Saturday, January 06, 2007
Friday, January 05, 2007
For Those That Follow Georgia Politics
New blog / news feed that will follow the upcoming session: Georgia Legislative Watch
So far, it contains listings of all pre-filed bills. Good stuff. Subscribe to the feed.
To be completely transparent the site is run by conservative leaning Chris Farris and Jason Pye. However, from their press release, it appears the site will rely on commentors to provide commentary and analysis.
So far, it contains listings of all pre-filed bills. Good stuff. Subscribe to the feed.
To be completely transparent the site is run by conservative leaning Chris Farris and Jason Pye. However, from their press release, it appears the site will rely on commentors to provide commentary and analysis.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
The Porn Wars: Trucks A-Rollin!
It's past 10:30 and trucks are probably rolling in north Fulton. Earlier today, Love Shack owner John Cornetta told me he would be restocking his Johns Creek location with adult material. Earlier he removed all adult DVDs and toys to comply with a federal court order.
Mr. Cornetta stated that before 11:00pm tonight he would add 20,000 adult DVDs and 5-6000 adult magazines. Despite this massive increase in inventory, he believes his store will contain around 22% adult material. In his mind, well below the new Johns Creek standard of 25%.
The ongoing inventory battle is not the only battled being waged. On the legal front, Mr. Cornetta's team will file suit in federal court claiming a constitutional issue with the new Johns Creek ordinance. At the time of this post, the Love Shack legal team is still discussing the exact strategy for the legal battlefront.
Despite the increase in adult inventory, Mr. Cornetta claims about 90% of sales are non-adult. He proudly discusses his smoke shop business and then points out his comic books. He says he originally added the books in order to comply with the court order but they have been selling well. So well he has ordered more for his other stores. When asked if it the books were like an impulse buy in the checkout counter of a grocery store, Mr. Cornetta replied, "Yeah, like a box of Tic-Tacs".
There is little doubt Johns Creek will have something to say about the sudden influx of adult oriented material. Tomorrow begins a new chapter in the north Fulton porn war and Drifting Through The Grift will be there.
The Porn Wars: Showdown Fizzles
3:00 was supposed to be high noon in Johns Creek but only members of the local media showed up. Yesterday, District Court Judge Thrash ordered The Love Shack to reduce its adult material to less than a "significant amount" by the deadline or face continuing fines. Possibly the reason for the no-show by Fulton County is owner John Cornetta complied with the court order. Mr. Cornetta stated "out of an abundance of respect for the Federal Court" he had removed all adult material except for a "few adult DVDs".
Despite the apparent tactical retreat, Mr. Cornetta is not giving up the fight. He even vows to "run for mayor [of Johns Creek] if this doesn't stop".
Cornetta pointed out concessions he has offered Johns Creek including allowing a Police substation to occupy a portion of the store rent-free, a fence surrounding the parking lot, more lighting and video security. When asked if the fence would be simple chain-link or a privacy barrier, Mr. Cornetta responded "whatever they want within reason".
Johns Creek resident Kim Tye not only observed the scene from the parking lot but also accepted an invitation from Mr. Cornetta to tour the store with no media present. Ms. Tye stayed in the store for some time and emerged unchanged in her stance on the existence of the store but possibly with new perspectives.
She stated that Mr. Cornetta was a "nice man" and "not the monster portrayed in the media". When asked if there was room for compromise between the store and the community she said, "I would still rather it be gone" but "there is some room for discussion". She was unaware of Mr. Cornetta's offer to house a sub-station and build a fence and said she will follow up on these issues with Johns Creek mayor Mike Bodker.
At midnight tonight, the matter shifts to the newly minted Johns Creek ordinance requiring businesses to contain less than 25% adult material. Mr. Cornetta stated he is not only compliant now but would also be compliant under the new ordinance. In his words, "we've covered every "or"".
For now the battlefront is quiet but the war is far from over. Stay tuned to Drifting Through The Grift later tonight for possible breaking news.
The Anti-Libertarian President
Remember how I was wondering what the hell was happening with my Netflix envelopes? Maybe I now know.
My question is to all those "libertarians" who continue to support this president. Exactly how far will go to compromise your ideological soul before finally admitting President Bush is possibly the most anti-libertarian President in history? At least I will still be able to chuckle when someone says, "I'm a libertarian but I voted for Bush and would again".
The President asserted his new authority when he signed a postal reform bill into law on Dec. 20. Bush then issued a "signing statement" that declared his right to open people's mail under emergency conditions.
