Free-For-All Friday 11/4/11
Decatur Metro | November 4, 2011 | 6:42 amFeel free to make comments and ask questions about local topics not discussed here over the past week.
Comments close Monday.
Feel free to make comments and ask questions about local topics not discussed here over the past week.
Comments close Monday.
J_T
FM Fats
s
Brad
Darenw
Demanda
FM Fats
Steve
Meg
Can We Talk?
Judd
AMB
Parker Cross
decaturite16
FM Fats
U-versers: How much are you paying for service?
I have tv, internet and phone with U-verse and like it but I think I’m paying too much ($175 a month). I’m especially interested in what those of you no longer in the initial “teaser rate” period are paying. Thanks!
$105 for internet+, *basic* cable (i.e., pretty much only the network channels), and no phone. We have 3 DVRs and an HD feed.
About $128 for U-200 level programming with hd and 12mbps internet. Not that great a deal on the tv side (they use a lot of compression, making for a less than stellar picture–if you care about that sort of thing;), but I’m very pleased with the internet service.
I’m at $135 for Comcast with Internet, basic cable (Yes to Discovery but no to National Geographic), and HBO. I’m considering “cutting the cable” and going with Netflix, Hulu+, etc.
We left comcast a few years ago and just use netflix/hulu on the ps3/xbox.
more tv than we’ll ever need and only 15$ a month!
Thanks for the responses! I should have mentioned I have U-200 plus phone and internet. Think I need to at least drop the phone. I agree that Comcast actually has a bit better HD picture, but it’s weird U-Verse seems to have better internet speeds.
Trick or treating went smoothly in our neighborhood…but I was surprised at the number of parents who could be seen walking the streets with their children while holding a beer or glass of wine. I’m not a prude but I think it sets a bad example for the kids. I do realize that the kids had the day off the next day but, come on parents, couldn’t you wait until you were at home to have a drink?
As long as they weren’t drunk or disorderly I don’t see any problem with adults drinking responsibly in front of children.
I’m not a duck but….I quack and walk like one.
…and you sell supplemental insurance
What is irresponsible about adults engaging responsibly in front of their children?
Agreed. It can be a party for everyone and as long as everyone is respectful and responsible, I think it’s fine too. I know my son couldn’t care less about the adults or what they’re drinking.
Don’t we have open container laws in Georgia?
Breakin’ the law! Breakin’ the law!
This is Decatur. I’m sure these same kids have sat at a table at The Brick Store with there parents while they sipped on a couple of beers. Win Win for everyone I say.
I take my 5-year old daughter to the Marlay regularly and there are ALWAYS kids in there with their parents. She loves their spaghetti and apple juice, then I get to grab a fresh 16 oz. draft of fine microbrew. We talk, sing and have a great time. Americans have forgotten that pubs are for families, hence (Pub)lic House, in existence in Britain since the 10th century. Time to catch up and put that Puritan baggage behind us.
My this is a confluence of sensitive streams is it not? You are certainly free to express your view, and I don’t take offense because I am going to do what I think is appropriate anyway. As long as you realize you might get peppered with questions and responses about seeming to tell others how to parent properly.
And to clarify: when you say “Couldn’t you wait until you were at home to have a drink”, is it the drinking in front of kids, period, that bothers you, the drinking in public regardless of context, or the drinking during the specific Halloween event?
I don’t have a problem with parents drinking in front of children or in public. But Halloween is an event for children and in my opinion parents shouldn’t walk around drinking while their kids trick or treat. It’s sorta like drinking during a child’s birthday party or during a swim meet. You can have your adult time at a different time.
Heh. I went to a young child’s birthday party a month ago. The hosts had two giant coolers set up on their deck. One with juice boxes for the kids. The other PACKED with beer for the adults.
I was a little surprised. I wanted a non-alcoholic beverage and drank juice boxes with the kids.
But most of the parents there were not phased in the least and drank several beers each.
I’ve noticed a few “happy hours” just driving through my neighborhood. Happy kids in the front yard running around. And a group of moms sharing a bottle of wine and conversation. Looks like everyone is enjoying themselves. The times, they are a’changin, I suppose.
Why create such a separation between adult time and children’s times? When we host a child’s birthday party it’s a celebration for all, not just the kids. Our hangups in America concerning alcohol are so curious to me. Why such an emphasis on shielding kids from alcohol in public scenarios? When I went to school in Spain, I was shocked to discover one could get a cold beer from a vending machine. And this was onsite at a college campus. Wonder if they have the binging issues we have here? You take issue with swim meets? I’m guilty of that one. If it’s a private pool where it’s perfectly legal, what’s the issue? Your retort could easily be that it’s a kid event. But for me I don’t personally see how alcohol at a kid’s event creates such a tarnish.
If I had to attend or host a child’s birthday party and couldn’t drink, I would shoot myself.
+1!!!
Good discussion points all. When my son’s teacher took a bunch of American (yes Decatur and Atlanta private high school kids) to England and they discovered the beer in vending machines, well a bunch of the kids got sent home. I attribute that to the lack of exposure of American kids to real life were moderate consumption is not unusual or worthy of comment. They saw it as an opportunity to get drunk.
I grew up in an Ohio neighborhood where my family was one of a very few without native-born Germans. Their attitude was that American beer was “pop” and they had no problem with their children drinking it in moderation. That’s farther than anyone in this day and age would want to go, or the law would allow them to, and there was definitely some abuse. But none of my peers from that era ended up in the detox ward. In fact, by the time we got to college, the novelty of binge drinking was well behind us, and we commiserated about having tend to our sheltered, s***-faced roommates.
My German grandmother used to pop open a beer for me when I had dinner with her when I was 11.
My German grandparents had beer delivered every week, and they would get a case of pony bottles for my dad and his siblings!
Chadass, I vote for getting drunk before the kid party
Nah, I’m not a big fan of all or nothing. I prefer a few festive adult beverages with friends to toast my kid’s birthday. No need to get knee-dragging drunk.
I am actually talking about the seven parties for the under six set we will have attended in the last four weeks for kids not my own!
I guess you don’t like to attend swim meets at the venetian.
Isn’t it illegal to walk around in public with an open container?
Yes in GA. Except in Athens on game day…
And Savannah.
And on the square during the September and May concerts.
It is not a state law. Each municipality can decide for itself. For example, in the historic district in Savannah.
But, yes, in Decatur it is “unlawful for any person to drink any alcoholic beverages or any other intoxicating beverage at any public place within the city, or for any person to have in his possession any unsealed or opened container with such intoxicating beverage in it at any public place within the city, except as provided under the terms and conditions of special permits issued by the city commission.”
I vote prude.
This has been a Decatur tradition so long as I have lived here. 9+ years.
+1! Kids get candy, we get cocktails. Given that school was out the following day, I had to work from home, so it was a treat to have a few drinks on a weeknight.
Uhh…. it’s against the law, isn’t it?
Yeah, but it’s a stupid law, so….
We have a winner!
Does the Georgia Bar know you posted this? I know some people there
C’mon, now. I’ve already the humor-impaired Great Lakes folks on my case, let’s keep the Bar out of this!
HAAHA!
Is JunderscoreT a lawyer? I was just starting to like him/her.
Sadly Chadly, yes
Oh man, I am so going to start referring myself as JunderscoreT! And to answer your question, I may be a lawyer but, like my mom tells everyone, I’m not a “real lawyer” because I don’t have television commercials or a catchy ad tagline. Yes, she actually says that.
