Free-For-All Friday 4/20/12
Decatur Metro | April 20, 2012Feel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local issues not discussed here over the past week.
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Rest in peace, Levon Helm . . . soulful singer and, as someone else said, “the only drummer who can make me cry.” Play on, brother.
Levon’s musical director Larry Campbell wrote this song for the Dixie Hummingbirds. Levon recorded it for Electric Dirt and made it his own.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMXCM5TCrv8&w=420&h=315
I was going to post about Levon too. Incredible musician and even better person. Happy Friday everyone. Enjoy some Levon…
Thanks for posting. I got to see the band twice back in the 80s. Levon was a powerful presence.
Every time I hear Mavis Staples’ voice, I get religion.
Thanks for these. Great way to start a Friday. Makes me realize how full of true soul our music was back in the day. Who are the artists today with that type of depth?
Springsteen, Prine, Emmylou Harris, Guy Clark, Richard Thompson, Paul Simon to name a few. But what a voice Levon had. I was blessed to attend two Rambles at Helm’s place in Woodstock and they were among the most transcendent musical experiences of my life. Don Imus had it right the other day when he said Levon was an angel.
My biggest mistake was lovin’ you too much
And lettin’ ya know
Now ya got me where you want me
And you won’t let me go!
It’s a rare soul/musician that can improve upon a Marvin’ Gaye tune. Tried to do my best!
+ 1000
Thanks for posting. I’ve seen that clip of The Weight a hundred times, but Pops Staples verse still gives me goosebumps.
Levon was an handsome devil in his younger days, wasn’t he? The man clearly loved to play them drums.
I’d like that version of The Weight played at my funeral. Not planned for anytime soon, mind you. With Levon gone I guess I’ll settle for a recording.
+1
Colbeh rocks.
How do you pronounce it?
I’m really hoping that it’s pronounced Coal-bear, as in The Colbert Report. In fact, I don’t care what the owners, or others striving for accuracy might call it, I’m going to call it the Colbert Kabob Place!
Ok for kids or would we need a sitter?
I’d get a sitter.
Just enjoyed lunch there- was very tasty and I like the way they redecorated.
+1 — When we go back, we will focus on the amazing Kabobs and appetizers over the stews (very tasty but too homogenous in consistency to make an interesting meal). Best dolmeh (stuffed grape leaves) on the planet.
Interestingly, they have avoided any traces of Persian culture in the decor, background music, ambiance etc. Probably a smart move given that Iran is America’s latest villain. Maybe, they could find some contemporary Persian hip-hop.
Enjoyed dinner at Colbeh this weekend–quite tasty, especially the lamb kabob. Also the olive appetizer with the walnut and pomegranate sauce.
Anyone ever use Dr. Chad Costley? Interested in hearing some feedback.
He’s gotten some good feedback on here before. I remember because I had met him around this time.
http://www.decaturmetro.com/2010/09/10/free-for-all-friday-91010/
(Might have to scroll down a bit or ctrl-f “costley”….)
Thanks!
My feedback is that he should change his name to Dr. Chad Reasonable
Uh, awesome.
He’s not my physician but I know him personally through youth sports. I found him to be a solid guy with good character.
He’s my doctor and he’s great. I highly recommend him!
Love him. Great staff too.
Love Dr. Costley. Great bedside manner. Great patient engagement. Up on the latest medical information.
I saw him last week for the first time after reading feedback from this group and others and also thought he was great. He got me in as a new patient within hours of my phone call. He was friendly and attentive. The entire staff was so friendly and responsive. I had practically no wait, not even enough time to use the wireless in the waiting room. After years at a big Piedmont process, the whole experience was refreshing. Highly recommend him.
Make that practice, not process. My Freudian slip is showing.
+1 very good doctor
I’ve really enjoyed going to this practice, very straightforward and responsive doctor and you’re in and out in a timely manner!
Even though everyone already posted how great he is wanted to give one more shout out for Costley – he’s great – as is his staff.
I came in to post this link from Paste Magazine of 10 great Levon Helm performances:
http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/av/2012/04/watch-10-great-levon-helm-performances.html
Glad to see some like-minded individuals doing the same!
I only saw the Band once, at the Omni in 1974 in concert with Bob Dylan. That tour ended up being recorded on the “Before the Flood” album:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Before_the_Flood
Everyone was in top form that evening! Great show.
Looks like Levon finally found a place to lay his head.
RIP
Random question: Does anyone know if it is possible to cross the railroad tracks in the north part of the city (between Coventry and North Decatur) without crossing a homeowner’s private property? Basically, I’d like to be able to walk from the intersection of Scott/Clairemont towards the Emory campus without walking all the way to the Coventry crossing or having to deal with all of the traffic on Clairmont and North Decatur.
Thanks for the help!
I think technically the railroad tracks themselves are private property and crossing them anywhere other than designated spots would be considered illegal…not to mention unsafe.
You are right, I’m fairly certain the tracks are private property – and there is a reason I wrote “homeowner’s private property”. I’m sure I’ll catch some flak for this, but if there was a public park on one side of the tracks and an abandoned lot on the other side, I would cross even if the tracks themselves are considered private. I’m capable of crossing without putting myself in any danger and I don’t think I’m bothering CSX’s shareholders if I briefly step across a strip of their property.
