Free-For-All Friday 1/8/09
Decatur Metro | January 8, 2010 | 11:05 amThanks to Amanda for reminding me about FFAF! With all the snow-porting going on, it completely slipped my mind.
Get to it!
Thanks to Amanda for reminding me about FFAF! With all the snow-porting going on, it completely slipped my mind.
Get to it!
Elizabeth
Decatur Metro
Rick Julian
spreak
Marty
Old School
Brianc
Steve
smalltowngal
Decatur Metro
Decatur Metro
toml
toml
Elizabeth
Elizabeth
I have a request. DM, whenever you have a link in one of your articles, clicking on the link navigates you away from the DM website to the new site. Can you set it up so that when a link is clicked, it opens up a new browser window? That way, we won’t lose our place on the DM site. Thanks!
You can do that yourself– all you need do is right-click onto the link, then choose “Open in New Tab” when the menu pops up.
Well, I’ll be. Thanks, Cuba! Works like a charm.
I’ve always assumed that folks preferred the “open in current window” click model over the “open in new window”. Am I wrong about this?
I can certainly make the change.
Yes, you are wrong about this. I’ve almost said something about 100 times.
Yep, the “open in new window” default is much better.
As a Web Usability Engineer (and certified geek), whether to open a new window (or these days, a new tab) is based primarily on the user’s task at hand. In your site’s case, I would guess that , most of the time your users probably prefer to continue reading your site while launching the links you reference in another tab or window.
Huh. So I’ve been shooting myself in the foot this whole time! Thanks for the feedback everyone. It’s certainly in my best interest to change it.
But I’m realizing there’s no universal change for this, is there Moonmommy? I gotta change each link individually?
Unless your editing software has a process for updating the links en masse, I believe you will have to touch each link. Find and Replace might help.
Six of one, half a dozen of the other for me– but maybe most folks don’t know the simple step I explained to Token (if that’s true, I’m surprised). But you should prolly do whatever works best for the most people, though.
I’ve gotten accustomed to just right clicking and opening in a new tab or new window, depending on my mood. But, if I forget to do that.. I much prefer a new window.
Anyone have a suggestion of where I can get a pair of hiking boots repaired?
There’s a good little shoe repair shop behind the Georgia Power building. It faces the
alley-way on the west side of the GP building. You can also try out the Greek restaurant while
you’re in that alley-way area.
Know the name? I’d like to call and ask them something before I go.
Sorry, I don’t remember the name of the place. But I see this listing in my Decatur phone directory: Clairmont Shoe Repair Co., 135 Clairemont Ave., 404-373-3676, which sounds like it would be near the right place. The little shop is located in the alley way on the west side of the Georgia Power building. And don’t forget to try the Greek restaurant on that alley way too!
Thanks so much!
I’d call REI and ask them. I’m trying to think back to when our son was hiking the AT from Maine to GA as to what he did. I know he went through 3 pairs of boots but don’t recall if he got the worn ones repaired or not. I’ll email but don’t expect an answer anytime soon.
The cleaners next to Watershed does shoe repair
The shoe repair shop behind Georgia Power is fabulous. They seem very capable and are very reasonable in their pricing. Cash or check only, however.
I’m a fan of Bob’s Shoe Repair. It’s in a no-man’s-land of a strip mall over Lawrenceville Highway (where Cub Foods used to be back in the day). But the service is fast and inexpensive.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bobs-shoe-repair-decatur
Just curious: do you think there is a right way and a wrong way (or many wrong ways) to load the dishwasher at your house?
There is my way and my wife’s way, which is, of course the right way.
The preferred Decatur method is to make a baby who will grow up, very precociously thanks to the local school taxes, to do this chore. At least on the nights that said child is not terrorizing the general public at Twains. Tesoro, etc…
Baby Nellie started loading when he was one. He decided within two days he was too precocious for that.
No. Anyone who loads the dishwasher for me is doing it the right way.
I am with Parker anyone who loads it is the right way for me.