As for the name, you got me curious. I know that I was originally just JT. I don’t know for how long or how many times I commented as JT and I couldn’t figure it out by searching DM. Then someone else commented as JT and I couldn’t think of anything else so I became J_T simply to differentiate from the JT-come-lately. Of course, I’ve considered pulling a karass and becoming Snarky in Decatur but I’m pretty sure that’s what people already associate “J_T” with. Well, except for the people who miss the snark component and just think that I’m an a-hole…
We can solve the catchy tagline problem right here: “Underscore this, m*therf****r!”.
You’re welcome.
Oooh! That’s hot! :0)
LOL! I like.
You’d have to hire Samuel L. Jackson to be your spokesperson, but I’d pay to see that commercial.
How much would you pay? I’m gonna have to do a cost-benefit analysis on this idea.
What’s he need a spokesperson for? He’s JunderscoreT!!!
(I’m pretty sure the T stands for Testosterone…unless it stands for Trackside…)
Seriously, you need a better pen name. How about “Bic Shaffer?” You might want to check the spelling.
Holy crap, I feel pretty stupid. I always wondered what was up with your fascination with writing implements. I never got the “pen name” connotation until I just read your comment. Doh!
How about “Bud Schaefer”, instead? Beer Man might be more appropriate for me…
Gasp! Cheatin’ on your cheap beer!
In Decatur it’s not against the law if it is in a plastic cup.
+1
Gotta set the example on how to bend the rules every now and then.
Not to mention that exceptions are already made. Concert on the square or 4th of July = many, many open containers everywhere. And then don’t get me started on the beer and wine festivals! Drinking everywhere for the children can see it. Where is Maude Flanders when we need her?
Speaking of additional stupid laws that are not enforced, check out this one from Decatur City Code:
Sec 6-22 (d): Drinking in public; open area and patio sales
No consumption or sale of alcoholic beverages shall be allowed in open areas, decks, patios or similar unenclosed spaces on the premises of an establishment licensed to sell alcoholic beverages unless permitted and approved by the city commission under such conditions as they may deem appropriate for the protection of public health, safety and welfare.
Checking the minutes and materials from some recent license approvals of places that I know have decks or outside areas, I see no mention anywhere about permitting consumption or sale in these areas. So, basically, drinking in a restaurant patio that has not be specifically approved by the city commission is the same under the law as walking down your street with a cup of beer.
Also it is illegal to keep your donkey in the bathtub. I mean who HASN’T broken that law?
http://www.dumblaws.com/laws/united-states/georgia
Marty, I think what this actually means is that the patio has to be enclosed – which usually means it has a fence or gate like thing on it.
On second read, that might be the intent Nellie.
But how is a deck not, by its very definition, enclosed by the railings? Is the patio in the back of Raging Burrito not an “open space?” Is the outdoor seating at Leon’s really enclosed? Certainly the Bocce ball court is not and people are out there drinking.
More specifically, last time I was at the Square, the bars/restaurants with tables on the sidewalk were not enclosed in anyway and would seem to be in violation even under a very liberal reading of this section. You could easily walk up to an outdoor table at Iberian Pig, grab a glass of wine off a table and run off if that is the concern.
The reason I made that point is I know this rule is similar in the Atlanta city code and I know at least two places in midtown that had to construct these weird little rails to serve. Plus, if I recall, some of the places in Oakhurst had to do the same little weird railing thing (look at the front deck at Matador). Now I am wickedly curious to find out if my reading is correct and why the square restaurants are exempt as you point out- unless these are the “exceptions” noted in the code, because you are exactly right. Maybe it is because they are directly on the sidewalk?
We would have welcomed ANY trick-or-treaters, drunk parents in tow or not! We had two groups of kids early, each one consisting of neighbors’ kids with a friend or two. Then we had 3 or 4 groups of a few kids each later on. That’s it. We bought four boxes of candy at Sam’s Club and didn’t even need one. We wouldn’t have even opened a second if we didn’t insist that the Chinese delivery guy grab a handful because we didn’t have money for a tip!
Seriously folks, I know that Garden Lane is considered the ghetto of the Clairemont Great Lakes neighborhood. Those uppity folks in the big houses on streets named after northern bodies of water may prefer to ignore their neighbors to the immediate west but it’s not like we have people squatting in our midst! (oops, too soon?) Heck, even the Lamont and Vidal people look down their noses at the renters and old, childless folks among us but it’s not like *they* have sidewalks either. Personally, I’m a bit hurt that the little devils and ninjas bypassed us. Nothing left now but the drive of shame back to Sam’s to return the unwanted sugary snacks.
[And shush you people about to rip me for not tipping. That was a joke. I am good to Golden Buddha and Golden Buddha is very, very good to me, with their 15-20 minute delivery times. I'm thinking we might even get a few free egg rolls or chicken wings next time in return for the Kit Kats and Reese's cups!]
Garden Lane is the ghetto of Clairemont/Great Lakes? Hadn’t heard that one! Actually, Garden Lane is not really Great Lakes at all. Back when Garden Lane was in the Westchester Elementary School Zone, no one considered it Great Lakes which was served by Clairemont Elementary. But then when Westchester and Clairemont merged, Clairemont/Great Lakes became the term for the whole neighborhood along both sides of Clairemont east of Scott.
OK, so “ghetto” may have been my interpretation of the Great Lakes folks’ attitudes toward us
Frankly, I was confused by the whole Clairemont/Great Lakes designation. I always thought of Great Lakes as it’s own neighborhhod. Lamont and Vidal always seemed like its own little fiefdom as well. Garden Lane seemed to be much more part of Westchester than anything else. But really, it’s disconnected from any “neighborhood”. I don’t know how we all got lumped in together but I imagine that there’s a covert effort going on somewhere on Geneva or Huron to secede from the unholy union!
Sounds like you’re just the man to join me in creating – and then drumming up support for – the Peavine “Creekwalk”! It’s a walking trail that follows Peavine Creek from Scott Blvd to Ponce, thereby connecting Garden Lane, Lamont/Vidal, Coventry and Oakland to a path that leads directly downtown.
That would be freaking awesome! I was actually thinking about that exact thing recently. We’ve got a little project in the works on this end of it. If you’re serious at all, hit me up by email and I can tell you about it.
What’s the project? Inquiring minds want to know…
Count me in! I’d love to be able to get from Garden Lane to downtown without walking down Clairemont. Coventry is a bit out of the way. A creek path would be perfect. Continuing on across Scott to Westchester would be great.
A few of the neighbors think it would be a great idea to create a community garden in the empty lot that adjoins the creek on Garden Lane. It would be based on and similar to the Tanyard Creek garden near Oakland and Northern. The City has preliminarily inspected the site and been encouraging about the prospects for bringing the plan to fruition. The folks behind the Tanyard Creek project pretty much created the blueprint for this kind of project and have generously shared their experience and knowledge.
Currently, we have a tentative plan and design. The next step is to get the support and approval of the surrounding neighbors. We will actually be doing this in the next few days to weeks. Of course, any significant opposition will likely shut this project down before it even begins. But if it does get the necessary support, maybe it wouldn’t be so far-fetched to dream of a trail connecting the two gardens, across Lamont/Vidal and right into downtown!
Count me in!
Hmm…guess I really need to get my act together on this, and see if there’s real community support for it.
I’ve always dreamed of this too. Like Boston’s “Emerald Necklas” – just make sure you make a bridge over Ponce, and get rid of that too small culvert.
