GSU's Aderhold Learning Center anchors life on Broad Street

I love when college starts in the late summer.  When I was in undergrad, it meant college football games – now I have to settle for catching my team on TV.  However, I started my penultimate semester at GSU for my MBA on Monday and can’t help but think about how much GSU has changed downtown.

Downtown isn’t awful when school is out, but it feels a little empty.  There is all this infrastructure and all these buildings, but it doesn’t really feel like anyone is home.  Downtown feels so different when school is in – there are just thousands more young people walking around.  Broad Street during lunch time is fantastic.  Downtown is alive, finally. (more…)

Atlanta is a confused, young city working hard to become something. Atlanta is like a kid who wants the promotion, thinks he’s ready but isn’t there yet.

I got to thinking, if I could have a few wishes to make this town truly world class, what would they be? Let’s have fun and see what we can imagine?

The first few are obvious. #1, a good public transit system. Sure MARTA does the best it can with what it has but we can all admit it’s far from world class. So first would be an outstanding public transit system on par with New York, San Francisco and London.

#2 would be for Atlanta to be a must stop for all musicians. So often I’ll look at artist’s tour dates and Atlanta is nowhere to be found. However you’ll always see New York, LA, Chicago, San Francisco or even Miami. I know there are routing and expense issues. I’m dreaming here. So every act I want to see should come through Atlanta!

Right now #3 would be to have a safer city. Crime plagues our city at present. Since January headlines are often filled with sad news of someone being wronged and even worse, murdered. There will always be crime, but it shouldn’t be this bad.

What are some dreams you have for Atlanta? What would make Atlanta world class for you?

I was reading Bill Simmons’ take on David Ortiz’s positive steroid test, and I couldn’t help wonder about who on the Braves did or does take steroids.  A decent number of ex-Braves were implicated in the Mitchell report, but IIRC most were implicated in their post-Braves career:

The report on the use of drugs includes the names of former Braves players Gary Sheffield, David Justice, Denny Neagle, Todd Pratt, Kent Mercker, Mike Stanton, Paul Byrd, Matt Franco, and John Rocker.

Of that list, I’d say David Justice, Kent Mercker, and Mike Stanton would be players whose use would make me sad.  Not that I liked them that much, but because they were important parts of the early 90’s clubs that I idolized so much. I don’t want anyone’s steroid use to taint those memories, and knowing that those players steroid use came while they were with the Yankees makes me laugh in a bitter, craven manner.  I don’t feel anything special about those particular players, just… the g-d Yankees.  Of course.

But that is old news.  I’m sitting here thinking about the list of 104 players who tested positive in 2003, and of who could have been using during the Braves mid-90s runs.  Some guys, like Gary Sheffield, were no surprise.  David Justice was a bit of a surprise.

If I’m honest with myself, who would I not be surprised took steroids?  I’m not saying I think these guys took steroids, but if I had to admit some Braves were using, this would be my list of guys to be suspicious of: (more…)

Two nights ago I stayed up rather late watching the Braves play against the Dodgers, only to see them blow a 4-2 lead in the ninth.  So last night, I turned the TV off when the Dodgers hit a 3-run shot in the fifth.  Bobby Cox had just been ejected after a horrible call by the ump, and the game felt like it was degenerating.  La novia had already gone to bed, so I hit the power button and brought the dogs upstairs.

I should have kept watching the game.  The Braves rallied and won.  Baseball is a cruel mistress.  Some days you get rewarded for loyalty with Cleveland steamer of a 9th inning, and some days your cynicism is punished by missing a stirring come from behind victory.

(more…)

One week later than expected, I’m finally getting this post up….

My goal for this Venues series is to highlight Atlanta music venues. However, since we have an Indie Music Mecca only ninety minutes to our east I’m taking some artistic license and going to write about Athens’ 40 Watt Club. It is at this time that I will admit that I am an extreme latecomer to seeing live music in Athens; I suppose some of this is my bent to stay ITP and some of this is my desire, as a Florida Gator, to stay out of Bulldog Country. Why then am I choosing to write about the 40 Watt Club? Because in a one-week period I made two trips to Athens to see shows at there. On July 22nd I went to Athens to see Magnolia Electric Co. and on July 27th I returned to see M. Ward; these were the second and third shows that I’ve seen there.

