Consolidation May Not Be The Key...

Smart City Memphis blog writer and Memphis Magazine columnist, Tom Jones, came to the University of Memphis to speak today about the topic of consolidation between the City of Memphis and Shelby County Governments.

He told the crowd that one of the biggest myths about government consolidation is that it saves a great deal of money. Jones said this simply isn't true for the most part. He did say that if any money is saved, it is at the administration level, but that it wouldn't be enough to make a difference. He pointed to Louisville, KY having a successful consolidation and that Nashville also successfully consolidated its city and county governments. For Nashville, however, that was about 45 years ago that they consolidated and that it has taken most of that time for improvements to show. Heavy proponents for city and county consolidation may be looking at it as a "quick fix" to the city's and county's budget problems.

Under Tennessee state law, for consolidation to pass and become a reality, it must be voted in with a dual majority, meaning that it must pass within the City of Memphis as well as pass outside the city. Also, when or if the governments consolidate, state law likewise says that the school systems must merge. Some within the Shelby County School system are vehemently opposed to that idea.

Jones offered a suggestion that could be seen as a compromise to consolidation. Memphis City Government would be responsible for services that are inclusive to the upkeep of the city, i.e. Fire Services, Police Services, and Waste Management Services, while Shelby County Government would be responsible for all other services.

Another topic discussed was school consolidation in which Jones revealed a great idea, from Mayor Herenton of all people. The idea is to split the very large school district of 150,000 students into 5 smaller sub-districts of about 30,000 students each. Each sub-district will be appointed a superintendent and these 5 superintendents will report to the school board and an elected "Grand Poohbah" superintendent. Actually a VERY good idea. Maybe this idea will come to fruition even if Herenton is not appointed superintendent of Memphis City Schools.

Learned a lot about this topic today. Wendy, are you sure I can't change my topic?

Summer Movie Blowout (Part 2)

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the theater...2008 will unveil some of the coolest movies and will drop some of the biggest BOMBS! Ha ha. Previously, I talked about summer blockbusters and comedies. Now, I will cover the Animated movies, horror, and thrillers that will make your kids laugh and make you cry.

Animated Movies: Your Kids Will Bug You To Death

Wall*E (from Disney and PIXAR), Kung Fu Panda (from Dreamworks), Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (this belongs in 2 categories...animation and comedy), Space Chimps, and Batman:Gotham Knight (straight to DVD).

Horror and Thriller Movies: Speaking of Death! Don't spill your popcorn on me!

One Missed Call (Warner Bros.), Diary of the Dead, The Signal (POP Films), Shutter (Fox), The Ruins (Paramount), Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Universal), The Changeling (Universal), and Day of the Dead (remake).

Summer Movie Blowout

There is no shortage of Summer blockbusters, romantic comedies, horror films, animated movies and thrillers. A varitable cornucopia of cinematic goodies will be unveiled during the upcoming summer months. Here is a category-by-category list of what's coming out; I didn't even know some of these ideas were even in the works:

Summer Blockbusters: The Superheroes are taking over!!

Iron Man, The Dark Knight(sequel to Batman Begins), The Incredible Hulk (a remake of the remake), Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (Jesus, Harrison, enough already!), The X Files: I Want to Believe (The Truth Is Out There, Again), Speed Racer, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, The Mummy: Tomb of The Dragon Emporer.

Comedies:

War, Inc., Baby Mama, Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, Made of Honor, and my personal favorite...SEX AND THE CITY. Whew! About damn time girls.

...More movies to come ;)

Spring Has Sprung

The semester is almost over and we are down to the wire. I have a couple classes left and then we head into finals. Grades are holding steady and I should be able to pull at least a B+/A- from every class for this semester. I was worried coming back from being out of school for so long that I wouldn't be able to cut it and hold my own with college life. But then again my perspective is slightly altered. I am coming back with career goals in mind. I know exactly what I want, whereas most students come in not having a clue what they want to do or where they're headed. Of course, I won't be attending the summer, but that won't be a vacation for me either. I plan on working all throughout the summer so I can take it easy, financially, during the fall.

I have actually enjoyed all of my classes, especially my writing classes, English and Media Writing. Psychology was not as hard as I thought it might have been. And Algebra, well, I have always done well in my math classes. It is the ONLY class that I actually have a final exam in. That bad boy is a comprehensive final exam that is worth 150 points. Two ways to look at it: 1. either there is a lot of material I might forget, which will make me mess up the final; or 2. there are a lot of problems that I will answer right and that some of the problems I am not sure on, I can leave blank and not worry. Either way, I have gotten a bunch of my general education requirements out of the way and can focus on my foreign languages, history classes, and major core classes from here on out. Hopefuully, I will continue to see all of you around campus. Have a killer summer and Go Tigers!

