New Year's Eve and Day are filled with their share of traditions: Some people watch the ball drop every year, others get fitshaced, there's all the kissing at midnight. And don't even get me started about the foods ...
(My parents made me eat black eyed peas every year on New Year's Day. They said that the "eyes" look out for you and however many peas you ate, you would have that number of days with good luck. Most years, I started with about a week of mushy, forced good luck. But I digress ... )
In Memphis, we have a special New Year's tradition: What will Mayor Willie Herenton say at his/Myron Lowery's annual prayer breakfast/State of the City address?
Mayor Herenton likes to start each year off with a bang. We don't know what he'll do or say this year — odds are, he doesn't even know! — but here are some of his ideas from previous years:
2008: A renewed push for consolidation. In last year's case, his plan was to change the state constitution so that suburban voters wouldn't have a say (meaning they couldn't block it, if that's what city residents wanted).
2007: Out of seemingly left field, Herenton says he wants to build a new football stadium to replace the aging Liberty Bowl. He thinks the idea will stimulate economic development at the Fairgrounds.
2006: Herenton is in recovery mode. After budget shortfalls in the previous year, he pledges to get the city's finances back in the black and restore its bond ratings.
I think (so don't quote me) it was around this time when he brought in Robert Lipscomb as the city's chief financial officers.
2005: He once again pushes for consolidation of city and county government and schools.
2004: He claims God gave him a vision for the city and that he'll keep running for mayor because there isn't another elected official in the city that could do the job.
He also says he has enemies on the City Council and County Commission — and no wonder if he's going around saying none of them are mayor-material.
2003: Focusing on education, Herenton says the city school board is a disaster. (Maybe he's not always controversial, after all ... Just kidding! Sorry, cheap shot.)
He also says he has a plan to overhaul funding for both the city and county schools and that, essentially, he's ready for a fight with suburban leaders.
2002: He says consolidating the city and county governments will be his major goal in the coming years (well, he stuck to it as a goal, that's for sure).
2001: Herenton says he wants to see a light rail system in Memphis. But he also thinks local government should consolidate.
Actually, looking back on it, I predict he's going to say something about consolidation, maybe with a focus on crime and outward population migration.
Frankly, as long as he doesn't say anything about black eyed peas, I'll be fine.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Ideas, from A to Z
I love the NYTimes' Year in Ideas series.
This year, their eighth alphabetized list in a row, included 53 ideas.
My faves:
Airbags for the elderly (to prevent injuries from falling, a motion detector vest inflated at the hips and neck)
The Biomechanical Energy Harvester (which attaches to a person's knee and collects energy as they walk)
The cloth car (basically just that, a model from BMW)
The dog-poop DNA bank (it's exactly what you think it's for — to ferret out non-pooper scoopers!)
Mini-cattle (more efficient than their heavier cousins)
Upside-down demolition (starting at the bottom and working their way up)
Vending machines for crows (okay, I haven't read this one yet, but it sounds interesting)
and, unfortunately,
Women in Power are Set up to Fail (Two British researchers found evidence of what they called "the glass cliff," an invisible form of prejudice in which people will only give women a position of power if there is a strong chance of failure. They say the idea also applies to minorities.)
Anyway, if you have a chance to give it a look, it's really fascinating. A little out there at times, but fascinating nonetheless.
This year, their eighth alphabetized list in a row, included 53 ideas.
My faves:
Airbags for the elderly (to prevent injuries from falling, a motion detector vest inflated at the hips and neck)
The Biomechanical Energy Harvester (which attaches to a person's knee and collects energy as they walk)
The cloth car (basically just that, a model from BMW)
The dog-poop DNA bank (it's exactly what you think it's for — to ferret out non-pooper scoopers!)
Mini-cattle (more efficient than their heavier cousins)
Upside-down demolition (starting at the bottom and working their way up)
Vending machines for crows (okay, I haven't read this one yet, but it sounds interesting)
and, unfortunately,
Women in Power are Set up to Fail (Two British researchers found evidence of what they called "the glass cliff," an invisible form of prejudice in which people will only give women a position of power if there is a strong chance of failure. They say the idea also applies to minorities.)
