Nexus Volume 10, Number 1 by David Winter

HENRY W. GRADY

HIGH SCHOOL // OCTOBER 2013

From local eateries and thrift stores to music venues and gas stations, Nexus has got you covered on Atlanta’s best

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HENRY W. GRADY

BOARD EDITORIAL

HIGH SCHOOL // OCTOBER 2013

Atlanta. ATL. Hotlanta. Whatever you call it, it’s our home. Whether new to the city or a life-long resident, everyone knows Atlanta has a plethora of restaurants, shops, venues, and activities to explore and Nexus has done just that. We take you on an inside look at Atlanta’s Finest from delicious bakery sweets to the greatest gas stations. We cover Atlanta’s three largest professional sports teams and the exciting new additions coming our way. Also in this issue, the High’s temporary exhibits shine despite our laments about the dull thud of the summer’s persistent rain. No matter the weather, however, we’ve got you covered in Atlanta’s Finest.

NEXUS 2013 STAFF

Editor-in-Chief: Mallory Hazell Managing Editors: Tia Borrego and Kelsey Woods Advisor: Dave Winter Staff: Tia Borrego, Colin Bray, Zac Carter, Elijah Dumitrescu, Declan Farrisee, Mallory Hazell, Alex Jones, Kameron King, Emma Kohanowich, Talia Lockridge, Peter Mastin, Mallory McFarlin, Axel Olson, Sarah Smith, Tyrell Tolan, Faye Webster, Kelsey Woods Advertising: Nexus is a nonprofit organization that relies on advertising and the generous support of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction to generate revenue to cover printing and maintenance costs. If you would like to advertise with and or distribute Nexus, please contact us at nexusghs@gmail.com Submissions: Nexus accepts and welcomes submissions of stories and photos. Submissions should be submitted to Mr. Winter in room E106, or to any Nexus staffer. They can also be emailed to us at nexusghs@gmail.com. Nexus is a bimonthly publication of: Henry W. Grady High School 929 Charles Allen Drive NE Atlanta, GA 30309 Printer: Florida Sun Printing

Drayton Hall, Charleston, S.C.

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Charleston, S.C.

“All of these photos are film because digital cameras confuse me, and I don’t own one. I like the challenge that manipulating film photography presents.” -- junior Lindsay Van Beck

Dominican Republic

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Angel Oak Tree, Johns Island, S.C.

VI S

APPS THAT IMPROVE YOUR SNAPS Almost all savvy social media users of Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram have their favorite apps that they use to edit their photos. Adding shapes and cool effects to pictures just makes them better. Below are five of the best free apps that do every cool photo trick you can think of.

Split Pic

Lo-Mob ORIGINAL PHOTO

Lo-Mob: This app is great for users who like to add an oldschool look to their photos. Lo-Mob turns any photo taken on an iPhone into a photo taken with a film camera. It has different effects from each type of camera. You can choose many options from a 35 mm camera to cameras from every decade. One of the most interesting is the Polaroid effect. There are many different sizes and colors of Polaroids. Once you choose what camera you would like to use, then you can adjust the filter and make it the shade you like.

Split Pic: To make your cell phone snapshots extra artistic, try this app. With Split Pic you pick a framing option (up to four are available), then you pose in each frame. It will appear in the final photo like you are posing multiple times in the same picture. You have to be very careful and completely still while taking the picture so it does not come out uneven. Freshman Grace Madlem poses with a pink rose.

VSCOcam

VSCO Cam: With this app you can take any photo and automatically enhance the image. It contains multiple effects to sharpen the image and also contains fun effects like adding colors, blackand-white, and retro effects. This is a great app to use to add an effect before putting a photo on Instagram. The effects used on VSCOcam are much different than Instagram effects. It enhances the color rather then changing it.

Bezel

Bezel: Unless you’re a total square, everyone loves putting their pictures into shapes. This is a great way to play around with the look of your photo. With Bezel you can crop any picture into many of different shapes. Bezel offers tons of shapes including crosses, hearts and even holiday shapes like Christmas trees and stars. While the app comes free with many shapes, you may have to pay extra for “special” shapes. - Text and photos by Kelsey Woods

REASONS TO SAY HI TO THE HIGH

Permanent exhibits may be less travelled but they also contain hidden treasures to behold

Civil rights photo blocks on display in the Wieland Pavilion

When it comes to culture, the corner of 16th and Peachtree is practically bursting at the seams. The corner houses the Woodruff Arts Center, home to the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Hertz Stage, and possibly most notably, the High Museum, Atlanta’s art mecca. The High is known for featuring the work of famous artists, such as Dali, Picasso, Warhol, Frida Khalo and Diego Rivera and, currently, Vermeer and Rembrandt. The High, however, also features permanent exhibits from lesser known and sometimes local artists. The permanent exhibits are found on every level throughout the museum, and touch on a wide range of subjects which includes everything from French realism paintings to modern art sculpture. These exhibits are rarely publicized and for many museum goers anxious to see the feature exhibit, they can be easily overlooked. The permanent exhibits, however, are the true gems of the High. Due to the longevity of the art, there is more diversity of works and a broader selection to peruse. The lower level contains a small portion of the High’s significant collection of civil rights photography. Riveting pictures of Dr. King, protests, and marches line one small alcove, leaving you wishing the exhibit was bigger. The rest of the lower level currently features a drawing exhibit titled Drawing Inside The Perimeter. The pieces are all

hand-drawn, many by local Atlanta artists. The lobby of the High is a work of art itself. The architecture allows a vast amount of natural light to shine through, even on gloomy days. The winding ramps lead to the upper floors. The feature exhibit is listed on the second floor, in what is called the Wieland Pavilion. Referring to the space as a floor of the museum, however, is a tad misleading as the Wieland Pavilion is actually a separate building that can only be accessed from the lobby or the Sky Walk (upper) level. The actual second floor features a French impressionism exhibit, which includes two of Monet’s original paintings. Despite the unclear location of the temporary exhibit, The Girl With A Pearl Earring finally comes into view after crossing over a sky bridge and touring through rooms filled with permanent modern art housed in the Wieland Pavilion. One patron I spoke with said he appreciated the juxtaposition of the modern art against the bare walls, especially how the bright colors of the art contrasted nicely with the grey background. The modern art exhibit has a large collection of interesting and sometimes interactive (everyone loves to take pictures in the giant glass half discoball that projects your voice across the room) pieces. One of the rooms has a creative light display of more civil rights pictures, helping to satisfy prior longing for more. When you finally reach the star

exhibit, The Girl With A Pearl Earring, the atmosphere of the museum changes markedly. No photography is allowed and the High guards, silent, somber looking people in uniforms become more prevalent. The exhibit itself is short, containing a few rooms with Dutch paintings from genres including landscapes, still-lifes and portraits. The exhibit is often crowded, especially when it comes to the crowning jewel of the exhibit, Vermeer’s The Girl With A Pearl Earring, which is sometimes referred to as the Dutch Mona Lisa. The painting itself is exquisite and information accompanying the piece is intriguing, but the exhibit itself is under-whelming. As with most tourist attractions, the gift shop is large, gaudy and expensive but can often contain great purchases for those who are fans of the current exhibit. The High has always been a place for Atlanta’s art and art reputation to thrive. The parking leans to the expensive side, the map of the museum is misleading and the place can become crowded easily, but all of these hassles are overshadowed by the striking craftsmanship and talent that shines through the art featured on permanent exhibit there. Through every exhibit and every painting, drawing and sculpture, the High has remained exactly what it needs to be: Atlanta’s thriving art museum that has a little something for everyone. -Mallory Hazell

A U D

EARL SWEATSHIRT

Upon return to America, rapper releases first solo album, Doris, receiving mixed reviews.

