Friday, May 25, 2012
Photography Time and Place: Read between the lines
Posted by Joeff Davis on Fri, May 25, 2012 at 5:45 PM
This week's Time and Place photo was taken at 1:22 p.m., May 22, 2012 at the corner of Decatur Street and Park Place. I was on the third floor of the parking garage and was strangely hypnotized by the graphic nature of what I saw below. The lines and shapes and colors felt like a blank canvas for me to shape an image. While there I shot about 60 pictures.
I chose this one for CL's print edition because I love how the guy is perfectly composed between the lines, with his head and feet almost exactly the same distance from the bold lines. To me this photo is about following your own path in life. My heroes always went against what society dictated and lived life on their own terms. For me, the man walking away from the "ONLY" signs and arrows pointing in the opposite direction represents that same vibe.
A few more pics from this moment after the jump.
Guv'ment Vernon Jones wants to return to the Gold Dome and other interesting qualification tidbits
Posted by Thomas Wheatley on Fri, May 25, 2012 at 3:47 PM
- Joeff Davis/CL File
- MISSED YOU Jones qualifies to run for open House seat
Joining Jones, whose last attempt at public services was a failed U.S. Senate campaign, in the race for the office: Karen Bennett, a businesswoman; Patricia Bourdeau, a teacher; field collector Tony Lentini; and Jaye Peabody, a nonprofit executive director and counselor. All the candidates listed Snellville addresses except for Bennett, who's from Stone Mountain. Jones listed his occupation as "consultant" and gave the Georgia Secretary of State's office an Atlanta PO Box address.
Intown congressional and Gold Dome races to watch include:
CONGRESS
* Congressional District 5: Michael Johnson, a former Fulton County judge, will try and unseat Congressman John Lewis, the longtime liberal lion and icon of the Civil Rights movement. The winner of the July 31 primary will face Republican Howard "Go With Sto" Stopeck, a 73-year-old retired attorney who has probably the best website and platform we've seen thus far. Readers who manage to sit through the 15-minute video about his platform will win a gold star. The clip is below is part one of two.
HOUSE
* District 56: Kenneth Britt, a former law firm executive director and longtime community activist from Midtown, challenges "Able" Mabel Thomas, a former state representative and longtime neighborhood advocate for English Avenue and Vine City, in the Democratic primary for state Rep. Kathy Ashe's old seat in the true-blue district. Whoever wins the race wins the seat, as no Republican qualified.
* District 57: State Rep. Rashad Taylor, D-Atlanta, and state Rep. Pat Gardner, D-Atlanta, are vying for the same new district concocted by Republicans during last summer's redrawing of political maps. No Republican qualified for the seat.
* District 58: We're hearing that the Democratic primary contest between state Rep. Ralph Long, D-Atlanta, and state Rep. Simone Bell, D-Atlanta, who were also drawn into the same district, might also turn out to be interesting. The winner of that contest will challenge Republican Earl Cooper in November.
* District 59: And down in Grant Park and thereabouts, incumbent state Rep. Margaret Kaiser, D-Atlanta, will face William Phelps, a 28-year-old Democrat who works in transportation management. Like most intown races, there will be no Republican challenger.
SENATE
* District 6: A trio of Republicans have lined up to challenge incumbent state Sen. Doug Stoner, D-Smyrna, in November. Among the names: Josh Belinfante, an attorney who served as legal counsel to former Gov. Sonny Perdue; businessman Drew Ellenburg; and commercial security professional Hunter Hill.
Other races to watch? Leave 'em in the comments.
Crime Suspects in Pittsburgh gay bashing slated to go to trial Tuesday
Posted by Gwynedd Stuart on Fri, May 25, 2012 at 3:16 PM
- Joeff Davis
- The Pittsburgh convenience store where Brandon White was attacked
On February 4, 20-year-old Brandon White was brutally attacked as exited a convenience store in southwest Atlanta's Pittsburgh neighborhood. Three men punched him, pushed him to the ground, and kicked him once he was down. The entire thing was caught on video — video that was subsequently posted to the internet, presumably by the attackers themselves. "No faggots in Jack City," one of the men says prior to the attack, a statement many believe makes the motive pretty obvious. White was beaten because he's gay.
The case, which shook both southwest Atlanta and the local LGBT community, is headed to court on Tuesday, according to Georgia Equality. Four men, Dorian Moragne, Christopher Cain, Darael Demare Williams, and Javaris Bradford, are being charged with robbery, aggravated assault, and participation in criminal street gang activity. Moragne, Cain, and Williams — all of whom have extensive criminal records — were apprehended shortly after the attack. There appears to be some confusion about the apprehension of the fourth man, Javaris Bradford (he's not listed as an inmate at the Fulton County Jail; the APD is checking to see if he was ever captured).
In case you missed it, check out CL's recent cover story about the aftermath of White's attack.
Movie Openings Film Clips: Men In Black 3
Posted by Henry Samuels on Fri, May 25, 2012 at 1:18 PM
OPENING TODAY
- Sony Pictures
- The Men in Black are back.
