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New York Times bestselling novelist Joshilyn Jackson visits Cobb County library today

Submitted by Cobb County Com... on Friday, July 29th, 8:18 am

The Cobb Library Foundation will host New York Times bestselling novelist Joshilyn Jackson Friday, July 29, as part of its "Booked for Lunch" 2011 author series. The event will be held at Indian Hills Country Club and doors open for the fundraiser at 11 a.m. Tickets are $25 each, including lunch.

Jackson's debut book, "gods in Alabama," won SIBA's 2005 Novel of the Year award and was a number one BookSense pick. She won Georgia Author of the Year for her second novel, "Between Georgia," which was also a number one BookSense pick. This made Jackson the first author in BookSense history to receive this status in back-to-back years. Her third novel, "The Girl Who Stopped Swimming," was a Break Out book at Target and has been shortlisted for the Townsend Prize for fiction. All three books were chosen for the Books-A-Million Book Club. Her latest novel is "Backseat Saints." All event proceeds will help fund the Gail Rogers Honorary Scholarship.

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Local Atlanta Blogger gives 40 lessons learned after turning 40 years old

Submitted by GA Lottery

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011, 11:04am

Local Atlanta Blogger gives 40 lessons learned after turning 40 years old

Last Monday, I turned 40 years old. I know this post is late, but I had to write this when I felt ready.

I can’t believe I am telling you that I am 40 years old, because for some reason, I can’t stand to hear the number 40 come out of my mouth and I even have an issue typing the numbers.

Saying and typing the number really sounds old to me. I’m sure I’ll get use to it sooner or later. Better yet, I just won’t say the number at all.

One thing I can say is that when I do tell someone my age, they do a double and triple take looking me up and down, because they can’t believe that I am the age I say that I am.

I am thankful that I don’t look my age. Then again what does a 40-year-old look like? Not old, I hope!

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MARIETTA: New Cobb superintendent weighs in on APS

Submitted by Jennifer Leslie, 11Alive Reporter

Monday, July 11th, 2011, 5:23pm

MARIETTA: New Cobb superintendent weighs in on APS

MARIETTA, Ga. -- Dr. Michael Hinojosa, the new superintendent of the Cobb County School District, said other systems can learn from the Atlanta CRCT cheating scandal.

COMPLETE COVERAGE: APS CRCT Investigation

"Sometimes testing is overblown," Dr. Hinojosa said following his swearing-in ceremony Monday morning. "You need to make sure people are focused on the right thing. That's student learning, not some number."

Dr. Hinojosa did not address the scandal during his first official speech to school leaders and employees.

But he did tell school board members, "I promise you I will not let you down."

He took the job after serving as head of the Dallas Independent School District in Texas for six years.

11Alive's Jennifer Leslie asked Dr. Hinojosa about the APS cheating investigation right after his swearing-in ceremony.

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People urged not to shop, work to protest Ga. law

Submitted by Associated Press

Friday, July 1st, 2011, 10:03am

People urged not to shop, work to protest Ga. law

ATLANTA (AP) -- As many parts of Georgia's law cracking down on illegal immigration take effect, a Latino community group is organizing "a day without immigrants" to protest the measure.

The Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights is calling for a day of non-compliance, asking businesses to close and community members to stay home and not work or shop Friday.

Alan Conner, owner of Dakota Blue restaurant in Grant Park, said he thinks the law is unjust and planned to close for lunch Friday in solidarity.

But some urge caution. Jerry Gonzalez, executive director of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials, says skipping work without authorization could cost people jobs in a tough economic climate.

Groups are also organizing a "march for justice" on Saturday at the state Capitol to protest the law.

(The Associated Press)

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LOCAL PROFILE: R&B Scene in Atlanta

Submitted by Eden Godbee, Where U Live Producer

Thursday, June 30th, 2011, 5:23pm

ATLANTA – Derived from popular genres of music like jazz, blues and gospel, rhythm and blues was born. Rhythm and Blues music, which is widely referred to as R&B, is unique in that it has the ability to take on many musical identities, at once. Some say the genre was first identified in Harlem, during the Harlem Renaissance, which is known as one of the most prominent cultural movements for African Americans during the 1930’s. However, others think the genre originated in the 1940’s when African Americans began moving to northern cities, creating cultural fusion.

The music evolved from “race music”, which was an offensive term that referred to the music of African Americans, into jump blues which was known for having a swing boogie, big band sound.

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BEST SPOTS: Skincare and Barberspas

Submitted by Eden Godbee, Where U Live Producer

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011, 4:24pm

ATLANTA – It’s the summer time, ‘tis the season for chic fits, light fabrics, mandals, murses and clean faces and we know you want to let it all hang out. However it’s more important for today’s modern fashionmister to have clean and healthy skin. From cleansers to exfoliants, shavers to straight ravors, shaving creams to soaps, moisturizers and sunscreen men have a wide range of product selections to maintain their signature smirk.

Of course, every guy has their own routine; some skip a day to stay smooth others use a hot towel and facial scrub, either way; they all work to achieve the same goal which is smooth skin.

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LOCAL PROFILE: Georgia's Country Music Scene

Submitted by Eden Godbee, Where U Live Producer

Thursday, June 16th, 2011, 5:36pm

ATLANTA – According to the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, “country music is a perennial Southern favorite in Atlanta and it won’t disappoint”. The music, which has its roots in the south, is known as a blend of, both, traditional and popular music. The country music genre gained widespread popularity around the mid-1900’s as music known as “hillbilly” or old-time music began to decline. Hillbilly music was a genre of music native to the people of the Ozarks. The music was usually played on acoustic instrument like a guitar or a banjo.

Over the years, old-time music changed however most of the lyrical content and instrumentation stayed the same. As it evolved, the arrangement of instruments grew to include the electronic keyboard, drums, the bass, fiddle and the harmonica.

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