Comments by SP9023

Written on Memphis City Council member Janis Fullilove apologizes for on-air emotional outburst:

Unfortunately, this will not be the last time she makes headlines for her behavior. Give it a couple of weeks, a month at best, and she will be back in the news for fighting; public drunkenness; sleeping on the job; etc.
It is so, so sad that her district doesn't see that they are being cheated by re-electing her. She is an embarrassment to them and to the City.
We'll see all of you back on the comments page in another couple of weeks. Until then, take care.

Written on Editorial: Face the facts on smart meters:

I suspect that the Council will do it's best to keep this City, once again, in the 20th century. I also expect there will be more people who will raise the conspiracy issue that MLGW will use these meters to charge more and to spy on customers. No wonder this town is going to Hell in a hand-basket. The low mentality of the populace and the low intelligence level of SOME of the Council members is holding this town back.

Written on Memphis councilwoman not guilty in domestic violence case :

If the people living in her district have any self respect and pride remaining, they will not re-elect Ms. Fullilove. She has embarrassed her district, the City, and herself. Unfortunately, she doesn't see it that way and neither do her constituents. Come on people, there are surely more qualified people in your district who will represent you in a professional manner and make you proud that you elected them.
This lady needs to get help for alcohol, drugs and behavior.

Written on Memphis officer shoots, critically wounds man:

Anybody stupid enough to pull a gun on a Memphis Police Officer, after the loss of the officer last month, deserves what they get. What do you expect them to do? Take a chance on losing another cop to some idiot that is probably high on something. Wise up people and put the guns away!

Written on Germantown police vehicles get new logo:

You had better believe that they will very quickly recover the cost per vehicle through traffic tickets.

Written on Southaven Mayor Greg Davis sought reimbursement from city, chamber for same charges, records show:

Forget his political affiliation; forget his sexual preferences; forget his race. This man is a crook and he took the kind people of Southaven for a ride when they ponied up the monies to try to cover his "oversights".
How can he make claims that he didn't purposely double bill the invoices and it was an honest mistake? Twenty six times?
He is also conveniently forgetful when needed to do so.
Janice Broach asked him about his $100 tip on a $30 some dollar tab and he responded that he even tips big with his own money. She dropped it at that. Why not confront him with the fact that this was not his own money, but taxpayer money that the taxpayers expect him to be frugal with? Why not ask him if the waiter / waitress might have been a personal friend that he was trying to throw extra money at? She really did not do anything investigative in her report, she just gave him an opportunity to make more excuses and more lies.
I hope the FBI and IRS and any other official agencies continue to pursue this. He has made a fool out of the good people in Southaven and he continues to lie through his teeth.
I hope the people trying to get him thrown out are successful. I also hope he spends a great deal of time behind bars.

Written on Driver abandons bus passengers between Memphis and St. Louis:

One way to look at this is that the driver was an idiot and everyone on the bus was inconvenienced.

Another way to look at it is....what if the driver had gone off the deep end and considered crashing the bus and killing everyone. That would obviously have been a lot worse.

It will be interesting to see what the outcome of the investigation is by Greyhound and, hopefully, the authorities. Those that were inconvenienced may find out that they were lucky that the driver did what she did. Who knows.

Written on Wendi C. Thomas: Kemba Ford's assets: name, looks:

It really hurts me to have to say this, but Wendy...this is an excellent article.
The people of District 7 really need to pay attention to what Wendy is trying to tell you here. If you vote for Kemba, because she's a Ford, you are basically saying that you want NO representation. And if you do, don't be crying about the fact that you're getting NO representation.

Written on Small world: Clerk recognizes bank robber while shopping :

Dude robs a bank and then shops at Walmart???? He deserves to be caught.

Written on Two transferred to adult court in killing of Memphis mother, wounding of man :

Why can't the MPD succeed in controlling and destroying these gangs? I think Toney Armstrong should make the erradication of gangs in Memphis his #1 priority. If he can't do it, give up the position to someone who can. The gangs are the root of many problems in this City.

Written on Wendi C. Thomas: Farmers market has ugly underside:

I think Wendi may not be as dumb as she looks.