Currently located in Athens’ quaint downtown the 40 Watt Club isn’t much to look at from the outside. In fact, the first time I went there to see a show I drove past it at least once before finding it. As far as music venues go I really enjoy the 40 Watt. Some of this joy may be tied to Athens’ banishing of smokers to the outdoors (now if we could only do the same with talkers) and some of it may be tied to Athens’ lower (than Atlanta) beer prices.

The 40 Watt Club is the perfect size for up-and-coming bands (and I guess for those riding the one the downside of the ‘Hill of Success’ too) in a city known for raising REM and the B-52’s, and for each of the four shows that I’ve seen there the sound system has been exemplary. The 40 Watt is essentially a large open space flanked by two bars. Like many non-renovated-movie-theater venues the floor is level, but to help patrons see the act the stage is elevated a good four feet.

As a hobby photographer the 40 Watt Club is a hit-or-miss proposition depending on the artist’s whims. For the Magnolia Electric Co show I saw people with dslrs as well as video equipment, while for the M. Ward show all photography was verboten and 40 Watt employees combed the show confronting all who failed to comply.

What I Like
• The sound is usually loud, but is mixed well and sounds great.
• Smoking is not allowed inside.
• Because the room is all general admission if you get there early enough and you can almost guarantee a good place to see the show.
• Prices for shows are generally reasonable and if Athens is convenient for you tickets can be purchased at Schoolkids Records

What I Dislike
• Parking can be somewhat of a bother. I’ve been lucky to find close street parking on my trips.
• People tend to talk a lot during shows (SHUT UP, PEOPLE. YOU ARE SUPPOSEDLY THERE TO HEAR MUSIC) and while the music is loud it can’t drown them out.

Address : 285 West Washington, Athens, GA
Capacity : unknown
Cameras Allowed? : Maybe, depending on the show
Smoking Allowed? : No, smoking areas are provided outdoors
All Ages? : Yes (at least to the best of my knowledge)
Ticket Source : 40 Watt’s website, or Schoolkids Records in Athens
Favorite Shows I’ve Seen Here : The Hold Steady, Magnolia Electric Co., M. Ward

What’s your opinion of the 40 Watt Club?

August 4 is the National Night Out.  NNO has been around since 1984.  From the NNO site:

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT is designed to:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

I’m not sure if criminals will be listening, but I think the idea of getting together with your neighbors to symbolically say “we ain’t skeered” ain’t the worst one I’ve heard lately.  I got the email tonight that my neighborhood, Virginia Highland, will be having an event (with free dinner for the first 250 folks to show up):

The location will be on Arcadia Street, N.E., the one-block-long street that forms the west side of John Howell Park, between Virginia Avenue and Virginia Circle. Last year’s event was very successful with many neighbors coming out to enjoy dinner, entertainment and great conversation with other residents.

A few other neighborhoods are having events, as well:

• Castleberry Hill will be hosting an event outside the fire station starting at 7pm.
• Another event is at Perkerson Park at 6pm.

I just got back from seeing The Room at the Plaza.  I can’t remember where I first heard about the Room, but this entertainment weekly article got me interested.  I might have first read about it in Creative Loafing.  I finally made it to a showing, and….. wow.  It completely exceeded my expectations for how bad a movie could be.

Despite all that I had read about this movie, I was still unprepared for how mind bogglingly awful it is.  It is stupefyingly awful.  And it was probably the most fun I’ve had at the movies in a very long time.  I could go on about how amazing this movie is, but you really need to go see it yourself.  This preview really doesn’t do it justice.

I think the Plaza is showing it every month.  You really don’t want to miss this.  That’s a promise.