Thebe Neruda Kgositsile is only a year older than me, yet his increasing positive notoriety in the hip-hop world creates an aura of knowledge and potential that makes him seem much older. At 19, Kgositsile is a signed recording artist and cofounder of the avant-garde California hip hop collective known as Odd Future. His international fan base has allowed him to tour with the group and gain the respect of many big names in the industry. His fame and talent are even more remarkable considering Thebe came from meager beginnings and a troubled childhood. Born to Cheryl Harris, a law professor, and Keorapetse Kgositsile, a South African poet, Thebe lived a relatively normal life in the city of Los Angeles until his father left him when he was only 6. Some speculate that his father’s absence led him to become a different kind of poet later in his life. In 2009 Thebe became friends with Tyler, The Creator (founder of Odd Future) through their mutual interest in rap, and shortly after, his career under the name of Earl Sweatshirt began. Earl released his self-titled mixtape while still attending New Roads High School in 2010. The mixtape garnered immediate critical acclaim from music magazines like Complex and Spin. His success in the rap world however, did not translate to success outside of it. Although he was a good student in school, he began to get into

trouble both inside the educational environment and out. His mother, concerned for his well being, sent him to a boarding school in Samoa where he spent about two years with other “at-risk” boys. While there he was cut off from his alter ego life in the States and was forced to behave in order to be set free. Upon his return to the states in 2012, Earl was bombarded with fame he had never seen before. After attempting to repair his relationship with his mother and his old friends, he began releasing tracks he had written while out of the country. Earl released his muchanticipated first solo album, Doris, on Aug. 20. With the new album came a new Earl, one that many Sweatshirt fans were not expecting. The recent events of his life changed him dramatically

Shows

Releases

Pretty Lights October 24 and 25, The Tabernacle

October 28- Arcade Fire, Reflektor

SOJA October 25, Variety Playhouse

November 4- David Bowie, The New Day (Collectors Edition)

Dirty Heads October 24, Masquerade

Lupe Fiasco November 2, Center Stage Theater

November 5- Eminem, Marshall Mathers LP2

Drake November 7, Phillips Arena

November 5—M.I.A, Matangi

Iron and Wine November 11, The Tabernacle

November 11-Lady Gaga, ARTPOP

Two Door Cinema Club November 11, Buckhead Theater

October 21—Brett Dennen, Smoke and Mirrors

Hoodie Allen November 17, Center Stage

November 26—Future, Honest

Mallory McFarlin

from the foul-mouthed, chubby, poet he was at 15. With time to reflect on his father’s absence and its effects on his family life, he dove deeper into his mind to create an introspective and emotional dialogue on the album. At the time he began producing it, Earl’s grandmother was on her deathbed and he therefore named the album after her. He felt guilty about prioritizing his album over her and expressed this guilt in the second track, “Burgundy.” “Grandma’s passing, but I’m too busy trying to get this f***ing album cracking to see her, so. I apologize in advance if anything should happen. And my priorities f***ed up, I know it, I’m afraid I’m going to blow it, and when them expectations raising because daddy was a poet, right?” Several of the other songs on the album, such as “Chum” and “Sunday” reveal the same side of Earl, one that many fans did not like. Upon initial release, Doris was received with mixed opinions. A polarization became apparent between those who missed the 15-year-old Earl, and those who appreciated his more mature sound. I found I could make many personal connections to his new content and urge any fans or hip-hop listeners to support his genius. Although Thebe Kgositsile isn’t even old enough to buy a beer, his work thus far has impressed millions and shows promise to do so for years to come. -Axel Olson

BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE

Atlanta has one of the best music scenes in the Southeast, but one thing that it lacks is a variety of listening rooms for artists to play and be heard above the constant yelling and distractions endemic to Atlanta’s music scene. Atlanta’s music lovers want to solve this problem for the audience and artists by opening their homes for local artists who can-or can’t-draw an audience to one of Atlanta’s larger venues. House shows, as they are called, provide a strict listening room for the artists to play in. They allow the artist a “story-telling” environment in which they can communicate directly with the audience without the distracting noise typical of a concert venue. House shows also help build a completely new fan base. When artists perform at a house show, the owner does a majority of the promoting, so the audience is constructed of people who may have never heard the artist before, which provides the chance for the artist to attract new fans. Another factor that brings people out to house shows is that there is no admission fee. Every show is free, but the homeowner accepts donations on behalf of the artists. People show up with their own beverages and snacks and by the end of the show, the artist has made friends with everyone in the house. One of Atlanta’s most popular house-show venues is Grocery on Home, located in Grant Park. It is owned and run by Matt Arnett, one of Atlanta’s biggest music lovers. Originally a small grocery store, Arnett transformed the bottom floor into a small venue of its own. “One of the things that I enjoy the most about house shows is the intimacy of them,” Arnett said. “The artists are very accepting and the fact that they share the same mood as the audience members makes it different from a normal concert.”

Photo by Ed Lee

Atlanta music fans use homes as venues for local musicians.

Rex Hussman entertains his fans while performing at Grocery on Home, an Atlanta House Show venue.

Another popular house show venue is the South Atlanta Stage. Unlike Grocery on Home, it’s open and can accommodate more people. It was opened by Carrie Amespoy opened the venue in the hope of giving artists the chance to perform for a different audience in a friendly environment. Like Arnett, Amespoy makes a difference for artists. Atlanta is starting to create a smaller and more intimate music scene, which is not only helpful for thew artists, but for Atlanta’s music fans as well. -Faye Webster

WHAT TO PLAY ON A RAINY DAY

What makes a Knight grey? A lack of cool tunes on a rainy day, that’s what.

Alejandro Zorrilla, senior “Little Hell”, City and Colour “Gravity”, John Mayer “Pyro”, Kings of Leon “Madness”, Muse

Saharah Jiminez, senior “Speed of Sound” Coldplay “Fashion Killa”, A$ap Rocky “Sunset”, The Xx “Eyes on Fire”, Lana Del Ray

Christian Peterson, sophomore “95 til’ Infinity”, Joey Bada$$

Alex Fairley, Elena Godiers, freshman junior “Dead Sea”, “Clown”, Emili Sande The Lumineers “Breaking the “Pusha Man”, “We Used to Vacation”,Law”, Emili Sande Chance the Rapper Cold War Kids “I Who Have “Bleeding Out”, Nothing”, “Somewhere in America”,Imagine Dragons Candice Glover Jay-Z “Back to Black”, “This Time”, “Collect Calls”, Andre 3000 feat. John Legend Kendrick Lamar Beyonce Interviews and photos by Mallory McFarlin

LET THEM EAT CAKE We got the inside scoop of some of the best bakeries in town!

Highland Bakery

Sweet Auburn Bakery

Starting with just the idea of serving coffee, muffins and breads, Highland Bakery has expanded to selling a full array of bakery treats, including all kinds of flavors of cupcakes, scones, pies and more. Highland Bakery doesn’t only provide bakery goods, but also has an entire restaurant menu. The restaurant gives off a local-comfort kind of feeling that makes you believe you are right at home. The menu contains many different options, which can be overwhelming if you don’t know exactly what you want when you walk in. If you are just looking for a sweet little treat, I would recommend the birthdayflavored cake pop.

Edgewood bakery is located inside of the Sweet Auburn Market in the heart of downtown is a market full of delicious food surrounding the bakery. You can purchase all types of baked goodies from cupcakes to éclairs. Be sure to try the peanut butter chocolate chip cookie: not only is the cookie HUGE, it tastes great. Also, the key lime cheesecake is super sweet and creamy with a tart flavor. It has a fresh lime along with limeflavored icing to give it a fresh citrus flavor along with the sweetness of the cheesecake.

Atlanta Cupcake Factory

Rhodes Bakery This family-owned and operated local bakery that has been in business for over 80 years. Don’t let the run down exterior façade fool you; this bakery makes the freshest of the fresh when it comes to cakes, pastries, and more. You HAVE to try a Petit Four for a quick sweet treat or buy a whole caramel cake if you’re hungry. The caramel cakes are the best items in the store. They sell, on average, 75 of them a week!

This little boutique bakery, located in the P o n cey- H i g h l a n d neighborhood on the notorious North Highland Road, is the one and only official cupcake factory in Atlanta. In the dilemma of which cupcake to try, I recommend the Grasshopper. -Mallory McFarlin, Kelsey Woods, Mallory Hazell It’s a chocolate cupcake with green mint ice cream, topped off with half of an Oreo. The chocolate has the perfect amount of richness, and the mint ice cream adds an exquisite experience for the taste buds.

