Free-For-All Friday 1/20/12
Decatur Metro | January 20, 2012Feel 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.
Latest from Decaturish
WalterM
Cubalibre
Cubalibre
Cubalibre
WalterM
PJ
Gone2seed
hipmama
MomofBoys
lumpintheroad
JC
AED
Daydreamer
thaibasil
mcdonough property o…
Apologies if this has been covered before but does anyone have recommendations on a piano teacher for a middle schooler? We’ve done about two years of classical instruction and are now looking for someone who teaches around more contemporary music (within the last half century or so…).
Thanks!
Megan at Dekalb Music on New Street is great. Our daughter has worked with her for over a year and it’s been a good experience.
Though, the store is again moving and Megan is heading out on her own offering lessons from her home starting next month.
You can probably catch her at the store # for the next week or so.
When / where are they going? Is the whole shop (violins, etc.) going or just the dekalb music part?
I’d also recommend Keith Leslie at Decatur Music. Keith has a strong jazz influence and is very good at tailoring the lessons to include styles that our child (younger than yours) shows interest in as well as the basics.
A recent article in the NY Times talks about the rise in popularity of music lessons over Skype. You can pick your teacher from anywhere.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/11/us/music-lessons-on-webcams-grow-in-popularity.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=online%20music%20lessons&st=cse
I’m sure folks around here have used the passport office at the Decatur PO. Is it as inefficient as the PO itself? I left a message three days ago to make a passport application appointment and no one has called me back. I know I can also get passports at the courthouse, but they don’t take appointments and of course aren’t open on Saturdays (preferable since the kids need them too.)
I used the Court House and it took five minutes. Very easy despite the no appointment thing… Just make sure you have cash and the paperwork filled out ahead and it’s a simple task – now I didn’t have kids in tow so take this with that in mind…
I did 29 years ago. Can’t say what they are like now
We also used the courthouse and it was extremely quick and easy.
I had the same experience with the post office – called about a dozen times, left messages, never got a real human or a call back. Finally went in person to schedule an appointment and they said they had an opening right then. The woman who processed our application was very friendly and helpful, and we got our passports in less than 2 weeks. I will give the benefit of the doubt that it’s budget related and not incompetence or indifference.
I used the post office… no problems.
And I wanted to add, based on the post below — I did it on a weekday early in the day — I could see where weekends might be a problem if your only option is to do it then.
We just did passports for our family a few months back at the Post Office and it was indeed an exercise in frustration. We had a Saturday appointment for which we arrived a bit early, needlessly, it turns out, since the passport acceptance officer arrived about 20 minutes late and was unapologetic about it.
I can’t see any reason to not use the Court House. I thought we would be saving the processing fee by using the P.O., but that was not the case; the Court House merely discloses that they will charge you, whereas the P.O. simply requires you to pay the fee (separately from the application fee, and at the post office counter, which entailed a further wait).
Probably the same person who told me they were not processing applications the afternoon I went, and told me to come back the next day. This was during their posted business hours. It was a couple of years ago, but it doesn’t sound like much has changed.
Mail+More in Suburban Plaza does passports. ( Don’t know the details. Love ‘em for other stuff!) Sat. hours are 10-2 and M-F 9-7.
(404)508-1412
http://www.mailplusmoredecatur.com
Thanks for all the passport feedback. Sounds like we would be better off going to the courthouse early one weekday and just signing the kids into school late. And to whomever suggested mail + more for passports, it looks like they just do passport photos, not passport applications (darn it). (And a tip for anyone else applying for passports: CVS’s website has a $2 off coupon for passport photos.)
If you’re a member of Costco, they do passport photos quickly and cheaper than anywhere else I’ve found.
They took my picture for me at the courthouse after saying the ones I brought wouldn’t work. Don’t know if that’s typical or not, but they were very helpful and friendly and were super-patient with a hysterically crying child ahead of me.
On Wednesday, a CSD maintenance worker was not representing the city in a positive manner. He turned the corner of Clairemont and Commerce so fast that wood and debris flew out of the bed of his truck. Then, because I honked my horn at him, he pulled up beside my and purposefully cruised at the same speed. Do you think this should be reported? He was driving an official CSD truck.
You should report him.
Given that some city officials apparently read this blog, I think she just did report him.
Do you mean a COD truck or CSD truck? I haven’t seen trucks with school system logo on them.
No logo per se, but they are white trucks that say “City Schools of Decatur” on the side.
Ok, didn’t know. Well, then it’s school system officials who need to know about this, rather than city officials, right?
Yep.
Does anyone know anything about the 2012-13 calendar for City Schools of Decatur? In particular I’m wondering why the Spring Break will no longer be the same week as several other school systems throughout the region? I can’t seem to find any background material on their website. Thx.
