Fresh Loaf

This week’s Time and Place photograph was shot at the corner of Piedmont and
Pharr roads. An accident had just occurred before I arrived at the
intersection and I shot this photograph through my windshield. For me, this
image is powerful because I can identify with the woman on the cell phone.
She seems to be saying, “Oh shit!” I know that feeling and I know that
expression. Driving around Atlanta on a daily basis I am shocked by the
number of accidents I see. It is unbelievable. Being a newcomer myself,
Atlanta roads are incredibly perplexing and they don’t seem to be designed
with safety in mind. Exits off intersections are confusing and streets
change names constantly. Every single day, sometimes twice a day, I pass an
intersection with a person on their cell phone with this exact same
expression. Slow down people, look both ways and be careful out there!

(Photo by Joeff Davis)

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The conventional wisdom is that 10th District Congressional candidate Barry Fleming of Harlem has truckloads more campaign funding than GOP incumbent Paul Broun of Athens, he has the support of all the heavy-hitting Republicans in the state House and his views on, well, most issues are more in line with conservative primary voters.

But judging simply from the pair’s performance in last night’s Webcast debate, Fleming looks like a man in trouble. After less than one term in Washington, Broun is still not the most practiced speaker, but Fleming, sporting heavy bags under his eyes, consistently looked and sounded tired, sullen and shifty.

By all accounts, Fleming has waged a particularly nasty, mean-spirited campaign, dredging up a 25-year-old contempt of court charge against Broun for falling behind in his alimony. Fleming tried to defend his approach by saying the way Broun handled his personal affairs back then somehow reflects on how he deals with legislation now, but that explanation didn’t sound any more convincing than it reads.

Fleming accused Broun of supporting child Internet pornography, marijuana use and other vices because he broke with the GOP pack in voting against some nanny-state legislation. But Broun seemed to deflect the criticism effectively by claiming he was standing up for personal privacy, states’ rights and other conservative ideals – all without mentioning that he is a screaming libertarian.

Finally, Fleming, who’s served as majority whip in the Georgia House for the past two years, tried to argue that his record as a legislative leader qualifies him for Congress – that is, until the AP’s Shannon McCaffrey pointed out that the most recent General Assembly was a “dismal failure.” Doh!

I’d never seen Broun in action before and while I wouldn’t want him as my congressman, I’d certainly say he came across better in all respects than the sourpussed Fleming. But please let us know if you had a different take on the debate or the race.

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Two years ago, when Otis Marks II of Lithonia was running for a DeKalb Commission seat, we described him as “a flaky motivational speaker and self-described ‘father of Psychoneurokinesthetics,’” pointing out that, “no, we don’t know what that is, either.”

Actually, we have to admit we were being a little disingenuous. Marks’ own website, www.otisspeak.org, explains quite concisely what Psychoneurokinesthetics – or PNK, as it is better(?) known – is:

Psychoneurokinesthetics (PNK) is the most advanced and recent, cutting edge tool available to maximize the quality of human existence and to optimize personal performance. PNK takes a philosophical, psychological, and scientific approach in providing a clear connection of the “Trinity of Existence”, Infinite Energy, the Human, and the Being.

O-Kay, then. What we didn’t learn until he joined the Democratic race for state House District 91 this year is that Marks is also an accomplished music producer. You’ve got to hear his campaign theme song, suggestively titled “You Come First.”

We’re totally serious – you abso-fucking-lutely need to hear this! But we warn you – don’t listen to this with a full bladder or with food in your mouth. It’s that hilarious. And it probably only sounds as if it were recorded and mixed in a bathroom.

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In Georgia politics, it’s generally accepted that an effective media buy for a statewide race costs upwards of $250,000 a week. That’s a lot of wampum. What do you do if you can’t afford to get your ads on TV?

You put them on your website, of course. That’s just what the Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate have done, some posting multiple videos. A few of them are short, TV-ready campaign ads. Others are long-form videos offering details about a certain issue or the candidate’s background.

Here’s what’s available for viewing:

Veteran TV reporter Dale Cardwell has a bit of an advantage in this area, since he can deliver his message on-camera rather than relying on voice-over talent. Right up front on his website is a short introductory video telling us that Dale is: A. honest, B. a truth-teller, and C. not controlled by special-interest PACs.