TOP PIT STOPS

Best gas stations inside the perimeter to fill up your tank and stock up for your stomach.

QUIK TRIP 2325 Marietta Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA • 24 fueling positions • Sodapalooza • Healthy alternatives • Diverse selection of breakfast foods to go

• • • •

1836 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta, GA Wide variety of inexpensive thirstquenching beverages Freshly made snacks and non-packaged meals Rarely a wait to fill up your tank due to high quantity of gas pumps Clean facilities and friendly service 24/7

1025 North Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 486 E Ponce De Leon Ave, Atlanta, GA • New facilities • Closely located to Grady High School • Contains newest mix-tapes of your favorite Atlanta rappers • Quick in-and-out -Peter Mastin • Boiled peanuts

• Locally owned and operated, Chevron is walking distance from Grady High • Section filled with hot and ready Krispy Kreme donuts • Easy to get in and out • King of Pops cooler inside - Peter Mastin

ragoncon 2013 was a huge success this year. Dragoncon is a festival in Atlanta where people come from all over to see their favorite characters, which can include anything from smurfs to kilt wearing storm troupers. The whole convention lasts three days. On Saturday there is a huge parade through downtown Atlanta. In the parade you might spot somone dressed as Mad Max or any Lord Of The Rings character. The costumes are amazing every year and some look like they walked straight out of the movies. Dragon Con is a memorable event, one of Atlantaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Finest.

Photos by Talia Lockridge

SHOP AT THE TOP OF THE THRIFT STORES Thrifting in the A-town doesn’t always require much thought if you know where to go.

Only got $20 in your pocket? Might as well just go thrift shopping. Thrift shopping is the way to go with a limited amount of money. You will find some of the best deals in town, especially with all the shops right here in Atlanta and near Grady. With thrift shopping you can get a lot of bang for your buck as long as you are smart about what shops you go to. Lucky Exchange, Rag-O-Rama, Clothing Warehouse and Buffalo Exchange are the “higher end” of thrift shops because they only accept some of the items they receive. They don’t just take everything like Goodwill and other thrift shops. These four are the stores to go to if your looking for the hipster or vintage look. Goodwill,

Nearly New, and Step Up and the types of thrift shops where you can get a shirt for less than a dollar and some days even a nickel. There is a variety of items and clothing to choose from. Take a little time and go on a thrift shop adventure. Never settle on one store because you never know what you might find at the next shop; just visit them all often. Remember there are no guarantees that you will find something every time, as styles tends go in cycles. Some of the clothes that were popular 20, 30 or even 40 years ago are back in style and of course the best place to find those items are thrift shops. -Emma Kohanowich

Locations: Lucky Exchange:

212 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE Atlanta

Rag-O-Rama:

1111 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta

Clothing Warehouse:

999 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta & 420 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta

Buffalo Exchange:

1057 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE Atlanta

Goodwill:

1460 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta

Nearly New:

1715 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta

Junior Kalyn Levens models a simple black tank top tucked into a patterned maxi skirt with black heels, all from Buffalo Exchange.

Step Up:

733 Monroe Drive NE, Atlanta

Levens later models a button down red dress and brown wedges also from Buffalo Exchange.

DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH

Up-and-coming local artists share their views on city’s music scene. THE SHADOWBOXERS

This Atlanta-based band got an early start on its path to success after meeting and graduating from Emory University and immediately hitting the road with the Indigo Girls. This trio of young men write songs that take their roots from pop, R&B, soul, funk, and rock‘n’roll. The band’s threepart harmonies capture the simplicity of what singing together should be all about. The group’s first LP “Red Room,” a 14-track record (including the single “Sidewalk”) released in January 2013, helped them find their way back on the road, touring the country in hopes of expanding their fan base. The members include two guitar players, Adam Hoffman and Scott Shwartz, and a keyboardist, Matt Lipkins. After starting off performing in small clubs around Atlanta, they have now found their way to larger stages and audiences all over America. Recently, they have opened and headlined at famous theaters and venues such as the Beacon Theater in New York City, The Ryman in Nashville, and Humphrey’s in San Diego. “Being a lead singer or solo artist has its merits, but being a PART of something special just feels bigger and better to me,” Lipkins said. “I’m so grateful that I can find real confidence in the compromises that I make with the people I work with and trust. “It almost feels more responsible,” he added. “If I’m making music with two other people, then the music, by definition, is for sharing and is made for others to hear. That’s exciting for me!” The infectious energy that the Shadowboxers have on stage demonstrates the kind of younghearted men that they are and proves beyond a doubt that they love what they are doing. At the end of the day, their hard work pays off and after touring for a majority of the year, this trio find it nice to come home to Atlanta where they can finish what they started.

ADRON

Growing up in Decatur never stopped Adron from learning three different languages in order to give her songwriting a unique international feel to it. Using French, Portuguese and English, Adron fluently writes, sings and performs

Photo by Andy Lee

Matt Lipkins, Scott Shwartz, and Adam Hoffman make up for the minds behind the writing and music of an Atlanta favorite, The Shadowboxers. Photo by Jason Maris

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her songs creating a unusual yet exotic touch to her music. This young songstress moved from Atlanta to New York and back to Atlanta where she decided to settle in and call A-town her home. Adron grew up learning how to play piano but picked up the guitar as soon as she turned 11. Her guitar playing was unusual for a young teenage girl, and that uniqueness brought her great local success. It didn’t take long for Adron to become well known outside of Atlanta as she soon became familiar on stages across the country. “Honestly I love the live music scene in Atlanta, but what really blows my mind is the unbelievable studio

musicians that are here,” Adron said. “Atlanta has the most incredible players. I think there are really some diamonds in the rough, and when you find them you’re lucky. That’s the cool thing for me.” Her style resembles ‘60s Brazilian Tropicàlia with a modern touch to it. She makes her Americana style unlike anything else in the Atlanta music scene. She tours with her band at every chance they get, but always comes back to work on more material and perform for her original and loving hometown fans. No matter where her songs take her, Atlanta will always be the place she calls home. - Faye Webster

PLACES TO GET FUNKY Terminal West

887 West Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

The Tabernacle

Terminal West is a brand new venue, built in late 2012, and therefore has state-of-the-art equipment. It’s also the cleanest concert venue I have ever been to. There’s a back-porch bar overlooking the train tracks and another bar inside. Its only real downfall is its location. It’s located in an area of warehouses in varying levels of dilapidation, which makes it hard to find. You should add an extra 5-10 minutes to your travel time just to find the entrance. The parking situation is less than desirable, with limited lots nearby and no clear signage. Also, most of its shows start rather late, which is an inconvenience for high schoolers. If you can find it, and if you have a late curfew, you should be able to enjoy an evening there.

152 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 As soon as you walk into the Tabernacle, you can tell it’s a special place. After walking up variously sized stairs, you enter the main room. The walls and ceiling are ornately decorated in bright colors and patterns. There are two levels of balconies in the rear and a bar to the left of the stage. When a show starts, you immediately understand why the Tabernacle is one of Atlanta’s favorite venues. It’s just the right size, not too big or too small, and the sound is great. MARTA makes getting there easy, as the Peachtree Center station is just blocks away. There’s no need to worry about the hassle of parking downtown. There are even some shows where you can meet the performers outside afterwards. My only real complaint about the Tabernacle is the barrier that’s usually installed several feet in front of the stage. Because it pushes fans away from the musicians on stage, the barrier diminishes a show’s intimacy. This one drawback is overwhelmed by the Tabernacle’s other strengths. No matter what show you see, you’re sure to have a great time.

The Masquerade

695 North Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

If you’ve ever driven by the Masquerade during the day, you’ve probably thought it looks like a dirty, poorly constructed building. The cloak of night helps conceal its lack of luster, however, and if bending floors and dingy bathrooms don’t scare you off, you can have an enjoyable evening there. There are three indoor stages: Heaven, Hell and Purgatory. The Masquerade also hosts outdoor shows in the Masquerade Music Park. The indoor shows are fun and usually captivate a relatively smaller crowd. People are packed all the way up against the stage, and you can feel a connection with the band. The main problem is how hot it can get inside during a show, which increases the amount of sweaty dancing fools. The outdoor music park is a larger, well-ventilated space, and still hosts great shows as long as the weather cooperates. Parking on nearby streets is easy to find, and you may not even need to drive as the venue is located very close to Grady. All of its cosmetic flaws just give it more character, and any good performance will leave you wanting to come back.

