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21 Funny WiFi Names We Stumbled Upon

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21 Funny WiFi Names We Stumbled Upon

Funny WiFi names seem to always be good for a laugh, and they tend to pop up when you least expect them. But did you know that Wi-Fi’s origins can be traced back to failed attempts at detecting black holes? Yes, you read that right.

In this list, we’ll dive into 36 funny WiFi names we stumbled upon plus some weird facts about Wi-Fi that will make you appreciate this tech even more (or at least impress your friends with your newfound knowledge). Let’s get started!

Abraham Linksys

Good ol’ Honest Abe, but he still won’t give you the password.

Al Capone

“Be careful who you call your (internet) friends.”

Alexandar Graham Belkin

Probably still on dial-up.

Benjamin FrankLAN

Shocking, we know.

Did you know: The term “Wi-Fi” was coined by a branding company called Interbrand in 1999. The name was chosen because it sounds like “Hi-Fi” (short for “high fidelity”), which suggests high-quality wireless connectivity.

Bill Clinternet

“When I took office, only high energy physicists had ever heard of what is called the Worldwide Web… Now even my cat has its own page.”

Bill Wi The Science Fi

Bill! Bill! Bill!

Bob DyLAN

Handle with care.

Did you know: The first version of Wi-Fi, called 802.11, was released in 1997. It had a maximum data transfer rate of just 2 Mbps (megabits per second). Today’s Wi-Fi standards, such as 802.11ac and 802.11ax, offer speeds of up to several gigabits per second.

Doc Brown’s WiFi

Great Scott!

Elvis

It’s now or never.

Franklin Delano Routervelt

“When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.”

Did you know: The first commercial product to use Wi-Fi was a cash register system developed by a company called Symbol Technologies in 1991. It used a precursor to Wi-Fi called “infrared data association” (IrDA) to transfer data wirelessly.

Frodo Laggins

“You’re late.”

Hodor

Self explanatory.

Iron LAN

“I told you, I don’t want to join your super secret boy band.”

Did you know: The invention of Wi-Fi was partly inspired by a failed attempt to use radio waves to detect black holes in the early 1970s. The research team discovered that the radio waves were bouncing off everything in the room, and realized they could use this “scattering” effect to create a wireless communication system.

Jean-Claude WAN Damme

This WiFi has a real kick to it.

Jeff

The perfect name.

John Wilkes Bluetooth

I’ll allow it.

Did you know: The first Wi-Fi network was set up at Carnegie Mellon University in 1993. It was called “Wireless Andrew” and allowed students to access the internet from anywhere on campus.

LAN Halen

This WiFi is really unchained.

LAN Morrison

Not to be outdone.

Ludwig WLAN Beethoven

The WiFi is on, I promise!

Did you know: Wi-Fi signals can pass through walls, but they are absorbed and weakened by metal, water, and other materials. This is why Wi-Fi doesn’t work as well in areas with lots of metal or water, such as elevators or swimming pools.

Martin Router King

It just works.

Obi WAN Kenobi

Hello there.

Funny WiFi names: The possibilities are endless

We hope you enjoyed this list of funny WiFi names as much as we did, and in doing so thought a little more deeply about this unique and invisible technology. Who knew that a failed attempt at detecting black holes would lead to the WiFi we know and love today? We’ll likely never know what would have been.

Do you have a favorite WiFi name that’s not on this list? Share it in the comments below.

Copyright 229 Life 2023. All rights reserved.

The Albany Movement: Key Moments In Albany, GA Civil Rights History

Staff Reports
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The Albany Movement: Key Moments In Albany, GA Civil Rights History

The Albany Movement in Albany, GA was a defining time in United States civil rights history. While some saw the movement as a failure, it inspired similar efforts across the country and eventually paved the way for meaningful legal victories.

What was the Albany Movement, and how did it shape the path of the national civil rights movement? Let’s take a closer look at this part of US history.

Significance of The Albany Movement

An early community initiative that proved to be central to the US civil rights movement, the Albany Movement was a coalition of local civil rights organizations. These groups formed in 1961 to challenge segregation and discrimination in the city.

