Branford Marsalis added to Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival lineup

Branford Marsalis and his quartet have been added to the lineup of musicians performing during this year’s Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival.

Sting, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, Ruben Blades and Earth, Wind & Fire will also be performing during the two-day festival, scheduled for Sept. 2-3.

“Our incredible line-up of iconic award-winning artists, including Stevie Wonder, Sting and now the Branford Marsalis Quartet, will be a huge draw for this year’s Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival,” Curaçao Tourist Board Marketing Manager North America André Rojer said in a news release. “Building on the success of last year’s Festival, this year’s event is sure to heighten awareness of Curaçao as the hottest island in the Caribbean, as evidenced by the many hotels that are already fully booked for the Festival dates.”

This year’s festival will be held at the island’s World Trade Center in Piscadera Bay. Upwards of 18,000 people attended last year’s festival. In the week leading up to the festival, a number of Curaçaoän artists are expected to perform in various “pop up” concerts around the island.

For more information about the festival, visit www.curacaonorthseajazz.com.

IF YOU GO: American Airlines and Insel Air offer service to Curaçao from Miami. Continental Airlines offers service from Newark, and Insel Air has launched service to the island from Charlotte. Charlotte, Miami and Newark are easily accessible from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Now, that's a large cactus

Taken May 9, 2011, in Curacao.

'A needless effusion of blood'

EMERSON, Ga. -- After the fall of Atlanta, Confederate Gen. John Bell Hood began marching north toward Nashville, Tenn. Hoping to break Sherman's supply line, Hood attacked at Union troops positioned at Allatoona Pass on Oct. 5, 1864. The battle that ensured is considered by many historians to be one of the Civil War's bloodiest battles.

Before the battle began, Confederate Gen. Samuel G. French demanded that Union troops surrender "in order to avoid a needless effusion of blood." French gave his Union counterpart, Gen. John M. Corse, five minutes to decide. Corse declined, saying: "We are prepared for the 'needless effusion of blood' whenever it is agreeable to you."

French was right – it was a "needless effusion of blood," and about 1,600 soldiers on both sides died in the battle. Though the Confederates experienced some initial success and overtook some of the outer entrenchments, they could not drive Union troops from Star Fort atop the mountain. With their ammunition running low and reports of Union reinforcements, the Confederates retreated; Union forces regained control of the pass.

Union forces lost 35 percent of their troops while the confederates lost 27 percent – numbers that rival the number of casualties suffered at the Battle of Gettysburg. Interestingly, Sherman first learned about the plan to attack Allatoona Pass by reading southern newspapers, which published a speech Confederate President Jefferson Davis gave in September 1864 in which he detailed his plans.

Today, the pass is as impressive as it was 160 years ago. The railroad has long been rerouted, but the sound of nearby passing freights still echoes in the pass. The remnants of Star Fort sit atop Allatoona Mountain. The site of this bloody battle now sits on the edge of Lake Allatoona and is part of Red Top Mountain State Park. In addition to the pass and the fort, there are a number of monuments dedicated to the soldiers who fought in the battle.

Dylan brings the 'Thunder' to Chastain

Two things are quickly apparent at a Bob Dylan concert.

First, this isn't the oldies circuit. While the set list includes a fair number of Dylan's hits from his five-decade-long career, his songs -- new or old -- are updated and refreshed. They sound like the original recording, but melodies are slightly altered and timing mixed up, keeping old standards from sounding tired. A sing along this is not.

And, Dylan is a heck of an organ grinder.

For the set list Thursday's concert at Chastain Amphitheater, Dylan turned to both his classics ("Tangled Up in Blue," "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" and "Like a Rolling Stone") and tunes from the last decade ("Beyond Here Lies Nothin'," "Sugar Baby," and "Mississippi." -- a list that showed the depth and skill of Dylan's backing band, which has for the most part remained the same for the last four or five years.

During the roughly 90 minute concert, the poet laureate of American music showed once again that he has a unique knack for re-inventing even his most famous compositions.

For the better part of the past decade, Dylan has played keyboard during live concerts and in this latest tour, it seems Dylan has elevated his game to a new level. His interplay with guitarist Charlie Sexton on "Highway 61 Revisited," "The Levee's Gonna Break" and "Thunder on the Mountain" was nothing short of inspirational.

Dylan and his band sizzled, but they never overpowered the venue. They added a summer bounce to "Mississippi" -- a decade-old song from 2001's "Love & Theft" -- and Dylan seemed to half-speak, half-sing the words to "Tangled Up in Blue" while his band provided a funk-like groove in the background. As odd as that may sound on paper, it works live. The band had purpose with every note it played.

