Holiday Blog

12:19 p.m. The food court at the Mall of Georgia is packed, and there is limited seating indoors so hungry diners are outside in frigid temperatures balancing bags and food trays as they try to chow down on some French fries. — Nedra Rhone

We want in Some service stores can’t exactly offer the same sales but are still taking advantage of the larger audience at the malls. Doctor’s Vison Works at the Mall of Georgia has a big sign that reads: “Don’t Let Your Vision Insurance Benefits expire on Dec. 31. Come in today.”

Noon Chad Evitts of Lawrenceville said he and his family didn’t get out early enough to get the big deals. The 15 to 25 percent off — which is pretty standard for all stores today — “was just enough to make you feel like you had to buy something,” he said. — Nedra Rhone

Sale update Old Navy at the Mall of Georgia has $30 to $40 cashmere sweaters, which is a huge deal. The 15-to-20 minute wait in line suggests others feel the same way. — Nedra Rhone

10:32 a.m. Take cash, says AJC shopping and fashion reporter Nedra Rhone. She’s partially joking, but that’s how she cut time from standing in line at JC Penney’s at the Mall of Georgia. A credit machine broke at a register and the woman behind the counter called for Cash Only, causing an obvious uproar. “JC Penney was a madhouse,” Nedra said. The store had 40 to 60 percent off almost everything. Nedra said the catch to many of these sales is there is a time limit, which is why so many shoppers get an early start. The JC Penney sale ends at 1 p.m. American Eagle’s 15 percent off everything in the store runs until noon.

10: 30 a.m. A two-for-$30 sale on NCAA fleeces is causing a madhouse at Finish Line at the Mall of Georgia. — Nedra Rhone

9:45 a.m. What better place to experience Black Friday than Georgia’s largest mall? The 40-minute drive from downtown was uneventful. It seemed like everyone decided to get off at the exit for the Fry’s Electronic’s in Duluth (see below). It did take about 10-15 minutes to find parking at the mall, but it wasn’t much different than an average Saturday at Lenox. — Nedra Rhone

7:30 a.m. In the Fry’s parking lot in Duluth, a few shoppers struggled to get all their purchases in the trunks and backseats of their vehicles. The challenge became a puzzle, as they turned some bags sideways and piled boxes on top of one another to make all the pieces fit. Other shoppers yelled into their cell phones. They spoke in English, Vietnamese and Spanish as they coordinated with friends and family members. Ken Le from Lawrenceville picked up a set of speakers at Fry’s for a friend who was trying to buy a laptop computer from Best Buy. Le didn’t plan to buy anything for himself, but the speakers were so cheap he got a pair for himself. “You see all the sales while you’re waiting in line to buy stuff and you get more than what you planned,” Le said. “That’s how they get you.” — Laura Diamond

7:30 a.m. David Jones of Snellville last slept Wednesday night. He started chugging caffeine about 8 p.m. Thursday to stay awake for Friday’s shopping. His quest was to find “geek stuff for cheap.” He and two friends searched for hard drives, flash drives and digital photo frames. By about 7:30 a.m. Friday, the group was getting ready to walk into Fry’s electronics in Duluth. They already hit Circuit City, Staples and OfficeMax. Jones said he already spent $357, including $50 worth of gifts for others. Jones reasoned that because he’s young, single and has no kids he can afford to splurge on himself. “If that means I have to go without eating for a month I can handle it,” Jones joked. — Laura Diamond

DeKalb County Police boost presence, warn shoppers In a release, the DeKalb County Police Department said it’s stepping up patrols at Perimeter, North DeKalb, Stonecrest, Northlake and South DeKalb malls. Basic idea here is to deter theft targeting shoppers. Here are some of tips they give. 1. Place purse, valuables in the trunk. 2. Keep aware of surroundings. 3. Walk in groups. 4. Pay attention to other vehicles to see if you’re being followed.

6:45 a.m. The shopping complex at Edgewood wasn’t as crowded as I figured. Best Buy’s parking lot was mostly filled but there were still some spots and I expected more of a zoo. There were about seven to eight people lined up outside GameStop. And it’s always a little unsettling to see someone crossing a major street with a huge boxed TV in the dark of night. Felt like I was watching “The Sopranos.” — Mike Benzie

6 a.m. Suzanne Bishop and her sons McClain, 12, and Mills, 16, were leaving the Buckhead Ritz-Carlton headed for area shops at 6 a.m. Friday. It was their second outing of the day. The trio, in town for Thanksgiving from St. Simons Island, went out the first time at 4:30 a.m. They burst back into the lobby about an hour later carrying shopping bags from Belk, across the street at Phipps Plaza. They saved big on items from digital photo frames to Hannah Montana gear, and were eager for another round of bargain hunting. “We’re going to Circuit City next,” Bishop said. Lynn Youngblood, a Ritz guest in town from Easley, S.C., was headed out close to 6 a.m. “We’ll probably start at Target, then we’ll hit Macy’s,” she said. “A little something to stimulate the economy. “I’m not planning to buy a condo, though,” she continued, in jesting reference to Atlanta’s housing market, “although I understand that’s what y’all need.” — Jennifer Brett

5 a.m. Duluth resident Lynda Ashby starts her pursuit at Gwinnett Place Mall. “Some people like to get up early to go hunting,” Ashby said. “This is my version of hunting. I’m hunting for deals and I’m finding them.” Ashby, dressed in a comfortable sweat suit and sneakers, expertly balanced arms full of shopping bags. She bought clothes at Belk. She picked up bathroom slippers, cologne and perfume and other items from Macy’s. She bought gift cards from other stores. Ashby finished her day at about 8 a.m. — Laura Diamond

4:45 a.m. Circuit City employee Josh Jones made his way along the line of 500 outside the store on Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw, announcing a few basic ground rules to the anxious, cold shoppers. “No running over people, no chaos” Jones told shoppers. “If you run over people, we’re going to shut the door.” Jones, who assured shoppers that everyone would get in, said that the line wasn’t quite as long as last year’s line on the morning after Thanksgiving, which overflowed into the adjacent Carmax parking lot. — Mike Morris, Patti Bond Read the Story.

Permalink | Comments (5) | Categories: Shopping

Radio Bull goes all Christmas

By Rodney Ho | Friday, November 23, 2007, 12:24 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

With the legacy of being the all Christmas station as Lite 94.9 for six years, 94.9 The Bull has decided to do it, too. In this case, though, the Christmas music is almost all country artists.

As you may recall, a week before Christmas last year, Clear Channel shocked Atlanta radio by abruptly cutting off all-Christmas music on Lite a week early and switching the station format to country music.

Program Director Clay Hunnicutt said he has no regrets doing that a year ago. But he knows the legacy Lite has with Christmas so he decided to go the Yuletide route with 80 to 90 percent country artists and a bit of Burl Ives and Nat King Cole thrown in, too. While hundreds of soft rock stations and Christian stations go all Christmas between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Hunnicutt said only a couple of other country stations do this nationwide.

“The format as far as country is fairly religious in tone and music such as Brooks & Dunn’s ‘Believe’ and Carrie Underwood’s ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel,’ ” he said. It helps that virtually every major artists does a Christmas album or contributes to some Christmas compilation at some point. He was able to compile a relatively deep playlist of 400 to 450 songs compared to just 150 or so B98.5 used last year. And to pay homage to Lite 94.9, the station is using the on-air line “The tradition continues.”

The year-old Bull, which has done almost as well as its predecessor in the key 25 to 54 demographic but still lags far behind mainstay Kicks 101.5, started all Christmas at the same time as B98.5 at 7 p.m. Thanksgiving evening. (Christian soft rock station 104.7/The Fish started a bit earlier. And the south-side leaning soft rock station Lite 96.7 launched Christmas earlier this week.).