Sure, the majority of her articles are race-baiting pieces of crap that prove that it doesn't take a lot of intelligence to write this stuff. And sure, her articles reveal that she doesn't know the very basics of journalism and that she doesn't do the research necessary to write an ACCURATE column in a newspaper.

But, everyone reads it and the comments come hot and heavy. She can then convince Otis that, based upon the reader response, she adds value to the CA and thus justify her existence and her pay-check.

If everyone wants her to go away (as I do), stop reading and stop commenting on her crappy articles. Don't let her "get your goat", because that's really her plan. Chuckle at what she has written, if you must read it, then move on to the funnies, or sports. Or, use the page with her article to line a bird cage.

Just let her fade away into oblivion. She isn't worth the attention.

Written on Teenager killed in drive-by shooting wanted to be police officer:

Back in the 70s, there was a program called "Scared Straight". In that program, several hard core criminals spent a few hours with young kids who were caught committing a crime and they talked to these a very rough and unflattering manner. Those kids who sat and smiled at them thinking it was all a big joke were roughed up, emotionally, by the criminals.

I realize that this gang issue is very complicated and there is no simple answer to it, but why not implement a program, in grade school and high school alike, where everyone gets some experience of what it's like to spend the rest of your life in jail. All these kids see is a bunch of bling, fancy cars, etc. but they have absolutely no idea of what life is like once you're convicted and sent away.

An earlier post recommended that those who have been locked up for similar crimes talk to the kids, which I think is very important. But, I also think the kids should also see the inside of the jail; see what a cell is like and how that cell is their "space" forever. Let them see how they are told when they can eat, when they can exercise, when they can do... whatever. And make them go through it every year.

Maybe some of them will get the message that it isn't as cool as it's cracked up to be to be in a gang.

Again, it's not a cure all, but perhaps it would help. Nothing can replace the parental involvement that was pointed out earlier. That is a must. And it will take the cooperation of the Police and the School officials.

But, let's not lose sight of the fact that this young man's life was taken away from him for absolutely no reason. That's the shame here for him and his friends and family. Maybe whatever steps are taken can be done in his memory and his name.

Written on Letter: Traffic cameras aren't the solution :

I know that Scottsdale, Arizona, has also removed their speed control cameras, I believe for the same reason as Minnesota. It sounds like Myron needs to do his homework before making suggestions. If we spend $1.7 million and find out it is unconstitutional, who is going to reimburse the City? This City can't afford a mistake of that magnitude today. We already have an empty Pyramid....we don't need a bunch of disconnected cameras hanging off of utility poles.

Written on Accused killer says he was in 'trigger mode' when he shot elderly man:

Tell him that it's now time to go into conductor mode. He holds an electrical wire, the juice gets turned on, and he conducts the electricity until his heart stops beating. And, what a rush he'll get out of that!


in response to JuliusJones:

ServiceMaster is a rip off!

I had a water pipe burst in my ceiling back in January 2010 .... lotsa damage to ceiling, walls and carpet.

My ins agent called a contractor and the contractor called me within 10 minutes, had a plumber over in a few minutes to repair the burst pipe ... and, he called ServiceMaster in for the clean up.

ServiceMaster crew was a bunch of kids who barely knew what to do. They ripped out the damaged carpet and cleaned up most of the insulation that fell from the ceiling. They brought in 8 drying machines of varying sizes and left them running for about a week.

They really ripped off the insurance company. They charged around $8000 for their "clean up", which was mostly rental charges for the machines.

Bottom line was: they left the place an absolute mess and I spent about a week doing what they should have done.

If given a choice in the future I would NEVER use them again!

I had a very similar experience. Also a busted water pipe, with ceiling, wall and carpet damage. A group of young guys came to the house, laughing and joking amongst themselves. Only one person really did any work and appeared to be professional. Everyone else having a great time.
They left a number of fans blowing (very loudly) for several days until it was time to come and remove them.
My BIGGEST COMPLAINT about them was their total lack of professionalism and total lack of regard for my wife. They said they would call us in the morning to tell us when they would be there to remove the equipment. They didn't call until 3:00 in the afternoon. Said they would be there in an hour. Called back in an hour and said they would be there in the next hour. Called back in the next hour and said they wouldn't be there until after 6:00 pm. Several hours later they finally showed up, again loud and boisterous, having a great time amongst themselves. Same lead tech, this time with different help.
My wife had to stay in the house all day, first waiting for the morning call, that never happened, and then to be there for the 3:00, 4:00, 5:00 arrival, that never occurred.
I too will never use them and I've told State Farm that they are never to send them to my house again.
If you want to be jerked around, use them. If you expect professional people and professional treatment.....go somewhere else.