Criminal Records 1154 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

This Little Five Points record store is occasionally transformed into a concert venue. There is a small stage in the back corner of the store into which bands cram themselves and their instruments prior to their show that night at another Atlanta venue. The shows vary from a solo acoustic shows to full band performances, and they usually just require an album purchase for entrance. The sound may not be as good as a real concert venue, but the shows are very intimate. Even if the store is packed, it can’t fit more than 60-70 people. After the show there are opportunities to get autographs and chat with the bands, making it a pretty good deal for just buying an album.

The Goat Farm

1200 Foster St. , Atlanta, Georgia 30318 The Goat Farm is a unique place. It’s a cluster of old warehouses converted to lofts, shops and art galleries. They also host concerts in a large, cleared out warehouse. A stage is erected on one end of the warehouse with a bar and merchandise stand on the other. The sound is great; it’s a perfectly sized building and crowd, and there’s opportunity for concertgoers to interact with the band, thanks to the low stage and relaxed security. It is located by the city water reservoir, near the intersection of 14th Street and Howell Mill. Although it’s a bit of a drive, there’s adequate parking, and it is a great, inexpensive and distinct venue.

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PLACES TO GET FUNKY Terminal West

887 West Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

The Tabernacle

The Masquerade

695 North Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Criminal Records 1154 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

The Goat Farm

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Clockwise from top left: Terminal West, The Tabernacle, Criminal Records, The Goat Farm, The Masquerade nS

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- Declan Farrisee

AR EN

s you have probably heard by now, the city of Atlanta is planning to demolish the Georgia Dome and construct a brand new stadium. The idea was first proposed in May 2010 because the team wanted to play outdoors and team owner Arthur Blank expressed interest in hosting another Super Bowl. Since then, much progress has been made on the project. The latest designs, according to the Atlanta Falcons website, give the stadium a futuristic appearance that features a “flower” shaped retractable roof with eight triangular panels that can retract to make the stadium openair when the weather permits. The stadium will also feature a Jumbotron that will wrap around the inside edge of the retractable roof. The walls and the parts of the roof that are not retractable will be made mainly of glass and provide a picturesque view of the Atlanta skyline. The stadium will seat approximately 70,000 people, comparable to the Georgia Dome, which seats 71,228. The new stadium is expected to have 7,500 club seats and 180 luxury suites, according to Doug Farrar’s article in his Yahoo Sports blog, “Shutdown Corner.” The Georgia Dome currently has 162

suites and 5,174 club seats. Other rumored features of this nextgeneration stadium include seats that will vibrate when players make a hit, a 100-yard-long bar, and a “fantasy football lounge,” according to Sports Illustrated’s website “SI Wire.” Of course, these are just rumors, but these innovations would surely be welcomed by Falcons fans. According to the team website, the Falcons have hired 360 Architecture to design the new stadium, and team officials hope for it to be completed by the 2017 season. The overall cost of the new stadium is expected to be roughly $1 billion. In contrast, the Georgia Dome cost $214 million. The stadium that the team used before the Dome was the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium (built in 1964), which cost a mere $18 million ($131 million if you adjust the cost for inflation). The new stadium looks to be a costly venture at more than 55 times what it cost to build Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. Understandably, many Atlantans are asking, “where is the money going

to come from?” The bulk of the expense (70-80 percent) will come from private funding, according to the Falcons website. The remaining 20-30 percent will come from the hotel-motel tax, a tax collected from tourists staying in local hotels. This tax is currently being used to pay off the 21-year-old Georgia Dome. The Dome would still have to be paid off even if it’s demolished. Atlanta citizens have had mixed reactions about the stadium. Many people are unhappy about the high costs, and many believe that the $1 billion that will be used to pay for the new stadium could be put to better use elsewhere in the city. There is also a large group of people who are excited about the new stadium despite its high price tag. Many people are tired of the Georgia Dome and haven’t liked it since it was constructed. Grady students also expressed mixed reactions about the plans for a new stadium in Atlanta. “We have a perfectly good stadium,” junior Griffin Kish said.

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT

Retractable roof, transparent exterior and

“I didn’t think that we really needed another one.” Senior Khalid Ransome agreed. “I was surprised [when I heard about the new stadium] because I thought the Georgia Dome was nice. I don’t think they need a new stadium, but it would be nice to have.” Ransome’s view is shared by many Grady students. Of course, the stadium won’t really make a difference for Atlantans viewing the game from their living rooms, so will Grady students be more likely to attend a Falcons game at the new venue? Some students felt that a sleek new stadium will encourage higher attendance, whereas others said the stadium would not affect fan interest. It is reasonable to assume that with such an upscale, state-of-the-art stadium, ticket prices would rise. This could be a factor that discourages people from attending more games at the new stadium than they did at the Georgia Dome. One thing that everybody is wondering is the

impact the new stadium will have on the city. Also, it’s easy to wonder how the stadium will influence the team. “I don’t think it will affect the Falcons’ performance,” senior Michael Dillard said. “I think what they’re looking for is to attract a Super Bowl location. It might raise a little bit more money if the Super Bowl does come to Atlanta, but other than that we might get a little bit more revenue, but I don’t think it will make that much of a difference.” Ransome agreed. “I think it will have a positive effect on the city,” he said. “I don’t think it will have an effect on the actual team because football is football, no matter where they play.” Kish, however, had just two words for the impact of the new stadium: “more traffic.” The Falcons initially examined two potential locations for the new stadium: a “north site” (the current site of the GWCC/Georgia Dome truck-marshaling yard off of Ivan Allen Boulevard) and a “south site” (located at the corner of Northside Drive and Martin Luther King Drive). The south site was chosen after the Falcons reached a deal

with two historical churches that were on that site: Mt. Vernon Baptist Church and Friendship Baptist Church. Mt. Vernon was purchased for $14.5 million, while Friendship was purchased for $19.5 million, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on Sept. 19/Sept. 22. There was much opposition to the churches having to move, but both congregations voted in favor of moving for the new stadium. The advantages of the south site are its proximity to two MARTA stations and some of the GWCCA’s facilities, such as Centennial Olympic Park. The site is also close to a proposed mulit-modal transit station, the AJC reported. The Atlanta Falcons have made a lot of progress on their future venue, but it is just the beginning. Although many stages of designing have been completed, construction isn’t even expected to begin until 2014. Nevertheless, 2017 is only four football seasons away. Whether you’re excited about the new stadium coming to Atlanta or upset about wasting money on a new stadium when the Georgia Dome is only 21 years old, a new stadium is coming to Atlanta. — Colin Bray

FOR NEW STADIUM 100-yard bar to be included in new venue

Proposed design courtesy of 360 Architecture

ar en a

TRAIN MIGHT REPEL EXCESSIVE TRAFFIC Braves propose magnetic train to attract fans to Turner Field

Illustration courtesy of Emily Morris: AMT Inc. The proposed route of the train from the Georgia State MARTA station to Turner Field

The Atlanta Braves are working with American Maglev Technologies Inc. to privately fund a $30 million maglev train from MARTA’s Georgia State station to Turner Field in an effort to improve fan accessibility to the stadium. Maglev trains are cars that float above the rails that they are on using high powered magnets placed on the bottom of the cars that propel away from magnets placed on the rails. The maglev technology is used in China and Japan but has not been used for public transit in the United States. With an average of 2.5 million fans attending the ballpark each year, many fans commute to Turner Field using mass transit. MARTA connections are essential to fan attendance according to the Atlanta Braves. Traffic and transportation problems are the main reasons fans don’t come to more games according to Mike Plant, the Braves’ executive vice president of business operations. In such a heavy commuting city like Atlanta, navigating traffic is bad any day. Game day traffic can be even worse. The Braves hope the tain will be a money maker in the end by encouraging more fans to attend games. American Maglev Technologies

The maglev train cars use about 60 percent less energy than other subways and buses and will carry about 200 passengers at speeds of up to 40 mph. Illustration courtesy of Emily Morris: AMT

AMT animated sketch of the proposed maglev train arriving at Turner Field.