Anyway, if you have a chance to give it a look, it's really fascinating. A little out there at times, but fascinating nonetheless.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
That is all. Continue with the family time/present opening/eating/goodwill toward men/movie watching.
Oh, but according to USAToday, your favorite restaurant may be open today. Just another effect of the downturn economy.
Oh, but according to USAToday, your favorite restaurant may be open today. Just another effect of the downturn economy.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Holiday Cheer
I was watching Rudolph the other day — the one with Burl Ives, tho I don't know if there's another one — and something struck me: What's up with the female reindeer?
When Rudolph first goes to reindeer training, Rudolph's new friend (Rocket? Maybe?) explains what the reindeer games are and says it's a great time to show off in front of the does. Because, of course, the does don't get to do any flying or gaming of their own; they just stand on the sidelines, watching.
Rudolph's poor mother doesn't even have her own name! They just call her Mrs. Donner.
But now wildlife experts at Texas A&M University are saying that Dasher and Dancer, as well as all the others, Donner and Rudolph included, were probably female:
"'Santa's reindeers were really females, most likely,' said Alice Blue-McLendon, a veterinary medicine professor specializing in deer who cites the depictions of Santa's helpers with antlers as the primary evidence. It turns out reindeer grow antlers regardless of gender, and most bulls typically shed their fuzzy protrusions before Christmas.
When Rudolph first goes to reindeer training, Rudolph's new friend (Rocket? Maybe?) explains what the reindeer games are and says it's a great time to show off in front of the does. Because, of course, the does don't get to do any flying or gaming of their own; they just stand on the sidelines, watching.
Rudolph's poor mother doesn't even have her own name! They just call her Mrs. Donner.
But now wildlife experts at Texas A&M University are saying that Dasher and Dancer, as well as all the others, Donner and Rudolph included, were probably female:
"'Santa's reindeers were really females, most likely,' said Alice Blue-McLendon, a veterinary medicine professor specializing in deer who cites the depictions of Santa's helpers with antlers as the primary evidence. It turns out reindeer grow antlers regardless of gender, and most bulls typically shed their fuzzy protrusions before Christmas.
But Santa's sleigh helpers might also be castrated males, known as steers, said Greg Finstad, who manages the Reindeer Research Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks."
Finstad said sledders often use steers because bulls are typically tuckered out from rutting season — when they mate with as many as a dozen does — in the months leading up to Christmas.
Read more here.
For those who don't celebrate Christmas, here is a nice little story about potato pancakes. Seven pounds of potato pancakes, that is.
A 23-year-old mechanical engineering student recently ate 46 latkes in eight minutes to win a Long Island deli contest:
"Pete Czerwinski says he'd never eaten a latke before consuming about seven pounds of them Sunday at Zan's in Lake Grove. The Toronto bodybuilder says he's just 'a power eater' whose brain never signals that he's full, according to the Long Island daily Newsday.
Association of Independent Competitive Eaters Chairman Arnie Chapman says Czerwinski demolished the contest's previous record of 31 latkes, set in 2006."
Yum.
Naughty vs. Nice
With Santa making his rounds tonight, I was just thinking about who might be on his naughty list.
I was going to post my predictions about such a list, but then I thought, if I do, I'll surely end up on the naughty list myself. (And there's no guarantee I'm not already there!)
Y'all have any thoughts?
I was going to post my predictions about such a list, but then I thought, if I do, I'll surely end up on the naughty list myself. (And there's no guarantee I'm not already there!)
Y'all have any thoughts?
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Winter Wonderland, Part 2
I have to say, the U.S. Postal Service tore it up this year. That was my experience, at least.
I put my holiday cards in the mail Wednesday afternoon and by the next day(!), most of them had arrived at their Memphis destinations.
And I really wasn't expecting them to make it places outside of Memphis before Christmas, but seems like they did. And not a moment too soon, either.
Totally worth the $.40 stamps ... maybe.
I put my holiday cards in the mail Wednesday afternoon and by the next day(!), most of them had arrived at their Memphis destinations.
And I really wasn't expecting them to make it places outside of Memphis before Christmas, but seems like they did. And not a moment too soon, either.