There used to be lots of informal “paths” between Garden/Lamont/Vidal/Coventry that made the whole area an informal neighborhood for kids. But as new people came in and renovated, put up fences, took down logs/boards over creeks, those connections may have withered. Plus Coventry went to Oakhurst for awhile which split up the kids but now it’s back at Clairemont. Lamont used to be half Westchester, half Clairemont so the Lamont/Vidal union got tighter once all of Lamont went to Clairemont.
I think there’s even been some informal “paths” from Lamont and Coventry over to Oakland/Wilton et al. I’ve heard talk about developing walking (maybe even cycling?) paths along some of all these paths since a lot of them are watery areas that homeowners can’t build on anyway. But I imagine the same folks that had a cow about putting sidewalks on Lamont/Vidal/Garden would have a cow about that too.
As a Lamont/Vidal resident, let me just say that the reason we don’t head over to the (really very lovely) Garden Lane is that by the time we do the entire L/V loop the kids have had enough and everyone’s ready to call it a night. We don’t head up to Clairemont and break to the left OR right. It’s not snobbery; just geography. Though I’m sorry to hear you’ve been missing out on the fun.
In hindsight, we should have realized that we are so disconnected to foot traffic that we wouldn’t have that many kids venturing out this way. Maybe if we can get some traction for DM’s Creekwalk path that will change! Until then, I’ve already got my plan for next year. I’m going to set up a tent in our backyard neighbor’s front yard (haven’t broached this with them yet, but they seem like nice folks so I’m sure it will be OK) to establish residence a day or so before Halloween and then bring my candy there for the trick-or-treating. I’m kinda bummed I didn’t think of it for this year. it could have been an Occupy Lamont event!
You are welcome to come help hand out candy at our place in Avondale Estates without the need to establish residency! We handed out more than 900 pieces of candy this year! And that was with most kids observing our admonition to just take one.
We had LOTS of trick or treaters on Coventry. Bought three big bags and ran out of candy. But my beef were the kids that just showed up with a back pack in front, and no costume whatsoever. In fact, more than half of the kids didn’t have a costume, mask or even makeup. Come on! Give me something!
P.S. Three cheers for the parents holding their beverage cups as they walked their kids down the street. It adds to the “spirited” fun of the evening.
Speaking of the Great Lakes neighborhood…does anyone know why there is no Ontario Street, but instead Lucerne and Geneva? Just wondering…
Excellent question. Why did the developer resort to the Finger Lakes (Seneca) and Wisconsin lakes (Lucerne and Geneva) when they still had one Great Lake to go? Maybe a planned street was dropped a long the way?
While we’re on Decatur naming puzzles, I’ve still never figured out why the voting district Clairemont East is west of Clairemont West. Anyone?
Thanks for the info. I was unaware of the Wisconsin versions but knew that Lakes Lucerne and Geneva were in Switzerland. Disappointed that Ontario was omitted…thankful there is no Ricki.
Blame Canada!
I blame Terrence and Phillip.
lots of trick-or-treaters in Westcherster Hills – appropriately dress in halloween costumes & accompanied by parents (some with solo cups & some without). Captian Jack Sparrow gave out about 75% of our candy (while wondering why the rum is always gone & holding his jar of dirt). Elphaba stopped by to relieve Jack – not much candy left at the end of the evening – improvement over last year. Anyone know where to purchase a broom cupholder?
J_T – sorry we are not able to make it over to Garden – will make an effort to fly that way next year.
As long as people are enjoying a drink — singular, not plural — and not getting drunk, I don’t have too much of a problem with it. Where I am old-fashioned is that I think Halloween should be a holiday for children, preferably 13 and under. Parents walking around in costume — sometimes rather suggestive ones — drive me crazy. I guess I can see parents dressing up when you have little ones but once they get to be 7 or 8, let them enjoy the holiday. All I remember from Halloween is that it was a holiday just for kids. Maybe it’s because my parents are older and never would have dreamed dressing up for Halloween. And I stopped trick-or-treating in the 8th grade because I felt too old but it seems like there were high schoolers out there on Monday.
When I was a kid, no one older than about 12 Trick or Treated and parents rarely if ever wore costumes. There was a guy who lived down the street who laid in a coffin dressed like Dracula and made you come to the coffin to get the candy, but other than a few things like that I can’t remember any adults in costume.
Decatur traditions these days seem different — Lots of adults dress up to join in the fun. Agree that the naughty costumes should be left to adult costume parties but I don’t see a problem with the neighbors strolling around in silly hats or whatever, visiting neighbors, and keeping a watchful eye. The more the merrier, right?
In the last dozen + years, I also have seen large numbers of teens continuing to go out. I’ve been wanting to ask — is there a consensus as to when Decatur kids are too old to trick or treat? The flock of Renfroe kids I know are planning costumes for next year already…
Halloween has definitely crept up the age brackets over the years. Much more of an adult holiday now. It sort of goes along with whole “40 is the new 20″ thing, or whatever the ratio is now.
‘
I don’t mind the older ones trick-or-treating. I especially loved the ones dressed up as IRS agents “auditing” me rather than awkwardly saying “trick-or-treat.”
Rules, rules, rules!
Now parents with kids older than 7/8 shouldn’t wear costumes on Halloween. What the?
I’m so glad i’m a generally laid back person. I would honestly never think to judge a parent of a 10 year old wearing a costume on Halloween.
Your first sentence cracks me up too, by the way. It’s okay for adults to have one, not multiple. And that one drink better not make them ‘too’ drunk.
Comic gold.
That one drink should also be of a pre-approved type, with publicly sanctioned alcohol content. In a 70% recycled material-only cup certified to be safe for ages 2 and up…
Forgive me for expressing an opinion. And I’m of the opinion that Halloween should be for children. You want to celebrate Halloween, do it with other adults. Trick-or-treating is for children. Why create such a separation between adult time and children’s times, you ask? Because children are not little adults, as my mother told me when I became a father. I’m always amazed at the number of adults I see here in Decatur who swear in front of their children, drink too much in front of their children and generally let their kids run wild. When I’m walking around with my children on Halloween, I’m supposed to be watching them and making sure they make their way safely around our neighborhood. I’m not supposed to be drinking beer with my friends. And I like beer.
Well…… then don’t drink on Halloween. That’s fine with me.
+1
and they’re off!!! that was fast
How could they bear it otherwise?
In my old neighborhood I knew most of the people and I would hand out candy to the kids as well as pull beers out of a cooler for the parents. It was a perfect and well-liked tradition there, but I would not do that at my current home.
I am trick or treating at your house next year! Will give you a heads up and will be in costume with my open container!
Right! Trick-or-treat with a Growler. Brilliant!
No
Once your promotional rate ends, tell Uverse you are going to leave and then they’ll do what they can to give you another promo rate.
Does that really work?
Yep. Threaten to leave and they will give you some kind of discount, though it too will be temporary.
What I want for Christmas:
For one driver, just one to actually stop at the stop sign at Forkner / Glendale before turning.
Your wish is granted. I stop at that one and count to three every time. Roll throughs at that stop drive me nuts too.
Hey! I do that! (but my husband is another story…)
I always stop. Especially ater the moto cop hid in the bushes a few months ago (for several weeks) and handed out tickets like beer, I mean candy, on Halloween.
The roomy comfort of boxers > Tebow
Ha! That’s too easy! How about “now playing at quarterback, _______” > Tebow.
Fun question. I brew beer and and brew IPA’s pretty regularly. I like coming up with a play on words with the words “hop,” “hoppy,” “hops,” etc. in naming my beers. For example, “Hoppy Go Lucky.” One of my favorites that I did not come up with is “Tricerahops.” The next IPA I am making will be named “Hoppy Hoppy Joy Joy” for you Ren & Stimpy fans out there. Anyway, what good ones can you guys think of?
