Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Getting Gas


It's about 3AM, and I just returned from a trip to the gas station. I happen to have the luxury of living a half-mile from a QT, so I took this opportunity to avoid the lines and chaos of the same station during daylight hours. I only got about seven gallons, at these prices I don't want to pay for gas I don't need, and we all know we need to ration ourselves so there'll be enough gas for the buttheads driving Hummers and Suburbans and Escalades who do more than their fair share in the battle of supply and demand.

The herd hysteria has been amazing, even worse than the way Atlantans get when there's a possibility of snow and proceed to mob the grocery stores. (Oddly, they make a run on anything white - milk, eggs, white bread, etc) We're told that the current gas shortage is caused by panic that there might be a gas shortage. So do we drive less? Apparently not. Do we respond to a shortage of gas by sitting in lines, running our engines? Ayup. Does this make sense? *shrug*

I'm reminded of FDR who said "We have nothing to fear but fear itself". The logical responses to this shortage are crowded out of our brains. We should be staying off the roads, making other plans, changing our behavior patterns until we get this under control.

Hmm, something else from those days: the billboards and posters that said "Is this trip really necessary?" would seem to be ripe for a comeback. Above is a shot of the poster version. Here is another, that could easily be updated.

I also noticed this gem of history on the Georgia Secretary of State website while researching voter stuff:

This Week in Georgia History:

On September 22, 1918:

In an effort to save fuel for use in World War I, Atlanta’s city gasoline administrator prohibited driving on Sundays, except for emergency vehicles. There were no criminal penalties, but police officers were asked to keep track of Sunday motorists and newspapers printed the names for public ridicule.


So, just some snacks for thought. Please, everyone, no matter how the rightwingers snicker at you, remember to check your tire pressure, clean junk out of your car, don't drive 80, and most of all don't make trips you don't need. There's a thousand other things you can do too. Our addiction cannot be solved just by throwing more oil at the supply side, we have to trim down on the demand side. Or else.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Shock Doctrine

My friend Dick Wooley (head of King Mojo Records) sent me a very interesting link to a short film based on the idea that nothing changes without a shock. There are definitely people who use this doctrine to their advantage. One of the best ways to render it ineffective is to understand what's being done to you and why. So, I urge you all to watch this short clip.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Oh my! Time to book Santa


Just a reminder, the holidays are now comin' atcha at full speed and will be upon you like lobbyists on a senator before you know it. Now is the time to get your bookings in order for Santa and holiday music (and I just happen to provide both). You can see my Santa photos on my website at http://www.SantaGeorgePrice.com Everyone asks me what mall I sit in; I don't have a mall job booked yet, so far, all my bookings this year are private functions such as country clubs and home visits. I probably will, though, and you can see my calendar of public appearances on my website.

I'm also eager to build relationships with photographers, advertisers, event planners and such. I'd greatly appreciate any such referrals, and few things in life are better than a grateful Santa.

Lest we forget, the holidays tend to distract us from booking a band for New Years Eve. By the time you remember, the good bands are already taken. So here's a hint: BOOK US NOW and I can promise you a show you won't forget.

Red Salt finally open

It's finally here, and the critics and patrons love it. Last Friday, while I was at Little Alley, there were (according to the fabulous Natasha), about 120 to 140 people there, pretty impressive considering it seats 67. Every time I've driven by since then, it's never looked less than half full.

The Sept. 10th issue of North Fulton Neighbor gives a glowing 3/4 page review, with nice color photos of the food. Food critic Joan Durbin used plenty of superlatives to describe the food and her reactions to it. No real surprise there, as I've told you before, Chef Richard rocks the house.

So, my congratulations to Hicham and Fix and the Little Alley family for the arrival of this little bundle of joy. Also, congrats to Roswell for attracting another restaurant good enough to make an evening in Roswell a worthwhile destination. In fact, there are a few B&Bs within walking distance, and I suggest you come make a weekend of it some time.

Red Salt is open for lunch Monday through Sunday from 11am to 3pm. Dinner 5 to 10pm Monday to Thursday, 5 to 11pm Friday and Saturday, 5 to 9pm Sunday. A limited menu is available in between lunch and dinner, and late nights after dinner until closing.

http://www.RedSaltPub.com 770-998-4850