Georgia Philharmonic Orchestra Presents:
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Where: Hyatt Regency Centennial Ballroom
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Restaurant chain Red Lobster continues to hemorrhage money due to several bad financial decisions and factors. Now, the restaurant announced that it is set to close 23 more of its locations across the United States.
And yes, the Tara Boulevard location in Jonesboro, Georgia is on the list.
Which Atlanta-Area Red Lobsters Will Stay Open (For Now)?
- 3360 Camp Creek Parkway, Atlanta, Ga. 30344
Why Is Red Lobster in Financial Trouble?
Red Lobster is facing financial trouble due to several factors, including declining customer traffic, inflation, and rising costs for key ingredients like seafood. The chain has struggled to maintain profitability amid higher food and labor costs, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, Red Lobster’s mid-range pricing strategy is being squeezed between cheaper fast-food options and higher-end dining experiences. This has made it harder for the brand to attract customers, especially as dining preferences shift and competitors emerge.
Moreover, Red Lobster has faced challenges in adapting to changing consumer preferences, including the growing demand for healthier, more sustainable, and diverse dining options. Its traditional menu and dining model may seem outdated to some consumers.
The financial strain has also been impacted by changes in ownership over the years, leading to inconsistent management strategies.
Which Red Lobster Locations Are Closing?
The following Red Lobster locations are set to shut their doors for good:
- Arizona — 1521 S. Yuma Palms Pkwy., Yuma
- Arkansas — 8407 W. Markham St., Little Rock
- California — 8703 Murray Drive, La Mesa
- Colorado — 4925 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs
- Florida — -326 Miracle Strip Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach
- 5110 N. 9th Ave., Pensacola
- 8909 U.S. Highway 19, Port Richey
- Georgia — 6550 Tara Blvd., Jonesboro
- Illinois — 1604 N. State Road 50, Bourbonnais
- 902 Commons Drive, Geneva
- 4625 N. Sterling Ave., Peoria
- Indiana — 4353 Franklin St., Michigan City
- Minnesota — 8900 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley
- 12515 Elm Creek Blvd. North, Maple Grove
- Missouri — 2381 Maplewood Commons Drive, Maplewood
- New York — 925 Hunts Point Ave., Bronx
- 750 Upper Glen St., Queensbury
- North Carolina — 304 A Western Blvd., Jacksonville
- Ohio —17227 Southpark Center, Strongsville
- South Carolina — 1270 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce
- Virginia –555 S. Van Dorn St., Alexandria
- 4415 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond
- 709 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach
What Is the History of Red Lobster?
Red Lobster was founded in 1968 by entrepreneur Bill Darden in Lakeland, Florida. The restaurant began as a single seafood restaurant aimed at making fresh seafood more accessible to middle-class families. It quickly gained popularity due to its affordable prices and high-quality seafood offerings, leading to rapid expansion.
In 1970, the company was acquired by General Mills, which helped fuel further expansion across the United States. By the 1980s, Red Lobster had become a well-known national chain with hundreds of locations, offering signature dishes like cheddar bay biscuits, shrimp scampi, and a variety of seafood platters.
In 1995, General Mills spun off its restaurant holdings, including Red Lobster, to create a new company called Darden Restaurants. Under Darden, Red Lobster continued to grow and remained a cornerstone of the casual dining industry. However, by the 2000s, the brand began experiencing challenges due to changing consumer preferences, economic downturns, and increased competition.
In 2014, Darden decided to sell Red Lobster to Golden Gate Capital, a private equity firm, for $2.1 billion. The sale was part of a broader strategy to refocus on Darden’s other brands like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. Under Golden Gate Capital, Red Lobster went through various management changes and attempts to revitalize the brand, including efforts to modernize its menu and restaurant design.
