Fresh Loaf

How can you be down with the Filthy Rich? Check out this year’s Best of Atlanta ballot, which you’ll find July 8 only at clatl.com/bestofatlanta.

Why all the glam talk in such glum economic times? After all, times are tight. We want it, but we hesitate to buy it. A trip to the mall? Please, we’re just window shopping. Stocking up on groceries for meals at home — instead of fancy feasts at our favorite restaurants — have become our saving grace.

Thing is, there’s an abundance of riches among Atlanta’s people, places and things. We are truly rich with options on where to go and what to do — so much so, it can be downright dirty. Sure, there’s the shiny, swanky side of Atlanta, but there’s the gritty, hidden and cheap side, too. Help us shine a light on both!

In addition to Critics Picks that highlight ways you can wrap yourself in luxury — in both authentic and untraditional ways — we want to hear from you. Your Readers Picks will uncover new gems and remind us of the perennial favorites. And after you vote, we want you to answer the big question everyone loves to fantasize about: What would you do if you were filthy rich? We’ll have quick online polls on our blogs, and new this year — a Facebook application that allows you to share the wealth.

So cash in on July 8 and make sure to look for the Best of Atlanta ballot!

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Without further ado, here are my top five video games of the year. You can find numbers ten through six here.

5. Braid (Xbox Live Arcade)

Braid, a puzzle-platformer built around a unique time-manipulation mechanic, would be one of the best games of the year even without its narrative ambitions. (more…)

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Oh, 2008: some might remember you for your global economic meltdown, or your historical presidential election, but to me, you’ll always be the year I struggled with malaria in an anonymous war-torn Sub-Saharan country. You know, in a video game. Overall 2008 didn’t see quite as large a crop of great games as 2007, but there was still no lack of high-quality experiences to be found. I’ll be counting down my top ten favorite games of the year here today and tomorrow, and here’s a look at the first five. For more video game year-in-review nonsense, feel free to take a look at my blog, Hot Fighting History.

10. Bionic Commando Rearmed (Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, PC)

Sure, it’s just a remake, and a surprisingly faithful one at that, but it’s a remake of the greatest NES game ever, so it totally deserves to make this list. (more…)

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