My question is to all those "libertarians" who continue to support this president. Exactly how far will go to compromise your ideological soul before finally admitting President Bush is possibly the most anti-libertarian President in history? At least I will still be able to chuckle when someone says, "I'm a libertarian but I voted for Bush and would again".
We Are Altenative Fuel
Why, only a few weeks after the opening of the movie "We Are Marshall", do I suspect a wave of "We Are ______" statements forthcoming?
So sayeth Mitchell County Commission Chairman Ben Hayward.
I shouldn't kid. Yesterday, I had the choice between witnessing the ground breaking of an alternative fuel plant in my homeland of South Georgia or witnessing a contempt hearing on porn in my adopted city of Atlanta. By now, you know what I chose. I can't say my mama would be proud but she would probably snicker once I left the room.
Good for F.U.E.L. Good for South Georgia. Good for us all.
“We will make an example for South Georgia and the southeastern United States.
We’re not just talking about alternative fuel. In Mitchell County, we are
alternative fuel. We are on the right track"
So sayeth Mitchell County Commission Chairman Ben Hayward.
I shouldn't kid. Yesterday, I had the choice between witnessing the ground breaking of an alternative fuel plant in my homeland of South Georgia or witnessing a contempt hearing on porn in my adopted city of Atlanta. By now, you know what I chose. I can't say my mama would be proud but she would probably snicker once I left the room.
Good for F.U.E.L. Good for South Georgia. Good for us all.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
The Porn Wars: Love Shack Gets Little Love
It's all about paint. Attorneys for both Love Shack owner John Cornetta and Fulton County plumbed the depths of analogy in an effort to clarify District Court Judge James Thrash 12-20-06 contempt order. Analogies were necessary due to the wording of the order which commanded the Love Shack to reduce its adult inventory to less than a "significant amount".
The crux of all arguments lay in those peculiar words.
Fulton County Attorney Steve Rosenberg stated that the Love Shack had not complied with the order and offered as evidence The Love Shacks own affadavit which stated the store still contained 2312 adult DVDs and 1647 sex toys. He compared this to his time in criminal prosecution where a police report stated a residence had a significant amount of drugs. For example, a significant amount could be "40 hits of crack". The argument The Love Shack put forward in its brief is inventory had been reduced by a "significant portion" not a "significant amount". He pointed out Judge Thrash had not used this term and that in context, as with the crack in the drug arrest, a significant amount still existed.
Mr. Rosenberg stated, "It's as if you ordered them to paint a house black and they painted it deep charcoal gray and then we disagreed if it was black. In this case they painted the house pink".
Mr. Cornetta's attorney Louis Sirkin countered that if the judge had ordered his client to paint something a deep red this is what would have been done. However it is as if the judge ordered something painted red and now both sides were arguing if it is truly red. He argued that his client had made a good faith effort to comply with a vague court order. As evidence he presented county and city ordinances that ranged from the City of Atlanta requiring less than 25% of floor sales to Warner Robins requiring less than 50% of sales in a 90 day rolling period. Mr. Sirkin stated his client had chosen what he felt was the most restrictive parameters and attempted to comply.
In the end, Judge Thrash was not moved. Apparently, he saw pink where The Love Shack attorneys saw gray. He stated in his ruling that he had deliberately used the term "significant amount" in order to prevent Mr. Cornetta from manipulating his inventory in an effort to comply. He went on to say he could not see how "anybody would see compliance" given the amount of adult material remaining. He specified his intent was number of items, not percentage or portion.
He ruled The Love Shack in contempt and ordered compliance by 3:00pm tomorrow. The Love Shack could comply by reducing its inventory under a "significant amount" or closing its doors. Until that time the business would be fined $1000 per day retroactively to 12-21-06 . He also stated his ruling would termintate at 12:01am on 1-5-07 at which point Johns Creek would have jurisdiction. He added the ruling and fine would be suspended if The Love Shack complied by the deadline.
Mr. Sirkin asked for clarification of "significant amount" and Judge Thrash replied "anything more than a few".
Fulton Attorney Rosenberg claimed victory although his side did not reach the goal of closure. He concluded the ruling to mean The Love Shack was operating without a license. This would prevent any kind of "grandfathering" once Johns Creek ordinances began enforcement.
On 1-2-06, Johns Creek passed new ordinances including a highly restrictive adult ordinance that includes any business to wait 20 days for approval. The new ordinance goes into effect at 12:01am, 1-5-06.