So Atlanta has three Christmas stations and four if you count Lite 96.7 (which I really don’t because it isn’t a metro-wide signal and doesn’t have enough listening to qualify to show up on the Arbitron ratings.).

The first hour last night featured Alan Jackson’s “Holly Jolly Christmas,” Taylor Swift’s “Silent Night” (wow, she already has recorded a Christmas song!), Bing Crosby’s “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” Toby Keith’s “Joy to the World,” Alabama’s “Christmas in Dixie,” Martina McBride’s “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” Garth Brooks’ “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” Gene Autry’s “Here Comes Santa Claus,” Trisha Yearwood’s “Away In a Manger,” George Strait’s “Christmas Cookies,” the Eagles “Please Come Home For Christmas,” Brad Paisley’s “Winter Wonderland,” Carrie Underwood’s “Do You Hear What I Hear,” Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock,” Willie Nelson’s “Pretty Paper,” Tracy Lawrence’s “All Wrapped Up In Christmas,” and Johnny Mathis’ “The First Noel.”

Permalink | Comments (12) |

Where are the best holiday cookies?

By Meridith Ford | Friday, November 23, 2007, 12:06 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Dainty. Pretty. Sweet. I’m not talking about the members of the DAR.

I’m talking cookies — beautiful, delicate cookies decorated better than a Christmas tree or menorah to light the season. Cookbooks — my lastest fave is “Cookie Craft” by Valerie Peterson and Janice Fryer — are abundant about them. School carnivals can’t get enough of them. And kids (from one to 92) love them.

Where are the best decorated and decked-for-the-halls cookies in Atlanta?

Permalink | Comments (14) |

Get great deals on Black Friday?

By AJC | Friday, November 23, 2007, 05:18 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Shopping early birds are flitting across the region this morning, looking for great holiday deals. Some braves long lines and waits. How did your shopping experience go today? Were the deals there? Any advice for fellow shoppers?

Permalink | Comments (15) | Categories: Shopping

Peach Buzz: Love, money, muscles all worth thanks

By RICHARD L. ELDREDGE | Wednesday, November 21, 2007, 08:31 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thanksgiving 2007. This year, Peach Buzz readers — both in sickness and in health — are thankful. And as always, some of your submissions caught us a little off guard. But as some of you point out, even horror movies, moves not made and the occasional obscene phone call are all reasons to celebrate today. Read on!

Jerry Niemeyer, Acworth: “I am most thankful for Sandy, my wife of 36 years. She’s been my strength for a long time. We met almost 40 years ago through an obscene phone call.”

Joni Pelta, Atlanta: “To live in one of only four cities in the U.S. with pandas at our zoo. The pandas, especially the antics of 1-year-old Mei Lan, never fail to make me smile and feel great on my frequent visits to Zoo Atlanta.”

Jerry Schwartz, Alpharetta: “Every Thanksgiving, I take a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle. On the left side I list all the events that year that were happy ones and on the right, I list those that were unhappy. I’m thankful that the left hand column is much, much longer than the right.”

David and Billie Sims, north Fulton: “For the wonderful public school teachers that have worked with our daughter, Ali, who was born with Down syndrome. She will graduate this year from Centennial High School, thanks to the efforts of many teachers.”

Vicky Hagan, Marietta: “One year ago, I joined a women’s gym. I never thought at 50 I could develop muscles in my arms, but I have a nice set of pecs now. I love this feeling of strength. My husband calls me Mighty Mouse. I am thankful I have taken control and hope to be hotter at 50 years old than I was at 40.”

Meta Shore, Smyrna: “After being almost deaf for nearly 30 years, I had a Cochlear implant, and now I can hear birds, music, phone, the doorbell ring. Conversations with friends and strangers have been a pleasure.”

Marie McIntyre, Monroe: “Last Thanksgiving, my husband had just completed months of chemotherapy and was facing a stem cell transplant. This year, because of the remarkable people at Emory Winship Cancer Institute, he’s in complete remission and feels wonderful. At our house, every day is Thanksgiving.”

Kathy Hooks, Atlanta: “My old dog Abbey. She has consoled me during the two greatest losses I have ever faced. Just when it seemed my heart would indeed heal, Abbey became very sick. But it wasn’t our time to part, and I am thankful I got the chance to return the favor by never leaving her side.”

Lenny Player, Sandy Springs: “I’m highly appreciative of the highs and lows I experience as my mom’s caregiver. She has Lou Gehrig’s disease. The experience has helped me see what’s good about her as well as my deficiencies as a man and son. It has all been extremely worthwhile.”

Virginia Ashmore, Monroe: “In July 1999, my husband had emergency open heart surgery that required quadruple bypasses. In February, he was diagnosed with an intracranial bleed. After months of healing and many, many prayers, my husband is alive, walking and talking, without any physical hindrance.”

Jane Wilgus, Atlanta: “To be a part of a blended family. We may not be the Brady Bunch, but we have such fun when we’re together and respect each other.”

Carole Hager, Smyrna: “For cheap wine, the money I buried in my backyard and the ability to laugh out loud and at myself.”

Stephanie Vaughn, Atlanta: “After many terrible years, I found love and news that I was expecting a baby. I never thought I would be able to have another child. In September, I welcomed a baby boy. I’m thankful for the life of my beautiful children and the God that has allowed my life to completely transform when I had admittedly lost faith.”

Ric Burnett, Doraville: “For a wonderful wife, Betty, for 27 years and no kids for 27 years. But I’m not thankful for stores that have 20 cash registers and only two are being used.”

Barbara King, Doraville: “My husband was diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer. After his first round of treatments he was stable for a year and a half. Now the cancer has now metastasized. He feels well and will be alive for another holiday season. We will travel out of town to be with family.”

Sandy Perkins, Roswell: “My husband and I decided to ‘retire’ in our family home rather than downsize. Our many cul-de-sac neighbors chose to leave, and now we have several new younger families. We are so very thankful for them because they think of us as the ‘older fun couple’ who they invite to parties and family celebrations.”

Ted Shomake, Lawrenceville: “For the example my father, Don, has set for me on how to be a good husband and father. Soon after his retirement, my mother contracted senile dementia, a condition which has forced him to quit his dream retirement job at a golf course. He has demonstrated to me what real love is about as he cares for my mom.”

Harriet Harris, Atlanta: “My son — when he was about age 8 — offered this as we went around the table expressing our gratitude: ‘I’m thankful for the Earth because it gives me a place to stand.’ “

Steven Warren, Atlanta: “I’m thankful that I got to torture young men for fun and profit as the star of ‘Scarce,’ a Canadian independent horror film that premiered in Toronto last month. It’s the first feature in which I’ve received top billing in my midlife crisis career as an actor.”

Permalink | | Categories: Thanksgiving

Grateful day brings home what matters

By FURMAN BISHER | Wednesday, November 21, 2007, 07:56 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Top of the day to ye. Thanksgiving Day is a holiday for everybody, a family day, when all get together around the bountiful table, eat, drink and be grateful. Have you noticed that airlines are busier around Thanksgiving than any other holiday? Thank heaven to be home already and not have to suffer through the clutter that airline travel has become. Sorry, shouldn’t have brought it up. That is the day to be especially thankful, sometimes with a bit of whimsy. So …

I’m thankful that the Dow Jones averages mean more to me than batting averages.

I’m thankful when the dentist tells me this isn’t going to hurt a bit — and it doesn’t.

I’m thankful that I used to be able to go out into the woods and cut our own Christmas tree.

I’m thankful that I grew up when radio stations entertained and didn’t talk your ears off.

I’m still thankful the side I was on won World War II — now if they could just get this mess cleared up.

I’m thankful we have our own well, and it doesn’t know there’s a drought.

I’m thankful when a football player scores a touchdown and acts as if he’s been there before.

I’m thankful when the doorbell rings and it’s our grandkids.