Totally worth the $.40 stamps ... maybe.
Quick Note
Looks like the MPD's inclement weather policy is currently in effect.
If you have a traffic accident without injuries and the vehicles involved are drivable, the MPD asks that you exchange license information with the other driver and report the accident to the local police precinct after the weather has passed.
If there are injuries or you need a wrecker, call MPD at 545-2677.
UPDATE: MPD has lifted the inclement weather policy. If you have a wreck, and I hope you don't, but if you do, go ahead and call MPD at 545-2677.
If you have a traffic accident without injuries and the vehicles involved are drivable, the MPD asks that you exchange license information with the other driver and report the accident to the local police precinct after the weather has passed.
If there are injuries or you need a wrecker, call MPD at 545-2677.
UPDATE: MPD has lifted the inclement weather policy. If you have a wreck, and I hope you don't, but if you do, go ahead and call MPD at 545-2677.
States in Budget Troubs
BusinessWeek has a slideshow of the 20 States in the Worst Budget Trouble.
Tennessee comes in at a respectable, tho not disastarous, 13th.
Topping the list is Arizona, with a $3.1 billion budget gap. Coming in second is California, with a 30.6 billion budget gap (I think the ranking is done by the percentage gap of the total budget, not the actual dollars of the budget deficit).
About Cali:
"The Golden State is looking a lot less golden these days as it is being forced to hold off on $3.8 billion in financing for road, prisons, school, and other projects because of the current budget shortfall. California, which has been battered by foreclosures, needs the money to pay for immediate needs, including health care and public safety. Democratic and Republican lawmakers have been unable to agree on a compromise. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger supports new spending cuts and tax increases in addition to previously enacted cuts to the state's health insurance program for the poor and other social service programs."
Tennessee budget gap is $1.2 billion. BusinessWeek notes that the state depends heavily on sales tax and has been hit hard by the drop in consumer spending. So far, the state as cut between 1,500 and 2,000 jobs and reduced funding for higher education.
ps. Happy Birthday, Dad!
Tennessee comes in at a respectable, tho not disastarous, 13th.
Topping the list is Arizona, with a $3.1 billion budget gap. Coming in second is California, with a 30.6 billion budget gap (I think the ranking is done by the percentage gap of the total budget, not the actual dollars of the budget deficit).
About Cali:
"The Golden State is looking a lot less golden these days as it is being forced to hold off on $3.8 billion in financing for road, prisons, school, and other projects because of the current budget shortfall. California, which has been battered by foreclosures, needs the money to pay for immediate needs, including health care and public safety. Democratic and Republican lawmakers have been unable to agree on a compromise. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger supports new spending cuts and tax increases in addition to previously enacted cuts to the state's health insurance program for the poor and other social service programs."
Tennessee budget gap is $1.2 billion. BusinessWeek notes that the state depends heavily on sales tax and has been hit hard by the drop in consumer spending. So far, the state as cut between 1,500 and 2,000 jobs and reduced funding for higher education.
ps. Happy Birthday, Dad!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Retail, Robotic Pets, Revamping the Work Week
Sorry, internets, I know I've neglected you today. Over here at the Flyer, we've been working like little elves to get our various year ends/year begins issues out and ready to go before the office closes for the holidays.
It is exhausting.
At any rate, here are some interesting stories that you've probably already read, but if you didn't, here you go:
— The NYT had a story about Emeryville, California, yesterday, a town across the bay from San Fran that built its economy on being a retail mecca:
"It is also one of many American cities that hitched its wagon over the last several decades to what seemed like the limitless ability of American shoppers to spend money. Now that faith in the retail engine is being sorely tested. Consumer spending dropped 7.8 percent in November, according to the federal government, and many economists think it will fall further as consumers are buffeted by losses in the stock market, declines in home values and the unsettling fear that they may lose their jobs."
The town was once steel mills and factories and reinvented itself with retail after those industries left for other countries. The town banded together with a redevelopment agency, tax incentives, and a plan that basically gave land to developers. It was successful until this latest downturn, which has seen area businesses post declines and the city thinking of raising taxes.
