Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency.
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The political drama that has gone on for more than a month in a Fulton County courtroom has culminated in a surprise ruling: Judge Scott McAfee issued his ruling early on Friday, March 15, 2024, in which he said that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis can remain on the case to prosecute former President Donald Trump for alleged election interference. But there’s a caveat: Her cohort, special prosecutor Nathan Wade must leave the case.
The ruling comes after tense debate among political pundits over the fate of Willis, who admitted to a romantic relationship with the attorney she hired to help prosecute Trump and 19 co-defendants.
In his ruling, McAfee said that “no disqualification of a constitutional officer is necessary when a less drastic and sufficiently remedial option is available.”
He then presented two options: “Either the District Attorney may choose to step aside, along with the whole of her office or Wade can withdraw.”
Update: Wade has chosen to step aside from the case.
As for Wade, he and Willis were grilled by the defense over what has been called an “illicit affair.” Under oath, the two admitted to having a personal relationship, which the defense jumped on to show alleged improprieties.
Critics have countered that with the judge allowing Willis to proceed, it taints the case against Trump and adds an air of subversion.
Final Word
Earlier in the week, McAfee dismissed some counts against Trump in the election interference case.
Willis has inferred that she has had to do her job amid intense pressure on her personal life.
Speaking to a church in January, Willis said that she is far from perfect.
““You cannot expect black women to be perfect. We need to be allowed to stumble. We need grace. We are all sinners,” she said.“We need your prayers, We need to be allowed to stumble. We need grace. With that type of support, we will move mountains and do Jesus’s will — stumbling all of the way!”
We’ll see how the hearing unfolds, but it’s no doubt that Republicans will celebrate if Willis is taken down and Democrats will breathe a sigh of relief if she is found to stay.
Last fall, she wrote a scathing letter to GOP Rep. Jim Jordan in response to his attacks.
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Are you in the market for a new laptop? If so, you should know that now’s a great time to go shopping for electronics.
But don’t just pull out your wallet and splurge on the latest device: There are some things you need to consider. You should know a thing or two or three about the specific laptops you’re looking at.
How Long Do Laptops Last?
Laptops are not built to last forever. Expect yours to work at an optimum level between three to five years. After that, you’re likely to see some functionality fade as its memory starts to get used up.
Another issue is compatibility. Manufacturers eventually make older model laptops obsolete due to updates and other tech advancements in the operating systems, which we’ll touch on a bit later.What To Look For In A Laptop
In this article, we’ll go over some laptop specifications that you need to be familiar with when shopping for one.
The first thing that you should want to nail down are the features that the laptop has. Some of the things to look for are:
Best Features To Consider
- Ports: How many ports does it have? You’ll need to know this when you consider the many accessories you’ll need.
- Does it come with Microsoft 365 and Office.
- Does it come with an adaptor? Make sure it does.
- Mouse: Is the mouse one that you can scroll freely with? How’s the navigation?
Exterior
The laptop’s exterior is another aspect that you’ll need to study thoroughly. Laptops typically come in “clamshell” exteriors or the 2-in-1 variety, which includes the portable nature laptops and tablets.
The 2-in-1 models typically give you more ports than the clamshell options, which is very important when it comes to connectivity.
Know Your Operating System
The operating system is the engine of your laptop. When you buy a computer, the operating system, known as the “OS’ will determine everything from your speed, display to software and hardware compatibility and memory.
Screen Size
Laptop screen sizes come in different sizes, typically up to 19 inches. Depending on how you’ll use your laptop (gaming, photo editing, etc.), you may need a large or small size.
When choosing a screen size, be mindful that the larger you go, the most limited your packaging options will be. The device will also be heavier as you add more size.
Memory
The more random-access memory (RAM) you have, the more processing power and speed you’ll typically have. This is very important if you plan to run several programs at once.
You’ll see some good deals with 4 to 8 gigabytes (GB), but you’ll want to keep in mind that those with 64GB and higher will typically handle most of anything you throw at them.
Battery Life
One of the most important factors in a good laptop is the battery life. You can typically guage the battery life of any laptop by going into its settings.
To make sure of your battery power, run a diagnostic test to see how old your battery is and how many hours it has become it needs to be recharged.
Final Word
There you have it: Everything you need to choose a laptop that you can live (and work) with.
