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    Free-For-All Friday 4/1/11

    Decatur Metro | April 1, 2011 | 7:00 am

    Feel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local issues not discussed here over the past week.

    Comments close Monday.

    —————————————-

    This week’s Free-For-All Friday is brought to you by: Kick in the Fit, offering a free month of boot camp (morning or evening) to one Decatur Metro reader. www.kickinthefit.com

    To enter, just send an email with the subject line “Decatur Metro Giveaway” to [email protected] Make sure to include your name and address in the email. Kick in the Fit will pick the winner at random on Monday morning.

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    158 Responses to “Free-For-All Friday 4/1/11”

    1. Joe says:
      April 1, 2011 at 7:23 am

      TGIF!

      • Joe says:
        April 1, 2011 at 7:23 am

        Actually, it should be TFSMIF!

        • anniefannie says:
          April 1, 2011 at 12:43 pm

          not sure what those letters stand for…

          • J_T says:
            April 1, 2011 at 3:59 pm

            Duh, FSM = Federated States of Micronesia. I’ve always been partial to Yap myself, although I understand others’ love of Chuuk, what with it including the Etal Atoll and all…

          • joe says:
            April 1, 2011 at 4:43 pm

            Flying Spaghetti Monster
            http://www.venganza.org/

            [img]http://www.venganza.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Collander_med.jpg[/img]

            • Bijoux404 says:
              April 2, 2011 at 12:08 am

              I <3 FSM

    2. Bryan Alexander says:
      April 1, 2011 at 7:40 am

      We want the interior of our house painted. Anyone know good and reliable painters? Thanks!

      • anniefannie says:
        April 1, 2011 at 7:49 am

        here are a few recommendations from the oakhurst yahoo group:
        Mitch Lech 770-841-6788
        Mike Killian and his team. (770) 778-1677
        earthlymatterspainting.com 770-346-0203

        hope this helps!

      • PlantDiva says:
        April 1, 2011 at 9:42 am

        I’ve used Certa Pro painters (located here in Decatur) and they’ve done a wonderful job. Tidy, on-time and very professional.
        http://atlanta-decatur.certapro.com/

      • Boodle says:
        April 1, 2011 at 11:02 am

        our friends just used Saul Garcia: 404-925-1226 [email protected] . The price was so good and they did an amazing job. I will be calling them too.

      • FM Fats says:
        April 1, 2011 at 4:55 pm

        M & M Painting. Fermin Mandujano. 678-413-2270.

      • Bryan Alexander says:
        April 2, 2011 at 4:59 pm

        Thanks y’all, this is a big help!

    3. Sarene says:
      April 1, 2011 at 7:47 am

      I know that I’ve seen a discussion on this site of the various CSAs available to us here in Decatur, but I wasn’t finding it through searching….So! Any recommendations? I’m ready for fresh local produce.

      Thanks neighbors!

      • KC says:
        April 1, 2011 at 8:59 am

        Here’s the thread for it: http://www.decaturmetro.com/2011/02/04/free-for-all-friday-2411/

        Aimee and others give some great suggestions and information about CSAs.

        • Sarene says:
          April 1, 2011 at 11:07 am

          Thank you! That was exactly what I was looking for.

    4. Jenn P. says:
      April 1, 2011 at 8:49 am

      Does anyone know if the track at Agnes Scott is open to the public? Thanks!

      • KC says:
        April 1, 2011 at 8:57 am

        It’s been awhile since I’ve run there, but I believe it’s open to the public on weekdays after 5pm and on weekends (if it’s not in use for soccer games or other activities).

      • karass says:
        April 1, 2011 at 9:28 am

        Sure hope so because some of our family use it. I always assumed it was.

    5. TeeRuss says:
      April 1, 2011 at 8:52 am

      I came across this recently and just had to share it with our fellow CSD parents. If you haven’t heard of the Khan Academy, an online educational site, check out this TED talk from the founder. I think this paradigm will revolutionize education, and our charter system can/should capitalize on it.

      http://www.khanacademy.org/video/salman-khan-talk-at-ted-2011–from-ted-com?playlist=Khan%20Academy-Related%20Talks%20and%20Interviews

    6. hatetohonk says:
      April 1, 2011 at 8:58 am

      Is it just me, or do the jaywalkers make everyone crazy? I know there’s a law against wandering into traffic, but is there no enforcement?

      • Bobby says:
        April 1, 2011 at 9:18 am

        I think drivers who stop for jaywalkers are worse than the jaywalking.

        • Diane says:
          April 1, 2011 at 1:00 pm

          What, Bobby, drivers should just go ahead and hit a pedestrian? That’s gonna look good in court.

          • Bobby says:
            April 1, 2011 at 4:08 pm

            Well, Diane, that’s an interesting interpretation, but that’s not the sort of contribution I bring.

            I’m referring to drivers who think they are helping but are breaking protocol (e.g. stopping mid-street and hand motioning for walker to cross in front of them) in response to a jaywalker who is sufficiently far away (or stationary) and representing no conflict to said driver continuing on their way.

