Fresh Loaf

Dear God almighty. Men, women and children unfortunate enough to still find themselves receiving emails from former DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones’ unsuccessful U.S. Senate campaign were greeted by a missive today. Atlanta web strategist Brandon Sheats was one of them. He was kind enough to pass it along.

It reads:

Vernon Jones has been getting a lot of email from you about running for Governor. I agree with you, Vernon would make a great Governor. You recently heard from him reiterating his passion for Georgia, especially regarding addressing critical issues like transportation, education, air and water quality, and creating jobs for Georgians. Vernon is considering all of your feedback and will make a wise decision that’s best for him, his family and all Georgians.

Vernon thanks you and welcomes your continued input. You may reach him at vernonjones(at)georgia(dot)usa(dot)com or by calling 404.419.6034.

Jones has been lying low since he lost the Democrat nomination for U.S. Senate to Jim Martin. (Martin was ultimately defeated by incumbent Saxby Chambliss in a runoff.) There were rumors that he was living in Washington, D.C. In a “thank you” email to supporters after the primary, he said he was spending time with his family. Just yesterday, CL columnist Andisheh “Bronson” Nouraee tweeted that he saw a former DeKalb CEO at the Edgewood Best Buy shopping for a TV set. Wonder who that could’ve been, hmm?

Now, have Georgians really been sending Jones crayon-scribbled notes delivered by carrier pigeon begging him to run? Probably not. We’re screaming “trial balloon,” a la Robb Pitts. But as people who make their bread and butter off the political aspirations of larger-than-life characters, CL’s nonprofit consulting arm would be remiss not to reach out to Jones and say…wha?

(Photo by Joeff Davis)

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Last Tuesday, DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones presided over his final commission meeting. Love him or hate him, he’s steered the county through difficult times. He’s said some memorable things, too.

Vernon Jones

“I’ve been able to raise a lot of money without the endorsements from the losers in the Democratic party.”
— Jones describing his U.S. Senate campaign fundraising efforts to the AJC in April.

“There’s nothing illegal about a menage a trois.”
— Jones quoted in an April 2, 2008, CL column in reference to a 2005 rape allegation. He was not charged in the incident.

“[State lawmakers] don’t have any idea about local control. And they’re about as clueless as a pigeon with an iPod.”
— Jones speaking to CL on Nov. 4 about the Legislature’s unwillingness to recognize local government’s jurisdiction.

(Photo by Joeff Davis)

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Just as I press “publish” on the previous post, this lands in my inbox:

Vernon Jones Speaks Out About Georgia’s U.S. Senate Run-Off Election Results

DECATUR, December 3, 2008 – Vernon Jones, former Democratic candidate for the United States Senate from Georgia, will hold a press conference today, Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. E.S.T. The press conference will be held in his office at the Maloof Center, located at 1300 Commerce Drive, 6th floor, Decatur, GA 30030.

Jones will discuss last night’s run-off election results and the future of the state Democratic Party, as well as his political plans for the future.

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Hindsight’s 20/20 and all that, but here’s a thought.

Even with all his faults, could DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones — who lost to Martin in the Democratic primary — have beaten Saxby Chambliss in a runoff?

Vernon Jones and admirers earlier this year at Manuel's Tavern

(Photo by Joeff Davis)

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When DeKalb County Commissioner Burrell Ellis drops his title next year and assumes his newly elected role of County CEO, he’ll take office without some of the powers enjoyed by his predecessors.

On Nov. 4, more than 64 percent of DeKalb County voters approved an amendment that reins in some powers of CEO — the only office of its kind in metro Atlanta in which a single person oversees the day-to-day functions of government and sets the agenda for county commission meetings.

Once Ellis takes office, that agenda-setting power will belong to the commission according to rules it adopts. (Commissioner Jeff Rader says staff is currently at work on the rules.) If the CEO wants to introduce legislation, he would have to do so through a commissioner who would then send it to the appropriate committee. Rader says legislation could be expedited if it’s an urgent matter.

The CEO would still submit the budget, make staff decisions, and appoint department heads, among other powers. If a tiebreaker vote is needed, the CEO would cast it if each member of the commission requested he or she do so.