T.C.’s Island Hopper
K.C.’s Hop Down On It
Hop on Pop?
Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy
Hoppiness is next to Godliness
Hop to it!
I’ve used “Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy”!! Good one…
Hop Secret Hoperation.
Hop-upy Wall Street?
Oh, I like. Maybe “Hop-upy Decatur” though.
I give up. Hop-upy Decatur has got to be the winner. I would suggest going a step further and making several batches of “neighborhood beers”, like Hop-upy Oakhurst and Hop-upy Westchester, but I you’d have to be careful in how you describe them. You wouldn’t want to offend anyone and you certainly wouldn’t want to make one darker than the other
Yeah, I think that is the leader, which means Robbie might be the winner. But I’m not quite sure. Funny you mention being careful because I am brewing a hoppy Stout on Sunday and was thinking the same thing!!
They say great minds think alike. Apparently that applies to sick and twisted ones as well…
Like it!
Stop and Hop
Stop, Hop, and Roll?
Though, that sounds like there is another drug involved….
Tricerahops is great (the name at least, haven’t actually had the beer). Another good one that has been used is Hoptimus Prime.
LOVE Hoppy Hoppy Joy Joy, but more importantly, when is the release party?
What about:
Gay IPA……Gay means Hoppy!
Hopalong Cassidy, for something in a western style.
Hop Springs Eternal, for something with a long finish.
Hop getalong getalong (The Clash)
Very nice!
One would think that there might be a small reward for the best answer.
Sticking with a walrus theme — OdHopbensus zymosis, (Odopbensus rosmarus, scientific name for walrus, is Greek for tooth walking sea horse, so this would be tooth walking beer),
Hop Blubber,
Evolution theme — Selective AdHoptation, Genetic AdHoptation,
Philanthropic — Hopitat for Humanity, or PhilanthHoppy for that matter,
Hopic Thunder,
Hopical Anesthetic,
One thing leads to the next.
How about a six pack of the IPA made using the winning name, with labels and all!
You are certainly in the running with some of those.
Seasonal: Hoppy New Beer.
Hoptical Depression.
Hopical…
Hoptical Illusion.
That one is taken…
The bastards!
Hoptical Delusion then?
Hop ’til you Drop
Dennis Hopper?
I thought about this one a while back and love it….. unfortunately it’s already taken.
“Grass” Hopper (because I’ve heard some say they enjoy IPAs because they remind them of a certain, less legal substance)
I like it.
Once you can walk the rice paper and leave no trace, you will have learned
Eternal Hoptimist
Hop! In the name of love…
hoptimist
Anybody else had Rapper’s Delight on an endless mind loop ever since Walrus posted this?
No. But NOW I do. Damnit!
Might as well just surrender to it! I said a hip hop, the hippie to the hippie…
Whiskey and a chilly Halloween night. yes! In a skeleton flask–even better. Doubt the kids noticed at all–it’s all about the candy for them.
Speaking of drinks…
I am loving Harbour Bar. Their lobster bisque is so damn good.
Love the screen name!
I’d like to thank everyone in the Great Lakes neighborhood for making us feel welcome during Trick-or-Treat and helping to confirm that we made the right decision in moving to Decatur. We even had someone congratulate us on getting out of the North.
Very happy to be here!
New Scott- It only gets better and better. I moved from the northeast over 25 years ago and can’t think of a better place to be…the south/Atlanta metro in general, but Decatur specifically. Welcome!
Election day is Tuesday, November 8th.
Everyone gets to vote on Sunday sales!
Have heard very little about the school board race on the northside. What is the difference between the candidates? Who is supporting whom with their votes and money? I haven’t seen any financial disclosures reported like there was 2 years ago.
I’m also a bit stumped as to why there are so many Peg and Garrett signs in the southside. Probably a bit confusing for some voters who think maybe there is a race to vote on in Dist 2. Is it to solicit votes from parents taking their kids to 5th Ave?
I would not be surprised if the Sunday sales vote fails in more places than it passes. People tend to come out against issues rather than in favor of them. And churches are adept at getting out the vote. I think a lot of people in favor of this assume that of course it will pass and not bother voting themselves, especially since this is a relatively inconsequential issue.
You might be right outside of Metro Atlanta, Brianc, but I would bet that in City of Atlanta and Decatur, for example, it will pass 3 to 1.
There was an article in the AJC that suggested some churches had decided to stay out of the Sunday sales issue. I think I remember one preacher said it wasn’t his place to tell people not to drink, and that drunkenness was the problem, not drinking. I was surprised.
Here’s the excerpt from the article I believe you are recalling:
“The Georgia Christian Coalition only last week began an attempt to rouse an opposition movement, sending out 12,000 emails imploring pastors and other church officials, parishioners, religious organizations, and civic clubs across the state to unite against Sunday sales. Its traditional allies have shown little interest in getting involved, even if they prefer the ban.
The Rev. Barry McCarty, the pastor of Peachtree Christian Church in Midtown Atlanta, which he described as “evangelical conservative,” said he is passing on the coalition’s request. The church only gets involved in politics when there’s a strong moral issue at stake, McCarty said, and that’s not the case with Sunday package sales.
Drunkenness is a sin, he said, not drinking. Though McCarty would like to see the Sunday ban continue, keeping a restraint on weekend consumption, he said he can’t spread that message from the pulpit.
“If it’s permissible for someone to drink wine without becoming intoxicated, as to what day he buys it on, I think Scripture is neutral on that,” McCarty said. “I’m not comfortable looking my people in the eye and saying, ‘This is how you should vote.’ “”
That’s it. Thanks, Keith. I was too lazy to track it down.
Hi Marty –
Decatur-Avondale Estates Patch published a good Q&A with both Garrett Goebel and Peg Bumgardner:
http://decatur.patch.com/articles/decatur-school-board-candidate-garrett-goebel#comments
and
http://decatur.patch.com/articles/decatur-school-board-candidate-peg-bumgardner-answers-questions
Both candidates have run respectful campaigns and are dedicated to the public schools in Decatur. Personally, I’m supporting Garrett Goebel because he’s passionate about having an open process and about making decisions based on accurate data. Make your own decision, but please make sure to vote!
Thanks QueenB. Very good Q & A. Although I cannot vote for either because I live in District 2. But both seem like good candidates.
The AJC Voter Guide also has a Q&A at:
http://www4.thevoterguide.org/v/ajc11/race-detail.do?id=221406548
QueenB, RobP, and Tom thank you for your kind words.
Definitely TWO stellar candidates! Here’s even more valuable info:
http://www.decaturmetro.com/2011/10/12/video-from-sundays-school-board-candidates-forum/
Speaking of sunday alcohol sales, I still haven’t been able to find an answer to a question I posed here a few weeks ago. Will the new law allow restaurants to serve alcohol before Noon on Sundays? Anyone from one of our restaurants or the city government in the know on this?
The referendum only deals with retail sales of alcohol, not restaurants/bars, and according to the legislation passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor, which allows municipalities to decide on the issue, it limits retail sales to “from 12:30 P.M. until 11:30 P.M.” on Sundays.
So, there will be no change for restaurants. And it has always been 12:30 not Noon on Sundays.
Here is a link to the legislation: http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20112012/SB/10
I was in Chapel Hill, NC last weekend and was surprised that they had a no-serve before noon on Sunday as well. I’m assuming that was a state thing. They’ve allowed Sunday sales for at least 20 years but looks like pre-noon bar service restriction is not uncommon.