The spring break is the same as the other metro areas from what I can see. DeKalb and Atlanta are the same week.
Do you think the anti Wal-Mart people should be using the name Decatur in their title? First the site is not in the City of Decatur, second this will clean up blighted shopping center and will re-activate that whole area. I think those of us who want this development to succeed, need to create a bring Wal-Mart to DeKalb blog.
It’s a stone’s throw from the City of Decatur. I don’t think it matters that much, really. And isn’t it a done deal? It’s coming, right?
They’re not using Decatur in their name. They’re calling themselves “Good Growth DeKalb”, whatever that means. And I’d be interested in what front they think they can attack. All legal requirements were fulfilled; the arguments they’re raising are specious. And, they haven’t suggested a viable alternative. It’s deja vue all over again.
“Good Growth Dekalb” – reminds me of those politicans and people who claim they are in favor of “smart growth” with the clear implication that any development they oppose is not smart. But, is anyone really in favor of “dumb growth”?
They’re just smart enough to not call it “dumb growth”.
Steve, that’s a pretty rude comment about people, most of whom I am guessing you’ve never met.
DawgFan, As for “good” being a word that gets you going — why is that? Would you argue with a person who said “Son, let me tell you what The Good Book means to me.” Would you think, “Wow. That person thinks every other book in the world that’s not the Bible is bad!” I hope not.
If you’re interested in knowing more about what the people of Good Growth DeKalb envision now and into the future, I hope you’ll come to the upcoming community meeting. Decatur Metro will be sent the details, when they’re finalized.
Steve, that’s a pretty rude comment about people, most of whom I am guessing you’ve never met.
Walmart is the very definition of “dumb growth.”
Yay! Let’s have this “debate” again! I look forward to someone making rational, cogent arguments that will change my opinion. It’s OK, I’m patient…
In what hospital?
I’m pretty sure you can build something and not think at all about “growth” at all. That’s the opposite of smart growth. It’s more “ignored” than “dumb”.
Maybe “considered growth” would be a less offensive name? But the problem with being less offensive is that you jazz up fewer folks on both sides of your issue.
I don’t think there is anything offensive about the name at all. I am just continually amused by the attempted hijacking of the debate based on the choice of labels and names. Both parties, both sides and everyone in between does it. This is just another example and we can all think of many.
If they were opposed to all growth, they would have less credibility. So, they support “good” growth. If I disagree with them, then I must support “bad” growth (insert sarcasm font). And please, let not start the WM debate again. My comment is solely about the choice of names in the abstract and has nothing to do with Suburban Plaza.
“I am just continually amused by the attempted hijacking of the debate based on the choice of labels and names.”
Oh, the irony, from someone who hijacked an earlier debate on this because I used the term “exploit” in a manner that you disagreed with.
I bring this up as constructive criticism for you in future Wal-Mart oriented debates – let’s talk ideas, and stop nitpicking on words. Deal?
That wasn’t exactly the point I was making, but deal.
I’m not sure there was a debate to “hijack” before smart growth started it.
Good and bad are inherently loaded words. Whatcha gonna do?
Smart Growth Dekalb:Suburban Plaza seems to have only considered a name change. I feel kinda silly for thinking they were maybe evolving to be about something more…
Um, what? What do you want the group to be? Would love you to come be a part and help shape the vision for what you want the group to be.
iheartnellibelle- “Um, what?” isn’t exactly making me think this will be a successful exchange, but I’ll give it a shot…
I’d hoped that the group’s focus had changed to one of bringing area folks together to collaborate on ways to positively impact future commercial growth. I was also hoping that its leaders would urge folks to not be so combative when speaking of their neighbors who’ve opted to support the planned redevelopment. If the group wants to “win” folks over to help tackle other big projects to come, how exactly will they accomplish it with negative online interactions or by assuming that the folks who’ve reached a different take didn’t also equally weigh all the factors involved before doing so? (And good grief! What’s with the antiWalmart folks and links?! We’re all on the internet, right?!)
I think the group is for good development — good development in which the neighbors had a say in what goes into the plaza; development that supports local businesses that reinvest in their community (us); businesses that provide a living wage and real full-time jobs (40 hours) for most employees and affordable healthcare. Come to the meeting and help shape the future of the group. While the focus is Walmart at Suburban Plaza right now, the group is committed to good commercial growth in the county. And unfortunately people have strong feelings about issues that affect them and I do hope people who support the Walmart, are against it or undecided, are respectful to one another.
Thank you for inviting me to join in, but for now our approaches are too different for it to be productive. I’m excited about building on the bonds established among the neighborhood associations, nearby businesses, and our County Folks this time around. If y’all reach a stage where y’all are able to appreciate what’s been accomplished so far and would like to learn more, then I’d be happy to come share my perspective as one of the neighborhood reps who met with Selig and Walmart. (Staci and Janet know how to reach me.)