— Slate has a story about the best robotic pet for Christmas. Now, to be honest, I don't really see the point in having a virtual pet when you could have a real pet, but between mountains of dog hair, crazyloud barking at anything more than dust, and, oh, crazyloud barking, I am beginning to come around to the idea of taking the batteries out of your pet when you're tired.
Writer Daniel Engber got the chance to petsit and realizes his membership "in a sad demographic that includes shiftless magazine editors, small children and senior citizens. We're the sorry lot that adores animals but is too lazy, uncoordinated, or inform to take care of them."
Engber surveyed a wide spectrum of robot/pets and had this to say:
"As much as I enjoyed the exercise, it soon became clear that at every price point, a robot pet can be described by its signature combination of essential robot qualities: It's annoying, disturbing, offensive, pathetic, or scary — or some mixture thereof. In the end, though, one fake animal whirred and purred his way into my heart."
It was the Pleo, which is an 8-inch-high, automated Camarasaurus. (Just to cut to the chase.)
(If you're looking for more of a robot doll — the kind for kids! — than a robot pet, click here.)
— More employers are looking to the four-day work week to cut costs. From BusinessWeek:
"Like many companies, Pella is looking to cut expenses because of the economic downturn. But instead of laying off more workers, the Iowa manufacturer of windows and doors is instituting a four-day workweek for about a third of its 3,900 employees. Chris Simpson, a senior vice-president at the company, acknowledges it's an unconventional move. But Pella believes the economy could turn around faster than most people expect, and it doesn't want to be caught short of experienced workers. "Our contention is, consumer confidence will rebound," says Simpson. "If there's a [government] stimulus package of some kind, we think people are going to respond."
It is exhausting.
At any rate, here are some interesting stories that you've probably already read, but if you didn't, here you go:
— The NYT had a story about Emeryville, California, yesterday, a town across the bay from San Fran that built its economy on being a retail mecca:
"It is also one of many American cities that hitched its wagon over the last several decades to what seemed like the limitless ability of American shoppers to spend money. Now that faith in the retail engine is being sorely tested. Consumer spending dropped 7.8 percent in November, according to the federal government, and many economists think it will fall further as consumers are buffeted by losses in the stock market, declines in home values and the unsettling fear that they may lose their jobs."
The town was once steel mills and factories and reinvented itself with retail after those industries left for other countries. The town banded together with a redevelopment agency, tax incentives, and a plan that basically gave land to developers. It was successful until this latest downturn, which has seen area businesses post declines and the city thinking of raising taxes.
— Slate has a story about the best robotic pet for Christmas. Now, to be honest, I don't really see the point in having a virtual pet when you could have a real pet, but between mountains of dog hair, crazyloud barking at anything more than dust, and, oh, crazyloud barking, I am beginning to come around to the idea of taking the batteries out of your pet when you're tired.
Writer Daniel Engber got the chance to petsit and realizes his membership "in a sad demographic that includes shiftless magazine editors, small children and senior citizens. We're the sorry lot that adores animals but is too lazy, uncoordinated, or inform to take care of them."
Engber surveyed a wide spectrum of robot/pets and had this to say:
"As much as I enjoyed the exercise, it soon became clear that at every price point, a robot pet can be described by its signature combination of essential robot qualities: It's annoying, disturbing, offensive, pathetic, or scary — or some mixture thereof. In the end, though, one fake animal whirred and purred his way into my heart."
It was the Pleo, which is an 8-inch-high, automated Camarasaurus. (Just to cut to the chase.)
(If you're looking for more of a robot doll — the kind for kids! — than a robot pet, click here.)
— More employers are looking to the four-day work week to cut costs. From BusinessWeek:
"Like many companies, Pella is looking to cut expenses because of the economic downturn. But instead of laying off more workers, the Iowa manufacturer of windows and doors is instituting a four-day workweek for about a third of its 3,900 employees. Chris Simpson, a senior vice-president at the company, acknowledges it's an unconventional move. But Pella believes the economy could turn around faster than most people expect, and it doesn't want to be caught short of experienced workers. "Our contention is, consumer confidence will rebound," says Simpson. "If there's a [government] stimulus package of some kind, we think people are going to respond."
