Georgia Aquarium

[Orsino]

My company sent us there for the day, and I am awed. I've seen the Boston Aquarium, and the one in Vancouver, but this beats 'em both.

I'm not sure exactly how educational it is--there was little background information on display--but the sheer damned beauty of the critters may be much more important. And that 60'x23' window onto the six-million-gallon tank? A religious experience, very nearly.

The twenty-two bucks I heard quoted for admission seems kinda pricey, and the food in the cafeteria is very expensive (and not good, either; I had a bit of stomach trouble afterward).

You also have to empty your pockets and get wanded at the entrance. On the plus side, the parking is pretty good, though I had a voucher and didn't notice the price.

http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/

[RubyDuby in GA]

1. Sorry Charlie - I refuse to step foot in it

Bought and paid for by Mr. Republican Fat Cat Donor, Bernie Marcus. I'll throw my money elsewhere.

[CottonBear]

3. Go to the Chattanooga Aquarium! I grew up in that great city.

There's new salt water addition, a new sculpture park, the world's longest pedestrain bridge, a hand-carved carousel, a major art museum, the beautiful Tennessee rive, free electric buses (made in Chattanooga), a 3-D IMAX theater, a downtown multi-plex, a childrens' museum and lots of great shopping, hotels and restaurants.

[LiberalInGeorgia2005]

9. I agree!

Go to the Chattanooga Aquarium. The Atlanta one is probably better, but Chattanooga is a much nicer city.

[Orsino]

4. Hmm. I looked on it as a healthier hobby...

...than donating to the GOP.

'Course, if it's a big money maker, you're probably right about where some of that loot will end up.

[Rosemary2205]

7. Profits

The profits end up in the City of Atlanta's pocket, not Bernie's. And most of those will be used to maintain and upgrade the aquarium. Where the city makes out is on jobs when companies move here because it's a vibrant city, when tourists to big events stay an extra day or two because there is so much to offer etc etc.

IMHO Bernie did a good thing and has done ALOT of good things over the years. Although I don't agree with some of his politics I admire the fact he earned every penny of his wealth, treats his employees with a decent amount of respect, and uses his hardwon gains to the betterment of his community.

[RubyDuby in GA]

8. Sure

And sticking the very cash-strapped City of Atlanta with the maintenance and upkeep bill is such a generous thing to do. My particular favorite thing he did to make this a reality is to ram the panhandlers bill through the very conveniently Republican controlled state legislature to get rid of any homeless people and panhandlers in the area. Certainly treats this people with " a decent amount of respect" :sarcasm:

And corporations don't move here because it's a vibrant city, they move here because of huge tax breaks and other perks that the city simply cannot afford to give out now because it has to take care of a huge fish tank.

[Terran1212]

11. My sister works around lots of Georgia Government (she's Homeland Security

I cannot stand them. Living in such a right-wing bastion is not fun.

[MGKrebs]

2. I'm with Ruby

Though I'm not so sure visiting family over the holidays will understand our stance.

I just don't get how we can spend $300 million on a giant fish tank while children go to bed hungry and the homeless population grows.

People will argue that Bernie paid for it, but that's not really so. Bernie paid for the fish tank but not the maintenance, hence the high admission rates.

[freedom000]

5. aquarium

bernie built it with his money, then gave the whole damn thing to atlanta for free. that has to be commended, even if you dislike his politics.

[newyawker99]

6. Hi freedom000!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Casper]

12. Well, not really....

Mr Marcus built the fishtank, but it's hardly a gift. Atlanta is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep. And, while I don't know the specifics of the building funding I will bet that there is a payback scheme. Time will tell if it really is beneficial to tourism and the convention biz. Hopefully it won't turn out like Underground...

[Terran1212]

10. My sister does Homeland Security work there

She goes in and out as she pleases..