In 2020, Red Lobster was sold again, this time to a consortium led by Thai Union, a major seafood supplier, alongside other investors. Despite the ownership changes and rebranding efforts, Red Lobster has continued to face financial challenges in recent years, driven by rising costs, competition, and evolving dining trends.
Final Word
When it comes to seafood, Red Lobster has had a footprint in Atlanta for decades — but it’s not the only tuna in town. Check out our Atlanta Seafood Guide.
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One of the key things in you in show business is a winning headshot — and in Atlanta, there are several places to choose from. This article will show you some of the best places to get headshots in Atlanta.
You may be wondering where to get a good headshot for acting, and that’s a good question. But you may be wondering this: Can you take your own headshots for acting?
Can You Take Your Own Headshots For Acting?
if you have a smartphone that takes good photos, you can take your own headshots for acting or other aspects of the business. The question you need to ask yourself is whether you consider yourself a professional photographer.
Professional photographers are highly skilled at taking photos that look high quality. You can try to take headshots yourself, but you may find yourself wasting a lot of time and effort.
Some things you’ll want to make sure of if you do decide to take your own photos is to:
- Take multiple shots
- Make sure your lighting is right
- Take multiple pictures but always smile
What Should You Wear For Headshots?
One thing you always need to consider is how to dress when you take a headshot. Because the photos will be in black and white, you may need to wear dark-colored shirts.
Mix it up a bit by wearing light-colored shirts, including white and other pastel colors.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Headshots?
If you want to opt for a professional photographer for headshots, it’s going to cost money. The cost of some headshots can range between $75 to around $500.
In Atlanta, the average price of some headshots is about $250, although you can get some done for as low as $125, but the quantities will be low.
Now let’s go over some good places to get headshots in Atlanta.
Where To Get Headshots For Acting
- Headshots Atlanta: 1012 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 892-3533
- CK Headshots Atlanta: (704) 608-3006
- Happy Hour Headshot Atlanta: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (720) 306-7404
- Hollywood Headshots: 2849 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 500-6413
- Corporate Headshots Atlanta: 3365 Piedmont Rd NE #1400, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (770) 953-1719
- Buckhead Studio Photography: Peachtree Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30326 | (404) 462-2385
- Atlanta Photographer Kris Janovitz: 3355 Lenox Rd NE #750, Atlanta, GA 30326 | (770) 570-9661
- Robert Kim Photography: 3833 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30319 | (212) 645-5788
Do Your Headshots Be Black And White?
Back in the day, most actors only took black and white headshots. The reason was because if you were a struggling actor, it cost money to hire a professional photographer. That’s not so much the case today.
Yes, actors are still struggling, but the rise of smartphones with great cameras has made color headshots a popular option.
If you’re unsure of which way to go, choose both color and black-and-white photos for headshots. That way, you can give producers options.
Last Words
If you want to get into the acting business, you need to have professional headshots so that your credentials can circulate throughout the industry.
Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
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Atlanta comedian and actor Drew “Druski” Desbordes has signed on as a brand ambassador for PrizePicks, the largest daily fantasy sports operator in North America.
The recent announcement expands on PrizePicks’ relationship with Druski, which began organically through the comedian’s own play with the daily fantasy sports operator.
Thanks to his online skits, Druski, a South Gwinnett High School graduate, is one of the fastest-growing comedic stars with millions of followers.
Druski Strikes Brand Ambassador Deal With PrizePicks
Druski will partner with PrizePicks to develop original online content, co-branded specialty merchandise, national advertising campaigns, and other one-of-a-kind engagements for the daily fantasy sports community.
As part of the partnership, Druski and PrizePicks will collaborate on creating social skits, an original short-form series for YouTube, and a co-branded line of exclusive merchandise.
Additionally, Druski will participate in several events for the PrizePicks community such as the PrizePicks World Championship and social media takeovers on select football Sundays. PrizePicks is also the title sponsor of Druski’s Inaugural Coulda Fest happening in Atlanta at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on September 7th.