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You don’t want to miss the Town Center Community’s 2024 Noonday Shanty 5K & 10K races, which are just days away.
The events offer the opportunity to get some exercise as well as show up for the community.
When Are the Noonday Shanty Races?
The Noonday Shanty 5K & 10K races are set to take place on Thursday, March 23 at 7:45 a.m. along the Noonday Creek Trail, a paved course with two race lengths available.
Runners and walkers are encouraged to participate and experience Town Center’s scenic views. To register, please visit towncentercid.com.
Final Word
Metro Atlanta has a thriving cultural, food, sports and music scene, with venues like the Tabernacle and the Fox Theatre hosting concerts and shows throughout the year. The city is also home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Opera, offering world-class performances for music lovers.
Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
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Spring is in the air in Georgia, and that means it’s an ideal time to cultivate a garden in Atlanta and others parts of the Peach State.
Not only is it a very sustainable decision, but it’s a great idea when it comes to feeding your family.
In this article, we’ll tell you the best fruits and vegetables you can grow in Atlanta as well as the best times to grow them and other things about planting.
What Vegetables Grow In Spring In Georgia?
In the springtime is the best season for planting and growing crops in northwest Georgia. The weather is mild enough to support substantial growth and the wet season of May makes for ample blossoming to occur.
Around March is a good time to plant your beans, no matter if they’re of the lima, pole or snap variety. It’s also a great time to plant corn, but be cognizant of where you put it because it could shade over plants as it grows taller and taller.
You can also plant your peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, okra and squash. Your melons such as canteloupe and watermelon will benefit by an early spring planting as well.
After the first planting, you should lay out a second round of seeds two to three weeks later.
What Vegetables Grow In Winter In Georgia?
In the winter, Georgia farmers can really continue their harvests if they plant turnips, which thrive in the colder months.
Leafy greens like collards, kale and mustards all take around a month to six weeks to mature, which could take you into March in most cases.
Also, vegetables with long growth periods under the earth include carrots, broccoli, lettuce, radishes spinach and arugula.
Here Are All The Fruits & Vegetables You Can Grow In Atlanta
Growing your own food has long been a Southern tradition, but it has taken on special significance with the coronavirus pandemic.
A lot of people think Georgia is just known for its peaches (Peach State, I get it), but the fact is that apples, watermelons, peanuts and many other fruits and vegetables are major crops here.
Let’s look at some of the many fruits and vegetables you can grow in Georgia.
View this post on InstagramGeorgia-Grown Fruits And Vegetables
- Apples
- Basil
- Beets
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cantaloupes
- Carrots
- Collards
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Field Peas
- Greens
- Irish Potatoes
- Lettuce
- Lima Beans
- Muscadine Grapes
- Mushrooms
- Okra
- Peaches
- Peanuts
- Pears
- Pecans
- Peppers
- Persimmons
- Pumpkins
- Squash
- Strawberries
- Sweet Corn
- Sweet Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Vidalia Onions
- Watermelons
- Wheat
What Fruits Are Native To Georgia?
View this post on Instagram
When it comes to fruit, Atlanta is an inhospitable place to grow citrus such as oranges, plums and mangoes. Bananas are possible, but they’ll typically grow on the small side.Some fruits have been imported from elsewhere and have literally taken root in Georgia. But there are also some fruits that have always been here.
Here are some fruits that grow well in Atlanta and other parts of Georgia:
Georgia’s Grapes (Muscadines)
Georgia’s grape industry is focused on the muscadine, which is a South America-native fruit with a think purplish skin and musky flavor.
Muscadines are high in antioxidants and fiber. These grapes are easy to grow in Georgia as well.
Crab Apples
Georgia is well known for its crab apples, which grow well in Atlanta. Crab apple trees can be planted in spring, summer and fall as long as they get plenty of sunlight.
You should water them generously in the first month or so, allowing the roots to spread in the Georgia clay.
Pears
The most popular pears to grow in Georgia are the Bartlett and Anjou, which are European varieties. Although you can grow pears in metro Atlanta, a prevalent bacterial fungus makes it difficult to do so commercially, although there are exceptions.
Pears
The peach is Georgia’s state fruit, but it hasn’t always been. Georgia experienced a bad cotton crop sometime after 1920 and switched its focus to producing peaches, even adopting the moniker “The Peach State” for marketing purposes.