The crowd, which sat for most of the concert, came alive for "Like a Rolling Stone," which opened Dylan's two-song encore. Is it too bold to suggest this may have been the best version since the Free Trade Hall performance of 1966? Maybe, but it was a highlight of the show.

The energy level rose with each song, and Dylan's voice opened up as the night progressed -- like a fine bottle of wine after it is uncorked.

The set list for Thursday's show:

• Rainy Day Women # 12 & 35
• Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
• Things Have Changed
• Tangled Up In Blue
• Beyond Here Lies Nothin'
• Mississippi
• The Levee's Gonna Break
• Sugar Baby
• Highway 61 Revisited
• A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall
• Thunder On The Mountain
• Ballad Of A Thin Man

Encore

• Like A Rolling Stone
• All Along The Watchtower

It's impossible to know what Dylan was thinking during Thursday's performance, but it sure looked like he was having fun -- the audience certainly was.

Dylan rocks Chastain

ATLANTA -- Move over Al Kooper. Mr. Dylan will take over from here.

Bob Dylan isn't one to be relegated to the oldies circuit. Sure, his concerts feature any number of his greatest hits from his four-decade-long repertoire, but the poet laureate of American music has a unique knack for re-inventing even his most famous compositions.

Dylan brought the latest chapter to his storied music career to Atlanta's Chastain Amphitheater on Thursday, and his band did not disappoint.

For the set list for Thursday's concert, Dylan relied on both his classics ("Tangled Up in Blue," "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" and "Like a Rolling Stone") and tunes from the last decade ("Beyond Here Lies Nothin'," "Sugar Baby," and "Mississippi."

For the better part of the past decade, Dylan has played keyboard during live concerts and in this latest tour, Dylan has elevated his game to a whole new level. His interplay with guitarist Charlie Sexton on "Highway 61 Revisited," "The Levee's Gonna Break" and "Thunder on the Mountain" was noting short of inspirational.

Dylan and his band sizzled, but they never overpowered the venue.

The set list for Thursday's show:

• Rainy Day Women # 12 & 35
• Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
• Things Have Changed
• Tangled Up In Blue
• Beyond Here Lies Nothin'
• Mississippi
• The Levee's Gonna Break
• Sugar Baby
• Highway 61 Revisited
• A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall
• Thunder On The Mountain
• Ballad Of A Thin Man

Encore

• Like A Rolling Stone
• All Along The Watchtower

It's impossible to know what Dylan was think during Thursday's performance, but it sure looked like he was having fun -- especially when he lit up the keyboard with one of his many solos.

Congress fails to reauthorize FAA

Congress did not reauthorize the FAA this week, and the federal agency has furloughed 4,000 employees nationwide as a result.

Federal officials, however, contend passenger safety is not at risk.

“The FAA employees who will be furloughed perform critical work for our nation’s aviation system and our economy,” FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said in a statement. “These are real people with families who do not deserve to be put out of work during these tough economic times.”

Since Congress didn’t reauthorize the FAA, officials say a number of construction projects are at risk, including one at Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport, which didn’t receive $8 million in federal funds, Georgia Public Broadcasting reported.

“I’m very disappointed that Congress adjourned today without passing a clean extension of the FAA bill,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement. “Because of their inaction, states and airports won’t be able to work on their construction projects, and too many people will have to go without a paycheck. This is no way to run the best aviation system in the world.”

However, in a bit of good news, until the FAA is reauthorized, traveling is actually cheaper, GPB reported.

“If you purchased a ticket, say, a month ago, and you traveled on Saturday or over the weekend or anytime during the lapse, you as a passenger are actually owed a refund on taxes paid because the service is performed during that lapse, during that period,” GPB quoted Steve Lott of the Air Transport Association as saying.

Central Ohio's Essenplatz closes after 17 years

A Central Ohio dining institution has closed after nearly two decades serving up home-cooked comfort food.

"We would like to inform all of our customers of almost 17 years that we are now closed," Miller's Essenplatz Restaurant said on its website. "We have made many friends and are grateful to all who helped our dream become reality in opening a restaurant on February 14, 1994.

"Many, many thanks to our loyal customers who have been with us through the good years and the difficult times," the restaurant added. "We also thank our employees for the many wonderful years."
The Newark, Ohio, restaurant in its statement indicated it "may have future plans to open a bakery/deli/catering business."

LaHood, Babbitt: Reauthorize FAA

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Randy Babbitt are asking Congress to approve a reauthorization of the FAA, which expires at midnight tonight.

