Brian Vanderhoff's North Fulton Real Estate Blog

On Sunday, we finally find out what was going on behind those 20-foot walls in a Kennesaw suburban subdivision over three weeks in June and July.

CBS’s “There Goes the Neighborhood” debuts at 9 p.m. for a seven-episode week run. The show has elements of “Big Brother” by trapping folks inside the confines of the big wall. There is some level of deprivation that is similar to both that show and “Survivor.” And like their CBS brethren, the families have to eliminate each other.

Eight families battle it out for $250,000.

“It’s going to get rough and there are going to some feelings hurt,” said one of the cast members, Tom Bussiere, on the show. “People are solely going to be concerned with getting the $250,000.”

I got a copy of the first episode and here’s a little teaser of what to expect.

-At the end of the first day, the electricity is cut off. The families did not know they’d be deprived of the Web, the TV, videogames and worst yet, air conditioning.

“We’re going to be in Atlanta in the summertime without air conditioning?” bemoans Tom Bussiere.

The answer: yes.

to pick the two other families up for elimination.

-The dynamics are different from “Survivor” or “Big Brother” because everyone knows each other and have for years. Plus, they all know they are going to have to live as neighbors after the show is over. That alone colors all their decisions when it comes to getting rid of competitors.

-Each family is given a short-hand description on the screen. The Mullenix’s include lesbian parents so they’re dubbed “Two moms.” The Bussieres have kids, parents and a grandparent in the home so they’re dubbed “Three Generations.” The Schindlers have the smallest kids so they are called “The Young Bunch.”

The most amusing nickname: “The Loud Ones.” This is given to the wily
DeGirolamos. And yes, the father looks like Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple.

The strangest nickname: “The Southerners,” handed to the Nelsons, possibly because they have the strongest accents.

But isn’t everyone on the show essentially a Southerner since they live in Atlanta?

It’s too early based on this one episode to gauge who will come out the most villainous, who (if anybody) will be considered virtuous or who might have the best shot to win. And CBS did not provide the final five minutes of the show in which we learn who is first axed.

And will it be a hit? It’s the middle of the summer and with only a seven-episode run, expectations are modest. At least CBS placed it on Sunday night, when viewership is reasonably high.

Labels: Georgia, kennesaw, reality show

In the latest reality show "social experiment," CBS has walled off eight homes in an Atlanta suburb (Legacy Park), forcing the neighbors inside to spend time with each other.

The Mike Fleiss project was previously announced as a game show, but some intriguing new details have emerged.

"It will be a bizarre [experience] for all of them," Fleiss said. "This is ambitious as it gets."

Tentatively called "Block Party," the families in will be trapped inside the 20' maximum security-looking wall for about three weeks for a cash prize (see right, photo courtesy of Atlanta Journal Constitution).

The idea is almost like a real-life version of "The Simpsons Movie," where the town of Springfield was sealed under an impenetrable dome.

"American Idol" vet Matt Rogers will host.

Labels: block party, cbs, Georgia, kennesaw, reality show

Children 17 and younger cannot hang out in public places between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on school days, according to a new city ordinance.

There are exceptions for children going to or from school, participating in school activities, or those who have written consent from a legal guardian. Home schooled children also are exempted from the curfew.

The state of Georgia has a nightime curfew for children 17 and under, but there is no statewide curfew for school hours. Minors must be in by 11 p.m. on weekdays and by midnight on weekends.

Kennesaw passed the ordinance Monday to support the schools, said Mayor Mark Mathews.

For years, the Cobb County school system has increased efforts to reduce truancy.

When students are frequently absent, it’s Paul Pursell’s job to figure out why. As the truancy court coordinator for Cobb schools, Pursell works with school social workers to get them back in school.

“Truancy is a predictor of delinquent behavior,” Pursell said. “If your child is truant, they may be doing something you don’t know about.”

School social worker Steve Fletcher splits his time among three Kennesaw schools. He believes the new law will help.

“I routinely see students I know wandering around the streets,” Fletcher said. “I just don’t have the authority, legally, to stop a child and confront them and try to get them back in school.”

Powder Springs passed a similar ordinance in 2006. Parents also can be cited. The first offense brings a warning, and subsequent offenses include fines up to $1,000.

In February, Pursell said he presented Mathews with a plan for a daytime curfew. He said he hopes other cities and the county will consider daytime curfews.

Labels: daytime curfew, kennesaw, school age kids, schools

Sat, 10/4 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Jim R. Miller Park
2245 Callaway Road
Marietta GA 30008

More than 35 participating restaurants, local arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, car show, Kids Corner and raffle.
Info: 404-271-7516
Cost: Free admission. Tastes: 50 cents-$4

From Brian and Jen's Real Estate Blog

Labels: callaway road, cobb food and arts festival, Georgia, kennesaw, marrietta