It’s true, that peaches grow well in Georgia, but they are only typically available here from mid-May to early August. After that, peaches are imported from other parts of the world.
Final Words
Atlanta and other parts of northwest Georgia has some very fertile soil for growing fruits and vegetables. All it takes is some time and effort on your part.
If you prefer to buy your own fruits and vegetables, here’s where the local farmer’s markets are in Atlanta.
Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest information from the Peach State’s capital city.
If you’re in the market for a nice plot of land, you’re making a wise decision. Real estate prices in rural areas are going up, but are still affordable. Here’s how to buy land in Georgia.
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Answering the interview questions correctly can be a difficult job. One bad answer can be the difference between a long and fruitful career and the unemployment line.
Because let’s face it: You’re going to earn that job and get hired because of your preparation you put into the interview phase.
Download this free resume template to kick off your job search successfully.
Best Job Interview Questions And Answers To Them
Here are the best job interview questions and answers to them:
1. Tell Us About Yourself
Use this question to expand on your resume, but tie it back into why you’re qualified for the job.
Say something like: I have made it my life’s work to help people ever since I was raised in Atlanta, Georgia. When I majored at Georgia Tech and finished first in my class, I knew what I wanted to do with my career. My five years at Coca-Cola really prepared me for making a transition to a company like this.”
2. Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years?
Interviewers often use this question to gauge whether you’re a long-term fit for the company. They will also see if you’re complacent where you are now.
Say Something like: “I see myself as a productive member of the management team in a role that specifically helps customers.”
3. Why Should We Hire You?
Employers often use the “why should we hire you” question to weed out narcissistic personalities. They also use it to see how confident you are. Strive for a balance rooted in demonstrable facts.
Say Something Like: “I certainly think that if you’re hiring for potential — someone that can increase your company’s bottom line immediately — I am the person for this job. Also, if you look at my history, as noted on my resume, I already have a strong background in what the department specializes in.”
4. Describe Your Worst Mistake?
The job candidate needs to be careful with “describe your flaws” type questions. Employers want you to be truthful, but they’re not interested in deep, dark secrets. Simply describe a time you were challenged at work.
Say Something Like: “We had a sales expectation of $520,000 and we finished well short of that. Looking back on it, I wish I had worked even harder to accomplish our goal. Since then, we have doubled our profit in each of the last two years.”
5. Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?
The “why are you leaving your job” question is a classic setup question to see if you will complain much about your employer. Don’t fall for it.
Say Something Like: “While I enjoyed the last three years at this company, I feel that it’s in my best interest to move on to greater challenges. I feel that this job would fulfill me in that way.”
Up next: How to write a resume that wows Atlanta employers
How To Write A Resume That Will Attract Atlanta’s Top Companies
Metro Atlanta’s hot economy has slowed of late due to the COVID-19, but that’s OK. Check out our Coronavirus Resource Guide and find out how to make and save money.We currently have job articles that show you high-paying jobs, those close to downtown and even side hustles you might like.If you’re looking to get hired in Atlanta right now, there’s a very real possibility that you can land your dream job. -
David Weekley Homes is set to open its first home community in 2024 with Cherokee County’s Havencroft.
Situated within five miles of downtown Woodstock, the 69 homes offer homebuyers a chance at suburban life and all of its amenities.
So prospective residents can take a look at the new single-family home community, David Weekley Homes will play host to a drive-in tour on March 9 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Only open to homebuyers who sign up as VIPs, the event will include a chance to meet with the designers, builders, and other team members from David Weekley Homes’ Atlanta Division, preview several available floor plans, learn about the area and community amenities, and more.
Those interested in attending the event and receiving weekly updates about Havencroft can sign up online on the community page at DavidWeekleyHomes.com or call 404-789-3033 to be added to the VIP list.
“We’ve had great success with our VIP drive-in events over the last few years,” said Adam
Cornett, Atlanta Division President for David Weekley Homes. “Being a VIP is an excellent way for homebuyers to get a leg up on the competition amid a highly competitive market.”When Are The New David Weekley Homes Opening In Woodstock?
The community will open to the public in mid-April. Starting prices for homes in Havencroft will be in the High $600s.
Final Word
Atlanta has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants.
Not to mention that the city’s dining scene is the best in the Southeast. Looking for a home? Check out our Real Estate Resource Page.
Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.
See The Latest Atlanta Real Estate News At AtlantaFi.com.
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So you’ve secured the long-sought-after interview and the hiring manager is set to fire one question after another to you to see if you’re the best one for the job.
You’re well rehearsed on the typical questions. Finally, one of them comes at you with some intrigue: Why are you the best candidate for the job?
Before you wrap and follow up on your job interview, you need to nail your answer. How will you answer that question? What is the hiring manager or recruiter getting at by asking it?
How To Answer ‘Why Are You The Best Candidate For The Job?’
The best way to achieve an answer that moves you further along in the hiring process is to lean upon your experience as well as the needs of the company as specifically mentioned in the job posting.
Don’t Get Too Comfortable
First of all, don’t let the question go to your head. It’s not a time to go off the rails or drop your respective guard.
Technically speaking, you may not even be a job candidate yet. For the recruiter’s standpoint, you’re an “applicant,” or someone who simply applied for the job. If you want to take the next step to reach the status of “job candidate,” how you answer interview questions is vitally important.
Your Reply Should Show Research
Answering the question of why you are the best job candidate is a chance to show that you have researched the company’s values and are aligned with them.
You should sound like you know what you’re talking about when it comes to company culture, even down to the small details. Make sure you mention only the personal things about yourself that fit well with what you know about the firm.
Download a free resume template to get your job search kicked off right.
Use Key Words
Nothing says “I don’t know what I’m talking about” like not honing in on the verbiage in a job description. You should regard the company’s job posting as a script that you should stick to. The way to do that is by saying the same words you read.
Use key words that show that you grasp the mission of the business as well as the particular position you’re applying for.
What To Say
To answer the question, remember to lean on your resume and marry it with what you know about the position. Here are some sample sentences that you can start with and tweak as you see fit:
I do feel that I am qualified for the role, as my resume brings out, my (X) years of experience in my previous position has given me a unique depth of understanding for the intricacies associated with this particular job.
As you look at my resume more closely, you’ll see that I am uniquely qualified based on my education, number of years in the industry and collaborative skills I’ve acquired along the way.
I am confident that with my training/skills, I can learn your system in a relatively short period and begin contributing immediately to your bottom line.
Final Word
Finally, answering a question of how qualified you are has to be rooted in truth. If you are not qualified for the specific role, you should not have applied for it. Questions asked by an interviewer are a way to find this out.
Check out more of our interview tips to find employment right now.
If you’re looking to get hired in Atlanta right now, there’s a very real possibility that you can land your dream job. -
Atlanta-based advertising executive Crystal Foote recently released a new children’s book aimed at promoting inclusivity and self-esteem among the youth.
Titled The Inclusivity Superheroes: A Tale of Diversity and Unity, the book focuses on diversity and unity, something that children need to grasp at an early age.
When tasked with figuring out what the next steps in her career would be, Crystal Foote was driven by the desire to create meaningful change. Recognizing the importance of speaking to younger generations, Foote brought her vision to life through storytelling.
“When you instill these concepts early in a child’s life, they are more embracing of diversity,” said Foote. The advertising executive strategically chose to market to children to help instill these values, using the relatable theme of superheroes.
The Inclusivity Superheroes: A Tale of Diversity and Unity
Collaborating with the talented illustrator Olivier Chen, the book came to life with its stunning visuals. The duo made sure to visually depict superheroes of all diverse backgrounds so all children could look at the book and see themselves in the characters Aisha, Emma, and Carlos.
In a world where Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) are at the forefront of discussions, Foote uses real-world examples to convey to readers the impact diversity has and encourage children that they can make a difference regardless of age.
The book received praise from Grammy-winning artist and star of Disney Junior’s Choo Choo Soul, Genevieve Goings-Gums as well as award-winning librarian and social media influencer, Mychal Threets.
The message doesn’t just end with the last page, but readers are invited to visit the website, where they can dive deeper into the characters’ stories, discover cultural food recipes, and even take an inclusivity quiz for a personalized certificate.
“The Inclusivity Superheroes: A Tale of Diversity and Unity” is not just a book, but a call to action for children, parents, and all to engage in conversations about the importance of unity. Crystal Foote’s commitment to making the world a more inclusive place for all starts with touching the hearts of readers and making every child feel seen through her pages.