I’m thankful for backroads — “blue highways,” somebody called them — any escape from the interstate race tracks.

I’m not thankful for those things they call “wraps.” (Like eating cardboard, though I’m not an authority on that.)

I’m thankful I grew up having to milk the family cow — now I have a deep appreciation for where milk comes from.

I’m thankful when, on my monthly statement, credit leads debit by a one-sided score.

I’m thankful when the noise in the middle of the night turns out to be the ice-maker. (And if you’ve heard that before, it still goes.)

I’m thankful that when I was young, poetry was poetry, when it rhymed, not some rambling drivel going nowhere.

I’m thankful we still have a dial phone, and it’s always in working order, through sleet and storm or whatever.

I’m thankful I knew the days of Kaltenborn, Heatter, Thomas, Edwards, Blair and their kind, when news was news and not a “show.”

I’m thankful, that as I grow older, I’ve come to realize that cleaning off our roof is a job for somebody else, not me.

I’m thankful that we have our squirrel menace under control. (Applause, applause, for my wife, not my 16-gauge.)

I’m thankful for buttermilk, but don’t try to order it in a New York restaurant.

I’m thankful for my old Royal typewriter, which still gets plenty of use.

I’m thankful I finally quit waiting until tomorrow to stop procrastinating.

I’m thankful for my first good-morning kiss.

I’m thankful, in parting, to be able to offer a solution to Georgia Tech and the Falcons in their football dilemma: Swap coaches, Gailey for Petrino.

Permalink | Comments (15) | Categories: Thanksgiving

“Nutcracker:” You be the reviewer

By ajc.com | Wednesday, November 21, 2007, 04:03 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Hey all you “Nutcracker” nuts. “Nutcracker” season has officially arrived. This year, almost 20 different productions of the classic ballet are taking the stage across the Atlanta metro area, from the Atlanta Ballet at the Fox to a Southeast Indian version called “Swapna Vijayam.”

You can find detailed listings here.

How many “Nutcrackers” will you see? Do you prefer the high-end professional performances or the more humble amateur/school productions? And what did you think of the show(s) you did see? Do you recommend it or want your money back? Play critic and give us your review.

Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Christmas

Why do you need white bread in corn bread dressing?

By Elizabeth Lee | Wednesday, November 21, 2007, 11:03 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

No, this isn’t a trick question. I really don’t know.

Some corn bread dressing recipes call just for crumbled dry corn bread, which you moisten with stock, butter and eggs (which raises the question, why are you drying it out — just to add fat to it?) before baking. But I digress.

Other recipes call for anywhere from one to six slices of stale white sandwich bread or six biscuits. Do you use white bread or biscuits in your corn bread dressing? What difference does it make in the texture?

Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: holiday

What do you have to be thankful for?

By AJC | Wednesday, November 21, 2007, 09:35 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather together and give thanks.

Are you thankful for good health, a promotion at work or the safe return of a son or daughter from Iraq?

What are you thankful for?

Permalink | Comments (30) | Categories: holiday

The good - ‘Enchanted,’ ‘Christmas’ - and the turkeys

By Alan Smithee | Wednesday, November 21, 2007, 07:59 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Here’s my indubitable list of new and recent movies for the Thanksgiving holiday:

YES

“Enchanted” — Fun, wink-wink, fish-out-of-water fairytale sold by the charming performance of Amy Adams.

“This Christmas” — A holiday feast with the best trimmings — R&Ber Chris Brown singing “Try a Little Tenderness” and, count ‘em, two “Soul Train” lines.

“No Country for Old Men” — Carnage, more carnage, memorable actors and one of the best movies of the year.

“Margot at the Wedding” — Noah Baumbach’s blistering family drama with devastating dialogue and on-target Nicole Kidman.

MAYBE

“Beowulf” — A gorefest certainly not for everyone. Crispin Glover’s Grendel is cool. Angeline Jolie is cooler.

“I’m Not There” — Kinda draggy Bob Dylan biopic with Cate Blanchett the best of six actors playing the enigmatic singer.

“Hitman” — Call it “The Bourne Wannabe.” At rare times, it actually succeeds.

NO

“The Mist” — Director Frank Darabont makes his horror movie long and boring instead of campy and scary-fun.

“August Rush” — Many people will be suckered in by this music-centered, bring-the-hankies drama. But its sappiness and senseless script make it offensive.

“Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” — It’s not magical. It’s simply tragical. Dustin Hoffman is just weird.

Read more MovieTalk blog entries

Permalink | | Categories: holiday

Is this a cash-crunch Christmas?

By Peralte C. Paul | Wednesday, November 21, 2007, 07:51 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Call me a cheapskate (and I am) but every year around this time, I read surveys that say how much the average American will spend on holiday gifts.

The National Retail Federation and BIGresearch have forecast we’ll be spending an average $816.69 on holiday-related things and gifts this year. That’s up from the average $791.10 we were expected to hand over to retailers last year.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never spent that kind of money and with me paying $30 a pop to fill up my Civic (when it used to cost $12) I’m not about to start a tradition of big spending now.

Some of my friends’ families get together, agree to a pre-set budget and pull one name each out of a hat and get that person a gift.

In my family last year, we just called one another and asked what we wanted. OK, so that means no “wow!” factor when opening gifts. But because you know exactly what they want, you tend to do less impulse buying.

Are you planning to spend a lot this year or cutting back? Do you have a system or rules in your family on how much to spend?

If you have a budget, do you leave anyone off like co-workers, the letter carrier or that relative who never apologized for breaking your Mickey Mouse wristwatch when you were nine?

Permalink | Comments (50) | Categories: holiday

When do you start playing Christmas music?

By Shane Harrison | Wednesday, November 21, 2007, 07:15 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

You know the stores are going to jump the gun on the holiday season. That’s a given. The decorations are decking the halls of retail outlets everywhere, even before we ignite the lights on our jack-o-lanterns.

The garland and tinsel have been deployed, but what about music? It isn’t even Thanksgiving, yet you can hear the strains of “Jingle Bells” and “Winter Wonderland” in the air. Is it too soon to haul out the holiday tunes?

When do you start playing those old familiar songs? Is Thanksgiving Day the appropriate time, or do you wait for the big shopping day that follows? And when the time is right, which album do you pull out first?

Permalink | Comments (58) | Categories: Holiday Music

T.I. to “host” Thanksgiving for needy

By Sonia Murray | Tuesday, November 20, 2007, 01:47 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta rapper-actor T.I. and his Grand Hustle K.I.N.G. Foundation are hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the needy Thursday.

But by “host”, we gather the press release announcing this effort meant, “financed.” T.I., as you may recall, is on bond and restricted to his lakefront Jonesboro home, after authorities said he illegally tried to buy machine guns and silencers last month. His charitable ways continue, however, with the dinner at his Club Crucial (2517 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy) from 6 to 9 p.m. . Plus, his label rep says he is donating 400 turkeys to the Atlanta Parks & Recreation Center, to distribute to Atlanta families.

And “T.I. has and continues to reach out to celebrity friends to help raise $150,000 for the Hosea Williams Feed the Hungry Thanksgiving Day Dinner Event.”

Permalink | Comments (17) | Categories: Charity

You shouldn’t have!

By Wise Diva | Tuesday, November 20, 2007, 11:23 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Have you ever dated someone who gave you a gift that left you speechless? Not the good kind of speechless! When it comes to dating and relationships, things can certainly get prickly when it comes to buying gifts. Different stages in a relationship can dictate various levels of gift giving. You wouldn’t buy a person you are casually dating the same thing you would buy someone you have been madly in love with for years, right?

So, with the holidays rapidly approaching, let’s help each other with a few tips to guide couples in gift giving:

Blind date gone great: you are shocked you hit it off so well. Great chemistry and conversation but you know precious little about them. Do NOTHING. Put in a phone call and let them know you are thinking of them. If you must buy something, make it fun and campy, play up your sense of humor.

