The City of Atlanta is having a rough week. Between resident outcry over the increase of violent crime, the sad and senseless shooting of a Grant Park bartender and more problems for Marta, it seems like everyone is a bit down in the dumps.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that the Marta budget deficit is even larger than originally predicted. Marta obtains a large percentage of funding from tax revenues. With the current state of the economy, people aren't buying and funds are drying up.

The agency now expects a $57 million operating deficit this year, despite cutting $11 million in operational spending last month, Davis Allen, MARTA’s assistant general manager of finance told the AJC this week. Marta will have to take action and is considering a 25 cent fare increase (making the fare $2 each way), raising parking fees and some measures as drastic as cutting out weekend service all together.

As someone who uses Marta for my daily commute, the thought of having to downgrade, or eventually eliminate, Atlanta's public transportation is one that causes me great concern. Even non-riders should see the value of working to develop a strong public transportation system. Atlanta is already a city characterized by urban sprawl and a lack of walking culture and is consistently ranked among US cities with the worst traffic. Along with a failing public transportation system, these factors will discourage new businesses and residents from settling in Atlanta, stunting the growth of the city.

For those who are interested, there are two more opportunities this week to attend public meetings on the state of Marta:

• Thursday, Jan. 8, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., College Park Safety Complex, 3717 College St., College Park
• Saturday, Jan. 10, 10 a.m. to noon, MARTA Headquarters, Lindbergh Station, 2424 Piedmont Rd., Atlanta

Next month, Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi will hit the stage at the Tabernacle for the Blues Brothers Formal Classic Revue. The show, their first public performance in over two decades, benefits Hillels of Georgia. Hillels of Georgia focuses on building community and enriching the lives of young Jewish professionals and students across the state.

Tickets are available for those who want to get down at the Tabernacle on February 7, but if you can't make it you can still be a part of the efforts through the online auction. In addition to autographed Blues Brothers merchandise, score cool items like an autographed REM guitar or an American Idol ticket package including airfare to Los Angeles and tickets to a taping of the show. Act fast, while some items will be open for bidding all month, others end as soon as this week. All auction proceeds will benefit the efforts of Hillels of Georgia.

For those of you who have been losing sleep without your daily Ryan Seacrest fix, you can rest easy. "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" will be returning to Atlanta airwaves next Monday, January 12. Get all the Seacrest you need every week day from noon - 3:00 p.m. on Star 94 (94.1 FM).

The daily afternoon music and entertainment program focuses on interviews and gossip on all that's hot in Hollywood. Listeners can interact with the program and view multimedia features on both Star 94's website and RyanSeacrest.com. "On the Air with Ryan Seacrest" is a nationally syndicated radio program broadcast on over 100 stations across the US.

Atlantic Station just announced a special offer for those attending Bodies: The Exhibition or Dialog in the Dark. Just hang on to that ticket stub and you'll become an honorary A-Card member for the day.

Atlantic Station's A-Card, a program only offered to those who live or work in the Station, gives you great discounts at many of the stores and restaurants in Atlantic Station. Show your ticket stub at the following locations to cash in on your discount!

Participating Atlantic Station Retailers: Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, City Sports, Cold Stone Creamery, Copeland's, Dillards Travel, Doc Green's, Dolce Enoteca, Fox Sports Grill, Jos. A. Bank, Geisha House, K-La, Kay Jewelers, LA Fitness, Lobby at TWELCE, Moe's, Nani Salon & Spa, Nani Sensorium, PJ's Coffee & Lounge, Rosa Mexicana, STRIP, Smart Wash Eco Auto Spa, Taste Clothing, Ten Pin Alley, The Eye Gallery, The Grape, Tin Drum Asian Cafe, Washington Mutual, White House/Black Market, 19th Street Dental