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Buckhead Theatre to Make National TV Debut on PBS' 'Live from the Artists Den' ft Iron & Wine

03/09/2012 13:16:00

THE BUCKHEAD THEATRE TO MAKE NATIONAL TELEVISION DEBUT ON PBS SERIES LIVE FROM THE ARTISTS DEN FEATURING IRON AND WINE

Atlanta (March 9, 2012) – The Buckhead Theatre, North Atlanta’s premier venue for intimate theatrical events, announced today that Iron and Wine’s special concert performance on Live from the Artists Den will premiere tonight on public television. Atlanta viewers can watch the episode when it airs locally on PBA-30, Atlanta’s PBS station, Saturday, March 17 at Midnight.

Buckhead’s historic theatre hosted the two-hour performance by Iron and Wine in November for an invitation-only audience of 500 guests. Iron and Wine, featuring frontman Sam Beam, performed with an 11-piece band, and played nearly all of the most recent album, Kiss Each Other Clean. They also included favorites such as "Naked as We Came" and "Boy with a Coin," before Beam closed with a solo version of "Flightless Bird, American Mouth," from the Twilight: Breaking Dawn soundtrack.

“Hosting Iron and Wine for the taping of Live from the Artists Den was a unique experience we thoroughly enjoyed,” said Anthony Antar, General Manager at the Buckhead Theatre. “Not only did we have the opportunity to share the music of such a high-caliber artist with our local fan base, but the airing will also give us national exposure as the go-to venue for live music in Buckhead.”

Live from the Artists Den is a three-time New York Emmy-Nominated music television series that features popular recording artists performing in non-traditional settings throughout North America. The series’ fourth season premiered on Feb. 3 with Adele and, along with Iron and Wine, includes Kid Rock, Amos Lee, Death Cab for Cutie and The Fray.

Following the airing on PBS, the performance will be available on Hulu. For more information, visit http://artistsden.com/2012/.

About the Buckhead Theatre

Having originally opened its doors in 1931, The Buckhead Theatre served as a community movie theatre where a movie and a Coke could be bought for 20 cents. Over the years, The Buckhead Theatre adopted different names such as the Capri and the Roxy. The Theatre then reverted back to its first and most beloved title after long-time Buckhead resident and Atlanta businessman Charlie Loudermilk put $6 million in renovations into the facility. The new and improved venue opened its doors in June 2010. With some of its original detailing kept intact and its 20 Century look restored, The Buckhead Theatre nestles comfortably on Roswell Road with the remainder of the historic Buckhead neighborhood. For more information about the Buckhead Theatre visit www.thebuckheadtheatre.com.

For more information on Iron and Wine, please visit www.ironandwine.com.

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Media Contact:

Holly Brochmann

hbrochmann@hopebeckham.com

404-604-2607

Shark Attack Cocktails Enter Georgia Market

02/06/2012 23:52:00

Sightings of The Original, Totally Tubular Shark Attack Margaritas Are Being Reported Across the Peach State

It’s official. If you live in Georgia, you’re gonna need a bigger freezer.

Georgians can now enjoy Shark Attack Cocktails, including their signature Shark Attack Margaritas – the original frozen, totally tubular margarita in the plastic tube. Thanks to the support of Empire Distributors, Shark Attack Cocktails will soon be making appearances at cookouts on St. Andrew Beach, tailgate parties at Georgia Tech and float trips down the Chattahoochee River.

No syrups. No flavor additives. No chemicals. Made with 100% Tequila imported from Jalisco, Mexico, custom-made orange liqueur, pure cane sugar and fresh and 100% lime juice, Shark Attack Margaritas are packaged in single-serving 100 ml tubes. They conveniently freeze in about six hours of “ice-time” or 20 minutes on dry ice. They contain 6.7% alcohol by volume per tube and quite possibly could be the best-tasting margarita you’ve ever had!

Founded by your typical scuba diving, 40-something, professional plumber and headquartered in Olathe, Kansas, Shark Attack Cocktails are making waves across the country. Currently we are available in 15 states, and circling others. Visit www.sharkattackcocktails.com to find the closest sighting near you.