“I’m fired up to work with PrizePicks, we’ve done some cool stuff over the years and I’m excited to keep it coming,” Druski said. “Coulda Fest is a celebration of Atlanta’s culture that brings us back to the special times in our city’s history with a night of music and comedy. This concept has never been done before, so I’m looking forward to bringing this vision to life, thanks in part, to the support from PrizePicks.”
Final Word
Atlanta loves Druski and he loves the food.
If you like barbecue, see our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants.
As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.
More Coverage:
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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Toastique, a gourmet toast and juice bar, is set to open in fall 2024, according to the company.
oastique is a gourmet toast and juice bar that focuses on offering healthy, quick, and customizable meals. The restaurant’s menu centers around elevated toast creations made with fresh, high-quality ingredients like avocado, smoked salmon, and nut butters.
They also serve a variety of smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and açaí bowls, catering to health-conscious customers seeking flavorful yet nutritious options.
Toastique is popular for its vibrant, Instagram-worthy presentations and its emphasis on wellness, making it a hit among those looking for healthy, on-the-go meals. The concept is casual, with a focus on fast service without sacrificing quality.
The brand positions itself as more upscale than a traditional juice bar but more approachable than a full-service brunch spot.
Where Is Toastique Located in Atlanta?
Toastique is located at 1230 W Peachtree St NE Suite 160. Here is a map to help find it.
Final Bite
Memphis has its barbecue. New Orleans has its gumbo. Atlanta has its lemon pepper wings and much, much more. The largest city in Georgia’s food festivals and culinary events set the tone for the entire Southeast.
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You can’t tell from its exterior, but Jo’s Smokehouse is not your average barbecue joint and food truck.
The new Atlanta restaurant opened August 2, 2024, and is owned by Jonnetta Patton, the mother of musical powerhouse Usher.
Ms. Patton recently held a grand opening for the eatery, which is located in Doraville.
Yes, Usher, as well as his brother Grammy-nominated producer James “JLack” Lackey, we’re on hand to support their mother’s entrepreneurial venture.
“J’s SMOKEHOUSE grand opening,” Ms. Patton shared on Instagram. “Head Chef Greg Dennis BBQ Ribs and Brisket were a Hugh hit and Usher dropped in during the live celebration!!! I was very happy and appreciative for all the support from everyone in attendance. We are now open so drop in for lunch or dinner between 11am to 8pm Monday – Saturday at 3996 Pleasantdale Rd.”
Usher was all smiles for fans and customers alike. “So happy to be out here supporting my mom and her new business,” he said to the camera.
Ms. Patton is a businesswoman through and through. Before this, she ran J’s Kitchen Culinary Incubator, which provides commercial kitchen space and equipment to up-and-coming chefs and caterers.
Earlier this summer Patton was honored by Sysco Foods with the Influencer Award for her contributions to the culinary industry.
What’s On the Menu At J’s Smokehouse?
J’s Smokehouse has several traditional menu items like smoked turkey wings, grilled BBB chicken, grilled BBB ribs, fried catfish, grilled sausage and sides like braised collards, kale and more.
“What makes the menu different are our options, are vegan options,” Patton said. “We have pulled pork sandwich and we have a vegan hot dog in the smokehouse. And they are amazing.”
Helming the kitchen, Ms. Patton tapped renown plant-based guru, Chef Greg Dennis.
“We have delicious ribs falling off the bone. Thirteen hours low and slow smoked brisket. Grandma’s delicious southern fried collard greens,” Dennis told local TV station WSB-TV. “I do a seven cheese macaroni blend, I also have a vegan menu.”
Where Is J’s Smokehouse Located?
J’s Smokehouse is located at 3996 Pleasantdale Rd ste 104 B, Atlanta, GA 30340. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Atlanta is no stranger to celebrity-owned restaurants, and Patton said the chef is what makes the difference.
Do you like barbecue? How about Mesquite or smoked brisket on hickory? Check out our Atlanta BBQ Guide.