New guy or girl: You just met Labor Day weekend, but they are already occupying a lot of your time, attention, and maybe even your place. Be careful, you don’t want your gift to send the wrong message: No lingerie, big ticket gifts, or jewelry. Best bets: new cd or itunes gift card, cool hat, or book - hopefully you know their taste in these already.

My shmoopy. That’s right, you guys are at the nauseating pet name stage! I totally love this stage of dating, You are all euphoric and silly. You have established exclusivity by now so the gifts can show you are in it for the long haul. A pet you co-own, a trip somewhere fantastic in the future, concert or sporting event tickets. At this point, a special, well-thought out gift that proves you really know the person would go over well. Try to recall things that they are hardcore about, hopefully you listened!

Ball and chain. Just because you are married or have been together since the first Bush was in office, doesn’t mean you have stopped dating! Gifts at this particular stage should be romantic, sentimental, and meaningful. Gifts can range from things like sexy lingerie or something naughty to spice things up in the bedroom, to jewelry or electronics they have raved about. You have about 5 weeks, good luck!

Do you have any tips to add to the list?

Do you think that some gifts can be relationship/romance killers? Have you ever received a gift that was well-intentioned but turned you off instead? How did you handle it?

What was the best gift you have given someone? How did they react?

Permalink | | Categories: holiday

Hold the turkey, please! Non-traditional meals

By AJC | Tuesday, November 20, 2007, 08:09 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

What? No turkey and dressing for Thanksgiving dinner?

Not in my grandmother’s kitchen.

Nothing but the big bird would grace our holiday table, even though most of it would eventually be thrown out. We weren’t huge turkey fans, but that’s just how Thanksgiving was done.

I was nearly carved up once for suggesting lasagna instead of turkey.

We had prime rib one year, but Mr. Gobbler still lurked near the mac and cheese.

Ribs, salmon and Tofurky (think tofu here) have found their way onto holiday tables. Metro resident Ces Alberto said her children don’t like the taste of turkey so she opts for traditional foods like pancit, a noodle dish, from her native Philippines.

Have you ever had a non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner? What did you serve? Were you nearly trussed?

Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: holiday

Holiday Turkey Mythbust

By Kelly Huggins | Tuesday, November 20, 2007, 07:51 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

For years, turkey has been blamed for the notorious “after dinner snooze.” This supposively came from the knowledge of experts that state that the high amounts of tryptophan (an amino acid) increases the amount of serotonin produced in the brain. (I did my research and I can’t find who the “experts” are). By the way, serotonin is a hormone that helps you feel relaxed.

Well, whoever the experts were, they didn’t do a good job on their hypothesis. It is now known, that the amounts of tryptophan in Turkey is not high enough to make you go to sleep. This is unless, of course, you eat nothing but turkey on an empty stomach and in high amounts.

If you haven’t figured it out by now, you can blame the sluggishness on the high amounts of carbohydrates, simply stuffing yourself, and alcohol. I guess there is no better reason. Have fun this Thankgiving.

Don’t forget to check out some of my Holiday Eating Tips from last week.

Permalink | | Categories: holiday

How many dinners will you eat?

By AJC | Tuesday, November 20, 2007, 07:51 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Over the river and through the woods, to grandmother’s house we go.

Then it’s back into the minivan, and hit the road again to grandfather and his second wife, and her children, for another big dinner.

Or maybe you’re a young married couple, and you have one Thanksgiving with the wife’s family and one Thanksgiving with the husband’s.

Does this sound like your Thanksgiving? Do blended families or modern living arrangements have you eating two Thanksgiving dinners? How about more than two?

Permalink | Comments (6) | Categories: Thanksgiving

Any luck with office potlucks?

By AJC | Tuesday, November 20, 2007, 07:41 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Sure, Hank’s a great accountant but do you really want to eat his chicken casserole?

Do you cringe when your cubicle mate, who always has cat hair on her clothes, offers you a slice of homemade pumpkin pie?

Yes, it’s that time of year again: Time for the office potluck.

Holiday potlucks have become a workplace staple around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

How do you survive office potlucks?

Do you have a co-worker who forgets to bring anything but always shows up with an appetite and Tupperware? Or do you have a stingy co-worker who only brings a small bag of chips but eats enough for two?

Permalink | Comments (51) | Categories: holiday

Who’s sleeping in your bed?

By Rosalind Bentley | Tuesday, November 20, 2007, 07:28 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

It can be a year-round dilemma, but one that’s especially pronounced during the holiday season: Your visiting family will be staying with you for a few nights, but you don’t have much guest bedroom space in your cozy little two-bedroom, one-bath.

Or, maybe you’ve got a 6,000 square foot, five- bedroom manse, but your extended family will more than take up that space.

So, here’s the question: Do you give up your own master bedroom and let some of your guests sleep there?

For some people, giving up their bedroom for a guest is a symbol of selflessness and graciousness. For others, giving up their master bedroom for a guest is invasive at the very least.

Where do you stand?

Permalink | Comments (8) | Categories: holiday

New Christmas movie gets folks dancing

By Bob Longino | Monday, November 19, 2007, 01:09 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

One of the better holiday movies — “This Christmas” (opening Wednesday) from Atlanta-based producer Will Packer — doesn’t limit itself to one surprise “Soul Train” line dance. It has two. The film, about members of a large family returning home for the holidays, breaks out in a lively “Soul Train” line led by Loretta Devine and emblematic of the TV dance show’s iconic groove. So have you ever had a “Soul Train” line at your house during Christmas, or over the holidays?

Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Christmas

Ideal Thanksgiving: Enough for two teams

By Theresa Walsh Giarrusso | Monday, November 19, 2007, 08:51 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

When it comes to Thanksgiving, my husband doesn’t care if we serve the potatoes mashed or roasted, if the pie is pumpkin or pecan or if the gravy has lumps. His only concern is: Will we have enough guests to field two teams for some serious competition after the meal?

Growing up with a large extended family, holidays for Michael meant playing rough-and-tumble sports with the dozens of uncles and cousins while the ladies cooked a giant meal inside. Sadly, my family of four could never muster enough people, or quite honestly the interest, to even play catch on the holidays.

But this year for the first time since he was about 18, there will be enough Giarrussos converging in one spot to make his sports dreams come true.

It only took 13 years of marriage, a bigger house and a dry run to prove ourselves worthy of hosting Thanksgiving, but we’ve finally convinced my husband’s family to spend the holiday with us.

Michael’s father, his wife and their daughter will be driving up from Florida on Wednesday. Michael’s brother and his girlfriend will be driving down from North Carolina also to join us. (Rose had told her uncle to bring a different girl the next time he visited - just for variety. Sorry Rose, he likes this one and we do too.)

And while I’m planning the menus and buying the food, my husband has been taking care of the essentials. He’s bought balls and more back-up air pumps than even the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has. He’s set up a backyard soccer goal and ordered an adjustable basketball goal to be installed at the end of the driveway before Thanksgiving Day.

He’s had the children — Rose and Walsh; the baby hasn’t expressed a preference yet — choosing up teams all week long. Uncle Victor is high up on the draft list, along with their Auntie Christina. No matter what the sport is, I’m always chosen last — even after my 50-something mother-in-law. That doesn’t seem right.

While I’m not being chosen first for the teams, I’m thrilled to have been chosen as hostess. I’ve always wanted to host a big family holiday. My mom usually hosts our family meals. When my brother’s family is out of town, I do get to cook, but it’s not a very big celebration. It’s exciting to have out-of-town company.

It’s not an easy task to finally earn the privilege of hosting the Thanksgiving meal. We had an unofficial try-out over Labor Day. My father-in-law, his wife and Michael’s sister came to visit the new house and the baby. This was our chance to prove we could make them comfortable and be good hosts.