          • nelliebelle1197 says:
            April 1, 2011 at 8:44 pm

            Actually, I witnessed a car hitting a jaywalker downtown a few years ago and under Georgia law, it’s the pedestrian’s fault; therefore, Bobby would most likely be fine in court. I went several times as a witness as the jaywalker tried to get out of the ticket and sue the driver over her broken vertebra, to avail as she was deemed responsible for crossing illegally

        • Ridgelandistan says:
          April 2, 2011 at 9:19 am

          Yes, because seriously injuring/killing a person is sooo justified when they inconvenience you.

      • Decatur Metro says:
        April 1, 2011 at 9:21 am

        I keep a mental list of all the public figures I’ve seen jay-walking. Just two mornings ago I saw a certain elected official crossing Commerce, dodging cars, in front of theArtisan.

        It’s not good because I find myself saying (not just to myself but out-loud) well” if___ can do it, so can I!”

        • nelliebelle1197 says:
          April 1, 2011 at 8:45 pm

          That’s really wrong. Way to set an example, Public Officials.

      • BenJT says:
        April 1, 2011 at 9:41 am

        I know what you mean. The REALLY strange ones are the runners in the middle of the lane. When I say middle I literally mean the middle. Evidently they trust Atlanta drivers a lot more than I do!

      • Spaceman says:
        April 1, 2011 at 10:36 am

        I am more irritated by the cyclist who wish to follow only the cycling rules they like.

        • cinD says:
          April 1, 2011 at 10:52 am

          i second that.

        • Steve says:
          April 1, 2011 at 11:27 am

          +1
          My wife related to me this week that she almost hit a bicyclist who was running a red light.

        • BenJT says:
          April 1, 2011 at 12:32 pm

          Speaking as a cyclist I agree. I think part of it is ignorance on both sides; cyclists and drivers both need education about cycling laws. Also there are the hardcore team cyclists who seem to think they are so awesome that they own the road. It gives us all a bad name. On the other hand when I hear an Atlanta driver criticizing people for not following all the laws it sounds like casting the first stone to me. Just saying.

          • Iheartnelliebelle says:
            April 3, 2011 at 11:22 am

            Ah, maybe my idea that the AJC run a driving rule daily should include a mix of driving, biking, walking rules.

            Does anyone else think that the city put the crosswalk in the wrong spot on Commerce to DHS? It takes the kids to the parking lot, not the walkway next to the stadium so they cross 6 feet from the crosswalk. Wonder if anyone would consider changing the location?

      • smalltowngal says:
        April 1, 2011 at 10:52 am

        I’m a rabid defender of pedestrian rights, but at the same time, downtown Decatur pedestrians often make me wish for a low-velocity paint gun. Two of the worst places IMO are W. Ponce/Commerce (CVS corner) and Church/Sycamore in front of the MARTA station. They’ll charge or amble into the street anywhere, any time, even in these tightly controlled intersections where provisions are made for their safety and convenience. It irritates motorists and contributes to a vicious circle of disrespect and bullying between motorists and pedestrians. (Cyclists are coming in for their fair share, too, both giving and receiving offense.)

        I’d like to see more enforcement. Last week, during the business day, I saw 3-4 egregious transgressions by pedestrians around the Church/Sycamore interesection, during the minute or so it took me to negotiate it in my car. A DPD officer was within 25 feet, standing around yakking with some people in the MARTA entrance plaza, not paying any attention to what was going on around. I don’t expect officers to be on high alert every second, and I do appreciate they’re out of their cars and engaging with the community. But it would be a big help, IMO, if a cop occasionally got out there and gave pedestrians the instruction they obviously and direly need. And remind them they are subject to getting a ticket, too. (They are, aren’t they? If not, then they should be.)

        • Chira says:
          April 1, 2011 at 11:11 am

          Pedestrian crossing lights at CVS corner OFTEN do not operate at all! Just sayin’…

          • Steve says:
            April 1, 2011 at 11:25 am

            I have never seen them not working, if you push the correct button, which sometimes takes some figuring out, or, in the case of the Suntrust corner, requires you to go back to a pole 10 feet away from the intersection. Remember also that both sides may not get the Walk light at the same time because of left turning traffic.
            If they’re not working, call DeKalb traffic engineering, who are responsible for the upkeep.

            • Decatur Metro says:
              April 1, 2011 at 11:38 am

              I think you’re right Steve, but that Commerce cross from CVS to the Artisan is confusing enough that I often see peds walking without the light into those left turning cars.

              Other intersections in downtown Atlanta have dealt with this by timing the left-turn light to the end of the crossing traffic (in this case Ponce) light, instead of the beginning.

              I wonder if that would work in this case.

            • Old Man Potter says:
              April 1, 2011 at 12:05 pm

              I push the correct button and can 100% agree that the CVS corner pedestrian signal does NOT always work.

            • Chira says:
              April 1, 2011 at 2:43 pm

              Steve – I do know how to push the correct button. The pedestrian crossing signal at the CVS corner does not always work. Period. And some people turning right on red don’t care if the pedestrian crossing signal is on, or not, they just go ahead and turn regardless of any pedestrian(s) in the crosswalk. Some city I have been to (can’t remember where) had a simultaneous pedestrian crossing signal for all four corners of intersections, during which interval of time, pedestrians could cross the center point of the intersection to the catty-corner. Very handy and efficient, instead of having to push two buttons and wait two times to get there from the opposite corner of the intersection.

