Sunday, November 29, 2015

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.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

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!

Monday, November 23, 2015

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/

Saturday, November 21, 2015

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.

Friday, November 20, 2015

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

Thursday, November 19, 2015

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

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Ponce City Nights Nov. 19

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


Tuesday, November 17, 2015

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.
more

Monday, November 16, 2015

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/

Friday, November 13, 2015

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


Thursday, November 12, 2015

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.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

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." 
more

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Friday Night Football...Decatur Style

From: http://ireport.cnn.com
 By cmparks
The moment that you hit Memorial Drive in Decatur, Georgia, you see the lights from the stadium. That beat from the drums less than a mile away gets your heart pumping. You know that you are in for a treat. No matter what team you are pulling for, you know that it is going to be a fight. Each side has on the colors for their team. With all the great teams in Decatur, everyone thinks their team is the best. I am partial to South West DeKalb, my high school. But around DeKalb County, there is always a buzz Friday and Saturday nights.
From the minute you pull into the parking lot at the stadium, it is like a college or pro football game. People are tailgating! I have never have seen this for high school games before. I lived a number of other states, and I have never experienced this before. The fans are so into the game. It is like something on another level. The line is long. People wait with blankets, seats, and sound makers ready to see the game.
But what others don’t understand about the DeKalb County culture is you don’t go to the concession stand or the bathroom during half time. Most of the time, it’s just not the team that we come to see. It is also the band. With some of the most professional bands in the world, halftime is sometimes the best part of the game. The bands are always large. Along with the dancing young ladies of the drill team, flag corps, or majorettes, the bands play the latest songs and have elaborate routines. You can see everyone swaying and singing along to the band. And even though you may not like the other team, you can find yourself saying that was a good routine. You always get a great show.
No matter what you do, the buzz of Friday and Saturday is always present in DeKalb County. You know that you will go no matter what the weather. You are going to support your team. You team is always the best team in DeKalb…no matter the record.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Ray's Indian Originals in Avondale to Close at Year end.

 The family business, which opened in 1948 as a radio and jukebox repair shop and in 1972 turned into  a Native American gallery . but in recent years the brick and mortar store has struggled, but their online store  flourished, so the owners have decided to close their doors December 30, 2015
You can read the full announcement from the city at decaturish.com
 


Tuesday, November 3, 2015

An Event for The Restaurants of Diners, Drive- Ins and Dives

From: http://atlantaeats.com

 Don’t miss an event filled with your favorite restaurant celebrities this Thursday, November 5th!

 Suzanne Vizethann of Buttermilk Kitchen hosts a live screening of Diners, Drive- In’s and Dives with fellow food stars, Jon and Joy Beber of Joy Cafe, Todd Ginsberg of The General Muir, Terry Koval of Wrecking Bar Brewpub and Jonathan and Justin Fox of Fox Bros. BBQ. The premiere also includes chef tastings and drinks! All proceeds benefit Georgia Organics.

Flash sale happening NOW for a $20 ticket discount www.bit.ly/gohometownheroespromo

Terrific Thursdays Nov 5 thru Dec 17

  From : http://www.visitdecaturgeorgia.com
2015 Details
Nov. 5, 12, 19
Dec. 3, 10, 17
It's time to get gifty! - Shop in Decatur on Thursdays in November and December. Terrific Thursdays are back with special in-store events, discounts, and treats at more than 20 shops, restaurants, and services. 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.


   http://www.visitdecaturgeorgia.com/see-do-play/special-events/terrific-thursdays


  http://www.visitdecaturgeorgia.com/see-do-play/special-events/terrific-thursdays


see video at link above.


Back by Popular Demand This Year!
Spend $200 at any Decatur shop during the month of November, bring your receipts to the Decatur Visitors Center and receive a $20 gift card from a local restaurant. You don't have to spend $200 all in one place, just make sure you keep all of your receipts from any store located in City of Decatur any day of the week (not just Thursdays!). Bring your receipts to the Visitor's Center at 113 Clairemont Ave. and you'll have your choice of gift cards from one of Decatur's restaurants. Limited to 3 cards per person while supplies last. $200 can only be spent on items, not meals or spa
 services.

Monday, November 2, 2015

Decorate Decatur Halloween House Winner

From thedecaturminute.com
It wasn’t easy to decide the winner of this year’s Commissioners’ Cauldron. There were 19 wonderfully creative entries. After much deliberation, the judges picked the mutant lawn flamingos at 204 Adair St:
Thank you to everyone who sent in nominations this year! You can see all the great entries on the Decorate Decatur Halloween map.
Photo credit The Decatur Minute.

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Brush Sushi Izakaya Coming to Decatur

From: http://www.atlantamagazine.com/dining-news/craft-izakayas-jason-liang-is-opening-brush-sushi-izakaya-in-decatur/
 Brush will offer a full bar with local beers, wine, and 8 to 10 Asian-inspired cocktails. The focus will be on sake, soju, and Japanese whiskey.

When Brush Sushi Izakaya opens in January at 316 Church Street in Decatur, former Craft Izakaya and One Sushi Plus sushi chef Jason Liang plans on using Gulf-sourced fish (as well as locally grown and raised vegetables and meats) on his nigiri and other dishes whenever possible. “The Japanese are known for how they butcher fish and keep the quality,” he says. “Why should we bring fish from overseas when we have the good quality locally?”

Business partner John Chen, who owns bars in Buckhead and Athens, says Brush will be a true Japanese izakaya, or pub, serving sushi, fried and grilled skewers, and other items cooked on a robata grill using bincho-tan (white charcoals) from Japan. There will be three tiers of omakase offerings ranging from $65 to $125.

Menu items will include robata grilled whole squid with wasabi salt and chili miso sauce; chicken wing and thigh yakitori; braised pork belly bun with peanuts, mustard greens, and coriander; and fried octopus balls, in addition to sushi. There will be a limited amount of tori ramen (chicken ramen) nightly.

Since izakayas are also known for their abundant liquor, Brush will offer a full bar with local beers, wine, and 8 to 10 Asian-inspired cocktails. The focus will be on sake, soju, and Japanese whiskey.