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Attention brides: read this before you register
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Are you getting married this year?
Considering registering for china or crystal?
Listen up: Waterford Wedgwood has joined the long list of corporations seeking bankruptcy protection.
According to this article the venerable brand will continue to operate while administrators seek a buyer.
“Waterford, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton are quintessentially classic brands that represent a high quality product which is steeped in history,” the administrators said in a statement. “The administration team will be working closely with management, customers and suppliers during this time to ensure operations continue whilst a sale of the business is sought.”
I usually do an inventory this time of year, when putting up the Christmas china and putting the regular china back out (that’s my pattern above, Cornucopia by Wedgwood). I’m thinking it might be wise to go ahead and fill in what I’m missing.
Does this news make you rethink registering for Waterford crystal or Wedgwood china? Or if you have a pattern, are you thinking of stocking up lest your fine china be discontinued?
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Real Housewives’ Resolutions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Happy New Year, Fab-lanta!
We checked in with some of the ATL’s social scenesters to see who’s pledging to do what in 2009.
Leading the way in laying down the virtuous vows? A couple of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” of course.
“One of my New Year’s resolutions is to have an impact on more lives.” - DeShawn Snow, whose foundation works with teenage girls.
Spend less time worrying about the things I cannot control and focusing on the things I can. No wine in ‘09 … makes a boring housewife.” - Kim Zolciak, who isn’t actually married, and definitely isn’t boring.
We didn’t hear back from the other three housewives, but never fear. Bravo’s planning a second season of the super-classy show. Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, we checked in with folks from Atlanta’s social and philanthropic circles. Here’s what they plan to do this year.
Jack Sawyer, from left, with Sally Dorsey and Bill Torres
“I’m a workaholic and that is not going to change because I love my work so much. And I live and breathe a commitment to my clients. But I am determined to play more golf in 2009. Is that tacky?” - Jack Sawyer, regional president, BNY Mellon Wealth Management.
Joanne Chesler Gross, left, with 2008 Opera Ball chair Jody Weatherly
“Raise more funds for our wonderful cultural institutions such as the Atlanta Ballet and Opera. In spite of the bad economy, we can do it!” - corporate lobbyist turned philanthropic powerhouse Joanne Chesler Gross, who is chairing this year’s Opera Ball.
Melanie Boltax with Ron Clark Academy student Merrick Adams and MaxMara USA president Luigi Caroggio, at the fundraiser benefiting the Ron Clark Academy. Photo by Jim Fitts
“For everything I buy to put in my closet I have to take five things out to give to charity; come up with new, inexpensive ways to raise money for Camp Kudzu and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund; recommit to my family and community to be a conscientious individual in thought, words and deeds that promote a peaceful, healthy environment.” - Melanie Boltax, who organized a recent luncheon benefiting Camp Kudzu. It serves kids with juvenile diabetes, including her son Zac,13.
“Trying to match-make as many friends as possible so they will have their weddings at the Millennium Gate.” - Rodney Cook, the Atlanta designer who masterminded the Gate, and raised millions in private funds to pay for it.
“Purchase a new filing cabinet that is functional, not just decorative; throw away my cellphone manual that’s still encased in plastic; never miss an opportunity to say something nice to someone who might need to hear a kind word.” - Lisa Tush a founding member of the Bow Tie Society, which serves underprivileged teens.
“Spend more time with the cherished friends about whom I most care and decline those things that make up the hectic rush of life and that don’t really matter.” - Susan Tucker,president of Tucker & Associates and a fixture on the philanthropic circuit.
Laura Turner Seydel, left, and Sacha Taylor at the ‘Primates at the Pink Palace’ event benefiting the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. Sacha’s reading the book by Laura’s dad. Photo by Philip Shone
“Read more for pleasure. I am off to a great start with Call Me Ted. I have magazines, literally hundreds of them, all from 2008, neatly stacked in my office with hopes I will read them all.” - Sacha Taylor, who will co-chair this year’s Veneralia gala benefiting the Michael C. Carlos Museum, Jeffrey Fashion Cares and the Swan House Ball host committee.
“Work smarter and think year-round; reduce stress and continue to be optimistic; spend more time with family and friends; remain patient and be a good listener; be flexible and be willing to change.” Mary Lou Lanaux, a Keller Williams Realtor specializing in celeb clients and luxury properties. She has former Braves catcher Javy Lopez’ padlisted for $3.5 million.
“Go to culinary school to become a pastry chef! I’ve always enjoyed cooking and loved making candy with my mother and grandmother, and always had a desire to learn more.” - Tony Conway, president/owner of Legendary Events.
“To give up sugar, my ‘drug’ of choice. I am a sugarholic for sure!” - Sally Dorsey, who with Conway will co-chair this fall’s Party in the Kitchen, benefiting Open Hand. Wonder what the new pastry chef and the recovering sugarholic will serve for dessert?