              • Steve says:
                April 1, 2011 at 5:52 pm

                What you’re referring to is a Barnes Dance, so called for the traffic engineer who invented it. Downtown Atlanta used to have a few.
                I repeat, if it’s not working, call DeKalb traffic engineering.

                • Iheartnelliebelle says:
                  April 3, 2011 at 11:34 am

                  Calling is fine — once you get home, during business hours. But it doesn’t really help in the moment, when you need to get across the street without being run over.

                  • Steve says:
                    April 3, 2011 at 1:29 pm

                    Call anyway – they’re not going to show up instantly anyway, but they could come and run diagnostic tests (the signal are computers, after all). If they get enough calls, they might pay attention. If you don’t call, they’ll never think there is a problem. If you call, be sure to tell them what corner you were on and what direction you were trying to cross.

          • cranky old timer says:
            April 1, 2011 at 11:48 am

            Sorry guys. As much as I hate that intersection and the lights at commerce and ponce, hey do work, and you need to be patient. I just hate when people saunter out of the intersection like they do not have to follow any rules, while they hold up traffic. We have sidewalks and plenty of places for pedestrians to cross legally. But if heaven forbid, I honk at them and yell for them to use the sidewalk or crosswalks and, they give me the bird. That makes me even CRANKIER!

            • Chira says:
              April 1, 2011 at 2:44 pm

              The pedestrian crossing signal at the CVS corner does not always work. Believe me…

            • Old Man Potter says:
              April 1, 2011 at 3:19 pm

              Sorry guys….I’m not impatient, I’m not sauntering and I’m not an idiot (I know how to find and then press the proper cross-walk button).

              Maybe it works most of the time, but it certainly doesn’t work all the time.

            • J_T says:
              April 1, 2011 at 4:11 pm

              There’s only one way to settle this: A DM Meeetup at the the CVS intersection to see if the pedestrian crossing signal does indeed sometimes not work or, in the alternative, if Chira and her cohorts are just impatient, bird flipping miscreants!

              • Chira says:
                April 1, 2011 at 5:08 pm

                Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. It is unpredictable, in my experience. So a mass meeting at the intersection and trying to get the pedestrian walk signal to operate (or not) would only be a one-time sample of its long-term performance. I don’t know how many times the experiment would need to be repeated before an average work/not-work performance could be suitably calculated. But please keep this particular intersection in mind when you are driving through or turning there, because pedestrians are sometimes “stranded” at that intersection and don’t know whether to stand and gather moss or make a run for the other side despite oncoming traffic. I’m pretty sure there are other undependable pedestrian walk signals in Decatur, but this intersection is the one most familiar to me.

                • J_T says:
                  April 1, 2011 at 5:48 pm

                  Probably true that a one-time experiment would not be conclusive. However, I really just wanted to use “impatient, bird-flipping miscreants in a sentence” 😉

                  • Chira says:
                    April 1, 2011 at 6:46 pm

                    Bird flipping is not my style, at all, actually. I am not so much angry when challenged by a motorist, but more like SCARED! I have had the experience of being gently “brushed” by a car when crossing that intersection between CVS & Ted’s, because a driver was so intent on turning right onto Ponce that he paid no attention to my crossing WITH THE PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL LIGHT ON! I have become VERY WARY of crossing streets with or without the pedestrian signal light… I just can’t be SURE that motorists will stop. Don’t count me as one of the “miscreants,” please.

                • Cubalibre says:
                  April 1, 2011 at 7:12 pm

                  You gotta admit, “Bird-flipping Miscreants” would be a great name for a band…

                  • Old Man Potter says:
                    April 1, 2011 at 9:01 pm

                    While waiting on the walk signal, I’d happily stand at that particular corner and flip passing motorists the bird. Sadly, I don’t think anyone would get the joke.

                  • J_T says:
                    April 2, 2011 at 2:18 am

                    I’m almost certain that, in a past life, before all the drugs wore off, I actually WAS in a band called Bird Flipping Miscreants…

                  • Bird-flipping Miscreant says:
                    April 2, 2011 at 10:52 am

                    It makes for a superb alias!

                    • Parker Cross says:
                      April 2, 2011 at 10:54 am

                      Hah. If I could figure out how to unhook the avatar.

          • Nightowl says:
            April 1, 2011 at 12:04 pm

            Given its width and how busy it is, I think that particular intersection would be well served by a pedestrian only phase triggered (after a brief wait) by pushing the button. So pedestrians would get don’t walk during all the traffic phases, and vehicles would get red lights (with no turn on red) during the pedestrian phase.

            • Tom L says:
              April 1, 2011 at 2:21 pm

              I think Commerce would be well-served by a landscaped median.

              • Parker Cross says:
                April 1, 2011 at 3:38 pm

                ooooohhh…that would be nice.

            • smalltowngal says:
              April 1, 2011 at 4:53 pm

              That’s a nice idea, but adding/enhancing signals won’t solve the problem of pedestrians ignoring the signals in teh first place.

              • Decatur Metro says:
                April 1, 2011 at 4:57 pm

                If everyone would just stay home, this wouldn’t be a problem!

                • smalltowngal says:
                  April 2, 2011 at 11:23 am

                  ???