Here at Shark Attack, we love our fans and want you to have fun. But remember, if you're going to drink, please assign a designated driver.

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Lagerquist Gallery April event

02/06/2012 23:49:00

Lagerquist Gallery, Atlanta’s oldest gallery dealing in original fine art proudly presents new work by abstract artist, Briant Matheson, April 12-28, 2012.

Mr. Matheson is a self taught artist who has been working in unused mediums for much of his career. Mr. Matheson believes, “If I were to generalize my painting style I would suggest that it is “collage” in nature. First I size up the space, insert the shapes or objects and balance the tones. Painting provides me with a new freedom of expression.”

Lagerquist Gallery

3235 Paces Ferry Place, NW

Atlanta, GA 30305

Gallery Hours

Tuesday through Friday

10:00 AM until 5:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM until 5:00 PM

Admission: Free

For more information, please call 404-261-8273 or visit www.lagerquistgallery.net.

HIGH MUSEUM OF ART: PROGRAMS AND EXHIBITIONS March 2011

02/06/2012 23:46:00

MUSEUM HIGHLIGHTS

March is College month at the High! During this month students pay $5. Valid with student I.D.

SPECIAL EVENT: Family Day – Bid Bonjour to the Budding Blossoms, Sunday, March 13, 12 to 5 p.m. Join us for a Family Day of looking at photos, photography workshops, family portraits and fabulous French music all inspired by “Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Modern Century.”

March Friday Jazz: Friday, March 18, 5 to 10 p.m. March’s Friday Jazz artist is trombonist Chris Crenshaw.

Conversations with Contemporary Artists: Jason Francisco, Saturday, March 19, 2 p.m.

Atlanta based artist Jason Francisco will discuss the influence of famed photographer Cartier-Bresson on his work.

Conversations with Contemporary Artists: Renee Stout, Thursday, March 24, 7 p.m.

The 2010 David C. Driskell Prize winner Renee Stout will discuss her recent work with special emphasis on mixed media pieces that explore the impact of the African Diaspora and the traditions of her African heritage.

SPECIAL EVENT: CultureShock: Dans le Moment, Saturday, March 26, 8 p.m. to Midnight

Join us for a special event featuring Burlesque dancers, Parisian street food, and musical performances all inspired by the exhibitions currently on view at the High.

SPECIAL EVENT: High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction - “The Ultimate Collection: A Sumptuous Blend of Wine, Art, Food and Friends.” March 23-26, 2011

The High’s Wine Auction is celebrating its 19th year. Events include Dine Around Dinners, Tasting Seminars, Vintners’ Cup, Friday Night Fête and the grand finale Live Auction.

SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS

Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Modern Century

Through May 29, 2011

This exhibition is the first major retrospective in the U.S. in more than 30 years of one of photography’s most original and influential masters. It comprises more than 250 photographs dating from 1929 to 1989—at least one-fifth of which are previously unknown to the public—and focuses on the photographer’s most productive decades, the 1930s through the 1960s. Also included is a generous selection of original issues of Life, Paris Match and other magazines in which many of the photographs first appeared. The exhibition, organized by the Museum of Modern Art, New York, is made possible by Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Yellowlees and Dorothy Smith Hopkins Exhibition Endowment

Toulouse-Lautrec and Friends: The Irene and Howard Stein Collection

Through May 1, 2011

This exhibition features approximately 80 works, including 47 new gifts to the collection, as well as approximately 30 works that were either previously given to the High by the Steins or purchased with funds given by the Steins. The Stein collection includes many rare and extremely prized works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, such as “La Clownesse au Moulin Rouge” (1897), one of only a handful of impressions of this color lithograph, and “Miss Loïe Fuller” (1893), a ghostly image of the famous American dancer that incorporates powdered gold. The exhibition also includes important prints and drawings by Pierre Bonnard, Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin, Honoré Daumier and Paul Signac, and sculptures by Pieter Xavery, Martin Desjardins, Charles Cordier and Jules Dalou.

