Free-For-All Friday 9/9/11
Decatur Metro | September 9, 2011Feel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local issues not discussed here over the past week.
Comments close Monday.
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.
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IT’S FRIDAYYYYYYYYY! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
FALL BREAK! WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
BEAUTIFUL OUTSIDE WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Went to Sapori di Napoli last night. The rice balls were to die for. The arugula salad was over dressed with oil and needed salt. And the pizza toppings were great but the dough was a little under done. We had the tiramisu and the Nutella tart and both were amazing. Has anyone else had better experiences? I want to love this place because it is so close to home. We will try again since it’s new but just wanted to get other’s thoughts.
We were thinking about going this weekend. Was there a long wait or anything?
No wait and the staff was friendly. They don’t have beer that was my husband’s biggest disappointment well that and the dough….
Licensing for beer and wine is in process, they told me when I was there.
Overpriced, but nice patio.
I hear Little Ceasars just opened over on North Decatur and Clairemont. Might be more up your alley.
Ouch
That’ll teach Emerson not to express an opinion around here!
I don’t think that anyone really has any problem expressing their opinions around here.
A bit rude, especially since it is pricey. I stopped in for lunch, and a pizza and a no-refill Coke was $20 and I too think that’s overpriced.
The pizza was delicious, but for those who think the dough is under done I think that’s the style…it’s just bit chewy, but I think it’s good. I also like crisp crust, but I guess I’m easy to please when it comes to pizza. My issue is with the toppings, which again is probably the intended style, but I would like what is sparse to begin with to at least be spread out a bit. Yes, it’s very pretty with everything in the middle, but that one bite doesn’t satisfy me throughout the entire pie.
I personally prefer Avellino’s when I put them head to head.
Call me crazy, but I prefer Mellow Mushroom.
OK, you’re crazy, brianc!
Seriously– we went last Thursday, and enjoyed a delicious half & half (they kindly made mine meatless, so that my poor spousal unit could enjoy some good salsicce). One pie & their “everything” salad was more than enough for the two of us (we took some home), and one of the owners brought us a complimentary dessert of the day, which was a luscious but light lemony-custardy-sponge-cakey kind of thing. Very nice folks, and we’ll definitely be back. When they get their opening kinks worked out, they’re gonna be killer!
I thought the style was supposed to be like Antico in midtown. I don’t remember their dough being underdone. I like Avellino’s too. Plus, they are very friendly there.
BURN
“Little Caesars” – Right, because thinking that something is overpriced must imply a categorical dislike of quality food. The only restaurant in Decatur that I like is Chick-fil-A. That’s a true value!
Or when you really want a nice night on the town you might head over to Ruby Tuesday or Teds.
You must realize I’m being sarcastic!
Dont forget Applebees for real gourmet food.
Token still owes me a chicken sammich
We went Friday after the DBF keynote. There were some issues that can be chalked off to first week jitters, notably the pizza coming before the salad. We told them to forget about the salad and it came to the table a minute later anyway. Then the chef came to the table to find out what was wrong with the pizza and offered to exchange it. There was nothing wrong with it, it was the correct order (Vesuvius). We liked the arugula salad, particularly the olive oil, and the pizza was quite good. I think at those prices, however, there should be full table service. They certainly put more money into the oven than into decor. I haven’t been to Antico and can’t compare, but I think Varasano’s has Sapori beat for ambience, value, and pizza quality.
Another quibble: I asked if we could bring in beer or wine and was told we couldn’t. I pointed to a guy at a table downing a Bud. I was told it was OK because he was an employee.
I forgot. They also did the right thing and offered a free dessert.
as for Antico, after months and months of my friends talking about it was the best pizza ever and whatnot, the wife and I went, I must be in the minority, but her and I both thought it was just average pizza.
Closer to Decatur tho, we LOVE Avellinos. being able to walk there is a plus too.
We’ll probably walk to this new place this weekend. I’ll have to see if they are open on sunday
Didn’t I remember seeing somewhere on this blog that it is illegal in Decatur to BYOB at a restaurant. Something about Mayor Floyd and Cafe Alsace? Somebody jog my memory.
Things I learned yesterday at Winnona Park Curriculum Night:
A) CSD has some seriously dedicated teachers, staff and administrators, and it’s evident they love what they do.
B) These events are always standing room only, as the parent turnout is phenomenal.
C) We wouldn’t have such a great system without all the volunteers.
D) Some parents will just never be satisfied. Stop whining and look around. As the old Budweiser commercial used to say, “it don’t get any better than this.”
E) Never wear dress shoes when trying to walk down the hill from Inman onto the playing field behind the school.
Also Farm to Table is great.
I wish they could teach my 4 year old to eat those vegetables though…
Correction: Farm to SCHOOL
Were you wearing the dress too, or just the shoes?
I was wearing the shoes. ONLY the shoes.
AAAAAAHHHHH! My virtual eyes!
I was suprised at the low turn out for my sons pre-k class at College Heights. I was the only dad and there were just 4 other moms.
I guess most of the other parents were at their older kids classrooms?
My wife and I split up to cover College Heights and Glennwood, and she went to pre-K. I’m a little disappointed that College Heights was scheduled the same night as the elementary schools.
It was a packed house at Clairemont last night as well.
I agree with your assessments DTR, but I’ll wager that high heels make for even more difficult off-road navigation!
Why is my reply to this awaiting moderation? Strange…
It’s doing weird things this morning. It keeps moderating DTR and I can’t figure out why.
Since one of my nicknames is “Mr. Inappropriate,” I’m not really surprised.
10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks has me musing on whether Al Qaeda ended up accomplishing what it set out to in that our country today is, in effect, bankrupt.
Thinking of my partner’s college roommate who never made it out of the World Trade Center…
So sorry for your loss, Alastair. I was in the Pentagon on 9/11. Changed me forever.
Wow Revenue…that just gives me chills.
Ironic but apt. But IMHO Al Qaeda doesn’t get any credit. We did it to ourselves. If anything 9/11 is one of the few events that brought us together as Americans.
I totally agree with that
I seriously doubt that their plans were financial in nature. Anyway, we were well on our way to bankrupting ourselves even if 9/11 had never happened.
In a sense Bin Laden’s goals were economic in nature, because he believed a long drawn out war in Afghanistan would have the same outcome as it did for the Soviets. Too early to judge with finality, but it is hard to argue that America isn’t in a overall weaker position now than it was before the attacks. That said, there are also signs that radical Islam has lost a lot of its potency worldwide.
The goal very much was to bankrupt the US — the idea was similar to the way the war between the Soviets and Afghanistan was intended to bankrupt the Soviets.
http://www.esquire.com/features/ESQ0903-SEP_FALLINGMAN
Never forget.
Thanks for posting that Mike. Those images of people jumping to certain death were to me the most powerful of that day. I wish the networks would run the entire day’s coverage as it happened on Sunday for those who too young to remember and those that have “forgotten” how that felt. Thankfully, I was nowhere near the Pentagon (like R-NH) but that day also changed my life in many, many ways forever.
DeKalb firefighter Doug Harms acquired a piece of steel from one of the towers and organized a massive effort to build a memorial in front of the DeKalb Fire Rescue/Police Department Headquarters to pay homage to the firefighters, Port Authority Police Officers and civilian victims of the that day.