Friday, December 19, 2008
Catching a Ride
Memphians have longed used Google for finding information, images, and maps. Now, through a collaboration between MATA and Google Transit, they can use it to find local bus routes.
"Google Transit is a trip planning program that Google provides that integrates with their Google map program," says Tim Moreland, a member of the Sustainable Shelby initiative and a planner with the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). "Anytime you get directions on Google maps, you can click to get directions by car, by transit, or by walking, and you can see how long it will take to get there by each way."
MATA had an existing trip planner, but Moreland had heard about Google Transit — which is available in places such as Denver, Miami, Chicago, Austin, and New York — and thought it would be good for the city.
"I had used the MATA trip planner, but I really liked the interface of Google Transit. It's much slicker; it's more intuitive," Moreland says.
MATA just had to provide Google with their data and routing information. The service is free and currently online.
"Since it's Google, you get to use their database. When you create your own trip planner, you don't have an index of where different businesses are," Moreland says. "With Google, you can do simple searches like 'I want to go from the FedExForum to the Flying Saucer."
Google Transit can also be used on smart phones, so that people already out and about can use it to find their transit options. Both the MPO and MATA say they are interested in increasing ridership on public transit.
"This is really simple," Moreland says. "The hope is that this will make it easier for existing riders to use MATA, but also make it easier for visitors and choice riders. They can get online and see what's available."
For a quick tutorial from Moreland, click here.
(Hat tip to Smart City!)
"Google Transit is a trip planning program that Google provides that integrates with their Google map program," says Tim Moreland, a member of the Sustainable Shelby initiative and a planner with the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). "Anytime you get directions on Google maps, you can click to get directions by car, by transit, or by walking, and you can see how long it will take to get there by each way."
MATA had an existing trip planner, but Moreland had heard about Google Transit — which is available in places such as Denver, Miami, Chicago, Austin, and New York — and thought it would be good for the city.
"I had used the MATA trip planner, but I really liked the interface of Google Transit. It's much slicker; it's more intuitive," Moreland says.
MATA just had to provide Google with their data and routing information. The service is free and currently online.
"Since it's Google, you get to use their database. When you create your own trip planner, you don't have an index of where different businesses are," Moreland says. "With Google, you can do simple searches like 'I want to go from the FedExForum to the Flying Saucer."
Google Transit can also be used on smart phones, so that people already out and about can use it to find their transit options. Both the MPO and MATA say they are interested in increasing ridership on public transit.
"This is really simple," Moreland says. "The hope is that this will make it easier for existing riders to use MATA, but also make it easier for visitors and choice riders. They can get online and see what's available."
For a quick tutorial from Moreland, click here.
(Hat tip to Smart City!)
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Winter Wonderland
I think this is hilarious: A town in Iowa has been using garlic salt to de-ice its roads.
The salt, which is being used in a suburb of Des Moines, was donated by a local spice producer.
Also, totally unrelated, I went to the post office today and boy, howdy, was it crazy. Drivers were acting like it was demolition derby time in their attempts to get to the drop boxes, the line inside was out of control, and the lobby do-it-yourself stamp machine was being commandeered by a woman with several packages.
Which is, you know, part of what it's there for. But it's definitely Christmas crunch time, that magical time before the holiday when everyone goes insane.
The salt, which is being used in a suburb of Des Moines, was donated by a local spice producer.
Also, totally unrelated, I went to the post office today and boy, howdy, was it crazy. Drivers were acting like it was demolition derby time in their attempts to get to the drop boxes, the line inside was out of control, and the lobby do-it-yourself stamp machine was being commandeered by a woman with several packages.
Which is, you know, part of what it's there for. But it's definitely Christmas crunch time, that magical time before the holiday when everyone goes insane.
Gut Check
This will interest all my old pals — Viper, I'm talking to you — the NYT has a story today about the man — yes, the man — behind the modern revival of roller derby.
The story seems like it almost strives to be an investigative gotcha piece, like, 'you thought this was about female empowerment? Well, surprise, it was started by a man.'