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Getting your hair done can take a lot of time and money, which is why you need a reliable hairstylist in Atlanta. But where???
In this article, we’ll show you the best hairstylists in Atlanta.
10 of the Best Hair Salons in Atlanta
If you’re a DIY girl, you could get you some “fire” hair color and high-quality salon scissors and go to work. But you don’t have to.
Atlanta stays on top of the beauty and hair game. These 10 Atlanta salons are the best of the crop, according to reviews.
Egyptian Hairstyles
3655 Marketplace Blvd #250, East Point, GA 30344
Photo credit: @egyptianhairstyles/Instagram Dread the salon wait? One thing customer reviews boasted about Egyptian Hairstyles is the salon’s quick service, budget friendly prices and friendly atmosphere.
Godiva Salon
3209 Paces Ferry Pl NW Suite 2, Atlanta, GA 30305
Photo credit: @the.godiva.salon/instagram This hair salon may not be serving chocolate as a style but Godiva Salon lists quality and service as ingredients to their success.
Drybar
- 60 11th St NE #3B, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 921-0813
- 102 W Paces Ferry Rd NW Suite B, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 382-5310
Photo credit: @thedryerbar/instagram There’s bar food, bar drinks, and a bar for your hair. Drybar first got it starts as an at-home blowout service later transitioning to a salon catering to the growing blowouts trend. Plus, it’s the only place you can get a “Hair Shot”.
Embrace Me Naturally
1766 Old Norcross Rd Suite K, Lawrenceville, GA 30044
Photo credit: @embracenaturally/instagram Embrace Me Naturally specializes in protective hairstyles and caters to every texture and curl pattern helping naturalistas to keep their curls popping.
W Hair Studio
515 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Photo credit: @whairstudioatl/instagram If you’re a fan of color and enjoy all eyes on you, W Hair Studio just may be the salon for you. W Hair Studio is a jack-of-all trades from custom color, braids, microlinks, and lace frontals, you will definitely find what you are looking for.
Jacob K Hair
597 Atlanta St, Roswell, GA 30075
Photo credit: @jacobkhair/instagram Jacob K Hair is all about the cut and definitely the color. The owner—member of Cosmopro artistic team—sets the standards in creating an atmosphere that delivers on clients’ expectations.
Melrose & McQueen
337 Elizabeth St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Photo credit: melrosemcqueen/instagram Melrose and McQueen brings west coast vibes, runway couture, and hipster with an edge atmosphere to Atlanta. Located in Inman Park, this salon is attracting all the cook kids in town.
Vis-A-Vis
327 Buckhead Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Photo credit: @visathesalon/instagram If you’re ever looking for an exclusive one-stop beauty shop look no more and make your way to one of the most popular salons in Buckhead, Vis-a Vis.
Natural Creations
2380 Benjamin E Mays, Atlanta, GA 30311
Photo credit: @luvlocs/instagram To our readers with locs, we didn’t forget about you. Natural Creations is the go-to salon for those looking to start their loc journey or the routine care and maintenance. In addition to their natural hair services, Natural Creations has a henna artist on staff for tattoos if you wanted to really spice up your look.
Final Word
In Atlanta, there are many hair salons that do good work. If you’re unsure about an establishment, make sure you read the reviews.
The Atlanta hair industry is one of the largest in the Southeast, with more than 8 million people getting groomed each month.
Want To Shop For Hair? See Our Products Page
But you can do it yourself. All you need are some quality shears and some high-performance clippers to get the job done. Check out these other grooming links to get shaped up in Atlanta.
- 15 Of The Best Barbershops in Atlanta, Georgia
- Best Premium Wigs For Black Women
- Here Are The Best Wigs For Your Head
Up next: Where To Get Your Lashes Done in Atlanta
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With the weather increasingly cooling in Georgia, autumn will soon bring about an awesome change. Leaf watchers already know that the best fall foliage currently can be viewed in North Georgia, along the Blue Ridge Mountains and other areas.