The City of Memphis has been in the news for negative reasons for several years; crime, racial issues, education problems, mismanaged government, etc.

Now we have a group of kids, teachers and parents who have busted their collective butts to make the City proud of their accomplishments and to make our City look good. These kids won out over every other school in the country that entered the contest.

And what do they get for it? A bunch of idiots that are making their accomplishment a political issue: a racial issue; a rich vs. poor issue !

Come on people. Give these kids a break. They are to be congratulated for a job well done. They should be singled out and congratulated for their achievements.

Why don't all of you hate mongerers save your political, racial and economical jabs for other issues and give these kids / teachers and parents their due and their day in the spotlight.

Congratulations to everyone at BTW. Ya'all done good and don't let any of the stupid comments on this post take anything away from what you've done. You've made the City of Memphis proud.

Written on 7- and 9-year-old rape suspects taken from families:

in response to ohknow:

This is outrageous for the children this young to be taken away from this mother by the government!

The very same government can't teach these kids that 2+2=4, but you people are cheering that they now have complete control?

What gives you any clue that the mother or family had one single thing to do with teaching these boys this type of activity or creating an environment for them to learn it? Nothing!

Is it possible they learned it at our outstanding government education center? Or on the street corner? Or at the playground? Or a friend? Hey, how about he learned this type behavior from a former president??

How is it this is called rape when they are 7 and 9 and used an object of some type? This sounds like assault on an area of the body these boys probably view as "private" for all kids?

The real crime here is taking these kids from their mom for this incident.

The only justification for this police action against a family would be a distinct pattern of this type behavior from them. A bunch of hooey from DCS "experts" or social workers is NOT enough.

This mother is protected by the constitution of the USA.

I am outraged by this, and the response on this board.

I disagree with your assessment. I believe that the real crime here was that an innocent 2 year old baby has now been physically and emotionally scarred for life.

I don't know the background of the boys; whether or not they have a father; what color they are, etc. I can only hope that they can be given the counseling necessary to get them to understand that what they did was wrong and get them to feel remorse for what they did to the 2 year old and make them never to want to do anything like this again.

Written on Memphis City Schools board extends superintendent Kriner Cash's contract :

Why didn't the commissioners make his contract contingent on his recouping his salary dollars by disbanding his elite police force? His bodyguards? This is a joke and those that voted for his extension should pay when they run for re-election.

Written on Memphis impound lot supervisor charged with car burglary:

If the City is going to continue to pay him during his suspension, why not make him reimburse the City for the money paid to settle claims? Sounds fair to me.

Written on Wendi C. Thomas: Memphis schools vote only begins the process of unification :

MUS, CBHS, Briarcrest, ECS, etc..... you had better be planning for expansion of your facilities. The rush is going to be on, big time.


in response to gmoney55:

I think the low voter turn out shows what the problem "was" with MCS. Low "adult" participation in the schools. And Wendi I've done my part by raising my 3 kids and making sure they went to school, did their homework and graduated from high school. All the volunteers in the world, while helpful, won't replace a parent setting the example and being involved in their kids education and life.

All of y'all celebrating the take over better read what this person says. She hit the nail on the head. Parents must be involved in the education of their children. If you listen to nothing else going forward, pay attention to that point. Then, and only then, will this be successful. I'm not talking about PTA, I'm talking about sitting with your kids and helping them understand their schoolwork and helping them to learn it. Make them successful.

gmoney55.......well put!