But if you've ever seen the roller derby documentary Hell on Wheels, you will know that his vision of roller derby is not exactly the one that took off. His vision involved bears on unicycles. And frankly, the version most known in the mainstream — banked track, popularized most recently by A&E's Rollergirls, and used back in derby's former incarnation — is not the version most modern derby skaters play. The most widely played version now is flat-track (see photo above).
But if derby progenitor Dan Policarpo wanted "women with tattoos, Bettie Page haircuts and guts," well, that he definitely got.
(Hat tip to PD!)
But if you've ever seen the roller derby documentary Hell on Wheels, you will know that his vision of roller derby is not exactly the one that took off. His vision involved bears on unicycles. And frankly, the version most known in the mainstream — banked track, popularized most recently by A&E's Rollergirls, and used back in derby's former incarnation — is not the version most modern derby skaters play. The most widely played version now is flat-track (see photo above).
But if derby progenitor Dan Policarpo wanted "women with tattoos, Bettie Page haircuts and guts," well, that he definitely got.
(Hat tip to PD!)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Nothing But the Truth
The NYT has a review of "Nothing But the Truth," the Kate Beckinsale/Alan Alda/Angela Bassett journalism movie based loosely on the Valerie Plame/Judith Miller situation and partly filmed in Memphis, most notably, perhaps, in the CA's newsroom.
Unfortunately, review Manohla Darvis is disappointed:
"It is evidently impossible to make a movie about two adversarial women without dragging in their families, because without needy children and angry, fed-up husbands — David Schwimmer plays Rachel’s mewling husband, while a barely present Jamey Sheridan plays Erica’s — these two female characters and their desires, successes and rages apparently wouldn’t rate screen time. That’s too bad for all sorts of reasons, including this one: when not cooing inanities at pipsqueaks, the actresses are pretty good, both together and individually. There’s pleasure in watching them go Manolo a Manolo against each other, particularly Ms. Farmiga, who fills out her size 0 with macho swagger. Despite a shaky start, Ms. Beckinsale does eventually look the part of the harassed and haggard heroine, if largely by not wearing any eye makeup."
Does this soccer field look familiar?
I'll probably still see it, if not for the journalism connection then for the inside peek of the CA newsroom.
I think I posted some clips from the movie a few weeks ago on memphisflyer.com, but then again, maybe I didn't. If you're interested in seeing them, click here.
Unfortunately, review Manohla Darvis is disappointed:
"It is evidently impossible to make a movie about two adversarial women without dragging in their families, because without needy children and angry, fed-up husbands — David Schwimmer plays Rachel’s mewling husband, while a barely present Jamey Sheridan plays Erica’s — these two female characters and their desires, successes and rages apparently wouldn’t rate screen time. That’s too bad for all sorts of reasons, including this one: when not cooing inanities at pipsqueaks, the actresses are pretty good, both together and individually. There’s pleasure in watching them go Manolo a Manolo against each other, particularly Ms. Farmiga, who fills out her size 0 with macho swagger. Despite a shaky start, Ms. Beckinsale does eventually look the part of the harassed and haggard heroine, if largely by not wearing any eye makeup."
Does this soccer field look familiar?I'll probably still see it, if not for the journalism connection then for the inside peek of the CA newsroom.
I think I posted some clips from the movie a few weeks ago on memphisflyer.com, but then again, maybe I didn't. If you're interested in seeing them, click here.
If we can give billions to Detroit ...
... why not fully fund the Green Jobs Act?
I got an email this morning from Van Jones and Green for All, the group that brought the Dream Reborn conference to Memphis in April for the 40 anniversary of Martin Luther King's death. Green for All's mission is to create a green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty.
"We believe all people deserve access to healthy food and clean energy sources," Jones said at the time. "Environmental solutions are not just for people who can afford to buy a hybrid car or put solar panels on their second home."
In short, the environment affects everyone, (advocates of environmental justice would say it affects people of color disproportionately and I would agree) and the industry has the potential to help America's struggling workers.
Green for All is asking people to write Congress and tell them to fully fund the Green Jobs Act:
"The Green Jobs Act will create green pathways out of poverty in this country. Working with allies, Green for All got the program included in the Energy Bill of 2007. Bush signed the program into law last December. But he failed to include a penny for it in his 2008 budget proposal."