Railroad tracks are private property. Public crossings are easements granted by the railroad.
Over 500 people on foot lose their lives each year when struck by trains, not to mention 300 or so in automobiles.
I am guessing there has to be a trail somewhere around the back of the Y that you could find, then cross tracks and connect to the back of Adams Park or Durand Mill…
Alternatively, find what I am guessing is Peavine Creek and follow it. Good luck and let us know how the adventure goes…
I believe Peavine Creek goes through a tunnel at some point, between Kathryn (north of Scott off Coventry) to Woodview off Chelsea Circle. Not sure I would want to go through that tunnel myself…
To clarify, it is just the creek, not the train, that goes through the tunnel.
I think I know the “tunnel” you mean. Walk to the end of Westchester, enter Hidden Cove Park over the creek bridge. Walk the meadow area, staying to the right. Where another creek joins up, there’s a big culvert, big enough to walk through. I have never done it, but have seen others come through there.
Wear boots.
In looking at Google Maps, you could do the following:
1. Walk down Clairemont toward North Decatur and turn right on Maediris Drive, the street the YMCA is on.
2. From there, you could to see if there’s a path already cut down to the railroad tracks, either behind the Y or one of the other businesess between the Y and North Decatur.
3. Then follow the railroad tracks underneath North Decatur.
4. The tracks fork and you would go left on a spur that joins the tracks that are adjacent to Starvine Way.
5. From there, you can follow the tracks all the way to Emory at Haygood Drive.
All this, of course, is possible if there are no fences or obstacles blocking access. Looks like it would be a nice hike. I also believe there is a dirt road that runs adjacent to the tracks right after you cross the tracks on North Decatur heading toward Emory but I think that is private property.
Great idea to walk along the RR tracks, especially on bridges and in tunnels!
I always thought a great movie scene would be a hard left at Coventry onto the railroad tracks, then speed over Ponce de Leon on the “Druid Hills” overpass and come out burning rubber and fishtailing onto DeKalb Avenue. Of course, this would be performed in a vintage T-topped Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am…
That intersection of the tracks is a classic. A million stories. My favorite is the time my father, a non-local, didn’t see them coming and his station wagon did a flying leap over them. My then 3-year old son was thrilled, partially at the ride and partially at the language grandpa used. To this day, my family cannot drive over the tracks on Coventry without reliving the moment.
Forget the movie. Let’s just buy this car and do it!
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/05/ebay-1978-pontiac-trans-am-bandit.html
While scouting bicycle routes a couple of years ago I ended up walking my bike along the tracks from Maediris to Coventry. Not pleasant, and I didn’t see any place to cut through that wasn’t somebody’s yard. Most of them were fenced. I got mixed up while looking for the trail that links the two ends of Harold Byrd Drive based only on the verbal description of somebody who didn’t know any of the street names involved.
What everybody else is saying about “don’t mess around on railroad property” is correct.
I should also add that I think I was probably trespassing when I cut from the end of Maediris to the tracks. As I recall there’s a vacant lot there, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t somebody’s.
I see my question has prompted a couple of serious responses and quite a few people thinking a crazy person is loose on the Internet (and soon to be the railroad tracks). Ideally I would have received a response such as “Yep, right at this address there is a footpath that has been used for years….it is so great I let my kids play back there”. I guess in reality this Valhalla of pedestrian convenience does not exist – which means I’ll continue to keep my feet (and one day bike) on the paved roads.
Growing up my dad lived on Ridgecrest Court (near the intersection of E. Lake & Ridgecrest Rd. for those that don’t know it.) Two days a week my brothers & I walked the tracks to Fernbank Elementary because we thought it was safer than walking along and crossing Ponce. We regularly used the tracks to get places. Not saying it was the smartest thing, & this was 25+ years ago, but we loved it. From my mom’s house by Fernbank we used the tracks to go North.
Don’t forget – Touch a Truck is tomorrow!!! Woo hoo.
Sounds like we might want to schedule a Touch A Train event too…
Oh yeah! I’m borrowing a friend’s eight year-old for it! Just remember not to bring any cranky or tired kids to some fancy new restaurant afterwards. Well, except for 246 – it’s still so loud in there nobody would notice.
Does anyone know if the Decatur Touch-A-Truck event is still on for tomorrow? Thanks!
Yep.
Anyone have a good ear/nose/throat specialist at Emory? Particularly the ear part.
Dr. Melissa Statham is great!
An interesting article to ponder: http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2012/04/17/_.html?tid=sm_tw_button_chunky
There has got to be a good city slogan in there somewhere …
Decatur: We walk because we’re liberal.
Decatur: Come walk with your favorite liberal.
… Nah, not feeling it.
“Walk on Left!”
“Leftys for pedestrian rights!”
As the school year winds down, and after speaking with some parents about the new school starting times, I thought this would be a good time as any to ask about others 4th/5th Academy experience this year.