Are you planning to refine in 2009? What’s your resolution?
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Should the Falcons have a new nickname?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
He’s no Dirty Bird, one sports talker says. So what should we call him?
In our understandable quest to flog every conceivable angle in writing about the the playoffs-bound Falcons, we’ve got an important question to ask fans.
Should the team have a new nickname?
Sure, some folks still call them the “Dirty Birds,” but that’s so last decade, says afternoon sports talker John Kincade of 680/The Fan.
“The Dirty Birds - that’s the ‘98 team,” said Kincade, noting his broadcast partner Buck Belue has consistently referred to “The New Falcons” all season long.
So what should we call them?
“Come up with something unique and fresh,” challenged Kincade, who didn’t have a new moniker in mind.
But Steak Shapiro, morning host at790/The Zone, was quick to come up with a new nickname.
“The New Blood,” he proffered. The name does work on many levels. The team has a new QB - rookie of the year Matt Ryan - and new head coach, Mike Smith.
“It’s kind of a badass name,” Shapiro continued. “Plus, they wear red.”
Do the Falcons need a new nickname? What should it be?
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Planning a low-key New Year’s Eve?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Image from foodandwineblog.com
Ready to party like it’s 2009?
I don’t know about you, but I’m not hearing about a bunch of huge bashes planned for this New Year’s Eve.
Instead, I’m seeing lots of invitations with a more low-key feel. Whereas folks might have planned lavish buffets for their parties last year, it seems we’re hearing about “dessert” receptions, with a champagne toast, this year.
I’m also hearing about folks planning to meet up with friends at bars or restaurants, with everyone paying his or her own way.
There are plenty of events going on around town for those of you looking for a party this Wednesday night.
Budget-conscious party people may want to check out events surrounding the 20th annual Peach Drop. The entertainment lineup features Dancing With The Stars champion Julianne Hough and is free.
Is the economy affecting your New Year’s Eve party plans? Are you scaling back this year?
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Falcons fans: The love is back
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kathy and Calvin Wells, from left, and Clay Coleman celebrate the Falcons’ win
As the thunderous cheering began to wane following the Falcons’ 31-27 win over the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Clay Coleman summed up the season so far.
“The love is back,” he said.
That sentiment seemed echoed throughout the Georgia Dome Sunday, both in fans’ signs - “I BELIEVE!” and “Playoffs? Who Would’ve Thunk It?” and “From Worst to First!” - and among fans themselves.
“This time last year,” Coleman noted, “you could just walk into a game.”
Then again, this time last year the team’s quarterback, Michael Vick, had just gone to prison for dogfighting and its former coach, Bobby Petrino, had split for Arkansas.
And now, with coach Mike Smith at the helm and rookie star QB Matt Ryan in the pocket, the Falcons are headed to the playoffs.
Sidney Sears
“I feel like it’s a whole new team, a whole new atmosphere,” said Sidney Sears of Gainesville.
She’s been a season ticket holder for several years and said last year’s season sometimes felt like one to endure, rather than enjoy. This year she’s been wearing her Matt Ryan t-shirt to every game, as a good-luck charm.
“He helps make the team,” she said.
Dewanna Jackson McGruder and Wanda Fickens started cheering long before Sunday’s game started. They arrived about 10 a.m. and waved pom-poms as players entered for pre-game warmups, or as coaches and trainers walked past, or as security guards looked their way and waved.
“Everybody has a season,” said McGruder, whose been coming to games as a season ticket holder since the age of 4. “After everything we went through last year, with the quarterback and the coach, it’s our time. I love Arthur Blank. It’s his time to shine.”
Dewanna Jackson McGruder and Wanda Fickens
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Waterford started moving some production to Slovakia and other places, and you can tell the difference in quality. You almost don’t have to look for the “made in Ireland” sticker to see what’s actually made in the village of Waterford.... read the full comment by Mike | Comment on Attention brides: read this before you register Read Attention brides: read this before you register
I agree with FH. Please do not let Waterford die.... read the full comment by My3Kids | Comment on Attention brides: read this before you register Read Attention brides: read this before you register
Lisa appeared to be most productive RHOA having a real estate career. Her diplomatic efforts to bring the housewives together were bold. Nene is entertaining but needs to listen more and talk less! Like Vickie in RHO Orange county, Nene (aka “the... read the full comment by Jane | Comment on Real Housewives' Resolutions Read Real Housewives' Resolutions
I thought we had seen the last of this embarassing garbage. Why does the AJC delight in cramming it down our throats It’s enough to make you want to throw up!... read the full comment by Suellen | Comment on Real Housewives' Resolutions Read Real Housewives' Resolutions