What's the best way to show readers a fenced-off, awe-inspiring place? Words work. Still photographs can easily do the trick. But if you can give people the option of touring a space themselves from the comfort of their laptops, tablets, and other doohickeys, then why not use it? For this week's cover story about the future of Pullman Yard, CL partnered with Dan Smigrod, an Atlanta-based freelance photographer who specializes in spherical panoramas and the chief marketing officer of TourWrist, a website where people can record, view, and share 360-degree spherical panoramas, or "panos." In the Pullman Yard photos, viewers are placed in their surroundings and can "explore" the area. We chatted with CL Photo Editor Joeff Davis and Smigrod about the experience. To view larger versions of the images, check out "The future of Pullman Yard."

Why this approach?

Davis: We were in the cover meeting and thinking about creative ways to show people this tremendous space. It's tremendous in terms of size, texture, and its environment. And we hit on this original idea. I was trying to think of a new and fresh approach to this story. We've seen these 360-degree images and you had this contact... All credit goes to Dan, who worked tirelessly on this project, and Thomas, who helped with the vision and provided the connections.

I've been to Pullman Yard and it's an impressive space. Nature and rust have combined into one gigantic canvas. And then you have this gritty artist element of people going in there for years and creating powerful and intense murals. One thing that separates this space from almost any one that I've been in is the light. It filters through the buildings in so many ways. You can have a black hole next to the most intense, saturated colors you've ever seen. This was the opportunity to allow people the feeling of walking through there and walking around.

We all have questions about the city we live in. They're sparked by the curious people we meet, the intriguing places we visit, and the interesting events we hear about.

Well, Atlanta, CL is here to answer some of those burning questions. All you have to do is fill out this quick and simple form. We'll respond to our favorite inquiries in CL's first-ever Answers Issue on June 6.

A few examples to get those creative juices flowing:
- Does balancing a suitcase on top of one's head in Midtown cause long-term neck damage?
- How fast does the Sun Dial bar rotate?
- Who proposed 'Resurgens' as Atlanta's motto?
- Why does Atlanta need a new stadium?
- What ever happened to the awkward-looking baby in the woefully outdated Olympics mural at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport?

You get the idea: You ask, we'll answer and publish. It's that simple - just make sure to turn your queries in by May 8.

It's 2013! Everyone has a hangover and wants to watch movies! Or just look at all the Flickr photos of people writing "2013" in the air with sparklers! CL's corporate overlords have given the serfs 24 hours to build our strength for the coming year, so expect light posting unless major news breaks. Have a great day.

• CL File
• What we're having

Well, we are sorry to announce that, unless major news breaks, posting on Fresh Loaf today and Friday will be light. We do recommend you take this time to reflect on all the Atlanta people, places and things CL staffers are thankful for this year. (You're also welcome to send us an email if you really wanna chat.)

Thanks for reading. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We'll be back on Monday.

• CL File

Somewhere between the haunting thrill of devouring inhuman amounts of candy in October and bracing for a retail blitz worthy of the Super Bowl come December, we do our best to put aside the holiday stress and reflect on the things in our life — both big and small — that make it all worth doing.

This year, as CL pauses to ponder the things around the city (and beyond) we’re most thankful for, we want to know your thoughts. What and who are on your 'thank you’ list, and why? It could be anything from that new sandwich shop down the block to those tattered bedrooms slippers you’ve had since college (yeah, they really do stink). Maybe you’re excited about getting all pregos and starting a family, or perhaps you’re just happy to have a job that pays the bills?

Whatever these things are, and the possibilities are many, we’d like to hear about them. Leave your thoughts in the comments section below (or on CL’s Facebook page or Twitter stream) before Tuesday, November 13, 2012 for a chance at being featured in CL’s upcoming print issue and right here on CLATL.com.

To get the ball rolling, we’ll start things off. One of the biggest thing we’re thankful for is you. Yes, you. It’s loyal readers like yourself, and you in particular, that makes the work we do everyday worth all the hassle. Yeah, we know it's a pretty cheesy thing to say, but it’s the damn truth. Without you, we’re nothing.

Now, take some time and let us know about the things in your life that deserve a big nod of approval. Odds are you’ll be thinking about these things anyways, so why not gain a little ATL fame in the process?

