Free-For-All Friday 5/10/13
Decatur Metro | May 10, 2013Feel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local issues not discussed here over the past week.
Comments close on 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 on Monday.
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Request for help
I am in the unexpected, but welcome position of having to give my CIO a presentation in the near future. The CIO is not my normal audience at all and I am concerned my message may get lost if I do not present my message appropriately. I am wondering if short term consulting, preferably local, exists that can help me get this right. I am not likely to get this sort of opportunity again in the near future and I want to make the best of this opportunity.
Thanks!
It would help to know the proposed subject and content of your presentation.
Can’t help you with the subject content or internal politics but some generic pieces of advice:
1. Identify what your overriding goal is for this presentation, the highest priority message that you want to get through above all else. In designing your presentation and reviewing and editing it, keep that overrriding communication goal in mind. Anything you say should support that goal and not distract from it.
2. Practice, practice, practice, out loud. That doesn’t mean memorize what you’ll say, but practice so that you feel comfortable, prepared, and on top of your message. Think of potential questions you may be asked and practice responses.
3. Avoid saying “um” a lot. That’s hard. Hence the practice.
If you are already a high-powered lawyer who has presented to the Supreme Court with tons of media coverage, I apologize for this beginner advice. But you’d be surprised at how many professionals need it.
It would be helpful to know the context of your presentation. I often present to my CIO. The key messages that he wants to know and hear are:
Do our IT investments bring value to our business users?
Are we staying ahead of the game in cutting edge technology?
Most importantly, I try to communicate how we are providing value.
I second AHID’s advice. And I’ll apologize in advance if the following is also too basic for what you are seeking: Regarding your audience, generally, executives want high level information with conclusions and recommendations versus all the detail of how you arrived at same. But, be prepared to dive into that detail if asked and you might consider having said detail in a written format as a leave behind. Not all CIOs have a techical background, but if yours does, there may be more appreciation of detail and decision making process.
More important than any of this is that you know YOUR audience. If you don’t already know this person well, find out about his/her information-gathering style. Should you have a lot of detail? Should your presentation be short and sweet? Does the CIO respond interactively or will he/she listen, think and get back to you? Will the CIO expect you to have already gained support for your ideas from other stakeholders? Should you walk through your proof points in detail or have the detail as a leave behind? Is the CIO formal or informal?
If there is an executive assistant, that person can be a valuable source of advice. The assistant will most likely give you a few minutes of time if you position your request in terms of helping ensure you are making effective use of the CIO’s time.
Good luck!
Very good advice! My other half is a CIO and I can confirm that each one is different but seem to share some similar traits. They want you to know what you’re talking about – do NOT come in unprepared but if they do ask a question and you don’t know the answer, do NOT make it up. Tell them you’re unsure and that you’ll get back to them, and then be sure to follow-up. Chances are good that you won’t get him/her for longer than 30 minutes, so you need to be to-the-point but definitely be ready for questions. Finally, remember that a C-level person is just a person so don’t be intimidated. If you know your stuff, you’ll be fine.
All good advice. Try ‘Slide:ology’ or other online resources for your content. High level, effective messaging in your materials is important too.
Thanks for the all the comments. I do technical presentations all the time so I am comfortable giving a presentation, but I need to gear my message to a generally non technical audience which is what generated my question. I was hoping to find a consultant, but all the feedback was just as good.
Thanks!
Ed
Our only compensation need be that you let us know how it went!
A cool event is happening at Fernbank Science Center this weekend that they haven’t had much time to promote: there’s a chance to win tickets to an early screening (I think next Wednesday) of the new Star Trek film. Some sort of “contest” involving kiddie crafts (decorated there) or costumes is involved. It’s 11:30 til 1:30 tomorrow. Check the website for details.
I feel like I’m in Goodfellas this morning. What’s up with the low flying helicopter over here in Oakhurst?
You riding in a car with a guy named Henry, guns and white powder in hand?
Thanks for reminding me to watch that movie, havent seen it in years!
I make it a point to laugh like Ray Liotta in my shower every morning.
Years ago, when a buddy and I got tired of “LOL,” we invented “RLL,” which stands for Ray Liotta Laughing. Still use it today.
Might have to steal that one!
