• Selig to discuss Walmart plans with Decatur Heights residents tomorrow night [AJC]
• Profile of new business “Out of the Pan” right off Decatur Square [Patch]
• Half the AsianCajuns celebrate Sunday alcohol sales in Decatur [AsianCajuns]
• President Obama’s fam pick up Phantom Tollbooth in D.C. [Little Shop]
• A setback for electric cars [NYT]

Amazing 3D photo of Atlanta during the Civil War courtesy of ThroughView (h/t: Thomas Wheatley)

Sherri writes in…

Lost Black Cocker Doodle Male Answers to Jeff.

Jefferson Reiley is older dog, 12 to be exact. Partially blind and seems to be losing his hearing as well. He and his German Sheppard mixed sister went missing from my yard around 12 Noon Friday November 25th near intersection of Candler Rd and Glenwood Rd in the White Oak community of Decatur. His sister returned, but he is still missing. He was last seen playing with another dog on Eastwood Drive between Ellington St and Old Hickory St at around 11:00 AM. He is black with a bit of white on his chin. He is neutered, but he is not wearing a collar as he had just been bathed prior to going missing. I miss my son horribly. He is a direct connection to my deceased husband, as they were great pals, so his return is of utmost importance. Reward if located and returned safely.

Thank you in advance!

Oakhurst, Decatur GA (pic submitted by David)

I really enjoyed the conversation we had early in 2011 about your favorite books from the previous year.  I believe I read at least two Bill Bryson books because of that convo.  Offhand, I can’t recall what else.

This year, I decided it might be a bit smarter to have this conversation prior to the holidays, so that it could also potentially help with your holiday shopping.  The New York Times even has its list of 100 “notable” books of 2011up on its website now if you need a refresher.

But don’t forget, this conversation isn’t constrained to books that were published in 2011, just books that you have enjoyed over the past year.  Fiction, non-fiction, children’s books.  They’re all fair game!

To the right: One of my favs from the past year.

• Melton’s pledges to reinvent itself and reopen after hearing from passionate patrons [Saporta Report]
• More Atlanta ‘burbanites feel safer downtown today than in 2002 [11Alive]
• John Kessler goes on a juice fast and gets the vapors [AJC Food and More]
• Agnes Scott now diverts 73% of its waste from landfills, up 45 points from 3 years ago [AJC]
• Why our water bills must go up [Atlantic Cities]
• Apparently it might snow tomorrow [AJC]

Scott admitted that he teared up a little bit as he took this photo of his Bell’s Winter White growler being sealed at Ale Yeah! in Decatur today.

OK, he didn’t actually admit that, but I can almost guarantee there were many excuses of “There’s just something in my eye!”.

I’m posting this a few hours later than I should have.  Jennifer writes in…

She was found in Oakhurst – first on Fayetteville Road, Friday, 11/24. Then she wondered over to Russell Street that same day which is how we came upon her.

Her heart-shaped tag reads, “Heidi” but there is no phone, nor address. On the other side it looks like a worn out pic of Betty Boop. She appears to be just a few years old. She has on a pink collar with silver spike designs around it.

You cannot tell in the photo but she has white tips on her front feet and a white chest. She has warmed up to us – maybe because of the food we’ve given her but she has snapped at several people!

People can contact me, Jennifer at 404-408.7697. Come Sunday afternoon however, we will have to take her to the Humane Society or the pound due to upcoming travel that we have.