This Sunday at 8am there will be a ceremony at the new memorial:
http://dekalb911memorial.wordpress.com/2011/08/24/remembrance-ceremony/
Even if you can’t make the ceremony, be sure to visit the memorial the next time you are near Northlake. DCFR HQ is next door to the LA Fitness behind the Target near LaVista and I-285.
This is a truly amazing article. I have read it, over the years, about 5 or 6 times and it never fails to send chills down my spine.
I still remember that morning, for some reason I overslept and was late to work at a building next to a major financial center (not in NYC) but saw signs on the hwy that said NATIONAL EMERGENCY AIRPORTS SHUT DOWN and things like that. I saw the tv for less than 1-2 seconds that was left on overnight as I ran through the living room and saw something that said plane crash, but didn’t stop to look at it. I I get to work and my boss is making sure everyone is leaving to go home as some feds were there and making everyone evacuate because of the building next door. I turned on the radio and heard what was going on. I called some friends who i assumed would have a better idea of what was going on, and all of them couldn’t talk and said they were being sent out. I don’t remember how fast the blame was placed on who by the whitehouse on the news now, but my friends who were in that unit together, along with a few others were on the ground over there within 36 hours. Pretty crazy when I think about it, I talked to them before noon that day and didn’t see them again for 6 months. Even after that, for a few years I think i saw them for a total of 3-4 days when they were able to come home.
As for if UBLs plan all along was to drive us into bankruptcy, I don’t think that was the exact plan. I honestly don’t think he envisioned the dramatic response. I think he figured at most, we would do like we had in the late 90s and fired a few cruise missiles from a well placed sub. However, I think he regrouped and realized that given the terrain, he could either make us stretch things thin enough to hold out in a redoubt for a while until escape, or we wouldn’t attempt a full scale incursion to a place that the Soviets couldn’t control.
Precisely!
I’m likin’ some sharrows on Decatur streets. Thanks, Decatur Active Living and City!
Im going to try Sappori di Napoli tonight, can’t wait! Perhaps their biggest problem is that they will be compared to Antico no matter what. I was hoping it would be like our own Decatur version of Antico.
Has anyone else asked the rec department why they decided to start the fall soccer season during the CSD fall break? I did a couple of months back when they still had time to make chagnes and was told, oh well my son graduated.
Who is their boss?
Greg White is the Director of Active Living. He won’t tell you this, but I will. For everybody who complains about the current schedule, there would be somebody else complaining if they did not start it this week (the traditional start). Believe it or not, not everyone who participates in AL programs go to CSD. Some are DeKalb Co., some APS, and some private – none of which are on vacation the third week in September.
Thanks to Cheryl and all the folks at Decatur Active living for organizing Team Decatur for the KP 5k Run/Walk last night. This was my first run as an official member of the Team, and it was inspiring to run as part of a group of friendly, dedicated folks. And the electric psychedelic neon green shirts made it easy to spot my teammates during the race.
In one year, I’ve lost almost 70 lbs., and running has been a key part of that (as has changing to a sensible diet and being more active overall). The Team Decatur Grand Slam Fitness Challenge has provided me with incentive to run regularly, and I intend to complete all six races this year.
I don’t work for the city. I’m just giving a plug to a great bunch of people who are one of many reasons I’m so glad I’ve given up dreams of material wealth to live in this great city.
Congratulations on losing 70 lbs. If you’re wondering where they went, I think I have 30 of them.
Nice work! I am having a terrible time losing weight. I like food and not exercising entirely too much.
I have been walking a lot and managed to shed some weight, but sometimes a pound or two will creep back and I have to get rid of it again. Have just realized that the shed pounds must lurk along my route, and jump back on me (kind of like ticks when you walk in the woods). Therefore, have decided to vary my route more, in hopes the pounds I’ve left along teh way will jump on somebody else instead. Of course, for that to work, I need to figure out new routes that only skinny people use, so I won’t be picking up other people’s discarded pounds.
Is it 5 o’clock yet?
Ha! Very nice.
Those routes are easy to find, but they’re never near anything fun…like DQ, bars, or restaurants.
Ditto-
Also Greg White at Decatur Active Living for all of his efforts. At last night’s event, Team Decatur won the award for “Most Fit City” for the second year in a row!! We rock!
Thanks Al and thanks to everyone who came out and supported Team Decatur. We were thrilled to have 256 people sign up and we did make a big splash in our neon green shirts.. This is such a great city to work for! “Most Fit City” two years in a row!
Like
Thanks. But while others may be involved with the Decatur Rec department. It is our tax dollars which fund the department.
For the Team Decatur participants and fans…
2011 Results
Kaiser Permanente Corporate Cups for Most Fit Company:
<100 fulltime employees – Morrison Management Specialists
100-999 fulltime employees – Chick-fil-A
1000-4999 fulltime employees – Verizon Wireless
5000+ fulltime employees – Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Highest Participation – Verizon Wireless
Fit City Award– City of Decatur
Just fyi for cyclists in the area: I was given a ticket for running a red light at Hill and McDonough yesterday. I’ll say I’m not real happy about this. The light does not change for bikes, I stopped and put my foot down, looked both ways, and proceeded through next to the cross walk. No car in sight (but apparently one motorcycle cop sitting a half a block away). $212. He was getting his pad out immediately so there was no thought of a warning.
To anticipate the ‘you did the crime, you do the time’ comments, I’ll of course pay the fine. I’ll also keep cautiously proceeding through red lights that aren’t going to change while I sit there.
Side note, I’m amazed at the price of traffic tickets in GA. A year ago I missed the ‘No turn on red’ sign (in my car) and was pulled over in Dekalb and with surcharges and fees, the ticket was just under $400.
I’m curious about that too–what is a cyclist supposed to do when stopped at a light with no cars to trip the signal? Could someone “in the know” please share? What if I walked my bike through the red light? Would I still get a ticket? Thanks!
Ticketing people for running lights in these situations is all about revenue collection, pure and simple. In my opinion, it’s also about lazy police work; there are plenty of more substantive violations that could be addressed with more effort.
I agree, especially if this situation is just as represented. The fact that the rider stopped, put down their feet, etc. counts for a LOT. Not that I don’t think bicyclists deserve tickets, because I do. However, I would much rather see this kind of ticket given to those who blow through stop signs than someone who is obviously trying to do the right thing.
+1
Hear, hear!
Glock, I’m going to do the same. I’ve never been ticketed by the Decatur police but I am sure my time is coming. And I don’t care. I’ll pay the stupid ticket but $212 is not enough to make me sheepishly wait at a light when it’s beyond clear that it’s safe to proceed. One would think the police have better things to do than to ticket cyclists, but apparently not.
Hmmm… interesting conversation. Share the Road, just not The Rules….
Gosh, all these drivers who post here seem to sticklers for the traffic rules. Makes me wonder how it is that pretty much everyone ignores the speed limit ,most never signal turns, texting while driving is an epidemic . . .
Let’s say that you (in your car) had stopped at a light and waited for 3 minutes, and it just stayed red. You start wondering whether the thing is broken, and after carefully looking around to make sure it’s clear, you decide to go through. The situation described is a lot like that–it wouldn’t make sense to just sit at a light that isn’t going to change.
Oops–that was me–browser didn’t switch off a once-off name I had used when posting lyrics for a ‘welcome back’ post to lyrics only guy.
Well OK, how long in your opinion should he have waited if the light wasn’t tripped by his bike? 5 mins, 10 mins, 1 hour, 5 hours? What do the rules you referenced say to do in this situation? Please do tell us.