Introduced by state Sen. Emanuel Jones, D-Ellenwood, the amendment has an understandable critic: Vernon Jones, the soon-to-be former CEO.

(more…)

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It’s ironic that a ballot question to limit the authority of the county CEO is being posed to voters just as the power-hungry Vernon Jones prepares to leave office. Still, it’s a sensible measure that can help prevent future friction between the county’s board of commissioners and its chief executive.

For the past five years, incoming CEO Burrell Ellis had been the commission’s presiding officer, but that was largely an empty title because Jones has presided at board meetings. The referendum would correct this backwards situation by authorizing the commission to, in essence, run its own meetings. Likewise, the measure would allow the commission to draw up its own meeting agenda, taking that power away from the CEO. (more…)

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JIM MARTIN: Soundly defeats Vernon Jones to win the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate; will face Saxby Chambliss in November.

TED JACKSON: There’s a new (Democratic nominee for) sheriff in town.

CLAYTON: Kem Kimbrough beats controversy-prone Sheriff Victor Hill for the Democratic nomination.

DEKALB CEO: Burrell Ellis beats Stan Watson and, with no Republican contender in the race, is the new CEO.

EX-BIN LADEN DRIVER: Found guilty today in the first Guantanamo war crimes trial.

SEA TURTLE NESTS: A record number have been found in Georgia this year.

ARBORING A GRUDGE: The New York Times reports on former Atlanta senior arborist Tom Coffin, who was fired July 29 for pointing out to his bosses the under- or nonenforcement of the tree ordinance in certain parts of the city.

WILLIE B.: The subject of a new documentary produced by Andrew Young.

UGA: Named by Sports Illustrated as the magazine’s preseason No. 1 and featured on one of five regional covers this week.

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Who here likes to party? I can’t hear you, Myrtle Beach! I said, Who here likes to PARTY?!?

Eh. Scott’s right. It may be difficult to get amped about these runoffs, but it’s really important you vote. And after you do that, it’s important you celebrate.

And tonight’s campaign parties for the U.S. Senate Democratic runoff are sure to have all the hallmarks of a classic political fete — awkward toasts, inappropriate drunks, and a guaranteed mediocre cover version of “Don’t Stop.” Or at least some finger food upon which ye can munch. Both campaign’s parties are open to the public and sure to be interesting.

Details are as follows:

• Vernon Jones: 7 p.m. The Vernon Jones for U.S. Senate Campaign Headquarters, 3230 Peachtree Road, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30305.

• Jim Martin: 7 p.m. Park Tavern, Piedmont Room, 10th Street and Monroe Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30309

Don’t tell ‘em we sent ya, because then they’ll probably charge us for the damages. If you’re not itching to attend one of the above shindigs, good times are sure to be had by all at Manuel’s Tavern beginning around 7 p.m. If you know of any other gatherings, add ‘em in the comments.

Enjoy!

(Photo courtesy of repmanblog.com)

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VOTE: No one else is going to, so your vote will count that much more. Click here for CL’s voter guide.

DON’T DRINK THE WATER: A toxin found in Mars’ water dims scientists’ hopes of finding life there.

DOCK BLOCK: More than 2,300 private docks were built in coastal Georgia between 1996 and 2006, and each one can reduce biomass production by 30 percent below it due to blocked sunlight. Researchers are thus studying four types of docks that allow sunlight through.

NEW GRADY CEO: Says changing “the aura” will be the difference at Grady; plans to buy upgraded medical equipment, identify the top 10 financial issues and streamline processes in an effort to attract more insured patients to the beleaguered hospital.

WI-FI IN THE SKY: Delta plans to start offering Wi-Fi on all its domestic flights by next summer, but it’ll cost $10 for three hours or less and $13 for longer flights.

FIELD TRIPS: Georgia schools considering canceling them to save fuel.

TAILS WAGGING DAWGS: Mark Richt discusses the slew of arrested and penalized players this offseason; he and top players echo the line that they won’t be a distraction for long.

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Tomorrow we’ll find out the answer to the most pressing issue of the Jim Martin and Vernon Jones runoff: Who is the least like George W. Bush and who loves Barack Obama more?