                • Iheartnelliebelle says:
                  April 3, 2011 at 11:38 am

                  No, no. We all need to DRIVE everywhere. 😉

          • Jonathan says:
            April 2, 2011 at 9:51 pm

            I think I have a partial explanation, based on experimentation at the Commerce/WePo intersection over the past year and a half. It seems that they the pedestrian signals are set up to be triggered automatically during certain hours of the day. I discovered this by not pressing the signal buttons when I was the only pedestrian at the intersection, and received the walking man signal anyway. Again, this doesn’t happen during all the times. During these hours, I noticed that some of the pedestrian buttons are seemingly mislabeled. On the TacoMac corner when traveling east (i.e. toward the SunTrust corner) I realized that pressing the button the indicated button did not give me the walking man, BUT that pressing the button indicated to go north gave me the walking man to go east! Again, this is only noticeable when the automatic timers are not on. I think this explains why some have observed that the signals appear to work sometimes but not others. Thoughts?

        • Robbie says:
          April 1, 2011 at 11:18 am

          On a somewhat unrelated note, “egregious transgressions” would make an excellent name for a band.

          • anniefannie says:
            April 1, 2011 at 11:22 am

            +1

          • Cubalibre says:
            April 1, 2011 at 7:14 pm

            They could open for ‘The Bird-flipping Miscreants”!

            • anniefannie says:
              April 1, 2011 at 8:26 pm

              miscreant = best.word.ever.

              • Cubalibre says:
                April 2, 2011 at 11:35 am

                Yeah, I love that word, too…totally fun to use!

        • JoeBlow says:
          April 1, 2011 at 12:21 pm

          Agree with every word of this post. Drives me nuts.

    7. Nubbs says:
      April 1, 2011 at 9:25 am

      Any recommendations for a yard service? We need some stuff planted and some things trimmed back and Hubbs I don’t have the time for it, and Baby Nubbs is too young to do any of the work. Thanks!

    8. ann says:
      April 1, 2011 at 9:36 am

      anyone know anything about the GT vs Auburn lacrosse game at the high school tonight? I see it is at 8, but is it free or are they selling ticket? how much?
      thanks!

      • Eric B says:
        April 1, 2011 at 9:58 am

        I don’t think it is free, but it probably only costs same as admission to High School game -right? (I’m guessing). Here is info from a flyer:

        ————————————————————

        Decatur Youth
        Lacrosse Night will be held on
        Friday, April 1, 2011

        All 2011 Youth Lacrosse Players will be allowed to
        attend Decatur High School’s JV and Varsity Boys
        Lacrosse game FREE with one paying adult.

        All players MUST wear their Youth Lacrosse Jersey.
        Come and support Decatur High School’s Bulldogs.

        Extra Bonus: Stay after the High School games and see the Georgia
        Tech vs. Auburn game at 8:15pm (following the varsity game).

        • Doug says:
          April 1, 2011 at 10:07 am

          GA Tech and Auburn have lacrosse teams? Are they clubs?

        • Iheartnelliebelle says:
          April 3, 2011 at 11:44 am

          Birmingham Southern played the other day at DHS. Where can we find out the line up? Sounds like a fun, inexpensive Friday night activity!

    9. Tom L says:
      April 1, 2011 at 9:45 am

      Arrests and charges filed in the murder of the Toco Hill armored car driver. Not surprising, all involved are violent felons.

      • Steve says:
        April 1, 2011 at 10:28 am

        Actually, the female was (until just recently, like yesterday) an employee of another armored car company. I doubt if she would have gotten that job with a felony record, but it did give the perps inside information.

    10. RenfroeMom says:
      April 1, 2011 at 9:46 am

      Has anyone else noticed a sudden increase in morning traffic on Dekalb Ave, esp on stretch between Decatur and Moreland? Have any idea where that’s coming from? My morning commute has suddenly gotten unpredictable/longer.
      I’d sign myself “cranky” but that would just get me moderated…
      – (Cranky) Renfroe Mom

      • Nubbs says:
        April 1, 2011 at 10:15 am

        Yes! I figured it was because of the rain and some of the lights were out – but cannot confirm as once I noticed the traffic I turned right and decided to weave thru neighborhoods.
        I am getting really sick of people not observing the school zones on Dekalb Ave.

        • RenfroeMom says:
          April 1, 2011 at 10:37 am

          It hasn’t been just the rainy or bad lights days that it’s been worse, it really seems like more cars to me. Has McLendon been better? When I’ve gone that way I have thought it didn’t save time and it’s so residential that I hate to do it; but I occasionally do the left weave by the pie factory and that’s flowing, although you only bypass a couple of blocks of traffic and then have to hop back on Dekalb.
          Hate to admit ignorance – but school zones on Dekalb Ave? Do you mean the portion that is W Howard and zones would be DHS/Renfroe? After you leave Decatur there aren’t any, right?

          • Nubbs says:
            April 1, 2011 at 10:48 am

            I guess it is W. Howard. I can’t keep W. Howard, College Ave and Dekalb Ave straight….

            There was no traffic on Mclendon the other morning. I cut over on Connecticut (I think) and then Mclendon thru Little 5 and then got on Irwin, which is where I needed to be anyway.

