Gator Redemption

November 1 in Jacksonville seems a little less bitter today and it has nothing to do with Tim Tebow.

Today the Georgia Gym Dogs defeated the Florida Gators in a home gymnastics meet in front of a sold out crowd of 10,224 in Stegeman Coliseum.

The Gym Dogs posted an incredible 198.200 to triumph the Gator's 196.650. Courtney Kupets also earned a perfect 10 on her floor routine for the Bulldogs.

The Gym Dogs are now 6-0, but as we all very well know, they are certainly not done yet.

With four consecutive national championships under their belts, it is now more clear then ever that the Gym Dogs are "all in for 10."

The next home meet will be held March 14 at 7:30 vs Michigan. This is the final home meet of the season and I can promise it will be one to not be missed!

Gym Dogs gymnastics meets are a great reason to enjoy Georgia athletics--beyond the fall--and get a taste of Athens in the process, so when you are planning that next Saturday afternoon outing with the kids, count this as your one way to ensure everyone will leave happy and ready to start training for a collegiate gymnastics career--including parents.

Celebrate Athens Arts this Weekend!

In January when Athens was named one of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, locals were all handed a challenge: embrace Athens, get out and explore.

Well here is a great opportunity to do just that, not just for locals but for anyone looking for a good reason to make a getaway to Athens. As the rain sets in for the weekend, I find one of the best remedies to be the arts. Whether it be a great play, exhibit or just a movie, it's the perfect cure for the rainy-time blues.

This weekend Athens hosts Celebrate the Arts, a celebration produced by the Athens Area Arts Council including gallery tours, exhibitions and performing arts.

The Athens Jewish Film Festival will include six feature length and numerous short films exploring the Jewish identity , culture and experience at Cine throughout the weekend.

Or check out a stage show, the Russian National Ballet Theatre will preform the classic, Swan Lake Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

So get out, avoid the rain and embrace all Athens has to offer!

Athens College Track

As we all know, one of biggest contributors to poverty is a lack of education. However, as one group of University students are proving, making scholarship information available to students is an effective way to produce change.

Athens College Track, a partner of College Bound Aid, was created to inform students and parents about the financial issues involved in education post-high school.

Earlier this week, Athens College Track sponsored The College Track Game, a life-sized board game designed to teach students about the importance of saving for college. Two weeks before the event (which was hosted by Clarke Central High School), students competed in an essay contest, answering the question, “Why do you think college students graduate with debt? How can you start early to avoid this situation?”

The top three essay candidates competed in The College Track Game, which was modeled after the game of LIFE and taught students how to prepare for college in a fun, interactive way.

UGA athletes cheered on the students and spoke about the importance of a college education. The game’s winner received a scholarship from Horizon Staffing. Athens–area professionals were available after the game to talk to students about different career options.

Living in a college town, we are fortunate to have the resources of not only a top university in the nation, but also the community in which to put our knowledge to work. Making a difference does not always mean spending thousands of dollars, but can be something as simple as showing the future bulldog generations that college is an option...for everyone.

Congratulations to the UGA student Bateman team within PRSSA for planning such a successful event and making a lasting impression on those students who may sitting next to you in class this fall.

More than just a "Taste of Athens"

I have had two main loves during my life as a student at UGA: football and food.

I am always up to try a new restaurant, and although I am not always the most open to trying 'exotic' new dishes, I would have to say I get full enjoyment out of most everything I do taste.

And Athens is the perfect place to cure all of my cravings. From Italian to Cuban, there is something for everyone in the Classic City.

Check out Dawg Food, a blog about Athens' eats run by UGA student Katherine Strate.

But if you do like to stick to your few favorite places, this weekend is your chance to branch out.

This Sunday February 22, 2009 is Taste of Athens, an opportunity to sample more than 50 local restaurants in one evening along with wine and beer tasting, a silent auction and live entertainment at the Classic Center.

This year marks the 25th anniversary and I can assure you it will be nothing short of fabulous.

I know samples from a few of my favorites, 5&10 and Casa Mia, are enough to have me hooked.

Tickets range in price from $45 to $75 and are available online, or at Aurum Studios of Community Connection of NEGA. Discounted tickets are also available for groups of six or more.

For more details about participants and events visit the Taste of Athens website!

Athens Music on your ipod...where else?

UGA Students, Amanda Harkins and Rusty Bailey are now offering a weekly podcast about Athens music!

The Podcast, called Athens Music Weekly is free and available through The Grady Journal.

Each Friday the pair will give you insight into their top three picks for the weekend and why.

The Grady Journal is an online space for students in the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication to experiment with and learn about online journalism in the 21st century. Funded by the Cox Institute for Newspaper Management Studies and supported by the Department of Journalism, students from across the college are invited to participate.