Sounds pretty irrelevant, right? Tell that to the reserved former state lawmaker and his opponent, the flamboyant two-term CEO of DeKalb County. Since the two found out on July 15 they’d be facing each other in tomorrow’s runoff, there’s been little more than talk about each other’s past voting records. (Just to refresh your memory: Jones has slammed Martin for casting a vote on Super Tuesday for John Edwards, who had already ended his campaign, and not Barack Obama. Martin has slammed Jones for his back-to-back votes for George W. Bush. I’ll go out on a limb here and say that voting for Bush is not something that will endear you to Democrats, CEO Jones. Plus, what’s up with all the contributions to the state Republican party?)

Perhaps the reason they’re focusing so much on the past is because they share a similar vision for the future. Both want clean energy, both want out of Iraq, and both think No Child Left Behind is an unfair and unsuccessful program. Those are all laudable goals, but the last three weeks have been a rather boring ping pong match of accusations and ambitions rather than ideas.

(more…)

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MARS DROUGHT DOWNGRADED: Scientists find and sample water from the Martian surface, and will spend the next several weeks studying whether it could support life.

TED STEVENS: Not giving up without a slow, creaky fight.

COLBERT: Offers a “rare apology” to Canton, Ga., for calling the town “crappy,” adding that he meant to call Canton, Kan., crappy: “How many Canton, Kan. residents does it take to screw in a lightbulb? None. They don’t use lights because they don’t want to see where they live.”

RUNOFF: Congressional Quarterly summarizes the uphill battle ahead of whoever wins Tuesday’s Democratic primary runoff in the U.S. Senate race to unseat Saxby Chambliss.

316: Won’t toll for thee.

HEADLINE NUDES: Lavonia buys the town’s only strip club with $1 million of taxpayer money, closes it and burns down its billboards.

LINGERIE: Included, along with bras, garter belts and hosiery, among the items exempt from sales taxes in this weekend’s statewide tax holiday. WSB-TV makes the distinction, however, that only sexy lingerie is exempt:

UNEMPLOYMENT: U.S. rate hits a four-year high in July as employers cut 51,000 jobs. But who’s going to operate the giant computer-chip-gear machine that makes red lightning bolts?

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Georgia’s primary runoffs are a week from today. And early voting takes place though this Friday at a handful of voting stations.

The stakes are high — higher maybe than they were in July 15 primary. The big three races inside the Perimeter — Democratic contests for U.S. Senate, DeKalb CEO and Fulton sheriff — all went into runoffs. And one of the runoffs (actually, most likely two) will determine who takes office in January.

A quick, comprehensive Loafer’s guide to the runoffs comes after the jump. We’ve endorsed in bold where we figured we knew enough about the race to offer good advice. (more…)

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U.S. Senate hopeful Vernon Jones will announce several endorsements at 2 p.m. outside the Old DeKalb County courthouse in downtown Decatur.

PRESS RELEASE

For more information contact:
Camille Kesler
Phone: [redacted
Email: [redacted]

Vernon Jones to Announce Endorsements Today at 2pm

Vernon Jones, Democratic candidate for the United States Senate, will hold a press conference today, July 29, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. E.D.T. on the steps of the Old DeKalb County Courthouse in downtown Decatur. Jones will announce the endorsement of elected officials. “No one becomes successful alone; that is why I am so grateful to the community leaders who have endorsed me and my message of hope and positive change for Georgia,” said Vernon Jones.

The Old DeKalb County Courthouse is located at 100 East Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030 near the intersection of East Court Square and East Ponce de Leon Ave.

Just a heads up, Jones campaign: It helps to get the word out about such events a little earlier than an hour or two beforehand.

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Are you eager to voice your thoughts about Jim Martin and Vernon Jones in a family-friendly forum? Maybe you’re angry about U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss? Fear not, fellow Georgians, you’re among friends here on Fresh Loaf.

I’ll be liveblogging tonight’s Georgia Public Broadcasting debate at 7 p.m. between the two Democrats vying to take a shot at incumbent Chambliss in November. There’ll be quips, comments, updates, tidbits and lots of super-scientific polls.

Drinking game rules are as follows:

• Each time Martin mentions one of his endorsements, take a shot. If he mentions one of his non-endorsements from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, former opponent Josh Lanier, or state Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin, take two shots.

• Each time Vernon Jones mentions his work as DeKalb County CEO, take a swig of a strawberry daiquiri. You get bonus points if you’re eating smores.