      • kristend says:
        April 1, 2011 at 12:35 pm

        I’ve noticed the same thing. On Monday I thought that one of the traffic lights must be blinking again due to the rain (or lack of rain, or light wind, or lunar cycle, or whatever random thing causes them to blink) but then I never came upon any that were blinking. I turn off at Moreland, so I just figured the blinker must be farther toward Atlanta. It has definitely been a lot more backed up than usual this week. I really hope it’s not just a lot more cars.

      • joe says:
        April 1, 2011 at 4:46 pm

        it was insane this week. took 50 minutes to get to freedom parkway one day vs the normal 15.
        next day went over to mclendon and too it to moreland then to freedom. much faster than dekalb that day

        • RobP says:
          April 2, 2011 at 8:17 am

          So there was nothing causing the traffic, just volume? Wow, that doesn’t bode well for that corridor. I often drive to the Candler Park station and take MARATA. After one day of that, I parked my car at East Lake and took MARTA.

      • Keith F says:
        April 3, 2011 at 5:21 pm

        It was probably a blinking yellow light that all the dangerously polite yet ignorant-of-the-law people thought they should stop for instead of proceeding with caution.

    11. Marla says:
      April 1, 2011 at 9:53 am

      I heard that Trader Joe’s has finally signed an iron-clad contract to move into the Baby Kroger, effective today. Did anyone else catch that?

      (Ahem. April 1. Come on DM, do something!)

      • karass says:
        April 1, 2011 at 9:55 am

        Ooooooh. Good one!

      • Cubalibre says:
        April 1, 2011 at 1:30 pm

        Awwwwwww, Marla! That was just cruel.

    12. Laura says:
      April 1, 2011 at 9:54 am

      I just want to say, if you need any sort of auto repair/service, please go see the guys at ITA in Oakhurst. they have taken such good care of me and my Pathfinder that I almost want her to need something, just so I can give them more business.

      • Decatur's Token Republican says:
        April 1, 2011 at 1:31 pm

        Awesome avatar. What’s it from?

    13. CSD Mom says:
      April 1, 2011 at 9:59 am

      Decatur High band students were in the parking lot at 5:30 this morning and are awaiting takeoff now, on their way to Chiapas, Mexico! So glad they are getting this opportunity but they will be missed!

      • Steve says:
        April 1, 2011 at 10:30 am

        Bon voyage and safe travels !

      • RenfroeMom says:
        April 1, 2011 at 10:39 am

        That’s a happy reminder! Hope they have safe travels, learn a lot, play well, come home happy and healthy. Hope the band parents can relax while they’re gone!

        • Tom L says:
          April 1, 2011 at 11:50 am

          Anyone remember “The Last Picture Show”? ; – )

      • beth on Willow says:
        April 1, 2011 at 12:41 pm

        As when I was a band parent, I wish them no contact with the health or legal systems of their host country, a wish that never came true in the 4 trips I was involved with. Ah the joys of travelling with teenagers.

      • CSD Mom says:
        April 1, 2011 at 12:53 pm

        And while they’re still in the air, CSD is robo-calling us to tell us they are not in class. :)

    14. Sharron says:
      April 1, 2011 at 10:31 am

      I Call Foul on Georgia Aquarium’s “Dolphin Tales”

      There is great excitement among some about the opening of the 6th gallery at the Georgia Aquarium (GaA). Included in the gallery is the show “Dolphin Tales.” Here (http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/dolphin-tales/index.aspx) you can watch GaA “webisodes” highlighting the development of this project.

      I personally disagree with the GaA using a musical light show complete with choreographed “live human actors, dramatic costuming and amazing effects” … to “help guests better understand … the majestic dolphin.”

      Bernie Marcus defends exhibit critics with claims of education and research leading to better lives for dolphins in the wild. To that I say phooey. And what does President & COO David Kimmel say? “These dolphins are not gymnasts, they’re actors.” This is an odd way to educate and do research in my opinion.

      • Iheartnelliebelle says:
        April 3, 2011 at 12:06 pm

        I’m concerned too. I remember at the Shedd Aquarium, the dolphin “show” was mostly demonstrating how they conduct health checks on the dolphins every day by training the dolphins to do certain things like roll over, float, swallow feeding/medicine tubes. The theatrical part was stunning to watch but uncomfortable — and not needed as the vet part was so much more interesting.

        Anyone wanting to see dolphins in their natural habitat should hot the beach during shrimp season when people catch the shrimp in nets by walking along the shore. You’ll be amazed at how close the dolphins will swim up for the chance at these little tasty treats! And you’ll get fantastic photos.

    15. cinD says:
      April 1, 2011 at 11:01 am

      Soccer parents at Glenlake Park,

      I know the flimsy yard signs the city posted are all but gone, but please do not park on the grass, you’re killing it. Oh, and don’t park in the yard of the condominiums there on Norris St. either, that’s not nice. How would you like it if they came over and parked their minivan/suv in your front yard?

      For your convenience, there are plenty of parking spaces on Church Street even if that means you’ll have to walk a few yards to the soccer field.

    16. hmm says:
      April 1, 2011 at 11:03 am

      Anybody know where to find the details on curfew for teens in Decatur? With prom coming up I would like to have my facts straight.

      • Steve says:
        April 1, 2011 at 11:22 am

        There aren’t any.

        • AnotherRick says:
          April 1, 2011 at 11:53 am

          But there may be a state law on that.