In short, The Albany Movement demonstrated the power of peaceful protest and civil disobedience. The movement’s leaders and activists, including Dr. William G. Anderson and C. B. King, inspired the community to join their efforts and made a strong case for change through non-violent resistance.

The movement was also a precursor to the national civil rights movement. The efforts of The Albany Movement helped lay the foundation for future nationwide campaigns and inspired other communities to take similar action.

Dr. Martin Luther King and The Albany Movement

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. originally came to Albany to speak and protest in 1961. But while in town he was jailed after a mass arrest of peaceful demonstrators. He was eventually let out on bail. Seven months later King was invited to Albany again to support the movement’s efforts. This time he faced sentencing in court for his arrest months before. Dr. King chose jail over paying a fine, but was later bailed out again.

As a recognized civil rights leader, Dr. King’s involvement brought additional attention and support to Albany. He recognized the significance of the Albany Movement and how it would eventually shape the national civil rights movement.

During his time in Albany, King continued to lead peaceful demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience. He also worked closely with local leaders like Anderson and C. B. King, who played a crucial role in organizing these efforts.

Setbacks in The Albany Movement

The Albany Movement saw some deterioration after a year of intense activism and demonstrations. During one demonstration, youth protestors threw children’s toys and paper balls at Albany Police. Afterward, Dr. King requested a pause to all demonstrations as well as a “Day of Penance” to promote non-violence and maintain the moral high ground.

In his autobiography, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. talked about the setbacks of the Albany Movement:

The mistake I made there was to protest against segregation generally rather than against a single and distinct facet of it. Our protest was so vague that we got nothing, and the people were left very depressed and in despair. It would have been much better to have concentrated upon integrating the buses or the lunch counters. One victory of this kind would have been symbolic, would have galvanized support and boosted morale…. When we planned our strategy for Birmingham months later, we spent many hours assessing Albany and trying to learn from its errors. Our appraisals not only helped to make our subsequent tactics more effective, but revealed that Albany was far from an unqualified failure.

MORE: Listen to Dr. Martin Luther King’s final speech in Memphis, TN

Legal Efforts and Victories

Despite facing tough resistance, the Albany Movement later succeeded in bringing about important legal victories, including the desegregation of public facilities in Albany. These victories helped set the stage for future civil rights advancements in the South.

C. B. King, a civil rights attorney, played another crucial role in Albany, providing legal defense for those arrested during the protests and demonstrations. King’s work also helped bring national attention to the movement and inspired others to join the struggle for equal rights.

The Albany Civil Rights Institute

While considered unsuccessful battle at the time, The Albany Movement remains a significant chapter in United States civil rights history. These memories live on at the Albany Civil Rights Institute in Albany, GA. Visitors of all ages can see photographs, documents, artifacts, and more inside its museum. It also serves as a center for ongoing academic research and provides school tours, programs, and lectures. Learn more about the Albany Civil Rights Institute here.

Featured image courtesy of georgiaencyclopedia.org and Cochran Studios/A. E. Jenkins Photography

Copyright 229 Life 2023. All rights reserved.

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Coming To Albany Mall

Christian
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Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Coming To Albany Mall

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is set to lease a big space at the Albany Mall. The discount retail store chain, which has hundreds of locations across the US will occupy nearly 32,000 square feet of the mall.

Spinoso Real Estate Group announced the lease on January 31. There was no immediate word on when work would start on the store or an opening date.

This will be the sixth Ollie’s location in South Georgia, joining the existing locations in Cordele, Douglas, Thomasville, Tifton, and Waycross.

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is America’s largest chain of discount closeout retailers, with over 460 stores across 29 states. The company’s first store opened in Mechanicsburg, PA in 1982. Ollie’s operates on the motto “Good Stuff Cheap” and has an enthusiastic following.

This video overview showcases the variety of products available in their stores.

The reviews for the store in Tifton seem to be generally positive. We stumbled across one from Julitta R. and it read as follows:

There is a very good variety of things here. The book section is fabulous, the carpets come in beautiful colors and sizes and pricing is great on everything. Love this store. Staff are ready to help with anything and is very friendly.