If y’all were just peacefully protesting, I wouldn’t say a word; however, y’all seem to be operating under “Right now all that matters is stopping Walmart. Once we get past this, we can focus on the rest.” Well, it’s the right now actions that will determine the group’s future. Strong feelings don’t excuse away poor dealings. Who’ll want to work alongside y’all on future efforts? Unless and until y’all are able to set aside emotions in order to effectively evaluate everything from every angle and truly consider where Selig, Walmart, and the other neighbors are coming from, y’all most likely aren’t going to make much progress on your goals. It’d be a damn shame to let the energies of folks so willing to get involved go to waste, so here’s to hoping y’all will give this some thought.
(Wifi’s out, so I can’t keep up my end of this exchange. Sat’s storm zapped Decatur Wifi :0( )
Smart Growth is what you hope is happening to your teen’s brain. The opposite is what’s happening to their feet.
I am thinking of replacing my old water heater with a tankless water heater, and I’d like to start getting quotes.
Any recommendations for plumbers who are knowledgeable about tankless water heaters?
Also, any advice about tankless water heaters is appreciated! (Pros & cons, good brands, etc.)
Last time I asked about it, Plumbworks told me that it really was pretty expensive to do as a replacement system. Not only do you need to find a wall to put it on, but we would have needed to switch out the pipes coming into the house so they could handle higher capacities, etc. In the end it would have ended up being about 3x more than replacing the tank heater.
He basically said that they’re really only a comparable option for new construction.
We installed a Noritz tankless water heater about five years ago. (The other brand I heard about is Rinnai) Plumbworks did the job for us and did it very well. We have a 1925 bungalow, so it was definitely not new construction. The old water heater was in our attic. So is the tankless unit. The main reason we went tankless is because of the potential for catastrophe with a tank in the attic. (If it’s in the basement and ruptures, it floods the basement. If it’s in the attic and ruptures, the ceiling underneath it caves in!) So it WAS far more expensive than a tank, but for us the downside when something went wrong was huge.
The only drawback was that the heater is located some distance from the kitchen, so you had to run the water a minute or so before the pipes between the tank and the kitchen sink were purged of cold water. In a drought situation, we hated wasting that much water every day, and would fill watering cans, etc. while we waited for the water to heat up. Last year, we had M. Carey and Daughters install a small pump that purges the cold water for us. You turn on the pump, wait 30 or 40 seconds, then turn on the hot water, and it comes out of the tap hot. Problem solved. Otherwise, we have been very happy with the tankless heater.
That was the other thing: about all the water wasted while you waited for the hot. Like everything else, the “green” solution isn’t nearly as cut and dry as it first appears. Thanks for relaying your experience.
From an energy standpoint, tankless water heaters can save because you aren’t keeping a tank of hot water on standby. However, because they supply and endless amount of hot water, they can encourage people (teenagers!) to stay in the shower longer or fill that big bathtub to the brim instead of running out of hot water otherwise capping their use. If you think that might happen in your home, then it could cancel out the energy savings from tankless and increase your water bill to boot.
Water and energy savings can best be accomplished by locating the hot water source closer to the demand points, reducing pipe volume and insulating the pipes and any tank style heaters. And yes, all of that is best accomplished during original construction. Alternatively, you can purchase a second small or tankless water heater for a distant demand point – an upstairs bath for example.
The best water conservation retro fit is an Instant Hot Water Recirculating System, which essentially loops the cold water out of the hot water pipes and back to the water heater so you don’t have to let it pour down the drain. Just be sure to get a hot water on demand system that activates by a button press or a timer to minimize power consumption – the recirculating pumps that run 24/7 can waste a lot of energy.
Here’s a good article that summarizes the pros and cons of tankless. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/heating-cooling-and-air/water-heaters/tankless-water-heaters/overview/tankless-water-heaters-ov.htm
Another option is to use the tank-less heater with an under-sink (can be installed for showers) on-demand water heater. it will heat the cold water in the pipes until the main heated water gets there. Simpler to use than waiting 30 secs for the recirculating pump to run.
I used Empire Heating and Air on DeKalb Industrial Way. It wasn’t as cheap as replacing a hot water tank but I love my system and my gas bill went waaay down, especially in the winter. They are great folks and have been looking after my HVAC for years now. I’ve had it for about 5 years now and no problems. Also, no worries about leaks, pilot lights or running out of hot water.
So, I recently read a book entitled “Hamlet’s Blackberry“, a must read for anyone that’s been operating a daily blog for over 4 years (or anyone addicted to their “screens”) and in addition to the many recommendations that the author makes to cut back on time glued to your various screens, I’d recommend experimenting with using the “full screen” option in your browser.