      • Keith F says:
        April 3, 2011 at 5:09 pm

        I’ve understood it to be 12:00 am on weekends and 11:00 pm on weekdays. Don’t know the specifics, but do remember when I lived in another state that if you’re a minor driving a vehicle and have an accident after curfew, you insurance may not have you covered since you are technically operating the vehicle illegally. Check with your insurance agent.

        • Steve says:
          April 3, 2011 at 9:51 pm

          A search of the Decatur Municipal Code online for the word “curfew” yields no results. Like I said, there isn’t any. The law in other states apply to those states; Georgia law may be different.

          • Keith F says:
            April 3, 2011 at 11:03 pm

            Glad you were able to clear that up for me. Silly me thinking other state laws aren’t Georgia laws.

            I’m guessing the reason you didn’t find a Decatur law on the books is because it isn’t necessary to be redundant of Georgia law. I’ll say again (and this time not confuse the issue with a comment about other states), that I believe the law in Georgia, thus the law in Decatur, is 12:00 am on weekends and 11:00 on weekdays. Also, if you’re driving after curfew, your insurance may be invalid. Check with your agent. Telling the judge you didn’t see it in your city code probably won’t be a persuasive argument.

            • Steve says:
              April 4, 2011 at 9:08 am

              You could call Decatur PD 404-373-6551 and ask them. They’d be the ones enforcing it. Ask for the shift sergeant or lieutenant.

              • Keith F says:
                April 4, 2011 at 11:07 am

                Won’t matter if the Po Po enforce it or not if you have an accident. Insurance could still refuse to pay if someone is driving illegally after curfew.

                • Steve says:
                  April 4, 2011 at 2:42 pm

                  Now, the original question was referring to a curfew. That is what I was responding to. DPD would enforce a curfew, if there is one. They would not make any judgement about insurance coverage.

                  Your broadened the discussion into a question about insurance coverage. That question should properly be addressed to an insurance agent or an attorney. BTW, you didn’t ask about a driver on a restricted license who has an accident while violating the provisions of that license.

                  • Keith F says:
                    April 4, 2011 at 3:41 pm

                    The original question was about curfew and dealt specifically with someone who wanted to get their facts straight for prom. As walker-friendly as Decatur wants to be, a prom date without a car (unless they have a driver) is still considered undesirable by most young ladies. So, for someone getting their facts straight, I offered not only my belief on what the curfew was, but also highlighted one of the biggest concerns a parent should have if they choose to allow their teen to break that curfew.

    17. Jilyco says:
      April 1, 2011 at 11:05 am

      Are people going to Decatur Diner for a second or third visit? I’ve been hearing not so good reviews of late, including my own.

      • Maynard says:
        April 1, 2011 at 5:48 pm

        Our family and friends have been there twice, and enjoyed it each time. Still a lot of food for a very good price.

      • Willow Mom says:
        April 2, 2011 at 6:27 am

        We’ve been back a couple of times and it’s nothing special. It’s just a diner. I was hoping it would have a little more Decatur-ness to it (more vegetarian options, soy milk for coffee, etc.), but it might as well be a Waffle House.

      • Parker Cross says:
        April 2, 2011 at 10:40 am

        I was there at four o’clock Wednesday morning. It’s easily the best food in Decatur at that hour. The sunnyside up eggs were runny–the way I like them–and the toast was better than I expected. Generous refills on the coffee.

      • George says:
        April 2, 2011 at 10:47 am

        Been once with the whole family – the food was standard fare, but pretty good on those terms. We got traditional Greek diner items – maybe those are better than the burgers, etc. (I wouldn’t want gourmet here, so the choices were great for us.) They gave us so much food I got two meals from one. Service was very attentive and friendly – and at the end of the meal a mgr (?) brought over a cookie for my son as a special treat.

        We’ll definitely go back.

      • Ridgelandistan says:
        April 2, 2011 at 12:36 pm

        It’s a diner. Lots of inexpensive food at all hours. I like the carrot cake.
        Mrs. Ridgelandistan makes sure we go once a week.

    18. Stu says:
      April 1, 2011 at 1:13 pm

      Had lunch at the Rail today, and it was great! The all-you-can-eat salad cart is a lovely addition to Decatur dining. Some menu items from Farmstead 303 remain, but others are new. If you haven’t made a trip, I recommend you do so.

      • The Walrus says:
        April 1, 2011 at 4:13 pm

        Went the other night. I have a very different perspective. Overall, I like the change in menu, but it has way too many fried items for my taste. Also, the service was AWFUL! There were three tables occupied when I was there and it took forever to get our food. We ordered an appetizer that took way too long to arrive. My friend ordered the grilled chicken sandwich which includes cheese, bacon and some sort of sauce….it came out with just lettuce and tomato! My turkey burger was mushy, but the sweet potato fries were good. Eh.

      • AT says:
        April 3, 2011 at 3:15 pm

        We went on Friday during lunch and we were disappointed. You must have gone at a different time because during the time I was there nobody even set foot next to the salad cart. In fact the restaurant was rather empty during lunch. Maybe three or four tables occupied. I thought it was rather expensive and was not thrilled with my meal nor was my dining companion. I suspect I’ll try one more time and then give up on it.