While Ollie’s original distribution center is in Pennsylvania, the company opened its second distribution center in Atlanta, GA in 2014, paving the way for further expansion into the Southeast. You can learn more about Ollie’s and their stores here.

Featured image courtesy of Ollie’s Bargain Outlet.

Copyright 229 Life 2023. All rights reserved.

Colony Bank Reports Q4 and 2022 Year End Results

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Colony Bank Reports Q4 and 2022 Year End Results

Colony Bankcorp, Inc. reported financial results for the fourth quarter of 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2022. Financial highlights are shown below.

Financial Highlights

  • Net income increased to $5.6 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2022, compared to $5.3 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2022, and $4.2 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2021.
  • Operating net income of $5.6 million, or $0.31 per diluted share remained stable for the fourth quarter of 2022 as compared to $5.3 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2022, and $5.2 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2021 (see Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures).
  • The tax rate for the quarter was meaningfully lower than trend due to the Company’s $500,000 contribution in a Georgia tax credit program with local hospitals. The tax rate for 2023 is estimated to be 18%.
  • Provision for loan losses of $900,000 was recorded in fourth quarter of 2022, compared to $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2022, and $50,000 recorded in fourth quarter of 2021.
  • Total loans were $1.74 billion at December 31, 2022, an increase of $150.5 million, or 9.49% from the prior quarter.
  • Mortgage production was $92.6 million, and mortgage sales totaled $38.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to $99.4 million and $68.5 million, respectively, for the third quarter of 2022. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, mortgage production was $402.9 million and mortgage sales totaled $280.1 million.
  • Small Business Specialty Lending (“SBSL”) closed $29.0 million in Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans and sold $18.0 million in SBA loans in the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to $19.4 million and $14.8 million, respectively, for the third quarter of 2022. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, SBA loans closed were $75.1 million and SBA loans sold were $64.5 million.
Colony Bank Q4 Earnings Report 2022

The Company also announced that on January 26, 2023, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per share, to be paid on its common stock on February 23, 2023, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 9, 2023. The Company had 17,598,123 shares of its common stock outstanding as of January 25, 2023.

In addition, the Company announced today that Terry L. Hester passed away on January 22, 2023. Terry began his career with Colony in 1978 and served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at the time of his retirement in 2019. He was currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Company.

Today the Company also announced that Chief Financial Officer Andy Borrmann is leaving the Company to pursue other career opportunities. The Company has appointed Chief Executive Officer T. Heath Fountain to the additional role of Acting Chief Financial Officer of the Company, and current Chief Accounting Officer, Derek Shelnutt to the additional role of Acting Chief Financial Officer of Colony Bank. Shelnutt joined the Company in September of 2020, and has served in many roles in the treasury and finance areas, including Controller and Treasurer, before being named Chief Accounting Officer in May of 2022. He is a Certified Public Accountant and has experience in both banking and public accounting. The Company has initiated a search process for a new Chief Financial Officer.

Fountain continued, “I would like to thank Andy Borrmann for his contributions to the Company since joining us in 2021 through the SouthCrest merger. Andy has contributed significantly to our success, and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Commenting on today’s announcement, Heath Fountain, Chief Executive Officer, said, “We were also saddened to learn the recent news of the passing of our director Terry Hester. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family. Terry’s hard work ethic and dedication will leave a long lasting impact on the Colony team. He will be sorely missed by his colleagues in the Company and throughout the banking industry.”

Fountain added, “We are pleased to announce improved results for the 4th quarter of 2022. We continued to experience strong loan growth during the quarter. Our mortgage team also continued to deliver strong production, despite the higher interest environment we experienced in the late third and early fourth quarters. However, as mortgage rates rose, adjustable rate portfolio loan products became more attractive, and our production efforts shifted more toward this portfolio, meaningfully decreasing our secondary market production and thus our gain on sales revenue included within mortgage fee income for the quarter.”

