Fresh Loaf

Dr. Fifi: I’m OK with it. It’s two gay holidays together. It would be nice to have some warmer weather, but I’m just happy to be back in Piedmont Park. It’s National Coming Out Day, and National Coming Out Month in October. That has a lot of significance. I heard a lot of people are traveling to Atlanta Pride because it is in October. More people will be here. Any time we come together as a community we’re strengthened. I’d prefer June, but the fact that we get it back in Piedmont Park, it really doesn’t matter to me when it is.

Ken: It’s an abomination. Gay Pride is the anniversary of Stonewall. Stonewall is in June, not October. It has nothing to do with Halloween. It has to do with significant events in the Gay calendar and significant events that happened in June. That’s part of our history. We don’t change history. I’m all about Piedmont Park. However, you need to honor what you need to honor, and location is not the reason we do this. I am ashamed of the Pride Committee for agreeing to this. I know people on the committee that are my friends, and I am ashamed.

Chris: Piedmont Park would only let us to do [this] weekend, and it turned out to be Halloween. Having it on Halloween will inspire people to dress up more, participate more, and it will be a lot more fun than everybody sweating in the heat in June. Having it at the different time of year does not take away from what happened at Stonewall. Around the country, Gay Pride has been celebrated at different times. It makes no difference in remembering those that were at Stonewall. We always have those thoughts with us, whatever month it would be.

(Photos by Jeff Slate)

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Craig: I think it’s good [to ban smoking]. You got some cigarette smokers who are not responsible, some who don’t care if there are kids in the facility. Also, in some places cigarette smoking causes forest fires. I smoke half a pack a day. Cigarette smoking should be illegal. If they didn’t allow me to smoke it would be helpful. It was a stupid thing I got into. With some help, I’d probably be able to kick the habit. One thing you have to remember is your freedom may infringe on other people. Smoking in public places destroys other people’s health.

Michaelyn: Absolutely. You come here for fresh air. Cigarette smoking has nothing to do with fresh air. Cigarettes give me migraines. I walk by someone who has one little bit of cigarette [smoke] and it triggers migraines. I was just walking in the park. I had to go 50 feet out of my way because I saw someone smoking. I knew I would get a migraine if I walked by. What if I came here for a run and I got a migraine? That’s wrong. I want to go in my city to go running, but I can’t because people come here to smoke.

Chip: That’s absolutely ludicrous and absurd. I’m responsible when I smoke. I keep the butt and make sure it ends up in a trash can. I want to smoke in a park, and I do. It’s no longer my problem if someone is next to me. Move away from me. It’s absurd that someone’s smoking is taking away their fresh air. It’s a big fuckin’ huge outdoor park. As long as I’m not bothering someone directly, I should be allowed to do what I want. This is America.

(Photos by Jeff Slate)

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Are we missing something important? Got an idea for a post that people just might want to read? Want to enjoy the MASSIVE privileges of writing for Fresh Loaf?

Well, here’s your chance.

P.S. If you’ve got something meaningful to say about Atlanta’s arts, music or restaurant scene, the above link will help you out with that, too.

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Are we missing something important? Got an idea for a post that people just might want to read? Want to enjoy the MASSIVE privileges of writing for Fresh Loaf?

Well, here’s your chance.

P.S. If you’ve got something meaningful to say about Atlanta’s arts, music or restaurant scene, the above link will help you out with that, too.

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Feeling torn between Creative Loafing’s kick-ass news blog (um, that would be the one you’re reading) and our traditional news page? Now you can have the best of both!

On our new News & Views site, you’ll find a feed from this blog, a constantly updated rotation of top stories, in-depth news analysis and long-form cover features, Andisheh’s award-winning Don’t Panic! columns, links to special projects, a bunch of sites we like (and don’t like), headlines from around the web — and more.

If we’re missing something, let us know. If you’re bored, tell us what we can do better. If you don’t have anything nice to say …

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Below are some of my favorite blog comments from recent days:

What we are suggesting is that they have to make the case to YOU for the spending. Putting the power of the spending in the hands of the true local control, the taxpayer.

— State Rep. Earl Erhart, R-Powder Springs, attempts a “These aren’t the droids you’re looking for” when he suggests that a state tax system overhaul proposed by Speaker Glenn Richardson puts power in the hands of local taxpayers. In fact, the plan would increase the power of state representatives at the expense of local government.

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Since Myron can’t put more than 8 words together on the fly or get someone to answer the questions for him without reinforcing our assessment of his ineptitude, he commissioned the flyer to talk for him without any chance for rebuttal.

— South Fulton Guy is clearly not a fan of Fulton County Sheriff Myron Freeman. This comment appeared under a post by Andre Walker at Georgia Politics Unfiltered about a newsletter Freeman mailed out to Fulton County residents.

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I’ve lived in a city with laissez fair zoning codes. It’s name is Houston, and it is a disgusting but excellent example of the failure of developers and businesses to properly grow a city and create an inviting, satisfying living environment.

— Steven P. Faust, commenting on Fresh Loaf, about a proposed high-rise development in Piedmont Park

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