Not surprisingly, Mr. Cornetta also claimed victory. He stated he was still in business and not in jail. When asked about the fine, Mr. Cornetta stated he was "ready to pay out of my pocket right now". When confronted about the amount of the fine which would have exceeded $10,000, Mr. Cornetta pulled out a roll of $100 bills and a black American Express card. He explained that a person had to "spend $300,000 a year" just to maintain such an item. He said $13,000 did not bother him as he had spent more on his wife on New Year's Eve. He was quick to clarify he did not want to make light of the money and his real purpose in this was to fight for what is right. He also claimed to have previously turned down a deal from the Fulton D.A. stating "let me go to jail".
Cornetta also plans to increase his inventory. Now that he is in contempt and with no hard limit on his inventory, his immediate plans are to increase inventory back to 25%. However, he stated he and his attorneys are discussing multiple strategies.
For now, The Love Shack remains open. D.A Rosenberg was unclear if Fulton County will attempt another closure tomorrow at 3:00pm but indicated something would happen. In the meantime, Johns Creek's new ordinance goes into effect in less than 30 hours. When asked if this new chapter in the saga would send everything back to square one, Rosenberg shrugged and smiled.
As for Cornetta, he says, "If Johns Creek comes an arrests me, where are they going to put me? Mike Bodker's apartment?"
The crux of all arguments lay in those peculiar words.
Fulton County Attorney Steve Rosenberg stated that the Love Shack had not complied with the order and offered as evidence The Love Shacks own affadavit which stated the store still contained 2312 adult DVDs and 1647 sex toys. He compared this to his time in criminal prosecution where a police report stated a residence had a significant amount of drugs. For example, a significant amount could be "40 hits of crack". The argument The Love Shack put forward in its brief is inventory had been reduced by a "significant portion" not a "significant amount". He pointed out Judge Thrash had not used this term and that in context, as with the crack in the drug arrest, a significant amount still existed.
Mr. Rosenberg stated, "It's as if you ordered them to paint a house black and they painted it deep charcoal gray and then we disagreed if it was black. In this case they painted the house pink".
Mr. Cornetta's attorney Louis Sirkin countered that if the judge had ordered his client to paint something a deep red this is what would have been done. However it is as if the judge ordered something painted red and now both sides were arguing if it is truly red. He argued that his client had made a good faith effort to comply with a vague court order. As evidence he presented county and city ordinances that ranged from the City of Atlanta requiring less than 25% of floor sales to Warner Robins requiring less than 50% of sales in a 90 day rolling period. Mr. Sirkin stated his client had chosen what he felt was the most restrictive parameters and attempted to comply.
In the end, Judge Thrash was not moved. Apparently, he saw pink where The Love Shack attorneys saw gray. He stated in his ruling that he had deliberately used the term "significant amount" in order to prevent Mr. Cornetta from manipulating his inventory in an effort to comply. He went on to say he could not see how "anybody would see compliance" given the amount of adult material remaining. He specified his intent was number of items, not percentage or portion.
He ruled The Love Shack in contempt and ordered compliance by 3:00pm tomorrow. The Love Shack could comply by reducing its inventory under a "significant amount" or closing its doors. Until that time the business would be fined $1000 per day retroactively to 12-21-06 . He also stated his ruling would termintate at 12:01am on 1-5-07 at which point Johns Creek would have jurisdiction. He added the ruling and fine would be suspended if The Love Shack complied by the deadline.
Mr. Sirkin asked for clarification of "significant amount" and Judge Thrash replied "anything more than a few".
Fulton Attorney Rosenberg claimed victory although his side did not reach the goal of closure. He concluded the ruling to mean The Love Shack was operating without a license. This would prevent any kind of "grandfathering" once Johns Creek ordinances began enforcement.
On 1-2-06, Johns Creek passed new ordinances including a highly restrictive adult ordinance that includes any business to wait 20 days for approval. The new ordinance goes into effect at 12:01am, 1-5-06.
Not surprisingly, Mr. Cornetta also claimed victory. He stated he was still in business and not in jail. When asked about the fine, Mr. Cornetta stated he was "ready to pay out of my pocket right now". When confronted about the amount of the fine which would have exceeded $10,000, Mr. Cornetta pulled out a roll of $100 bills and a black American Express card. He explained that a person had to "spend $300,000 a year" just to maintain such an item. He said $13,000 did not bother him as he had spent more on his wife on New Year's Eve. He was quick to clarify he did not want to make light of the money and his real purpose in this was to fight for what is right. He also claimed to have previously turned down a deal from the Fulton D.A. stating "let me go to jail".