“Earnings quality has also improved during the year, with 93% of our year to date earnings coming from the core bank as compared to 75% in 2021 and 2020. Investments in new lines of business continued to be a short term drag on earnings, reducing our return on assets by approximately 6 basis points in the fourth quarter and 4 basis points year to date.”

“Net interest margin decreased slightly during the quarter as we funded some of our loan growth with higher cost borrowings. We are pleased that we were able to grow core deposits during the quarter 2.5% in a very challenging rate environment. We have placed our bankers’ focus on growing deposits, and we believe our strong retail banking center footprint, combined with our enhanced calling efforts, can continue to profitably fund our loan growth.”

“We expect loan growth to slow considerably in the coming quarters, and should be more in line with our long term goal of 8 – 12% by the second half of the year. We are seeing our loan pipelines decrease as we continue to increase loan pricing, maintain strong credit standards and shift our focus away from commercial real estate lending. We continued to see strong asset quality, as nonperforming loans to total loans remained stable and levels of criticized and classified loans decreased.”

Balance Sheet

  • Total assets were $2.94 billion at December 31, 2022, an increase of $130.7 million from September 30, 2022.
  • Total loans, including loans held for sale, were at $1.75 billion at December 31, 2022, an increase of $144.3 million from the quarter ended September 30, 2022.
  • Total deposits were $2.49 billion and $2.41 billion at December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2022, respectively, an increase of $81.3 million.
  • Total borrowings at December 31, 2022 totaled $203.4 million, an increase of $45.0 million or, 28.4%, compared to September 30, 2022 related to additional Federal Home Loan Bank advances and borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank.

Capital

  • Colony continues to maintain a strong capital position, with ratios that exceed regulatory minimums required to be considered as “well-capitalized.”
  • Preliminary tier one leverage ratio, tier one capital ratio, total risk-based capital ratio and common equity tier one capital ratio were 9.21%, 12.54%, 15.16%, and 11.39%, respectively, at December 31, 2022.

Fourth Quarter and December 31, 2022 Year to Date Results of Operations

  • Net interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis, for the fourth quarter of 2022 totaled $21.5 million, compared to $19.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2021. Net interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 totaled $81.1 million, compared to $66.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021. The increase during the quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same periods in 2021 is primarily attributable to increases in loan volume and purchases of investment securities, offset by increases in deposit rates and increases in borrowings to fund loan growth.
  • Net interest margin for the quarter increased 7 basis points from the fourth quarter of 2021. This is primarily due to the purchase of higher yielding investment securities and an increase in rates paid on deposits with the Federal Reserve, partially offset by an increase in deposit rates and volume along with an increase in borrowings. Net interest margin for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 decreased 19 basis points from the twelve months ended December 31, 2021. The decrease is the result of increased deposit rates along with an increase in borrowings.
  • Noninterest income totaled $7.7 million for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $3.1 million, or 28.9%, compared to the same period in 2021. The decrease was primarily attributable to decreases in mortgage fee income and SBSL loan sales. Noninterest income totaled $35.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $1.2 million, or 3.4%, compared to the same period in 2021. The decrease was primarily attributable to decreases in mortgage fee income and SBSL loan sales, offset by growth in interchange fee income, service charges on deposits and insurance commissions.
  • Noninterest expense totaled $21.8 million for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2022, compared to $24.5 million for the same period in 2021. The decrease was attributable to acquisition costs in the prior period as well as a decrease in salaries. Noninterest expense totaled $89.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, compared to $78.6 million for the same period in 2021. The increase for the twelve month period was primarily related to increases in salaries and information technology related to the acquisition of SouthCrest Financial Group, Inc. in August of 2021.

Asset Quality

  • Nonperforming assets totaled $6.4 million and $5.5 million at December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2022, respectively, an increase of $813,000.
  • Other real estate owned and repossessed assets totaled approximately $651,000 at December 31, 2022, and $246,000 at September 30, 2022, an increase of $405,000.
  • Net loans charged-off were $154,000, or 0.04% of average loans for the fourth quarter of 2022, compared to net charge-offs of $198,000 or 0.05% for the third quarter of 2022.
  • The loan loss reserve was $16.1 million, or 0.93% of total loans, at December 31, 2022, compared to $15.2 million, or 0.96% of total loans at September 30, 2022, and $12.9 million, or 0.96% of total loans, at December 31, 2021.