While you’re still very vulnerable to interruption, etc, using the full-screen option limits the clutter on your screen and increases concentration a bit more. Also, it really makes truly beautiful websites (like this one for instance http://www.lexiconofsustainability.com/about/) pop.
Wow! Just went to the Library’s site, and I can’t recall when Library Journal Review and Publishers Weekly Review have had such opposite opinions on a book!
Looking forward to reading it! (From the praise list on your link, folks looking for a good read should check out Simon Winchester’s “The Professor and the Madman.” Fascinating!)
Apologies if this has been discussed, but Winnona Park Stud was wondering if anyone knows anything about Envy, which is a business that opened recently (or appears to have) at the triangle on S. Columbia just south of College. Based on a cursory look at the exterior, Envy is likely a salon, an interior design firm, or a sleek bagel shop that also peddles quality children’s shoes.
I was wondering about that place too–just noticed it yesterday. It looks nice, whatever it is!
It’s the first of seven “deadly sin” shops opening around Decatur I understand that Gluttony will be opening shortly. All u can eat!
I understand some former Decatur Post Office employees are going to be opening up “Sloth” soon!
I thought it was coming to the North DeKalb Mall area. It’s called Golden Corral. And yes, I will eat there after shopping at Walmart.
No. I WILL get drunk and protest the opening of a Golden Corral. I’ll even write a country song about it.
You started on the getting drunk part already, didn’t you Nellie? It’s not country per se, but I can’t help but think of this little ditty by Jim Quick and the Coastline Band:
There is a boutique named Envy on Euclid in L5P; I have no idea if there’s any relationship. Whatever it is, it’s far less likely to blow up the neighborhood than the previous tenant was.
Re “….sleek bagel shop that also peddles quality children’s shoes.” : Sigh. I can only hope.
Favorite deadly sin: Sloth!
I thought of you when I read the bagel/children’s shoe store description!
“I’m partial to all seven, but right now I’ll go with wrath”
For those who get obscure references.
I’m partial to all seven, but right now I’ll go with wrath
For those who get obscure references.
Envy Create is an event and trade show exhibit design firm.
Does anyone have a good recommendation for appliance repair (clothes dyer)? Thanks
Lanny Adams Appliance Repair. (404) 762-9611. They are prompt, clear, and just an all-around joy to deal with. I’d use them MUCH more if I didn’t have a handy guy in my life!
+1 for Lanny Adams
Just had a good experience with Terry Appliance Repair. One man shop. The owner worked for RS Andrews for years so he knows what he is doing. 678 488 0239. His prices seem a bit more reasonable than some of the bigger cos.
How can we convince Mayor Bill Floyd to put his name on this list?
http://www.freedomtomarry.org/pages/mayors-for-the-freedom-to-marry
Does this deserve its own post? To share strategies, suggestions? I’m for it. Equal access to marriage is good for family stability so good for children, good for couple stability so good for psychological and physical health, good for caregiving of seniors, etc., good for disease prevention. There’s some churches that oppose it but many churches in Decatur support it.
Now a whole other issue, for all -sexuals, hetero-, gay, bi-, and trans, is how to find a good partner in the first place and then keep the marriage healthy. Is there an app for that?
I read it quickly and thought it said Mayors for Freedom to MARY!
Any idea on how long the corner of S. McDonough and College Ave. will be under construction?
According to the City’s website, it should end February 7, http://www.decaturga.com/index.aspx?page=42&recordid=171&returnURL=%2findex.aspx.
Thanks for the link! But I actually goofed and meant the corner of Candler and College???
This article on sewer mining might interest those inclined to urban planning. I was surprised to find that an Atlanta metro community is one of the leaders.
http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2012/01/16/sewer-mining-coming-to-a-community-near-you/
The same sort of thing is happening on a bigger scale in Clayton County with their water reclamation and wetlands program. I wonder if there is any talk of doing this in Dekalb County?
http://www.aaee.net/Website/E32011GPEnvironmentalSustainability.htm
I used the PO in August of last year to get passports myself as well as my son. Got an appointment in about a week. Went in and everything was great. Got our passport in about two weeks. The woman there was great. No problems.
I’ve been given a string of heirloom pearls that are very pretty and very dirty, with a broken string. Where’s a good, relatively inexpensive place around the city I can get them cleaned and re-strung/knotted?
I took mine to Worthmore and have been very happy with the finished product.
Try Alexia Gallery, too.
We are considering a small bathroom renovation and would like to get some bids. It will either be new floor and shower tile and fixture replacement only or a complete gut job… depends on what we can afford. I’d love some recommendations for individuals or businesses in the area that do good work on a budget. Thanks!