        My opinion is that the menu is too big for lunch and the salad bar is pricey for lunch… $11 and it was a bit on the sad side. What am I supposed to do with pimento cheese on a salad bar? I also hate it when folks try to clear my plate before I am done and this happened twice. When I am done, I will set my flatware on a diagonal, then you may clear my plate. And I think its rather rude to clear my plate while other diners at my table continue eating.

    19. Zachary says:
      April 1, 2011 at 2:49 pm

      I’m looking for a roommate. Do you know anyone looking for a room?

      • Zachary says:
        April 1, 2011 at 4:46 pm

        Here’s the listing: https://post.craigslist.org/manage/2299815273/uxwuz

    20. Peter Pumpkin Eater says:
      April 1, 2011 at 3:34 pm

      I’d like to recommend everyone check out Second Life Thirft Store in downtown Avondale Estates. They opened a couple of months ago and are an upscale thrift store from which 80% of the proceeds benefit local animal charities including Lifeline Animal Clinic and Ahisma House. Here’s an article from the Patch:

      http://decatur.patch.com/articles/second-life-thrift-store-to-open-proceeds-to-help-four-legged-homeless

      They need everyone’s support!

      • Meg says:
        April 1, 2011 at 9:50 pm

        I have gotten a lot of good books from them (also donated some). The selection and prices are great. The people are friendly and Lucky the dog is awesome!

    21. Gigi says:
      April 1, 2011 at 4:26 pm

      Any recommendations for a soccer camp/class in Decatur for 4-5 year olds?

      • nelliebelle1197 says:
        April 1, 2011 at 8:48 pm

        I just saw signage for the Dollar General going into the old Big H space!I think the contractor was trying to sneak it in!

      • karass says:
        April 1, 2011 at 10:04 pm

        Little Kickers (but it may be over by now)–Decatur Rec. Kiddie Kickers: YMCA.

      • decatur mom says:
        April 2, 2011 at 4:38 pm

        There’s a weeklong summer camp at the REC, mornings only I think, led by Jamie Owen, that may start at age five. It’s called Kicks & Goals. Check the summer camp listings in the most recent Focus. Both my kids have done it in summers past and Jamie is great.

    22. Bryan Alexander says:
      April 1, 2011 at 4:40 pm

      Hey FREELANCE WRITERS!

      I need to interview you! Can you spare 20 minutes?

      Please let me know at [email protected] . Thank you.

      • Bryan Alexander says:
        April 1, 2011 at 4:41 pm

        Or if you know a freelance writer to whom you could refer me, please let me know. Thanks.

    23. Nirac says:
      April 1, 2011 at 4:40 pm

      While reading the article on Second Life (which I will definitely support), I decided to see what else was on the Decatur Patch. On the News page, there is an article that says Our Way Cafe is opening NEXT WEEK! Is this true? I know the article says it’s no joke, but I could not find any other postings about it anywhere.

      • Diane says:
        April 2, 2011 at 1:30 pm

        That story was posted by the Patch editor, an experienced journalist who checks out the facts before she posts something. She wrote what the owners told her, not hearsay.

        • Decatur Metro says:
          April 2, 2011 at 2:08 pm

          So never question anything that’s ever written on Patch. Got it. Oh wait…

          • Diane says:
            April 4, 2011 at 1:19 pm

            Oh, I didn’t realize DM had never posted anything in error.

            Well, tell us, DM, do you check out everything before you post it?

            • Decatur Metro says:
              April 4, 2011 at 1:52 pm

              Nope. But I do check the most important stuff and try my best to be transparent about it when I haven’t.

              Why do you ask? You think I pointed out that error based on the premise that I don’t make errors? I just didn’t like the fact that you were jumping down a commenter’s throat for double-checking a story and implying that Patch wouldn’t stoop to the unthinkable level of hearsay.

              We get it. You think your “journalism” model is superior to this one. And I would agree if we’re talking only about accuracy and not transparency or engagement or story importance.

              • Parker Cross says:
                April 4, 2011 at 2:20 pm

                I want my money back.

    24. Heather says:
      April 2, 2011 at 10:49 am

      If you’ve missed soy yogurt at Publix since the renovation, please let them know. They say there wasn’t enough demand to carry anything other than the O’Soy 6-packs. We need a little more variety than that, right?

      • J_T says:
        April 2, 2011 at 12:20 pm

        Soy yogurt demand, eh? April Fool’s was yesterday!

    25. TOK says:
      April 2, 2011 at 2:21 pm

      Dear person who stole my 7-year-old’s red bike from in front of Oakhurst Elementary this afternoon,

      You suck.

      • Naaman Gibbetts says:
        April 3, 2011 at 11:01 pm

        Yeah, you totally F suck!

        (I hate bike thieves)

        • Keith F says:
          April 3, 2011 at 11:15 pm

          I love them. They are one of God’s creatures. They probably just fell in with the wrong crowd. They had a tough childhood. Their parents ignored them and they’re just lashing out. It was just the natural thing for them to do in the culture they grew up in. They probably needed it more than you do. Not everyone can afford their own bike so it’s okay for them to take from those who earned it. What are they supposed to do…wait for a bike to trickle down to them? It’s a sign of the times. Blame the economy. Bikes are a right. Transportation should be denied to nobody. Universal bike coverage for all, but everyone has to pay for stolen bike insurance to make sure there is full coverage.

