So many of Atlanta’s key moments have involved traffic. Last January’s 2-inch “blizzard” became a national story when thousands of drivers were stuck on the roads overnight. Political debates in years past have centered around the Outer Perimeter, Northern Arc and T-SPLOST (none of which were successful), and just this week, a suspicious package that turned out to be a camera used for a Georgia State University art project shut down the Connector just in time for rush hour.
As a journalist who covered traffic for years as The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's "Lane Ranger" columnist, Joey Ledford headed for familiar ground for his first novel, "Speed Trap."
The book is set in a small South Georgia town in 1959 and involves dueling politicians, a tourist-unfriendly ticketing scheme and a murder mystery.
“Yes, this was inspired by an old ‘Lane Ranger’ story,” Ledford said. To find out which one, head to Manuel’s, 602 N. Highland Ave. N.E., at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12. Ledford will read from his book and sign copies.
Oprah Winfrey, ‘Selma’ director Ava DuVernay partner again
Oprah Winfrey and Ava DuVernay, who teamed up on Oscar-nominated "Selma," will now work on a new television series.
According to an announcement, placed with media outlets including Variety and Entertainment Weekly, the new show, based on the novel "Queen Sugar" by Natalie Baszile, will star Winfrey and will appear on Winfrey's OWN network.
“I loved this book and immediately saw it as a series for OWN,” Winfrey said in a statement. “The story’s themes of reinventing your life, parenting alone, family connections and conflicts, and building new relationships are what I believe will connect our viewers to this show.”
Said DuVernay: “From the moment I was introduced to the book, I was captivated by the idea of a modern woman wrestling with identity, family, culture and the echoes of history. To bring this kind of storytelling to life alongside Oprah for her network is wildly wonderful. I’m excited about what’s in store.”
The movie “Selma,” which DuVernay directed, filmed largely in metro Atlanta and is nominated for best picture and best original song Academy Awards. Its ballad “Glory” won a best song Golden Globe. Winfrey served as a producer and a cast member.
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