CHERNOBYL DIARIES (R) When a group of tourists visiting Ukraine decide to go on a slightly sketchy tour of the nuclear disaster area at the abandoned Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, the tour starts off innocent. The group is unsure if they should really be in an infamous nuclear disaster area, but their local tour guide assures them that everything is fine since the nuclear radiation levels have receded. The problem is, once they are ready to leave, their van (of course) won't start. Before long, the group realizes something or someone is lurking in the shadows of Chernobyl, and that something or someone is after them. To survive, they navigate the deserted plant and hope to make it through the night.
MEN IN BLACK 3 (PG-13) Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones are back as the Men In Black, in the third installment in the MIB franchise. In this film, Agent J (Smith) wakes up one day to find his partner Agent K (Jones) has been dead for over 40 years. Apparently, K is at the center of some alternate reality where he doesn't exist in present day. Now, J must go back in time to 1969 when K is still alive in order to figure out how this alternate reality was created.
DULY NOTED
- Plaza Theatre
- Rocky Horror Picture Show being performed at the Plaza Theatre tonight at midnight.
ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (R) This campy, cult film has been a fixture at the Plaza for years. The Lips Down On Dixie cast preside over the evening acting out the story live on stage in front of the projected film. Audience involvement is encouraged, bring newspaper, playing cards, noisemakers, etc. and get dressed up! Tickets go on sale at 11:00 p.m., $8 cash, $9 credit. Midnight, tonight, Plaza Theatre 1049 Ponce De Leon Ave
TONIGHT YOU'RE MINE (R) At a music festival, Adam, the lead singer of a famous electropop band, meets Morello, the front woman of an all-girl, post-punk riot band. After a brief argument upon meeting, a random security guard approaches them, handcuffs them together, and promptly hops back on his golf cart and drives away. Turns out, he wasn't kidding around, and Adam and Morello are stuck together until they can find a way to get out of the cuffs. Despite their inherent differences, both begin to enjoy being cuffed together. A night of romance ensues, making for an interesting take on a modern-day love story. Midtown Art Cinema, 931 Monroe Drive
WALL-E (G) Pixar's robot love story is back on the big screen this weekend; the story of Wall-E and his quest for the love of EVE. When a little robot named WALL-E, whose primary purpose is cleaning up Earth after mankind trashed the planet to an uninhabitable point, meets EVE, he instantly falls in love. But her programed primary objective of finding life back on Earth sends her back to the gigantic spaceship humans live on now. WALL-E, determined to win over her affection, follows her sending them both on the wildest ride of their robot lives. Pixar reminds us the importance of conservation through this adorable film. AMC Theatre Phillips Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Road NE
Guv'ment Rep. Elena Parent won't seek re-election, will join Georgia Watch
Posted by Thomas Wheatley on Fri, May 25, 2012 at 1:11 PM
- House Communications Office
- State Rep. Elena Parent, D-Chamblee
State Rep. Elena Parent, D-Chamblee, announced today that she won't seek another team in the Georgia House of Representatives and will instead endorse state Rep. Scott Holcomb, D-Atlanta.
Parent and Holcomb's districts were combined during last summer's redrawing of the political maps. The two made the decision "amicably," according to a press release from the Georgia House Democrats:
“I wholeheartedly endorse Rep. [Scott] Holcomb for re-election in the new House District 81,” said Rep. Parent. “Scott is an attorney, a veteran, a father, and a friend. Scott is one of the most thoughtful, ethical, and bright people you will ever meet. Scott and I know there will be a time in the future when we can serve again, and we are proud to work as a team.” [...]“This isn’t a decision I made lightly,” said Rep. Parent. “Serving as the Representative for District 81 has been an honor and the most fulfilling professional experience of my career. I will serve actively as your Representative through the end of my term in December, and have every intention of seeking elective office again at some time in the future. In the meantime, I am thrilled to be able to work full-time on the policy issues that I care about and that impact every single Georgian at Georgia Watch.”
Parent will move to Georgia Watch, a consumer advocacy group that works throughout Georgia and under the Gold Dome, where she will succeed Angela Speir Phelps as executive director. GW staff tells us Speir Phelps will focus on expanding the organization's consumer energy program.
Internetz #AtlantaSlang takes over Twitter
Posted by Adam Carlson on Fri, May 25, 2012 at 12:54 PM
- Adam Carlson's laptop
- Sample of #AtlantaSlang tweets
Atlanta slang isn’t just for the streets anymore — it’s for the Twitters, too.
Grouped by the hashtag #AtlantaSlang, users have been submitting their picks for the best in, well, Atlanta-specific slang.
It’s unclear how the trending started: Twitter’s site doesn’t like loading long strings of chronological tweets. But the conversation has been going strong for a few days — and with it, a few observations:
“Finna” is a recurring favorite, submitted by several people a day, as is “shawty,” “ova wit” and, at least for @KushxCupcakes, “I WANT MY ONE BITCH.”