Inc. is a Marietta-based company that has been an advocate of the use of maglev trains for decades. The maglev train cars use about 60 percent less energy than other subways and buses and will carry about 200 passengers at speeds of up to 40 mph. The train ride from the Georgia State MARTA station to Turner Field would take less than two minutes. AMT has yet to build a system in America other than a test track and train located in Powder Springs. The Braves’ project would be the first commercially viable maglev project in the United

States. AMT is also working with Grupo ACS, a multibillion dollar engineering and construction firm based in Madrid that is expected to provide funding for the Turner Field maglev project. Once construction begins on the project, it would take about 14 months to build. It is estimated that 41 columns will be needed to support the track, three of which will be over the downtown connector. The goal for this construction is to have the maglev track open in time for the Braves’ 2015 season.

-Zac Carter

WHERE WILL THE HAWKS GO NOW?

Photo by Scott Cunningham: NBAE/Getty Images

Budenholzer, Milsap bring the best of the west to the Hawks’ nest Who comes to mind when you think about the face of the Atlanta Hawks? Is it Joe Johnson or maybe Josh Smith? Sadly Johnson, who was traded to Brooklyn at the beginning of last season, and Smith, who signed a free agent deal with the Piston this summer, are not coming back for the 2013-2014 season. The Hawks will start the NBA season in the middle of the pack at 16th in the ESPN.com power rankings. With Josh Smith heading to Motown, the Hawks’ ranking could drop severely throughout the season. Averaging 17 points and seven rebounds per game last season, Smith will be missed. The Hawks acquired power forward Paul Millsap from the Utah Jazz. Millsap was a steady performer averaging 15 points and seven rebounds. The Hawks also picked up a few standout rookies, like 6-foot-1 guard from Germany named Dennis Schroeder. People who have seen him in action say that he reminds them of Celtic point guard Rajon Rondo. Analysts say this because of their similar height & athletic abilities. They are trying to rebound from a loss to the Indiana Pacers in the first

round of the playoffs last season and may be able to do it. The Hawks finally have let go of their head coach, Larry Drew. The new Hawks Coach a former San Antonio Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer has come in and created a new atmosphere. Mike has grabbed players from many different countries in the same manner as his old head coach Greg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs. Budenholzer was arrested for a DUI on Aug. 29. He issued an apology immediately after being released. The Hawks are starting to change their organization and right now they don’t have a face of the franchise. Al Horford has been an All-Star but is less recognized that other NBA talents. The team is young and hungry, however, and has a will to win. The Hawks roster may lack a big-name star like Lebron James or Kevin Durant, but if the Hawks are able to mesh and become compatible, then they can make a Pacer-like push for the playoffs this year and possibly go further than they have in the past. 21 - Kameron King

E IN CU IS

BONELICK’N GOOD BBQ

Amazing BBQ, old school arcade games, and great service in West Midtown.

No wimps allowed, and crybabies move on out, because this BBQ is only for those who can handle the best of the best. Located on Huff Road, BoneLick BBQ is one of the best places to get BBQ in West Midtown. They offer some serious pulled pork, ribs and brisket. Those are just a few of the awesome food items available. You cannot forget the Southern staple of collards, the spicy yet wonderful jalapeño Mac-n-cheese, tater tots, Texas toast and the many other to-die-for sides. The atmosphere is fun and relaxing with a 1945 vintage skeeball machine, along with arcade games that range from Pac-Man to virtual hunting and shooting. They also have a jukebox for those who just cannot sit still and want to get up and dance. The staff is very friendly and the food is delectable.

The famously known “FAT ASS” meat plate.

The trademark, “FAT ASS” call interrupts any conversation as the waiter or waitress yells it out as they walk out of the kitchen. The Fat Ass Sampler is a taste of their five BBQ selections. It consists of spare ribs, brisket, sausage and pulled pork all for only 26 dollars, which can feed a family of four with plenty leftover for the next day’s lunch.

Bone Lick was rated in the top five in the Atlanta Metro Area in the Best of Atlanta Magazine. They’ve got the best of the best. If you come hungry then you will most definitely leave happy and very full.

Enjoying Bonelick’s sweet tea on a hot sunny day.

-Emma Kohanowich

EVERYBODY LIKES PARFAITS

Delectable, healthy treat offers layers of flavor, yumminess

Step by Step:

Start off with adding a spoon full of vanilla yogurt into any type of cup (plastic, glass, etc.). 2) Add a thin layer of any fruit you’d like (strawberries, mangoes, blueberries, blackberries, etc.) 3) Add another layer of the vanilla yogurt. 4) On top of the second yogurt layer, sprinkle a perfect pinch of granola. 5) Add in one more layer of the yogurt and fruit of your choice. 6) If you’d like, drizzle some honey on top for some extra-pizazz.

-Mallory McFarlin

1 22

PARFAITS IN POP CULTURE Shrek: NO! Layers. Onions have layers. Ogres have layers. Onions have layers. You get it? We both have layers. Donkey: Oh, you both have LAYERS. Oh. You know, not everybody likes onions. What about cake? Everybody loves cake! Shrek: I don’t care what everyone else likes! Ogres are not like cakes. Donkey: You know what ELSE everybody likes? Parfaits! Have you ever met a person, you say, “Let’s get some parfait,” they say, “Hell no, I don’t like no parfait”? Parfaits are delicious! Shrek: NO! You dense, irritating, miniature beast of burden! Ogres are like onions! End of story! Bye-bye! See ya later. Donkey: Parfait’s gotta be the most delicious thing on the whole damn planet! -- from the movie Shrek

Most Atlantans have grown tired of all this rain. But when the rain starts messing with how our peaches taste, it’s really time to tell the rain clouds where they can go. “Rain, Rain, go away come again some other year.” All summer, the heavy rains and severe flooding across the Southeast has affected crops and produce across the country. According to CBS News, the rainfall has driven up the price for summer produce, but that’s not all. The heavy rains are also likely to change the taste of a wide range of fruits, everything from peaches to watermelon. Even though Georgia peaches look great, their sugar content has been diluted due to the heavy rains. The news is even less sweet for the

Georgia produce farmer. According to The NY Times, some watermelon farmers in South Georgia have lost half their crop due to the rain, and the watermelons that did survive are nowhere near as good as a Southern watermelon should be. Some peach fields are so wet that farmers have not been able to get equipment into the fields to harvest the crop. Because the rain is causing a delay in the peach harvest, the peaches are not being picked at the proper time. The sugar content decreases while the peaches literally grow bitter on the vine. The forecast for the Southeast is for continued, above average rain throughout the fall. Not only have Southeastern farmers been hit hard by the heavy rains but also farmers in Vermont and upstate New York. Though the peaches are huge, the overall number of peaches harvested is down. Last year, it was drought that depleted the peach crop, but this year, the culprit is this summer’s heavy rains. When it comes to peaches, the rain this year has definitely been the pits! -Tyrell Tolon

G NE

WITH THE RAIN

WEIRD, YET DELICIOUS FOOD COMBOS

& & & & & &

If you’re feeling ambitious, ditch the boring snacks and try out these new and improved food combos. Compiled by Zac Carter

Strawberries

Strawberries are usually sprinkled with sugar but the addition of finely ground pepper heightens the flavor.

pepper

Mac n’ cheese

Adds a little fiesta to your macaroni by creating a contrasting taste of spicyness with a creamy bowl of your childhood.

Salsa

Coffee Dark chocolate

Add a pinch of salt to intensify The bitterness of the chocolate paired the flavor of your regular morning cup with the nutty, sharp taste of the of joe. Especially good in espresso. cheese creates a smooth, blissful taste.

salt

Parmesan cheese

Nacho cheese Doritos

Chili

The soft and rich cream cheese accuentates the flavor of the nacho cheese.

The chocolate adds to the meaty flavor of the chili and contrasts very well with the spiciness of the peppers.