Georgia Fall Foliage: Leaf Map
The Peach State’s peak weeks for fall colors will be toward the end of October according to the latest foliage prediction maps. Why not make it a Georgia weekend and and check out the beautiful fall colors?
Let’s take an in-depth look at how the leaves will change this fall season into the winter. Below, we list the top Georgia state parks to see the fall foliage.Autumn in the Peach State always brings out some of the most strikingly beautiful scenery in the Southeast. The weather trends a bit cool, but the brilliant colors of the leaves makes for some refreshing sights and great fall activities like apple-picking.
You may be wondering where to see the most gorgeous colors of fall foliage locally.
Scroll down to see a prediction map that can help you on your travels to see the wonderful leaves turn different shades.
Where Is Fall Foliage In Georgia?
The earliest changes in the color of leaves began in September in the North Georgia Mountains. By late November, Atlanta will be in the full throes of fall as the temperature plummets and the leaves fall.
The reason why the mountains peak first is due to the higher elevations. Come early November, parts of Atlanta will start to brown as well.
Here is the Georgia fall foliage map, courtesy of SmokyMountains.com.
Photo credit: Smokymountains.com Georgia’s scenery is going to turn into a spectrum of color as the fall foliage peaks. Look out for burnt orange, sienna leaves and all kinds of red and violent hues.
Georgia Fall Foliage Map
No Change 
Minimal 
Patchy 
Partial 
Near Peak 
Peak 
Past Peak 
Here are the fall foliage phases that Georgia leaves will experience:
[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”2″ display=”basic_imagebrowser”]And here are more colors of the Georgia fall…
10 Best Sites To See The Georgia Fall Foliage
Are you looking for some beautiful places to see leaves in the state’s forest canopy change colors? We begin with one of the most beautiful state parks in Georgia and the home of the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River:
View this post on Instagram2. Anna Ruby Falls (twin waterfalls)
View this post on Instagram3. Black Rock Mountain
View this post on Instagram4. Vogel State Park
View this post on Instagram5. Brasstown Bald
View this post on Instagram6. Cloudland Canyon
View this post on Instagram7. Fort Mountain State Park
View this post on Instagram8. Tallulah Gorge State Park
View this post on Instagram9. Sweetwater Creek
View this post on Instagram10. Stone Mountain Park
View this post on InstagramGeorgia contains tens of thousands of acres of natural beauty with a wide variety of fun family activities and things to do in the Atlanta.
Where Can You Take Fall Pictures in Georgia?
There are plenty of great locations to take pictures once the leaves fall in Georgia. Here are some top places:
- Atlanta Beltline
- Centennial Olympic Park
- Piedmont Park
- Krog Street Tunnel
- Hurt Park
Here are some great places to take pictures around Atlanta.
No matter if you’re a visitor to the state or a family looking to bring the kids out for a day of fund and children’s attractions, you can find tons of outdoor recreational activities including kayaking, SUP, championship golf, hiking, biking, and more around Atlanta.
Up next: 10+ things to do in Georgia that are fun & outdoorsy
https://atlantafi.com/adventurous-and-outdoorsy-things-to-do-in-atlanta/
Up next: Fun things to do in Atlanta with kids
If you see some fall colors where you live, drop a comment so we can list the Georgia city.
Georgia’s natural scenery is getting more beautiful for leaf watchers as the autumn transitions the state’s canopy into radiant reds, eye-popping yellows and orangish brown-colored leafage.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: Tjohnson@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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Dragon Con, the largest fan-backed popular culture convention, is back in Atlanta, Georgia, this weekend. There’s a full slate of fun-filled events in store so if you’re into comics, movies, manga, anime, cosplay and more, you won’t want to miss this.
When Is Dragon Con 2024?