I grew up there and no sales, store or bar, before noon, as I recall
There are tons of north side folks who drive through south side neighborhoods, whether it is to deliver a child to Fifth Avenue, to cross country practice (at Winnona), to soccer practice or to a friend’s house. So, we on the south side hope the sign alerts a north sider to the fact that a south side family is such a strong believer in a candidate that we put that candidate’s sign in our yard even though we can’t vote for them. Of course, the winning candidate’s vote impacts the south and the north side. So, we take an interest even if we can’t vote.
The turnout in these races, no matter how contentious, is always very disappointingly low. It is virtually impossible to unseat an incumbent. The last time I recall an incumbent losing was14 years ago in 1997 when some felt that the board cut off community input on the hiring of a new superintendent. Jason Uchitel defeated a south side incumbent and Steve Roberts defeated the at-large representative. In the last election, one candidate, Rob Pope, came very close, defeating the at-large incumbent, Valerie Wilson, in the citywide vote among the votes cast on election day, but narrowly losing the overall vote because the absentee ballots swung the other way.
For the first time in a long time, there is an open seat. So, this is an especially critical election that will determine what kind of fresh blood the board gets. There are a lot of big decisions to be made by the board in the near future. This new member will be an important voice in those decisions and, as the only new person to join in years, is likely to be the leader of the next wave of leadership for our schools. Please get out and vote.
Both candidates are good, involved folks. For my money, Garrett Goebel has provided the kind of careful, respectful and open leadership our schools most need. You can learn about him by looking at his incredibly impressive “resume” on his campaign website. For my money, though, you get an even better sense by looking at his contributions over the years to the CSDparents yahoo listserv. (If you’re not a member, you can join.) For several years now, Garrett has made wonderful contributions to that citywide discussion forum. His emails never fail to raise the level of debate by bringing important new data and careful analysis to tough decisions, and his manner of discourse is respectful and considerate.
What a great post. I learn so much from this blog!
I agree this is a nice, informative post. Please get out and vote on Tuesday. Both candidates have run clean campaigns and both are very involved in our school system. I’m voting for Garrett because of my observations on his thoughtfulness and great analysis of all the issues over the past few years. Thanks for the mention Tom!
Rob Pope
I urge everyone to vote on Tuesday. No vote, no complaining! And if you assume that you know how the elections are going to go and don’t vote, you may be in for a very nasty surprise! When voter turnout is low, every single vote counts! In the last School Board Election, one of the candidates would have won if 14 voters had voted for him instead of his opponent.
+1
Thinking about a kosher turkey for Thanksgiving as they are so highly recommended by the Barefoot Contessa. Has anyone cooked one and where did you purchase it?
I can’t really help with where to purchase one but I can tell you that you will want to forego any sausage based stuffing in one of those birds. I made that mistake once and felt unbearable guilt for a whole month…
Why?
Sausage stuffing in a kosher turkey? Did you wrap it in cheese?
I did not. But only because I did not think of it! That would have been totally kosher though, since I’d never make a beef-based stuffing…
And if only Lyrics Only Guy were here with a Simon and Garfunkel reference to further this tangent…
Hey AMB
Not sure about the kosher turkey, but worst case, get a fresh one and brine it for a day or so. Basic saltwater (1/4 kosher salt to 1 qt H2O) or get fancy with spices, brown sugar, etc. Alton Brown has a good brine recipe…
Tried brining a turkey one year using Alton Brown’s recipe. It was a massive PIA requiring most of the refrigerator, the purchase and scrubbing of a new paint bucket, and days of wondering if I was giving food poisoning to all my relatives and friends. Too much trouble.
AMB
Sorry to hear that — I used a big orange drink cooler and it worked great. Happy Holidays and let us know how the Kosher Turkey turns out.
I know you were probably describing the color of the cooler being used, but all I saw was “orange drink” and it reminded me of the countless cartons of Guida’s orange drink I used to consume at summer camp up north on hot summer days. Once you downed two or three cardboard containers of that wonderful, bright orange nectar, you’d take them to the “popping zone” and stomp those babies into oblivion.
Oh how all the kids – and the yellow jackets – loved that “popping zone.”
Ah yes, fun summers at camp when both of us were young!
AMB – I got a turkey brining bag at Kroger last year. While it does take up most of the refrigerator, it’s a little easier to maneuver than a bucket. I also worried about poisoning my friends and family – but they all said it was the best turkey they’d ever had – which made it totally worth the trouble.
I’ve been using that brine recipe for the last six or seven years and it is fantastic. One way to reduce the PIA and the fridge storage problem as well as the fears of food poisoning are: 1) Make sure you cool the brine completely before putting the turkey in it; 2) Use a cooler instead of the bucket; 3) Cover with ice/brine mixture and forgo the refrigerator.
+1, Keith–and line the cooler with a white garbage bag. Fresh, of course. The one time I DIDN’T brine the turkey, my four little punks almost mutinied on me.
Try Quality Kosher Emporium in the shopping center at the intersection of Briarcliff and Lavista. 2153 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta (404) 636-1114. Just ordered ours yesterday for pick up on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Can’t wait!
I believe Kosher Kroger in Toco has them.
+1 – We have gotten kosher turkeys from the Toco Krogers at other times of the year as well (not always easy to find whole turkeys in months other than Nov./Dec.). As for brining – totally worth the PIA factor!
We got a kosher turkey from Trader Joe’s last year. It was fine.
As I follow this thread I realize that I need help with several questions:
- Why does the Barefoot Contessa and others recommend kosher turkeys?
- Are kosher turkeys brined?
- Why does brining make a turkey taste better? Does it make it real salty tasting? I served a smoked turkey once and my family did not like the smokey taste nor the injected spices.
I don’t know the answers to your kosher questions, but regarding brining, it does not make the bird taste salty. The brining itself, the way I understand it, allows the bird to more easily absorb water and flavors. It also breaks the proteins down which adds to the tenderness of the meat. All I really know is it works wonderfully and my birds are never dry when I take the time to brine.
I have seen several presentations on the scientific justification for brining (osmosis and all) and though I can’t recall all the details, it seems to make a lot of sense. Brining will help to keep the white meat moist and does not make the meat taste overly salty. Essentially it gives you a much larger margin for error on the breast meat. Tenting the breast with foil after the first 45 minutes or so also helps.
Important follow-up question: Does a kosher turkey come brined? Or are those two different characteristics of a turkey for purchase–brined or not, and kosher or not?
Salt is a critical component of the “Kashering” process (making something kosher). You do not need to brine a kosher turkey but they are more expensive. The publix and Kroger in Toco Hills both carry them. Whole Foods usually does as well. You can find Alton Brown’s “Good Eats” episodes online. There is an excellent one on brining and roasting a turkey. I use tht recipe every year. If you like fire, hardware stores and/or a good laugh, his deep fried turkey episode is also worth a look.
What I want for the Holidays:
For drivers/cyclists to respect crosswalks. If they can stop blocking crosswalks as they wait for a light or wait to make a turn. If they can stop when a pedestrian is in a crosswalk. Sometimes there is a sign that says it is a State Law to stop when a pedestrian is in the crosswalk. Police enforcement would be great.
Is this asking for too much? Has this been brought up before?
Guessing that the supermarkets near Toco Hills, which serves a large
Orthodox community, might be a good place to find a kosher turkey.
Does anyone need boxes? We have a LOT of boxes and as we unpack them, we’d like to give them to someone who can use them. They’re good boxes, all new from the moving company. You can even have the paper they used to wrap break-able items. It was actually horrifying to see how much paper they use (waste). I feel guilty about that and would like to try to earn back a little good environmental karma.