Delacroix to Picasso: European Prints and Drawings from the High’s Collection

Through May 1, 2011

On view concurrently with “Toulouse-Lautrec and Friends,” this permanent collection installation showcases European prints and drawings acquired over the past fifteen years by the High Museum of Art. Included in the 88 objects are both gifts and purchases, representing a variety of European movements from Romanticism to early twentieth-century modernism.

Fifty Works for Fifty States: The Dorothy and Herb Vogel Collection

Through June 5, 2011

This exhibition showcases the recent gift of 50 works from the Dorothy and Herb Vogel Collection to the High’s permanent collection. The gift to the High includes superb works on paper by conceptual and minimal artists including William Anastasi, Robert Barry, and Stephen Antonakos. The group also includes 27 extraordinary drawings by leading American artist Richard Tuttle.

Point of View: Photographs from the Collection

Through June 5, 2011

This permanent collection installation showcases a dynamic series of photographs drawn from the High’s permanent collection. The exhibition will consist of 43 prints that explore the creation and evolution of distinct visual photographic styles by photographic visionaries, Eugène Atget, Walker Evans, and Garry Winogrand. The exhibition will bring together images spanning 120 years in order to re-examine the meaning and intent of earlier photographers’ work; while underscoring the continued relevance of photographic history in contemporary practice.

SPECIAL EVENTS & LECTURES

Fulton County Free Saturday

Saturday, March 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is free for Fulton County residents with I.D. on the first Saturday of each month. Students attending college or university in Fulton Country will also be admitted free with a valid college ID. Fulton Free Saturdays are sponsored by the Fulton County Arts Council. Major funding for this organization is provided by the Fulton County Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council. Admission includes special exhibitions and permanent collection.

Bank of America’s “Museums on Us” Program

Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Museums on Us” offers Bank of America cardholders the opportunity to visit the High free of charge on the first full weekend of every month. To qualify for the Museums on Us program, Bank of America customers simply present their ATM, credit or check card and a valid photo ID to gain free general admission* to any participating institution. Not to be combined with any other discounts or offers. Free admission does not guarantee reservation. .

Lecture: Hans Op de Beek: Staging Silence

Saturday, March 5, 7 p.m., Hill Auditorium

Belgian artist Hans Op de Beek will discuss his career and work, which consists of a very wide variety of media and diversity of aesthetic forms, concentrating on our laborious and problematic relationship with time, space, and each other. As the artist questions the difficult relationship between reality and representation he produces slumbering, melancholy and astonishing images. This program is a collaboration between the High Museum of Art and the wareHOUSE. Tickets are free and seating is limited to 2 per patron. Tickets are available through the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office at 404-733-5000. Tickets to the Museum are sold separately.

March Friday Jazz

Friday, March 18, 5 to 10 p.m.

March’s Friday Jazz is trombonist Chris Crenshaw. Friday Jazz is an evening of art & music on the third Friday of the month, including drawing in the galleries and extended hours with full gallery access and food and drink available for purchase. Free with museum admission and free to members.

Conversations with Contemporary Artists: Jason Francisco

Saturday, March 19, 2 p.m., Rich Theatre

Atlanta based artist Jason Francisco will discuss the influence of famed photographer Cartier-Bresson on his work. Francisco is an acclaimed and widely exhibited photographer, book artist, writer on visual culture, and theorist of the photographic image. In his engagement with photographs as documents, and in particular the challenges of historical remembrance through pictures, his work extends one of photography’s most accessible and also most difficult traditions. This program is free and seating is limited. Tickets are available through the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office at 404-733-5000. Please note: tickets are limited to 2 per person. Tickets to the Museum are sold separately.

Conversations with Contemporary Artists: Renee Stout

Thursday, March 24, 7 p.m., Hill Auditorium

The 2010 David C. Driskell Prize winner Renee Stout will discuss her recent work, with special emphasis on mixed media pieces that explore the impact of the African Diaspora and the traditions of her African heritage. Stout’s talk will explore how using a variety of media and visual languages, including African aesthetics and secondhand materials, allows her to piece together narratives that tie history to contemporary society. Tickets are available through the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office at 404-733-5000 and High.org. $7 with Student ID, free to Members.