Cornetta also plans to increase his inventory. Now that he is in contempt and with no hard limit on his inventory, his immediate plans are to increase inventory back to 25%. However, he stated he and his attorneys are discussing multiple strategies.
For now, The Love Shack remains open. D.A Rosenberg was unclear if Fulton County will attempt another closure tomorrow at 3:00pm but indicated something would happen. In the meantime, Johns Creek's new ordinance goes into effect in less than 30 hours. When asked if this new chapter in the saga would send everything back to square one, Rosenberg shrugged and smiled.
As for Cornetta, he says, "If Johns Creek comes an arrests me, where are they going to put me? Mike Bodker's apartment?"
Breaking: John Cornetta Found In Contempt
Love Shack owner was found in contempt by District Judge James Thrash for "willfully and deliberately" violating his 12-21-06 order mandating the Love Shack reduce its adult inventory below a significant amount.
Cornetta is to be fined $1000 per day retroactively to 12-21-06 and as long as he remains in violation up until 3:00pm tomorrow.
Cornetta views the ruling as a victory as he is allowed to stay in business and stay out of jail.
Full story to follow.
Today In Porn News
Today John Cornetta, owner of the Love Shack, faces a hearing for contempt in U.S. District court. In question is whether the adult store owner complied with a judge's order to reduce the amount of adult material in the store by a "significant amount". Mr. Cornetta and his attorneys claim compliance as the store is already below the county mandates and has been reduced even further. Fulton County D.A. Steve Rosenberg disagrees. Today at 1:30, the showdown returns to Judge Thrash's court room.
If found in contempt, Mr. Cornetta faces possible closure, daily fines or even incarceration.
If allowed, Drifting Through The Grift will be present to witness the outcome.
Look for an update this afternoon.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
John Cornetta: The Blog Interview, Conclusion
In Part I, John Cornetta shared his early life and background in the adult business. In the conclusion, Mr. Cornetta delves deeper into the issues surrounding the opening of the Johns Creek store as well as providing a surprising endorsement of one of his adversaries.
His answers are frank with no apology. He still faces contempt of court charges with potential incarceration. He takes this battle seriously; vowing to conclude our conversation even if he would have to "hand write it and send it out from [his] cell".
Once again, all answers are unedited except for minor spelling and grammatical corrections.
griftdrift:Why open a store in Johns Creek?
John Cornetta: I bought a home in Johns Creek in 1998 or 99. I married and my wife moved in in 2000. I still own that home. It is less then 1 mile from the store. It is one of the only neighborhoods left in Johns Creek that does not have a home owners association and it never will because I will keep that home and as the land owner I will not consent... I wanted to open a store there for a long time, way before the movement to make it a city. Last year the liquor store changed hands and the new owner decided to downsize and rent out about 10,000 square feet. I was upfront with them from day one on what I wanted to do there.
griftdrift: Do you find it ironic that your Johns Creek store is located next to a rather large liquor store yet no one seems to mind that establishment?
John Cornetta: The world is [filled] with irony. I wouldn't pile on. What people do with their private life isn't my business. As long as they are not hurting others, I don't want myself, nor government, to get involved. What I find ironic is that a dance studio and a bus stop for a school seam to be the big deal here. First off bus stops are moving targets and dance studios don't qualify even under Johns Creek new adult entertainment ordinance.
griftdrift: Do you enjoy the controversy that tends to follow the opening of your stores? As a businessman do you consider it free publicity?
John Cornetta: I do not. I have lost weight ( which might not be bad ), been physically ill, had death threats. I have been picketed, my faith has been questioned, my morals etc. I would much rather live and let live. I have opened about 6 or 7 stores since Peachtree Parkway without much fan fare. I would rather have it that way. As for the advertising... I mean come on, lets not be coy, you can't buy the front page of the AJC and I don't think you can buy the opening 3 or 5 minutes on all the local channels. Yes it is free publicity, but it comes with a price.
griftdrift: Much of Atlanta's sex industry is located in less affluent areas (Cheshire Bridge Rd, Metropolitan Parkway, etc), yet you have several locations in more affluent areas. Do you think the controversy your store openings cause is a result of classism?
