Things that make me happy... 2013 NCAA Final Four @ Atlanta

Things that make me happy... 2013 NCAA Final Four @ Atlanta

The 2013 NCAA Mens Final Four Basketball game was held in the Atlanta Georgia Dome this year. The four teams playing for the championship were Wichita State Shockers, Michigan Wolverines, Syracuse Orangeman, and Louisville Cardinals.

In the final game the Cardinal defeated the Wolverines 82-76 to finish a great weekend of basketball. Although the headlines were the final four games, there were so many things going on over the four day weekend it felt like the Olympics.

First there was Brackettown at the Georgia World Congress Center which featured sports related activities for all ages including dribbling and shooting camps, sponsors, music, and giveaways. 

After you explore all that bracket town has to offer, there are the three days of concerts in Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta.  The Big Dance started on Friday night and included headliner Zac Brown Band. Saturday lineup featured Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Ludacris, and Flo Rider and Muse.  The weekend series ended on Sunday evening with Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Sting and Dave Matthews Band.  Over 150,000 people attended the concerts over the weekend bring downtown ATL crowds that might rival the 2006 Olympics. 

Sting - Roxanne

Sting - Message in a Bottle

Ludacris & Macklemore

And yes... The Harlem Shake invades ATL!!

Dave Matthews Band

Pros
1. You don't need a ticket to the Final Four to enjoy most of the activities during the weekend. The concerts, practices, and many other events were free. This year the Div II and III final games were held in Phillips Arena and were also free to the public.
2. Great weekend for sports fans in general and reconnecting with Alumni even if your team doesn't make it to the final four.
3. Even with the price of the tickets. You get three games and whole lot more for the money. A great deal.

Cons
1. Expect large crowds but the energy is great.
2. Plan early of lodging and tickets. Although you can get tickets while your there from secondary market the prices are higher of course.

The 2014 NCAA final four is in Austin next year. You have until May 31st to sign up for the lottery for tickets. They will charge your card for the tickets when you apply and refund you if you don't get slot.

SF Guru

Things that makes me happy... Club Harlem

Things that makes me happy... Club Harlem @ the Apollo Theater


Club Harlem is a variety show type performance set at the Apollo theater directed by Maurice Hines, older brother of the late Gregory Hines. The show recreates the atmosphere of 1930s and 40s Harlem with nightclub styled seating on the lower level of the theater (yes they removed the normal chairs) an servers bring food and drink to the tables.  The audience dressed up in the attire of the day while being entertained by a 16 piece Jazz orchestra led musical director David Berger and the conductor Daryl Waters,

The show feature jazz singers, dancers and the was led by the multi-talented Maurice Hines. At over 70 years of age, Hines still command the stage with his comedy, singing, and yes dancing. Just like his contemporary, Sammie Davis Jr., this triple threat performance was well worth the money.

Maurice Hines

Dee Dee Bridgewater

Pros
1. A fun night out experiencing what life was like in 1930s Harlem
2. Great performers including singing, dance, and comedy
3. Maurice Hines at 70+ is an inspiration... and still can entertain an audience

Cons.
1. Apollo wasn't meant for service so the drinks and food was a bit slow
2. The show was a limited run at the Apollo but they may feature at a theater near you in the future.



S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... Discover Atlas - Brazil Revealed

Things that make me happy... Discover Atlas - Brazil Revealed

Why Brazil? Short answer... World Cup 2014! Long answer.. It is one of the most vibrant countries on the planet with so much culture, history, and potential that we all will need to speak a little more portuguese in 30 years time.  Behind China and India, Brazil has the largest emerging economy and has vast natural beauty, land, population, and resources.  Not to mention Carnival.

Discover Atlas series on countries are some of the best documentaries available on film.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

Part 11

Part 12

Part 13

Pros
1. Each segment follows a person thru a different aspect of Brazil culture and such.
2. The sounds, color, and energy of Brazil is celebrated.


Cons
1. This is an older documentary and would love to see something updated.
2. Its a documentary... done well yes... but may not be everyone's cup of tea.

S.F. Guru