Be sure to check it out each week!

It's not always chocolate and roses

So by now everyone is making those last minute Valentine's Day plans with that special someone.

But for those of use without a significant other, February 14 should not be a day to sit inside and wish for better days.

Athens has plenty of ideas--for even the most single of us.

My best bet is the Nuci's Space Heartbreakers Ball.

Buddy System, Horse Party and Damon Moon are all playing at Little Kings for $3...and all of the proceeds benefit Nuci's Space, a support center for depression in Athens.

The party starts at 9:30 p.m!

Not your everyday circus...

If you have driven through Atlanta within the last month it is hard to miss the large yellow and blue tent just outside of 75/85 in Atlantic Station: Cirque du Soleil.

Cirque du Soleil is known for their high-flying acrobatics and breathtaking costumes, but they aren't the only ones astonishing crowds.

This Wednesday, Feb. 11, Athens will host a very similar show: Cirque Dreams: Jungle Fantasy at the Classic Center.

The show, an America version of Cirque du Soleil, is sure to wow crowds and provide the same thrills closer to home.

Tickets are available at the Classic Center website and range from $20-70 and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

I have not yet seen this show, but I am a Cirque du Soleil fan...to say the least...and I cannot wait to experience the magic here at home.

Looking for Love?

Getting away for Valentine's Day this year might be a little tougher this year, as many of us are feeling the crunch of the current economy.

Athens, located only a little over an hour outside of downtown Atlanta, makes the perfect getaway. Athens offers every detail of a big city in its own charming way.

Even better, many local businesses are offering excellent deals for travelers looking to venture out of the ordinary this weekend.

Check out some of these great ideas!

Theatre performances:
"Love Letters," presented by Athens Community Theatre. Couples tickets include a complimentary rose and dessert buffet at intermission. 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13-14, and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15. Tickets are $15 and may be reserved by calling 706.613.3800.

"Cabaret," presented by Town & Gown Players, is the classic tale of romance and politics in 1930's Berlin. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $18, $15 for seniors/students and may be reserved by calling 706.208.8696.

Music:
The Fabulous 40 Watt Club presents an Adult Swim-themed costume dance party on Friday with Kite to the Moon, Velveteen Pink, and Immuzikation. Tickets are $8/$10 for under 21, and proceeds will benefit Rock Against Cancer. Valentine's at the 40 Watt on Saturday includes Dancer vs. Politician and Lost in the Trees. For tickets, log on to www.40watt.com.

The Georgia Theatre also has a banner weekend of music in store. Robert Earl Keen with Stewart & Winfield will bring country-folk to Athens on Friday, and Sister Hazel and the Benjy Davis Project come to Athens on Saturday with American rock. For tickets, log on to www.georgiatheatre.com.

The Melting Point will present the legendary Francine Reed for a special Valentine's performance on Saturday.

Don't forget about overnight packages as well! There are a bunch of great packages for every budget, see them all here.

Wake-n-Bake--with Beer.

Last week Terrapin Beer Company held its annual Wake-n-Bake competition with great success.

What better to pair local beer with than local desserts?

This year’s prize went to Dean for his creative and delicious array of Wake-n-Bake Oatmeal Imperial Stout Dark Chocolate Coconut Dessert Bars.



If you haven't yet made it to the Terrapin Company for a full tour, complete with samples, be sure to check it out.

In the meantime, enjoy a sneak peak.

Coffee anyone?

We all know there are plenty of great places to get coffee in Athens, but this one has to take the cake in my book.

Two Story Coffeehouse, located in five points, opened this past fall and has seen a daily rush of customers ever since. Seldom will you find a time when more than one table in vacant in this literal house converted into a cafe.

But don't let that deter you from going. Two Story boasts a first floor full of comfy chairs, tables to sit and chat, a bar area and outside deck; while the second floor is committed to a more quiet atmosphere full of study/conference rooms.

Two Story proudly brews 1000 Faces Coffee, an organization committed to the fair- and direct-trade model.

For more information check out their new website, or read what the Red & Black, the UGA student newspaper, had to say here!

Step into Africa

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live across the globe in Africa where the comforts we take for granted everyday are a luxury?

Well here is your chance.

Next week, Feb. 8-15, Africa is coming to Athens.

Africa in Athens is a free exhibit at the Classic Center where visitors will be able to see life as a child infected with HIV/AIDS living in an African community.

The exhibit, presented by World Vision Experience: AIDS and Athens Church, will include an "interactive audio tour with captivating photography that will transport you to the heart of Africa" says the group's website, www.africainathens.com .

"You'll gain a completely new perspective on the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time."

Be sure to schedule your tickets online soon, as time slots are filling up quickly already and you will not want to miss out on this incredible opportunity.

I know I won't.