We thought they were searching for someone in the backyards near the 4/5 Academy they were flying so low! Then one of the helicopters actually landed on the field at the school. My husband walked over to see what was going on and it looked like some kind of “Law Enforcement Day ” sort of event. He said that he saw an ATF van in addition to two helicopters and there were a bunch of kids lined up to crawl inside the van. Pretty cool for them, kinda freaky for us!
Secret Service Day at FAVE.
It wasn’t me.
My FAVEer reports it was the “best day ever.” She says the FBI and “other three-letter people” were at the school and they got to be dangerously close to the helicopter when it landed and took off!
There is a mysterious banana peel trail in the neighborhood. Any ideas?
I blame everything on racoons.
We blame everything on possums. Scattered garbage? Possums. Car tag missing? Possums. Mail misdelivered? Possums.
Huh. I had no idea possums were so nefarious and wily under that lethargic facade.
In our neighborhood, it’s squirrels. They were the arch-nemeses of my dear departed dog.
It’s Obama’s fault.
Dems say it is still Bush’s fault.
have grown-ups been outside playing real life Mario Kart?
I plan to ask the CIty Commission how they intend to deal with blue turtle shells at the next meeting.
What neighborhood?
Ah, looks like ATF touch a truck at the 4/5 school.
Thus the low flying helicopter and plethora of ATF vehicles and agents. I forgot to reply to my Goodfellas comment.
at the school? or are they using that as a staging area?
The “Federal Protective Services” are visiting F.AVE today … Planned event.
Well, the FAVE newsletter says “Federal Protective Services”. The “Operation Safe Kids” parental consent form (which I did not sign) actually says “United States Secret Service”.
I’m pretty sure that….The FPS is the part of Homeland Security that provides officers on federal property; they have an office on Forsyth st at the fed bldg. The Secret Service is a stand alone agency that protects gov leaders.
They are not the same thing or part of the same org.
I’m really curious as to who was actually there today.
Also, mildly curious about what was on the form such that you didn’t agree to it.
Yeah, that’s sounds like what I found while trying to parse the newsletter and the consent form. So I’m not sure exactly what was happening, except that “Operation Safe Kids” is a mandate of the Secret Service, so I suspect that’s who was actually there.
I didn’t sign the form to let them fingerprint and photograph my child. I wasn’t given enough information to feel comfortable about it.
I am looking for someone (ideally, a professional) to stain/seal my deck and fence. It’s not a huge job, just a bittoo big to do on my own in my free time. Any recommendations?
Unfortunately, it is a big job. Has to be pressure washed and will need two coats of expensive sealer on the deck. And painting a fence takes fo-rever.
I used an hourly odd job guy I know, but I am sure there will be lots of pro recommendations.
“And painting a fence takes fo-rever.”
True, but at least you will have mastered karate by the end of it.
So, if you don’t want your dog to play with other dogs, please don’t bring them to the dog park and then get mad at the dogs that are trying to play. Also, if you are the parent of a toddler and don’t even have a dog, please don’t bring your toddler to the dog park to entertain her. It’s not the place for little children.
plus a million!
I really hate buying a new “craft beer” only to find out when I get home that it’s a MillerCoors product.
But did it taste good? Would you buy it again? Will you have to drive OTP disguised in an old hat and sunglasses and fake wig to buy more?
It was drinkable, but I won’t buy it again. There’s too much great beer available to waste money on mediocre beer.
I still love mediocre beer. It’s the beer I first fell in love with on the hot, dusty loading dock when 5 o’clock rolled around on Friday (and Carter was still in the White House). It goes by many names, of course–Budweiser, Rolling Rock, Yuengling, Stroh’s, PBR–and I know it all comes from the same horse. I appreciate a good craft beer and I fill my growlers with “the good stuff” on a regular basis. But my heart belongs to icy cold swill. My favorite these days is a cold $3 pint of Pacifico from Big Tex.
+1 to the cold, cheap beer at Big Tex. Sometimes I even stay up past my bedtime and stick around until Beau starts passing out free shots and daring people to drink from the funnel
I’ve always had a thing for those one liter mugs of Michelob Amber Bock that a lot of Mexican chips and salsa joints carry.
Anybody around Decatur carrying Genny Cream in a keg?
I don’t know, but if you find one I’ll split it with you!