Cream Cheese

Chocolate

CO U TU RE

FALL FASHION MUST-HAVES

Fall is all about trying to stay warm while still looking fashionable. Make every fall outfit stand out by incorporating these key pieces into any look. Story by Kelsey Woods. Clothes modeled by Mary Condolora and Liam Henry.

GIRLS:

GUYS:

Black pants make any outfit super sleek. They are great because you can dress them up for special occasions or dress them down for school. They also look great paired with denim jackets on those cool fall days! TRY: A pair with a waxy coating versus traditional jean material to stand out. Urban Outfitters, $68

To create an easygoing fall outfit, pair a flowy dress with a fitted utility jacket. These types of jackets are very versatile and can also be paired with jeans and boots for school. TRY: A green khaki with leather accents and sleeves. Urban Outfitters: $99 Light blue acid-wash dress, with an awesome â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;90s vibe. Trying to stay warm and look fashionable in fall weather can be a challenge. Instead of a boring scarf, try a cute fitted beanie. They come in a variety of colors and styles and are easy to find at any retail store. Also if your having a bad hair day this is a perfect fix! This is a popular item worn by stars like Kendall and Kylie Jenner. TRY: One that has a neutral color that can be paired with a lot of outfits. Urban Outfitters, $14 Black leather bags can add a hint of sophistication to any outfit. They are great because of their versatility. You can use them as a school bags, or for a night out with friends. When purchasing them determine if gold or silver accents will go better with your wardrobe. It will make them easier to match with your wardrobe. TRY: An oversized slouched boho bag with gold accents. Zara, $40

This fall is all about denim. Instead of a traditional cotton or leather jacket, go for a denim jacket. Pair it will a cool patterned T-shirt or layer it with a flannel to get the perfect look. This is a great look for school. TRY: A dark-wash denim jacket with rolled up sleeves. Forever 21, $37.80 A T-shirt with lighter colors and a small pattern will look great with a dark-wash jacket. Forever 21, $16.80 Camo is all the rage this season. From cargo pants to T-shirts it covers the halls of Grady. For those who arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t daring enough to try the trend full on, go for accessories that have hints of camo. This will help to ease you into the trend so maybe one day, you can rock head-to-toe camo. A great way to incorporate this is through accessories. TRY: A bookbag with hints of camo and color. Hershel Supply Co., $64

Boots are always a fall essential. This season change up your style by ditching the tall riding boots and go for an ankle boot or a combat boot style. These styles also look super cute paired with overthe-knee socks. TRY: A pair that has cute accents like buckles or zippers Forever 21, $42.80

This fall keep the shoes simple. A great pair of sneakers in neutral colors is the best way to go. Sneakers are great for many occasions so it is wise to invest in a pair because they will get good use. TRY: Gray and black look great with any outfit. Old School Vans, $55

JORDAN STILL OUTDUELING EWING In our first installment of Kool Kicks, Jordan 7 Raptors Nexus looks at some of the shoes around school that are sure to catch your eye. It’s hard not to stop and notice the Bred 11s which were originally worn by Michael Jordan in multiple games of the 1996 NBA Finals against with Kameron the Seattle Supersonics. Many people believe that the Jordan 11 is Michael Jordan’s best shoe combination ever. They have a patent Patrick Ewing Focus leather on the toe, Bred 11s and the bottoms are a nice red. They also have the Chicago Bulls’

color combination going on. Nike released the Jordan 11 in December 2012. Another Nike retro showstopper is the Jordan 7 in a Toronto Raptors color scheme. The Jordan 7’s came in a variety of colors, but the Raptors returned in the fall of last year. They are a very clean shoe with good ankle support. They use suede-like material with red and purple surrounding the bottom. They were released during the fall of 2012 for 160 dollars. King The Patrick Ewing shoes originally started under Adidas but Patrick Ewing Focus is a different breed. The shoes have a new name because Ewing started his own shoe brand called Ewing Athletics. The legend has been reborn. The Ewing’s are more popular in the North (he was a Knick after all), but were released nationwide on Aug. 3 2013 and went for $120.

KOOL KICKS

STYLE PROFILES Alanne Stroy, senior

Where are your favorite Places to shop? “Forever 21, thrift stores and Urban Outfitters. I do a lot of online shopping as well.” What is your favorite article of clothing? “My Moschino pleated black skirt.” Who is your style icon or inspiration? “I love Rachel Zoe as a stylist; Rihanna is my favorite celebrity for style, and my favorite designer is Balman.” Do you think your style stands out at Grady? “Yes, because I’m always putting my own twist on my outfits.”

Miles Barreto, sophomore What is your favorite places to shop? “Thrift Stores.” What is your favorite article of clothing? “This sweet, black tank that says, ‘The Curse of the Wolfwitch’ in Norwegian.” Who is your style icon or inspiration? “Band member of Andrew Jackson Jihad, Sean Bonnette” Do you think your style stands out at Grady? “Nah, but maybe my hair does.”

Photos and interviews by Mallory McFarlin

RU M RO ST

UP AGAINST A WAL-MART

Unable to compete with nearby franchise pharmacies, the Howell Mill Pharmacy was torn down in September. Photo by Dave Winter

A group of Decatur residents has united to prevent a Wal-Mart department store from coming into their community -- off of North Decatur and Medlock roads, right along the Beltline. This group has circulated a petition against the store opening and has even threatened legal actions to keep Wal-Mart out. Some observers might view these actions as extreme, but the folks in the neighborhoods just west of Buckhead probably wouldn’t. Their experience after Wal-Mart came to their neighborhoods in 2006 represents something of a cautionary tale of what happens when Wal-Mart comes to an intown neighborhood. The Wal-Mart at 1801 Howell Mill Road opened on Oct. 18, 2006, and was hailed as the first Wal-Mart inside the City of Atlanta. The company’s press release touted the many benefits that the new store would bring to the surrounding community: 1,200 jobs, additional tax revenues and generous grants for worthwhile projects. The store itself would be especially suited to its urban environment. The store would be set off the street with architectural features like earth tones and a terra cotta exterior that would help it blend into the neighborhood. The store interior would feature wider aisles, an expanded electronics and toy department, a full grocery section and a Subway restaurant. “When I heard the plans for an ‘urban’ Wal-Mart, I admit to having been intrigued by the idea,” said Scott Hardesty, who lives in Underwood Hills, one of the neighborhoods served by the Wal-Mart. “Wal-Mart reps met regularly before breaking ground to explain how their urban concept would differ from the typical suburban-style structure. I was expecting a design along the lines of the Target at Atlantic Station, but soon realized that was not going to be the case.” The promised benefits convinced many neighbors to

An anti-Wal-Mart T-shirt design support the project, but residents say that seven years later they now regret that the store ever came into their neighborhood. “Every so often [the Wal-Mart] is convenient, but not so much that it overshadows the problems with having the store there,” local resident Robert Glickman said, “I could just as well travel two or more minutes and go to Target.” Among the problems that residents alluded to – a pronounced increase in traffic and in neighborhood crime. “Howell Mill Road has become a traffic nightmare since the store opened,” Glickman said. “Empirical or anecdotal, I am not sure, but it opened and then traffic on the road became painful.” It’s a pain that was unanticipated, Hardesty said. “None of the neighbors I know counted on the sharp increase in traffic during rush hour and in the middle of the day,” Hardesty said. ”The Wal-Mart traffic problem is compounded by the adjacent retail in the same complex and, perhaps most importantly, the flawed traffic flows into and out of the complex. There are multiple entrances, one of which is only yards away from the I-75 ramp, which causes logjams.” The increase in traffic is mirrored by an increase in crime. “I noticed that the number of crimes, even shoplifting has increased

momentously,” Hardesty said. “In some ways it has drawn crime away from the neighborhood, to the store,” Glickman said. “In the same way, it has attracted poorer, less desirable people to the neighborhood. The reports of crime have increased.” According to the Atlanta Police Department neighborhood crime summaries, crime has increased since Wal-Mart came to the Underwood Hills community. According the report for the week of Feb. 19-25, 2013, for example, there were 23 offenses ranging from shoplifting to assault, a sharp increase from the average of three offenses per week that occurred before the Wal-Mart opened, the report said. These outcomes led many residents to reconsider their original support of the project. Prior to the store opening, Grayson Daughters wrote an independent editorial in support of an intown Wal-Mart that was published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Daughters said that Wal-Mart reprinted her editorial without her consent and in their national “astroturfing” campaign. An astroturfing campaign is public-relations campaign issued by a company that is made to look like a grassroots campaign. Daughters was upset that her article was being used in this manner without her consent. She said she had to expend a lot of time and energy tracking down Wal-Mart’s public relations represesentatives and asking them to remove her editorial. The whole experience taught Daughters a lesson, one that the folks in Decatur appear to have learned as they work to prevent their community from travelling the same road. Wal-Marts prices are low, but not all of the costs of having a Wal-Mart in your neighborhood are listed on a price tag. -Sarah Smith