Summer Time is Comin'

I am looking forward to the summer break. Some guys and gals I know will be taking courses during the summer, but not I. I will be focused on working all summer long, perhaps getting a second job. My goal is to go on leave from my job during the Fall 08 semester. Save up enough money so that I will be ok during that time. And in the event of a financial crunch or emergency during the Fall semester, I can simply return to work. I would love to find one job making really good money rather than taking on 2 jobs that make ok or slightly less than ok money. And I know me. I will horde money the whole summer and when the Fall semester comes, I will walk into my manager's office and hand her a leave of absence form. But still, I am a little jealous of all those who will be going to exotic places during the summer, like Hawaii, Amsterdam and Chicago. Ok, not so much jealous of the Chicago-bound person.

I will probably take a few days off during the summer and go to South Beach in Florida. I will ejoy walking along the beaches and maybe I will see a celebrity or two. And if I don't, oh well, no biggie. I just want to have some fun this summer. Hopefully some of my college friends will be able to get together if they aren't off all over the country during the summer. Maybe I'll have a John Travolta/Olivia Newton-John "summer lovin" moment this summer. Either way, I wish you all to have the most wonderful summer and come back safely so I can see you punks in the Fall. \m/ >.< \m/

The Debate Still Rages...Stem Cell Research

My friend Jarron is doing his argumentative research paper on the benefits of stem cell research. Not much has been said about stem cell research within the last seven years. When Bush took office, you know when his approval ratings were high, he condemned stem cell research. Stem cells are seen by many researchers as having virtually unlimited application in the treatment and cure of many human diseases and disorders including Alzheimer's, diabetes, cancer, strokes, etc. Stem cells come in two general types:
1. Embryonic stem cells
2. Adult stem cells

Many pro-lifers believe that human life begins at the time of fertilization and that killing an embryo in order to extract its stem cells is a form of homicide. Usually, they are adamantly opposed to such research. Others disagree. They believe that an embryo has the potential to develop into a person, but is not a person itself. They say that an embryo is not sentient; it has no brain, sensory organs, ability to think, awareness of its surroundings, consciousness, internal organs, arms, legs, head, etc. They feel that research using stem cells derived from embryos is ethical.

Whichever side of the debate you happen to be on, you cannot deny the vast potential held within the use of embryonic and adult stem cells. Since the main issue in the debate is whether or not an embryo is actual human life or is a blank slate on which human life is drawn, the first step in stem cell research would seem to be to settle this portion of the debate, if it is not already settled.

It's Not A Lot, But To Some It Means The World

Today, Dr Pete Gathje of Emmanuel House Manna, located at 1268 Jefferson Ave. He spoke today about the homeless problems abroad in the the United States as well as right here in Memphis. He gave those in attendance a brief overview of the facts and figures involved with homelessness. One important fact that hit close to home was that 58.6% of those living in the Southern Black Belt are actually working but cannot afford the basic necessities of life. Therefore, if these people are not already homeless, they soon will be. Gathje gave us a definition of homelessness. It is a condition in which a person "lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence." He pointed out that there are two types of homelessness, temporary (people who have only been homeless for a few months) and chronic (people who have spent years in a state of homelessness).
He also spoke to us about the Memphis Center City Commission and that their grand solution for the homeless problem in Memphis is to criminalize the homeless and lock them away rather than attempt to help them. One of their associate organizations, Partners for the Homeless, does some good things, but they fully support the Center City Commission's criminalization of the homeless. Some partner. With a friend like that, I don't think I would need an enemy. Next, Dr. Pete spoke about the Union Mission on Poplar Aveenue near the intersection of Danny Thomas Blvd. They charge the homeless $6.00 to stay there and require the homeless person provide an ID and be fingerprinted (because of their cooperation with the Center City Commission's criminalization efforts. The Union Mission also makes religious worship a part of their requirements for someone to stay there.
These three places seem to be nothing more than dens of oppression rather than places that help people. Gathje explained the work being done at Emmanuel House Manna. As he puts it, they do not do all that much. But I am pretty sure that if Manna House had to close for whatever reason, it would damage the lives of those who seek their help. Yes, they may only be providing a place where someone can grab a quick shower, a cup of coffee and some socks and hygiene products, but to those who come there, it really means the world to them that they have even that much.

From Nixon To Bush 2.0; Why Has No One Gotten Health Care Right?