True story: When Genny Ice was first introduced during the Great Ice Beer Explosion of the early 90’s, a friend of mine thought it was the most incredible thing ever. He was convinced that it would be a short-lived fad so he stocked up. I’m pretty sure that he bought the entire stock of the stuff from every distributer in Centre County, Pa, filling up his entire garage. Two years later, he was still parking in the driveway and they were still selling Genny Ice. Doh!
What color is your liver? Yellow?
Shut up. When are we getting a Jack & Coke slushie? And wouldn’t the Jager make it black?
Big Tex has a funnel? I need to walk over late some night
There are some things I would exaggerate or lie about. This is not one of them. Just beware that you may be required to yell Roll Tide or sing a Widespread Panic song to participate.
So, my husband and I have finally accepted the fact that we’re grownups and need a will, power of attorney, etc. Any recommendations for a good professional to help us draw up the documents?
David Eastman. He has done a few things for us. I highly recommend him.
http://www.eastman-law.com/bio/
Legal Zoom. That will piss the lawyers off…
Nope. We’re too busy pissing on the Constitution to be bothered by this.
I thought you were at the bottom of a well with 29 of your colleagues?
No, just you. Many attorneys love the Constitution.
*pulls Walrus aside* Ahem, I think that was sarcasm, friend.
Thank you. I am aware. Just couldn’t resist a jab in response.
That’s OK, lump. I’m starting to think that Walrus isn’t joking and he really doesn’t like me. Fortunately, I have experience with this so I think I’ll survive. I’ve been mocked and scorned by much larger and more important marine mammals
More important than a WALRUS?!!!! How dare you good sir! No no, J_T, anyone who clearly likes animals as much as you do is alright will me.
Here is a marine mammal not to scorn … (happened to see this on my whitewater FB group today)
http://kdvr.com/2013/05/09/river-guide-swallowed-by-hippo-lives-to-tell-tale/
I used LegalZoom to do a will right before I went for my first solo flight.
With what company are you taking flight lessons? I have been itching to do that myself.
It was nine years ago and I quit after the solo. Just didn’t have the passion for it. I was flying out of Mccollum with a guy who is no longer there.
I’ve also used David Eastman. Great lawyer with a reasonable fee. He also explained everything well. I highly recommend him.
We used Barbara Katz (http://www.bekatzlaw.com/) for our Family Law needs. Very easy to work with. She listens well and explains everything very clearly.
+1 for Barbara Katz. She is fantastic.
We are in the same process. Have you Paige for other matters and find her to be helpful and efficient. Contact info is below.
Paige Arden Stanley
Law Office of Paige Arden Stanley, L.L.C.
Business Law | Estate Planning | Litigation
Ph: 404.386.9950 | Fax: 404.378.6486
http://www.stanleylawoffice.com
Paige Stanley – http://www.stanleylawoffice.com/
Paige Stanley has earned Winnona Park Stud’s Seal of Approval. High-quality work, high-quality person, and reasonable rates; Paige is the type of attorney who can navigate the complexities of preparing Winnona Park Stud’s $3.8M estate while remaining affordable for those whose needs are less substantial.
Mark Burnette http://www.decatur-law.com/firmmembers.html
Neal and Wright on Maple Street in Decatur. Excellent lawyers who are also nice people and members of the community. Legal advice with the quality of a white shoe, big firm at small town prices.
Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone!
Any recommendations for home theater installers/consultants? Not doing a true home theater, but we’re in the midst of a renovation and have a large room that will be our primary TV room but isn’t exactly ideal and need someone to help us minimize the negatives, discuss in-wall speaker options, etc.
We just finished a renovation and used Matt Sears with Preferred Theater (678)253-2927. We did surround sound in the family room and zone audio in the master bed/bath, as well as outdoor audio. It wasn’t cheap, but we couldn’t be happier with the results and don’t regret the expense at all.
I used the guys at Audio, Automation, and Theater: http://www.AudioAT.net
Highly recommended!
My husband and I had the same realization about 6 months ago.
We got a recommendation for Christie Ayotte from our tax person and she was fantastic. We got all the stuff you mentioned and it was super easy. Here is her contact info:
Christie L. Ayotte, Esq.