“there are plenty of more substantive violations that could be addressed with more effort”
PREEEEE-CISELY! i can tell you that if you put a decatur police car at the tracks at mcdonough and howard in the mornings around 8:30-9am they could write enough tickets and generate enough revenue to finance their own project (new police station…more officers..)
another hot spot for rolling stops is mcdonough at oakview right by the community garden as well as mead rd. just outside matador.
If you have to stop anyway, dismount and walk your bike across. Maybe there’s a button to activate a light change for pedtrians. And yes, I know some bikers use toe clips but waiting forever or running the red lights are not the only options.
I sure don’t want to be the person driving a car who hits a cyclist riding through a red light so I appreciate the law being enforced.
Best I can come up with is turn right on red then u-turn and right turn again to resume your route…
What happened to the bill that was proposed earlier this year to allow motorcycles to, in essence, treat Red Lights like a Stop Sign? That legislation was going to require motorcyclists to stop for at least 60 seconds and then proceed if it was safe. This was proposed for the same reason you were having a problem…your bicycle didn’t trip the sensor.
It did not pass.
Ann Purcell sponsored that one, don’t think it pass though. It should have.
Unbelievable! Shame on you DPD if this is true! More heavy-handedness. It’s one thing if you blew right threw creating an unsafe situation. But if you truly stopped and proceeded with caution then you certainly don’t deserve this.
Chief – put a stop to this nonsense! Please – instruct your officers to only ticket if the cyclist is being unsafe. The word will get out. It is not right to have people paying these hefty fines when there is not a safety issue. This is what I am talking about with being heavy handed.
What can be done? Can the Mayor or city commission influence this?
I know this light well as I essentially live right under it. You are right. It often has a long wait in one direction – somehow not picking up that there is a car waiting.
Go ahead and chime in here Steve. DPD is not wrong in this – right?
Yeah you got us, but whatever happened to a little discretion and a warning/reminder? That’s what burns my 4th point of contact!
*through. ugh. that’s what I get for typing while venting.
How about taking a right turn (on red) followed by a u-turn and another right turn?
Good thought. But u-turn across a double yellow (McDonough) is also illegal – no? Might work if on Hill though – no line.
But I will keep this in mind.
p.s. Sorry to ol’ Steve for challenging you. I know DPD probably can’t respond to these posts, and you seem to rep for them a bit and I was just looking to b__. You didn’t deserve that. Should have self-edited. I’m usually on your side for most of what you have to say.
My two cents and soapbox: I always find it interesting when people do the whole “shame on you police … yadda yadda” Maybe we forget the good ones, and that most of them deal effectively with some pretty BAD seeds. If we get busted, suck it up and learn a lesson…instead of proposing to legislate change up to our eyeballs.
Probably the same motorcycle cop who pulled over my husband and my 12-year old daughter and another cyclist this week for rolling through a 3-way stop sign. There were no other cars approaching the intersection except for the motorcycle cop who happened to be pretty far back behind the cyclists. He mentioned there had been a lot of discontent on this blog about cyclists who do not stop at stop signs. He was trying to be nice and jokey with them, but the truth is that the cyclists slowed down and made sure there were no cars approaching the intersection before they continued. And my daughter was pretty shaken up by it.
I know the majority of posters here are going to say “way to go DPD,” but I wish the cops would pay more attention to the cars making stupid choices on the road since they’re more likely to cause an injury or fatality. To be honest, I feel that as a cyclist I’m making my own choice about safety. I know what the rules are, and I know that I’m keeping myself safe by following them.
We recognize the need to stop at a stop sign when there are cars at or approaching the intersection, or when we can’t see whether or not there are cars approaching. But when we are not crossing the path of a car or there are no cars, pedestrians or other cyclists present, it seems a little silly to come to a complete stop.
Wow, great to know that comments on a blog are influencing cops to waste their time pulling over 12 year old girls on bikes. I’m sorry your family members had to put up with that.
Scared Straight!
Why should “you” as a cyclist making your own choices put “me” as a car driver at risk when I am abiding by the laws of the road?
Let’s say I swerve to miss you and hit a sidewalk stroller pusher. Your decision about risk is selfish IMO.
+1
So which lesson did your 12-year old learn? To be afraid of cops, or that rolling through stop signs is always wrong?
Actually she was terrified that he was pulling her over for riding without her hands on the handles! She likes to show off that she can do that. LOL.
That’s funny, but you know that riding bicycles with no hands is the gateway drug to texting while driving. Be careful out there!
It’s the father’s responsibility to make sure the daughter follows the rules & explain that the cop was there to protect.
+1
Our motorcycle cop, at least per the latest info on this blog, is not a nameless police state enforcer. He’s officer Lindsey. By all accounts a hard working and well regarded professional. No one likes to get a ticket, but I hate to see pig-piling on a guy who’s doing an overall great job keeping our town safe. If you think you were treated unfairly, a judge will hear you out. What a great country!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
LOVE IT.
Ok, I get the issue with the sensors and all that, but these comments are getting a little silly. If you also believe that cops should not ticket those who make rolling stops or stop and then go on red in cars, then far enough. But if you are suggesting simply that cyclists should be allowed to disregard the rules of the road, then you’ve lost me. All these comments like “To be honest, I feel that as a cyclist I’m making my own choice about safety.” and “One would think the police have better things to do than to ticket cyclists” are all well and good, but would you also apply that reasoning to cars safely rolling through a stop sign or stopping then going through a red light? Rules are rules. I wish we had less of them and I don’t like that cops are doing this, but I also don’t like it when they do it to those is cars that are acting equally safe. What’s good for the goose….
+1
How about pressing the button for the light to change …
I’d argue the ticket. I can’t imagine an Assistant Solicitor wanting to pursue that. They at least might knock it down.
<<I’ll of course pay the fine. I’ll also keep cautiously proceeding through red lights that aren’t <<going to change while I sit there.
Honest question as I'm not much of a biker. While I fully understand the differences in the vehicles involved, why should bicycles NOT have to stop at red lights in the same manner as motor vehicles do?
They do and they should. The issue is the inability of a bike to trigger sensors so without a car joining you at the light, you may sit for a very long time.
The easiest answer is that many intersections have stoplights that are triggered either by the weight of the vehicle or the magnetic signature. So when a vehicle and sometimes (but not always) a motorcycle drives up, the light will change. When a bike rides up, the light will not change. So, something has to give. When I encounter these intersections, if I would jaywalk the intersection, then I’ll probably ride through it as well. I won’t blow through the intersection, I’ll go through as carefully as I might cross against the light as a pedestrian.
(I’m also always careful not to cross when there’s a green arrow that I can’t see, mostly I know where those intersections are and I always look for it. It drives me nuts as a driver when peds do this.)
I asked the cop what I was supposed to do, and he said that I needed to walk over and press the pedestrian button to change the light. I did also ask if I had jaywalked the intersection if I would have gotten the ticket and he said yes. However, as I was approaching the intersection, there were three people doing exactly that (and didn’t get ticketed…).
His response was and is completely absurd. Nice that the city wants to encourage cycling but then has uits police hassling responsible cyclists for acts that endanger absolutely no one.
Am I correct in assuming he probably cited you for code 40-6-20?
Yep.
That’s a completely unacceptable answer on the officer’s part.
Apparently, instead of taking action to investigate and ameliorate the danger, he has chosen instead to use it as “Cherry Patch” where he can entrap unsuspecting cyclists with bull___t citations.