I need boxes! Moving truck coming Sunday, and could use them pleeeeeeeeeease.
You can contact me at melissapayne at gmail dot com for ease of communication.
If you post your free packing materials on Freecycle (ITP Atlanta group) or Craigslist, you will get a lot of offers to come pick them up for reuse.
Can anyone recommend a health insurance agent (for individual policies)?
Betsy Oberholtzer of LDH Group, Phone: 404-303-9907
She saved me $150 on my monthly premium.
I am not out for the gory details, but I would like to know what is the story behind the sexual assault on Halloween. Our family was very disturbed by the initial reports, fearing a “Chester the Molester” type situation. But I haven’t heard a single word about it since Tuesday night. I figure the lack of information probably points to a “known assailant” situation, but does anyone have an update?
The only information made public was that the situation does not appear to involve the kind of assailant that should cause the neighbors to worry. That came from our commissioner based on her conversations with the police.
That certainly leads you to think this is something that involves teens who may have known each other. Drinking has been an issue for many families of teens in Decatur, and if it was involved here, then the already impaired judgment of many teens may have gotten even more impaired. If you haven’t gotten J. Tom’s book on laws that impact teens, it is worth the price.
Highly recommend J. Tom Morgan’s book too: Ignorance is No Defense: A Teenager’s Guide to Georgia Law, plus his seminars. I wish CSD/PTA/DEF whatever would sponsor him yearly to talk to middle and high schoolers. Many of his anecdotes are City of Decatur-based–some would surprise, shock, or sadden you. It’s not just about the stupid things that teens do but also about how some teens inadvertently get themselves into much more trouble than they deserve because they do not understand the law.
J. Tom did speak last year in the Decatur High Performing Arts Building about his book and shared many stories involving Decatur youth and the law. It was an eye-opener. The event was well-attended and I am sure if the CSD heard from the public, they would schedule him again. His website has a lot of good information: http://ignoranceisnodefense.com/author.php
Yes and I cannot remember if that session was sponsored by the PTA or CSD or another entity. I asked J. Tom if he could return annually and he said he has to be invited. A problem is that evening events are never well attended by the kids–they have sports, clubs, homework, whatever. I’d love for a daytime presentation at school where they are all a captive audience. Annually or more often. The pre-adolescent and adolescent brain needs re-exposure to safety topics over and over and over again. Maybe that’s unrealistic but I think all kids would benefit, not just those with particularly risky behaviors. I learned things I never knew about the law.
Please tell me more about this book for teens.
Check Amazon or any of the Decatur bookstores: Ignorance is No Defense: A Teenager’s Guide to Georgia Law by J. Tom Morgan, former legal something or other—DeKalb District Attorney?
You can also borrow it from the DeKalb County Public Library.
I realize the police/authorities are trying to comfort everyone by indicating that the assailant is lurking in the shadows in our neighborhoods, but that doesn’t fully address our concerns. If this is a known assailant, does that mean he is still roaming the halls at the school?
oops – I meant is not lurking in the shadows
Didn’t the police say that they had leads but had not been able to identify a suspect? It doesn’t sound like the victim knew her attacker to me…at least not well enough to identify him.
Even if this is a teenager and somewhat known to the victim, I disagree with the police and the Commissioner’s assessment that the community does not need to worry about this perpetrator. A girl was sexually assaulted. I don’t know the extent, but she had to go to the hospital, so I assume this rises beyond the level of something that could be dismissed as normal rowdy teenage behavior. It is offensive to me that the police or commissioner would minimize the situation because the perpetrator may have been young and/or known to the girl.
Next time, it’s another young girl the perpetrator knows…or not. Does it matter? Isn’t a person who assaults a young girl and sends her to the hospital at least a potential danger to others?
Minimize the situation? Given that the police are the ones with the most comprehensive information, perhaps they’re gauging the situation, assessing risk and releasing information in a manner that best serves the totality of the incident.
Unless you secretly know more than they do about the incident, I’d be more inclined to suggest you’re trying to maximize the situation, creating alarm that more informed parties have already suggested is not warranted.
DM has managed to quash the gossip on this one and for good reason. We should stick with that, even here on FFAF.
Agreed. I don’t think it is appropriate to do an end-around on the decision to disallow commenting on this issue.
I disagree, Scott. The kids are talking about it, so we got to our kid first and talked to her about it Tuesday night (she was trick-or-treating in this very neighborhood that night). Now we have no new information to give her. We are assuming there is not a predator on the loose, but we would like to know for sure so that we can assure our child. I think an updated police statement is in order and is a few days overdue.
I agree that the police should be given some deference about what info should be released, when it should be released, etc., but, as the same time, concerned parents (and the public generally) are certainly correct to ask for updates. Further, nothing contained in this thread qualifies as gossip. People are making reasonable inferences from the statements of the police and commissioner. People are rightfully concerned and are expressing those concerns. One of those legitimate concerns is whether someone who recently committed a sexual assault is roaming free in the neighborhood and whether that person poses risks to others. No one is “creating alarm” or “trying to maximize the situation”.
Tom’s post indicated that the police concluded that the perpetrator wasn’t the “kind of assailant” we need to worry about.
I hope that the police concluded that based on the facts, this was some kind of a situational factor that means this is a situation unlikely to repeat itself. Perhaps there was some kind of altercation leading to the incident, for example, that made the police conclude that the perpetrator was not likely to just go around assaulting other girls out of the blue. (No victim blaming intended by this in any way, of course).
I truly hope they did not conclude that the perpetrator simply wasn’t “the type of assailant” we need to worry about simply because he’s young or was known to the victim. Neither of those means that the perpetrator is not likely to repeat his actions.
I know nothing about the events of Halloween. However, I know enough about our crazy sex-related laws to know that you should be careful about reading particular conduct into news of a sexual crime. Taking an example from J. Tom’s book, if a 16 year old has oral sex with a 15 year old, the 16 year old is guilty of aggravated child molestation and can be prosecuted and punished as an adult even if the 15 year old consented. Their ages would make the charges a misdemeanor, but it would stay as a sex crime on the perpetrator’s record. Taking another example from J. Tom’s book, two fifteen year olds have sexual intercourse. Both are guilty of misdemeanor statutory rape. Due to their ages, both will be prosecuted in juvenile court where all proceedings will be confidential.
There are two things I take away from this: first, if juveniles are involved, we probably won’t be privy to anything. Second, a horrific sounding crime can involve far more complicated conduct than it might at first appear. It is natural to want to know more — such as whether the case involves juveniles, alcohol and nominally consensual — if illegal — activities. Without violating anyone’s privacy, that kind of information might ease some folks’ concerns. However, I do know the investigators of our police department well and, if there was the slightest need for community concern, they would provide appropriate information.
“A girl was sexually assaulted. I don’t know the extent, but she had to go to the hospital, so I assume this rises beyond the level of something that could be dismissed as normal rowdy teenage behavior.”
Going to the hospital is standard procedure. Health care workers would gather evidence at the hospital using a sexual assault forensic evidence (SAFE) kit. It has nothing to do with the degree of (visible) injuries.
I’m fine with how the authorities and everyone else are handling this-discretion and careful reporting seem appropriate. But do need to comment that one does not have to be battered to be raped. So the need for a SAFE kit suggests sexual assault which in itself is a serious injury and serious crime.
Of course.