Telephone: 404/963.2390
http://www.ayottelawfirm.com
Dang, this was intended to be a response to Misha…
To those of you who recommended Christopher McFarland, DDS, THANK YOU! He is affordable, personable, and does great work. The personnel are very professional and friendly. I am very pleased with my new dentist!
The folks at the AJC must be paying attention to City of Decatur-ites. Here’s a driveby that happened in 30032 and the article doesn’t have a whiff of Decatur in it!
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/crime-law/police-look-for-clues-in-fatal-dekalb-drive-by/nXnN2/
If you need a cab in our fair city, who do you use? Is there a cab stand at the hotel? Is the stand across from the library staffed all the time?
Haven’t needed this before and couldn’t find this thread in a search, so apologies for repeat if it is one.
thanks
I live on Sycamore St. and have never not seen a cab at the stand. But, if you are going to the airport etc., they will usually show up on time at your door by appt.
I’ve always used Decatur’s Best Taxi. I’m sure someone will have a horror story with them, though.
thanks!
I guess “never not” means there are always some there. I couldn’t remember seeing them one way or another.
We also use Decatur’s Best.
I’ve used decatur’s best too. No real problems. I’ve heard great things about Uber though… Anyone try them? The whole Uber concept sounds great.
uber ist wunderbar. very cool app.
Yeah, Uber is awesome. Very fast, comfortable and convenient. But, it is more expensive than a traditional cab. The economics work great if you’re traveling with a group.
My only advice about taxis around here is be sure to have cash for payment. I’ve been double-charged when using credit cards on two occasions, and it can be tough to get the charge taken off.
I crawled out from under my rock today and saw the “Taps Craft Beers” sign being installed near Los Loros. Appears to be another growler shop, only this one is within stumbling distance of my ‘hood. https://www.facebook.com/TapsCraftBeers
Hey hey! Dr. Edwards, Superintendent for Decatur City Schools is opening a forum and backing off from voting on the controversial master plan on Tuesday! Story and POLL (with option to vote for slowdown and public input) here: http://decatur.patch.com/articles/should-decatur-schools-move-ahead-with-master-plan?ncid=newsltuspatc00000001
Don’t Miss the Winnona Park Neighborhood Yard Sale, Sat. May 11 RAIN or Shine!!
Here is a sampling of what you will find at 325 Hilldale Drive:
Below you will find a listing of things being sold at 325 Hilldale Dr. for the Winnona Park Yard Sale.
– Graco easy glide stroller
-Vintage wrought iron patio and porch items: Glider with cushions and matching bouncy chair with cushion.
-handmade red checked oval rag rug
-6 wrought iron chairs from the thirties for patio or porch table with removable upholstered seats. http://myshabbypassion.blogspot.com/2011/04/getting-ready-for-camas-plant-and.html ( 6th picture down shows chairs I have)
– 2 English folding garden or pavilion chairs
-2 wrought iron side chairs from the thirties with cushions
-antique rope bed
-vintage Murray tricycle-red
-colonial floor lamp, firescreen,
-Fisher boombox, great for play mp3 player
– Little Tykes art easel, large small 10 inch bike with training wheels, 12′ bike with training wheels, roller blades, children’s books and toys, old marbles
-Graco Pack &Play with changing station and three sheets
-Toddler high back car seat
-Slip and slide, Nok Hockey Board
-medium sized library table with large front drawer that would make excellent desk or craft table
-refurbished redwood side chair perfect for porch , patio, deck, or mountain house
-two old solid wood glass doors for library cabinet or other use
-collectible pottery, McKoy, USA, etc.
-old side table that was part of stacking set, small book case
Collection of old costume jewelery, necklaces, earrings, rings, brooches, and jewelry pieces for jewelry designers. Lots of jewelry items for tweens and teens
Household items, books, wire catering food holders to use with sterno
Plants from the greenhouse of Lonnie Ripley
Uber is awesome! It is a little more expensive than a cab, but worth it!
Can anyone recommend a realtor? I need someone to help me sell and buy. I’m selling a condo and looking to buy a townhouse. Also, anyone know anything about the townhouse complex on Swanton Way across from St. Thomas More. Think it’s called Swanton Hill. Thanks.
We sold one house and bought another with Chip Wallace from Keller Knapp in Oakhurst and things worked out great.