I’d love to be proved wrong on this.
He targets everyone, not just cyclists. It’s like something out of Alice’s Restaurant: We’ve received some complaints about drivers running this red light, &tc..
If you target everyone, is it still targeting!?!
I may be confused, but didn’t we just learn on DM recently that you are not jaywalking if the next intersection in each direction does not have a light. If this is true and you were at Hill and McDonogh, you can cross near there on foot in either direction and not be cited for jaywalking. Does someone remember the jaywalking story that DM posted, and does anyone know if I am right here? Thanks!
I suppose the hiil/mcdonough intersection would be to the side of you and that has a light – is that what makes it jaywalking?
As I understood that post, as long as one intersection on either side of your crossing point doesn’t have a light, it’s not jaywalking to cross mid-street.
Here’s that post again, if you’re interesting in digging in deeper. http://www.decaturmetro.com/2011/06/30/you-dont-know-jack-about-jaywalking/
For the most part they do stop at red lights. To proceed through red without even slowing down is literally risking your life when you are on a bike. (I know some people are stupid enough to do it, but that’s why we have the Darwin Awards.) But even at lights where there is no sensor, often times a cyclist can stop, see for over a hundred yards in every direction that no car is coming, and safely proceed through red. I can’t see any harm in that. Cars, on the other hand, go a lot faster than bikes and weigh 3,000 lbs, so it seems OK to hold them to a stricter standard.
Oh wait, now I see…issue of sensors. Seems like you’d be able to overturn that one in traffic court.
I would NOT pay the fine and show up to 420 W. Trinity Place to plead your case.
I agree. A judge can weigh the various factors, and will most likely reduce the fine at the very least.
Anyone know of a good after work beginners yoga class in the area?
I’m going to try for the first time this Sunday…it says Big Boys welcome so my wife is talking me into it. On their site, I also see they’re starting a beginners class on the 17th. You might check it out: http://www.ashramwellness.com/index.html
“I asked the cop what I was supposed to do, and he said that I needed to walk over and press the pedestrian button to change the light. I did also ask if I had jaywalked the intersection if I would have gotten the ticket and he said yes. However, as I was approaching the intersection, there were three people doing exactly that (and didn’t get ticketed…).”
Again, my sentiment here is that you should NOT automatically pay the fine. Go to traffic court and relay your experience. I *might* leave out the part where you saw people jaywalk and not get ticketed even though the cop told you he would ticket a jaywalker. Most people appealing citations in traffic court demonize the cop and judges get sick of that. I’d relay a friendly conversation where you are now better informed and ask to have your citation dismissed as a “lesson learned.”
Might also try getting in touch with the city solicitor. He’s a very reasonable guy. He might be willing to take a realistic approach to a silly citation such as this and you can resolve it without appearing before the judge. Of course I am not speaking for him here, just throwing out an idea. I will also say that in my very limited experience the traffic court judges are good folks.
I would suggest going to court over ANY ticket. I’ve gone 28 times in almost 20 yrs and represented myself, and won 23 times.
28 tickets in less than 20 years?! What in the world are you doing behind the wheel? Really, I don’t mean to be snarky at all, it’s just that I’ve been driving for nearly 40 years and can count on one hand (with fingers left over) the number of times I’ve been cited for moving violations. (Parking tix are another matter.)
I’m including parking tickets. I don’t mind going to court.
28 in 20 is a lot. But it’s true that if you go to court on a questionable traffic ticket, you can often beat it — especially if the officer doesn’t show up (he or she won’t except in the smallest towns) there’s not another driver contesting the case, which there usually isn’t in a no-fault state (provided you have insurance, of course) and you don’t have a rotten record. The prosecutor will try to argue you into a plea before the case is called — telling you, “The judge isn’t going to want to hear this.” But if you hold your ground, politely but firmly, you can win. The last time I went (the third time in 20 years) was for a minor accident on a wet street in Atlanta. After it became clear I wasn’t going to cop a plea, the prosecutor, clearly exasperated, said, “I don’t have time to try a fender bender,” and dropped the charges. Same seven years earlier for a minor smash-up at a bad, blind intersection in East Point.
But not always. As a student, I was ticketed for speeding in Avondale. I was broke so I called and asked if there was any way I could work off my fine — cut grass, pull weeds, file papers, read to kids, etc. The woman told me there was no such option for speeding tickets but to come to court and try to contest it — she said the judge was reasonable. So, instead of begging and borrowing the money from friends, I followed her advice. The person in front of me pissed the judge off. He didn’t even let me talk. In the end, I had to pay an even higher fine for not paying the ticket off early and a court fee.
I have only received two other speeding tickets since then (one in Avondale — lesson not learned) and I always just pay!
If this is the traffic light that I think it is then there is no pedestrian button.
I would go get hi res pictures of all 4 corners of the intersection, photos of where the officer was, photos from the intersection of where the officer was, and photos of where the officer was facing the intersection. If there is in fact, no push button cross, I’d still take it to court.
Yeah, I get that “hey, other people break the law” argument is a weak one. It is a bit odd that in my commute from Decatur to Tech, I’ve been waved through lights by Atlanta PD (downtown).
I guess if it was a $50 ticket, I’d say “that sucks”. But man, $212 is freaking expensive.
I almost made things even worse for myself because after I put the ticket in my backpack, I rode up to the intersection to turn right on McD (I crossed the intersection to receive my ticket) and the light was red, I rolled up, stopped (inelegant trackstand) but didn’t unclip my foot, and was about to make the right, when I realized he was right behind me. So I quickly put my foot down and I heard him say “See, you were about to do it again”. I think at that point, if I had gotten written up again, I might have needed pepper spray.
I’ll be avoiding that intersection all together from now on
Agreed. One of the crossing guards in the mornings helps me through the red light on my bike when there are no cars coming. Never expected that!
I would also dispute the ticket. You have a reasonable argument so it just depends on if it’s worth your time to go to court. I recently disputed a parking ticket in Atlanta and I thought court was quite interesting.
On a positive COD Police note I’m glad to see a car or motorcycle sitting at the Candler/Dekalb Ave intersection picking people off traveling North on Candler as they cut over mid intersection to go across the tracks. All of you who travel this intersection know what I’m talking about. I’ve seen two people get pulled there this week and I hope to see more. Maybe they can pull someone off bike patrol and monitor this intersection more frequently.
Any news about CCP Games move to Decatur? I haven’t noted an uptick in the nerd population downtown.:)
Still building out their space in the Decatur Federal — I mean, Wells Fargo — building. I think sometime this fall is when they’re expected?
Core Body has great yoga classes, and is very reasonably priced for a monthly membership!! http://www.corebody.net
I have been going for a few months and LOVE it
I teach a yoga class on Monday night at CORE BODY at 7:40pm that would be very suitable for beginners (and all other levels as well). Come join me- drop in classes are only $10
I second the vote for a cop at Oakview and McDonough to stop the “rolling” stoppers. This week I was hit by a car in that “community garden” intersection. Not hurt, thankfully–the side of the SUV just grazed me. I was in the crosswalk even before the car reached the intersection, too.
In fact, I think I’ll call the police dept. today and ask them to cover it.
sorry to hear about your accident and i’m glad you weren’t seriously hurt….i go by that intersection 4 times a day and thankfully i don’t have to cross that street but that hasn’t stopped me from giving the evil eye to the rollers…
So glad you were not seriously injured. Your example shows just why it’s equally important for bicyclists to stop at the signed intersection.