Cardwell archives his longer pieces on a different site with the less-than-catchy name, www.dalethetruth.com. There you’ll find videos that have something of the feel of the investigative reports Cardwell used to do in his old job. In two of them, he explains how the incumbent, Saxby Chambliss, is beholden to special-interest PACs. Another attacks Democratic rival Jim Martin for: 1. changing his mind about running, 2. counting Vernon Jones among his friends, and 3. you guessed it – being beholden to special-interest PACs.

In Vernon Jones’ introductory video, the DeKalb CEO touts his support for renewable energy sources. The actors hired to play grocery shoppers horrified by rising prices are a bit cheesy, but Jones himself has – not surprisingly – a smooth, confident delivery.

Jones’ other videos are a mixed bag. There’s an entertaining 10-minute recap of his entire life, beginning with his upbringing in a large, poor family in small-town South Carolina, and following his political victories – accompanied by inter-titles and a soaring, inspirational musical score. Actually, he did leave out descriptions of his many personal scandals, but we guarantee there won’t be a dry eye in the house.

He also includes a seemingly endless video about DeKalb that looks to have been produced by the county’s economic development department. It’s the sort of thing that puts people to sleep at chamber of commerce breakfasts.

New to politics, Atlanta businessman Rand Knight offers a video that merely uses ad-libbed testimonials by supporters. It looks and sounds as if it was shot at a meet-the-candidate house party, but in cutting between the same three people, it gives the impression that he has only a handful of backers.

In his “media” section, Knight has no videos, only photographs. Hundreds and hundreds of photographs. From seemingly every public appearance the guy has made. There’s Rand visiting a construction site, Rand at a Houston County meet-and-greet, Rand posing with a donkey. He’s a young, good-looking fella, but photos with almost no context don’t tell us much about what kind of senator he’d make.

Josh Lanier, on the other hand, has few pictures of himself on his site. Most of his videos feature Chambliss speaking, with Stephen Colbert-style subtitles providing commentary – except they’re not funny. His introductory video is a four-minute slow-zoom of Lanier speaking directly into the camera. And speaking. And speaking. It has something to do with offering voters an alternative to politics as usual, but only a mother would watch the whole thing.

Jim Martin, the best-funded Democrat, has been able to buy airtime; his first ad has been on TV at least a week, but if you just can’t wait to see it, you can view it here. It’s a typically slick, professionally produced, 30-second campaign ad with a stentorian voice-over citing Martin’s service in Vietnam, his concern for women’s health care and his legislative efforts to protect homeowners from foreclosure. Well-known Atlanta community activist Hattie Dorsey delivers an endorsement for Martin. And, lastly, the smiling candidate says: “I’m Jim Martin and I approved this message because it’s time someone stood up for the middle class.” The ad is almost a textbook example of going after the liberal base in a primary election.

Seen any of the ads? Did any of them sway your vote? Tell us what you liked or didn’t like. We’d love to hear your thoughts.

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Stone Mountain Lasershow

Whether it’s with sparklers at a backyard cookout, or choreographed explosions lighting up the night sky, most people enjoy heading outside to watch fireworks on the Fourth of July. Here at CL we are no exception, so we went ahead and put together a roundup of where you can calm your fireworks craving this Fri., July 4.

Not one to disappoint, Stone Mountain will celebrate the Fourth with a dual lasershow and fireworks display. Come early to enjoy all the park’s attractions for the day and then find a comfortable spot on the Memorial Lawn to check out the new and improved Lasershow at 9:30 p.m., followed by fireworks from the top and bottom of the mountain. $10 parking fee per vehicle. 770-498-5690. www.stonemountainpark.com.

The annual Fourth of July event at Centennial Olympic Park is becoming a tradition for its family-friendly and fun activities. From noon to 5 p.m. bring the kids to enjoy arts and crafts, face painting, performances, stilt walkers, inflatables and more. Beginning at 5 p.m., local band Stokeswood will put the evening in high gear, with a performance from 911 Band following. The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra headlines the musical event at 8 p.m. and will feature solo performances by actor Ric Reitz, vocalist Wendy Bennett and string trio True Dixon. The AirTran Airways Fireworks Spectacular will wrap up the event with an amazing show framed by the downtown skyline and synchronized to a selection of patriotic music. Can’t make it to the show? 11 Alive (WXIA-TV) will broadcast the show live, and the music will be broadcast on radio station Star 94 (WSLC-FM). 404-223-4090. www.centennialpark.com. Read the rest of this entry »

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Three Girls and a Needle in Ellenwood. (It’s a small town in Clayton County.)

