Beyond...Extravagant!

Extravagant ....to the nth degree!

Arthur Blank must have one hell of an ego.  This new Atlanta Falcon stadium will have everything ...and then some.

1.2 Billion dollars?  A retractable roof?  A gigantic side window with the Atlanta skyline in full view?

Simply amazing!

Take a look:

 

A Huge....."Blank" Check.....Coming Soon

Let's see.......16 years.... 3 children...and several ....billion dollars?

Seems like somebody's about to get paid!


From the AJC:

Brant Sanderlin, bsanderlin@ajc.com

Arthur Blank, wife separate

Falcons owner and his wife, Stephanie Blank, plan to keep working together on philanthropic projects. 4:36 p.m.

• Blanks' showcase home
• Charity work

A Rather Interesting.....Top 10

Yahoo.com......missed the boat here.

Elton John?  A part time resident?   Really?

Ted Turner?   Doesn't own CNN anymore....or the Braves.......Ted?  Really?   He lives in Montana these days.

Monica Pearson?   She......reads news.....Really?

Newt?   What a joke.....Really?

Clark Howard?   Powerful?   Really?

Yahoo and company have  way too much time on their hands....and too little thoughts in their brains.

We disagree with over half of their selections..... 


What about you?

Here's their  list:

Atlanta's 10 most powerful people

 

Atlanta's 10 most powerful and influential people

By Brian C. Hopkins | Yahoo! Contributor Network – Thu, Jul 14, 2011

COMMENTARY | Atlanta is considered to be the unofficial capital of the southeastern United States. Atlanta is also a city with considerable influence on politics, religion, and entertainment. So, to be one of the most powerful people in Atlanta means that you're also one of the most powerful people in the world, but what is power? For the purposes of this ranking, we looked at political influence, social status, and last, but certainly not least, wealth. After all, it was Tony Montana in "Scarface" who said, "In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then, when you get the money, you get the power." With that said, here is a listing of Atlanta's 10 most powerful people. 

10. Kasim Reed - Mayor of Atlanta

Unlike in some U.S. cities, in Atlanta the mayor actually does have considerable power and political influence. As a former two-term member as a state representative and former vice chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus, Mayor Reed has made quite a few powerful and influential friends during his ride to the city's most prestigious office. 

9. Monica Pearson - News anchor WSB-TV

For over 35 years, Monica Pearson has been the anchor for one of Atlanta's largest networks. Pearson has received various awards for her reporting and was not only first African-American woman to be named an anchor in Atlanta, but is also the longest running anchor in Atlanta history. Pearson's involvement with various business leaders, political groups, and religious leaders in Atlanta make her well-deserving of the title of one of Atlanta's most powerful. 

8. Andrew Young - Former Atlanta mayor, congressman, and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations

Andrew Young has led a movie-script life. He was an involved activist and confidant of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. He is a former U.S. congressman and was appointed as ambassador to the U.N. by President Jimmy Carter and also held the office of mayor in Atlanta. Young was a driving force behind getting the 1996 Olympic Games to come to Atlanta and is credited with spearheading Atlanta's corporate appeal to business around the world. 

7. Clark Howard - Consumer advocate

When millions of people around the world watch television, listen to radio, or search the Internet to hear what you say is or isn't a good deal, you've got true power. Clark Howard is one of the most widely used names not only in Atlanta, but also around the country. When you're the world's king of saving money and the world's in an economic spiral, you're going to wield a mighty sword in the world of influence. 

6. Elton John - Entertainer and philanthropist

While his main home is abroad, Elton John's primary U.S. residence is just minutes from downtown Atlanta. In a career that has spanned over four decades, Elton John has won almost every major music award thinkable. He is one of the most successful activists and philanthropists in the world and is a frequent name mentioned when listing the world's most rich and powerful entertainers. 

5. Nathan Deal - Governor and former U.S. congressman

Being the governor of the state of Georgia immediately qualifies you for the list of Atlanta's most powerful people. Nathan Deal's congressional ties and association with former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich give Georgia's top official a firm position on the list of Atlanta's most powerful.

4. Tyler Perry - Actor, writer, and producer

Perry has built one of the most successful movie and television production companies in the world. He exhibits considerable influence among Atlanta's African-American community and is widely respected by the city's political and religious leaders, but when you have a direct line to Oprah Winfrey, you're a pretty powerful guy. 

3. Ted Turner - Media mogul

Had this article been written 15 years ago, Ted Turner would be the undisputed most powerful man in Atlanta. Ted Turner is the former owner of the Atlanta Braves, the founder of both TBS and CNN, and one of the largest individual land owners in the U.S. Although Turner is in the spotlight far less than he used to be, his estimated net worth is still in the billions. 

2. Newt Gingrich - Former congressman and speaker of the House

To have a chance at being elected as the Republican candidate for the 2012 Presidential election, you've got to be a polarizing figure, and Newt Gingrich is exactly that. His congressional career spans over 30 years, and he has worked closely with several presidents (both Republican and Democrat). Gingrich's ties with some of the political and business worlds' most powerful and influential make him just that. 