How nice of you to take the opportunity of someone saying they were hit by a CAR, to continue your rant against cyclists.
It’s actually important for everyone to be aware, not just cyclists.
My experience at intersections and crosswalks as a walker, jogger, driver and cyclist give me a different perspective than yours.
Yesterday afternoon I went down the path to Stn. Mtn. (about 9 miles each way) so not far, but a fair number of crosswalks. I always stop when I need to, and generally someone will wave you across. The problem is when you get to the middle no one on the other side allows you to go, even though they have seen you waiting for at least 4 or 5 cars ahead of them. It’s not a fluke that people aren’t respecting pedestrians and bikes, it’s a big old “Screw you, I’m in a car” mentality that happens every single day.
I encourage you to ride a bike around for a week or so, and you will quickly see that many of the things that are happening at intersections and stops in neighborhoods, are strictly for matters of efficiency, and our safety. That includes at lights, even though from sitting from a car, it doesn’t make any sense. Sometimes you have to make quick decisions about the safest times to go, and that’s not always when the light changes, on a bike you also to take into account the flow of traffic around you. Think about Clairmont and N. Decatur and the chaos that is that intersection at 5p.
@Rebeccab – “Rant?” I really haven’t ranted against cyclists here. I believe each of my brief posts agreed that they should stop at red lights and stop signs, aka follow the laws of the road. That 3-way stop @ Oakview and S. McDonough is at the bottom of two long hills – just the perfect cyclist downhill run gaining speed to get up the other side. And then it’s interrupted by those dang stop signs.
I’m not sure why it’s assumed that I’m only traveling by car around Decatur. I exercise walk/jog around town on both sides of the tracks 20+ miles each week, walk my dogs daily, and walk to my part time job as often as I can. As a regular pedestrian I have experienced a near miss in a crosswalk by an SUV and I stay alert for cyclists as well.
Another favorite downhill runs for bikes is on East Lake from the MARTA station to the Oakhurst Village. Faster and faster, run the stop sign at 2nd Ave and again at 3rd Ave and then slow a little at the 4-way to get through on the first chance instead of “taking your turn.” IMO when the bike is zooming with the rider looking right for cars, I am doubtful that s/he will see me with my dogs already entering the crosswalk. And I can’t see the cyclist coming around a curve full speed with no intention of stopping or even slowing down unless there’s an emergency.
I didn’t assume you were only traveling by car, but I was guessing without a doubt that you weren’t on a bike, and it absolutely makes a difference in how you perceive what’s going on. It doesn’t really compare to being on foot at any level. You’re traveling at a significant rate of speed and propelling your own transportation, so there’s just no comparison. Not being snotty, just honest.
I don’t have a death wish, neither does anyone I know. So to go flying down any hill without a clear line of sight, or with people in the crosswalks expecting them to scurry across isn’t something I do. I can’t really defend a stranger’s actions, nor will I try to.
And honestly, after a long day, just like driving, you see some people being slightly sloppier or maybe even taking a few more risks than they normally would without even realizing it. I can’t defend that either, it’s just the reality of it. Anyone can be momentarily distracted, and you just can’t assume that every person you see is purposely causing mayhem out of selfishness, without regard for others.
Quoting Tiptoe: “To be honest, I feel that as a cyclist I’m making my own choice about safety.”
… to which I commented “Your decision about risk is selfish IMO.”
The initial ticketed situation was about a traffic light ticket. My comment to ebennettatl who was “grazed by an SUV” at the 3-way stop near the Oakhurst Community Garden was to point out the problem of cyclists running the stop signs there as well as East Lake/2nd and East Lake/3rd.
Having a long day doesn’t really matter – don’t be out on 4 wheels, 2 wheels, or 2 feet.
This is not a walker against biker against car conversation. There are rules for the road (laws maybe???) and we’re all safer if they are followed. If they are ridiculous or there’s an equipment failure, then find out how to get it fixed.
Making a risky decisions to not follow the law?
Addendum …
I’ve considered renting a bike for a month or two to give it a try, probably a hybrid. My hesitation is with street riding in order to get to the bike path that follows the tracks. As an adult I don’t feel comfortable riding on the sidewalks like the kids do to get to/from school. My late husband was an avid road cyclist with a beautiful blue Cannondale, and now two young family members are ranked amateur triathletes.
I think that’s a wonderful idea. Perhaps biking would bring some sort of of comfort to you considering your history with it.
You’re not going to want to ride on the sidewalk anyhow. It’s uneven in unexpected places, and people frequently put things there that could trip you up (yard waste, toys, children) You’re not really supposed to be on it anyhow.
Stay in your neighborhood and practice for a couple of weeks. When you feel confident, start planning your trip on the road. And when you feel like you’re ready, head out on Saturday or Sunday morning early, when there are very few cars out.
If you haven’t done it in a while, you’ll have a lot fun rediscovering it. And it’s more than just riding really. I can easily waste a couple of hours on Google maps planning the different streets I could take, and how many miles I’ll be going to get somewhere new. That alone is pretty fun for me.
Just think how impressed your triathletes will be with you. I hope you decide to go through with it! I’m excited for you!
+1
Between y’all and the new sharrows, I’m feeling inspired to dust off my bike!
:0)
Please have a cop there. Every morning I go to 4/5 I see the same family man, woman and two kids- you know who you are- rolling around the intersection and then through the next stop sign. disobeying the law. no stopping. No slowing down. What a great lesson to teach your children: the laws don’t pertain to us!
I’m curious if there are any new mom meet-ups or breastfeeding support groups in Decatur. I just had a baby and I’d love to meet some other moms. Any info appreciated… Thanks!
Dekalb Medical has a great new mom’s group AND a great lactation group that meets right after. Look on line or call directly for info. Anyone can attend – even if they did not give birth there. It is free and they are wonderful.
My daughter is four and I’m still friends with some of the moms that I met at both the new mom and breastfeeding groups at Dekalb Medical. Love them. I think they’re Thursday mornings but the info should be on the Dekalb Medical website.
La Leche League meets in Decatur and again, I’m still friends with many people from our local LLL group as well. If you want more info on that group, you’re welcome to email me (info in my profile, click through).
And there’s an pretty active email list called DecaturMama through Yahoo Groups – http://groups.yahoo.com/group/decaturmama/ (the LLL info is also available through that group)
Both of the grouups at Dekalb medical are wonderful. The “playgroup” for 0-6 months meets on the 4th floor of the women’s center from 10-11 on Thursdays. The nursing mom’s group meets from 11-12 on the third floor in the same building. Both are very informal and you can just drop in or stay the full time. If you make it to the playgroup, your parking is validated. I met some wonderful moms and babies in both groups. Toy Park is also a great place to meet other moms.
I’ve lived in the area a few months (3 houses outside the city off N Decatur) and remember seeing a posting about a great pet sitter here a few weeks ago and now cannot find it.
Any recommendations for a reasonable, in-home pet sitter. 1 large dog.
Thanks.
I highly recommend Tricia’s Pet Sitting at 404 284-1883. Tricia has been my dog’s sitter for 10 years. She is the very definition of reliable, capable, and caring.
The officer’s name is Lindsey, and thanks to him, DPD will have a fabulous Christmas party this year. There is not room here to mention all of the frivolous citations he has issued in the last 2 months. He must be stopped!