As noted above and in the table on page 8, overall asset quality remains strong.

Stock Buyback Authorization

On October 20, 2022, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a stock buyback program, under which the Company may repurchase up to $12 million of its outstanding common stock. Repurchases under this program may be made from time to time through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or such other manners as will comply with applicable laws and regulations.

The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, market conditions and other corporate liquidity requirements and priorities. The buyback program does not obligate the Company to purchase any particular number of shares and there is no guarantee as to the exact number of shares that will be repurchased by the Company.

The buyback program is intended to expire at the end of 2023 but may be suspended, modified or terminated by the Company at any time and for any reason, without prior notice. As of December 31, 2022, 40,000 shares had been repurchased at a price of $13.50, leaving $11.5 million available for future repurchase.

Copyright 229 Life 2023. All rights reserved.

Kindness Matters: South GA Publix Employee Pays For Customer’s Groceries

Christian
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Kindness Matters: South GA Publix Employee Pays For Customer’s Groceries

Tonia Davis never would have guessed that her Monday trip to the grocery store would end up with someone else taking care of the bill. But that’s exactly what happened at a South Georgia Publix when an employee paid for her groceries.

Where it started

It happened just one week before Valentine’s Day. Davis’ daughter Mallorie Smith wrote about the surprising offer in a Facebook post.

Davis had picked up her granddaughter from school and then went to the Publix grocery store in Lee County, Smith recalled. It was raining that day. Together they shopped, filled a cart, and headed to the checkout.

The total was about $70. But when Davis went to pay, this usual shopping trip took a turn. She reached for her wallet, but couldn’t find it. Frantically searching in the checkout line, it just wasn’t there.

She ran out to her car thinking it must be there, only to rush back empty-handed into the store. Davis’ husband, who was about 20 minutes away, offered to pay over the phone. But that was not an available option.

How it ended

Out of options, she resolved to leave it all at the register and come back later to shop again with her wallet and payment. But one of the Publix associates at checkout said that wouldn’t be necessary.

The associate, named Chaz, told Davis he would pay for her grocery bill. Her immediate reply was, “absolutely not, I couldn’t let you do that.” But Chaz insisted he make the payment.

So, she let him pay for the groceries.

And, in classic Publix associate fashion, Chaz offered to help bring the groceries out to Davis’ car. She agreed, and took this grateful group selfie in the parking lot.

Tonia Davis and her granddaughter Milbrey pause for a photo with Chaz, a Publix associate who paid for their groceries.

But before leaving, she made sure to leave her contact information with him and promised that she would return the same day with cash to pay him back.

And that’s exactly what she did. Davis’ wallet was at her home, right where she had left it. She brought the cash back to the store and repaid Chaz in full.

It’s certainly not every day a Publix employee pays for a customer’s groceries. But this story is a reminder of what’s possible.

“There are still good people in this world,” Smith noted, “May God bless you, Chaz!”

Featured image courtesy of Google Maps via Jill Hernandez.

Copyright 229 Life 2023. All rights reserved.

It’s Official: We Started A Newsletter

Christian
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It’s Official: We Started A Newsletter

The world is a crowded place, and social media has become just as crowded over the years. For us, the question became this: how can we share the important stuff with people who want to see it the most? The solution, and it’s one that has been requested for a while – is finally here: The 229 Life Newsletter. This email newsletter delivers the best of South Georgia right to your inbox, for free.

What’s inside?

We wanted to deliver something that would be meaningful to our South Georgia community and include items that are actually helpful. So each newsletter includes the scoop on events near you, thoughtful articles on South Georgia life, and news updates so you can stay in the know.

There is a lot planned for 229 Life this year. And as we continue to grow, we want to make sure you, our readers, have the best access to everything we are working on.