Written on Election day updates: Memphis goes to the polls to decide future of schools:

in response to DawnRb:

Consolidation may or may not make things better, but just standing by and allowing SCS to get their special district without supporting the defensive measures by MCS wasn't acceptable to me, so I voted Yes with no reservations. The discussion of whether or not this will improve MCS is a distraction from the real issue. It's a defensive tactic as far as I'm concerned. MCS cannot afford to lose the funding from the whole of Shelby County. As a parent of two kids in the MCS system, I don't want to see it spiral further down the drain until it resembles the Detroit system.

I respect your decision. In my opinion, you're making that decision, and casting your vote, based upon logic. I don't know if you're right or not, but at least you've made an educated choice and not an emotional one. Good luck to you.


in response to olldtimeplayer:

Today is the day. I am voting yes and I encourage every registered voter in memphis, regardless of which way they feel, to get out and vote.

I have a child attending mcs, Ridgeway Middle Optional school. He has a 4.42 GPA out of a possible 4.60, all honors courses. My son didn't get this without hard work and intense reinforcement from me. He doesn't have to take a back seat to any student in the county.

Some of you will say, hey, you supported the school as parents should. You are wrong; I haven't been to a PTA meeting or open house in over 5 years. Attending these meetings isn't necessary for a child to learn. All it takes is discipline and following the lesson plans at home. Teachers should teach, however, the lessons are in the books that the kids bring home.

The main problem with mcs is that they don't stress the basics, reading, writing, and arithmetic from grade one thru grade 6. This presents a problem when trying to correct it.

If the mcs or any other school system start failing large numbers of kids in their primary years, the parents would raise hell.

This is partly the fault of the state dept of education. They gave and still give mostly minority school systems a false sense of accomplishment. They constantly tell these children that they are doing well and with just a little more, everything will be okay. In other words they are rewarded for courses that are below the standards. There should never be tiered spheres of learning, except for the truly gifted kids.

Nationally, the scs is doing the same thing. The scs brags about their Student Assessment Tests. Tennessee ranks 42nd overall among the 50 states. That is nothing to boast about. We, in tennessee, are off the chart when measured world-wide.

I am voting yes for a unified county-wide school system so that we, mcs and scs, can start anew; put people on the school board, regardless of color, that will pursue excellence for all of the children.

If this goes through, I and many others will be very careful about who to elect to a new combined school board. I guarantee that you won't see the same people from mcs elected to that board, nor will you see the same supts running the schools.

First, congratulations to your son for being so successful. It sounds like he has a great future ahead of him. But, I think you're missing the point as to why he is so's because you, as a parent, gave him the reinforcement and attention that he needed. I disagree that it's a need for more basic reading, writing and math skills in the system. What is needed is more parents, such as yourself, that take an interest; that want their children to succeed; and will spend the time to nurture and teach them.

Moving the kids to County schools, or any school for that matter, is not going to make them a better student without someone at home working with them, encouraging them and helping to teach them.

It's frustrating to hear all of the people that think consolidation is going to solve the education problem. Parents are going to solve the eduaction problem, but only if they get involved. The school system cannot be looked upon as baby sitters or role models. That's what parents are for.

Written on Letter: 'Ugliness' is unruliness, crime :

You can merge the City Schools with whatever school system in the country you wish to, but if you don't fix the parent's indifference to their child's education, it isn't going to do a bit of good.

This problem (budgetary) was created by the current administration. Perhaps the SCS can correct that issue. In doing so, the current administration needs to be fired in total.

But, they can't (nobody can) correct the parental indifference. So, don't lay that off on any other community and expect it to be fixed. In 2 years after the merger, you'll be blaming the SCS administration for the continued failure of the kids and it won't be an SCS problem!!!!!


in response to Mulachi:

OK, I'm slow. What was the cryptic point he was trying to prove? And what would his motivation be to make it by lying about what he believes?

I am not challenging you, just trying to understand.

You shouldn't waste your time trying to understand this fool. He's not happy unless he too is stirring the pot. That's why I didn't respond. He's high on himself.....I consider him an idiot from reading many of his responses.


I usually read you column and then expect to see all of the hate mail that comes after it, even when your column makes all the sense in the world. Some people respond just because they don't like you and will look for the smallest thing to be critical about. They call you a racist and I usually don't understand why, until now. You really do like to stir the pot.