We successfully served food on time, didn’t give anyone food poisoning, managed to take them interesting places, provided them with a clean bathroom, and kept the kids out of their belongings. When his father left us after Labor Day, he said “Well that’s the best dog and best baby I’ve ever met.” Translation: Your dog didn’t smell or jump on me and the baby didn’t wake me up at night. So he’s agreed to return for a follow-up visit, and we’re thrilled! He did have a few demands though. We needed to fix Rose’s bed before they returned. It rattled whenever you moved on it. We’ve taken care of that with a new box spring. But there are still lots of things to do before the great sports spectacular (err I mean Thanksgiving) begins:

Install basketball goal.

Fill in the small sink-hole near the left-side soccer goal.

Make sure the dog doesn’t smell.

Buy some decent coffee for my father-in-law and some really fancy coffee for my brother-in-law.

Hope the bunk bed we ordered for our son’s room shows up so Michael’s sister has a bed.

Buy some good wine so my brother-in-law doesn’t mind sleeping on a basement sofa.

Remove the frog anti-slip pads from the children’s/guest tub.

Take our Emergen-C so we don’t get anyone sick.

Oh yeah, and buy a turkey!

Permalink | | Categories: holiday

I’m dreaming of Christmas toys

By Bill Husted | Monday, November 19, 2007, 07:29 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

I’m giving toys this Christmas whether my family likes it or not.

All this may come as a surprise to my mom. My brother the physician may not know what to think for a change, but that’s the way it will be.

Why toys? Well, this is the time of the year for gifts that turn the oldest of us into children. There’s a just-right feeling in unwrapping something that isn’t remotely useful and can only be used for fun.

Maybe all this is an over-reaction by me since - despite my yearnings - I spend Christmas mornings unwrapping socks, sweaters, khaki pants and the occasional sports jacket.

What I really want is something that blinks, squawks or runs around mindlessly in circles - sort of like what my Uncle Rod used to do at holiday parties.

So bear with me today while I wrap up some of my toy yearnings.

We’ll start with a rocket ship. Not only does it fly - topping 1,000 feet - it takes video or digital still images while making the trip.

My choice is the Estes Astrovision Video Rocket available from this Web site. You’ll pay $80.25 - admittedly costlier than a fireworks rocket - but this missile uses reusable rocket engines (a pack of three is just under $10). Little assembly is required and, hey, the sky is the limit.

You’ll get the software needed to download your video or still pictures to a laptop computer. One thing to note: the camera stores its work on memory chips that can’t hold data for long periods, so you’ll need to take the laptop to the launching.

While we’re up in the air, let me recommend the Micro Mosquito. You won’t need bug repellent. Instead, you get a tiny radio controlled helicopter that can do extraordinary aerial dances.

This isn’t the sort of craft to take outside - just a breath of wind sends it tumbling - but think of the fun of watching it take off from the dining table and flying to the top of the Christmas tree. Now that’s a toy!

You’ll find it at Radio Shack for $69.95. It’s Model 61081.

The next toy on my list will stir up some controversy. When it comes to video game consoles, folks get down right ugly. But my choice is the Nintendo Wii. It’s not the most powerful of the competing consoles but I think it does the best job of appealing to all ages and sexes.

The controller is unlike any you’ve seen. Simply waving it around can cause action on the screen. Don’t stand next to someone during an action packed moment - you risk losing a tooth.

It may be a little hard to find. Amazon was out of stock the day I looked. Using an online search - and depending on how the system is bundled with controllers and games - you will pay a bit over $400 for it.

I’m now going to include a toy I would like to find under the tree. Some of you may quibble about whether it’s a toy - after all it is educational - but there’s no law that says toys can’t be.

It comes from Meade and is called mySKY. You point mySKY at an object in the night sky, like sighting through a rifle scope, then click the trigger. The gadget tells you about that object in the sky using sound and video on its LCD screen. It’s pricey at $399, but you can console yourself with the knowledge it is an educational gadget that is likely to be used for years.

You can find it on the Meade Web site here.

It wouldn’t be a holiday without a game and, when it comes to games that can be played on the PC, I have a clear favorite. I’ve played this series of games for more than two years now so you can tell I think it’s a winner.

The series is called Guild Wars. There are several games in the series and you buy them separately. The newest of the standalone games is called Guild Wars Nightfall. There’s also an expansion pack - you must own one of the standalone games to use it - called Eye of the North. You- l pay about $50 for Nightfall and $40 for Eye of the North. Most stores will have it, or you can buy it at the company’s Web site here.

These games are played online - so you need an Internet connection, preferably a high speed one. But unlike so many other online games, you don’t pay a monthly fee.

If you buy one of the Guild Wars games, look me up online. Since it’s a combat game I may kill you, but - with my skills - you’ll probably kill me. My game name is Just Axe Me.

OK. That’s today’s list of toys. For those grouches out there who insist on useful high tech gifts, I’ll soon oblige. But meantime, leave me with my dreams.

Permalink | | Categories: holiday

Over-invited at Thanksgiving

By Jill Vejnoska | Saturday, November 17, 2007, 09:42 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

I understand how important Thanksgiving is to most people. No other holiday is more in keeping with America’s well-deserved reputation for being the most generous, hospitable country in the world.

That’s why I’m applying for temporary Canadian citizenship this Thursday.

Oh, c’mon! Anything’s got to be better than last Thanksgiving, when I wound up a fugitive in my own home. Trussed and stuffed into a “Butterballs Gone Bad” version of witness protection, my only hope was to lie low and keep completely quiet. One slip-up — a ringing telephone accidentally answered, a “Michael Bolton Sings Mambo” CD played slightly too loud — and my goose would be cooked. I’d suddenly find myself sitting beside obnoxious Uncle Elmo at some friend’s Thanksgiving table, quietly pushing the turkey around on my plate and plotting to drown myself in the gravy boat. Again.

Thanksgiving is duller than all-white meat on an all-white plate. The entire day revolves around a meal that takes about nine hours to prepare and less than 20 minutes to demolish. The menu is so unvarying that serving pumpkin pie without whipped cream qualifies for a CNN news alert. The conversation is almost entirely about eating; then, right after dessert, it abruptly shifts to how nobody’s ever eating anything again. But heaven forbid I not be there. And there. And there …

Since moving to Georgia in the 1990s, I’ve been barraged with Thanksgiving invitations. I suspect some well-meaning types are truly perplexed that I’m happily single and determined to show me the error of my ways by welcoming me into the bosom of their loving families for the day. I also suspect they haven’t spent as much “quality time” with Uncle Elmo as I have. Then too, food isn’t a big deal to me (I subsist mostly on peanut butter, potato chips and champagne, not necessarily in that order). So perhaps I represent an irresistible challenge.

For a long time, I reluctantly rotated my presence to a different house for Thanksgiving dinner each year. Maybe I’d stop by a second one for dessert. It wasn’t the ideal solution, but it worked well enough. Until that fateful Thanksgiving a few years back, when I realized that I’d been politely browbeaten into R.S.V.P.-ing “yes” to a 1 p.m. meal. And a 4 p.m. one. And not one, but two different ones, at 7 p.m.

When the whole misguided, yam-packed day finally ended — some 11 hours, four fully dressed turkeys and one Honeybaked Ham later — I vowed that as God was my witness, I’d never be so unhungry again. I was a successful, mature woman, and if I wanted to stay home all day in my jammies and watch a “Love Boat” marathon on cable, I could. All I had to do was state my case: boldly. Eloquently. Unapologetically.

How about you? If you’re single, how do you spend Thanksgiving? And how would you like to spend Thanksgiving?

Permalink | Comments (27) | Categories: Thanksgiving

Private shoppng at Lenox Square

By Nedra Rhone | Friday, November 16, 2007, 12:30 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Get a jump on Black Friday at a private shopping event at Lenox Square.