SPECIAL EVENT: CultureShock: Dans le Moment

Saturday, March 26, 8 p.m. to Midnight

Join us for a special event featuring Burlesque dancers, Parisian street food, and musical performances all inspired by the exhibitions currently on view at the High. Tickets are available through the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office at 404-733-5000 and High.org. $20 in advance, $25 at the door; Members $10.

SPECIAL EVENT: High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction

High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction - “The Ultimate Collection: A Sumptuous Blend of Wine, Art, Food and Friends.” March 23-26, 2011

The High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction kicks off its 19th year celebrating “The Ultimate Collection: A Sumptuous Blend of Wine, Art, Food and Friends.” beginning Wednesday, March 23 and continuing through Saturday, March 26, 2011, the auction will again raise its trademark big-top tents in Atlantic Station. For more information about specific events of the Wine Auction weekend and to purchase tickets for please visit www.atlanta-wineauction.org or call 404-733-5335.

· Dine Around Dinners―Wednesday, March 23, times vary by restaurant

These dinners pair Atlanta’s most prestigious restaurants with the Wine Auction’s expert winemaker friends.

· Premier Tasting Seminars―Friday, March 25

Educational seminars featuring tastes and notes with leading experts in food and wine.

· Friday Night Fête― Friday, March 25

The tents in Atlantic Station will once again play host to an evening of fine wine, food and fun on Auction Eve.

· Vintners’ Cup―Friday, March 25

2 Annual Golf Tournament will take place at East Lake Golf Club, home of the PGA Tour Championship.

· The 19 High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction―Saturday, March 26

Vintners’ Reception at 11a.m.; Live Auction at 1p.m.

Begin with a tasting from over 85 wineries and 35 restaurants and bid on trips, dinners and wine-related art.

Lecture: Collecting Fine Prints - From Appreciation to Purchase

Thursday, March 31, 7 p.m., Hill Auditorium

Dealers from the International Fine Print Dealers Association and executive director Michele Senecal will explore the basics of buying prints while addressing three primary areas of the art market: old master, modern, and contemporary. This program is free and seating is limited. Tickets are available through the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office at 404-733-5000. Please note: tickets are limited to 2 per person. Tickets to the Museum are sold separately.

Thursday Nights at the High – ½ price tickets!

Thursdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24; 4 to 8 p.m.

The Museum offers extended hours at ½ price every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. This is a great way to see the museum’s special exhibitions and permanent collection while avoiding the weekend crowds. A guided tour of Permanent Collection highlights is offered at 6:30 p.m. Free with museum admission and free to members

HIGHlights Tour

Tuesday – Sunday, 1 p.m.; Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.

Get to know the High’s Permanent Collection! All tours are guided. Meet in the Wieland Pavilion Lobby.

No registration required. Free with museum admission and free to members.

Wish Atlanta

02/06/2012 23:40:00

In the center of little five points you can find Wish, Atlanta’s premier boutique for streetwear clothing and shoes. Historic in its establishment, the store has been open for over 25 years, but it was a dramatic redesign in 2006 that marked the advent of the stores evolution into a purveyor of some of streetwears’ most sought after labels and an iconic destination.

Lauren Amos, a Georgia native and the owner and creative force behind Wish, wanted the store, which formally housed a public library, to come alive in an exciting mix of art, fashion and visual stimulation. She enlisted New York’s leading design talent, architect Raphael Berkowitz and interior designer Sam O’Donahue to bring new life to the space. International brand consultant Sahar Wahbeh, updated the company’s logo, advertising, shopping bags and transformed the brand into a singular shopping experience. The new store concept is based on the culmination of three distinct themes: chaos and anarchy, reflecting the raw urban energy which lies at the very root of the store; repetition and order, reflecting the space’s original municipal use as a public library; and an edgy sense of contemporary design reflecting the breakthrough labels now housed in the store.

