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Justice for Alex Newton – Murder at Alexan EAV

Jonathan Alexander Newton, Alex, was murdered in his apartment at the Alexan EAV in Atlanta on Monday, Oct. 31, 2016. Alex was only 30 years old. He had come home on his lunch break and walked in on a home invader at his apartment. The perpetrator then shot him to death before running. Here’s the video of the suspect caught on security camera:

Alex’s friends and family have set up a GoFundMe to raise money to add to the CRIME STOPPERS reward money so that this perpetrator doesn’t stay on the run for long. Please help by donating and sharing the YouTube video so we can bring Alex’s murderer to justice!

Courtesy of his family, here’s more about the amazing Alex Newton:

Alex was the middle child of Joseph Betts (Joe) and Beth Candler Newton. He was born on July 21, 1986. He grew up in Thomson, Georgia, where he was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Thomson.

As a youth, Alex loved acting, modeling, and was part of a State Champion Team in both gymnastics and tennis. He acted in several plays with the Augusta Players and spent one summer in New York City with his mother developing his love of theatre. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church youth group and a proud member of Boy Scout Troop 125 and was the recipient of an Eagle Scout Award.

Alex was a graduate of Augusta Christian School and attended Brevard College and Augusta Technical College. As an avid outdoorsman, Alex had multiple interests including fly fishing, hunting, mountain biking, kayaking, and camping on the family farm. He also enjoyed cooking and woodworking. He was employed by Newton Construction Group in Atlanta, Georgia.

In addition to his parents, Alex is survived by his brother, Trey Newton of Atlanta, sister, Taylor Newton of Thomson, paternal grandmother Sara Newton, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friend, Sarah Read.

Visitation will be held on Friday evening November 4th at the Newton residence in Thomson, GA from 6-8 p.m. A memorial service celebrating Alex’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 5th at First United Methodist Church, Thomson, Georgia.

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November 2, 2016
Praying for Georgia vs. Florida

Dear 8lb, 9oz, tiny absentee manager in the manger,

Little leader, we’re coming to you today with a different sorta prayer.

While of course our eyes are always set on the W, we need a little TLC for our boys this week, Jesus. It’s been three weeks of straight whoopins, the last one only slightly less terrible than this week’s Walking Dead.

This week, our Dawgs are headed down to the Biggest’ Cocktail Party of the year, small Lord. While I’m always thankful not to be in that dang swamp, I’m as nervous about this game as I could be.

Then I realized, it doesn’t really matter (ok, yes it does, PLEASE JESUS SAVE THE SEASON) because we are the Bulldog Nation. And that means something’ more than the outcome of this or any game. And it’s something we all have to summon and to hold on to, tight, right now, while it’s hard.

Bulldogs remember the first time we set foot in Heaven, Jesus.

On Earth, we call it Athens. And we remember marching miles in heels, hammered, calling out about who’s coming down the track. And we remember our first tailgate on North Campus, and how we were darn sure we’d never find a better place to call home. The moment you know you’re a Georgia Bulldog, Jesus, you are forever changed.

We remember our first trip to Jacksonville. If you’re me, on a bus with ALL of the drunk fraternity boys, some of whom are still my most favorite people on the planet. We remember being so wasted before a night game against Auburn that we were sure we’d never make it, but we did. We think about the moment when everyone realizes you’re going to win a too-close game against Tennessee and you hug a complete stranger in the stands. In that moment, you understand why we call it the Bulldog Nation.

We reflect on the players we have loved along the years! And some we love less now, David Pollock, you filthy traitor!

*Ahem*

When you’re a Bulldog, the sound of Larry Munson’s voice does somethin’ to you. Standing in Sanford Stadium on a perfect Saturday afternoon in Fall is better than the best thing you can think of. And the song leading us into the 4th sometimes makes us choked up, but we just pretend our bleary eyes are drunk, because there’s no crying in football.

But there is. Our ever-stoic fans are shedding tears this season, Jesus! When things like last week happen, and the week before, and all of the weeks where the Bulldogs fall, you feel it! And your heart hurts. You worry for your team, not a National title. (Ok, a National title a little, but go with me on this, Jesus.) Georgia Bulldogs everywhere are worried, Jesus, and we need your help!

Watch over us today, lordlet. Loran said it best all those years ago when he said Larry would love this team’s heart. I believe Larry is up there with you, Jesus, so maybe you could talk to him some about why this year’s Georgia team is so incredibly special. Keep it safe! And if in the interim we could whoop some Gator tails, that would also be muchly appreciated.

In your we’re not sure you hear us name we pray,

Amen…and GO DAWGS!

