The Bravo cable network confirmed that it has picked up "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" for a second season. (Full article and comments)

This Falcons team has proven—to the city, to the league, to the nation—that it's for real. (Full article and comments)

Are we so cynical, so jaded, so conditioned to expect failure that one loss (or two or three) automatically makes us feel foolish for feeling proud of what's been accomplished so far? (Full article and comments)

 

The Hawks lost the game last night, but they've clinched something far more valuable: respect.

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The phrase "the end of an era" is trotted out so often that it's all but lost its meaning, but this is one occasion where it really fits. Atlanta Braves announcer Pete Van Wieren announced his retirement today, capping a 33-year career calling Braves games on radio and television. 

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It is with great sadness that I report that veteran Atlanta Braves broadcaster Harry Christopher Caray Jr.--you know him, of course, as Skip Caray--died yesterday. Caray, son of the legendary Chicago Cubs announcer Harray Caray, became the voice of the Braves over 33 seasons.

Caray had been struggling with congestive heart failure, diabetes, reduced kidney and liver functions and an irregular heartbeat. Health issues sidelined him for several weeks at the end of last season, and had relegated him to calling home games only this season. He appeared to have been doing better recently, and his voice, which sounded shaky often this season, was sounding better as well. Fans tuning in to the Braves' most recent homestand no doubt noticed Mark Lemke sitting in for an ailing Caray, although there were no outward signs that Caray wouldn't be back at the mic soon.

Our condolences go out to his family, including sons and fellow broadcasters Chip and Josh Caray. He will be missed.

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Atlanta is a land-locked city, but there’s no reason we can’t still enjoy some beach volleyball. The AVP CROCS TOUR, featuring some of the world’s best players and potential Olympians, returns to Atlanta this weekend for three days of intense play. The games take place at Atlantic Station through June 1. General admission is $20, with reserved courtside tickets for $35. For more information, visit www.avp.com.

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Wake up to a new day in women’s basketball with the ATLANTA DREAM home opener. The team’s first-ever home game (against the Detroit Shock) starts at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow night, Friday, May 23, at Philips Arena, and includes a performance by Sean Kingston. After the two teams battle it out, fans can stick around for the “Guns N’ Hoses” post-game match-up between the Atlanta Police Department and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department. Ticket prices range from $10 to $350. 404-249-6400. www.wnba.com/dream.

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Just because you’re not ready to participate in a seven-day bike race across the state, doesn’t mean you can’t live vicariously through the riders of the TOUR DE GEORGIA. The race finishes up today on the streets of downtown Atlanta with a circuit course of 10 laps that includes Centennial Olympic Park.

 

The race gets started at 1 p.m., but before that, take part in the TOUR DE KIDS 5K RUN/WALK at the park. It begins at 8:30 a.m. and benefits the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorder Service of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Race-day registration is $25. www.choa.org/tourdekids. www.tourdegeorgia.com.

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Attention golfers: The only thing better than playing a round is doing so to raise money for a good cause, are we right? TAKE A SWING raises funds for uniforms and programs for students at the Coretta Scott King Leadership Academy. The festivities kick off with a “Legendary Style” gala tonight at a private residence, and continue at 10 a.m. tomorrow, April 28 with the golf event at Tucker’s Heritage Golf Club. Tickets are $200. For more information, call 404-349-0233.

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