There were problems on the horizon before Richard Nixon even took office. However, with each passing Presidential Administration, no one has been able to come up with a solid plan for health care reform. The bad part is that the system of health care in this country is getting progressively worse with each passing year. It would be easier for the politicians if the system would stay the way it is at this very moment and allowed them to find time and a way to reverse the damage already inflicted on Americans. But, as it is, the problem is constantly worsening and we are falling farther and farther behind. Our country is on the verge of a recession, that is if we are not already there.The value of a dollar is the lowest it has ever been even if we do operate on a credit standard, rather than a gold standard.

Other politicians, such as Senators and House of Representative members are not coming up with any new solutions either. It is almost as if they are relying squarely on the President to come up with a health care plan, if he or she can, and if they don't like the President's plan, they dump it in the crapper. For example, see Nixon and Clinton's health care plans, respectively. Reagan relied on Health and Human Services Secretary Otis Bowen to come up with solutions to the nation's health care problems and Bowen's solutions would have seriously undermined Reagan's domestic policies. George W. Bush also has been unable to devise a health care plan that provides adequate and affordable coverage to the Americans who need it most. For those Presidents who actually have created a possible health care plan, none of the plans have been successful. This is almost as bad as not even attempting to come up with a plan.

Mass Depression Grips The U of M Campus

Less than a minute and a half to go in the college basketball championship game and the Memphis Tigers choked on a really big bone. With a final score of 75 to 68, the Kansas Jayhawks ripped victory and a national title right out of the paws of John Calipari's Tiger's.

And it was quite evident that they lost. Walking through the campus today, I could help but notice the hung-low heads of students and faculty from Walker to Central and Patterson to Zach Curlin. Every square inch of the University of memphis campus was littered with dejected students and faculty members. Yet, none of my classes were cancelled damn it! And the campus was only partially full. Many students didn't even show up to class today. And I am sure that most of the instructors didn't even bother to take role in class. Time will heal all wounds and the University and its students and faculty will have to resume life as usual. Mainly because life must go on.

"It will probably hit me like a ton of bricks tomorrow, that we had it in our grasp," Calipari said. "Ten seconds to go, we're thinking we're national champs, all of a sudden a kid makes a shot, and we're not," said the Tiger's head coach.

So, what is next for John Calipari? Most likely, he will return as the head coach for the men's basketball team. He did such a phenomenal job taking the Tigers all the way to the NCAA championship game that I can't imagine that the University of Memphis wouldn't have him back next year to do it all over again. This time with one small difference (we win the game). Calipari is a history-making college basketball coach nevertheless and fans realize that. No one is blaming Calipari for the loss and no one blames the Tiger's players either. Excitement gripped them for a moment and paralyzed their judgment and actions as it would do to any reasonable people.

There is always next year. Go Tigers!

"Take Your Stinkin' Paws Off Me, You Damn Dirty Ape"- Charleton Heston 1924-2008

Over the weekend, we lost more than an actor and political activist. A wife lost her husband; a man and a woman lost their father; and three children lost their grandfather. Charlton Heston died Saturday at his Beverly Hills home, suffering from the late stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Best known for his roles in The Ten Commandments (1956), Ben Hur (1959),Planet of the Apes (1968), and Tombstone (1993), Heston was a very versatile actor. His range was wide, preventing him from being type-cast into a single genre of movies; a very important asset for an actor.

In addition to acting, Heston was a political activist. Probably best remembered as the President of the National Rifle Association (NRA) from 1998 to 2002, Heston was also an activist for civil rights as well. Many may not remember, or simply don't know, Heston joined civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and attended the 1963 March on Washington, standing very nearby while King delivered his "I Have A Dream" speech.

Heston was a controversial figure during his presidency of the NRA, but whether people agreed with him or disagreed, they could never say that his heart wasn't in it. He was always very passionate when speaking, as well as when acting. Born John Charles Carter, the man whom we all came to know as Charlton Heston will be missed.

I Can't Say That I Disagree With All Fallacies

As an Advertising major, I will probably use a great deal of fallacies to successfully produce advertising campaigns for my clients. It may not be pretty, but it is my chosen career field and what I will have to do if I want to be successful. I consider myself a creative person, though. Perhaps I will be able to come up with new ways to sell products and services and not have to rely on existing fallacies. Then again, my new techniques, if any, may just be an update to the already long list of fallacies that exist. Who knows?