Please … if they do nothing you complain, if they do something you complain. Give me a break & follow the ordinances. The police are doing there best to keep everyone safe.
I have witnessed this officer being antagonistic and demeaning to citizens and business owners in the city. He ain’t just out there doing his job in a professional manner, which is likely why people tend to complain about him more than others.
And btw- I see the dpd bike cop break every violation mentioned here all the time. Running lights, against traffic, weaving etc. The hypocrisy might irk folks too.
If that were true than the officer would prioritize protecting the public from this dysfunctional traffic signal until relieved or the signal repaired. Instead, he uses it to entrap a citizen doing their best to safely negotiate the hazard.
If the signal failed to detect automobiles, I doubt this officer would ignore the danger and use it to entrap motorists nor would he flippantly indicate that the motorist should “press the button” after ticketing them. That would be outrageous. But do the same exact thing to a cyclist, that’s okay.
Decatur’s own Ken Rosskopf (KENBIKELAW) is sponsoring Saturday’s bike races at Dick Lane Velodrome, located in East Point’s Sumner Park. Pack a lunch and come out to support an afternoon/evening of exciting track racing. Proceeds benefit the local track association and children’s programs there.
It’ll help get your mind off grumpy motorcycle officers.
(And, by the way, your fine should be half that…don’t ask how I know.)
So could a bicyclist stop and walk their bike across an intersection? If there really is no one coming from either direction, it would seem easier than waiting on a light. I get the sensor argument and think there must be a way for bikes, scooters, and cycles to trigger a light, but NO WAY am I going with the ‘I slowed down, looked and blew thru argument’. That thinking is exactly what makes the roads dangerous. I drive a scooter and, like larger motorcycles, am frequently not seen on that cursory glance people give before blowing thru stop lights and signs.
Your safest course would be to make three legal right turns. In other words, find an intersection that is bike friendly.
Wouldn’t that put me a block behind where I already was?
This is a manufactured “problem”.
These demand loop sensors are designed to be able to detect bicycles.
Dekalb county misadjusts critical safety infrastructure and Decatur public safety officials allow the public hazard to persist.
If indeed they are aware of this problem…
Malfunctioning lights are an obvious safety hazard for everyone. I think it’s shameful that they would be aware that someone could be maimed or killed because of confusion over a broken signal, but instead of correcting it, they are using it as a revenue source.
I wonder if playing “gotcha” with defective signals is something the department is aware of and condones, or if it’s just that particular officer.
Ridgelandistan, Rebeccab, (and DEM too!)-
Alrighty! I’m staging a rant-er-vention because you otherwise very smart folks have all clearly developed a blind spot on this topic!
* Is the sensor issue a legit problem? YES!
Folks know where the problem sensors are, and can: (1) opt for an alternate route, (2) stew, but abide by traffic laws (3) go against the light, knowing it’s a traffic violation.
* Is it frustrating to get a ticket when there’s a known signal defect? YES!
However, officers aren’t just gleefully waiting at “cherry spots.” Officers are assigned to monitor areas with the highest rate of accidents or the highest volume of complaints. (Yes, that translates into “easy pickin’s” if folks are out there violating the law.) The officer’s job is to call it as s/he sees it, not decipher the violator’s “used my judgement” explanation.
* Does the defective signal need to added to Dekalb County’s Traffic Ops work list? YES!
What’s wrong with using Y’ALL’S “git ‘er done’s” to get these traffic sensors fixed?? Y’all obviously have the needed passion to put behind this project!! :0) Getting the sensors fixed will definitely require folks stepping up because it’s a County required repair issue on City owned streets ( meaning it’ll kinda fall through the cracks unless someone stays on it.) That said, it could get quickly addressed if the appropriate County and City officials were all contacted with details of the problem and affected locations. (Dekalb Traffic Ops previously tackled the one at Commerce/Sycamore St. Since it didn’t “take,” it seems like it’s a more complicated fix that’ll probably require a request from higher ups to justify it. Nice folks, but their Dept’s stretched thin. Light’s out? Immediate fix. Bikes aren’t triggering the signal? Has to wait.)
LOVE DM’s new “Affect your community” ad line. Betcha if y’all ask nicely, he’ll put up a dedicated post to organize efforts. (Could be a nice warmup for us before tackling GA’s bicycling laws! :0)
Certain defective lights are well known by the community and discussed quite frequently on line. A mechanism for reporting defects is not well publized to citizens but I’ll bet the police department could get a light fixed pretty darned fast if cars were not being detected by demand loops.
If Glockenspiel’s bike had an internal combustion engine on it, then the officer would have no basis to issue a citation. Because proceeding through the defective light is the proscribed action for a motorcycle. Many here say cyclists should follow the same rules as motor vehicles well, Glockenspiel did and got ticketed for it.
Ridgelandistan-
I get why the broken traffic sensors raise hackles when the topic comes up online. What I don’t get is why you’re so ticked off at the Decatur Police about it. Yeah, it’d be nice if Traffic Ops was a Police Dept function, but it isn’t, so why expect them to be the ones to have to take action? If the folks who are truly irked by the issue won’t make the time to look into it, why on earth would an officer opt to spend precious time satisfying snarksters? That’d just be plain silly…
Am I misreading your comments or are you really feeling like there’s some ill regard being held by the Decatur Police against cyclists? I love ya, and it really bothers me to think of you being caught up in negative headspace… ( When you were a nice green quilt pattern, you took things in stride… then, suit dude appeared…now, mystery dog… uh oh… maybe this is the sinister start to Parker’s next book club read…)
That’s a fair enough question.
On this blog there have recently been descriptions of three tickets given to cyclists at three defective intersections.
In all of those encounters the citizen reported a hazardous condition directly to a police officer who has a sworn duty to protect the public.
I believe that officer has a duty to act on that report.
The apparent evidence is that this is not happening.
Ridgelandistan-
For sure the broken sensors are a real pain and need to be fixed immediately. (I’d quibble with “hazardous” because it’s not a dangerous situation until the cyclist opts to proceed through the red light.) Do I think the officer(s) should’ve looked into getting it fixed? Yeah… I do. Probably the officer(s) intended to, and it got backburnered by all the job’s other priorities and responsibilities. To be honest, I’m a bit frustrated at the City’s hands-off stance on broken traffic signals. Why not have a system to relay citizens’ call outs to the County? I don’t think anyone is being intentionally callous, and really, as much as we all hope someone else will step up to address an issue, each of us has the same ability as a police officer or city employee to try to get a problem solved. (Yes, their clout would get it done faster…!) I think it’s just like with anything else: taking action falls to the person(s) most impacted or the most ticked off!… Or, luck can strike, and it’s DM to the rescue! :0)
( You’ve made good points, and maybe they’ll reappear as teachable moments for community policing. Just don’t let this affect your regard for the Decatur Police. Deputy Chief Lee, Chief Booker, and our officers are so dedicated to keeping us safe and thriving. It’s pretty amazing to have a conversation with an officer. It doesn’t take long to realize just how much it means to each officer to be serving and protecting the citizens of Decatur.)
Deanne,
“…because it’s not a dangerous situation until the cyclist opts to proceed through the red light.”
IMO: That option is legal and proper.
This the other half of what is galling about this issue. The closest direction that Georgia law provides a cyclist for this situation is 40-6-312.1.
“Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the driver of a motorcycle approaching an intersection controlled by a traffic-control signal utilizing a vehicle detection device that is inoperative due to the size of the motorcycle shall come to a full and complete stop at the intersection and, after waiting for a reasonable period of time for such traffic-control signal to detect such motorcycle, may proceed with due caution when it is safe to do so.”
I’ve looked and can find no other instruction for cyclists in this situation. No reasonable, honest person can claim this exception should not apply to bicycles too. (Or any road vehicle that does not trip the sensor.)
Cyclists proceeding through the intersection per this statute are complying as closely with this law as possible. Riding upon the sidewalk to press a pedestrian button is actually a real traffic violation 40-6-144. Proceeding carefully through the defective intersection after stopping is not.
If the problem is solvable by pressing the pedestrian button to activate the sensors, then why is it a problem? If he had to jaywalk and risk a ticket to get to the sensor, fair enough. But can the cyclist activate the sensors in most cases, rendering the arguments in both the court of public opinion and the court of law moot?
above references a bill not enacted.
http://www1.legis.ga.gov/legis/2005_06/fulltext/hb141.htm
Ridgelandistan-
I’ve given your position a lot of thought… I don’t like unpredictability at traffic light intersections, so I’m not in favor of red light exceptions. Think about how fast the cars fly around the blind curves by the Sycamore St./Commerce and Sycamore Pl./Commerce lights. Those are risky just with folks making right turns on red! That said, I’d wholeheartedly support efforts to allow bicyclists to proceed through stop signs on flat straight stretches of road where they can easily scan ahead to safely share the road. ( Who wants to propose a bill? :0)
Seeing as how we both definitely agree that cyclists should have equal use of roads and that the busted sensors are a major inconvenience, how about if we throw our energies into helping DM do whatever’s necessary to get the dang things fixed?
FYI I’m following up on the sensor issue with the county and will report back when I have more info.
The line to give DM a big ol’ hug forms behind me, Deputy Chief Lee, Officer Bob, amd DM’s Mom!
Seriously, DM, You ROCK!!! :0)
Love my indoor cat and want to keep her that way. Looking for an alternative to Arm & Hammer kitty litter … Anybody and their cat(s) happy with another product? Dust free… odor free…
@Mair: After trying a zillion brands of litter, my indoor kitty is now using a mix of World’s Best Cat Litter (multi-cat formula, even those he’s the only cat we’ve got), along with Fresh Step Crystals. I’ve been very pleased so far with the resulting odor control.
I also like World’s Best Cat Litter. It’s not nearly as dusty as other litters I’ve tried.
Mair, I can’t remember the name of the litter, but it’s the one at the grocery store that comes in the clearish/whitish jugs and there are two or three varieties. one has a red cap, another a blue cap. the red cap i believe is the one that is odor and dust free and i like it. I have a terrible allergy to cat litter with any scent to it and even unscented still seems to have perfume in it that makes me sneeze.
My mom just dropped off several bags of cat litter from Dollar General that are in a blue sack with i believe a white/gray cat on the front, and i have to say, other than the small amount of dust it kicks up, i am impressed.
Similar topic – where is the best local shelter from which to adopt a young cat, and after having done so is there a recommended vet in town? Village Vets seems an obvious choice but can someone vouch for them?
Thanks!
PAWS Atlanta.
http://www.pawsatlanta.org/
Village Vets is a little more expensive than some, but they are thorough, have the technology and are very caring.
For adoption, you may also want to consider Lifeline Animal Project – http://www.atlantapets.org/
They are in Avondale.
FurKids is a wonderful no kill shelter with A LOT of wonderful cats. I’ve volunteered there a few times with my son and I’m always impressed. FurKids.org
+1 for Village Vets!
Second this all the way– we, too, got our kitties from Furkids, and can’t imagine our lives without them (and our recent canine addition loves them, too)! Village Vets are worth every penny you pay for their very thorough, friendly, knowledgeable services.
Another vote here for Furkids. We found Orpheus at the Petsmart on Ponce a few weeks ago, where Furkids has a facility. He’s a great kitteh.
We adopted our cat from Dearborn. They actually house pets for Lifeline and also take in some of their own. Lifeline also has a Kitty Motel over in Avondale estates. They have kittens and grown cats and the volunteer there is very nice and helpful. I had a somewhat negative experience with Furkids, although I would not discourage others from adopting from them. They really want all adopting families to promise to never let their cat outside, EVER! Perhaps I was too honest on their application and interview but apparently they didn’t see me as a suitable adopter. It would have been simple to lie and say what the wanted to hear but I’m just not the type of person to do that. The volunteer I was talking to didn’t feel the need to return my calls so I just went elsewhere.
We’re huge fans of Feline Pine in my two-indoor-cat household, but I also have heard great things about WBCL.
I LOVE the new Tidy Cats litter with the green lid. It doesn’t come in big buckets or the non-scoop kind (so it’s more expensive) but it is great on fighting odor. It’s also low dust and I am not allergic to it, like I am most scented items. I also like Feline Pine but use a mat b/c it gets everywhere (actually both do — the non-clumping type is a little heavier and better at not tracking).
Thanks bunch for helpful responses.
Gonna try WBCL first, with Tidy Cat and the Pine Stuff as runner ups.
Here’s a big, fat endorsement of Village Vets for both cat and dog care.
Also, I have to say I’m impressed by how many of you seem to be in charge of picking which cat litter to use. I am not allowed to change what is used at my house, even for something we both might like better. If I try a different kind, there is a prompt and relentless boycott of the litterbox.
Just wanted to make another complaint about the push toy park. I posted last week about 2 boys peeing on the trees. I decided to give the park another try yesterday with some friends and their kids. Well a young girl maybe 5-6 went under the playground equipment in front of everyone and proceeded to urinate and deficate then ran off. Parent was nowhere to be found. Mom was finally located and she sat the girl down. This young girl was made to sit in her own mess and was not removed from the park. Some other grossed out mom bystander cleaned up the mess. I guess I’m just asking parents to keep the urine and feces off the playground. But I think I am going to take a hiatus from that park.
That is an incredible story at many levels. Obviously there needs to be bathroom facilities available.
Had assumed (hoped) this was an isolated incident, but maybe not…..A few months ago I came out of the library and got into my car, which was parked in the lower deck level near the far end, facing the wall. The car parked next to me on the left had its passenger side door open and I became aware of an adult woman acting furtive and a small boy (3-4 yrs old?) making fussy noises and sounding resistant. My spidey sense tingling, I stepped back out of my car to where I could see them, and asked if everything was OK (trying to make eye contact with the kid as well as the woman). Turned out it was a mom and kid having a little bathroom emergency. She was trying to get him to just go in front of their car and pee, and he didn’t want to. There was a younger child already strapped into a car seat. Reassured that the child wasn’t in trouble with a stranger, I went on my way, wondering if I was overly judgmental in thinking that was one lazy mom. The restrooms in the library are just inside the back door, so it would not have been complicated to go inside. I know it’s a hassle getting kids in and out of the car and traipsing in and out of places. But that’s part of what you sign up for, isn’t it?
Complaints about unruly behavior in restaurants will represent the good old days, if this is a new trend.
Oh dear… not good… not good at all…
My favorite is the diaper left in the parking lot. What a bundle of joy that is…
Please keep these stories coming, folks. From now on, when my mom asks when we are going to have kids I will simply point her to these DM threads.
WORD.
I realize you’re being facetious, but I hope you realize that these neanderthals are the exception, not the rule.