I had high hopes because of the idea of a pre-jr high sounded interesting and then with a new school and grounds, I was looking forward to a great year. But now, almost a year in, I’m not sold that this has been a successful year for them.
The communication from the administration has been lackluster and they don’t seem to have the same community-minded and kid-focused approach that I liked from the K-3 we are familiar with. There seems to be more focus on scores,appearances, and the admin looking good by academic standards, then helping the kids be excited about learning. I’m also a little put off by the playground situation – even though I contributed to the fund-raising.
Just my feeling, but wondering if anyone else has similar (or opposing) ideas on this.
I think with any school year it also depends on who the main teacher is. Ours has been fabulous and my CSD’er comes home bustling with excitement about what they are doing in class.
BUT – I agree 1000 percent about the lack of communication by administration. They do an excellent job of sending out newsletters, but there is little to no pertinent news in them, there are not any details (until the absolute last minute) about any school events and I remember the beginning of the year being atrocious with no communication about where to pick up your child at the end of the day (every day the first week those of us picking up on foot were shuffled to a new location if you were there 8-10 minutes early – got there right when the bell rang? good luck finding where to go – no signs, no directions)
Overall, we’ve had a pleasant experience with FAVE, couple hiccups here and there, but do like the encouragement of independence we see in the school. Whether those experiences would be the same in a k-5 school, I don’t know. . . more than likely, sure. My personal experience was going to a k-2 and a 3-5 school. In the 3-5 school we began changing classes (so different reading, math, science teacher, homeroom teacher was your social studies base) which we all really enjoyed cause it made us feel “grown up” and never had issues with transitions that a lot of parents get worried about for their kids going into middle school. In a perfect world I would love for my kid to have that same experience, but think a lot of what is going on at FAVE is the next best thing. Just wish communication was better.
Our year at FAVE has been great! I’m sad we only got to have one year there. Teachers, administration and parent volunteers have been excellent.
On another note, the high school has been AMAZING this year. I love Decatur schools.
I’m still puzzled as to why they don’t do more teacher collaboration and switching classes (which was one of the main arguments for moving to a 4/5 model). In 2004 when they first started, the kids changed classes for math. Now I’d be surprised if my kid knew any of the other teachers’ names. Well, that’s an exaggeration, but only a slight one.
I’ve wondered too. First they were going to do collaboration but after a year, that was dropped. Then they did “pods” of 2-3 classrooms for a couple of years and that was a watered-down collaboration but it seemed to create some connections outside of the classroom. Besides cross-class collaboration, another big argument for the 4/5 model was that the kids would all get to know one another before they arrived at middle school, decreasing the risk of cliques. But without collaboration or pods, and given the increasing size and the fairly regimented schedule, kids aren’t getting to know a high proportion of their class unless they happen to do several other ancillary activities like the after school program AND band AND chorus. The only cross-cutting activities now seem to be the explorations which are similar to, but not officially, clubs.
Lots of things about the 4/5 are good but I think it has more potential than has been realized. It may have gotten too big now anyway.
Anybody have a recommendation for a fencing contractor? I am hoping to enclose the backyard in 5′ high chain link and possibly include more attractive wood fencing for the high visibility areas.
I’m looking do have the same sort of work done. I asked a few contractor friends, and one recommended Chamblee Fence (Fencing?). I haven’t looked into it yet.
After our recent experience, I would NOT recommend Chamblee.
Anyone know a doctor in and around Decatur that is willing to perform an abortion?
The Feminist Women’s Health Center offers a full range of women’s health services, including abortions. They’re not “in Decatur” but close. At the corner of Cliff Valley Way on the I-85 access rd. north of N. Druid Hills.
Also, Planned Parenthood…although their closest location to Decatur is on Piedmont Rd. in midtown Atlanta.
Where can I find the nomination forms for the “Troll Comment of the Year” awards?
Sorry, nominations are now closed. We have a winner.
@Mary – you can try the Feminist Womens’ Health Center off Cliff Valley Way. That is one of the many womens’ services they provide.
I’m not aware of any private physicians that perform the service, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist.
Man those Clairemont/N Dec crosswalks must be pretty bad…
Oh standardized tests, how I love to mock thee.
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/talking-pineapple-question-state-exam-stumps-article-1.1064657?localLinksEnabled=false
I love the liberal walking article, I would classify myself as liberal socially and economically conservative. The fact that people classify walkers as liberal or conservative is funny, clearly the person who wrote the article has a position on their own standing and I will not reference blue or red (just a guess). The fact that someone would devote time to try and delineate between the two is funny. I would say that Liberal or Conservative walking has little to do with someone’s position, hey you just might like to walk?? Clearly Decatur has its own liberal hypocrisy when it comes to walking, economics, development and schools. I love this town but it is funny sometime the stuff people will post or argue about. Got to love free speech!
I wonder if a lot of it comes from that many conservatives want to be independent…leave me alone and let me do what I want and you do what you want attitude…which then reflects to how they would like to interact with the government and the development type they draw to. Many liberals like interaction more, want more “community” involvement and thus more govt and people interaction.
If I want a more “leave me alone don’t mess with me” lifestyle I would probably like larger properties where I don’t have to deal with a neighbor….less density helps, especially with new development these days.