It is not only the store's cutting edge space that attracts Atlanta’s style elite, but also the store's availability of hand picked and exclusive labels. Wish’s in-the-know clientele have been seen lining up around the block when these coveted brands arrive featuring: Comme Des Garcons PLAY, Nike QS, Adidas, Vans, Vault and Supra. Wish also now sells its own private label of t-shirts and accessories, and collaborates with top streetwear designers, such as Original Fake designed by KAWS, Vans, The Hundreds, Stussy, Reebok, Good Wood NYC and Publish.

If you are looking to upgrade your wardrobe or just want to check out a stunning contemporary space, make sure to visit Wish – modern in its concept, but a true Atlanta classic.

WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH RESTORATION PROGRAM RECOGNIZES 75 YEARS OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND PARTNERSHIP SUCCESS

02/03/2012 22:43:00

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) joins the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), and other partners at the 2012 SHOT-SHOW to announce the start of a yearlong celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR), one of the most significant and successful partnership approaches to fish and wildlife conservation in U.S. history.The “WSFR 75 – It’s Your Nature” celebration brings together federal and state fish and wildlife agencies; the hunting, shooting, angling, and boating industries; and conservation groups to mark a milestone of partnership success that has led to 75 years of quality hunting, fishing, shooting, boating and wildlife-related recreation. The occasion also marks the beginning of a new era in wildlife conservation, during which the partners will establish new goals for fostering and maintaining partnerships to continue conservation and outdoor recreation into the next 75 years and beyond.

“The Service is proud to join our partners in recognizing more than seven decades of wildlife conservation and quality outdoor recreational opportunities,” said Director Dan Ashe of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “With our nation’s support and our partnership’s renewed commitment, WSFR will help more Americans enjoy wildlife and our great outdoors for many years to come.”

Through the WSFR program, several innovative and foundational fish and wildlife conservation programs are administered. The first was created on September 2, 1937 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, which raises funds through a dedicated excise tax on sporting guns and ammunition. In 1950, the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act was enacted and added to the WSFR program. Through this law, funds are provided for fish conservation and boating and fishing recreational programs in each state through an excise tax placed on certain fishing and boating equipment and fuels.

“Since its 1937 inception, WSFR has provided more than $14 billion to support fish and wildlife restoration and management,” said Hannibal Bolton, the Service’s assistant director for the WSFR program. “The program and its partners, including the sporting arms industry, conservation groups, and sportsmen and sportswomen, are coming together for this anniversary to renew their commitment to conserve fish and wildlife and enhance hunter, angler, and boater recreation.”

These funds, administered by the Service, are combined with hunting license dollars in each state to fund important state wildlife conservation and hunting programs.

“The 75th anniversary of the WSFR program is a tremendous opportunity to celebrate the conservation victories that have been made possible because of this innovative funding approach,” said Jonathan Gassett, PhD, president, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “WSFR has made the difference for the survival and abundance of some species, and because of it, many fish and wildlife populations are at historically high levels today.”

Industry and agency partnerships have helped to the successes of the WSFR program to become what it is today.

“The WSFR programs have not only supported fish and wildlife conservation, they have also supported small businesses that manufacture and sell hunting and fishing equipment,” said Myke Lynch, general manager of Green Top Sporting Goods in Richmond, Virginia. “The industry supporting sportsmen has a multi-million dollar impact on the nation’s economy, and it depends on healthy fish and wildlife populations.”

The WSFR 75th anniversary will include participation in various fish and wildlife conservation events and conferences throughout the year, to culminate with National Hunting and Fishing Day in September 2012.

For more information about the WSFR program and its 75th Anniversary in 2012, visit:

• http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/

• www.wsfr75.com

• Facebook: http:///www.facebook.com/WSFR75

• Twitter:www.twitter.com/wsfr75

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfws, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwshq, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq

Les Dames d’ Escoffier International Raises $80,000 at 11th Annual Afternoon in the Country

02/03/2012 15:02:00

Renowned culinary event to donate proceeds to local charitable organizations

The 11annualAtlanta Chapter of Les Dames d’ Escoffier International’s Afternoon in the Country, held Sunday, November 6, 2011, at Serenbe raised $80,000 for local organizations that educate and bring awareness to the Georgia farming community. Foodies at the event, which continually sells out each year, enjoyed a food and wine extravaganza featuring more than 80 regional chefs, fine wines and micro-brews, a one-of-a-kind cake raffle, an expanded silent auction, live music and hayrides.

