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Given Ireland's recent rejection of the Lisbon Treaty and subsequent news coverage that showed many of the Irish to be far less educated and articulate than their American cousins would like to imagine (some Irish voters claimed they voted against the treaty because it would infringe on local tax rights while others thought it might somehow affect same sex marriage laws), it might help to remember the poetry of William Butler Yeats and W.H. Auden, or the prose of Jonathan Swift, or of course the stories of that fabulously wandering storyteller, James Joyce. Yes, especially him. Today is Bloomsday, the significance of which derives from the novel, Ulysses, written by Joyce and published in 1922. The entire story takes place in Dublin on June 16th, 1904, and involves a protagonist named Leopold Bloom, hence the moniker, Bloomsday. So, Happy Bloomsday. Lift a pint, and share a passage or two. ( Full article and comments) It’s not every day you get to spend a few seconds making pleasant chit-chat with one of the innovative pioneers of old-school hip-hop. Well, Tuesday, June 17, is one of those days, as virtuoso DJ GRANDMASTER FLASH visits Borders Buckhead tonight to sign his memoir, “Grandmaster Flash: My Beats, My Rhymes.” In addition to signing books, we’re sure Mr. Flash will answer questions about his adventures, his beats and, inevitably, his rhymes. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. 404-237-0707. www.borders.com. ( Full article and comments) Yes, she’s a polarizing figure for her outspoken political opinions and her pushy stint as co-host on “The View.” But we can’t imagine anyone getting too out of shape about ROSIE O’DONNELL’s book “Crafty U: 100 Easy Projects the Whole Family Can Enjoy All Year Long.” Before she takes the stage as part of the True Colors Tour (along with Cyndi Lauper, the B-52’s and others) tomorrow night (Monday, June 16), catch the Mistress of Mouth as she signs copies of the book at the Michaels location at 7491 North Point Parkway in the Mansell Crossing Shopping Center in Alpharetta. The signing starts at noon. For more information, call the store at 678-722-0036 or visit www.rosie.com. ( Full article and comments) You don’t have to have been a pale, socially awkward teenager in the ’80s to appreciate the pallid glamour of THE CURE, but it certainly helps. Let’s face it: Without white-faced singer-songwriter Robert Smith and his knack for alternating moody dirges with insanely catchy guitar pop and even gloomy arena rock, the heart-on-their-sleeve emo bands of today wouldn’t exist. The band’s last proper album, 2004’s “The Cure,” was a not-entirely-successful attempt at stadium sludge-rock, but that slight misstep is overshadowed by a grab-bag of indelible hits, from the spiky New Wave of “Boys Don’t Cry” to the glittering “Just Like Heaven” and the jangly “Friday I’m in Love.” The Cure performs at the Arena at Gwinnett Center tomorrow, Sunday, June 15 at 8 p.m. 404-249-6400. www.gwinnettcenter.com. ( Full article and comments) Delicately avoid your breakfast in bed responsibilities this Father’s Day by taking Dad to REAL MEN COOK Sunday afternoon, June 15, at the Georgia Railroad Depot from 3-6 p.m. Check out the culinary talents of over 100 male cooks, chefs, caterers and kitchen maestros as they serve up delicious creations for charity. Entertainment includes R&B artist Tony Terry, Hank Stewart and jazz singer Myrna Clayton. Proceeds benefit Communities in Schools, the Soul Food Museum and the Georgia chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America. Adult admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door; kids get in for $10 in advance, $15 at the door. 404-344-8496. www.realmencook.com. ( Full article and comments) BREW UP A GOOD TIME FOR CHARITY: Chow down on finger-lickin’ barbecue from Fox Bros., jam to the sounds of Almost Blue and wash it all down with some of Atlanta’s finest local suds during ROCK THE CURE, a fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation on Saturday, June 14. Brewery tours are also available. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. The first 200 guests receive a limited-edition SweetWater/JDRF glass. For more information, call 404-420-5996 or visit www.jdrfgeorgia.org/rock-the-cure.asp. DON’T FORGET YOUR PENGUIN SUIT: It’s the weekend—time to toss those boring work shoes in favor for something more dance-worthy. Boogie down at TANGO ON THE TUNDRA, the Fernbank Museum’s annual Lost Oasis fundraiser on Saturday, June 14. Revelers can enjoy bites from Proof of the Pudding and a themed open bar, complete with Tango-tinis and Cha-Cha Chills. And don’t forget the live music from Limelight. Tickets are $100, benefiting Fernbank’s children’s programs. 404-929-6300. www.fernbankmuseum.org. ARTS AND CRAFTS ON THE ROCKS: Make the trek up to Stone Mountain Saturday afternoon to peruse the wares of local artists and crafters at the 36TH ANNUAL ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL ON MAIN STREET. The event lasts from 9 a.m. ‘til 8 p.m.—but what’s an all-day adventure without some sustenance? Lucky for you, the festival is held in conjunction with the 2ND ANNUAL BBQ COOKOFF, where you can taste and vote for your favorite barbecue dishes. Topping it off is a live performance from alternative rock band Five Star Iris. For more information: www.stonemountainpark.com. ( Full article and comments) Since today is the official opening for H&M's Atlantic Station location, I wanted to add a few details to Meryl's post about the H&M preview.