If I want to be “lets talk about how we are as a community” type person then being close to a neighbor probably is nice…density helps.
I would imagine that there are many many walkable communities that are very conservative in the US….but I’ll bet they are primarily small towns with old infrastructure and folks live and let live through historic “ways”…picture south Georgia…old towns that are walkable but very conservative…Waycross etc….
just a thought…not all walkable communities need to be liberal. I think many conservative walkable communities could exist, if liberals weren’t all up in their business!
Dear Newbie,
Really? Please don’t pigeon hole me. I’m cranky on either side of the fence, left and right, and I just like to walk. I like to walk where I know my neighbors, red or blue, purple or green. That’s not a political statement, that’s a neighborhood statement. When we all figure out the crazies who talk n
the radio or stand up in front of a microphone do not represent who we are as a community..well, I think we’ve figured that out already in Decatur, but i’m just saying. Wish we could dispense with the liberal vs conservative. it bothers me that we have to draw lines so many times. Well, I’m just being a naive old person now. Good night
I wasn’t trying to pigeon hole anyone, just making an argument or trying to create a conversation, for both sides, living in walkable communities…not intended to be an attack on any statement…
I think another way to say what cranky is getting at is that “national” descriptors, like liberal and conservative, have limited value when you encounter reality at the local level.
It’s definitely an interesting train of thought!
I think my train has derailed.
Well let’s try to get it back on track then.
You’re original comment came from the perspective that the individual is primary and the environment is secondary. But isn’t it also the other way around as well. i.e. Urban (walkable) environments can MAKE you more liberal based purely on the fact that more regulation is needed when folks live in close proximity.
Why do we “need” more regulation if we are living closer together?
What I’m thinking is that due to how people want to live (total speculation) is a direct reflection on their ideology. Now, if a red dot moves into a blue city like Decatur will they become more blue due to the built environment…or…because of the people they now interact with? Same goes if a blue dot moves to Cumming.
I believe people are a bigger influence than environment. Environment is just a reflection of the people.
I dunno…I’m defending a statement created by someone who had a few drinks in them last night
“I dunno…I’m defending a statement created by someone who had a few drinks in them last night ”
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I found that living in OTP-landia made me drink even more. On the other hand, it did not red dotify me (well, unless you count that rash).
Because the closer you live to one another, the greater potential there is for conflicts of “rights”. The parking issue being discussed is just one example.
I am proudly a blue dot (your term) who moved to Cumming for a while (long story, ex-spouse) and I think the experience made me MORE blue. No matter where you live, the idea of “I can do anything with MY property” loses it’s appeal when someone puts something odious upwind, upstream or next door. But the biggest, saddest thing for me was, and is, that if you are the lone liberal you feel threatened. To my face people told me I was going to hell. That they (as Christians??) were glad and smug that I was going to hell, that they would threaten violence in reaction to bumper stickers or topics of conversation, still haunts me. And what does a red dot have to fear, here in my blue neighborhood home? Maybe some snark on a blog. No contest. I will never knowingly put myself in such a position again.
I have in-laws out that way. I understand. If I wasn’t related by marriage, I think they would have major problems with my existence.
“And what does a red dot have to fear, here in my blue neighborhood home?”
Nothing, except for the the guy who, when he saw my McCain sign in 2008, asked me if anyone had threatened to firebomb my house. And when I responded that no one had made that particular threat, he said he was surprised. I’ve kept well clear of that neighbor ever since.
Also in 2008, Mrs. Token refrained from putting a McCain sticker on her car, because other cars here in peaceful blue Decatur were vandalized precisely because they had those stickers (and yes, it was very obvious they were vandalized for that very reason). I have other examples, but I think I made my point.
Fanaticism and its resulting violence are endemic to ALL sides of the political spectrum, not just reds threatening blues. I’m sorry for your experience in Cumming, but you should know I have felt your same fears in our “safe” little city.
If a sign in Decatur says “Resident Parking Only,” does that mean City of Decatur residents, a particular neighborhood/street, or what? Thanks.
And since we don’t have city or neighborhood stickers on cars, is it just based on the word of a ticked off homeowner?
It is my understanding that it is for neighborhood residents…. I happen to live on one of these streets and yeah, that’s how we all treat it. While technically it is an “honor code” type system, I’m thinking that you could have someone towed who you know not to be a resident and/or guest of a resident…. anyone else know??
At any rate…. let’s not abuse this system, ok? I like being able to park in front of my house!
Are you offering your driveway as an alternative or should people avoid visiting any houses on your street?
Ummm I think I mentioned that guests were allowed. Just pointing out that, I don’t know, maybe these signs are up for a reason in areas that might otherwise be congested by non-residents as a courtesy of sorts to the residents and their guests who dont want to have to park down the street to their own (or friend’s) home. Just sayin’…
With all due respect, you apparently bought–or choose to rent–a home that doesn’t provide off-street parking. What did you expect? You pay your money and take your chances. (Be glad it hardly ever snows.) Not saying it should be a free-for-all, i.e., those parking (resident and otherwise) should respect driveway entrances and mailboxes, and not be raucous late at night or early in the morning, and IGWS not litter. On the other hand, we in the City of Decatur need every tax dollar we can get from commercial property owners, and unless we want to support our retailers all by ourselves, we need to be prepared to accommodate non-residents who drive in to patronize our restaurants and shops.