AN INSIDE LOOK AT EVERYTHING BOOKS

Decatur Book Festival appeals to readers and artists alike

Festival goers participate in the parade, dressed as their favorite characters. Photo courtesy of the DBF

Labor Day is a busy time in Atlanta. The downtown streets buzz with eager storm troopers and sexy cat women, but another festival, albeit one without a parade or show-stopping costume, lurks in the shadows of Atlanta. Beloved by its followers, the Decatur Book Festival feeds an intellectual audience of all ages. This year’s festival sported a whopping 300 award-winning authors available for panels and signing. Authors from all over the country take this time to meet fans and promote their latest releases. DBF offers activities for children and young adults, as well as wine and beer tasting for older adults. The festival gives everyone a stage, no genre left behind. Whatever you’re looking for they’ve got it: LGBT, cooking, sci-fi, fantasy, civil rights, sports, humanities, health and wellness, environmental, beach reads, business and marketing, religion and spirituality, science and family/ parenting, to name a few. The owner of Decatur’s local bookstore, Little Shop of Stories, decided to put a fresh twist on the children’s and teen stages. In the past children and young adult authors have been presented by enthusiastic parents who delivered a prepared speech. This year children and teens who are avid fans of their respective authors introduced the young adult, fantasy and children’s literature genres. The child presenters added a youthful enthusiasm that the festival had previously lacked. The festival also loves to promote alternative expressions of a creative word by hosting a teen poetry slam. The festival also features graphic literature section which included a Sans Comic Panel where graphic literature authors and illustrators get to speak about the ins and outs of the graphic publication world. Not only does the festival cater to the readers of Atlanta, it also appeals to the artists of the city. The festival has an art corner that has incorporated an art and photography section which gives artists all over Atlanta the opportunity to showcase their work for an audience that might have otherwise kept their noses stuck in books. The Decatur Book Festival was a great success despite the rain, with appearances from authors from MLK III to David Levithan, a teen literature LGBT award winner. This year the book festival was the largest independent book festival in the country, according to the AJC, with the help of hundreds of volunteers and thousand of avid readers. -Talia Lockridge

TRIPLE THREAT’S NEW TUNE One of Grady’s most populated classes has always been musical theater, or “Triple Threat” as it is more commonly known, but this year it’s suffered a drop in numbers. There’s just not as many experienced dancing singing actors attending Grady anymore. The class was created seven years ago by Lee Pope with around 20 students. Pope, an AP US History teacher with a professional background in theater, taught it for two years until two other teachers, Jacob Dreiling and Kevin Hill, joined him as interest grew and numbers approached 60 and 70. Pope, Dreiling and Hill taught the class together until it was downsized this year. The class was to be taught by Pope alone, with 20 students. This was not due to a lack of interest, as an introductory level class was created with 55 students. Kevin Hill, Grady chorus director, agreed to combine his class with Pope’s. He is now co-teaching with Mr. Pope for the advanced musical theater class, as well as with Mr. Dreiling for the introductory-level course. While the introductory class focuses on fundamentals (more of singing and acting), the advanced class is working to produce the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie for the fall semester. “I think it’s a good direction to have the intro level,” Hill said, adding that there are many freshmen in the class. “I don’t think our numbers are really low, I think we are missing a lot of guys,” he said. Junior Noah Clinkscales feels that lower numbers make things more personal. “There’s not as many people so it’s easier to work on specific things” he said. “Entry-level classes are a good way to experience and be exposed to different things,” Pope said. “Art, music or acting, Grady has great programs for the arts.” “We’ve never had an intro class before, and now we can get back to the ‘advanced’ being advanced, and not have one class where everyone is on different levels,” Pope said. “Before everyone was at a different place, so we had to tailor the class around that.” Since the beginning of the year, big plans have been underway. With the production of Thoroughly Modern Millie as the main focus this semester, Pope called for the help of tap dance instructors and choreographers. Thoroughly Modern Millie will be performed in December along with Ms. Willoughby’s The Winter’s Tale. -Alex Jones

IE AG ER EN M

rAinTL

Record-breaking rainfall in Atlanta washes away the summer. During of the first six months of 2013, 45.23 inches of rain fell on our fair city. In contrast to the rain deficit Atlanta endured last year, Atlanta has received more rainfall in the first half of 2013 than all of 2012. Lake Lanier, Atlanta’s largest reservoir, is a foot above capacity. Last year, it was seven feet below capacity. Seattle has a reputation for being a rainy city, but it’s Atlanta that suffered the excess rain fall this year. In 2013 Atlanta has had more rainfall than Seattle’s mere 18.32 inches. On Aug. 7, Atlanta recorded a record downpour of 2.66 inches. Atlanta’s previous single-day record from 1924 was 1.57. All of this rain in Atlanta is impressive, but is it good? Of course the fireworks on the Fourth of July were not as glorious in the cloudy weather, but there are also a few more serious impacts.

The heavy rain has brought unusual and dangerous flooding to the city. Creeks and wetlands have flooded, causing thousands of dollars worth of damages to many Atlanta homes. More importantly , lives can be at risk in the heavy storms. During a torrential downpour in Flowery Branch, an entire road was swept away, multiple homes were put underwater, and people escaped with their lives and little else. In terms of economic impact, some outdoor businesses have suffered. Atlanta’s local popsicle stand, King of Pops, has sold fewer popsicles due to the increase in rain levels. Farming is suffering as well, as too much rain can sometimes be as detrimental as a drought because of flooding and overgrowth. (see page 22)

Organized summer sports have been affected as well. Sport teams have not been able to follow through with planned events due to rainouts and fields flooding. Perfect Game, baseball’s largest scouting service, hosts many travel baseball tournaments. During a tournament in Marietta, teams traveled from all over the country to play, but many had to be sent home after only playing one game or even just a few innings before the tournament was called due to rain. If the rain keeps up, or even if Atlanta finishes the year with its current average rainfall, we are on track for a record-setting year. The impact rain will have on the 2013 Grady school year is still unknown, but there is no doubt this spring and summer have been drenched. -Peter Mastin

FRESHMEN FIRST FEARS UNFOUNDED Upon arrival at high school, ninth graders are surprised by the easy transition.

I stood, shocked and confused; the two opposing images of high school flashing behind my eyes. An overbearing “student tour guide” bounces to me and eagerly grabs at my schedule emphatically inquiring about my first class and homeroom teacher, and I would stare. Stare I did. The first day of high school was a culture shock. I was lost in my own world, conscious thought driven from my brain by the whistle blowing in my ear and the abrasive voice shouting in my face. I learned very quickly that Grady administration has its own rules, protocol, and unspoken rules of conduct and student regulations. Each Knight is different, so I spoke to some newly minted pages to see what they had learned. One of the biggest fears new high school students everywhere seem to encounter is monophobia,

the fear of being alone. Sitting down in the first class of the day and not recognizing a single face in the crowd. Freshmen Holli Manders remembers the first day as being loud, hectic and confusing but, thankfully, not completely friendless. With Grady’s overcrowding problems, this fear is completely rational. “I thought I’d be alone everywhere I went, but I wasn’t,” Manders said. “One of the biggest problems I had was not knowing where to go.” That fear was an issue that nearly all students have at least once. Freshmen often come to high school with exaggerated truths and myths of past years haunting them, but freshmen Sam Lombardo had no such terrors. “I didn’t get lost once,” Lombardo said confidently. “I did a lot better than people said I would. I didn’t get dragged, and the cafeteria wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I like it a

lot more than Inman.” For some, the high school experience was so hyped up that their first day at Grady turned out to be a little disappointing. “I expected it to be harder,” Jared Steckl said. With a sister two years ahead of him, Steckl definitely had a lot to look forward to, but he was left feeling a little disenchanted. “It wasn’t as scary as I thought it’d be,” Steckl said. “I like my teachers and I get a lot of freedom.” The first week of school is about adaptation, shifting to fit time constraints and the most efficient ways to get to class. Knowing where you’re going and how to get to class is half the battle. As the year progresses, each mistake a freshmen makes will contribute to a productive and fear-free four years. -Talia Lockridge

THE PONCE PEROGATIVE: RENEW, REUSE, RESTORE A front view of the Old City Hall East building, soon-to-be Ponce City Market, taken from the Midtown Place strip center parking lot.