On Sunday, Nov. 18, Simon “Evening of Giving” allows ticket holders to shop from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. without the usual crowds.

There will be fashion shows, musical performances, a silent auction and more.

Tickets cost $35 at www.EncoreAtlanta.com and the proceeds go to various arts organizations in Atlanta.

Permalink | | Categories: Shopping

What’s your favorite Thanksgiving recipe?

By Elizabeth Lee | Friday, November 16, 2007, 11:00 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

It’s not Thanksgiving without pound cake for my family. We take turns baking a recipe that my father brought home when I was a child. It’s one of the first recipes I prepared, and ones my sisters have taken up, too, because it’s so good.

There’s just one problem. Many years ago, we lost the original recipe. I jotted down the ingredients from memory, but couldn’t recall the mixing instructions, which were incredibly detailed. We still make the pound cake, but we’ve never been able to get the crust to that yummy, slightly chewy texture that it used to have.

Still, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the pound cake. Is there a must-have dish at your celebration? Share the recipe!

Permalink | Comments (8) | Categories: Thanksgiving

“Santa says dream big”

By Rick Badie | Thursday, November 15, 2007, 09:15 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

I didn’t sit on his lap.

But I did get the chance to sit next to him when kids weren’t around. The Badie Tour stopped by Discover Mills mall on Wednesday to shore up my wish list for Gwinnett County. (More on that later.)

Last year, this mall had one of the most authentic-looking Santas I’d ever seen. A real-beard guy. This year’s St. Nick didn’t disappoint. That’s because he’s Richard Warren Hyman, the same Santa the Lawrenceville mall employed last year to coax kids into talking and to quiet babies who don’t understand why mom has thrust them into the arms of a stranger in a red suit.

He’s played Santa for 37 years, all over the world, thanks to a career as an aviation security adviser with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Last December, I wrote about Hyman - how real he looked; how popular he’d been with shoppers; and how he seemed genuinely interested in giving the kids, and their parents, a joyful experience.

This year is no different.

Glynis Riescher and Ryan, her 5-year-old son, happened to stop by Santa’s Shop the same time as the Badie Tour. Ryan was the first kid Santa talked to when the shop reopened at 2 o’clock.

“I just have one thing I want,” Ryan told me before climbing atop Santa’s lap. “A [toy] baseball stadium.”

Of course, he just might get it. After all, you have to believe - in the magic, spirit, the goodwill of the season. It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year despite the craziness of midnight madness sales and such. It’s a message that Hyman, of Snellville, proudly portrays and tries to convey to kids, especially teens.

Once older kids learn where the gifts come from, they start to shun St. Nick. Like it’s a rite of passage. And in Hyman’s opinion, a very misguided one.

See, it’s not whether you believe in Santa, the person in the red suit. Just respect the bigger picture, the meaning of it.

“When I was young, kids believed in Santa, the spirit and magic of it, if you will, till they were 12 or 13 years old,” said Hyman, 61, who has chatted with about 800 kids since the Santa shop opened Saturday.

“They used to run to Santa. Growing up today, by the age of 6 or 7, they shy away when they see one. Why take the excitement, that sense of Christmas, away from a child” Why not leave them with memories and let them enjoy them when they are older?”

For you Grinches, well, Hyman has a suggestion. Make a wish list. Dream big.

To that end, I compiled a county wish list. My wishes are that Santa helps us:

*Combat crime.

*Stick to the land-use plan.

*Be more attentive to our youth.

*Exhibit more goodwill to the needy.

*Build a homeless shelter.

*Live the true meaning of the holiday season every single day.

You’ve seen Rick’s wish list. What about yours? What would you ask Santa to do for Gwinnett? Tell us about it at www.ajc.com/gwinnett.

Rick Badie’s column appears on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in the AJC Gwinnett News and online. Contact him at 770-263-3875 or rbadie@ajc.com.

Permalink | Comments (5) | Categories: holiday

Where is the best restaurant for Thanksgiving?

By accessAtlanta | Thursday, November 15, 2007, 07:35 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

WE WANT TO KNOW: Do you eat Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant? Where do you go?

Permalink | Comments (18) | Categories: holiday

Ready for Black Friday yet?

By Phil Kloer | Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 04:08 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

According to a recent survey by Maritz Research, members of Gen X & Gen Y are more likely to shop during Black Friday madness.

Maybe they’re the only ones with the patience to endure long lines and crowds.

Do you plan to shop on Black Friday?

What stores will you hit and what promotions are you most excited about? (And don’t forget to tell your age).

Permalink | Comments (14) | Categories: Shopping

Jingle jam for a good cause

By ajc.com | Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 12:20 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Looking for a holiday song you haven’t heard a zillion times on the radio already? And one that helps a good cause, no less? Lend an ear.

The song is “Money in a Card,” as in the gift that kids really want for Christmas. The band is the Camp Jam Allstars, a group of teenagers, true amateurs, three of them from metro Atlanta.

You can go on iTunes and buy the song for 99 cents. Proceeds go to the charity Little Kids Rock, a program that provides free instruments and music instruction for public school students.

Camp Jam is a summer music camp for kids that was started in Atlanta by Jeff Carlisi, lead guitarist for .38 Special, that takes young rock-god wannabes and turns them into real rockers (talent permitting). From its start in Atlanta, it has fanned out with franchises. Carlisi co-wrote “Money in a Card” with rockers Liberty DeVito and Derek St. Holmes, both of whom have taught at Camp Jam.

The Allstars are: Niki Frishberg (vocals, Houston, Tx), Chandler Baldwin (vocals, Loganville, Ga), Chris Iorio (guitar, Las Vegas), Matt Ernst (guitar, Auburn, Al), Reeth Dasgupta (bass, Atlanta) and Rod Allred (drums, Atlanta).

And they are ready to rock. You can watch the Youtube video here.

Permalink | | Categories: Holiday Music

It’s time for ‘Santa’ talk? It can’t be! Not already!

By Jim Costelloe | Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 10:19 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Every Friday in my daughter Shannon’s second-grade class, the kids are required to write a brief note or letter home to their family telling us about the past week. They write about whatever it was that week that stood out to them. The parents are then to write a note back in response.

In the past, it has been very easy, as the subject matter has been things such as the animals of Australia or a book they read in class. Then this week we got the following note from Shannon:

Dear Family,

How do we respond to this?

She is not yet even 8 years old, and she already has to hide her belief of Santa to save face with her classmates.

My wife and I have talked a bit about how to handle this, but I know neither of us wants her to lose this belief already.

Our reasons are primarily selfish, no doubt about it. It seems like just yesterday we got to the point where she truly understood who Santa was and got excited about it. The weeks leading up to Christmas the excitement developed — barely contained with each toy catalog she browsed or with each viewing of “The Polar Express.”

We got about three years of this. It isn’t enough. Not for me or any parent.

Not to mention, is there any greater power a parent wields than looking your child in the eyes and saying, “Santa is coming, so you better be good”? By just uttering this simple reminder, we have the ability to instantly settle a fight with her brother, or get her to behave herself while we are running errands.

More than that, can there ever be harm in having a child believe that there is a person in this world who’s sole motivation is to reward boys and girls just for being good?

But can we really continue to keep our child holding on to a belief that other kids already know is false — at the expense of possibly being teased?

If my memory serves me correctly, I was in second grade when my mom told me there was no Santa. My mom said other kids my age already knew, and she didn’t want me to hear it from them.

I already had doubts. I grew up with three older brothers, so making it anywhere close to second grade while still believing in Santa was a miracle in and of itself.