We like to think of Decatur as a small town, but we aren’t nestled in the countryside. We are functionally an in-town suburb, which seems to mean a hybrid of urban and suburban. That carries both upsides and challenges, and I think it means we have to consciously think beyond what we’ve been trained to expect and assume about our living space, from our yards to our blocks to our neighborhoods to our town.
Yeah, you did. Sorry. Otoh, I still find the signs odious and suspect that the residents who sought them out freely park in front of houses in other neighborhoods all the time.
It means any city resident can park there.
(Ever want to get a rise out of David Junger? Ask him about that or restricting cut through traffic on city streets! :0)
Really? You don’t have to live on that street? Just in the City of Decatur? What about by the dog park?
uh uh… not gonna bite…
Bite? Or “bike”?
I’m gonna bite YOU!!! :0)
Thats my understanding too…which really seems silly to me. How on God’s green earth is anyone to know if a car parked is a resident of Decatur or not? In my opinion either make it for the residents who’s properties front the road where the sign is…or take the signs down. Otherwise the signs are, well, useless.
The signs are to deter overflow issues from heavy traffic generating spots, not to provide reserved parking. Many of the signs are relics from past heavy use issues, and should probably be taken down. (Decatur Heights has signs on several streets from the days of the Avondale MARTA pay lot and DeVry– probably only Poplar St. and the top of Sycamore Dr. still needs signs.) Getting one installed takes a petition and a strong case for it– neighbor/neighbor spot jockeying doesn’t qualify. Work it out, grown folks!
As for enforcement, a violation needs to be more than, “They took my space” or “They’re blocking my mailbox today.” Like smalltowngal said, it’s a part of what we signed up for when we moved in. Leave a polite note if you don’t know who owns it to explain the problem. If someone’s left their car parked there a few days, call in a complaint. If the police agree it’s been there long enough, they’ll run the tag, contact the owner and/or tow it.
Deanne, could you please establish a Parking 101 civility class for residents? I parked on N. Candler once in a “resident” zone while I was picking up my daughter from the Rec. When I came out, someone (presumably from the apartment building next to the High House, but don’t know for certain) had duct taped a less than subtle directive to my windshield. Let’s just say that I was instructed to expect damage to my car if it happened again (because my tag number had been “logged.”)
Near my house there are some signs as well…I walked past a car once with a note saying it was for resident parking only then they proceeded to rail them for driving a Hummer! That person very well could have been a resident of Decatur or a visitor so the note was unnecessary, then to give them crud for the car they drive was just icing.
The note writer was lacking in civility and more than a little high and mighty.
Yet another use for duct tape! :0)
It always amazes me when folks think an insult will do the trick. And good grief! It’s beyond stupid to leave an ugly note on a car parked in front of your residence! Hellooo!
Okay, if someone threatened to damage your car, the police should be involved. The signs are vague enough that they SHOULD be interpreted as “Residents of the City of Decatur.” If someone is going to be a $%^& about it, they should be called on their passive/aggressive BS, and the authorities should be the ones to do it.
Anyone who lives in another area of the city is not going to park on these streets long-term, anyway–they will use them to run errands or go out to dinner.
In Boston, where I lived for 20 years, parking truly sucks. No one can claim a public space, and when people try (by putting a garbage can in the spot–something that’s done when you’ve shoveled all the snow off that spot) on a day with no snow, they catch hell from the rest of the neighborhood. Private parking spots in high-end neighborhoods can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. When I look at pettiness over spots where there are open spots within blocks, I have no tolerance.
I, too did not appreciate the note I received when I parked on a side street of one of CSD’s schools, during school hours! Does on street parking not come with the territory for a house that is across the street from the school in a residential neighborhood? It was unnecessary and not in the spirit of community. And I happen to be a City of Decatur resident, but my husband checked the city ordinance and it is “neighborhood” resident only.
Dang! It sure does says that! Well…it’s not how the City regards it or enforces it, so it looks like it needs updating.
Okay, here goes: The only vehicle I’ve ever complained on belonged to a neighbor who went off and left his truck blocking my mail box. He was never very courteous about parking, but he’d never left it for more than a day. On the 2nd day, I left a nice note; on the 5th day, a firm note; on the 12th day, a last request/ next step note. (Back then, we had the nicest mail carrier who kept assuring me it wasn’t a problem, so I didn’t act, mostly because it’d become like an experiment of sorts!) The 13th day was not his lucky day; however, when I called it in to the DPD, I made a point of opening and closing by saying he was a neighbor who lived in the duplex nearby (truck had an out of county tag). An hour later, the truck was gone.
(The neighbor returned about a week later, but never said a word. Had much better parking manners, though.)
What is it that people love about Coyote’s? We went there once after they moved to the Mrs. Winner’s location and had a bad experience on many levels and never went back (though we loved them when they were at the square). We prefer Los Bravos for cookie-cutter Mexican. What are we missing about Coyote’s?