The Ponce City Market, or as it’s better known, the old City Hall East is being regenerated into something completely different that will change Midtown as we know it. Many people know that the building is under construction and renovation, but they may not know that the developers are making a huge effort to recycle and reuse as much of the old building as possible. “We have been able to recycle about 98 percent of all the materials that we have removed from the building,” Walter Brown, the senior vice president of development and construction. The new Ponce City Market is also going to be a very energy efficient and environmentally conscious building. There are extensive plans to use and conserve water. They are going to have the most water efficient facilities that are available. They will also pump ground water up from under the basement. “In this case, we are actually going to pump it up to large water tanks that are in that big tower that everyone sees from around the property, that has the green roof on

it,” Brown said. “There are actually 67,000 gallons of water-storage tanks in that room that we will fill with condensate.” The property will also have a state-of-the-art recycling center in the loading dock. Even the used vegetable oil will be recycled by restaurants. The frying oil then will be used as bio fuel. “The fry pits grease will be taken directly through a collection system comprised of hoses to a storage tank in the basement, then a company will come periodically and remove the materials also via hose,” Brown said. The building plans include a large amount of green spaces that are planted with trees, flowers and other plants. There is also going to be many offices, housing, shops and a large food court with many local and popular restaurants. Just envision the Ponce City Market, with all the stores, offices and restaurants that are going to be in the building. Imagine strolling right along the BeltLine to your job after school. The work available might also offer the chance to earn community-

services hours. “It would be more of a likelihood that we could figure out a volunteer program,” Brown said. Parking, however, tends to be an important issue. There will be underground parking on site with about 2,000 spaces. In addition, the Ponce City Market is trying to incentivize different methods of travel. They will do this by having valet bike parking, showers and changing rooms for people commuting to work. The building itself will have a direct connection to the BeltLine. There are also plans for a running track, a covered pool on the roof, a basketball court and minigolf. Yes you read that right, minigolf on the roof. As great as these anemities are none of them matters if the market isn’t open, which begs the question: when does it open? The Ponce City Market will open in sections, meaning that not all of it will be open at the same time. The sections are scheduled to open in early spring 2014. The final product will be well worth the wait. -Story and Photos by Elijah Dumitrescu

Construction and renovation of the new Ponce City Market, which is expected to begin opening in the early spring of 2014.

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L “There is no better place for a young, aspiring artist to be.”

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One Love Generation encourages teens to inspire change through art

ucked away in a dark corner, hidden in the middle of a forest of condemned buildings and old railroad tracks exists a place with a program that fosters, nurtures and enlightens the lives of young people through art. One Love Generation is a nonprofit organization that was started in Atlanta and works to encourage young people to promote positive change in their communities and their lives through their art, their service and their awareness. “We all have different issues that we are passionate about. For me it’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights and education, and other people are passionate about other things in the community,” said senior Avanti Lemons, who has been a participant in One Love Generation activities since her sophomore year. “But regardless of our choice of issues, one of our goals is to transfer our desire for change into everything we do.” This transfer occurs when 30 student participants express

their passionate views through artistic expression. One Love Generation also provides a safe and open environment for teens who wish to enhance their art skills and aspire to pursue careers in art or art-related fields. One Love’s nurturing environment is exhibited in all three of its programs: the studio program, the mentoring program and the international art service program. “Many teens face rejection among their peers and in their schools,” said David Bryant, a Grady alum and former One Love member. “One Love gives these teens a place to call home where they are warmly welcomed and a place where they can work and release all of the stress in their lives: a place where they can feel free from judgment and criticism.” The studio program offered by One Love Generation is the simplest of the three programs. It is available to nearly everyone on Monday and Tuesday nights. First-year applicants are encouraged to apply for the Monday night studio and second-year applicants are encouraged to apply for the Tuesday night studio program. On these nights, different artists from Atlanta, and even some from other countries, volunteer to teach young

aspiring artists. The artists teach in a classroom environment about their particular style and specialties in art. Each of the volunteer artists assigns the students various art projects Throughout the year, the young artists save the works that they have created with the weekly visiting artists. At the end of the year, the students display their works at an art gallery. The art gallery is open for the other artists, their parents, family and friends to view. The mentoring program is held every Wednesday night and is the second step in the One Love Generation program. In this program, teen artists are paired with local artists from around Atlanta who volunteer to coach, mentor and inspire their teen proteges to create studio art projects that highlight key issues in society. Each youth artist is matched with a volunteer artist who currently works in the field in which the youth artist aspires to work. These youth artists are also given the opportunity to showcase their works around Atlanta. “The students in the mentoring program are given many more opportunities than the traditional studio students,” Lemons said.

“For instance, I was given the opportunity to sell my jewelry to a woman in Marietta who wants to support the arts.” The final program offered by One Love Generation is the international art service program. All students who have completed one year in the studio or mentorship programs are eligible to apply for the international service program. This program is an extension of the studio and mentoring programs available at One Love Generation and takes place within the first few weeks of June. Six students were selected because of their dedication to One Love Generation, their community service and their artistic skill level. Once selected, teens are given the opportunity to create change in a foreign country through their influence and artwork. This year, the teens were afforded the opportunity to visit Liberia, Costa Rica. While in Costa Rica, the teens participated in a number service activities. “We partnered alongside of Raising Awareness Worldwide Tours, with the goal of creating a heartopening experience that would have a lasting impact on the community through the arts,” said senior Yakira Chambers. “We worked with the Museo de Guanacaste. Our plans were to establish a community within the museum. We installed several murals, a message board, and a table where people could sit and interact.” Some of the One Love Generation artists also taught classes on their specialty to the Costa Rican teens. Other One Love Generation artists created their own service projects to inspire people and promote positive change

while on the Costa Rica trip. “We had one guy who took pictures of families, printed them out and gifted them to the families,” Lemons said. The One Love Generation teens also met six Costa Rican teens with similar interests. These Costa Rican teens took plastic arts classes at their local high school and desired to participate in a program similar to One Love Generation, so they have decided to form a program like it that will empower teens in their communities to inspire change through art and service. The teens will hold their program events and weekly meetings in the Museo de Guanacaste. The main goal of One Love Generation and the kids who participate in it is to spread love through art. The program is somewhat small with approximately 40 members, but it is expanding and attracting the interests more of Grady students. “I have never met anyone who has participated in One Love and not loved it,” Bryant said. “Everyone commits themselves to the program and works hard towards common goals. There is no better place for a young, aspiring artist to be.” One Love Generation accepts applications for the studio program through late August, and applicants are notified of acceptance in September. For those not interested in participating in the art programs available at One Love Generation, there are open houses, open galleries, parent nights and other events that are open to the community. People are strongly encouraged to visit and to support One Love Generation and its mission is to advance awareness of societal issues. -Tia Borrego

Young, eager artists await the beginning of the annual summer portfolio camp to create their own art portfolios.

The studio artists recap their previous week’s Atlanta Street Art tour and begin to discuss the upcoming Costa Rica trip.

Mural artist and volunteer, Keif Schleifer explains the rich history and significant street art of Atlanta Auburn Avenue.

The teen participants in the One Love Generation mentoring program receive a new, weekly art lesson.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I prefer film photography because it makes you concentrate on getting the shot perfect the first time, as you only have a limited amount of exposures.â&#x20AC;?

- BEN SEARLES