If no action is taken, officials say project construction delays and employee furloughs are possible. However, officials say there is no reason to worry about passenger safety.

"Congress needs to stop playing games, work out its differences, and pass a clean FAA bill immediately. There is no excuse for not getting this done," LaHood said in a statement. "Important programs and construction projects are at stake.  This stalemate must be resolved."

Without action, up to 4,000 furloughs could start as soon as Saturday, the FAA contends.

"We are going to be forced to furlough valuable FAA employees unless this situation is resolved quickly," Babbitt said in a statement. "These employees do everything from getting money out the door for airport construction projects, to airport safety planning and NextGen research. We need them at work."

Retracing the Olympics of 1996

ATLANTA – Fifteen years ago today, the Centennial Olympics came to town.

As such, it’s the perfect time to retrace some of the landmarks of the 1996 summer games.

The former Olympic Stadium lives on – albeit it in an altered state – as Turner Field, home of Major League Baseball’s Atlanta Braves.

The stadium was home to the opening and closing ceremonies as well as track and field events during the 1996 games. Following the closing ceremony, the stadium was transformed into the ballpark that it is today.

Perhaps the most apparent Olympic symbol that remains in town is the Olympic torch.

The torch was originally located in Olympic Stadium, but was moved to its current location at the intersection of Fulton Street and Capitol Avenue nearby Turner Field.

One last location worth noting is Centennial Olympic Park. The park was built as a central green space and remains a popular place for outdoor events. Sadly, the park is associated with the July 27, 1996, Olympic bombing that claimed two lives and injured more than 110 people.

UPDATE: Delta cutting service to smaller markets

ATLANTA -- Delta Air Lines on Friday said it is planning to cut service to 24 smaller, under-performing markets, a move that will save the company millions of dollars.

"Flights in these markets on average depart with 52 percent of the seats filled, with some locations as low as 12 percent," the company said in a news release announcing the move. "This compares to a domestic system load factor of 83 percent for 2010."

The company said some flights have even flown without any passengers on board. The change will eliminate $14 million in annual loses on the flights to the smaller markets, the airline said.

"While Delta would prefer to continue serving these communities, the new reality of mounting cost pressures faced by our industry means we can no longer afford to provide this service," the company said in its release. "As we continue to strengthen our business, Delta is retiring the Saab turboprops and some 50-seat jet aircraft, which will hinder the financial viability of serving these smaller markets."

Airports affected by the decision are located nationwide and include Thief River Falls, Minn.; Aberdeen, S.D.; and Greenville, Miss. Delta offers the flights under the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which provides airlines with subsidaries to fly to markets that might otherwise not have passenger air service,.

Delta cutting service to smaller markets

ATLANTA -- Delta Air Lines on Friday said it is planning to cut service to smaller, under-performing markets.

"While Delta would prefer to continue serving these communities, the new reality of mounting cost pressures faced by our industry means we can no longer afford to provide this service," the company said in a statement. "As we continue to strengthen our business, Delta is retiring the Saab turboprops and some 50-seat jet aircraft, which will hinder the financial viability of serving these smaller markets."

Huey

Taken July 10, 2011, in Alpharetta, Ga.

Legoland slated to open in less than 100 days

Central Florida’s newest theme park – Legoland – is on track to open on Oct. 15 – in less than 100 days, theme park officials said.

Merlin Entertainment is building the theme park on a 150 acre tract of land formerly occupied by Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven. The park will feature more than 50 attractions.

“We have construction workers hard at work six days a week,” a spokeswoman told The Ledger newspaper of Lakeland, Fla. “Every single day the park looks completely different. Sidewalks are being poured; pavers are being put down. It's an incredible process.”

The Florida location will be the second Legoland in North America – a California location opened in 1999. There are also Legoland parks in Denmark, Germany and the United Kingdom.

The park’s Miniland USA will feature scaled down version of various cities, including Las Vegas, Washington and New York.

Adult tickets for the new Legoland will start at $65 while children’s and senior’s tickets will cost $55; children under 3 years old can enter the park free of charge.

Cypress Gardens opened in 1936 and closed in 2009.

Moran proposes legislation to create 'Melting Pot Museum'

A Congressman from Virginia wants to create a "Melting Pot Museum," saying the museum "would bring together all the stories of the ethnicities that make up the fabric of our society."

U.S. Rep. Jim Moran, D-Va., introduced legislation to create a Presidential Commission to study the establishment of a Museum of the American People. The museum would examine the role immigration has played in the development of American society, according to the Congressman.