We frequent Coyote’s and have never had a bad experience. In fact, we had a big street party there last night. Great food and fantastic margaritas. They even have a Mariachi band on the weekend. My neighbor swears by their tacos el pastor. Maybe they had an off night when you went.
Hmm…we decided to give it another try this weekend and still were not impressed. Los Bravos wins hands down–cleanliness, friendliness of staff, the food is way better, the margaritas are stronger (!)…I could go on. We thought we’d give Coyote’s another try but definitely will stick to Los Bravos.
Coyote’s is my fav by far. I much prefer a locally owned restaurant. The carnitas are wonderful! And they’re mexican rice is the best I’ve ever had. And I LOVE the staff! And yes, the mariachi band is the best
Anybody know how Big Tex Cantina is still in business? It’s amazing to think that place was started by the Fox Bros. people. My girlfriend and I tried it when it first opened, weren’t impressed, but figured they were working through the kinks, let it slide. We tried it recently, and it’s actually gotten worse. What about the menu is Tex-Mex now, or have they changed it to some other type of cuisine? I know I’m not the only one who thinks this, most other people I know that have been there say it’s nowhere they would go again. When I see other restaurants in Decatur close that are better yet this place stays open, I’m left scratching my head, wondering why.
Though not at the top of my list, I think Big Tex (no longer Cantina) fills a niche and have stopped by occasionally. I would describe the food as “heavy Texas comfort”. It is a casual, relatively inexpensive place to have a beer and maybe listen to some live music on the weekends. I think they did a good job with their block party on St. Patty’s Day.
Apparently there are enough of us with unrefined palettes to keep it open.
+1
But also enough folks with sophistication and style, to ensure that comments critiquing restaurants are among the most frequent (and predictable).
+1000! Having spent time in Texas and especially in the Texas Hill Country, what was initially offered was traditional fare from that region (where the owners hail from). It was not met with great success, and MANY were VERY vocal about what a horrible place it was, without providing time to “work out the kinks”. In an effort to keep the business alive, I understand the menu has been adapted to provide more of what people want, while simultaneously trying to stick as close to the original plan as possible. If you go in expecting something other than burritos covered with sauce, and try a few different menu items, you will be pleased. The fact that this has turned into a mini-outpost of their BBQ joint is, in my opinion, largely due to the public outcry about how bad people thought the place was originally. My family LOVED the original concept, and keep going back because the owners seem nice and are trying to provide original food based on their heritage. The place can’t be everything to everyone.
I have to say I would hate to be a restaurant owner in Decatur, as the local public is vicioius with comments in the event they have a poor experience or the place doesn’t meet *their* expectations. I know this is a free-for-all thread, but whatever happened to “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”? If someone posts a specific question concerning something, by all means, offer up an honest opinion. However, these original posts about how bad a local business is just make me cranky. Just sayin.
+1
I’ve heard so many vicious statements about restaurants on this blog-and several about places that hadn’t even opened yet! If our own jobs were up for critique, I’m sure none of us would hold up to the uber-high expectations of Decatur’s most vocal patrons. Be nice, y’all!
I, Warren Buffett, believe that it is irresponsible for people on this blog to question how a local business “is still open.” What you seem to mean when you say that is “I don’t prefer their offerings and can’t fathom that someone might disagree with me.”
If you don’t like something, fine, say it. But when you start to question whether a locally owned and operated business should stay in business, I just start to picture Jimmy Stewart trying to stop the run on his Bedford Falls bank. Sure, you have the right and privilege to say whatever you want. But, I would suggest a different tact, possibly.
“Nice or nothing,” as Mama used to say.
That is my new saying in my classroom and with my teenage son! Thanks:)
I went to Big Tex when it first opened and was totally underwhelmed. Thanks to a Scoutmob deal, I went back for lunch last week and was pleasantly surprised. The food was tasty and the portions huge.
Your online moniker means “Degrees of Freedom”, right? I’m just so hoping that’s it. Of course it could mean Dorothy of Florida or Dan O. Farnham, but I so want this to be “Degrees of Freedom”, a term which lends a nice, light, almost spiritual touch to the otherwise dry subject of statistics.
Actually, DOF comes from my classroom. It stands for “Destroyer of Fun”. He’s the fella that shows up when someone is a bad sport. DOF likes to rant and rave when he loses a game, or over-celebrate when he wins. My 8 year old students are pretty familiar with him…I think some DM folks know him, too.
That’s pretty darn good too!
off topic
does anyone ever actually get a flat tire FIXED?
all i ever hear is, it costs $400
always a reason they can;t fix it for $10
it;s in the sidewall
it;s near the edge
not enough tread
come on
wle
I’ve had just one…ran over a screw. They pulled it out and patched it up and I was on my way. Dont remember what it cost but it was cheap.
Also have had a sidewall rip from a bad parallel parking maneuver hitting a metal corner…hard to explain…it sucked cause I basically had to get two new tires because tire wear would have been off between the two front tires (one new and one worn).
but to answer your question it happens…but has to be just right!