We know it’s time to have the Santa talk with Shannon. But I wonder if this will be the end of her implicit trust in Mommy and Daddy. At her age, most arguments are won and lost simply with the statement, “my Mommy and Daddy said so.” Regardless of what proof the other kid may have, the greater authority is Mommy and Daddy. She has already had exchanges with kids who refuse to believe that there really is a number “googol.” She even knows it is a 1 followed by 100 zeros, thanks to me.

I knew this day would come, it just didn’t seem like it would be this soon.

At least I know that, regardless of whether it is Santa or Mommy and Daddy bringing the presents, she will always be excited on Christmas Eve.

I have never lost that feeling. Maybe that is what I have to hold on to.

Even without the jolly fat guy, it will still be the best time of the year for her and for me.

Jim Costelloe is a husband and father of two who lives in Suwanee and works in the commercial mortgage industry.

Permalink | Comments (25) | Categories: holiday

Give fall decorating its due

By Rosalind Bentley | Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 07:18 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

There are still some of us who are a little concerned over the way Christmas has all but eclipsed the fall holidays in the decorating department.

Christmas trees were up in stores before Halloween. Garland is already wrapped around street lamp poles. Call me old fashioned, but I like to give each holiday its due, in its own time.

So, during the run up to Thanksgiving it’s nice to decorate the front porch with an assortment of beautiful heirloom pumpkins and gourds, and, if there’s room, a dried cornstalk or two.

But what I want to know is, where are the pumpkin patches and the pumpkin lots that have the best heirloom selection? Not just the traditional, Charlie-Brown orange ones, but ones shaped like Cinderella’s carriage or plump, ghost-white clouds, or funky, speckled green ones that crane like a goose’s neck.

After Thanksgiving is over, some of them make fabulous pies. So where are the places with the best selections? And what else do you do to decorate for Turkey Day?

Permalink | Comments (5) | Categories: holiday

Not another gift list - really

By Bill Husted | Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 07:17 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The holiday season seems to start earlier every year. For instance, there are already department store Santas hard at work here in Atlanta.

So you don’t need to be a psychic to predict that I’ll be writing soon about high tech holiday gifts. But not just yet. Today we’ll talk about the holidays, but we’ll leave gifts for another day.

That’s because there are things you need to do to prepare for the season that do not involve buying iPods, telescopes, laptop computers and high-tech toys.

Batteries

Boy, you’re going to need them.

Most of us use digital cameras now and this is definitely picture taking season. Many families will also need batteries for holiday gifts. I think of the battery as one of the most important - yet unsung - heroes of high tech any time of the year. But it is especially true now.

Pick up several large packs of AA and AAA batteries. I’m suggesting the regular alkaline batteries since they have an excellent shelf life. If you store them unused they easily last a year and manufacturers claim shelf lives of up to three years.

Also, buy alkaline batteries for flashlights and fluorescent camping lanterns since, besides joy, the season also brings the possibility of ice storms that take down power lines.

If you already have rechargeable batteries make sure that they still take a good charge. As you have undoubtedly learned, rechargeables eventually die. If you don’t have rechargeable batteries, then it’s a good idea to buy some in both AA and AAA sizes as well as a recharger.

Keep in mind that rechargeables are fine for digital cameras and even toys. But they should never be used in a smoke alarm (they don’t hold a charge long enough) and they’re poor choices for other high tech devices that draw tiny amounts of current.

For instance, don’t use a rechargeable battery in a TV remote control (you’ll spend too much time removing and charging the batteries) or in a high tech thermostat like the one in my home that uses three AA batteries. For those uses, dig into your pack of alkaline batteries.

Digital cameras

This is also the time of year when your camera will get a workout. And that time starts well before Christmas morning. Invitations to the first parties and gatherings, at least among the folks I know, are already being sent out.

So this is a good time to make sure your camera is in good working condition. And, for the few and the lucky who can afford to spend a little extra money this year, it’s a good time to consider replacing digital cameras that are more than two years old.

In the last couple of years, the quality and reliability of digital cameras has zoomed up. If you have an old camera and can afford to replace it, do it now. By getting it now you’ll have time to get used to the way it works and do a better job of taking pictures of special moments.

A life-saving suggestion

There’s a ritual around my house, tied to this time of the year, that makes great sense. During the fall we replace all the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Tying the replacements to a season makes it easier to remember.

And since many tragic fires occur during the winter, it’s important that these detectors be in good working order.

You’ll notice that I mentioned a carbon monoxide detector. Out-of-whack heating units can produce deadly carbon monoxide. It’s important that you get your heating system checked.

But it’s also essential that you install a good carbon monoxide detector - the stakes are too high to ignore this. You’ll find them in most stores that sell fire detectors, such as places like Home Depot, Lowes and other home centers.

That’s it for today. If you were yearning for some gift notions, don’t worry. With these preliminaries out of the way there’ll be plenty of time for me to come up with some great lists.

Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: holiday

Thanksgiving assortment at Lenox show

By RICHARD L. ELDREDGE | Tuesday, November 13, 2007, 08:00 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

For us, Thanksgiving’s rapid approach didn’t really become reality until our Publix pilgrim salt and pepper shakers brained Buzz as we were reaching up into the dark recesses of a seldom-used kitchen cabinet during a search for snifters the other night.

Other people are more organized, however.

For example, the folks at Lenox Square tell us that they’ve booked honking huge country act Big & Rich to headline the Macy’s Great Tree Lighting on Thanksgiving night, along with R&B faves Take 6, the Macy’s All Star Holiday Choir and Santa Claus. “Entertainment Tonight” correspondent Jann Carl is set to perform the hosting duties.

The folks at Underground Atlanta, meanwhile, have booked country superstar Miranda Lambert for the 19th annual Peach Drop on New Year’s Eve downtown.

Oh, and Athens-birthed jam band Widespread Panic will ring in the new year with two nights of concerts at Philips Arena on Dec. 30 and 31. Tickets go on sale through Ticketmaster on Friday at 10 a.m.

If you’re more of a homebody, Dunwoody High School grad Ryan Seacrest will be back co-hosting the 36th annual “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” on ABC with the legendary Clark himself.

The Boss is back

While on the subject of advance planning, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band fans will want to set aside April 25. That’s when The Boss and company will bring their “Magic” tour to Philips Arena, featuring the new songs the band recorded here with producer Brendan O’Brien. Tickets are $97 and $67 and go on sale Saturday at noon. VH1 is bringing its “You Oughta Know” tour with James Blunt (James “You’re Beautiful” Blunt? “You Oughta Know” tour? Perhaps there’s a rip in the VH1 time/space continuum?) along with Sara Bareilles to the Tabernacle downtown March 4. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Save the date for Celine

Radio stations The River and B98.5 FM, meanwhile, are apparently in a competition to see who can offer its listeners tickets to a concert requiring a time machine. All this week, The River’s Lexie Kaye and Kate McCarthy are giving away advance tickets to the Springsteen show in April. B98’s Kelly & Alpha, however, are hooking listeners up with tickets to the upcoming Celine Dion show here — set for Jan. 19, 2009.

Still wanted: Reader thanks

Want to share what you’re thankful for this year with millions of Buzz readers?

It’s as easy as sending your thoroughly original, poignant and/or hilarious offerings to us, along with your full name, where you live and a daytime phone number via an e-mail to Buzz Central this week at buzz@ajc.com.

Also, we’re looking for reader photos to include with the column. We’ll publish the very best offerings on Turkey Day.

But don’t delay. The holiday Buzz column needs to be compiled well in advance (and the bosses of Buzz are already impatiently tapping their feet all Larry Craig-like outside Buzz Central …).

‘Drumroll’ for Dallas Austin

Peachtree TV and hip-hop impresario Dallas Austin have changed the name of the new network’s first series from “Drumline: SWD” to “Drumroll: SWD.”

Austin told Buzz on Monday that Peachtree TV already was airing his shot-in-Atlanta 2002 Nick Cannon film “Drumline,” and they didn’t want to cause confusion between the film and the reality series about the Southwest DeKalb High School marching band.