Proceeds from the 2011 Afternoon in the Country will be divided among five non-profit organizations: Georgia Organics, which enriches Georgia’s organic farming community; the LDEI Atlanta scholarship fund for women in the culinary, beverage and hospitality arts; Wholesome Wave, a program that fosters strong links between local agriculture and under-served communities; Oakhurst Community Garden, which teaches environmental awareness through hands-on gardening and outdoor educational programs; and the Peachtree Road Farmer’s Market, the largest producer-only market in Atlanta.

“We are so grateful to the greater Atlanta community that supports this event every year, in addition to all of the chefs, local food purveyors and sponsors that donate their time and services to make this one of the city’s best events year after year,” said Stacy Zeigler, CMP, CPCE, president of the Atlanta chapter of LDEI.

Participating restaurants and food purveyors included:

4 & Swift, Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, Concentrics Restaurants, Empire State South, 5&10, Fifth Group Restaurants, Kevin Rathbun Steak, Rathbun’s, Restaurant Eugene, Serpas, South City Kitchen, Sweet Grass Dairy, Sweetwater Brewery and The Cook’s Warehouse.

The Atlanta Chapter of LDEI is gearing up for their 12 annual Afternoon in the Country that will be held Sunday, November 4, 2012 at Serenbe.

Matthew Doyle to Lead the Luckie Marietta District as New Executive Director

02/03/2012 14:32:00

Hospitality Veteran Brings New Direction and Drive to Downtown Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta’s Luckie Marietta District announces the appointment of Matthew Doyle as its new Executive Director. Doyle is a seasoned marketing professional in the luxury travel and hospitality industry with vast experience marketing over 50 destinations, hotels, restaurants, casinos and real estate properties around the country. He now brings a fresh perspective and commitment leading the 60-member district toward its goal of being Atlanta’s premier walkable downtown neighborhood.

“The Luckie Marietta District joins together the unique and authentic aggregation of both local Founder of Legacy Property Group and the man behind the visions of the Luckie Marietta

Marvin added that Doyle will be taking over the district at a key time, having grown in two years from nearly 30 members in 2009 to a thriving combination of upscale accommodations and attractions totaling nearly 60 members in 2011 – making it one of the fastest growing, organic developments in Atlanta and in the U.S.

Doyle began his career with real estate developer WCI Communities, where he led the marketing for Florida’s East Coast Division and worked hand-in-hand with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc, to launch WCI’s first hotel condominium, The Resort at Singer Island. Doyle most recently served as Senior Account Director at Green Advertising (A WPP Company) in Boca Raton, FL, where he led the marketing for a variety of accounts including Fisher Island Resort & Club, Mercato in Naples, The Palm Beach County Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, Elevation Burger, Calder Casino & Race Course, 1-800Lighting.com, and Centerline Homes among others.

Doyle’s diverse skill set in these varying industries allows him a unique perspective, which he will also leverage to the benefit of Legacy Property Group where he will also serve as Director of Marketing and Communications for the company’s growing hotel and restaurant asset portfolio.

About Luckie Marietta District:

Luckie Marietta District in downtown Atlanta is a member alliance established in 2008 and composed of resident businesses to promote tourism to the area. A walkable 10-block radius around Centennial Olympic Park, the Luckie Marietta District is the accessible and engaging city center of Atlanta’s downtown, taking its name from two very busy resident thoroughfares – Luckie Street and Marietta Street – that formed the heart of commerce in downtown Atlanta long before the Civil War.