Outdoors
The party (oh, it was a party!) started at 7 p.m. and was supposed to end at 10. I and my girlfriend arrived around 7:45.
Even though this was an invitation-only preview, the line was long, wrapping around the building. Security and very friendly staff/PR people were always in sight. I felt lucky when I was allowed to sneak in ahead of the line with the good ol' press pass.
Indoors
The first thing I noticed were the models offering trays of wine (different varieties of both red and white), cocktails and hors d'oeuvres that ranged from tuna tartare to creme brulée.
In the center of the first floor was a stylish DJ spinning everything from old-school house music to just-released hip-hop. She kept the crowd moving through the store all night. I frequently saw people dancing in the aisles, although I'm sure the unlimited pouring of alcohol had something to do with that. Unfortunately, I never got the DJ's name.
The H&M staff were all ultra-friendly and easy to talk to. I couldn't turn around without seeing someone who was ready to help with anything I might need—always with a smile. That isn't the most common thing these days, especially under the pressure of a new opening. I was impressed.
After looking around for a few minutes, I went upstairs to browse the men's section. As is typical almost everywhere, this section only takes up a small portion of the store. But I can't complain too much, because everything on site was something that I would wear; and that's why I've always enjoyed H&M.
I got out of the building with a receipt that fit in my pocket. My girlfriend, on the other hand, ended up with a receipt folded at least 17 times, but she'll still be able to pay the rent. So I guess I don't even need to mention that everything is so damn cheap! OK, I won't mention that. And the quality is generally good. I won't mention that either.
I haven't seen people this excited for a store opening in a long time. As I type, I've received word that more than 200 people have camped out for today's public opening of the store. I'll try to post some photos tonight.
H&M should stand for Hot & Modern!
Rich ( Full article and comments) Eat, drink and make a difference tonight during the 24TH ANNUAL MARCH OF DIMES DINING OUT benefit event. Enjoy a three-course meal at one of the city’s finest restaurants (including City Grill, Parish, Straits and Pricci), followed by an after-party at Opera, featuring specialty cocktails, cupcakes, a silent auction (items for bid include a vacation to Mexico and box seats for an upcoming Dave Matthews Band concert) and dancing into the night. Prices are $1,000 for a table of eight and $1,500 for a table of 10, depending on the restaurant; individual after-party tickets are $40. For tickets, a list of participating eateries, call Jennifer Cobb at 404-350-9800, ext. 208, or visit www.marchofdimes.com/georgia. ( Full article and comments) Wednesday evening I had the opportunity to attend an early viewing of the new H&M store at Atlantic Station. Never having been in an H&M store before, I was very impressed with the quality of the clothes and the prices. The two-story building carries a variety of styles, from basic t-shirts and jeans, to evening wear, catering not just to women, but men, babies and children as well. You’ll definitely be able to find what you’re looking for and then some without breaking the bank. H&M is sure to attract a crowd when it opens Friday, June 13 at noon. ( Full article and comments) |