"With 160 museums and monuments along the National Mall, there is no one institution telling the complete narrative of the many, vibrant ethnicities that make up the fabric of the American experience," Rep. Moran said in a news release. "There should always be room for museums in our nation's capital devoted to all manner of art, cultural and scientific accomplishments, but we must leave future generations room on the National Mall to honor their heroes and causes.

"The Museum of the American People would bring together all the stories of the ethnicities that make up the fabric of our society, precluding the need for more and more individual museums representing one particular ethnicity or culture," Moran added.

Music Midtown returning to Atlanta

ATLANTA -- Music Midtown is back.

The festival is returning for one day on Sept. 24, city officials announced yesterday. It will feature two stages and a lineup of local and national artists; Coldplay is the headliner.

Other acts include The Black Keys, Cage the Elephant, Manchester Orchestra, Young The Giant, Band of Skulls, Joy Formidable, The Constellations, Mona and The Postelles.

From 1994-2005, Music Midtown attracted hundreds of thousands of people. A portion of the proceeds from Music Midtown 2011 will go toward funding recreation centers and after-school activities.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on July 16.

Officials: Visitor spending in Georgia increases in 2010

ATLANTA – Tourism remains an important industry for the Peach State, as visitors spent $21 billion in Georgia during 2010, state officials boasted Wednesday.

That’s an 8.3 percent increase compared to 2009, new numbers from the U.S. Travel Association indicate.

The spending by domestic and international tourists translates into more than 233,800 jobs connected to the tourism industry, according to state officials. The spending also led to $1.56 billion in state and local tax revenue to Georgia, which resulted in a $459 tax savings for each household in the state, officials said.

“Georgia’s tourism industry plays a vital role in our economic prosperity and improving the quality of life for all Georgians,” Gov. Nathan Deal said in a news release. “In a challenging economic climate, tourism has been a source of strength as more and more people discover what Georgia has to offer.”

The number of international travelers to Georgia in 2010 increased 19 percent, officials said.

Enjoy 'Summer Steam Days' at Savannah museum

A Savannah railroad museum is firing up a nearly century old steam locomotive this summer.

The Roundhouse Railroad Museum kicked off its Summer Steam Days on July 2. The celebration continues until July 24.

As part of Summer Steam Days, visitors to the museum can hop aboard a train pulled by a 1913 0-4-0T Alco locomotive for a guided train ride through the historical complex. In addition, the museum offers walking tours through the grounds.

The Roundhouse Railroad Museum is located in a former Central of Georgia Railway roundhouse.

In 1989, the Coastal Heritage Society took over management of the facility to preserve the shops for future generations. Today, the Roundhouse Railroad Museum is home to more than 40 pieces of railroad equipment, including locomotives and rolling stock.

Summer Steam Days continues on Tuesdays through Sundays through July 24. Train rides are scheduled for 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday train rides are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

For more information, call (912) 651-6823 or visit http://www.chsgeorgia.org/home.cfm/page/RoundhouseRailroad.htm.

Peachtree Road Race continues Atlanta July 4 tradition

ATLANTA -- The 42nd annual Peachtree Road race took to the streets under a banner of patriotic fervor and enthusiasm.

"I'm excited to be in the Peachtree again," one long-time participant said. "It's a fun Fourth of July tradition for my family."

More than 60,000 took part in this year's 10K race, which was one of the hotter ones. By the time the race started, the temperature was in the mid 70s, and the humidity was high.

A number of runners fell victim to the heat and humidity, turning to medical personnel mid-way through the race.

Sammy Kitwara of Kenya won this year's race with a time of 28 minutes and 5 seconds for the 6.2 mile run. But, even Kitwara wasn't immune to the heat, telling ajc.com "it was just too hot."

Werknesh Kidane of Ethiopia won the women's race with a time of 31 minutes and 22 seconds.

Krige Schabort of Cedartown won the men's wheelchair race with a time of 19 minutes and 47 seconds. Tatyana McFadden of Clarksville, Md., won the women's wheelchair race with a time of 24 minutes and 46 seconds.

Peachtreet Road Race continues Atlanta July 4 tradition

ATLANTA -- The Peachtree Road race kicked off under a banner of patriotic fervor and enthusiasm.
"I'm excited to be in the Peachtree again," one long-time runner said. "It's a fun Fourth of July tradition for my family."

FAA: Tired controllers can now request to take leave

Air traffic controllers can now request to take leave if they are too fatigued to work air traffic, under a new agreement between the FAA and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA).