Today, the Luckie Marietta District is home to some of Atlanta’s most iconic buildings and attractions. It connects seven hotels, along with 26 restaurants and lounges ranging from Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Legal Sea Foods, to one-of-a-kind restaurants like Der Biergarten and Peasant Bistro, to refreshing staples like Ted’s Montana Grill, Baja Fresh and Subway. Luckie Marietta District is also home to 21 world-class attractions such as the Georgia World Congress Center, the Georgia Dome, Philips Arena, Centennial Olympic Park, the CNN Center and the Georgia Aquarium, the world’s largest aquarium. Luckie Marietta District hosts a helipad on the rooftop of Ventanas, one of several unique event venues in the area.

Governor Nathan Deal awarded the Tourism Champion Partnership Award to Luckie Marietta District at the 2011 Governor’s Conference on Tourism. Continuing its path for growth and national recognition, the Luckie Marietta District will also be home to The College Football Hall of Fame and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in the near future. For maps, directions, and more information, visit .

Loan Modification is Stressful, So Know Your Options Government’s HAMP Program May Not Be Best for You

02/03/2012 11:36:00

When the Obama administration rolled out the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) in 2009, officials estimated 3 to 4 million borrowers would seek relief from their mortgages through the program amidst the worst recession and housing market collapse in decades.

More than two years later, those projections have proven to be optimistic, to say the least. According to the Treasury Department, about 700,000 homeowners had sought aid from HAMP through the third quarter of 2011.

That’s a long way from 3 million-plus.

“A lot of homeowners who are in dire straits with their mortgages can be intimidated by the confusing process for getting the help they need, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” said Stephfan Nurse, a loan modification expert and CEO of Consumer Education (www.consumereducationonline.com). “The key is knowing and understanding your options. With education, you are empowered.”

Nurse founded ConsumerEducationOnline.com for homeowners seeking loan modifications to get the information needed to navigate the process. It includes a free pre-qualifier, where homeowners can input their figures and determine for which modification program they qualify.

His “Mortgage Reduction” software uses the same guidelines as lenders and helps ensure that financial statements are complete and ready for lender approval. It also coaches homeowners, using video tutorials.

“Applying for a loan modification is a stressful process that can take several months without a lot of communication back and forth from the lender,” Nurse said. “The best way to ease that stress is to know as much as you can about your options and to understand what goes on behind the scenes to avoid simple mistakes.”

Among Nurse’s need-to-know items are:

Make sure a loan modification is right for you: Ask yourself if you are emotionally attached to the home, because a lender likely will extend the terms of the mortgage to 40 years to reduce the monthly payment. If you’re underwater on the mortgage -- if you owe more than the home is worth -- a modification probably is not the answer because of the years added to the note. If you’re not emotionally tied to the home, ask local realtors about options such as short sales.

A loan modification is not a refinance: A loan modification reduces your monthly mortgage payment without requiring any credit checks, appraisals, home equity or closing costs. The only qualification is financial hardship, which can include reduction in income, illness, divorce or any number of trying circumstances.

HAMP is not your only option: The government may want you to think that, but the fact is, more than 70 percent of modifications now are internal modifications made available by the investor holding the mortgage note. The only way to get an internal modification is to ask for one. Worth noting: HAMP bases its modifications on gross income (your mortgage must exceed 31 percent of what you make in a month) while internal modifications are based on monthly net (after-tax) income.

Be complete and thorough in your paperwork: Lenders receive thousands of faxes every day, so make sure your account number is on every page and that all questions and categories are filled out. A document manager who comes across an incomplete form may put it aside and move on to the next one. Just like that, the 30 days you may have to wait to hear from that manager becomes 60 or 90. It’s also best to follow up with the lender weekly.

“The process can be filled with stress, mistakes and misinformation,” Nurse said. “It was a journey to get your house. Be ready for the journey to keep it.”

Child’s Suicide Prompts Call for Change

02/02/2012 21:34:00

The 10-year-old who committed suicide recently in a rural Illinois community came home from school the day before in tears. It wasn’t the first time.

Ashlynn Conner, a fifth-grader, had complained of bullying for two years. After the most recent episode, Ashlynn asked to be home-schooled and her mother promised to take her for a chat with the principal the following Monday. The next night, her older sister found her hanging by a scarf in her bedroom closet.