I don’t know about local contractors but if you’re into small, traditional yet eclectic houses you should look at this one for ideas:
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1005795/list/Houzz-Tour–Beautiful–Hardworking-Cape-Renovation
WARNING — ADDICTIVE WEB SITE
Call Ali Herriot at Hammertime (http://www.hammertimeatlanta.com) Ali lives in Oakhurst and his company has done major reno work for us, as well as just a small bathroom. He’ll work with you on your budget and do a great job.
Second Ali and Hammertime.
+1 for Hammertime! Ali’s done 2 major renovations for us on 2 different houses. Great quality, on budget and on time!
Does anyone know the rhyme or reason behind when trains blow their horns? It seems at night some of them pass by without sounding it and others blow the horn so long it almost seems like they are mad that you are (were) sleeping and they are not.
I do not know the rhyme or reason of the whistle blowing. Neither do I know why you asked this simple question twice. However, I DO know that I am grateful you did not appropriate my underscore!
I don’t know the answer either, but there’s a train that’s been going by every night around 9:45 that blows its whistle for a LONG time. I didn’t even think we were that close to tracks but apparently we are. Maybe they really are angry that they’re working late.
On another subject, J_T, we had our son’s birthday party at the Martial Arts Center last week and he (and all the other kids) LOVED it! Cutting the cake with the samurai sword was definitely the talk of school on Monday. Thanks for the suggestion!
Cool! Glad that everyone enjoyed it. I would have hated to be responsible for a dud of a birthday party!
All trains are required by the Federal Railroad Administration to sound their horns at all crossings 24 hours per day unless a waiver has been granted and no such waivers exist in Decatur. A train engineer can be terminated for not following that rule.
I wouldn’t want anyone to get terminated, nor would I want them not blowing it to let folks know they’re coming. I’m just wondering why it goes for such a long period of time. Maybe the crossings are that close together and the engineers just keep on the horn until they’re through town. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not really THAT big of a deal. Is this a first world problem??
I learned something new today. But, does the law dictate how long and enthusiastically the engineer must blow their horn? There is a certain engineer who has been laying on the horn for about 5 minutes every night for the last few months. Seems like overkill.
The rules say a crossing warning should be two longs, a short, and a long with the last blast continuing across the crossing. The rules don’t really define what a long and a short are, so a lot of it is engineer’s discretion. Remember, though, that two of the crossings in Decatur are within 300 feet of each other, so the signals often run together, especially if the train is moving a little faster.
Wasn’t expecting an answer… Hopefully Final Jeopardy will by about this tonight so I can put my new knowledge to use!
Some drivers blow more than others.
BRB. Going to check DM’s policy about posts that may be sexual in nature (or at least interpreted that way)…
Don’t forget to mention the pearl necklace post above
Glad I’m not the only person whose mind was in the gutter:)
I wish I lived closer to the tracks.
Whoa!! How did that happen?
That was suppose to be a reply to JT below. Now all the other comments on trains have disappeared.
Thank you Mises. I loved that, didn’t know Hank Snow, didn’t know there was such good fiddling outside of Texas Swing. I love to hear that old lonesome whistle blow at night, and fortunately live about 5 blocks from the tracks.
Does anyone know the rhyme or reason behind when trains blow their horns? It seems at night some of them pass by without sounding it, and others blow the horn so long it almost seems like they are mad that you are (were) sleeping and they are not.
I know there was a post about Georgia Trend’s list of 100 Influential people the other day but I was having problems getting my post accepted so I’m posting it now. The Georgian of the Year is actually a Decatur resident too! It’s Bill Bolling, founder and executive director of the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
As a Decatur resident and employee of the Food Bank, I am very proud that they picked him. He has worked hard for over 30 years to help feed those in need including in Decatur so I hope if you haven’t already, you’ll read the article about him at http://www.georgiatrend.com.
Happy Friday everyone!
I speak for both Lovey and myself when I say that we are Shocked…Shocked, I tell you, to hear of the crass and quite frankly envious tone that some of our “neighbors” use to describe us as
“Venetian Pool One Percenters”!! No more guest passes for the likes of you in the future…
BTW – the term “Venetian Pool One Percenters” has been sent off to my army of lawyers to be trade-marked. Be sure to get your bedazzled t-shirts before the start of the swim team season!
TH3
Whoa! I almost missed the “No turn on red” sign at Coventry and Scott laughing at this one!
And I’m SHOCKED that someone else actually acknowledges that there’s a No Turn on Red sign on Coventry at Scott!