John Cornetta: Perhaps, I have studied the market. I am not that smart of a guy, but I still have enough to know better. In looking at the business I saw the same thing. But I noticed that if you had enough guts and money, could handle the first few volleys from the locals and or government, you could win. I will always win. It is just a matter of getting up one more time then them. I found that opening nicer stores in affluent areas has been a much better idea. It takes as much effort for our offices to manage a small 1,000 foot store as it does a 10,000 foot store yet we make much more. I see the future of my business as a merger of sorts. I envision Targets, Wal-Mart etc. A one stop shop. I like having a soft mix at about 99% of my stores. So when I decided to comply with Fulton County law and have 25% or less of my stock in trade as adult merchandise, there was no trick in it. We do very good with lube, lingerie, sheets, shoes, smoke products, cigars, etc.
griftdrift: How does working with Fulton County compare to working with other local governments?
John Cornetta: Let me tell you this straight from me, Steve Rosenberg is A-1 class all the way. He has taken a few free shots at me but most counties and locals change their attorneys monthly. Fulton has enjoyed pretty good protection over the years and the reason is Steve Rosenberg. Listen, Fulton went from 50% adult as the benchmark to 25% because of two people. Myself, and Steve Rosenberg. It is just too bad he doesn't have full control or this thing would have been handled a long time ago. If he were to run for Governor, I would back him. Now don't let Steve take a beating for this. He is not a yes man and he certainly is not on my side, he is just fair and balanced. He has his head on his shoulders. Mike Bodker by the way I think is also bright, likeable and approachable but I think he has already let power got to his head and he has let Lynne [gd: Lynne Riley, Fulton County Commission] in his ear. He is in trouble trust me.
griftdrift: What was being loaded on the panel truck on 12/21/06?
John Cornetta: The judge, when granting Fulton Counties preliminary injunction , error-ed. And he error-ed good. We knew it, I think Steve knew it, no one seamed to tell Mrs. Riely or Mr. Bodker based on their TV comments. He said it is a pad lock order. Then he said unless the 11th Circuit Court of appeals over rules him. Then he added, well that is unless the Love Shack has less then a " significant" portion of it's goods as adult. At this Cary Wiggins and H. Louis Sirkin, two of the three attorneys representing me on this said, uhh.. your honor could you please define significant so my client can comply.The judge said, no, my order is what it is. We were shocked! I mean talk about over broad and vague. It is like the new city of Johns Creek posting signs that say" Don't speed around here or else" with no speed limit. The judge's order is really bad. So bad that for the first time in my life in a court room, and I have to say I have been in many, the attorneys ordered a copy of the transcript right on the spot. Not just wait for the order, but to get a copy of every word said. They were high fiving each other, we looked at each other and laughed. We knew we could stay open. The laymen in the court room and the media were all confused. They were all asking us " hey what the hell just happened?".
So that day the county ( the prevailing party always does in Federal Court folks so our government can save tax dollars ) was asked by the judge to write the order as he had said. The next morning when Mr. Rosenberg sent it in, none of the judge's additional language was in it. So Judge Thrash, penned through it about ten times, hand wrote a ton of it and at the end added a star burst and had [written] that the order was good " unless the Love Shack offered for sales less then a significant amount of its stock in trade as adult. So that same day Alan Begner, the third attorney, wrote Mr. Rosenberg a letter where he stated that we intended to remove stock before the 3:00pm deadline set by the judge and add more non adult items to bring our inventory from about an already legal 18% ( the bench mark was 25% ) again down to a mind numbing 5%.... The county rejected our thoughts and said that they would consider even one DVD to be significant. Mr. Begner warned the county that comments made by Mrs. Riley were disturbing and that Judge Thrash's order was enforcible by a contempt motion only and NOT by padlock and someone needed to set her straight. They did. But through that night and in to the next morning and late afternoon, we were able to add about 30,000 purses, lingerie, magazines etc, and remove about 10,000 adult items. What you probably saw on the truck was the last of the 10,000 pieces to be removed. Trust me, I respect the legal system too much and the Constitution as a whole, to pull stuff out and bring it back and forth. It just isn't my style. I am upfront, all the way. After the inspection, the county decided that even at 5% we were in violation of the court order and filed for contempt. The judge has agreed to hear from all parties and on January 3rd, 2007 at 1:30 pm he will do so. What needs to be mentioned is that this judge never mentioned business licenses or occupancy permits or zoning. I think we won a lot more than the county did that day. He also barred Johns Creek from helping or appearing in Federal Court anymore and forbade them to assist the county further. We have however, still challenged the courts rulings in an appeal to the 11th Circuit and Friday we filed a motion for stay on the contempt hearing. I think from preliminary responses, that the circuit has a tremendous amount of interest in this case and will step up. The law of the land will change with this case and everyone here will have front row seats.
griftdrift: Have you received support from the ACLU or any other First Amendment organizations?