They also pushed back the launch date from Nov. 20 to Nov. 27 at 8 p.m. And instead of eight half-hour episodes, they are opting for four one-hour episodes.

“We pushed it back a week to put up billboards and get more press and promotion,” Austin said.

OVERSCENE

Actress Cybill Shepherd sitting at the counter, enjoying scrambled egg whites with bacon, rosemary moon-dust potatoes and a biscuit Monday at the Flying Biscuit Cafe in Midtown (she’s a good tipper, we’re told). The Golden Globe winner is rehearsing this week for the world premiere of “Curvy Widow” at the Alliance Theatre, which begins previews Nov. 16.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS

Producer-director-actor Garry Marshall is 73. Actor Joe Mantegna is 60. Actress Sheila Frazier (“Superfly”) is 59. Actress Frances Conroy (“Six Feet Under”) is 54. Actress Whoopi Goldberg is 52. Actor Chris Noth (“Law and Order: Criminal Intent,” “Sex and the City”) is 51. Actor Neil Flynn (“Scrubs”) is 47. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel is 40. Nikolai Fraiture of the Strokes is 29. Actress Monique Coleman (“High School Musical”) is 27.

Contributing: Rodney Ho and news services

Permalink | Comments (8) | Categories: holiday

Singles who serve

By Bella | Tuesday, November 13, 2007, 08:00 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

This weekend, in an attempt to broaden my heart (envision The Grinch’s heart growing three sizes larger), I’m participating in a singles event to contribute to Operation Christmas Child.

I’ve just recently realized how much I can do to support people who aren’t as blessed as I am, and it’s surprising how many of these charity events are actually tailored toward singles! Especially as we’re rolling into the Thanksgiving-Christmas season, I’m starting to see many opportunities to meet other singles as well as challenge my social conscience. Talk about killing two birds with one stone!

My hope is that during the activities this season, I’ll have the opportunity to meet others like me — not perfectly generous or altruistic, but at least willing to sacrifice some time or money because they know there are other people in this world that need help.

Have you ever thought about tracking down ways to serve with other singles, or possibly setting up something yourself? Are there holiday singles service events available through your work, church or social circle? Could you use an opportunity to grow your heart and possibly meet a cute single at the same time?

Have you ever met someone while volunteering at a nursing home, delivering a Thanksgiving turkey to an impoverished family or some other traditionally non-dating-scene activity?

If you participate in service projects, do you find you meet more “real” people through these events? Do you think doing service work can give you more insight into someone’s heart upon first meeting them (assuming they’re not there just to get a date!)?

What are the benefits of meeting someone while serving others? The cons?

Permalink | Comments (9) | Categories: holiday

Getting the lead out

By Nedra Rhone | Tuesday, November 13, 2007, 07:50 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Some Dora the Explorer products have been part of recent toy recalls.

Exposure to lead used to come from two sources: Paint and gasoline. But in the 1970’s the government banned the use of lead in those materials.

So why do we keep hearing about lead levels in children’s products including everything from toys to jewelry to baby bibs?

It can make holiday shopping a nightmare.

What are your plans for buying safe items this holiday season?

Are there local stores that give a “lead-free”guarantee?

Permalink | Comments (7) | Categories: holiday

When do you plan Thanksgiving?

By Elizabeth Lee | Monday, November 12, 2007, 01:20 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

For Thanksgiving this year, I’m buying a turkey from a local farm, one that’s raised on pasture. I ordered the turkey last summer, before the farmer got his poults in. I’m looking forward to preparing it, and learning more about the difference in how a turkey that walks around on grass all days tastes, compared to one raised in confined quarters and given feed, as the traditional Thanksgiving centerpiece is.

Usually I make a last-minute run to the store, hoping to find a fresh bird that’s about the right size. (And they never are. They’re always 20 pounds or larger, if you wait until the day before Thanksgiving. And everything else is frozen.)

Grocery stores, of course, want us to start thinking about booking a turkey earlier. Whole Foods Market had a media tasting of its takeout menu on Nov. 8, complete with wine pairings. (Since I’d just faux-fried a turkey in a new infrared cooker from Char-Broil two days earlier, I passed up the chance for yet more turkey and missed the early feast.) Restaurants have been sending menus for a few weeks.

We’re still sorting through Halloween candy at my house, and except for ordering the turkey, haven’t thought about anything else related to Thanksgiving. What about you? When do you start putting together the holiday meal? Have you ever bought a special turkey, like a heritage breed? If so, was it worth the extra money?

Permalink | Comments (19) | Categories: Thanksgiving

When is it time to rock around the Christmas tree?

By Rodney Ho | Monday, November 12, 2007, 06:00 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Before 2000, Atlanta radio stations would start sprinkling in Christmas tunes around Thanksgiving, then go all Christmas on Christmas Eve.

Then that year, Peach 94.9 came up with the brilliant idea of going all Christmas for an entire month starting on Thanksgiving. That meant 24/7 Mel Torme, “Feliz Navidad” and Johnny Mathis. At the time, some “bah humbug” types called this overkill. But it worked. Ratings shot through the chimney in December for Peach.

Fish 104.7, already a Christian pop station, jumped on the sleigh ride in 2002.

B98.5, the other soft rock station, held out but finally gave in to the holly, jolly tunes in 2004.

Some years, Peach would do weekends of Christmas songs in November and start a few days before Thanksgiving.

With Peach, which became Lite, gone country, it appears we’ll only have two all-Christmas stations later this month. On Halloween, the Fish teased us with a one-day tease of Bing Crosby and Andy Williams and will be back Thanksgiving. And B98.5 is set to start its holiday cheer the same time. There’s no word if a third station is willing to do the same. (There is a third soft rock station that may go all Christmas, dubbed Lite 96.7, but it’s a limited signal on the southside and not what I would consider a true metro-wide radio station.)

When is the right time to start pumping out the “Jingle Bell Rock” on the radio? And how about those retail stores?

Permalink | Comments (30) |

No time to cook for Thanksgiving?

By Jennifer Brett | Thursday, November 8, 2007, 03:29 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Dining out this Thanksgiving?

Here’s one option. It includes truffle froth and foie gras. Sea bass poached in coconut milk. Seared quail with mushroom risotto. Orange beignets and pumpkin pie ice cream.

With wine, the Buckhead Ritz-Carlton’s Thanksgiving feast, created by James Beard nominated Chef Arnaud Berthelier, is $207 a person.

(And no, there’s not one slice of turkey in sight. Interested? Reservations are required. 404-237-2700, www.ritzcarlton.com.)

So tell us, what’s the best Thanksgiving meal you never cooked?

To Market, to Market…

2007 Mistletoe Market chair Kelly Sheriff, left, with 2008 chair Laurie Cates. Photo courtesy of the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta.

So you’ve started thinking about Christmas?

Well, the ladies in charge of the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta’s annual Mistletoe Market started making their lists and checking them twice more than a year ago.

The event, featuring exquisite gifts from loads of unique vendors, was Oct. 18-20 at the Cobb Civic Center, and organizers estimate 5,000 shoppers turned out.

This year’s Mistletoe gala, held Oct. 19, attracted a glam crowd of about 150 and raised $25,000; the entire market raised about $54,000 for the league’s charitable activities.

This year’s chair was Kelly Sheriff. Laurie Cates is on deck for next year.

Committee members included Kendall Andrews, Suzy Cooper, Sandra Daniels, Inga Dolezar, Randy Farley, Shari Graham, Christi Hodges, Hayley Kelly, Tina Kerr, Christy Mire, Amy Moore, Beth Nix, Jennifer Ruhl, Erin Rusin and Julie Willner. They’d love to see you there next year. Find out more about the organization at www.jlcm.org.

Permalink | Comments (1) |