In addition, newsletter subscribers get first in line access to limited offers and other special access events. The 229 Life Newsletter keeps you connected and in the loop.

Sign up today

Reaching the most people

We see the 229 Life Newsletter as an added benefit and a solution to the problem listed above. It’s true that people are being more conscious than ever on what social media platforms to be part of, which is great. That’s another reason why this newsletter is the right fit at the right time. It empowers people to check out current updates across South Georgia on their own terms. And to us, that’s a win-win.

Share your input

Is there something you would like to see added to the 229 Life Newsletter? We want to hear your thoughts! Drop us a line at info@229life.com or message us on Twitter.

Copyright 229 Life 2023. All rights reserved.

14 Things You Need To Know Before Shopping At Aldi

Christian
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14 Things You Need To Know Before Shopping At Aldi

The announcement is clear and the buzz is evident: Aldi is coming to Albany, GA in 2022. The discount grocery store will provide more choices and likely more competition to the Albany area as the chain has a loyal following of shoppers. First time customers will immediately notice this is not your average supermarket. Here is what you need to know before shopping at Aldi.

Bring a Quarter

Aldi keeps its costs (and prices) low by providing a unique experience to shoppers. That includes taking responsibility for your own shopping cart.

You won’t find any employees out in the parking lot corralling carts. That’s because Aldi customers are incentivized to do it themselves by leaving a quarter deposit for that shopping cart (extra Southern, read: buggy).

To do this, you put the quarter into the slot on the right side of the cart. This unlocks it from the others so you can pull it out. When you are finished shopping, simply return your cart to get your quarter back.

Forget the coupons

Aldi may rarely issue special coupons for grand openings or regional coupons, but other than that, they don’t have them and won’t accept your manufacturer coupons. That’s because the stores are focused on keeping costs low by simplifying operations.

You won’t recognize most of the brands

With very few exceptions, nearly all of the products sold in Aldi Stores are packaged under the Aldi brand. The names on the label may be unfamiliar, but they are made by some of the largest US food producers. Aldi says this helps them meet strict quality standards while delivering lower costs.

You bag your own groceries

Finished your shopping trip? Head over to the cashier to pay and get your receipt — but that’s it. Your responsibility is now to bag your own groceries. Just another way Aldi keeps their costs low.

You pay for grocery bags

If you arrive at checkout and don’t have your own bags for groceries, don’t worry. You can buy some. Aldi sells paper and reusable bags in the store for customers. Are you seeing the pattern of the business yet? We recommend bringing your own bags.

Don’t call Aldi, they don’t have a phone

You read that correctly. Aldi stores don’t have phone numbers. So if you wanted to call ahead about something, you can’t. Staff members don’t have to answer the phone, because there isn’t one. Which also means the store doesn’t have to pay for a phone bill either. If you happen to have a burning question for someone at Aldi, be sure to ask while you are at the store.

If wine is your thing, try an Aldi brand

Many Aldi stores sell wine. Since wine in grocery stores is no stranger to Georgia, you can likely expect to see a wine selection at the Aldi in Albany once it opens. Similar to the low cost but quality findings at places like Trader Joes (more on that in a bit), Aldi has a critically acclaimed wine selection at surprisingly low costs.

Store hours may be shorter than you think

Coming once more from the cost saving department, Aldi is only open during peak operating hours. That means no late-night or early morning Aldi runs. Depending on the location, doors usually open at 9am and close 11 to 12 hours later.

The Aldi customer guarantee is next level

Aldi believes in its brand and the quality of its products, and the company stands behind them in a unique way. If you find an Aldi product that has an issue or doesn’t meet the quality of a rival brand, the store will not only replace the item, but give you the original money back on it. Aldi calls this the Twice As Nice Guarantee.

Aldi is the parent company of Trader Joe’s

Even though Aldi is based in Germany, Trader Joe’s is part of the company portfolio. If you have ever shopped at a Trader Joe’s, you will immediately notice some similar features at Aldi locations.