John Cornetta: No one. My friends Jimmy and Larry Flynt have called, emailed and text me with support ( no cash those bastards ) The ACLU doesn't have the guts, nor anyone else. I can not even count the amount of times I have given money and help to anyone who is being attacked but that's life. The store owners certainly aren't going to help each other for competitive reasons.
griftdrift: Personally what is your favorite item that you sell?
John Cornetta: I don't have one. This is a business to me. I don't even watch the videos. I rarely if ever use the products. It is just business. If I'm not in jail, on January 8th I will be in Las Vegas for the AVN adult show. It is like my 10th time. I mean how many times can you watch a beautiful women cry, thank her mom, and then accept an award for best blow job? It's kind of disturbing if you ask me.......
Thank you for the time and the respect you have shown me in allowing me to answer your questions. I leave you pleading with anyone who reads this to vote. To know who and what you are voting for. To please visit and donate to the national archives in Washington DC and look at up close The Constitution off The United States, The Bill of Rights, and all the amendments to it. These documents represent our future and past.
And as Larry Flynt once said, "If the first amendment will protect a . . . what did Grutman call me? Scumbag? Yeah. Scumbag like me, then it will protect all of you . . . 'cause I'm the worst."
His answers are frank with no apology. He still faces contempt of court charges with potential incarceration. He takes this battle seriously; vowing to conclude our conversation even if he would have to "hand write it and send it out from [his] cell".
Once again, all answers are unedited except for minor spelling and grammatical corrections.
griftdrift:Why open a store in Johns Creek?
John Cornetta: I bought a home in Johns Creek in 1998 or 99. I married and my wife moved in in 2000. I still own that home. It is less then 1 mile from the store. It is one of the only neighborhoods left in Johns Creek that does not have a home owners association and it never will because I will keep that home and as the land owner I will not consent... I wanted to open a store there for a long time, way before the movement to make it a city. Last year the liquor store changed hands and the new owner decided to downsize and rent out about 10,000 square feet. I was upfront with them from day one on what I wanted to do there.
griftdrift: Do you find it ironic that your Johns Creek store is located next to a rather large liquor store yet no one seems to mind that establishment?
John Cornetta: The world is [filled] with irony. I wouldn't pile on. What people do with their private life isn't my business. As long as they are not hurting others, I don't want myself, nor government, to get involved. What I find ironic is that a dance studio and a bus stop for a school seam to be the big deal here. First off bus stops are moving targets and dance studios don't qualify even under Johns Creek new adult entertainment ordinance.
griftdrift: Do you enjoy the controversy that tends to follow the opening of your stores? As a businessman do you consider it free publicity?
John Cornetta: I do not. I have lost weight ( which might not be bad ), been physically ill, had death threats. I have been picketed, my faith has been questioned, my morals etc. I would much rather live and let live. I have opened about 6 or 7 stores since Peachtree Parkway without much fan fare. I would rather have it that way. As for the advertising... I mean come on, lets not be coy, you can't buy the front page of the AJC and I don't think you can buy the opening 3 or 5 minutes on all the local channels. Yes it is free publicity, but it comes with a price.
griftdrift: Much of Atlanta's sex industry is located in less affluent areas (Cheshire Bridge Rd, Metropolitan Parkway, etc), yet you have several locations in more affluent areas. Do you think the controversy your store openings cause is a result of classism?
John Cornetta: Perhaps, I have studied the market. I am not that smart of a guy, but I still have enough to know better. In looking at the business I saw the same thing. But I noticed that if you had enough guts and money, could handle the first few volleys from the locals and or government, you could win. I will always win. It is just a matter of getting up one more time then them. I found that opening nicer stores in affluent areas has been a much better idea. It takes as much effort for our offices to manage a small 1,000 foot store as it does a 10,000 foot store yet we make much more. I see the future of my business as a merger of sorts. I envision Targets, Wal-Mart etc. A one stop shop. I like having a soft mix at about 99% of my stores. So when I decided to comply with Fulton County law and have 25% or less of my stock in trade as adult merchandise, there was no trick in it. We do very good with lube, lingerie, sheets, shoes, smoke products, cigars, etc.
griftdrift: How does working with Fulton County compare to working with other local governments?