October 29, 2016
A Prayer for #UGAvsSC

Dear 8lb, 9oz precious little Dawg-lovin’ savior,

Happy Sunday, Jesus!

I can’t believe we’re chattin’ on a Sunday. Been a while, I reckon. I sure do like this switch up, baby lord. Brunch and college football at the same time? WHAT A WORLD!

Well, Jesus, we Georgia fans are coming to you a little more humbly this week. Last week, in a very smart move to hail your mom in the last second, those blasted Volunteers stole a victory from our tiny Jacob. Again, lordlet, I can only assume it was part of your greater plan for our boys in silver britches. The way I figure it, Jesus, you’re the biggest come-back kid I know, so I believe in my heart of hearts that you will help our boys pull out a victory today over those wretched chickens and their crappy new leader.

Speaking of, this season it’s a lot harder to even care about these Cocks now that Steve Spurrier is gone.

Baby Jesus, the Holy Bible never mentions whatcha do after Satan retires.

Can we just talk about Spurrier for a second, tiny leader of Heaven? Glad nobody else is around claiming to be the Head Ball Coach any more. Far as I can tell, YOU’RE the only Head Ball Coach around this place…and the ENTIRE UNIVERSE.

Do we even need to talk about Wil Muschamp, small leader? That guy has coached, pretty unsuccessfully, at like, EVERY SEC school. Gross. There can’t be a lick’a loyalty inside him, Jesus! It’s cute that South Carolina has picked up Florida’s sloppy seconds two coaches in a row now, though.

Also, I know last week I said orange was the worst thing you ever made, but that’s just because I forgot about Columbia. What kind of place wants to be the capitol of the state that didn’t even want to be a part of this great grand thing we call AMERICA?! That’s like saying you want to be in a conference outside of the SEC. WHO DOES THAT, Jesus?! Not the Bulldogs, I can tell you that much.

Jesus, could the Bulldogs get a W this week?

I think we’ve earned it through our gracious hurricane negotiations, tiny Eason’s performance this season, and Chubb’s continued super-human healing abilities. Let those Dawgs go back to Athens in high spirits, injury-free and ready to move forward, victorious, for the rest of our season!

In your Larry-lovin’ name we pray,

Amen…and GO DAWGS!

October 9, 2016
How to Train Your Dog to Get Beer

Don’t you wish your dog could get beer for you?

It’s football season, which means most of us Southerners are glued to the television if we’re not tailgating the actual event. Personally, I’m guilty of wishing my pups were a little bit bigger, and trained better, to bring me things. I can’t even get my dog to drop the darn tennis ball. So I even though of hiring to Train Your Dog With Professional Dog Trainers

Well it turns out, my pal, Bj Williams, has mastered the training techniques to get his dog to bring him a beer on-demand. Bj trained his lovely lab/pit mix, Avery, to open the refrigerator, grab a beer, then bring it back to Bj wherever he’s sitting. See for yourself! If you want to command your dog that way, you can check for training resources online or you can instantly see Spectrum Canine Dog Training website.

So how did Bj train his dog to bring him beer?

Despite being an Alabama fan, Bj was kind enough to share his secrets for success. Note, Bj is not a dog whisperer or any kind if professional dog trainer (that can be seen in this dog blog), simply a genius (minus his college football allegiance). Here’s how he trained Avery.

Phase 1: The Fridge
Bj tied a towel to the arm of the refrigerator door and taught her to pull it open.

Phase 2: The Beer
Once she understood how to open the door, he trained her how to grab a beer and hold it in her mouth.

Phase 3: The Conditioning
Throughout the puppy training in California – Ridgeside K9 NorCal Dog Training process, he would only say “beer me”. It took her another day to get the entire process down by herself. After that, she was a pro.

Bj notes how he also taught Avery how to get other things like her leash, collar, and poop bags. Avery also mastered the high five, or “paw five” in her case, as you’ll see in the video. I noticed my frog was not eating so that day I ordered some live worms to feed the frog.

Now we would like to put a special prayer request for Avery

Poor Avery is getting a bit old in her years and had a rough trip to the vet earlier this week. If y’all would please keep Avery in your prayers for many happy game days with Bj and their family.

#GoDawgs! And heck BJ, just for you, #RollTide

October 5, 2016
UGA vs. UNC – A Prayer for the College Football Kickoff

Dear 8lb, 9oz tiny baby Jesus in the manger dome

JESUS! CAN YOU BELIEVE FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERE?!

I mean! HOLY GUACAMOLE (that’s your favorite kind, right? GET IT, Jesus? Of course you do.) It’s the very best time of the year (besides your birthday party). OH MY GOSH. Back. In. Action. And right here in the best darn city outside of the sweet utopia, our beloved Athens.