• If Martin mentions Jones’ past two votes for President George W. Bush, funnel a Busch Light. If Jones says Martin voted for John Edwards, drink a National Enquirer. Don’t ask questions, just do it.

That’s all I have right now. There might be more. Regardless, skip your weekly capoiera practice early and stop by just before 7 p.m. If you don’t, I’ll be lonely and frightened, all alone in the Internet.

(Photo courtesy of Megatonik.com)

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— Daily newspapers are struggling to keep readers and to find ways to make money via the Internet. Travis Fain at Lucid Idiocy speaks to all the people who no longer subscribe to the paper and, instead, read it for free on the Net.

— At Tondee’s Tavern,  it’s noted that Vernon Jones has little or no union support. And that must not bother him too much because he didn’t show for the AFL-CIO candidate screening.

— Meanwhile, Georgia Women Vote! talks about the old-fashioned fish fry Jim Martin is going to have in Macon this weekend to garner grassroots support.

— It’s obvious on the blogosphere that we are entering the dog days of summer. For you non-Southerners, that’s the time of year when it’s so hot that even dogs don’t want to be outdoors. That fact must account for all the personal issues that have surfaced this week. At Mingaling, Lori talks about her bouts with anxiety-driven depression, and gives a pep talk to everyone who suffers from it.

— Hopefully she’ll share that pep talk with Maigh, who writes eloquently about the passing of Amber the cat. Rest in peace.

— And ETK has her own pep talk to her friends at I’m Just Sayin, Life Observed.

— Sara never got around to renewing her car registration, and it turned into a long and expensive ordeal that she writes about on Going Through The Motions. Don’t worry, gang, the dog days will be over soon.

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Vernon Jones and Jim Martin will take their battle royal for the Democratic slot in the U.S. Senate race on Tuesday (July 29) at 7 p.m. in a debate carried by Georgia Public Broadcasting. WSB Radio’s Scott Slade will serve as moderator, while the panel will be filled by GPB’s Nwandi Lawson, the Macon Telegraph’s Charles Richardson and Dick Pettys of Insider Advantage. The event is co-sponsored by the Atlanta Press Club, and can be seen on www.gpb.org or heard on local GPB radio affiliates.

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— Ah, GriftDrift’s “Morning Wooten” means all is right with the world. Especially when he gets on a roll. Delicious.

— Vernon Jones and Jim Martin, who are in an increasingly combative run-off in the Democratic run-off for U.S. Senate, had an Internet debate Sunday. Listen to it here.

— Speaking of Mr. CEO, Amy Morton at Tondee’s Tavern reveals that Jones, a Democrat, gave $3,000 in 2004 to the Republican campaign of Mitchell Kaye in his run for a state House seat.

— The fine ladies over at Pecanne Log, find a gem on eBay and evidence that Andre 3000 aspires to be the Michael Stipe of Atlanta.

— Live Apartment Fire takes a break from television news to vent about upcoming changes at the AJC as revealed in the exclusive interview AJC editor Julia Wallace gave to CL editor Ken Edelstein last week.

— On Confessions of a Political Junkie, Eric shares a widely-circulated email that purports to be a report on Barack Obama blowing off regular troops during his trip to Iraq.

— What’s the point of having a blog if you can’t announce your upcoming nuptials? Jason Pye and his significant other are headed to Vegas. But they won’t be married by Elvis, which seems to defeat the purpose. Just sayin’.

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— Maybe someone should remind Vernon Jones that if you live in glass houses, you shouldn’t throw stones. Amy Morton at Georgia Women Vote comes up with the scoop that Jones gave a total of $1,232 to the Georgia Republican Party in 2001. His people say he had, just had, to attend W.’s Inaugural Ball. Oh, get real.

— Jones is trying to become Barack Obama’s new BFF for good reason. At Tondee’s Tavern, Andy lays out his theory on how Obama can carry Georgia in November.

— One of the most harrowing, and angry, blog posts I’ve ever read is at Politits. It’s the story of a big black truck rumbling up I-75 … and running over anything in its way.

