As always, Savannah is delivering an eventful weekend for Labor Day vacationers. Sand, beer, bikes, and and fireworks are all part of the fun-filled weekend in town, and with Savannah’s constant charm, everyone in attendance will surely have a blast.

1. Savannah’s Going Smoke Free – We’ve got four months to find an ashtray.

Well, we knew it was coming. Mayor Otis Johnson was pretty set on making his city smoke free. Thursday, by a vote of 7-2 he got it. I don’t smoke, never have. It will be very easy to figure out how I feel about this, but the bottom line is I know plenty of people who don’t like to go to certain places because they are too smoky, or the establishment doesn’t do a good enough job ventilating.

Sometimes sinking to the bottom is the best way to the top.

Not long ago we reported about Georgia Tech of Savannah’s Underwater Robotics Team, headed up by Dr. Fumin Zhang. His team of astute students built Techy, an underwater robot that has already garnered attention and fame for its successes in several robotics competitions, as well as the potential found in the team and the work it has been exhibiting.

Over the years, the Desotorow art gallery has come to be known as one of the most unique galleries in Savannah, hosting weekly arts shows and participating in Savannah’s First Friday Gallery Hop. Acting as an artist co-op and music venue for a number of years, the gallery was eventually picked up by a group of highly motivated and dedicated students and has been in full operation since. In April 2008, Desotorow incorporated as a nonprofit organization in the State of Georgia and became a public charity. The gallery is staffed by a group of committed volunteers who work hard to keep the gallery’s atmosphere a fun yet professional exhibition experience.

1. The War is over? Really? Mission Accomplished or More Propaganda?

No question the story of the week was the ‘End’ of the War in Iraq last week. The announcement was made on NBC Nightly News with live shots from a reporter actually riding in the military convoy.

When you think of the rapid rise of technology, war inundating the news and the youth of the nation trying to find new means of expression through fashion and art, you would think I was describing present day America.  Although it does describe our current situation, I am referring to France in the 1920’s, more specifically Paris.  Culturally referred to as the “Roaring 20’s”, this era was recovering from a world war, experiencing massive technological advances and a youth bourgeoning with creativity.

Breast cancer in young women may only account for a small percentage of all breast cancer cases, but the impact of the disease is still wide spread. Many young women and their doctors are unaware of the risk of breast cancer, and very little research focuses on the treatment and diagnosis of this particular group. On Sunday August 15, the Young Survival Coalition Savannah will be throwing their 3rd Annual Pink Tea “Celebration of Life”to help raise awareness. Last year’s event brought out more than 300 people and this year’s event is well on its way to being a success.

Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is an international organization dedicated to critical issues unique to young women and breast cancer. The group lends support to women who have been or are diagnosed with cancer, particularly those diagnosed under 40 years old.

1. “Not in My Neighborhood You Don’t!”

Southside residents fit to be tied after a 3^rd homicide this summer.

Think people don’t care about protecting their neighborhoods and keeping them safe?  Try telling that to the standing room only crowd at the Armstrong Center that came out to a Town Hall Meeting to voice their concerns after only 2 homicides in the month of July.  The day that meeting was held, a third person was found dead that was also ruled a homicide.  Lets not pretend that the Windsor Forest area is a sleepy suburbia, but murder north of Victory Drive may get you a raised eyebrow.  In an area that is usually quiet and free of these types of problems (especially when the buzz is pointing to drugs), residents will get mad, they will turn out and they will try to make a difference.  The next town hall meeting was moved to a venue with a capacity of 975.

It started as a lark. Two good ideas for an upcoming issue, but only one cover shot available. What’s a creative director to do? Well, if you’re Michael Brooks, you do them both. And then … you add two more. So if you’re one of the many people who has been asking why South magazine now has four different covers for every issue, here’s your answer.