“Air traffic controllers have the responsibility to report rested and ready to work so they can safely perform their operational duties,” FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said in a news release. “But we also need to make sure we have the right policies in place to reduce the possibility of fatigue in the workplace.”

The agreement also reinforces an existing FAA policy prohibiting air traffic controllers from sleeping while they are performing assigned duties.

“We supported the FAA's action to enhance aviation safety by eliminating single staffing on the midnight shift and we fully support these recommendations that address fatigue,” NATCA President Paul Rinaldi said in a news release. “They are common sense solutions to a safety problem that NATCA and fatigue experts have consistently raised for many years.”

Avoid an unwanted visit from a bear

ATLANTA -- Summer is a great time for seeing bears, even if a visit to more traditional bear habitats -- or the zoo -- isn't on the agenda.

But one way to avoid an unwanted visit from one of the 5,100 bears estimated to live in the Peach State: don't feed the bears.

"Bears can become habituated to people when they are fed – whether intentional or not," Adam Hammond, wildlife biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division, said in a news release.

"When a bear knows it can get a 'free meal,' it will return again and again until eventually it loses its natural fear of humans," Hammond added. "This is when the majority of human-bear conflicts occur and the bear is labeled a nuisance."

Another way to avoid a visit from a bear is to store garbage in the garage if necessary and keep grills and bird feeders in areas bears can't access, experts say.

In Georgia, bears are usually found in one of a few areas -- the north Georgia mountains, around the Ocmulgee River in middle Georgia and in the Okefenokee Swamp in the southern part of the state.

BEARS IN GEORGIA

Black bears commonly are found in three areas of the state - the north Georgia mountains, the Ocmulgee River drainage system in central Georgia and the Okefenokee Swamp in the southeastern part of the state. However, black bears can and do range over larger areas; especially in early spring and late summer, when natural food sources are scarce. Young male bears are also known to disperse in an effort to establish their own territory.

Though the American black bear (Ursus americanus) is now considered the most common bear in North America and the only native bear found in Georgia, at one point the species was nearly eradicated from the state due to poaching and habitat loss. Yet, because of sound wildlife management practices Georgia's current black bear population is healthy and thriving and estimated at approximately 5,100 bears statewide.

For more information regarding black bears, visit www.georgiawildlife.com, contact a WRD Game Management office or call (770) 918-6416. The public also can visit their local library to check out a copy of an informational DVD entitled, "Where Bears Belong: Black Bears in Georgia."

-- Georgia DNR

Officials: Stay safe on the water this July 4

ATLANTA -- With so much focus on the highways this Independence Day, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is encouraging boaters to play it safe on the water.

"It is easy to get caught up in the casual spirit of being out on the lake and having a great time – but let us provide a special message to the boat operator," DNR Assistant Chief of Law Enforcement Lt. Col. Jeff Weaver said in a news release.

"Don't allow interest in having a great time deter you from your responsibility of being vigilant for the safety of your passengers and for others on the water," Weaver added. "These people are in your hands and we want you to take that seriously."

To date in 2011, there have been seven boating deaths in Georgia and 22 drownings in state waters, according to the DNR. Also, rangers have issued 79 citations for boating under the influence (BUI), DNR numbers show.

Officials offer a number of tips for staying safe on the waters this holiday, including wearing a life vest, not drinking while boating and knowing the rules for boating. They also suggest taking a boating safety class.

AAA: Travel projected to decrease this weekend

ATLANTA -- An estimated 39 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home this holiday weekend, AAA predicts.

However, that's a 2.5 percent decrease from the 40 million people who traveled last year. The number of Georgians traveling this year (1 million) is projected to decrease 2.4 percent, AAA said.

"AAA projects a slight decrease in the number of Independence Day travelers as a result of gas prices averaging a dollar more per gallon than last year," Brent Hubele, vice president, AAA Travel, said in a news release. "As with the Memorial Day holiday, the rising cost of fuel is having a more significant impact on those with lower household discretionary spends and has shifted the demographics of the typical Independence Day traveler."

Meanwhile, in Georgia, motorists have some good news: The Georgia Department of Transportation is suspending lanes closures related to construction this weekend.

"For the past decade, Georgia averaged about 1,900 crashes each Fourth of July weekend with an average of 16 deaths and another 750 injuries," Transportation Commissioner Vance. C. Smith Jr. said in a news release. "Enjoy America's many birthday festivities, but please be very careful while driving and do not drive impaired or distracted."

There will not be any closures between 5 a.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Tuesday, the department said.