I am white and I live in Germantown. I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth and, as a matter of fact, was raised in white projects. My wife comes from meager means as well.

I worked very hard for what I have now and I saved, even while putting 3 boys through private school (even though I do live in Germantown) and then college.

Would I mind if a black, brown, yellow, red or whatever color moved next door to me? No, as long as they respected our neighborhood and respected themselves. If they were white and trash, I'd have a real problem with them, just as I would if they were black, brown, yellow or whatever and trash. That's why I chose to live in Germantown. It's clean, it's safe and people respect themselves and each other......white, black, brown, or whatever.

So why should I be called a racist just because I want to live in a town where most of the people have worked for what they have (yes some were born with the silver spoons)and what they have is nice? I am not a racist.

Like a previous writer explained, the vast majority of the City Government is African American, as is the School Board and Commissioners. Why isn't your anger being directed towards them for failing? Why aren't you going after Cash and his entourage for being overpaid, overstaffed and failing to the point that they have to give up the charter? Why aren't you going after the School Board for failing? Is it because you in fact are the racist?

I don't know where you live, but I suspect you've chosen somewhere comfortable for your taste and away from the daily shooting and other crime. The way you criticize Gtown people I would think that you would move into the most dangerous parts of the City and live there.....just to make a point.

Why should I be expected to carry the City of Memphis because they failed? If the management of the City of Memphis were 100% white and they failed, I'd be of the same opinion. Direct your anger towards getting qualified people to run the City, white - black - or whatever. The main consideration is qualified.

I've lost a lot of respect for you with this article. You are way off base if you think that people wanting to live in a nice area and provide their children with a safe environment for an education is akin to calling Memphis babies ugly.

You need to grow up lady.

Written on Memphis schools Supt. Kriner Cash has contract extension support on board:

Remember all of this when it comes time to elect new Commissioners. They're not only stupid, they're all gutless. Throwing more money at this train-robbing, low rent, dirt bag is just assinine. A previous writer said it right.....the lunatics have taken over the asylum. No wonder this town is a national joke.

Written on Memphis police director Larry Godwin takes state job:

I too think he has done a good job in Memphis and I believe, wholeheartedly, that he will do the same on the State level. If Gibbons hired him because he believes he did a helluva a job in Memphis that's great too.

I hope they do name a successor that can eventually be as successful as Godwin was. We need another good man.

Good luck to you Larry and represent Memphis well in your new duties.

Written on Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin says he'll retire in April:

I used to watch Mr. Godwin standing behind Tater head on the podium on election day and smiling like he was in love with the guy.....and I hated him for it.

However, after watching him since Tater-head has "resigned", I've gotten a totally different perspective on the man.

His discussions on the Drake and Zeke program were equally eye opening.

I see a lot of negative comments about him that I too once shared. But, to his credit, I don't think anyone can accuse him of trying to cover up corruption in the MPD. A lot of people have made that claim. My experience has been that he sees those activites as a reflection upon himself and his organization and, I believe, he has spent a lot of time going after these people and prosecuting them, all above board.

He has done a good job. I think it's going to be hard to replace him and get the same quality of work.

I wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement.

Written on Memphis Police Department's domestic violence supervisor makes court appearance :

in response to thecatsmeow:

Only the truly ignorant would assign this person's actions to the color of her skin and not to her individual lack of character.

I agree 100% that it's wrong to attribute her actions to the color of her skin. That is very ignorant. However, if you look closely in the video to the garage scenes, you will see plenty of Dallas Cowboy signs on the walls of the garage. THAT EXPLAINS IT ALL TO ME !!!!! Those Cowboys fans are all animals!

Written on Where's Kriner Cash? Superintendent 'on vacation' during Memphis schools charter debate:

I don't understand why anyone would be surprised that he left town while this whole situation was coming to a head. He's a farce and always has been. His cronies from Florida better hope that he can carry them on his coattails again, like he did here.

This man has done a great disservice to this City and the students in the MCS system. I hope he takes the worthless School Board members with him. That'll tick off Chicago.

And while he's at it, take Fullilove and Ophelia too. They can do pole dances for him and his cronies.

