Publisher's Note Issue #2 BI Athens 2011

by Vance Leavy

What a long strange trip it has been since our last issue of BI Athens two weeks ago. On the very day the issue was due to the printer, it was also the morning that we woke up to over eight inches of snow. Needless to say, the issue would be delayed. However, we had completed 90 percent of the pages, so rather than making snow men or skiing down University Drive like our neighbors did, we grinded it out because that was much easier than starting back up when the weather cleared.

At the time, I thought it was the right decision and boy was it ever seeing how the conditions only got worse when all the snow turned to ice. I will give the guys at Walton Press a big pat on the back as they were able to print the issue on Wednesday, only missing our normal time by one day.

But like everyone else in Athens, replacing pretty much an entire week of work certainly made producing this issue a challenge. But as anyone will tell you that has ever experienced the rush of producing a publication, some of the greatest performances occur when the chips are down. And without question, our entire staff overcame the obstacles of old man winter and we have pulled off an excellent issue.
From capturing folks having a big time in the snow to covering UGA teams excelling at the highest level, this issue of BI Athens covers the gamut. And that’s our number one vision for BI Athens. Because of the diversity of the Classic City, we are challenged to produce a unique publication that represents all the moxie of this town.

For the music enthusiasts, we are delighted to have created a forum for Daniel Peiken’s passion of documenting the zillions of live shows that occur annually in Athens. On page 6, Daniel looks ahead at what’s coming to town. And as he notes, following your favorite UGA athletic team and watching good live music is very doable because most of the time the sports are over by the time the bands take the stage.

And speaking of UGA sports, just in case you’re not up on things, both of our basketball teams are kicking butt right now (coverage on pages 14 and 16). Kudos has to go to Mark Fox and Andy Landers for having their teams’ competing every night they play. I encourage you to get to a game whenever you can because the enthusiasm at the renovated Stegeman Coliseum is contagious. And if you’re too busy to catch the game live, then listen to Scott Howard or Jeff Dantzler on the radio. I assure you, you will be on the edge of your sofa.

Jay Clark’s Gym Dawgs (page 8) are finding their form despite a ton of injuries and are ranked number three in the country. Like going to a basketball game, the coliseum is electric every time our girls have a meet there.

If I’m boring with sports talk, don’t worry my wife, Cheri, and our interns have plenty for you in this issue that have nothing to do with a ball.

Are you foodie? Then turn to page 20 and see what local designer, Lisa Fiscus created for an awesome meal. I can attest to this because I devoured my leftover plate only a few hours ago.

Are you into fashion or dance? Then check out the hot looks for spring on page 12 or see if you know any of the brave, local celebrities who will strut their stuff on March 6 at the 4th Annual Dancing with the Stars (page 18).

My allotted space has come to a close, but it’s fitting that I get to end with a huge Happy 90th Birthday (January 25) to the ultimate Athenian and Bulldog, Dan Magill. Much of the growth and success of both Athens and UGA can be attributed to the vision of this incredible man. Please take the time to read Jeff Dantzler’s piece on Coach Magill on page 4. Much like the man, JD’s piece is a classic. And please go to bulldawgillustrated.com to listen to my interview with Coach Magill. His storytelling is unrivaled, but his humbleness is what I marvel the most. Even despite my trying to get him to talk about himself, he never took the bait, instead choosing to talk about the great accomplishments of someone he was lucky enough to have met in his legendary 90 years on this earth.

Until next time, get out and soak up the joys that Athens and the University of Georgia provide daily.

Tagged: vance leavy, uga athletics, athens ga, publishers note, bulldawg illustrated athens, dan magill