— Staff Sgt. Daly is a former Atlanta television news cameraman now serving in Iraq, shooting video for the Army. And when he can get an Internet connection, he discusses his life over there in his Daly Briefing. Last weekend, he discussed a story he did on a hospital and how the Iraqi people have reached the point where they are starting to take care of their own needs.

— Poor Edwin at Chicken Fat. He tried out some genuine James Brown Hot Sauce and didn’t start singing “I feel good!” afterwards.

— From the did-we-really-have-to-know-this? department … Sara from Going Through The Motions reminds us that the little kid swimming on the cover of Nirvana’s Nevermind album is now 17 years old. And that he’s an apparent “disaffected douche.” Thanks, Sara. Now I feel really old.

— The fine ladies at Pecanne Log have now officially crossed the line in their blatant crush on our own young Mr. Wheatley. Today, there’s an entire post devoted to him. They’re even referring to him as a “copper fox.” Enough already! You have no idea of the egotistical monster he’s turning into because of you. The Internet is a powerful tool that should be only used for the forces of good.

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Georgia Democrats may feel over the next few weeks as if they’re watching Bugs Bunny battle Elmer Fudd for the right to take on U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss.

In an Aug. 5 primary runoff, you’ve got Vernon Jones, the flamboyant and polarizing DeKalb County CEO who snagged 40 percent of the votes in last week’s primary. After coming in first, he jet-setted from Atlanta to Macon and Albany to rouse up support outside his metro Atlanta stomping grounds.

Then there’s former state Rep. Jim Martin, a folksy workhorse and country boy in city clothes. Martin, who also has been state Human Resources commissioner, is squeaky clean and received beaucoup cash when he entered the race, but lacks the fire you’d normally expect in someone itching to unseat a well-financed Republican who’s ahead in the polls.

Though both candidates are experienced campaigners, either would face steep odds in a race against Chambliss.

Read the rest of this story here.

(Photo by Joeff Davis)

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— GriftDrift explains why he hates liberals, but really f*cking hates Republicans. His grumpiness is for our reading pleasure.

— And Jason Pye is grumpy with CNN’s Lou Dobbs, who was grumpy on the air about our economy and the free-market. Pye’s point? Dobbs really doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

— Has the “silly season” in Georgia politics officially opened? Andre over at Georgia Politics Unfiltered certainly thinks so. Exhibit No. 1 is an email from the Vernon Jones campaign that lashes out at Jim Martin for having “voted against Barack Obama” in the primary (Martin supported John Edwards for president). And, yes, this is the same Vernon Jones who twice voted for our current Republican president. Yep. Silly season is definitely here.

— How many times did Dagmar Midcap appear on yesterday’s hour-long 4 o’clock newscast on WGCL-TV? Thankfully, our friends at Live Apartment Fire counted them. Our favorite: a lingering shot of Dagmar dramatically looking down (presumably at a weather radar) and tracking Hurricane Dolly. Glad she’s on the case. The answer is eight, by the way.

— The folks at the Wren’s Nest take us through their day, including the woman in the nightgown who sleeps in her car and parks it in their driveway.

— Over at Ashes and Glass, Sara celebrates the first day of vacation by sleeping late. Ah, the luxury.

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RUNSOFF: Jim Martin and Vernon Jones will face off in a runoff Aug. 5 to determine who faces Saxby Chambliss in November; Burrell Ellis and Stan Watson will also have a runoff in the DeKalb CEO race; the Fulton County sheriff’s race will be running off to decide whether incumbent Myron Freeman or retired FBI agent Ted Jackson will face Republican Michael Rary in November.

INCUMBENTS: U.S Reps. John Lewis, John Barrow and Paul Broun all fended off their challengers to retain their seats in Congress.

CITI TREND: Dunwoody becomes the latest north Atlanta community to catch city fever.

GWINNETTIANS: Less opposed to MARTA than they used to be.

ALL-STAR GAME: American League wins its 12th straight in the longest All-Star Game in major-league history.

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Here’s a quick rundown on the July 15 Georgia primary results. The big news was generated by high-stakes runoffs:

* U.S. senator: The two experienced Democrats — Vernon Jones and Joe Martin — vanquished three first-time candidates and will face each other in an Aug. 5 runoff. With 91 percent of precincts counted, DeKalb CEO Jones won 40 percent of the vote, while Martin got 35 percent. Martin — who entered the race late and has been criticized for a lackluster campaign — may have a slight edge in the runoff: He has more money in the bank, he seems more likely to pick up support from supporters of other candidates, and his largely white base historically shows up for runoffs better than does Jones’ base of black voters. What does Jones have going for him? A runoff in the contest for who will replace him as DeKalb CEO could spur turnout in his home county. The winner takes on Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss in November.