The Aisle of Shame

This one is sure to be a conversation starter. Aldi’s center aisle is always changing its offerings, and it’s so popular that is has its own fan club. Lovingly nicknamed the “Aisle of Shame,” it has its own Facebook group with over a million members. In it, enthusiastic shoppers share recent finds, trips to the store, and honest reviews.

Watch for Aldi Finds

Every now and then, Aldi will enact short-lived sales, called Aldi Finds. These deals don’t last long but offer special opportunities to buy premium food and household items.

Aldi has a gluten-free brand

Gluten-free shoppers rejoice – Aldi has a brand just for you, including snacks and sweets, frozen foods, pantry items, and more. You can also find gluten-free recipes on the Aldi website.

Aldi prides itself on lower costs and a speedy experience

The store model of Aldi avoids non-essential services like banking, pharmacies, and check cashing to bring more savings to customers.

A brief history of shopping at Aldi

Founded by the Albrecht family, the first Aldi store opened in 1961 in Germany, making Aldi the first discounter in the world. The company is now headquartered in Illinois with more than 2,000 stores across 36 states.

Aldi’s no-frills grocery shopping experience focuses on customers first, delivering quality food, customer service, and everyday low prices. The stores feature a quick and easy shopping experience with only four to five aisles and all the essentials.

Have you shopped at Aldi before? What was your shopping experience like? Share your story in the comments.

Featured image courtesy of Aldi.

Copyright 229 Life 2023. All rights reserved.

We Eat Here: Pearly’s Famous Country Cooking

Christian
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We Eat Here: Pearly’s Famous Country Cooking

From A First-Timer

Pearly’s Famous Country Cooking is an Albany icon. There’s no question about it. This fast-casual place to eat is one where anybody can feel right at home. This was my experience as a first-time visitor.

As soon as you walk in the door, a common description is immediately evident: this place is bustling. Orders are being placed, food is cooking, plates are being made, coffee is being poured, and tables are being bussed. And all of this his happening constantly.

Even for a late breakfast around 10 a.m. when the restaurant wasn’t full, Pearly’s was moving at a quick pace. Guests can walk in and order at the counter or stay in their car and order at the restaurant’s drive-thru.

A view of the front ordering counter at Pearly’s.

It was my first time, so I went inside and got in line. At the counter, I ordered a breakfast platter with two eggs (over easy), sausage patties, home fries, and a biscuit with coffee and water. Then I chose to pay a little extra for some gravy with my biscuit.

I got a tray with my coffee, water, and a table number right after I paid at the counter, then went and found a seat in a booth and waited on my cooked-to-order food.

Coffee and an order number at my table at Pearly’s Famous Country Cooking.

Now don’t forget: you won’t get your silverware with your food or at the table. Be sure to stop by the small counter just outside the seating area to pick up forks, spoons, and knives. You can also pick up chilled coffee creamer and honey.

Plenty of items are available at the silverware and condiments counter inside Pearly’s.

A friendly staff member brought out my order a few minutes after I sat down. It was fresh and hot. During the rest of my time eating, various restaurant staff members stopped by occasionally to make sure my coffee was filled and that I was satisfied. And I was.

A view of my made to order breakfast including eggs, sausage, a biscuit, and gravy at Pearly’s.

The Atmosphere

The inside of Pearly’s Famous Country Cookin’ feels like something between home and your grandma. The food is good, the place is clean, and the employees are nice.

Established in 1962 by Carey “Pearly” and Ruth Gates, the restaurant has existed in a few different forms. But in 1991 the owners moved to a new concept and Pearly’s was born.
Their website says Pearly’s is Albany’s oldest family-owned and operated restaurant offering country cooking, breakfast and lunch. They say it’s a “little taste of heaven at the Pearly Gates.”

Plan Your Visit

Pearly’s Famous Country Cookin’ is located at 814 N. Slappey Blvd in Albany. They are open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, and closed on Sunday.

You can see more about Pearly’s on their website. Are you a Pearly’s regular? What’s your go-to dish? Share your thoughts with us in the comments or join the conversation on Facebook.

Copyright 229 Life 2023. All rights reserved.