          • Keith F says:
            April 3, 2011 at 11:19 pm

            But seriously, it does suck. Give a good description, and I’ll keep my eyes open. I’m in the neighborhood.

    26. Yo! says:
      April 2, 2011 at 4:03 pm

      Can anyone recomment a nearby boot and shoe repair shop? My daughter’s much-loved boot is having a zipper malfunction, and it seems highly replacable (unlike the boot itself). Would rather fix here than mail it off.
      Thanks!

      • Sharron says:
        April 2, 2011 at 9:30 pm

        Bob’s Shoe Repair in a mostly vacant strip shopping center on Hwy 29 just east of North Druid Hills (before Home Depot).

      • Jonathan says:
        April 2, 2011 at 9:57 pm

        I think there’s a cobbler’s shop hidden in downtown Decatur, close to Adriyanni’s restaurant. I have no experience there, though.

        • Chira says:
          April 3, 2011 at 9:11 am

          The cobbler shop in downtown Decatur near Andriyanni’s restaurant (EXCELLENT Greek food there!) is also excellent. They will do the job while you wait if they aren’t too stacked up. I recommend them too.

          • Iheartnelliebelle says:
            April 3, 2011 at 12:53 pm

            Me too. I have used them twice — first was 100 years ago and I cannot remember the shoe problem. The other was for stretching a pair of boots, and they fit perfectly when done.

      • Yo! says:
        April 3, 2011 at 10:45 pm

        Thanks – I’ll check these out!

      • Invincible Summer says:
        April 4, 2011 at 1:01 pm

        The shoe repair shop near Andriyanni’s has done a good job for me that last few times I brought shoes there.

        Curiously, all the times before that, they insisted my shoes could not be repaired. When questioning one such refusal, I was asked, “How much you pay for these shoes?” with the implication being that I should stop being cheap and go out and buy another pair. I didn’t take it personally–they were my husband’s shoes and I didn’t really like them anyway. In fact, I found it pretty funny. Also curiously, they would often be closed during posted opening hours with no explanation.

        FYI, it’s cash only.

    27. Joe says:
      April 2, 2011 at 8:49 pm

      When will roly poly come back?????????/
      also went to snoball cafe again today. was PACKED. love that place.
      anyone been to pita pit? i’ve been a few times and loved it, wife, not so much her thing

    28. Chris Billingsley says:
      April 3, 2011 at 11:08 am

      Just to let you know that the world famous Dakota Blue restaurant in Grant Park is hosting the DHS Close Up club this Tuesday, April 5, from 5:00 until 7:00. Please consider stopping by, meet many of this year’s student members and parents, and have a great meal. Nineteen students and two chaperons will travel to Washington, D.C. on April 10 for a week of citizenship training.
      You can find out more about Dakota Blue by visiting their website:
      http://www.dakotabluegrantpark.com/index.htm

    29. Decaturmomof3 says:
      April 3, 2011 at 11:23 am

      Can anyone recommend a clean and reasonably priced public storage facility near downtown Dectur? We don’t necessarily need it to be climate-controlled. Thanks!

      • Joe says:
        April 3, 2011 at 3:56 pm

        spacemax on north decatur rd!
        i’ve had a unit there for 2 yrs now

    30. Joe says:
      April 3, 2011 at 3:15 pm

      are any of the volleyball courts in decatur sand? or are they hard surface?

    31. Chris Billingsley says:
      April 3, 2011 at 3:46 pm

      Decatur High School’s Fellowship of Christian Students raised over $300 during lunch last week for the Red Cross earthquake relief effort in Japan. The club’s goal was to double last year’s $50 contribution. The club wishes to thank Decatur Chick-fil-A for all their support. Congratulations to sponsor Ms. Annette Brown and all the members of the FCS. What a great way to end school before spring break.

    32. AT says:
      April 3, 2011 at 4:31 pm

      Has anyone used the bilingualnanniesga.com website to find a part time nanny? I saw there was a link for them on the Leapin Lizards site. We are looking for a part time nanny 2 or 3 days per week from October 2011 through June 2012. Any other good places to find part time nannies or for a nanny share?

    33. AMB says:
      April 3, 2011 at 7:44 pm

      DM, I hope this is okay to post. If not, please delete.

      I have 6 Jimmy Buffett tickets for sale for the May 24th concert here in Atlanta. Section 102, Row V Seats 1-6.

      Please let me know if you are interested.

      [email protected] for details

      • Naaman Gibbetts says:
        April 3, 2011 at 10:59 pm

        Jimmy Who?

      • J_T says:
        April 4, 2011 at 12:27 am

        @Naaman, niiiice….

        @AMB, it’s totally okay for you to sell 4 of the tickets. I’ll take the other 2. Thanks!

    34. Joe says:
      April 4, 2011 at 9:41 am

      I went by the oakhurst and glenlake parts, but didn’t see a volleyball court as the CoD website says are there…………. Did i miss them somehow??
      Where is a volleyball court in downtown decatur?
      http://www.decaturga.com/index.aspx?page=344

      shows we have 3 volleyball courts….

      • Steve says:
        April 4, 2011 at 9:50 am

        Inside the Rec Center?

        • Joe says:
          April 4, 2011 at 10:07 am

          Beside the library? they have a rollout net i’m assuming?


         


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