Merry Obama Christmas

Times are tough and they're fixin' to get tougher. That's why we decided to institute the Creative Loafing holiday bailout plan. We may not have $700 billion, but we've got heaps of ideas on how to make the most of seasonal celebrations while asking little of your wallet. Our features include DIY alternatives to some of Atlanta's most beloved holiday...

A year of financial turmoil can put a crimp in your holiday planning. The past year has been marked by downsizings, home foreclosures, skyrocketing fuel prices, (Chapter 11 filings) and meltdowns in world financial markets. It's enough to make you appreciate George Bailey's cash-strapped panic attack on Christmas Eve in the perennial broadcasts of It's a Wonderful Life. But don't...

Plus a Q&A with the artist

Plus Q&A with the artist

Plus a Q&A with the artist

Money's tight. How are you going to get everyone on your shopping list interesting gifts that don't break the bank? The answer is: Shop where you're going to get the most bang for your buck-and-a-half. The goal is to find tchochtkes and presents that are so unique, they'll distract the recipient from how little money you actually spent. It doesn't...

Janet Katz always makes it a point to greet people with a smile. It's one of the simplest ways to comfort frantic patients and their families as a volunteer at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. "Even if you have someone that comes in and can't speak English, you smile and you take them where they need to go....

Gas ain't cheap and you spend enough time in your car as it is, so why not break out the ol' two-wheeler for a spin through Atlanta to check out holiday light displays? The Southern Bicycle League holds its annual Christmas Light Ride Thurs., Dec. 18, at 6:30 p.m. The route changes each year depending where the most eye-dazzling displays...

Ted Allen is best-known for his role as the foodie on Bravo's "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," as well as his stint as a judge on "Top Chef," where he was a big fan of Atlanta's Richard Blais. Allen's an entertaining guru and a prolific author. He visited Atlanta a few weeks ago as a brand ambassador for Robert...

Streetalk

1) LOITER AT CRIMINAL RECORDS With weekly in-store performances from touring and local bands, the only thing missing is a cooler full of PBR. Visit www.criminal.com for scheduled performances. Other in-store performance venues include Moods Music in Little Five Points and the Apple Store at Lenox Mall. 2) GRAB AN OPEN MIC Make your own dang music. Eddie's Attic in...

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