Of course, it would have been hysterically and ironically funny if Officer Lindsey was there and still ticketed you for texting/browsing while driving AFTER you conscientiously waited for the green light
I wasn’t really there. Unlike my offspring, I cannot text and multitask at the same time. Most of the time, I cannot even scroll well enough to read DM comments on a small device. I was just trying to make a Scott Blvd. reference since the topic was “Venetian on Scott”. I have been ticketed there for forgetting about the “No turn on red” and my family will never let me forget it. But it’s hard to remember when everyone behind is honking angrily when you don’t turn if the traffic is clear. I felt guilty, assumed I was doing something wrong, turned and BAM–caught by the ever vigilant DPD.
That is great. Shhhh. Do not talk about Venetian on this low class blog. We don’t want those “other” people to know about our private retreat. Besides, I’m hoping our children will one day be Junior Guards. I can’t wait to actually see them taking out the garbage!
+1 shhhhhhh – hoping my oldest becomes a junior guard this summer too – can’t wait to watch the child collect the trash as I sip on my cocktail.
+1%
Occupy Venetian! I would trademark that but I am not a 1%’er, so I can’t afford it. Hey TH3, can I borrow some money?
Has anyone gone to the Brewhouse Cafe Avondale since the last name changes? Any changes since it was the Haily Mary- in terms of food/staff?
Sign is still Avondale Arms as of this afternoon.
Yes, we went there last Friday night. The new signs were still not up. Pretty much everything with regards to the Hail Mary is gone except the extra TVs and the laminated emblem on the bar. It appears that most of the staff from the James Joyce days has returned. Essentially the same menu from the Brewhouse L5P. We asked if we could do a few substitutions (essentially putting the same toppings on the burgers but on the sliders) and we were told that the kitchen could not accomodate because they were too busy. The restaurant was only about half full at the time. We ended up at a very busy Melton’s.
Got on an elevator with a woman this morning and said “Good Morning.” No response, not even a nod or a glance in my direction. Then, as I was getting off, people trying to get on were blocking the opening and continued to try to get on even after it was clear that we needed to get off first. I was so irritated!
But then I thought about STG and how she wouldn’t let it ruin her day.
…So I just kept walking along, singing my song.
The woman was from New York and thought you were bipolar because you spoke in an elevator. The pusher-onners were just plain rude, even for New York. New York elevator norm is that, unless you personally know the other person, you follow all the rules of elevator protocol, e.g. exiting and entering in proper sequence, all the while never making eye contact or saying a word, and noting the location of the emergency stop button and keeping an index finger free in case you need to press it. Strangely enough, it is kosher to hold the elevator door for a rider who is almost there (even better if you stick your foot out and kick it open), but you still do not make eye contact or speak, just nod a nonverbal “thank you” and “sure, no problem”. If you happen to be on an elevator with men making smoochey, “hey baby” sounds and staring at you, you do not vary the no-eye-contact-no-reply routine, you just hold your keys very firmly like you aren’t afraid to gouge out someone’s eyes out with them.
Since this was not in New York, no reply was rude. But I still recommend always holding your keys firmly and ready…..
Actually, when that happens to me I block the entrance, do a little roll and announce to the rude imbeciles that they need to wait their turn. For reals. People never know how to respond to that.
I had an annoying experience with two young women in a coffee shop yesterday. There was no place to sit, my arms were full and I saw an empty seat next to them. So I put my stuff down on the table, went to get a lid and paraphernalia for my coffee, and went I got back, they had put a bag on the seat and said they had been saving the seat for a friend who was coming. So I squeezed in somewhere else nearby. Several minutes later, the seat was still empty and I saw a young man ask if they needed it and they repeated that they were saving it. (Silly them! Karma will have him be one of the best and brightest of his generation, with a wonderful personality, single and hoping to meet someone soon, and they. missed. out. big. time.) I was there reviewing some work for at least a half an hour before I saw their friend finally come in. Several people could have sat there and left while they were saving that seat.
Full disclosure: I looked over several times and gave the young women my best imitation of my daughter’s alligator glower. I am pretty sure I saw one of them notice with her peripheral vision. That was wrong and foolish. Note to self: Next time go up to them as walking out and let them know how cute I think their outfits are. Better to confuse than anger.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a pet sitter who can take care of reptiles/exotic animals? I’m boarding my dogs for a long vacation out of the country later this year, but want to make sure my caged pets are happy and loved, too. I’m open to neighborhood kids/retired people as long as they’re responsible and understand that caring well for reptiles is just as important as caring for dogs and cats.
at home in decatur LOVES snakes! call her!
Um, reptiles with or without Salmonella?
Like most well cared for reptiles, without. And they’re not snakes.
I’m sure they are great. Hope you find good caregivers. As you can tell, reptile caregiving is not in my skill set!