South Georgia Gems: Radium Springs Gardens

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South Georgia Gems: Radium Springs Gardens

About Radium Springs Gardens

Radium Springs Gardens, just outside of Albany, GA, is one of Georgia’s seven natural wonders. A natural “blue hole” spring, Radium Springs pumps 70,000 gallons of clear, 68-degree water per minute from an underground cave.

Radium Springs is a historical natural site, suitable for all ages and family and pet-friendly.

There is also no charge to visit. The site’s amenities include free parking on site, a picnic area, and self-guided tours.

Visitors can easily walk through a courtyard where a former casino once stood, and follow concrete steps down into the site’s lower terrace and sidewalks that lead to a casino garden and gazebos.

A view of the blue hole waters and bridge to the island in the center of Radium Springs Gardens.

A Brief History of Radium Springs Gardens

Swimming is no longer allowed at Radium Springs, but the location was once a thriving spot to meet and cool off by taking a dip in the natural blue waters.

In the 1920s, researchers found trace amounts of radium in the water. The site later became known as Radium Springs. It was previously known as Blue Springs. Decades before that, by Native Americans called it Skywater and revered it as a ceremonial site.

As the 1920s continued, developers chose to capitalize on the popularity of mineral springs at the time. They built a resort on the property, known as the Casino.

The Radium Springs Casino featured a large dance hall and elegant dining room and was a popular spot for social events.

Fast forward half a century and the Radium Springs Casino began to see its end. In 1982, a fire swept through the place. Then floods in 1994 and 1998 damaged the casino beyond repair.

Later in 2003, the remaining building structure was removed, with a large concrete courtyard left in place.

Visitors can walk through that courtyard that stands on the original site of the casino.

Radium Springs Gardens is now operated by the City of Albany, which has begun work on restoring parts of the site, like the ruins of the main gazebo.

A close up view of some of the Spanish moss that hangs from the trees at Radium Springs Gardens.

Visitor Information

Visitors can find Radium Springs Gardens at 2501 Radium Springs Road, Albany, GA 31705.

Admission is free and the gardens are open 6 days a week. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

If you visit Radium Springs and want to see all seven of Georgia’s natural wonders, you can check out the official list, which includes Stone Mountain, the Okefenokee Swamp, Tallulah Gorge, Amicalola Falls, Warm Springs, and Providence Canyon.

Have you been to Radium Springs? What’s your favorite part of this natural site? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Copyright 229 Life 2023. All rights reserved.

Women Are Showing Men This $100 Decoration And The Responses are Hilarious

Christian
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Women Are Showing Men This $100 Decoration And The Responses are Hilarious

Halloween is over but fun tricks are still rolling in

It’s the holidays, and some women are having a holly-jolly time asking their significant other about what they think of a popular decoration found while shopping online.

This lighted hanging branch decor accessory from Crate & Barrel is a chic and simple statement piece, seemingly perfect for that festive yet minimal vibe. And it’s available for a cool $100.

The faux branch is pre-lit with small lights, and is supported by a thin rustic rope tied to both ends, balancing it as it hangs on a wall.

Image courtesy of Crate & Barrel

Ready to buy? I know I am. Who wouldn’t want this? It oozes simplicity and nature, while echoing a spruce and fir forest. If you lean in really close you can actually hear a horse-drawn sleigh and jingle bells. At least that’s what I was told.

Well, for the price, some have had second thoughts – which is why women are having a laugh at the expense of their husbands and boyfriends, and sharing it all on social media. I’m personally here for it, and if we’re honest- we likely all need an extra laugh. Here are the responses.

This guy was channeling his inner Simon Cowell

Image via Facebook

This guy had After-Christmas sales in mind

Image via Facebook

This guy was not having it, but offered an alternative

Image via Facebook

This guy saw a money-making opportunity

Image via Facebook

We hope you had a good laugh with this, and hope you are staying well and safe through the holiday season. Some decorations just aren’t for everyone.

What do you think about this hanging branch? Have you tried it yourself? Let us know in the comments.

Copyright 229 Life 2023. All rights reserved.

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