Central Atlanta Progress has coordinated what looks like an interesting week for Downtown restaurants.  So CAP is the official business community booster organization for Downtown Atlanta, and contrary to how that may sound, they acutally do some interesting stuff.  Or maybe I’ve just officially gotten old and boring…. Okay, probably the latter, but I’m trying to blog about Downtown Restaurant Week, so bear with me.

Right.  The Point.  Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week.  Go to Downtown’s swankiest restaurants, and get a three course meal for $25/person.  I’m gonna try and convince the lady friend that we need to go to Il Mulino for some mussels in fra diavolo sauce.  (I had to look that up, too).  Let’s be honest, I’m never going to take her someplace that nice on my own.  I’m a broke college student, you know.

Also, it is a good time to mention a few other restaurant week events in other neighborhoods.  Inman Park is having a special day on July 29th – up to 20% of restaurant sales (depending on the restaurant) will go to paying for the Inman Park Security Patrol fund.

Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week

When: July 27 – August 9

Where: All the best places

Inman Park Dine Out

When: July 29

Where: All your favorite Inman Park restaurants

One of the many things I like about Atlanta is that it is relatively close to many other places.   For example, last weekend I was able to go to Charleston for a few days.  La novia and I left Friday after she got off work and got into Charleston around 10pm.  We had a great day getting the dogs in the ocean and avoiding fines from the beach patrol, checking out downtown, and going out to eat.  Sunday morning brought me a Big Nasty Biscuit, and I got home in time for True Blood and Entourage.  Total cost for the weekend?  $50 – $60 each, since we stayed with friends.

I’m writing this from the Blue Ridge mountains in North Carolina, again staying with friends and family.  I got up at 6:30 to drive up to the Nantahala river.  A few hours of Gut Wrenching Terror (paddling whitewater in inner tubes), and now I’m chilling out watching the Braves take on the Brewers.  I’ll be back (again) in time for my stories.  Total cost? $40 for gas, plus whatever I buy at the grocery store to cook tomorrow night.

I just love that it is so easy to get out of the city when I need to.  I mean, I LOVE Atlanta, and there is a LOT to do.  Most of my weekends in town are quite full.  But you know, sometimes you just gotta get away.  Atlanta is 3-5 hours away from almost anything you could want for a great weekend.  Whitewater?  Check.  Beach?  Check.  Camping and hiking? Check.   Relaxing mountain get-away? Check.

Heck, it isn’t my boat, but you can get down to the coast for some sea kayaking pretty easily, too.  Historic Savannah?  Four hours.  Music City?  Four hours.  A friend of mine just went to a wedding in Gatlinburg last weekend, if that is your bag (I’ll pass on it).  Gas prices aren’t nuts this summer, which helps.  Personally, I am continually surprised and impressed with all the cool stuff close to the city.  I am embarassed to admit this, but I’ve never been to Savannah – so I hope that will be my next weekend trip.

You don't gotta go home, but you can't stay here...

You may have seen that Gwinnett is tearing down those so two water towers you see by I-85.  You know, the ones that are so ridiculous they are kind of awesome?

Honestly, these towers were about the only thing I looked forward to in Gwinnett County.  That whole county is otherwise a vast traffic jam I would just as well avoid.  Okay, downtown Lawerenceville has a certain charm, but I’m not driving that far for a quaint little square with a few restaurants.

But the water towers.  There was something a little too Leave It To Beaver about them that really represented what the county aspired to.  They are just cheesy enough to make me laugh, especially because I obviously disagree.

I know, I know.  “Hey, a-hole.  That’s fine, you stay in Atlanta, Gwinnett doesn’t want you anyway.”  Fine by me.  Frankly, I’ve gotten fairly used to the game we play.  I pretend you don’t exist, you pretend I don’t matter.  It works fine until you get stuck on the connector going to a Braves game (learn the surface streets, nimrod), or I get stuck on the highway on my way to somewhere I actually want to be in north Georgia or North Carolina.  Sure, it bugs me when you guys repeatedly elect retards, but hey, it isnt’ like my city has the best track record there either, eh?  Bill Campbell and Derrick Boazman FTW!