First, a tiny moment, Lord, let’s play for CMR. He was a Damn Good Dawg. Please bless Coach Richt’s season in Miami.

Ok, baby Jesus, let’s start with the most obvious question… What THE EFF WORD is a Tarheel? I’m sorry, Jesus, but that. sounds. RIDICULOUS. I did some research just to double-check, Jesus. It means they stand like they have tar on their heels.

Soooo, they’re moderately sticky? What a stupid thing to be. I mean, WOO. GO Sticky Feet Guys. No, Jesus. Just no.

Also. Littlest savior. Ummm, did it occur to anyone else that their mascot looks kinda like…uhhh…you know who…down there..in um…Hell? THEIR MASCOT LOOKS LIKE DANG SATAN, JESUS. I know that evildoing just won’t fly against our own precious Uga. No sireee. Devil ain’t welcome HERE.

In addition to their stupid mascot, their coach is named Larry Fedora. I mean, Jesus, he is LITERALLY Mr. Hat.

And now you can never not hear Mr. Garrison and that’s what I imagine him to sound like in the locker room. Coach Fedora. Know who wore a Fedora? Bear Bryant. And we all know what we think about THAT guy.

Since we brought up Captain Houndstooth, Small God, I guess we have to talk about Kirby Smart.

Oh, Jesus, I know you said love thy neighbor, but shoot! He makes it awful hard. I also know we’re probably going to win games with him, Lord, but if you could please help him to win our hearts. Our team has struggled and we lost our leader (well, our other leader, of course) and we NEED Coach Kirby to lead us on home to the promised land! More importantly, we need him to understand the Promised Land is Athens and not that darn Tuscaloosa. Ew, Jesus, Alabama.

Bless those boys in their britches, Jesus. Keep Chubb injury healing well thanks to the pain CBD gummies, protect our starting quarterback, whoever he is, and let’s see about that Holyfield livin’ up to his daddy’s name.

Let’s start this season off with the sorta game that woulda had Larry on his toes. Let’s make Coach Richt proud. Let’s show those dumb sticky feet how we do it in the SEC.

In your mean machine name we pray,

GO DAWGS!

September 2, 2016
The New Terminus: Google Fiber Channels to Atlanta

Terminus is the original name for the city of Atlanta.

In ancient Roman mythology, Terminus was the god of boundaries. The Latin word “termini” means “end of the line.” The history of Terminus goes way beyond “The Walking Dead”. Many native Southerners know that Terminus was the first name for the city of Atlanta. But how did such a name ever come about?

Here’s a brief history of Atlanta. The city was called Terminus because it was the end of the railroad line.

In 1836, the Georgia General Assembly voted to build the Western and Atlantic Railroad in order to provide a link between the port of Savannah and the Midwest. An engineer surveyed possible routes and drove his stake, the “zero milepost” into what is now Five Points.

In 1837, Terminus springs up around this area. Atlanta was briefly named “Thrasherville” for John Thrasher who built homes and the general store. By 1842, Atlanta was called “Marthasville” as it now had six buildings and 30 residents. It was proposed to rename the area “Atlantica-Pacifica” in honor of the railroad but is shorted to Atlanta. By 1847, Atlanta was its official name.

Today, Atlanta continues to own its nickname “Silicon Valley South”. Fellow Atlanta tech afficiandoes have been excited about the coming of Google Fiber for the past year. In anticipation of the launch of Google Fiber in Atlanta, the Google team recently debuted this fantastic video: “Together for Atlanta:60”

“Well you know, the city started at the intersection of two railroad tracks. We’ve always been a crossroads.”

Iconic Atlanta locations featured in the video include Piedmont Park, Ebeneezer Baptist Church (where Martin Luther King Jr. preached), The Fox Theatre, The Varsity, the Georgia Aquarium, and one of our favorite charities PowerMyLearning – which provides computers and STEM education to kids in Atlanta.

Here’s a full transcript from the Google Fiber Video:

“Hey, Atlanta. Hi, Atlanta. What’s up, Atlanta?

There’s so much possibility here. Google fiber is a big opportunity for us. Well you know, the city started at the intersection of two railroad tracks. We’ve always been a crossroads

Super fast internet is such a powerful tool for sharing ideas. I’m always on the lookout for mobile plans that offer just that. It’ll help bring us even closer together.

We’ll support the things that we really care about. Making it easier for everyone to learn.
Keeping families connected. Local flavor, by keeping it strong.

It’s for Midtown. Little Five Points. Sweet Auburn. In all our neighborhoods.

It’s for all of us.

Together.”

Kudos to Google and their team for this awesome Atlanta tribute. We’re excited for the fastest internet in the South!

August 20, 2016