Written on Former Memphis mayor Herenton joins airwaves today:

STFU Willie. You said nothing of value your last 10 years in office....who gives a crap what you have to say now. The only ones interested in what you have to say are those same fools that voted for you because they were brainwashed by you and your rhetoric and too stupid to realize it.

You've robbed this City of its future and reputation for a number of years.

Just go crawl into a hole somewhere and wait out your days. You're a worthless deadbeat now.

Written on Memphis Mayor A C Wharton apologizes for recent conduct of police officers:

The Mayor could have swept this under the rug and kept it quiet. Godwin could have also. But, they chose to make it public and take their medicine from the public for a corrupt cop.
I've never been a big fan of Godwin, but I'll give him credit for consistently being above board when it comes to corruption within the ranks. He knows how badly it reflects on him and his command and he's always weeded out these individuals and made it public as well.

I don't see this as a re-election or any type of political ploy by A.C. either. You can dislike the man, but he too is above board and, I believe, truly interested in doing a good and fair job.

There are some out there that will bad mouth these guys regardless of anything good they do. I don't think the previous Mayor would have been as forthcoming and open about the whole situation.

Just my opinion.

Written on Germantown's latest patrol officer is Sharp:

He should be well qualified for writing traffic tickets. And, if he can't catch you with the squad car, he can run you down.

All kidding aside, congratulations on your achievements and the winning of the awards. It sounds like he has the potential for advancing through the ranks quickly with the leadership achievements.

Written on Showdown over schools: Herenton supports merger proposal:

Why does the CA, WREG, WMC or any other media outlet give this worthless, low-rent, egotistical, coniving, self-gratifying, pompus-assed idiot the satisfaction of airing / printing his comments.

He's gone, thank God, and just let him rot somewhere. He's made a mess of this City and his input is meaningless. Willie......STFU !!!

Written on Memphis bouncing back, mayor says in annual address:

I think that for the first time in 18 years, we've got a Mayor who is genuinely interested and committed to making things better for the City and not interested in lining his pockets or putting a bunch of cronies in positions for which they have absolutely no qualifications.

I might not agree with everything he has done, but I know that he believes that he is doing those things for the right purpose.

He has spent a great deal of time in his administration cleaning up the messes of the previous administration. A lot of people blame him for those failures, but he inherited them. Give him a break and some credit for stepping up and taking actions.

Also, give A.C. and Lutrell credit for wanting to work together as a team, and not as adversaries. Willie thought that only he was right and everyone else was dumb.

For the life of me I can't understand how anyone who has watched the prior administrations last 8 - 10 years of corruption and do-nothing atmosphere can criticize Mayor Wharton. Heck, a dead possum would have been better than Slick Willie.

Written on Packers, Steelers bring talent, title lore to game:

Although I am a life long Steeler fan and native Yinzer, I am not foolish enough to lay claim that the Steelers will destroy the Pack. Both teams are very talented and either could walk away with the trophy.

What a great game it should be. Two teams loaded in NFL history and pride! And, both backed by great Cities and a national fan base.


Written on Germantown student, 9, gets mayor's award for using lifesaving lesson on friend:

You are to be congratuated for a job well done. You're quick thinking and actions saved Josh's life. It's something that Josh and his family will never forget. Ya done good !!!!!

Written on Income gap in Shelby County grows, census finds:

If this is going to turn into a black versus white issue and claims that only whites live in these neighborhoods I'd offer the following suggestions:

There are a lot of successful African Americans employed in a number of positions by a number of companies in Memphis, and living in these better communities. Why not ask them how they were successful and able to achieve their riches or to live in these communities.

I believe that most of their answers would be hard work, occasional sacrifices to be successful, and a desire to earn what they have, versus have someone give it to them.

By the same token, look at the white people living in poverty. I would think that the majority of them (not all) didn't want to work hard, didn't want to sacrifice occasionally, and didn't want to work for anything but, rather, have it handed to them.

It works both ways and is not limited to color / race.

Granted there are exceptions to those who would give anything for an opportunity to work but, for any number of reasons, are not being given that opportunity. Is it more prevalent in the black community? Maybe. But, to blindly say that there are not successful African Americans in these zip codes or plot numbers is not realistic. And those that are there, worked for it.