1. Arthur Blank - Businessman

Sometimes popularity can give you a power that even money can't buy. Arthur Blank has endeared himself with the city and thusly become the most powerful man in Atlanta. The co-founder of Home Depot purchased the Atlanta Falcons and the Georgia Force. Since acquiring the Falcons, he has initiated the most successful run in the team's history. In addition to this, his various charitable contributions and warm personality have captivated the Atlanta public. 

Brian Hopkins has been involved with the city of Atlanta's business and political structure for over 20 years. He has covered various local political issues as an independent writer during that time. He currently serves as a consumer advocate, and he is the founder of 4TheConsumer.com.

 

For more stories in your area, check out Yahoo! Local Atlanta.

"Stuff".........From the Week-end

The Holidays are over.....get those Christmas lights packed up....recycle the old tree....make your returns to the retail stores.....get the kids ready for their 3rd quarter of schooling.....

And .....let's get back to work!

"Stuff".....from the week-end......

From our friends at ..........

The Huffington Post:

A new year.....but .....same old Rex......

Jets Coach: 'It's Personal' Playing Against Peyton Manning

 

Michael........."Make him an offer...he can't refuse"!

Carmelo Anthony Says 'No' To Michael Jordan

 

Hey now!!!!   This is a $1500....Armani suit!

NFL Owner Gets A Gatorade Bath 

 

We've.......kind of heard this before,  Brett......Let's see what you say in June:

'IT'S TIME'

 

What's up in L A???

Grizzlies Crush Lakers By 19

 

Uconn.......loses?   There is a God....

UConn Women's Streak At No. 1 Ranking Ends

 

Let's have a great.......2011....

You guys.......& girls.....keep reading our blog.....and we'll keep putting out....

"Stuff"......... 

The Whitening of Atlanta

61.4%..........

That is the percentage of African Americans residing in the largest city in the south, Atlanta, Georgia. The city where Martin Luther King was born.


The city whose current Mayor ( Shirley Franklin) is both black.....and a woman. Rappers Ludacris and T. I. call the ATL home.


Known as the "Hip-hop" capital of the world..........Atlanta has shown its willingness to embrace the NFL professional team .....the Atlanta Falcons.


It was not always the case. The Falcons were a joke for over 30 years with the Smith family owning the team. Apathy ........ruled.


Then along comes Home Depot wizard (and billionaire) Arthur Blank. The new owner lowers ticket prices , spruces up the Georgia Dome, and gets Atlanta excited again.


And ..........that number 7. Michael Vick. All Mr. Vick did was fill that dome.........from 2003 to 2007. All sell outs. In late 2006, the Falcons boasted of a waiting list of 90,000 for a chance to purchase season tickets.


Then came last season..........Vick going to jail........Head coach quitting in the middle of the season..........a dismal attendance record......


So with the 2008 NFL draft facing them.......The Falcons .......with a new General Manager and Coach, made decisions to rebuild this franchise.


Mr. Blank has decided on not going back ........to black. All about image, Blank has shipped out vocal DeAngelo Hall (to Oakland).


Saturday, in the first round, white quarterback, Matt Ryan was drafted (with the third pick) to lead the team. Their second pick was another white player, offensive lineman Sam Baker.


The new ........faces of the franchise.............


While one can not blame Mr. Blank for being cautious.......( and yes.....it is his team) We are disappointed at how quickly Mr. Blank is trying to de-black the team with a steady flow .....of white.

Hump Day Ramblings...........

Arthur Blank never learns.......

The Falcons' coaching search may be getting juicier.
Late Tuesday night, ESPN.com, citing multiple sources, reported that Falcons owner Arthur Blank is pursuing USC coach Pete Carroll.

A former head coach with the New York Jets and New England Patriots, Carroll, 56, is 76-14 in seven seasons at USC.

According to the story, the Falcons "might be willing to grant Carroll far-reaching responsibilities."

If this isn't the stupidest decision I've heard so far this young year! Mr. Blank.....are you kidding me? After Bobby Petrino leaves you at the altar just 2 months ago..........you want to get back in bed with another college coach? A college coach who failed twice when he was in the NFL? A college coach who is a west coast guy......doesn't run a disciplined program.......a rah rah guy? No wonder the Falcons are the laughing stock of the league.

Hope she learns her lesson...............

Anchor apologizes for 'lynch' Tiger remark

The Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman got in hot water this past weekend by jokingly suggesting a group of young golfers should lynch Tiger Woods in a back alley.........Note to all anchor persons.......Just read the telepromter........period.......Do not try to ad lib.....ever.

Same old Hawks.................

Just went it looked as if these young and athletic Atlanta Hawks were legitimate, the bottom falls out. The Hawks have lost 4 straight and seem to be clueless about the game of team basketball. Things won't get any easier for the Hawks tonight as they entertain the Cleveland Cavaliers and the red hot LeBron James. The Hawks are still lacking beef in the middle .......and when jump shots aren't falling......the Hawks go to losing.

Save it......Dr. Adams......

University of Georgia president, Dr. Michael Adams has sent a proposal to NCAA president Miles Brand detailing a BCS 8 team play-off system. It'll never happen. The big bowls have too much at stake and make too much money for the major conferences.

Finally.................

No, Roger Clemens..........We don't believe you.......You are a liar and a cheat. But you still deserve to be in the Hall of Fame, because you were one of the greatest pitchers of all time.