Some submissions even include phonetical fun. “Partner [P-OA-T-NAH],” tweeted @CallMeTrue143. “Fool / Foo / Foolay = My friend who happens to be kind of silly at times,” tweeted @HoesLike_Juice.
The topic has bred some contention.
“SHAWTY!!! NOT SHORTY” tweets @smorgan_88, while @Nola_Child tweeted “Wazzam is not no fucking #AtlantaSlang..Better GTFOH with that.”
Or as @Trillvness notes: “#AlbanySlang is incorrect usage of #AtlantaSlang .. *Holds head down*”
@GAFollowers, self-described as “The OFFICIAL Twitter for the state of Georgia,” offered only this: “#AtlantaSlang gets way worse the more southern in Georgia you go.”
And that, apparently, is that.
movies & tv / Pop Culture / Film ATLwood: Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson are back for more
Posted by Allison Keene on Fri, May 25, 2012 at 10:02 AM
- It's that time of year again … "The Walking Dead' is filming in Senoia in June! (or as @gafmde put it, #WalkersAreComing)
Upcoming Filming
— Both Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson were in Atlanta recently for filming, and it looks like they can't get enough - production for their film "The Internship" is scheduled for this summer.
— If ever there was a reason to say "OMG" … "The Hunger Games" sequel "Catching Fire" may start filming in Atlanta in June. (Take that, North Carolina!)
— Jewel (remember Jewel?) tweeted about an upcoming Atlanta film shoot. On Tuesday she said, "5 days until we move to Atlanta to film the June Carter Cash story. Now on to the business of learning how tune my autoharp…" (for casting call info for this film, see below!)
— According to the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Division, "Savannah will host a new rock ’n’ roll movie this summer starring “Harry Potter” actor, Alan Rickman." Be still my heart!
Current Filming
— "No Good Deed" filmed at a home on King Road Monday through Wednesday. Their base camp is set up in a field on Northside Drive and Broadland Rd.
— "I.D. Theft" starring Jason Bateman, filmed at the old Georgia Archives building at the intersection of Capital Ave and Memorial Drive on Tuesday.
— From @EugeneSmilez, "[A picture of] Keke Wyatt filming a bootleg reality show in midtown Atlanta." (or is it a music video?)
News First Slice 5/25/12: First smog alert of the year = the actual unofficial first day of summer
Posted by Gwynedd Stuart on Fri, May 25, 2012 at 9:01 AM
1. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping ... and people with ozone sensitivities and those with heart and lung disease should avoid enjoying it this afternoon because it's a code orange smog alert day! Happy Summer.
2. In response to reports of children devouring their delicious detergent pods, Proctor and Gamble told WSB-TV that it will double reinforce the lids on products like Tide Pods so it's more difficult for kids to get their paws on them. They won't, however, be making the actual product look any less like candy.
3. To bridge a funding gap, DeKalb County School District is considering closing the Fernbank Science Center, the hands-on museum and planetarium located near Fernbank Museum of Natural History. The center costs $4.7 million a year to operate ... and the schools are facing a $73 million shortfall.
weekend arts agenda Weekend Arts Agenda: You are Evereman
Posted by Debbie Michaud on Fri, May 25, 2012 at 8:30 AM
The Memorial Day holiday weekend goes easy on the art openings. When you're not poolside, you can check out work at MondoHomo, the Decatur Arts Festival, WonderRoot's 4th Anniversary Party, fun with Evereman and more. Details after the jump.
Events / public art ARTWORKS and so can you!
Posted by Henry Samuels on Fri, May 25, 2012 at 8:00 AM
The idea is pretty simple: an artist could be in need of (almost) anything — a pickup truck to move a sculpture from a studio to a gallery, a couple of extra sets of hands to help paint a mural, some models for a photograph, a nice house to shoot a movie scene. Through the ARTWORKS website, artists will be able to submit listings describing their projects and what they need help with. Community members can then scan various proposals and find the perfect one to participate in.
WMLB 1690's Program Director Max Arbes says the creation of ARTWORKS was a logical step for the radio station: "We believe we have a unique opportunity with the radio station, being able to broadcast an artist's request for help on a project with their own voice and then being able to put that same request into a digital form listed on the website," Arbes says.
To help launch the site and generate interest in ARTWORKS, 1690 AM is hosting another night of VARI-OKEY at the Goat Farm. The event will feature performances by local bands The Jagged Stones, Christ, Lord and ATL Collective. There will also be a poetry reading from the Clermont Lounge's Blondie and opportunities for party-goers to get on stage and sing in front of the crowd. Arbes also promises some special guest appearances from other Atlanta creatives and celebrities.
Reps from various Atlanta art organizations such as WonderRoot, Eye Drum, MASS Collective, and GloATL will be on hand to inform attendees about the organizations and how to participate through ARTWORKS, the idea being that once community members can put faces and names with these organizations, they'll be much more likely to volunteer time and help to an artist's or organization's project.
Check out a video of a performance from a previous VARI-OKEY below.
The Return of VARI-OKEY and the Launch of ArtWorks, Sat., May 26, 8 p.m. at The Goat Farm, 1200 Foster St.