Why so unfortunate? Well, don’t click this link and read about an infamous Internet video if you are a.) eating b.) eating ice cream or c.) hoping to preserve your innocence.

But I’m sure the gals do good work. If you’re down there and looking for their services, give ‘em a look.

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The AJC reports today on a man who hid in a tree near the Krog Street tunnel over the weekend and ambushed two young graffiti artists. The man, 43-year-old Rodney Bowman, apparently flipped out and punched one of the “vandals” twice in the face, a police report states.

One of the men, 21-year-old Jesse Jaeger, is an artist who’s exhibited at Youngblood Gallery. Both Jaegar and Joshua Ward, 19, were ticketed for defacing a building. Bowman was ticketed for disorderly conduct.

According to the story:

When an officer arrived, Bowman told him that “he had been watching the area closely” and “jumped out of the tree” to confront the vandals, the report said.

The story’s photo caption describes the Krog tunnel as the city’s “scariest” free art gallery — an alarmist characterization, to be sure, but not nearly so off-mark as calling Krog an “eyesore,” which the AJC did last year.

(Photo courtesy “Shaft’s bigscore” from CL’s Flickr group)

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The thing with young professional athletes — as ESPN’s Rick Reilly notes in today’s column — is that too many of them never consider that someday the money spigot is going to be shut off. They’ll get old and retire. It’s just a law of nature. How else do you explain Evander Holyfield building a palace in Fayette County that requires $1 million a year (in 1997 dollars) just for utilities and upkeep?

The 54,000-square-foot home has 109 rooms, including 17 bathrooms, three kitchens and a bowling alley.

There will be no more big money fights for the 45-year-old Holyfield. And his financial problems — a near foreclosure and lawsuits for child support and loan defaults — made headlines last month.

TMZ reports that yet another woman — Toi Jenese Irvin — who is the mother of one of Holyfield’s sons filed a contempt motion in Fayette County yesterday because the ex-champ has not maintained health insurance for the child, has failed to pay for his private school expenses and failed to maintain a college fund.

Holyfield was one of boxing’s greatest all-time champions. He made hundreds of millions of dollars in his career, including $35 million alone for the infamous fight with Mike Tyson where Tyson chewed off a portion of Holyfield’s ear.

It’s a sad coda for Holyfield, who claims he’s not broke and only has a cash flow problem.

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WALK IN THE FARC: The Colombian military infiltrates FARC rebel leadership, tricking the guerillas into handing over hostages who had been held in the jungle for more than five years.

MCCAIN: Accused by fellow Republican of getting hot under the collar during a 1987 negotiation with Nicaraguan guerillas, then grabbing one by his collar, “like he was throwing him up out of the chair to tell him what he thought about him or whatever.”

OXENDINE: Bars a California insurance company from doing business in Georgia after concluding that it violated rules against selling misleading or unsuitable life insurance policies to military personnel.

BATTLE OF KETTLE CREEK: Archaeologists uncover evidence that changes the story of the 1779 Revolutionary War battle in Wilkes County between 350 Patriots and 700 Loyalists.

CUMBERLAND BLUES: The Cumberland Island wildfire is still going despite rains, but visitors continue to visit the island.

TERRAPIN STATIONARY: Dylan the sea turtle, who was recently released into the wild, hasn’t traveled far, now exploring the waters off Cumberland Island, according to an online tracking map.

DENIM CRISIS: Women’s Wear Daily reports on the toll the Blue Jean Bandits are taking on metro Atlanta’s premium denim dealers.

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“Lucky 7,” a female pit bull rescued from fallen Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was killed last Friday in Florida when she was struck by a car.

The dog was one of three that were fostered by Smyrna tattoo artist Brandon Bond and his organization, Atlanta Pitbull Rescue. The dog was eventually adopted by a man in Florida.