So much for DM’s very rare request that NO comments be made… Oh yeah, and phooey on that whole “not wanting to cause pain by discussing sensitive personal incidents on here” brouhaha of a couple of weeks ago too. (Before anyone pipes up with nonsense about all this mostly being a general discussion of crime, ask yourself how you’d feel about it stemming from this happening if you were the parent of the young girl.)
(Not directed just to R-N H, but to all who fit the glove.)
I do not have any knowledge about this specific incident at all. What I meant by my post was that if the person was taken to the hospital, that would be standard procedure for an alleged sexual assault. That’s all.
Does anybody have a favorite Decatur spa where one might be able to get a massage this afternoon? We had heard good things about Fabu, but they were already booked . . .
natural body
+1
The wife is there trying it out as I write this. Thanks for the tip!
Happy Friday folks!
I am looking for a new GP/Primary Care Physician. The current practice that I go to seems less like a doctors office and more of a factory, where it I am more processed rather than treated. Any suggestions?
I have really like Dr. Ramshur at Oak Grove Family Medicine’s very friendly, personalized care.
i’ve heard rave reviews about chad costley in downtown decatur (near the space formerly occupied by watershed)
+1
Chad is an outstanding doctor…
I found Dr. Nicholas Church at The Emory Clinic at Flat Shoals. Really liked him.
J.T Singh at the Atlanta Center for Medicine on N. Decatur is fantastic. Caring, careful, and brilliant. 404-297-7340. Love him.
Meet some of Decatur’s most colorful tweeps this eve at Carpe Diem starting at 6. They call themselves the #ladiesofdecatur https://twitter.com/singleinatlanta/status/132470504194965505
OK, once is enough. Thanks!
Just to clarify, the Ladies of Decatur event is for the *Ladies* of Decatur. Sorry, gentlemen, you’re not invited this time around. It’s purely a girls’ night out.
CD
Most likely, we’ll be talking about Justin Timberlake anyway.
Meet some of Decatur’s most colorful tweeps this eve at Carpe Diem starting at 6. They call themselves the #ladiesofdecatur. Check them out.
We are considering Invisalign “braces” for my daughter and I was wondering if any folks out there had any “firsthand” experience with them? The orthodonist assures me that the results will be the same as braces (yet in our case…the cost will be less) Any success stories?
Invisalign works! I had traditional braces as a teen (way too early to care about a retainer, sorry, Mom). Then tried Invisalign several years ago. Much easier, much cheaper, much less pain.
Just a couple of suggestions: you’re pouring your money down the drain if she doesn’t wear the permanent ones at the end. Also, make sure the dentist/orthodontist you use takes out enough space that crowding doesn’t cause more issues (this may involve removing one still). And because of the nature of the permanent retainers, any caps or fillings may require adjustments if not shaped to meet your before teeth.
Good luck with it! Dr. Wingfield at Buckhead Smile Center did mine, and I like the fact that he’s my regular dentist too (to make changes, if needed).
Owwweeee, ouch: “Clairemont Great Lakes neighborhood — Those uppity folks in the big houses on streets named after northern bodies of water may prefer to ignore their neighbors to the immediate west” & “Heck, even the Lamont and Vidal people look down their noses at the renters and old, childless folks among us”
I am a Great Laker with a very modest home as do many of my neighbors. Love the diversity – “the old, the childless” surround my house in fact.
Yep, there are GINORMOUS houses going in the GL’s –maybe they are uppity, maybe not. But don’t lump us all together and don’t judge it on trick or treating behavior, good lord.
I think I will do a poll today and drive thru GL’s and count how many modest houses there are and compare it to many huge houses there are -anyone want to submit bets? I’d say 60/40. When I bought my tiny home in GL’s, it was more like 70/30 (12+ years ago) and I wish it were still that way, but alas it is not. I think I’ll go door to door too, to check the “uppity” factor just for grins…
Do we really now have divisions by street? My kids don’t ask if you live on Garden Lane first and then turn up their noses, and decide not to have a playdate with you. Hysterical. Truly.
I believe his post was in jest.
I would have to agree. J_T posts a lot of things and a lot of them are in jest and I have to say, pretty darned funny. As an aside, we found everyone in the GL neighborhood, big house or small, to be great and very welcoming. Next year maybe we’ll get in the car and drive the boy over to J_T’s house to relieve him of the excess candy bounty that we missed out on this year.
Thanks DM and New Scott. I guess this is what happens when I don’t use a
or a 
! Well, that or it really was just too soon for a squatter joke. Didn’t even dawn on me that this could imperil my CGLNA holiday party invitation 
You’re welcome, but now I have to tell you that maybe you SHOULDN’T be joking about the subject. I was just denied access to the CGLNA Yahoo Group. Apparently the Brownstones at Decatur is not good enough to join the little clique. I guess we’re just on our own. The fact that my son will go to Clairemont Elementary must not be enough to be included. Really, the co-moderator actually denied my admission to the group. Who would do that? It’s just a Yahoo group for Heaven’s sake. One for a group of houses around the corner from mine. Obviously I’m being WAY over-sensitive but sheesh. What do they discuss that’s so esoteric and important that “outsiders” can’t know about it??
For real? Don’t worry, you’re not missing anything unless you want to adopt a cat or are in the market for used furniture and appliances. But damn, that’s pretty absurd, especially considering that I signed up and was approved several months before we even closed on our house. I wonder what the moderators would say if they knew that I was reading their emails from freaking Lawrenceville for 6 weeks!
I would offer to ask them why they insist on such restrictive membership to a neighborhood listserv but I fear that would get you permanently blackballed. Hell, I’m surprised that I haven’t already been expelled from their little fraternity after my comments above…
Be sure. Are you sure it wasn’t some kind of auto-reply? Was there an explanation? I’d appeal. I’m sure non-kosher folks have been on that list-serv in the past. E.g. some school system folks who I’m pretty sure live outside COD, never mind CGLNA. I would think that any Clairemont family ought to be part of this group. Only makes sense.
Maybe someone could “karass” the CGLNA moderators until they saw the error of their ways
Someone named Wardell told me that the Brownstones are not part of the area and that I should try to start my own group or join one that’s not moderated.
The virtual gated community?
Shoot me a private email. I think most people who know me already know who J_T is but I’d rather not put my private email address here again. If you email DM (decaturite at gmail.com) he can forward it to me or give you my address…
Awesome. This takes the City of Decatur vs. Postal Decatur boundary debate to a whole new granular level. Under what terms can you identify with a neighborhood and, if you do, does it count if you’re physically outside the boundary? Can boundaries change over time with new development patterns (Oakhurst is by far a different shape today than it was historically, for example)?
Imagine vaguely Germanish accent: “That’s life in the neighborhood. One day you’re in, the next day you’re out.”
The thing of it – we’re IN the city of Decatur and according to the map on the CGLNA website, we’re inside their green-dot boundary! My son will be going to Clairemont Elementary. I’m not sure what else there is.
I did laugh at the Heidi Klum reference.
Believe me when I say that Wardell does not like change of any kind.
When I saw this post a couple of days ago, I didn’t say anything because I was thinking maybe they had some unidentified reason that hadn’t been explained like trying to avoid spam or something. But “not part of the area” is just crappy.
Neighborhood groups and DM, are particularly useful for alerting people in a vicinity to things like car-break-ins, burglaries, and missing pets that don’t confine themselves to a particular street. I guess if you’re out and happen to see someone lurking in their backyards, and casing people’s homes, feel free not to alert anyone since you’re not part of their clique.
Your last line was funny. Thanks.