Conner Allred, http://www.connercan.com . I may be biased because he found us the deal of the century (OK, maybe just of the decade) in Decatur when we bought our current house. Also, he’s a good friend, but don’t hold that against him because he’s much nicer than I am. Good luck in selling the condo, buying the house and finding that “t” in Decatur!
Just sold our house and bought townhome with Margie Shine/Shine Realty.
i have nothing useful or relevant to contribute to this discussion
#natch
If anyone is going to Art-B-Que in Avondale Estates this weekend, please let me make two shameless plugs. Well, DM can let me, the rest of you have no choice…
1. Hungry? If you don’t know “Cooking Bill”, you should get to know him this weekend. He’ll be dishing out Brunswick stew and pulled pork plates today and tomorrow as part of a fundraising effort supporting an upcoming mobile petting zoo for the kids at Egleston Children’s Hospital. Great food for an even greater cause!
2. Need some nighttime aural pleasure? Check out my friend Frank Schultz and his musical partner Scott Burland, performing as Duet for Theremin and Lap Steel. Either the name gives you an idea of what to expect or else it’s not worth trying to explain. Either way, give it a go and, if you’re not impressed, come find me and I’ll buy your next beer. They play tonight (Saturday) at 9:45.
Enjoy!
I’m starting to feel like Lois Reitzes doing the weekend preview, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t try to slip in another shameless plug. [DM, feel free to moderate if this is over the line in advertising for a local business but this really is for another good cause put on by good folks, I promise. Of course, if you need to remove it, it's the lovely and talented Heather Luttrell that you'll be answering to, not me!]:
If you’re Art-B-Que’d out later today but not ready to go home, there will be good food and good music to be had at Trackside Tavern today from 4 until midnight. The following is from Doc Al on their facebook page:
FUNDRAISIN’, RIB-EATIN’ & MUSIC LISTENIN’ – Saturday, May 11th! Join us after 4:00 PM as Trackside salutes Burt Welleford who is getting ready to ride his vintage Vincent motorcycle around the entire perimeter of the United States to raise money for the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. Kent is cooking up ribs (complete with corn and other fixin’s) and $2.00 of every plate we sell is going to the Shriner’s along with a percentage of all the drinks we sell between 4:00 PM and midnight! But wait, there’s more – the very talented Heather Luttrell will be performing her special brand of soulful to shit-kickin’ music from 10:00 until midnight. As usual, there is no cover charge but there will be buckets around if you feel generous enough to contribute to this wonderful cause. We’ll be here all day – so come on by, eat some good food, hang with your friends, hear some terrific music, and feel good about yourself! Oh, yeah – Saturday is also Burt’s Birthday!
Stopped in for one beer, but didn’t stay late enough for the music. Saw the Vincent, and that was pretty cool and the whole trip sounds fantastic. Put a little in the Kids jar and some in the Gas jar.
Tuesday night is when the School Board plans on voting for one of the three options for expanding Renfroe Middle School and Decatur High School. If you have an interest in this it would be your last chance to voice an opinion before the vote. The meeting will be at Westchester Elementary School at 6:30pm. See you there.
Just wanted to say thank you to you, DM. Hubby’s was trying to remember where I like to get my manicures/pedicures for a gift certificate he googled “best manicures in Decatur”‘ saw where I like to go, and I got a gift I will actually use! Next year, I might just post a wish list directly to the comments to see if it works as well.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers!
Happy Mothers Day to Us!!!
Has anyone been by the Little Free Library in front of Dancing Goats recently? We have a lot of recent fiction paperbacks (Dean Koontz, some spy novel stuff, etc) that we want to donate before the move. Is this the kind of thing one finds in the LFLs?
I think I saw here on DM that you can donate books to the new seniors apts on Trinity.
But you also can donate to any of the LFLs around town. The Dancing Goat one would be perfect. The book census is a little low right now. Another one that often needs book donations is the one in front of Decatur City Hall (south side of the Square).
My husband tells me that the Revolution Donuts line was 50 deep this morning. All but one of the customers were men. Dads of Decatur, the Moms would like to thank you.
Whatever.
That’s Number Wang?
Nope.
Don’t know if this is getting a post all its own but apparently HOLA! is opening today. Maybe they were just waiting for perfect outdoor margarita drinking weather.
If anyone stops in there today, feel free to report back on if it was any good.