(Photo: Atlanta Pitbull Rescue)

According to Bond, Lucky 7 was used as a “breeding dog” on the Vick property where rape stands were discovered, which are benches used in forced breeding and torture. Her face and legs were covered with scars from puncture wounds and tears from teeth where she had obviously been attacked by the males during breeding and fighting. She was pregnant when she was confiscated, and lost the puppies when she was spayed by veterinarians with the U.S. Justice department.

“She was so happy, full of life, curious, and not afraid of anything,” Bond said. “She never showed one single sign of aggression, or unhappiness, it was like she had forgotten the horrors of her past entirely. Today is a sad day for animal lovers everywhere.”

Lucky 7 escaped from her yard on Friday, and was struck by a car. The motorist stopped and drove the dog to an animal hospital, but it died en route.

“She finally got to be a dog, for the first time in her life,” Bond said. “She was happy, her new dad gave her the best six months of her life, and I know she was grateful for it, I could see it in her smile. She even slept in his bed with him. It’s a terrible loss.”

(Photo courtesy Atlanta Pitbull Rescue)

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“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” seems to be the position of some of the candidates in this year’s U.S. Senate race when it comes to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Of the seven qualified candidates, only four have stated a clear position on the proposed repeal of the law. With Pride scheduled for the 4th of July weekend, CL surveyed the field for this week’s cover story: “Pride & Patriotism.”

For Georgia Democrats, the issue carries some risk: By taking a position, they’ll either offend rural conservatives or alienate gay voters, who have become an important part of the party’s base.

Here’s what the candidates say (or don’t say) about “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”:

Saxby Chambliss (Republican) – Against the repeal.

Allen Buckley (Libertarian) – Advocates a “Don’t Ask, Can Tell” policy, and leaving any disciplinary action up to the military’s discretion.

Dale Cardwell (Democrat) – It is time to review “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Vernon Jones (D) – Against “persecution” based upon sexual orientation. No specific position on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Rand Knight (D) – A spokesman said he supports the repeal.

Josh Lanier (D) – Supports repeal and points to the shortage of Arabic linguists as a reason.

Jim Martin (D) – Wouldn’t respond to CL inquiries.

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Last night’s Atlanta Press Club debate between U.S. Rep David Scott and former state Sen. Donzella James was fairly typical in that it unspooled like a boxing match in which the fighters spend most of their time in the clutch.

That’s not to say there’s no value in the APC debates. But, speaking as one who’s served as a panelist before, the time is so limited and the format so rigid that it’s rare for anyone – candidate or reporter – to land a punch.

Still, despite their shortcomings, the debates allow you to get a sense for the candidates’ rhetorical styles and they hint at campaign issues for further research.

Tuesday’s debate mainly saw Scott defending his record as a congressman, rather than James establishing why Democratic primary voters should choose her to represent the 13th District – a hideously Franken-mandered jurisdiction that wraps around the southern rim of Atlanta, including portions of six metro counties.

Scott has been under fire since being named one of the “22 most corrupt members of Congress” last year by the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. He earned that distinction by falling a reported $167,000 behind in his taxes at the same time he was paying family members hundreds of thousands of dollars for working on his political campaigns.

But you wouldn’t have known any of that was a big deal from watching the debate, where time constraints allowed Scott to give the issue a quick brush-off.

More attention was paid to Scott’s conservative voting record, such as his recent support for the FISA bill that grants amnesty to telecom companies that helped the Bush administration illegally spy on Americans.

Other tidbits:

• Although James said she’s an environmentalist, she supports opening more areas up to oil exploration – leading one to wonder if she knows what “environmentalist” means.
• James mentioned several times that she lives in the district, but Scott doesn’t. Having seen his Inman Park mansion, I can’t say I blame him.
• Scott said one answer to high fuel prices is removing sugar tariffs so we can import Brazilian ethanol. He made it all sound so simple…
• Starting with a rambling statement about the War on Drugs, James invited Scott to join her in taking a drug test. He declined.

Finally, James brought up an incident in which Scott supposedly referred to their Republican opponent, Deborah Honeycutt, as a bitch – or, as James put it, the “B-word.” Having served several years with Scott in the state Senate, James said she gained insight into his character. “He disrespects women,” she said.

“It’s a complete lie,” Scott replied.

Sorry, but that’s all the time we have, folks. If you didn’t feel you gained adequate knowledge about the candidates from this blog post, you can watch the entire half-hour debate here.

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