I think it's a matter of what's important. A big fancy car, fancy rims, jewelry, booze, and no food or shelter for your family; or a goal to succeed, backed by hard work, sacrifice and dedication. Again, black or white, it's a matter of priorities.

Written on Income gap in Shelby County grows, census finds:

in response to new_skool91:

Two things:
1) I'm a bit curious about the numbering system for these census tracts. So, the more numbers after the decibel point, the more "exclusive" the tract?? :o

2) The causation issue here is so elementary, it almost makes this article border on the ridiculous. So, err...exactly how many po-folks did you reeeeallly expect to find living the the Legends? Man, I LOVE passing by that subdivision on Houston Levee. Even from the street with its wide open rolling landscape and huge houses, it is one subdivision that lives up to its name. It gives me something (kind of) to aspire too (since they've widened the Levee, it's a little better for commuters, but still that subdivision is not in the best place for somebody who works in the city because of traffic). But, back to my point - what did you expect? It's like comparing the 5-year outcome, for graduates at UT Memphis Heath Sciences Center and say, graduates from Pyramid Academy. How shocking would those results be? It would be like comparing the results of repeat customers to Mercedes Benz Memphis and Sunrise Covington Pike. So folks buying 2011 CLK550's have a much higher median income than folks shopping on the under $4000K car lot - SHOCKING!!

There is nothing political or particularly useful from these findings because they only state the obvious - 1) Education and socially responsive decision-making afford one opportunities that can prove very financially beneficial if one chooses to take advantage and 2) Failure to achieve a modicum of PERSONAL competency in both of these areas is extremely likely to leave one at a marked socioeconomic disadvantage! Ummm....duh???

Is the decimal point now called a decible point in the "new skool"?

Written on Wendi C. Thomas: Memphis schools charter vote puts kids first:

I honestly don't know if this is good for the City and the County. I listen to both sides argue their cases and I know there are biases on both sides. I can only hope that it works out well for both entities, especially for the kids.

But, what I do know for sure is that eliminating Kriner Cash is a positive step. This man believes that he is royalty and he has been robbing the train since he arrived. With him gone, I think the City / County can save a lot of money in salary expenses incurred by him and his entourage. I can understand why he's upset and why he lost his cool.....he just saw his royal life style go out the window. Now, he can go back to selling used cars. I think he could do a great commercial for the local used car company whose slogan is "I don't care about your money, I care about you!" He fits that mold perfectly. HE IS WORTHLESS !!!!!

A.C. and Lutrell.....please make this work and work well.

Written on Wendi C. Thomas: We disagree, but loyal to our own:

Wendy, very nice story.

chancegearheart, kennyisbackagain, nash3333 and any other jagoffs that want to turn a touching, warm, human kindness story into a political platform; get a life and go somewhere else.

Written on Memphis police officer shoots, kills man who refused orders to put down shotgun:

We've got people here theorizing that the man was on drugs, drunk, distraught, deaf, etc. There's even one mental midget blaming it on Obama (what else is new).

Why doesn't everyone just wait and let the Police do their investigation and get to the root of the issue before we all do our finger pointing thing. It could have been for any of the reasons mentioned above (except, of course, that Obama caused it).

I feel sorry for both the officer and the victim (and family). I guarantee you that, with very, very, few execeptions, an officer doesn't even want to take their weapon from the holster, let alone use it to harm / kill someone. I'm sure that this will be on her mind for the rest of her life. I'm glad that I'm not in a position to have to make a decision like that and I'm glad that the MPD and all PDs are there to protect us.

Written on Comedy icon Leslie Nielsen didn't always go for laughs:

in response to LTC:

Airplane was a theatrical "stockholm syndrome"

The movie was not all that funny.

It just had lots of play on words. sense of humor? In addition to plays on words there were numerous sight gags, big named stars not taking themselves seriously, social commentary, etc. I don't think I've ever heard anyone who didn't find something funny in that movie or the Police Story series / movies.