Don't get me wrong, when it comes to writing, especially persuasive writing, this should be one area where facts and figures reign and fallacies are thrown in the dungeon, unless the fallacy is used constructively to further the story. Some fallacies are best used in fictional works. Non-fiction should always be fallacy-free. Appropriate fallacies for fictional stories and events would most likely be: "changing the subject," "either-or," "hasty generalization," and "Occam's Razor."
These can often be used to throw the reader off course, particularly in mysteries and psychological thrillers. But the best way to write persuasively and in a non-fictional manner would be to follow the often used phrase from Dragnet's Sgt. Joe Friday: "Just the facts maam!" By just dealing with adequately established facts and figures, the writer gives the reader the necessary tools to make an informed, educated determination about the topic.

"I'm Not Ready To Back Down..."

It's funny, because I chose the Dixie Chicks to write a hero defense statement about. I don't idolize them but I do very much support them and did so when they first were villafied. As I said in class, some people have said, in their own defense of trying to crucify the trio of very talented country singers, that fans don't want to know what they think about the President and the war in Iraq, or any other political topic that comes up.

Well, that's crap. Because if the people didn't want to know these opinions, then TV Guide channel wouldn't have their reporters out on the red carpet at award shows asking artists and actors what they think. Joan and Melissa Rivers would never ask "So, what do you think of the President's search for weapons of mass destruction?" immediately following the asking of whose dress, shoes, and jewelry the celebrity was wearing. It was purely situational. At the time the Dixie Chicks came out and made their political beliefs known, the President's approval ratings were a lot higher than they are now. If the trio were to come out on TV tomorrow and make the same statement that they did years ago, they would be cheered and statues would be erected in their honor. WTF???

Personally, I think all of those who jeered and demonized the Dixie Chicks should pay them a written and public apology. We will start with an apology from Toby Keith and then move on to George W. Bush. After Bush apologizes to the Chicks, he can turn and apologize to all of us as well.

It Just Can't Be Swept Under The Rug; But We Can't Keep Tripping Over It Either

Read the Radicalicious article by LaToya Peterson. I have pretty clear viewpoints on this topic and as some of my classmates saw today, I do not lean toward either side, black or white, of a discussion on racial tension or hatred. What happened with slavery was an attrocity. No human being has the right to buy or sell another human being, period. The fact that it happened, not only in our history, but in other cultures and civilizations, is simply disgusting. But you have two choices: either dwell negatively on this issue (inviting hatred, disdain and chaos to breed until it is out of control), or dwell positively on this issue (working toward letting go of the past and preserving the memory of how it happened so as to not let it happen again).

Who is allowed to talk about issues of racism?
White people say Black people talk about it too much and Black people say White people shouldn't talk about it at all. The reality is that if racism exists between two or more races, then ALL races involved are allowed to talk about it. Hell, talking about it is the first step in letting go of it. Many people take a very "elephant in the corner of the room" approach to it. They think if it is never discussed, it will just go away quietly. NEWS FLASH: It ain't gonna happen that way!

What is the difference between "forgiving" and "forgetting?"
Simply put, "forgiving" is acknowledging that someone did something wrong to you and,whether or not you are still going to preserve an amicable relationship with the person, letting go of the hostility that was born out of the misdeed. "Forgetting" is simply the act of not remembering what happened. Not a wise course of action. Forgiving should happen because it is less stressful on your mind and emotions than to continually hate all the time. But, never forget the tragedy, because you can learn from it and develop ways to detect a similar pattern of behavior or events that could lead up to it again, thereby stopping it before it happens again.

What does "cotton pickin" mean to me?
I never really considered its racial context before because I never heard it used as such. Or at least I didn't think I did. I know that my mother and grandmother used it occasionally as an adjective. "Keep your 'cotton pickin' hands off those cookies until after dinner," I would hear either of them say. Or, "Get your 'cotton pickin' ass in this house," when I was out playing with friends and it was time to come home. Honestly, if they used it racially, I was unaware of it. Now, my grandmother was raised in a very racist fashion and she raised my mother that way, though again, I don't know whether or not she meant to do it. Later in her life, very shortly before her death, my grandmother told me that she had not always lived as she would have wanted. When I asked her what she meant, she told me that if there was one thing she could go back and change about her life, it would be that she would be more tolerant, understanding, and loving toward all minorities, which she had not been most of her life. This helped to alter my perception of people. I tell people that something great came out of my mother's and grandmother's racist behaviors: I didn't develop them. I am devoid of hate for an individual based on their skin color. I can hate or otherwise dislike a person based on their personality or something horribly wrong they did to me or a close loved one, but I will never hate anyone based on race. Take that to the Rainbow Colored Bank.