John Cornetta: Let me tell you this straight from me, Steve Rosenberg is A-1 class all the way. He has taken a few free shots at me but most counties and locals change their attorneys monthly. Fulton has enjoyed pretty good protection over the years and the reason is Steve Rosenberg. Listen, Fulton went from 50% adult as the benchmark to 25% because of two people. Myself, and Steve Rosenberg. It is just too bad he doesn't have full control or this thing would have been handled a long time ago. If he were to run for Governor, I would back him. Now don't let Steve take a beating for this. He is not a yes man and he certainly is not on my side, he is just fair and balanced. He has his head on his shoulders. Mike Bodker by the way I think is also bright, likeable and approachable but I think he has already let power got to his head and he has let Lynne [gd: Lynne Riley, Fulton County Commission] in his ear. He is in trouble trust me.
griftdrift: What was being loaded on the panel truck on 12/21/06?
John Cornetta: The judge, when granting Fulton Counties preliminary injunction , error-ed. And he error-ed good. We knew it, I think Steve knew it, no one seamed to tell Mrs. Riely or Mr. Bodker based on their TV comments. He said it is a pad lock order. Then he said unless the 11th Circuit Court of appeals over rules him. Then he added, well that is unless the Love Shack has less then a " significant" portion of it's goods as adult. At this Cary Wiggins and H. Louis Sirkin, two of the three attorneys representing me on this said, uhh.. your honor could you please define significant so my client can comply.The judge said, no, my order is what it is. We were shocked! I mean talk about over broad and vague. It is like the new city of Johns Creek posting signs that say" Don't speed around here or else" with no speed limit. The judge's order is really bad. So bad that for the first time in my life in a court room, and I have to say I have been in many, the attorneys ordered a copy of the transcript right on the spot. Not just wait for the order, but to get a copy of every word said. They were high fiving each other, we looked at each other and laughed. We knew we could stay open. The laymen in the court room and the media were all confused. They were all asking us " hey what the hell just happened?".
So that day the county ( the prevailing party always does in Federal Court folks so our government can save tax dollars ) was asked by the judge to write the order as he had said. The next morning when Mr. Rosenberg sent it in, none of the judge's additional language was in it. So Judge Thrash, penned through it about ten times, hand wrote a ton of it and at the end added a star burst and had [written] that the order was good " unless the Love Shack offered for sales less then a significant amount of its stock in trade as adult. So that same day Alan Begner, the third attorney, wrote Mr. Rosenberg a letter where he stated that we intended to remove stock before the 3:00pm deadline set by the judge and add more non adult items to bring our inventory from about an already legal 18% ( the bench mark was 25% ) again down to a mind numbing 5%.... The county rejected our thoughts and said that they would consider even one DVD to be significant. Mr. Begner warned the county that comments made by Mrs. Riley were disturbing and that Judge Thrash's order was enforcible by a contempt motion only and NOT by padlock and someone needed to set her straight. They did. But through that night and in to the next morning and late afternoon, we were able to add about 30,000 purses, lingerie, magazines etc, and remove about 10,000 adult items. What you probably saw on the truck was the last of the 10,000 pieces to be removed. Trust me, I respect the legal system too much and the Constitution as a whole, to pull stuff out and bring it back and forth. It just isn't my style. I am upfront, all the way. After the inspection, the county decided that even at 5% we were in violation of the court order and filed for contempt. The judge has agreed to hear from all parties and on January 3rd, 2007 at 1:30 pm he will do so. What needs to be mentioned is that this judge never mentioned business licenses or occupancy permits or zoning. I think we won a lot more than the county did that day. He also barred Johns Creek from helping or appearing in Federal Court anymore and forbade them to assist the county further. We have however, still challenged the courts rulings in an appeal to the 11th Circuit and Friday we filed a motion for stay on the contempt hearing. I think from preliminary responses, that the circuit has a tremendous amount of interest in this case and will step up. The law of the land will change with this case and everyone here will have front row seats.
griftdrift: Have you received support from the ACLU or any other First Amendment organizations?
John Cornetta: No one. My friends Jimmy and Larry Flynt have called, emailed and text me with support ( no cash those bastards ) The ACLU doesn't have the guts, nor anyone else. I can not even count the amount of times I have given money and help to anyone who is being attacked but that's life. The store owners certainly aren't going to help each other for competitive reasons.
griftdrift: Personally what is your favorite item that you sell?
John Cornetta: I don't have one. This is a business to me. I don't even watch the videos. I rarely if ever use the products. It is just business. If I'm not in jail, on January 8th I will be in Las Vegas for the AVN adult show. It is like my 10th time. I mean how many times can you watch a beautiful women cry, thank her mom, and then accept an award for best blow job? It's kind of disturbing if you ask me.......