• Joeff Davis
• Introducing a familiar face: CL Editor-in-Chief Debbie Michaud

A big round of applause everyone!

We’re happy to announce great news about two long-time Loafers: Debbie Michaud has been named Creative Loafing's new Editor-in-Chief and Thomas Wheatley has been promoted to News Editor.

“I am confident in the leadership Debbie and Thomas have proven in their time here at Creative Loafing,” Publisher Sharry Smith said in a memo announcing the promotions this morning. “The different perspectives they have on Atlanta, in culture and news, and the commitment Debbie and Thomas have given CL reflects what they have in store for the paper.”

Both Michaud and Wheatley have a stellar history here at CL. Michaud joined the team as Events Editor in 2006, and since rose through the ranks to Arts and Culture Editor, Senior Editor, and finally EiC.

• Joeff Davis
• News hound Thomas Wheatley, News Editor

Since joining CL in 2007, Wheatley’s hound-like nose for news has landed him multiple awards and a watchdog reputation for his coverage of transportation, the environment, and urban development.

"I'm terrible at soundbites, so I will say only this: I'm incredibly honored to be named News Editor of CL, which I started reading when I was a wee lad.” Wheatley said. “I've always believed that CL can play a key role in how Atlantans stay informed and become involved in the issues that affect their lives. Any way I can help that process, I'm happy to do so, and I can't wait to help Debbie carry out her plans."

In fact, we're all pretty excited.

• Joeff Davis/CL File
• Eric Celeste

I know, judging from the headline and lede it sounds like I'm kidding. But alas and unfortunately, it's true.

CL Publisher Sharry Smith told staffers today that Celeste's last day in the office would be Friday, Oct. 12.

"Eric, thank you for your strong leadership and contributions over the past year," Smith wrote in a staff announcement. "I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you, will miss you, and wish you only the best!"

In addition to editing the paper, Celeste opined on living in an auto-oriented city without an automobile, Atlanta's homelessness issues, that little cable news network headquartered downtown, questioned the AJC's seven-month long expose into school testing irregularities, among other things.

Celeste came to Atlanta last year from Dallas, where he's scribbled for and led various publications over the decades. He was the founding editor of The Met, an arts, culture and entertainment weekly in Dallas. worked as a features editor for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, served as associate editor of the Dallas Observer, editor in chief of Southwest Spirit — Southwest Airlines' in-flight magazine — and managing editor and editorial strategist for Dallas' D Magazine.

He holds the Texas city close to his heart and will be going back to live with his longtime girlfriend and be closer to friends and family.

"This was entirely a personal decision," Celeste says. "I don't have a full-time gig lined up. I think the paper moving forward needs someone committed to the city. Despite the obvious turmoil the paper and industry has undergone, we've managed to assemble such a young and talented staff that does fantastic work every day."

In the staff announcement, Smith says she's interviewing internal candidates and hopes to hire a new editor before Celeste leaves.

Staffers were too busy dancing on desks and could not be bothered to comment. No, we're kidding, we will miss him but wish him the best.

"Is it that time already?" you're asking. "Doesn't the Best of Atlanta issue come out in, like, SEPTEMBER? Do I have to vote again?"

Yes, yes, and yes. But fear not, CL reader. We've made it easier on you. This year, we've broken down the voting over five weeks - one category a week - so you don't have to answer 250 questions at once.

Instead of a six-pack to get through it, now you need a shorty, a pint, or, at most, a growler. So for the next five weeks, you'll vote on your favorite things about the city.

This week, look around at the things that make Atlanta great and cast your 'Cityscape' votes. What's the hot new thing that makes you proud to call Atlanta home, your favorite park to take the pooch, or the wittiest local Twit on Twitter? CL, and Atlanta at large, want your thoughts on the things that help make this city great - the best of the best and nothing in between.

Get started, happy voting, and remember - don't vote and drive. Best of Atlanta 2012 ballot.

In case you were wondering, the rest of the voting schedule goes like this:

Week 1: CONSUMER CULTURE (July 2)
Week 2: AFTER DARK (July 9)
Week 3: POETS, ARTISTS & MADMEN (July 16)
Week 4: CITYSCAPE (July 23)
Week 5: ORAL PLEASURES (July 30)