You caught me in a mood that I thought was snarky but was really just snippy. God, I hate when that happens. I wouldn’t characterize them as great exactly since they mostly just sit there and look at me like I have offended them, but I do love them. We’ve been acquiring animals from various people who couldn’t care for them properly for years, and as it turns out, this tends to be an obstacle to leaving the country. Pet sitters love our dogs, but -shocking!- they’re a bit more hesitant about animals to whom they have to feed a variety of worms that look like they ascended directly from hell.
Try Frogs to Dogs in Kirkwood.
we recently used http://www.care.com to find a sitter for our dog and cat while we were abroad for 3 weeks and were very satisfied. the site has lots of sitters in the Decatur area, some starting as low as ~$8/day, and i received more than 10 responses from sitters within the first hour of posting a request.
we used an Agnes Scott student name Aisha Bailey and i’d recommend her without reservation.
I have an excellent pet sitter who lives and works in Decatur–she’s handled reptiles, birds, chickens, rodents, owns a snake, and gets many requests for livestock. Would recommend her over anyone else we’ve used. I can give you her contact if you want to message me at .
Anyone else in Decatur Heights having issues with brownish water this morning? I know there have been work crews messing with the water across from Avondale MARTA station. Any ideas what is going on?
We’ve had brownish water for the past 3 days. We live near the Scott-Clairmont intersection.
Yes – on East Ponce. I emailed COD and was advised it had nothing to do with the S McD goings on.
See Decatur Patch and I’ll bet a bunch of eblasts are going to come out from CSD: “Update: Police File Charges Over Two Knives Found At Decatur High School”.
I hate this. I hate it that two kids brought knives to school. I hate it that they may have had no ill intent but will incur serious, permanent consequences. I can tell that the principal hates this too. Note to self: Hit offspring over the head with point about no weapons, no pseudoweapons, no imagined weapons, no vaguely-related-to-weapons at school. (Also no snakes.)
I understand why there is a zero tolerance policy for something like this, but I think it’s a bit much to book the boy into Dekalb County Jail over a pocket knife, and that’s on top of possible expulsion. It seems so extreme. I also don’t see the value of naming the students in the article. I’d be certain everyone knows who they are, but they are still kids, not hardened criminals, and not a threat to society through these actions, it doesn’t seem necessary.
This is so darn hard. The reason for having hard and fast rules is so no one can claim bias, favoritism, uneven discipline, etc. But boy do you wish that context, personal history, intent, and other mitigating factors could be considered.
Zero tolerance policies make sense for actual crimes and offenses against people or property. What is sad is the number of silly rules and laws we have that ban perfectly reasonable things on the off-chance that some actual ‘”bad thing” could happen subsequently.
Oddly enough, in all the years I’ve carried a pocket knife, including through Jr high and high school, I never had an uncontrollable urge to stab anyone.
That mere possession of a pocket knife could be a felony is absurd.
the zero tolerance story that sticks in my mind- a friend’s 5th grade daughter suffered terribly from alopecia to the point where she really had no hair and either wore a wig or bandana to school. A boy in her class tried be be cool by grabbing her wig off her head and running away, leaving her bald. She pursued, kicked him to get the wig back, they both were brought into the office and both were given the same 5 day suspension on the zero tolerance policy. really?
Wow. I’m not even going to ask if that was CSD because I don’t want to know. But if the girl who kicked to recover her wig got 5 days, the wig snatcher should have gotten at least 8 days, 5 for the zero tolerance of physical violence and another 3 days for doing something rotten and mean. And I think the school bears some responsibility for allowing things to get out of hand like that. Where were the authority figures given that this was elementary school, not high school?
I understand consistency and fairness. But I also understand that adherence to the letter of law or regulation without consideration of the intent of the law or regulation is inadequate.
I’d go you one further. Not just intent of the law but context of the offense as well. Zero tolerance, as policy, systematically replaced what we used to call informed, subjective decision making that leveraged the experience and insight of the decision-maker. In short, context used to matter.
Sometimes a very good kid makes a very poor choice and just needs to be nudged back onto the path. Other times there’s a flat out bad seed that may need to be “scared straight” with extreme prejudice. Or a million other variations that take place every day. Dedicated educators who’ve earned community trust should have the discretion to make the call.
I concede there’s a downside in instances where leadership is absent or incompetent, but I still think we come out better overall avoiding one size fits all, zero-tolerance efforts when possible.
Yup, context and intent should be considered as well as action. That’s why we have lawyers and courts and legal opinions (in my naive lay person’s view.) If law, regulation, and policy were cut and dried, then we’d just need some algorithms and an app. No need for law school, experience, case law, legal arguments. I would think that our kids’ misdeeds deserve as much consideration as those of adults. Not saying that knives at school is a good idea, just wondering if the situations last week deserve the full application of legal consequences. Maybe they did, I don’t know details.