I just hope that by pointing it out the offenders will get the hint that not only is it inappropriate to let your kid relieve themselves in public but also a health hazard. So please don’t let your kid use the park as their personal toilet.
I hear ya Lump! I’m at the age where most of my friends have kids. Most of them are simply awesome models of maturity and responsibility. That said, my facetiousness extends only to my reason for not reproducing my own genes. I must admit that, just this very afternoon, I did indeed point my maternal unit to this very thread when she “joked” about how much easier the 4 hour car ride to Decatur would be if she had a little bundle of joy to look forward to upon arrival.
On a completely serious note, I am pretty much flabbergasted that nobody confronted the mother in question at the toy park. I understand that there’s a different dynamic with kids that I just might not “get”, but I can guaran-dang-tee you that if an analogous situation occurred at the dog park, the offending parent would not escape without a good tongue lashing! With a child involved, I think I’d be inclined to call the police.
….Sounds like a trickier situation since the mom reacted so harshly to her daughter. Those are the kind of circumstances where folks are hesitant to speak up because they fear making the child’s home situation even worse… in which case, everyone’s still left to worry about the little girl, plus feel guilty that they did nothing to help her. Man, I hope it was a one time thing for the poor child…
I hear that, J_T. Reading DM has also convinced me not to buy a bike.
Aw, buy your bike! Just don’t ride it. Look really cool pushing it everywhere!
Or park it on the street in front of your house to thwart those pesky “parkers”!
This made me Laugh Out Loud!
“This young girl was made to sit in her own mess”
Not just for the disappearing act by the mom, but if this is the way she and the child are acting in public, I couldn’t imagine what must take place in their home. I feel sorry for the child. Something is wrong with that picture.
+1
New Subject: I’m looking for a spooky but well-written book for my October book club meeting. Not looking at any of the current spate of teenaged vampires and werewolves. I’ve been thinking Jane Eyre, Rosemary’s Baby, Rebecca, but would be happier to find a recommendation that I have not already read myself, and a less predictable choice than those I’ve mentioned. Something fresher. Can anyone recommend a spine-tingler?
Parker, try “The Passage” by Justin Cronin. It’s kind of a vampire book, but the vampires aren’t really like any others (they’re certainly not romantic in the least). It’s pretty spine-tingly, but I wouldn’t call it horror. More like a fantasy that will seriously creep you out. Caveat: it’s the first of a trilogy (the 2nd & 3rd books aren’t out yet), so be warned that there are many story paths that aren’t neatly tied up at the end…
Not spine-tingling, but spooky nonetheless: Audrey Niffenegger’s Her Fearful Symmetry. Love her writing and the book is ghost-y and takes place in and around Highgate Cemetery in London.
this book is on tap for my bookgroup this fall too.
Thank you for the suggestions. I will check them out.
Also try “The Thirteenth Tale” by Diane Setterfield, excellent ghost story. Agree with FranAnna, “Her Fearful Symmetry” is really good.
I really enjoyed The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters. A good gothic haunted house story! Or anything by Shirley Jackson.
+1 for The Little Stranger
Still trying to figure out this commute thing! trying to get to midtown from sycamore dr in Northeast decatur, I have just taken scott and ponce and when I leave at 7am its fine. Its just coming back is the problem. When I get to scott it backs up a couple of miles from N decatur/scott intersection. what is the quickest way from scott to sycamore/fairview St bypassing all of that? there has to be a quick shortcut. thanks in advance!
There is no silver bullet. Get yourself a map and learn some alternative routes through n’hoods so you can adjust each day depending on how traffic flowing and how you hit the lights. E.g., turn right on Emory Dr. (just past N. Decatur/Clifton Rd) and make your way over to Scott/Coventry, stay on Coventry to Ponce and go home through downtown Decatur; or turn left on Scott and right on Lamont and get over to Clairmont, then go through Great Lakes or downtown; or stay on Scott past Clairmont and then cut through Great Lakes and get over to Forkner; or skip Scott altogether and come into Decatur on Ponce. A particular route may not be faster than another, but may let you keep moving, which (to me) is less stressful.
If you’re on the north part of midtown above 14th street, look into driving up Sycamore to North Decatur and taking North Decatur west, through all its name changes (East Rock Springs and East Morningside) until Piedmont. Then take Piedmont down to 14th or cut across earlier if you work further north.
As for avoiding a back-up on Scott, I might take Ponce to Sycamore or to Church and Forkner or take Clairemont to a cut-through to Church and then Forkner. Just drive as slowly through neighborhoods as you wish people did on Sycamore.
heard that route is full of traffic – that doesnt get backed up?
I think I remember you saying you are working in the BofA building, which is on North and P’tree- which isn’t really Midtown- more between Midtown and Downtown. That may help people give you better options. Do you ever take North Ave back home? a lot faster than Ponce, so you’ve cut some time there. You could cut over to Ponce several places (try Oakdale to Fairview to Ponce, but check the map for other options). Then you’ll be less frustrated by the time hitting Scott. you could also give a try not using Scott and go w. Ponce to Commerce to Church to Sycamore.
My kids daycare is 14th and peachtree. So i have to drop them off and pick them up each day there. that is the heart of midtown…
Sorry Blake, there is no real time saver here. You may shave off a few minutes taking back roads but it’s still a pain no matter what. Husband takes a similar route and will occasionally take McClendon + DeKalb ave. I wouldn’t recommend N. Decatur…gets pretty backed up.
Also, I looking for great chinese takeout. Where do people go around here?
Imo, unfortunately, there isn’t really any great Chinese takeout around here. Would love to see a differing opinion though.
For great “Chinese”, you unfortunately have to go to Buford Highway. Yen Jing is my go-to place for Korean and Chinese. There are certainly some newer and better places, and I’ve been to a few with Asian friends, but Yen Jing has the best combination of food and English comprehension when I don’t have a translator handy. They have basically a Chinese menu, a Korean menu and Americanized mish-mash menu. Stick with the first two. And if you’re not sure about Korean, start off with their jja jiang myun (noodles in black bean sauce). You won’t be sorry.
Closer to home for take-out, you got blah. However, if you’re drunk enough, Hunan Dragon (Clairmont and North Decatur next to the McDonalds) is open late and also delivers. It’s basically a New York/New Jersey style Chinese takeout place. People complain that it’s dirty and worry about the health scores. I would worry much more about a Chinese kitchen that was spotless and got a 100 score. It’s actually pretty decent Americanized Chinese takeout and it’s cured many a hangover for me.
We like Hot Wok in Suburban Plaza…but they are not open on Sundays.
Chin Chin II, which is way down Ponce near Green’s, will deliver to Decatur if you live close enough to Ponce. It also could be good for pick up during the week if it is on your route home.
Chinese Dhaba in the Patel Brothers shopping center is really good…it’s not authentic Chinese Food, it’s not Americanized Chinese food, it’s Indianized chinese food… i.e. Chinese food made with Indian spices…it’s the best chinese food I’ve found around here.
The Dunwoody HS Ice Hockey team is looking for a few more players. Players do not have to go to Dunwoody HS. My son plays for them and he goes to Decatur High. If you are interested, please contact team mom, Stacia – .
Saw a bike-rider who appeared to have been hit by a car on W Ponce this afternoon–just down from Trinity–ambulance and everything. Does anyone know what happened and if he’s ok? Everyone here had just been discussing how dangerous the bike path was in that area.