* DeKalb County CEO: The contest for the most powerful local government post in the state heads for a runoff as well, although DeKalb Commissioner Burrell Ellis turned out an impressive showing with 46 percent of the vote. No surprise that he’ll face well-liked state Rep. Stan Watson in the runoff. But a 20 point head start has gotta give Ellis the edge. (more…)

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As the July 15 primaries approach, we at CL wanted to give our readers a recap of some of the most important races. Let’s call it our Ad-hoc, Incremental, Online Voter Guide!

Let’s start with the Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate. They’re fighting for the honor to take on first-term Republican (and Bush hand-maiden) Saxby Chambliss.

Polls taken at different points in the race have shown a close race, generally with Vernon Jones ahead, followed by Dale Cardwell, Jim Martin and Rand Knight. But a recent Rasmussen poll showed Martin (a late entry, but the best-funded candidate) on an upward trajectory. None of the polls has shown candidate Josh Lanier gaining much traction with voters.

But, apart from their poll numbers, what do we know about these guys? (more…)

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— Jay Bookman = Priceless. Ah, those wacky Gwinnett Republicans.

— Tondee’s Tavern notes that the Macon Telegraph has endorsed Dale Cardwell for the U.S. Senate in the Democratic primary. This comes on the heels of Obama’s smackdown of Vernon Jones yesterday for printing up photo-shopped fliers that imply Obama has endorsed Mr. CEO-who-voted-for-Bush-twice. Says Obama: I barely know that dude.

– Our pal, the Shelbinator, has produced a video for MTV2 that focuses on ex-Marine Chris Raissi of Macon. Raissi talks about the pressures he faced as a Marine recruiter to convince people to join the military. The three-part video is posted on his web site.

— Over at Live Apartment Fire, Doug Richards gives props to WAGA-TV’s Dale Russell for his secret video of disgraced preacher Earl Paulk. Russell has a long relationship with Paulk’s former secretary, Mona Brewer. And when Paulk reached out to Brewer for a “peace” meeting at a local restaurant, she called the I-Team. Russell wired her up with sound and videoed the meeting from outside.

— The AJC’s Sekou Smith says the Hawks were saved by Elton Brand, the free agent power forward signed by Philadelphia yesterday. Why? It means the 76ers won’t be going after our own Josh Smith. That leaves the Hawks sitting pretty to re-sign their two free agents: Smith and Josh Childress. And Hawks fans everywhere breathe a sigh of relief.

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U.S. CONSULATE: In Turkey attacked by gunmen; three attackers and three police officers are killed.

ATHEIST SOLDIER: Sues the U.S. military, not seeking compensation but seeking to end the religious discrimination in the military he says cost him his career.

MARSUPIAL DU JOUR: Dawsonville’s Kangaroo Conservation Center, the largest collection of kangaroos outside Australia, will be featured on NBC’s “Today” show Thursday morning.

FLIER, FLIER: Obama distances himself from Vernon Jones over Jones’ campaign flier that photoshopped the two of them together, giving the appearance that Obama has endorsed Jones, which he emphasized Tuesday that he has not.

FOREIGN AFFAIR: CBS News’ aptly titled chief foreign affairs correspondent, Lara Logan, tells the Washington Post she’s pregnant from a foreign affair she’s having with a married federal contractor she met while working in Iraq.

“HYPERMILING”: Not driving like a jackass can save gas, just don’t be a hypermiling jackass.

POT STICKLER: The lawyer for a man charged with possession of a garbage bag of pot in his trunk says that if the arresting officers — who originally pulled the man over for a broken tail light but then said they smelled pot — can’t recreate the feat in the courthouse parking lot, the charges should be thrown out for lack of probable cause.

TILTING AT WIND TURBINES: Offshore wind energy in Georgia has gained some steam after Navy and Georgia Tech research shows it may be practical, although it’s still a long way from reality.

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