I saw an episode of TV a few times over the years where someone from Consumer Reports shows the correct way to load, based on the way the dishwasher works. It was very common sense and simple but made sense. (like direct plates inward, baked on food face-down on bottom rack, etc)
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2008/03/best-dishwasher.html
I use my dishwasher as extra storage space for potatoes, onions, fruit, etc., instead of using the appliance to wash dishes. I note that I have no chipped cups, bowls, plates, or other fragile
items in my cupboards as a result. Also, there are no whirring, clanking, robotish sounds coming from my kitchen. I am one of those who enjoys hand-washing dishes and letting them air dry. I also like to iron. I even hand-wash some of my blouses and hang them on hangers on the shower rod to dry. Am I old-fashioned, or just like to wash things myself? If I could have a clothes line, I would also never ever use a clothes dryer.
If you can walk to the Brick Store, tonight might just be your first opportunity in years for short wait on a Friday night.
Just bring a sled so you can get back down Ponce/McDonough/Clairemont.
I’m planning a rather large party (~200 guests) and looking for a venue at or under $3,500 for a Saturday. I’m not having lots of luck with my google-fu! Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks!!
Try Palate in Oakhurst. Beautiful venue, though unsure if they have capacity for 200…
http://www.palatewinebar.com
Hope I’m not stating what is obvious to you, but…
Old Courthouse on the Square
The Solarium in Oakhurst
The Mary Gay House on West Trinity
The Solarium, aka the Community Center of South Decatur, aka the old Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital. Located at 321 W. Hill St. in Oakhurst. Just will hold ~200. http://www.thesolarium.com
I’m not sure about this but I think I read that if you reside in the 30030 zip code you can get a nice discount at the Solarium. Worth asking about.
Oh, and the Mary Gay House. The courthouse actually seems a little empty with only 200. Zoo Atlanta also has event space. The History Center has good space in price range. Paris on Ponce for something funkier.
Avoid Rhodes Hall like the plague. The event staff is a nightmare.
Also, check caterer websites or talk to your caterer.
also, if the Solarium sutis your needs, then you have the satisfaction of knowing the rental you pay goes toward supporting the Community Cente.r
The Carlos. Pay the extra $500 to have the exhibit open. Dennis Deane does excellent catering.
I’ll add my recommendation for reserving space at the Carlos. Every event I have attended there has been beautiful and properly done.
The event manager is actually a DM reader as well!
I’m planning my wedding for this summer and have been looking at venues around time. The courthouse is offering 25% if you book in January, making their rental fee $2250 for Saturday night. One great plus with a lot of the Decatur venues is that you can bring your own alcohol, which saves on A LOT. From what I’ve seen on photographer’s blogs, the Old Courthouse looks like a gorgeous space (from a wedding perspective anyway).
I’m considering the Fernbank, which is actually a whole lot more than what I would like to spend. Anyone been to a social event (besides Martinis and IMAX) or wedding there?
I have hosted a large part at Fernbank as well as attended – had we gotten married in Atlanta, I wanted to get married there. They do a great job – their staff is excellent. When I was doing the events, Dennis Dean was not on the approved catering list. If he is now, use him. In fact, I would recommend you use him where ever you go. I also like the new space at Piedmont Park – the Greystone. Would be great for a wedding.
A friend of ours had her wedding and reception at Fernbank. They do a really nice job with the space. The downsides are that you have to use a caterer that is on their approved list, and the acoustics are kind of awful.
Fernbank is a very nice venue for a party.
Another nice local place is Callanwolde. Have no idea what they charge, however.
The Courthouse is very, very nice for a party.
Events at Solarium are very nice…parking is a bit limited, however.
I have no idea what Atlanta Botanical Garden charges, but what a GORGEOUS venue!!!
Thanks for all the input, folks. I love having such great resources here.
So, Diane, your use of “very very nice” in describing the Courthouse made me think that you liked the Courthouse more than Fernbank as a venue (Fernbank was “very nice”)?