Dragon Con 2024 takes place from Friday, August 29 to Monday, September 2 this year. There is a full schedule of events you won’t want to miss, just keep reading!
There will also be workshops, panels, discussions and parties starting from the first day of activities until Labor Day.
Where Will Dragon Con Take Place In Atlanta?
The main Dragon Con festivities will mainly take place at the following host hotels: the Hyatt Regency Atlanta along with the legendary Atlanta Marriott Marquis, the Hilton Atlanta, Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, and the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel. The Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton are connected by tube-ways to make trekking between the two that much more easier.
Bonus: Dragon Con TV will be available in all five host hotels.
Dragon Con Atlanta: Schedule of Events
Dragon Con’s Pin-Ups by the Pool Party
When: Friday, 8:30pm
Where: Courtland Grand Hotel, Grand BallroomDragon Con Night at the Aquarium
When: Saturday, 7pm – 11pmThe Palmetto Knights Tournaments
When: Saturday
Where: Courtland Grand Hotel, Grand BallroomDragon Con Burlesque: A Glamour Geek Revue
When: Sunday, midnightWhere: Courtland Grand Hotel, Grand Ballroom
The Late Night Puppet Slam
When: Monday, 12am (Midnight)
Where: Westin Peachtree BallroomReading Sessions
Where: Various LocationsOffering readings by authors from their own works (and usually some discussion with the audience afterward).
Dragon Con scheduled autographs (signings
Where: Westin Overlook
Field Guide: How To DragonCon
To make the most out of your DragonCon experience in Atlanta, consider the following tips:
1. Plan Ahead
- Research Panels and Events: Check the schedule ahead of time and prioritize the panels, workshops, and events you don’t want to miss. DragonCon’s app is handy for keeping track of everything.
- Pre-register: If possible, pre-register to avoid long lines on the day of the event.
2. Costume and Cosplay
- Participate in Cosplay: DragonCon is known for its cosplay, so if you enjoy dressing up, plan your costumes in advance. Be sure to bring repair kits for any quick fixes.
- Comfortable Costumes: If you’re cosplaying, ensure your costume is comfortable enough to wear for long periods. Consider bringing a change of clothes if necessary.
3. Networking
- Meet People: DragonCon is a great place to network with like-minded people, whether you’re into sci-fi, fantasy, comics, or gaming. Engage in conversations and attend social events to meet new friends.
- Business Cards: If you’re a content creator or involved in any fandom-related business, bring business cards to hand out.
4. Explore the Vendor Hall
- Budget for Shopping: The vendor hall is massive and filled with unique items. Set a budget so you can shop without overspending.
- Exclusive Merchandise: Look for exclusive items that you can only find at DragonCon.
5. Stay Hydrated and Nourished
- Bring Snacks and Water: Convention days are long, and food lines can be long too. Keep snacks and water with you to stay energized.
- Plan Meals: Consider the nearby restaurants for meals and try to eat during off-peak hours to avoid long waits.
6. Stay Nearby
- Book Accommodation Close to the Venue: If you haven’t already, try to stay at a hotel near the main venues to make it easier to return for rest or drop off purchases.
7. Attend the Night Events
- Check Out the Parties: DragonCon is famous for its parties and nightlife. Whether you’re into dancing, karaoke, or themed parties, there’s something for everyone.
- Costume Contests: Attend or participate in costume contests to see some of the best cosplay at the convention.
8. Capture Memories
- Take Photos: Whether it’s of cosplayers, panels, or the overall experience, capture memories, but be sure to ask permission before taking photos of others.
- Share on Social Media: Use the event’s hashtags to share your experience and connect with other attendees online.
Explore Atlanta At Your Own Pace
First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. Downtown Atlanta or Midtown often has something cool going on!
While it’s warm, take advantage of the outdoors. Don’t miss these awesome festivals.
The fun is just starting. Are you a beer drinker? You also may want to visit a craft brewery in the city.
Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
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