So I’d heard about Google Maps’ “Street View” option a few months back, when only San Fran and NYC were available.  And while wandering Time Square and Berkley with full 360 views was cool, it wasn’t all that useful.

Well now (as pointed of by the AJC) street views of Atlanta are up and running!  And that includes Decatur!  So now you have the ability to wander our streets from the comfort of your home.  (Note that all of the pics for Decatur were taken this past winter)

They’ve covered a lot of ground (literally) on this initiative since last I checked.  Many other cities/towns across the country are now included.  So if you live (or lived) in a semi-populated area, type in the address and then click the “street view” button on the map and you’ll have a 360 view of streets you haven’t seen in a decade or two.

This will also be handy for this blog in posting pictures of certain buildings or sites that I want to reference but don’t have a picture handy.

Hours of fun for the whole family!

Lots of beer trucks and sand lining Ponce this morning in prep for this evening’s Decatur Beach Party.  If I wasn’t so lame, I’d have taken a picture of something.  But nope, you just get text!

Once again here are the details…

Beach Party
June 20, 2008 from 5 p.m. to midnight
Decatur brings in 60 tons of sand and turns the square into a beach for this annual event. Dance in the streets to the beach music from the live band performing from the stage that stretches across Ponce de Leon Avenue. Activities include children’s boardwalk games, face painting, wading pools in the sand and more. Adults $6.50 in advance, $10 at the gate; Children 12 and under, free (limit two children per paying adult). No coolers, glass or pets allowed. Sponsored by Decatur Business Association. Proceeds from this annual fundraiser benefit downtown improvement projects.

Order your advance tickets here!