Final Read
Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@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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Hot off the heels of its grand opening, Signia by Hilton Atlanta hotel’s spa just opened its doors as well.
Signia by Hilton Atlanta, downtown Atlanta’s largest ground-up hotel development project in 40 years, recently opened Spa Signia.
What Is Spa Signia?
Spa Signia, led by spa and beauty veteran, Spa and Wellness Director Jaimie O. Allums, is 2,200 square foot spa focused on wellness and beauty. The attached beauty bar serves as an oasis of pampering and rejuvenation.
The spa offers several elegant treatments and amenities from renowned wellness brands including Babor, Botanika Life, Essence One, Higher Dose and Hyperice.
Featuring six treatment rooms, guests of Spa Signia can expect recharging experiences from detox massages with manual massage cupping therapy, recovery treatments featuring air compression massage technology and CBD pain cream to a cryo facial lift, combining cold therapy and gua sha, along with percussion therapy.
With the entire 23,500 square foot floor dedicated to wellness, Spa Signia joins a beauty bar, state-of-the-art fitness center, seasonal pool overlooking Mercedes-Benz Stadium and premium wellness rooms. The new 976-room hotel offers a thoughtfully curated mix of premium wellness and luxurious leisure amenities designed to help visitors and hotel guests alike be at their best – whether maintaining their self-care routine while traveling or pampering themselves for a special occasion.
At the beauty bar, the full-service salon team will help guests look and feel their best for a gala, meeting, wedding, or even a date night. Services range from Dazzle Dry manicures and CBD pedicures to HydraFacials™.
“The debut of Spa Signia is a significant moment for Signia by Hilton Atlanta, providing our guests and locals alike with a new destination in the city for luxurious relaxation, self-care and renewal,” said Teri Agosta, general manager, Signia by Hilton Atlanta. “With Jaimie’s extensive background, passion for health and beauty, and attention to detail, she plays a crucial leadership role in crafting exceptional experiences that are a testament to Hilton’s commitment to holistic and results-driven wellness.”
“As Signia by Hilton Atlanta embarks on this journey to redefine wellness in downtown Atlanta, our team is thrilled to unveil Spa Signia,” said Jaimie O. Allums, director of spa and wellness, Signia by Hilton Atlanta. “On our dedicated wellness floor, our mission is to create a serene sanctuary where our hotel guests and locals alike can relax, rejuvenate, indulge and escape. Whether our guests are looking to level up their wellness game, or simply spend time winding down and recharging in between meetings, Spa Signia offers something for everyone.”
Also on location is the hotel’s esteemed Italian eatery, Capolinea:
Capolinea
159 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Photo credit: Capolinea Using high-quality ingredients in Georgia, Capolinea offers diners an inspired taste of Italy in downtown Atlanta. Check out the menu.
Where Is Signia by Hilton Atlanta Located?
The Signia by Hilton Atlanta is located at 159 Northside Drive NW Atlanta, Georgia 30313 adjacent to the Georgia World Congress Center. Here’s how to get there.
Final Word
No doubt the Signia brand will soon be one of the best hotels in Atlanta. With its many amenities, it’s just the place to enjoy a day or two or perhaps this weekend,.
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It’s a bird. It’s a plane. In downtown Atlanta, it’s Superhero Science Night! At least that’s what it will be on March 9 in downtown Atlanta. It’s a great thing to do with kids in Atlanta.
Kids are invited to soar to Children’s Museum of Atlanta and discover the magical powers behind learning at Superhero Science Night on Saturday, March 9 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Kids and parents are encouraged to embrace the opportunity to don their favorite superhero attire and embark on a mission to save the world through the applications of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The event-filled evening promises exciting activities, including constructing a Batmobile, triggering Volcanic Eruptions, unraveling the mysteries of the Disappearing Face and much more. Attendees can also look forward to hearing how special guest, Decatur Makers Space, designs and creates superhero cosplay props. Visitors can see their incredible props and learn more about 3D printing, LEDs and circuits.
WHAT: Superhero Science Night at Children’s Museum of Atlanta Families are invited to blast off into the wonderful world of science
WHEN: Saturday, March 9 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Children’s Museum of Atlanta 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive, NW Atlanta, GA 30313Final Word
We love the kids! That’s why we’re showing you all the good things happening in the city this weekend. But there’s more: Check out what’s going on in 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:Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com: