Double,” a black comedy starring Jesse Eisenberg (“The Social Network”) as timid, isolated Simon, whose life is turned upside down by the arrival of a co-worker, James (also played by Eisenberg), who shares his appearance but is his opposite in terms of confidence, charisma and ease with the opposite sex. Also featuring Mia Wasikowska, “The Double” is directed by Richard Ayoade (the British sitcom “The IT Crowd”). It will show April 5, with the fest’s final day reserved for encore showings.
visit  http://atlantafilmfestival.com/

Atlanta Film Festival screenings will be at the Plaza Theatre and 7 Stages. To see lists of 15 narrative features and 15 documentaries coming to the fest, go to http://blogs.ajc.com/arts-culture. More on the fest: www.atlantafilmfestival.com.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

At Last...Warren Beatty to Play Howard Hughes

From: showbiz411.com
EXCLUSIVE: Good news! Warren Beatty is finally moving forward with his untitled “Howard Hughes” movie. What we do know is that a production office is in full swing at New Regency, the company making the film with Beatty. New Regency is newly hot these days with the arrival of Brad Pitt’s production company, and a major credit for “12 Years a Slave.” They’ve also got the next Cameron Crowe film, and Ben Affleck’s “Gone Girl.”

I put quotes around Howard Hughes’s name because it’s unclear whether the title character, to be played by Beatty, is still the infamously reclusive billionaire movie producer/aviator/raconteur/enigma. I’ve heard that Beatty, who’s written the screenplay himself, may have abandoned the idea of using Hughes, and decided to create his own character rather than deal with Hughes’s biographical baggage. That much remains in the air.

Right now the imdb calls the Beatty film “The Rules Don’t Apply.” There’s also a cast list that includes everyone from Jack Nicholson to Alec Baldwin. But sources say that “nothing on the imdb” is correct. The movie supposedly recounts a romance Hughes had with a young actress in his later years. Ironically, Beatty himself is now a few years older than Hughes was when he died at age 71. Of course, Beatty looks ten times younger than Hughes did even then.

Beatty is maybe the smartest guy in Hollywood, with a sharp eye and excellent taste. He’s an Oscar winner for “Reds,” and has on his resume many great films from “Shampoo” to “Bugsy” to “Heaven Can Wait” and “Dick Tracy” and “Bulworth.”  Some other projects, like “Love Affair” and “Town and Country” did not fare as well. But a new Warren Beatty film is reason for excitement. And we need a little buzz in this, the worst month for movies ever it seems!

Photos from :  http://blogs.indiewire.com/
and starpulse.com

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Car Driven into Ocean in Daytona Beach

From ajc

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. —
A group of rescuers went to the aid of a woman and children in a minivan that went into the ocean at Daytona Beach Tuesday afternoon.

A woman from South Carolina drove the vehicle into the water just before 5 p.m., according to Capt. Tammy Marris with Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue.

Lifeguards were able to get everyone from the vehicle before it became fully submerged.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Vince Vaughn took over STK Atlanta and Cucina Asellina Atlanta

From: www.lifeandstylemag.com
Sunday night in Atlanta, funny man Vince Vaughn took over STK Atlanta and Cucina Asellina Atlanta with some friends where they hit up both spots to host a mini Oscars viewing party.

Totaling a group of 18, actors included Bill Paxton, Peter Billingsley, and William Levy who are all in town filming Billingsley’s movie Term Life.
more here
photo credit:  celebrityhappening.com
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Hey Vince if you see this, how about sending a picture of you and your gang.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Decatur Triangle almost all Clear

The Dairy Queen will be torn down very soon making this triangle property clean. Let the new construction begin.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Memphis Belle's B-17 at PDK

--
--
Memphis Belle (Replica) The B-17G Memphis Belle used in the 1991 movie of the same name and now owned by the Liberty Foundations was at Peachtree DeKalb Airport this weekend.
 This aircraft was converted to an "F" model for use in the movie "Memphis Belle" and is not the real Memphis Belle.
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