Just a note though- both the Botanical Garden and the Courthouse require a lot of your own -or your caterers – decorations! $$$$
I just booked my wedding for 2010 at the Decatur Courthouse on the square. I’m having the wedding and reception at the same location. I personally really like the location. We’ve been working with two caters off their preferred catering list and really like the results we are seeing. Let me know if you book..maybe we can help each other brain storm ideas.
We had our son’s wedding reception at the Solarium.. way under 3500.00 and I think that 200 would work in there. We had his rehearsal dinner at Mary Gay and they were marvelous!
Can anyone recommend a good coffee maker for less than $100? I love my Krups, but it’s 9 years old and ready to be replaced.
Heck, just get another Krups! They’re still making ‘em, and they’re fine machines.
I think it depends — if you want to make whole pots of coffee, there are loads of options. If you want to make the single cup quickly – I recommend the Tassimo. I tried the Senseo previously, but it doesn’t seem hot enough…
Really, Russ? I never would have guessed.
he he…
¿Who is the largest employer in the city?
My guess is the county (courthouse), but had this question pop into my head the other day in traffic
I’m pretty sure you’re right…it is the county.
There was a time back in the 1960s, when the county thought about moving the county-seat out of Decatur because the city was fairing so poorly against the ‘burbs.
That would’ve crushed the local economy. But they stayed. I guess the new courthouse and Maloof building were a small price to pay to keep the city from becoming a total wasteland!
I need to leave work in Downtown Atlanta at 1am tonight (really, tomorrow). I live in Decatur. Am I better off driving on Marietta/DeKalb Ave., or taking MARTA?
Something to keep in mind, the last train out is probably around 1:30. At that time, driving would probably be quicker, if that’s what you’re asking.
I’m more worried about safety. Ice vs. safety walking 3 blocks from MARTA at that hour.
So, did you get home OK, DDD?
Ice report: If you are driving on Coventry west of Scott beyond the tracks, it’s a bit treacherous. At least it was yesterday when I traveled Coventry to Clifton to Oxford on my way to the CVS.
Some food for thought in the ongoing discussion regarding shopping locally: http://www.the350project.net/home.html
That’s really cool, Paula– it’s a pretty big impact for a relatively small expense/effort. Good to know!
I’ve wondered about those small cement pillars around the city – at the corners of intersections, etc. – since we moved here. They seem to be marked with a V. Anyone, anyone?
They are zombie directional signals. Decatur doesn’t want to lose its most unique citizenry…:-)
Actually I think they indicate right of way.
Pretty good, AMB. Actually, I think they mark the location of water shut-off valves.
Hey, Decatur DD– did you ever get back home safely?
The Decatur/DeKalb team to elect John Oxendine governor is looking to place several large campaign signs in and around the City of Decatur. These are large signs (3X5 and 5X8) that are more appropriate for business locations rather than residential. If you are interested in allowing the Oxendine team to place a sign in front of your business, please contact Mr. Carl Franklin for more information. You can also contact Mr. Franklin if you are interested in joining the team. Thanks!
I will rent you a prime location on Scott Boulevard for a yard sign for the right price…
Eh– Token and 2nd Token will do it for free!
Well, not free. I would still charge a “token” amount. Ha! I made a funny! Get it? Token would charge a token amount?
Can’t sleep…clowns will eat me.
oh my. that’s bizarrely funny.
The clowns are REALLY going to eat you for that “funny” you made, Token.
If anyone has signs for anyone running AGAINST John Oxendine, I have space to put them up. Thanks!
I’ll take a bunch of those too.
Only 40 min left until the Free-For-All is over but I’ll give it a shot. . . .
Anyone know a convenient place in Decatur where I can drop off a few pairs of prescription eyeglasses for donation/reuse/recycling? The Lions website isn’t helpful locating drop boxes and the only other person I found online requires that I send the glasses through the mail.
Trying to avoid driving. . . .
Thanks!
Just outside the city limits…. Scott Blvd. Eye Physicians and Surgeons building. Just inside the door to the left is Atlanta Eye Wear….. they have a Lions Club collection box.
Good doctors and great optical service here, too.
thanks!
Good grief! What was that big boom over Medlock way just now?