Not CSD for the wig pulling incident (which was on the playground, teacher intervened as soon as she could. Interesting, my mom was a high school vice principal, and in talking to her about this particular zero tolerance incident, she said part of the reason administrators adopted it was to insulate themselves from parents who constantly decry any punishment for their little darling, who could not have possibly done anything wrong. It was shocking to hear her stories of how parents would be really horrendous to her/other administrators over their child’s terrible behavior (yes, x begets x). It will take parental responsibility to help get context back in schools, and I’m not seeing that happening for all in the near future (and yes- they are many awesome parents who tell their kids, when you/kid gets in trouble, you have to take the consequences- but not enough)… and yes, I still really dislike the zero tolerance policy.
Yup, I can understand the rationale for zero tolerance–so no accusations of bias or favoritism, so don’t have to negotiate with difficult parents, etc. But it’s too bad because it’s the kids who should be the main priority, not us adults.
Have to say that I’m wondering who gave a butterfly knife to a minor. I just looked it up. A multipurpose jackknife is one thing, a blade made to open with a fancy flick of the wrist is another. Maybe it was an historic or family piece. But some knives have more of a weapon feel than others.
This stuff blows my mind. I went to HS in south GA in the 90s, nearly every dude at school carried a pocket knife, including the teachers. When hunting season started, a large portion of the students (guys and girls) and quite a few teachers would come to school late, rifles still in the racks in the back window of the trucks, and no one cared. Hell, when I lived just outside of Augusta in 98/99 it seemed the same there as well.
Had discussion. This may be overboard but we are even going to be careful about plastic disposable knives for separating brownies. Kids and teachers must use their fingers or a plastic spoon from now on. I’m still wondering about those throwaway plastic serving spatulas from Piece of Cake for birthdays–the edges are serrated! I’m not really being facetious. Even nail clippers aren’t allowed on planes. Even the ones with Barbie Doll faces on the tiny lever. Do I really read the two copies of the CSD Student Code of Conduct I get every year cover to cover? It could mention a change, something I don’t know is now under zero tolerance. My father gave my son a Swiss Army Knife once and actually said he could carry it around in his pocket and use it if he needed it at school. I had to swoop in and re-educate. In my father’s day, they assumed that boys could use a jackknife for all sorts of things that we now hire handy men to do.
On another note: I thought the names of juveniles arrested/indicted/convicted were not shared with the media. Agree with RebeccaAb that it wasn’t necessary. Enough to know that there’s two Decatur high school students arrested.
Why does this article list Decatur as the location?
http://www.11alive.com/News/Crime/223228/445/CANTON–Ryan-Brunn-hanged-himself-with-sweatshirt-GBI-says
Because the GBI Headquarters are in Decatur, just not the city limits.
Because the GBI headquarters have a “Decatur” address. Though the COD One Percenters will tell you that it’s really unincorporated DeKalb and the irresponsible media is persecuting them.
+1 !
Decatur addresses extend as far east as Panola Road and as far south as I-20.
POSTAL Decatur addresses, Fats. POSTAL.
What’s the difference between Thunderstorms and T-storms? Weather.com says we will have Thunderstorms until 2pm and then at 3pm we will have T-storms.
pre op vs post op?
Can anyone recommend a local place to sell unwanted gold jewelry (Alexia?) and a place to sell a coin collection (Northlake Stamp and Coin?). Thank you.
Ponce Heights residents – where did the tree fall? Hear the chipper loud and clear now.
I’ll be surprised if several trees aren’t down. I hope not on houses or cars or people. Our patio umbrella went flying out of its heavy duty never-moves stand and tried to be a zero tolerance projectile missile.
Want to give a positive shout out to Harbour Bar and Fish House, where we had a great family dinner last night. It was our first visit and I had been slow to jump on it because a) when I glanced at the menu online it seemed like a lot of fried stuff and b) I had a bad association with the ho hum decor under El Tesoro (e.g. noodle restaurant chairs and random disconnected dining rooms. I was so pleasantly surprised to see the great renovation job, and also the menu had a lot more variety than I expected. We all really enjoyed our choices, and the vibe was really great – lots of energy, good crowd, and the expected level of Decatur family-friendliness. We will definitely be back!
We enjoyed it a few weeks ago there too, both my parents who are fairly conventional in their food tastes and me and my husband who are less so.
Also tried it for the first time just last night. Loved the vibe and the music was excellent. They’ve done a nice job with the decor and it was just a very comfortable place. Wife’s fried shrimp were absolutely first rate with a very light and tasty batter surrounding a perfectly cooked shrimp. My raw oysters were very tasty, however their shucker needs to take more care as I had to sort out an unusually large amount of inedible stuff in at least three of my half dozen oysters…that was a disappointment. The other disappointing thing was the cleanliness of my salad plate…no real excuse for that kind of thing. We will definitely go back, and I would recommend it.