Written on Disabled fear places where the sidewalk ends:

Somebody in the City needs to do something before one of these people are killed. I was coming into town Monday morning, still dark, and luckily a truck in front of me hit his brakes and swerved to the left, causing me to slow down. There was a man on a scooter crossing Union Avenue, in the dark, and driving up the right hand lane (I'd say slow lane, but Memphis drivers use the passing lane as the slow lane). In any event, this man could have been seriously injured, or killed.
He should have crossed at a light....I'll give you that..... but someone is going to get killed if they don't begin using the sidewalks. If they don't use them because they're not handicapped friendly, then why isn't the City creating slopes, instead of curbs, at the corners. If they do exist, these people should be fined for not using them. The alternative is pretty serious and it would be catastrophic to the victim and the driver both.

Written on Appeals court to hear arguments seeking freedom for John Ford:

in response to jrgolden:

While the vast majority of the previous posters were venting their spleens, and engaging in some serious hate, you have all failed to notice that the Tennessee legislature has tilted greatly to the east end of the state. This will become more apparent over the next two year legislative cycle.

While John Ford had his character flaws, two things that I admired about his legislative skills were the facts that he always looked out for the best interest of West Tennessee, and Tennessee State University. This was possible because of his longevity, and knowledge.

As time goes forward we in Shelby County, both urban and suburban will continue to suffer from the loss of John Ford on capitol hill, as well as Catheryn Bowers. When we see a greatly diminished UTCHS, Regional Medical Center, and University of Memphis, you might want to ask yourselves how did that happen?

You're talking 2 separate issues here. The first issue, dealing with West Tennessee being ignored is a political issue that can be dealt with at the next election, if in fact it materializes.

The second issue is not at all related. He might have looked out for West Tennessee, but he was, first and foremost, looking out for John Ford at all times. He was corrupt and needs to pay for that corruption. He skated by a whole bunch of issues and behaviors that you and I would have been locked up for many times. But, the Ford name and lawyers always got him out of it.
Don't feel sorry for him; don't, as someone earlier said, worry about him not seeing his children. He didn't worry about it when he was committing the crimes and I'm not going to lose a minute of sleep over it now.

He and the rest of the clan are concerned first about themselves, and their constituents take a back seat to that notion.

If this City / County gives Joe Ford the extra pension he is asking for, they should all be voted out too. And to everyone who re-elected Ophelia, don't object when you have no representation because she is "ill". You all missed a golden opportunity to weed out another "me first" representative. Willie would have been a better choice than Ophelia.

Written on Memphis builds ties with Mexico despite dangers:

I wonder if the City of Nuevo Laredo needs a City Council? If so, I think we have a few members that we should export to help them with their corruption. Not eliminate it.


101. I went out at lunch time and bought a big a$$ bird, some stuffing, potatoes and frozen veggies. Dropped them off at the Food Bank front desk. Very easy. For only $35.00 I got a great feeling that will make me feel good for a week. This isn't the time of year to be selfish or to go hungry.

Written on Two pilots, including Michael Roberts of Memphis, sue to block body scanning at airport:

My first question is what are they doing overseas, specifically in Frankfurt? Do they use the scanners or some other method. Does anyone know? If they don't use scanners, why don't we adopt their methods? They've been very effective since the Lockerbee incident.

Secondly, I agree with the person who said they are going to begin driving when at all possible. Flying had become a major headache, not only due to the security issue, but the cattle car mentality of the airlines as well as the constant gouging through the various fees (baggage, pre-seating, etc). They are making money, hand over fist, now with the baggage fees.

Having said that, my next fear is that if people stop flying, we (the taxpayers) are going to be asked to bail out the airlines because they are going broke. We just can't win.

It's a shame this country never was able to create a major rail based system comparable to Euro-rail. I've used it. It's extremely reliable and cost effective. We'll never have a bullet train here.....don't have the infrastructure and the politics and politicians won't permit it.

Written on Magazine poll ranks Memphis last in intelligence, attractiveness, first in barbecue:

Since nobody else has said it, let me do it.....

It's Obama's fault.
It's Bush's fault.
It's the Tea Party's fault.
Herenton was one helluva a Mayor. (wait until that idiot's book comes out.....we'll really have a bad name then).

I think that covers them all.