P&G Discount Tires, corner of College and Sam’s Crossing. Really nice guy fixes flats for $10. Have gone there probably 10 times and only once it couldn’t be patched.
I’ve had tires repaired at Kauffman (Church St. across from Suburban Plaza). If you bought the tire there, they repair it for free. It does seem like tires are less likely to be fixable these days than decades ago. Is it because they’re constructed differently? I don’t know. Seems to go along with the whole trend of everything being disposable instead of repairable.
I never get flats anymore. Maybe it’s because I’m less reckless and less likely to go bounding off on dirt road adventures but I wonder if tires are built to be sturdier but also less repairable.
In general I’ve had more success with tire repair when I stay away from places that primarily sell new tires. I tried to get a hole plugged a couple of years ago at one of those places and the guy quoted me some bull about how that was against the regulations of the national rubber institute or some such nonsense.
I recommend driving down Candler Rd south of Memorial, there are a couple of used tire places on the right. You can generally get a plug for $5, a patch for $10, or if it’s real bad a new tube put in for $20. Usually takes 5-10 minutes and the people who work there were very laid back and friendly towards me even though I don’t fit their normal demographic for a customer.
A tube?
http://www.kenjones.com/Scripts/XlistAll.aspx?XGID=TUBES
Well, I’ll be. I knew heavy commercial and industrial tires still had tubes, but I thought passenger tire tubes went out in the 60’s. Oh and a side note, I think one reason (besides the money) that some places don’t do just a straight plug anymore, is that it throws off the wheel balance. Even with a patch, they are supposed to rebalance the tire/wheel.
So…anyone know whats going on with any of the developments that were on the board before the economy went into the toilet??
The Trinity pl project by the DQ?
Artisen phase 2 or 3 or whatever phase wraps around the corner of Commerce?
Apts at the corner of Montgomery and Ponce Pl?
I’m sure there were others…
Seems like things are picking up a bit, Midtown has had some development going on, SOB seems to have ramped up again but nothing in Decatur yet. Any word?
Newbie – there are two new housing developments near Candler Rd. and Midway that are under construction. One will have 25 +/- homes and one will have 10 +/- homes. Neither has sprouted a house yet and the planning/development stage of the larger one dates back years before the downturn, but both have recently developed lots and appear to be ready for new-home buyers. It’s one example of the relative strength of the city of Decatur housing market, in this time when the overall housing market is still in the tank.
Trinity Triangle: I have it on good authority that the property owner has turned down at least 2 good offers to buy. He apparently thinks it’s worth more than the market would indicate.
Artisan: wasn’t aware that any Artisan development was planned past what was built. Do you have a source to reference?
You didn’t mention the lot on E Howard, former location of McKinney Plumbing.
OK, FFAF community, what podcasts do you enjoy?
This American life and Radio lab…listen to them at work. Would love to hear of others!
I’d love to hear of others too. I’m still going through withdrawal from not being to listen to Bob Edwards without resubscribing to that Sirius scam!
J_T, you can download Bob Edwards free.
Is there a new secret way to do it? I used to be able to download all the shows, from the most current to oldest archived ones. But now it seems to be unavailable. I’m not sure when it changed but I noticed this about a month or so ago. If anyone knows how to still get them without subscribing to Sirius, I’d be much indebted!
oooo…I like Radio Lab, too. And Planet Money. Science and econ, never dreamed they could be so interesting.
I don’t know anything about cars, but love Car Talk from NPR. For a bit of a “stimulating” podcast, check out Sarah and Vinnie Secret Show.
I don’t know anything about cars, but love Car Talk from NPR. For a bit of a naughty podcast, check out Sarah and Vinnie Secret Show.
I’ll check out the Secret Show.
check out the Sticher app for unlimited podcast accessibility.
I like freakenomics as well
The Slate! Second for This American Life.
Yes, I like the Slate podcasts, too, especially the political gabfest.
Parker- Because I’m just a tad of a dork like that, I don’t listen to music when I workout, only podcasts, and I have listened to at least a hundred different shows over the past few years. It took me a while to weed out the crap from the good stuff so I’m more than happy to share! Here are the few I religiously listen to (like eagerly await each afternoon) and highly recommend:
WAMU- The Diane Rehm Show
KQED- The Forum
Talk of the Nation
Others I like:
APM: On Being- Used to be “Speaking of Faith” -all kinds of good interviews (not just religious folk.)
This is kind of a new fav. and I’m working my way through them.
The Paleo Solution (Robb Wolf)
If I’m miss ABC’s This Week on Sundays, I’ll get that one and Meet the Press.
BBC’s Documentary Archive has a massive list of all kinds of interesting things.
If you want to unwind for a few minutes, Meditation Oasis is has some good stuff for that.
And from time to time, I’ll throw on the foreign language “Coffee Break” series.
I could absolutely go on, but that should keep you busy for a while
The Moth Podcast — storytelling. Best thing on the radio.
This one originates in Connecticut but is available to all via miracle of the InterWeb. The host is a sharp funny guy who has topics ranging all over the place – serious and topical as well as quirky – Take a look for the Colin McEnroe show (WNPR) on iTunes for a recent selection. It’s a daily show, and it’s a rare week when at least 3 shows are not informative and engaging.
