Patch, Starbucks Team to Avert Fiscal Cliff

The two companies have joined forces to urge Congress to “Come Together” before tax hikes and spending cuts push America over the “fiscal cliff.”

On any given day, Metro Atlanta and Washington, D.C., might seem like they’re a million miles apart. Today is not one of those days. As Congress and President Barack Obama attempt to hash out differences to stop America from falling over the “Fiscal Cliff,” Patch and Starbucks are teaming up to urge Republicans and Democrats to “come together.” The two companies are working together to make sure Congress gets the message America wants a viable solution to the country’s financial woes. The so-called Fiscal Cliff encompasses all of the budget cuts and tax hikes that will automatically kick in if Congress doesn’t take action before Jan. 1, 2013. Some economists say the automatic changes will push the country into another recession. The White …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Speak Out: Would You Drink a $7 Coffee?

The pricey cup of joe can be found at select Starbucks stores. Would you consider dipping into your coffee budget to try it?

They’re not magic beans, but you’ll pay a high price for them—if you’re lucky enough to find some. Coffee giant Starbucks is offering Costa Rica Finca Palmilera. At $7 for a grande, it’s the Seattle-based company’s most expensive offering to date as well as one of its rarest, according to the Los Angeles Times. But coffee connoisseurs here in the Peach State are out of luck if they’re hoping to grab a cup at their corner Starbucks shop—the company is only offering the beverage in select stores in Washington state. What is this new coffee anyway? The Washington Post has chronicled the history of the Geisha heritage varietal, the bean from which the Costa Rica Finca Palmilera is made. The bean, which has its roots in Ethiopia, has gained …

• Videos (1)

Dinner and a Movie

'The Words' Falls Short

Bradley Cooper plays a writer who rips off another writer who just happened to be Jeremy Irons. Bad idea? Oh, I think so...

Bradley Cooper wants to be a professional writer but he can't because, well, he's not good enough. He comes across a transcript form shelved for years, publishes it, and tells the world it's his work when we ALL know it's not The Words. Jeremy Irons plays the writer who actually wrote the book. He confronts Cooper's character, accusing him of plagiarism, and then proceeds to tell him his back story, thus slowing down the film to a turtle's pace. Other actors in the film include small roles from Zoe Saldana, Dennis Quaid and Olivia Wilde. Despite a talented cast, the film seemed a bit jumbled toward the middle. You see, there are actually three different stories going on, making it difficult to follow because they are not chronological. …

• Photos (1)
• Videos (1)

Frugal Family

Beatles Tribute Group Presents Free Concert Saturday in Hiram

The grand opening of the Crossroads Public Library in North Paulding will be held Sunday afternoon.

We're all watching our family budgets these days. Whether shopping with coupons or looking for two-for-one deals, we're taking advantage of all sorts of offers and savings that help us stretch our dollars.  This column will be dedicated to giving you five great local deals each week that will help your family’s bottom line. Since we do the scouting for you, you can save time as well as money.  You are a big part of this column. Let us hear about the deals you've seen. Just add them to our comment box. Then come back each week and see what we've uncovered together.  This week, Frugal Family reporter Carolyn Cunningham scoured our local sources to come up with a free Beatles tribute concert in Hiram, two Cultural Arts Council events in …

• Photos (1)
• Videos (1)
• Documents (3)

Patch Picks

Five Romantic Places for Valentine’s Day

Here are a few places in Dallas and Hiram where you can celebrate with your sweetheart.

Sparkles, 4054 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway, Hiram Not just on Valentine’s Day but every Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. (except school holidays), skating admission is 99 cents, skating rental is 99 cents, pizza is 99 cents and sodas are 99 cents. Playzone and Laser Tag can be added at the door for $3 extra. Hiram Coffee House, 159 Main St., Suite A, Hiram Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, this coffee shop across from City Hall serves more than coffee and sweets. Daily homemade lunch specials, sandwiches and salads are among the offerings. La Bella Spa & Salon, 76 Seven Hills Blvd., Suite 109, Dallas Normally closed on Mondays, La Bella will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Valentine’s Day. “Hot Deal” specials through the Paulding Chamber of Commerce …

•  3 Comments
• Photos (1)

Jon Gargis

1:14 pm on Friday, February 11, 2011

Great options, Sarah and Desirae. I think it's tough to really determine a definitive five romantic places, and I think with a topic like this, one can come up with more than five. But I think it's good we got a few simple options in this list. Some of our other recent articles suggest other ways to get out this weekend, such as the Silver Comet Trail or restaurants within a decent driving …   more ›