Tag Archives: atlanta

Orientation Night

CRW_0017

Wow. It’s hard to believe, but in a little over a week Sam will be heading to preschool. Amy and I attended orientation night for the Grant Park Cooperative Preschool. Above, eager moms sign up for parent helper days at the school (more photos are here). We were able to meet fellow parents, hear more about solving the delays in opening the Cabbagetown Campus, and learn about the background of the Reggio Emilia approach. It’s a fascinating approach, and more of a philosophy than a curriculum like some other methods. Founded shortly after WWII in the small Italian town of the same name, the approach focuses on exploration, empowerment of even the youngest child, problem solving and expression of all forms. I think Sam’s going to love it. More on the approach on the GPCP web site is here.

Through the Glass

Can I Join Them?

Looking for something to do this Sunday, I discovered there were open slots at the Georgia Aquarium. Wanting to take advantage of our annual membership, we gathered the troops and headed over. We missed Gasper the Beluga, but Sammy had a great time. Being able to stand on his own (unlike our last visit in February), I think he enjoyed some parts a great deal more, especially the big tank window above. I still have to rant about some aspects of the facility, though. First, I booked online, and was supposed to get an email with my tickets. Well, they finally arrived, at 1:30pm for our 11am visit. Second, it’s just far too crowded. The flow of people through a facility like this one is a classic challenge, and I don’t think they’ve done a very good job. Although tickets are for one hour slots, in reality people come and stay most of the day. So the later you come, prepare to feel like a spawning fish yourself! Anyway, it’s all worth it to see Sam enjoying himself. The amazement in his eyes is clear above. Full gallery is here.

It’s the Music, Stupid

In my years as a journalist, there was a saying I was always fond of – ‘It’s the content, stupid.’ Well, I’d like to take poetic license and suggest that this applies to ballet as well. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution article (free registration required) reports this morning that the Atlanta Ballet orchestra has gone up in smoke – they have made the ‘hard decision’ to use only recorded music in all future productions. This move affects nearly 50 musicians, and will allegedly save the organization close to $400,000. What’s troubling in my mind is that the newspaper report indicates the Ballet was in the black with their 2005 fiscal year, yet suddenly needs to find a way to cut this much in costs (their total budget is reported at $7M). This issue is not unique, but for a city of Atlanta’s size, and a dance company of this stature, it’s a sad thing indeed.

Raindrops

CRW_0016

After a line of afternoon thunderstorms rolled through town, I was homeCRW_0008 grilling a nice halibut steak and picked up the macro to shoot this image above of the rainwater on a hydrangea on our porch. Amazing that just yesterday that plant looked like it was going to croak from the 90+ degree weather we’ve been having. That rainstorm was just the ticket! I also like the colors and raindrops in this other image of the plant’s blooms.