Here’s his blog – you can get to podcasts from there (as well as iTunes)
http://www.cpbn.org/program/colin-mcenroe-show
A Way With Words, it is independently produced but airs on public radio in addition to being available by podcast. If you like language and word origins, you will love this show. One of the hosts, Grant Barrett, writes the occasional column for the New York Times.
Yall are great! A million thanks. I will check each one of these out. (Actually, Gatree, I tried out the Secret Show today on my walk. Ooh la la, racy!)
To reciprocate here are some I’ve been listening to: A History of the World in 100 Objects. From the BBC and the British Museum. The object under discussion in each episode might be 10,000 years old or it might be from 1940.
WTF with Marc Maron. A comic who interviews comics. I don’t really listen to stand-up, but this guy is a good interviewer.
And my favorite: New Yorker: Fiction. In each episode a New Yorker contributor reads a New Yorker story, but not one of his own stories. He reads the whole story and then talks about why he thinks it is great. Try E.L. Doctorow reading John O’Hara, or Julian Barnes reading Frank O’Connor, or Sam Lipsyte reading Tom McGuane.
These are some of my current faves but there are so many! We’ve got to rely on word of mouth, don’t you thinkk?
Thank you all for the suggestions. If they are free I will sign up tonight. (Oh yeah, I don’t pay.)
sitting in the corner…awaiting moderation…in the meantime thank you to all my brother and sister podcast fiends.
Can someone tell me the best route to get to buckhead from decatur?
No. You just need to do some zen meditation when you get in the car and let the force guide you.
In all seriousness, I make this trip 3-4 times a week. There is no secret shortcut. The best thing is to do is to take a deep breath and use the most direct route. Clairmont to NDH takes you directly to north Buckhead at Phipps. Clairmont to Mason Mill to Houston Mill to Lavista/Lindbergh takes you to South Buckhead.
One of these days they will actually build that tunnel from Scott Blvd to Roswell Road. Until then, your best bet is to buy a helicopter.
I wonder if there are conversations similar in tone on aviation message boards about helicopters vs. airplanes to our car vs. bike discussions.
Which one is the greener option? Which one is supported by developers? Which one gets the federal dollars? Which one is safer? The one time I’ve ridden in a helicopter, I did not feel safe at all. Landing on top of a building next to even taller buildings is especially harrowing. And then there’s that duck down because of the blades thingy.
I think it’s more akin to motorcycles vs. scooters.
Ooh, I could use that tunnel! I live in Decatur and work in Buckhead so make this drive pretty much every day. As is usually the case, the best route depends on your exact start and finish times and locations. I often take N. Decatur to Highland to Lenox/Cheshire Bridge to Lindbergh, then right on Piedmont. This avoids the bottleneck at Morningside Elementary in the morning. In the afternoon I take Peachtree south to Lindbergh to avoid the backups on Piedmont at Sidney Marcus from people trying to get to 400 or 85.
It’s like asking for directions for the best way out of the Bermuda triangle.
I’m with J_T on this–there is no good way. The only thing worse to get to is that north of North Buckhead area between Buckhead and Dunwoody, around Mt. Vernon Highway and Mt. Paran roads, I don’t know what it’s called, that area with the gated mega-McMansions with 6-car garages. I have great sympathy for those brave parents who carpool to the Atlanta Speech School, Atlanta Girls School, or the Schenck School up that way. You need two incomes to afford those schools, even with scholarships, and then a third parent to take the children to and fro.
For south Buckhead, my best route is: Clifton to Briarcliff, immediate left on Shepherd’s Lane, to La Vista to Cheshire Bridge to Buford Hwy south to Sydney Marcus to Piedmont to Pharr.
Ponce, right on Oakdale, left on The Byway, right on Oxford (to get a light at N Decatur), left on N Decatur, bear right on Rock Spring just past Briarcliff, Rock Spring to N Highland, right on N Highland, immediate bear left on Lenox to Chesire Bridge, straight under I-85 to where it changes back to Lenox.
Variations on this would work – the objective is to get to N Decatur and Briarcliff and go on from there.
I usually try to avoid Clifton and Briarcliff as the Emory traffic can be (OK, usually IS) pretty terrible. Probably won’t get any better with the Emory Pointe complex. The Cheshire Bridge to Lindbergh route is normally OK, though the occasional accident on 400 or 85 can divert traffic to the area.
My current route is Clairmont to Mason Mill. Left on Mason Mill to Houston Mill. Right on Houston Mill till it dead-ends into LaVista. Left on LaVista. You can either stay on LaVista until it intersects with Briarcliff or turn right on Sheffield which cuts through to Briarcliff. Left on Sheridan, which comes out at Cheshire Bridge. Take a right on Cheshire Bridge, then a left at Buford Highway connector. Then I get on at 400 to the Lenox exit (no tolls), which is where my office is located. It’s 25 minutes if you are not traveling at peak traffic times… Also, as mentioned above there is no good way. I used to like taking the 36 MARTA bus, but now that it goes through Va-Hi and winds up at the Midtown station, it takes too long…