Right up to the point where I received the email banning me from admission, I was telling everyone what a great place Decatur (and specifically my neighborhood) is and how they should move here too. Then I found out that I don’t really have a neighborhood and that at least one person is VERY unwelcoming. I’ll be sure and not take my son trick or treating there again next year since we’d obviously be tresspassing. And Marty, I wrote Wardell back, explaining that I am indeed inside the boundary and have yet to hear anythihng in return. I guess I won’t expect an invitation to the house tour either.
If it makes you feel any better, I was denied from the Winnona Park group a couple years back. But I live no where near Winnona, so it takes the “where do you draw the line?” question to a whole new level!
My guess is that neighborhood listservs develop rules to limit membership to keep out commercial interests and spammers. Otherswise, neighborhood residents will not be willing to use the listserv. Some neighborhood associations also have a fee so it’s fair to limit listserv membership to those residents who pay dues. But if there’s no membership fee requirement to join the listserv, I wonder about how well it works to draw “boundaries” around neighborhoods. None are official boundaries and there’s always good exceptions, e.g. the family who attends the neighborhood school but lives “outside” of the artificial neighborhood boundaries or the resident who lives just outside but shops, works, and visits best friends inside the neighborhood. I can see limiting membership to City of Decatur, but strict neighborhood boundary lines seem too granular.
Don’t forget the Beatles Tribute concert “Abbey Road Live” at the Decatur High Performing Arts Center tomorrow 11/5 at 7pm. All proceeds benefit the Decatur Bulldog Boosters. Tix can be purchased online at:
http://decaturbulldogboosters.showclix.com/
Great music, good fun for a good cause!
Belated thanks to everyone giving input on my iPhone wireless network question a few weeks ago:
http://www.decaturmetro.com/2011/10/14/free-for-all-friday-101411/#comment-146733
I decided on Verizon, but couldn’t get a Verizon iPhone 4S that (launch) weekend, so figured I’d take that a sign to give AT&T another chance. I got the AT&T iPhone, but had the same dropped calls issue as my 3 year old AT&T phone, so after 10 days I xxld contract under my 30 day remorse period and switched to Verizon.
I can’t talk and use data at the same time with Verizon (if I wanted to), and do notice data speed is lower than AT&T, but overall I’m very happy with the switch as haven’t had any dropped calls, and experience very few data deadspots, even on the MARTA train.
Figured I’d give an update in case it’s useful to anyone. Thanks again!
Wife and I will be switching to VZW from ATT this week, i’ve had att since it was cingular/bellsouth mobility back in the 90s but the parts of the country we have family in, ATT is abysmal, I say this having worked the att on the wireless side for years. In the city I’ve never really had any problems, except when i’ve demolished my phones. i’ll miss being able to use data while on the phone, (esp when the wife is lost and i can use the iphone to look up google maps while talking to her)
but 2 of the places outside atlanta we travel to the most we don’t get service except with her verizon work phone. so we’re going to switch this week or next. she wants the new iphone, i can’t decide if i want it or the new galaxy nexus. decisions decisions.
One nit I have to pick with Verizon is that they no longer allow early upgrades at Best Buy and other outside retailers. I went to Best Buy to upgrade my ancient Motorola Droid to the HTC thunderbolt while it was on a great sale and was denied because I still have two months on my contract. Verizon store will upgrade early but they want 200 dollars more for the same phone.
Finally stopped in to try the Bakery at Cakes and Ale this afternoon. It is a nice addition to the Square, and a good pub alternative. I had a cup of herbal tea and a piece of gingerbread cake, which were both good. The tea was served as a single cup serving with a tea bag. I would have preferred a teapot and slice of lemon to make it a little more special. The cake was very tasty and not too sweet. They had a variety of baked goods including bagels, croissants, scones, muffins, and cookies in addition to the cake. They also have a lunch menu that changes daily.
Need to move contents of small apt. : 2 twin beds, a smallish futon, small patio set and a few pieces of collapsible IKEA furniture from NC to GA.
Any one experienced know if a cargo van will fit this stuff, esp. the beds/box springs which measure 76″ long?
If you go on the UHaul or Penske websites, they have the dimensions of the inside of their trucks and the average rooms one can carry.
I used Penske trucks and was very satisfied with them.
Thanks. I did already go online to find out the interior dimensions but wasn’t certain if that measurement is the cargo area (from behind seat to closed dooors) or if it includes driver/passenger seating area, also. I guess I will phone them.
UHaul had interior dimension pics. Keep looking around the website.
The one-way, rental cargo van is VERY elusive…
Looking for Springdale Heights neighbors to powwow with Decatur Heights neighbors on Sycamore Drive traffic calming, the proposed Suburban Plaza plans, etc. If you’re interested (or can supply contact info for key neighbors), please reach us through: decaturheightsneighbors @gmail.com. Thanks!
Anyone catch the “Decatur, Ga” reference on SNL last night? It was in a skit with Cee-lo (Keenan Thompson) hosting a talk show. Decatur being mentioned on SNL…has to be a first, right?
here’s a link to the clip – http://www.hulu.com/watch/297343/saturday-night-live-getting-freaky-with-cee-lo#s-p2-sr-i1
that’s great! thanks also JK for the link. Decatur’s gotten some media mentions this year- NYT, London Times and now SNL!
yeah, i caught that…’a black epcot in Decatur, GA….’ wonder where the show’s writers got the reference.
Ceelo’s from Decatur, GA, not City of Decatur as well as Keenan.
Well then, I suggest that we all email SNL and demand that they air a retraction next week stating that the not-yet-opened Black Epcot is in unincorporated DeKalb County and NOT Decatur!!!
Fantastic idea! And that might be a great subject for a SNL skit!
I was wondering how long it would take for someone to make the city limits distinction. (Yes, I know you were joking, JT. You beat me to it with your response.) Actually, I think the future “black Epcot center” would be great for the old Big H spot. With that in mind, I’m going to count the SNL reference as referring to the City with a big C, not a c-low.
Niiiiice…though I hope we didn’t just give the landlord any ideas…
As my son and I were leaving his Veteran’s Day service project at the Decatur Cemetery (the Cub Scouts put flags on veteran’s graves) I overheard a gentleman–probably 60 years old– speaking with some high school (?) girls about Decatur. He told them though he’d been living here for 30 years, he and his wife would be moving away soon. When asked why, he said his wife just didn’t like living here anymore, “. . . people have become so stuck up and snooty . . .”
He was wearing the tackiest shoes.
I just gotta leave a rant about how absurd I thought it was to see a line of children waiting to see Santa, at Lenox yesterday. Halloween was just last week!
Yeah and the TV ads have started targeting the young and gullible. On the other hand, I love how Decatur decorates the lampposts so I am glad to see the wreaths go up–but I wish they’d start 4 weeks later and then leave them up all January. It makes me grumpy to have Xmas shopping shoved in my face when it’s still light sweater weather.
They’re put up early because it costs less. That is a relatively small job for the company that puts them up and we get it done for less if we let them do it on their schedule.
That’s ok by me especially since wreaths feel festive rather than commercial. I’d love it if they stayed up through January, they’re so pretty. It’s still cold and January can feel so dreary once everything comes down and the tree makes it over to AS by the recycling deadline. Halloween through the New Year is such a frantic decorate, celebrate, treat, decorate, celebrate, eat, decorate celebrate, shop, decorate, celebrate, party, rush, rush, rush period of time that the aftermath feels particularly stark and in need of a little greenery.
I also enjoy seeing the decor stay up a little longer. Seeing people’s house lights up at mid-end of Jan. always makes me smile, but it does bug a few folks I know.