Thank you for the time and the respect you have shown me in allowing me to answer your questions. I leave you pleading with anyone who reads this to vote. To know who and what you are voting for. To please visit and donate to the national archives in Washington DC and look at up close The Constitution off The United States, The Bill of Rights, and all the amendments to it. These documents represent our future and past.
And as Larry Flynt once said, "If the first amendment will protect a . . . what did Grutman call me? Scumbag? Yeah. Scumbag like me, then it will protect all of you . . . 'cause I'm the worst."
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Back To The Real World
National Drunk Blogging Day was fun but it's time to mosey back into the real world. Time to head south to help move some hay. No. I am not kidding. Back tomorrow with more rants.
NaDruBloDa: The Waitresses
Stacey: I loved the way you shaved your head like a checkerboard. I also loved the way I felt that I should carry a weapon to bed every time we had sex.
Maryelise: You were beautiful, young and stupid but good lord you had a great body. It was a fun two weeks.
Melissa: When I am 70, I will remember our nights at the Clermont. You and I dancing and Alan falling into tables. Thank god the floor in my apartment was carpeted.
Dharol: You were the last. And the best. Always.
Maryelise: You were beautiful, young and stupid but good lord you had a great body. It was a fun two weeks.
Melissa: When I am 70, I will remember our nights at the Clermont. You and I dancing and Alan falling into tables. Thank god the floor in my apartment was carpeted.
Dharol: You were the last. And the best. Always.
Friday, December 29, 2006
NaDruBloDa: Radical Georgia Moderate R.I.P.
Rusty just killed his blog. It's very sad. But it had to happen.
NaDruBloDa: The Whale
Drinking is a serious thing. And some times you get reminded that there is a line you just don't cross.
On a Saturday afternoon, we encountered The Whale. We're not sure why we branded him with that moniker other than he was quite large and tended to squeak when he talked. Moe Beers, my partner in crime, and myself settled down for our usual Saturday soiree at Moes and Joes when this character showed up.
It's not like we aren't accustomed to strange people just appearing in our life. But The Whale was something else.
Early afternoon and we could smell him from ten feet away. Even professional drunkards like us know the stench. It's the rotten smell of sour grapes of the true alcoholic.
It was pretty obvious he had been drinking all night. It's not like we could say much, we had been there before. Wallowing in the doom of the new dawn. But we know that dawn does not mean one more bottle of three dollar wine. We instead opt for The Majestic. We are after all. Professionals.
The Whale sauntered next to us, began squeaking and drinking from the jug of wine he thought he had so carefully hidden in the brown paper sack. Even Moe was rendered speechless.
Soon the staff of Moes and Joes could no longer tolerate the smell and the illegal alcohol. The Whale was kicked to the curb. He wandered down the sidewalk and sat next to a planter. Continuing to pull from his paper bag.
He sat there most of the afternoon. Moe and I would occasionally raise our glasses and in the distance we could hear a squeak.
NaDruBloDa: Saddam To Be Hanged, Me To Be Drunk
Yes friends, it is assured that Saddam Hussein will swing at 10pm tonight. By that time I should be half hammered. I am strangely void of feeling about Hussein's impending doom. It's like watching a movie where you haven't seen it but you already know how it ends.
Dictators swingin' in Baghdad. Rednecks drunk in Atlanta. It's a wild, weird world, bubba.
NaDruBloDa: Into The Breach My Friends
The beer gun has sounded! Beer number one is a refreshing bottle of Budweiser. I'm getting the jump on the local Atlanta bloggerati by starting a pre-meet buzz. I feel this is necessary as my past exploits have caused me to grow a second liver and the amount of alcohol needed to reach levels of foolishness is immense.
Drunk blogging is nothing new. We've all done it. Personally, I've tried to keep mine to a minimum. Strong drink and broadband connections are not necessarily compatible. Mostly mine have been late night posting of sappy shoe gazers staring longlingly while crooning about some lost girl.
It's weird experiment, bubba. Drinking and blogging with a group of people at the same time. Will we suddenly in the middle of a conversation scream, "I NEED TO BLOG THAT!"? Will the conversation halt while some muddled mind tries to distinguish between the shift key and the tab key? Will we all stare at each other's site meters?
So many questions. Answers will only come with the continued application of party juice. Into the unknown we travel my companions. Let us all pray the tubes do not get clogged.
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