Frankly, at $250 million, funding the act seems like a bargain. And if we're giving out money to companies with older, out-dated business models, why not invest a small amount in promising technologies? We have nothing to lose, but quite a bit to gain.
To send an email to your Congressional representatives, click here.
I got an email this morning from Van Jones and Green for All, the group that brought the Dream Reborn conference to Memphis in April for the 40 anniversary of Martin Luther King's death. Green for All's mission is to create a green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty.
"We believe all people deserve access to healthy food and clean energy sources," Jones said at the time. "Environmental solutions are not just for people who can afford to buy a hybrid car or put solar panels on their second home."
In short, the environment affects everyone, (advocates of environmental justice would say it affects people of color disproportionately and I would agree) and the industry has the potential to help America's struggling workers.
Green for All is asking people to write Congress and tell them to fully fund the Green Jobs Act:
"The Green Jobs Act will create green pathways out of poverty in this country. Working with allies, Green for All got the program included in the Energy Bill of 2007. Bush signed the program into law last December. But he failed to include a penny for it in his 2008 budget proposal."
Frankly, at $250 million, funding the act seems like a bargain. And if we're giving out money to companies with older, out-dated business models, why not invest a small amount in promising technologies? We have nothing to lose, but quite a bit to gain.
To send an email to your Congressional representatives, click here.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
More of the Green Stuff
Been busy this morning, but didn't want to overlook these:
— USAToday has a story about three companies that have made technological advances in solar, wind, and geothermal energy production. It's definitely worth the read if you're interested in alternative energy. (It even includes a simple explanation of how these forms of energy are "collected.")
— On a similar note, NPR did a story about president-elect Barack Obama's so-called "green team," picking Nobel laureate Steven Chu to lead the Energy Department.
"Obama said his energy appointees will aim to make public buildings more efficient, modernize the electricity grid, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve natural resources."
The story notes that Chu has been an advocate for reseearch into global warming and the need for carbon-neutral renewable sources of energy.
— NYT's science blog Dot Earth the last meteorological year — from December through November — was cooler than recent years, but still warmer over all (since temperature record keeping began in 1880). Look for the scary graphs.
— A little off topic, but still interesting, from Slate: How foreign car factories have transformed the American South:
"Time was, the Big Three were the U.S. auto industry. No longer. Over the past two decades, enticed by cheap labor and massive incentives, a second auto industry has emerged: nonunion, Southern-based, and foreign-owned. Large plants, with names of Asian and European carmakers emblazoned upon them, now dot the Southern landscape. By moving aggressively into Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas, foreign manufacturers — call them the 'Little Eight' — have transformed the economic geography of the nation's auto industry and the political debate surrounding its future. ...
"Today's Southern solons have watched their local economies blossom thanks to a younger, more-vibrant auto industry unencumbered by the Big Three's legacy costs and union work rules—a sort of anti-Detroit that has the flexibility and ability to turn profits by making the types of cars that Americans actually want to buy."
— USAToday has a story about three companies that have made technological advances in solar, wind, and geothermal energy production. It's definitely worth the read if you're interested in alternative energy. (It even includes a simple explanation of how these forms of energy are "collected.")
— On a similar note, NPR did a story about president-elect Barack Obama's so-called "green team," picking Nobel laureate Steven Chu to lead the Energy Department.
"Obama said his energy appointees will aim to make public buildings more efficient, modernize the electricity grid, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve natural resources."
The story notes that Chu has been an advocate for reseearch into global warming and the need for carbon-neutral renewable sources of energy.
— NYT's science blog Dot Earth the last meteorological year — from December through November — was cooler than recent years, but still warmer over all (since temperature record keeping began in 1880). Look for the scary graphs.
— A little off topic, but still interesting, from Slate: How foreign car factories have transformed the American South:
"Time was, the Big Three were the U.S. auto industry. No longer. Over the past two decades, enticed by cheap labor and massive incentives, a second auto industry has emerged: nonunion, Southern-based, and foreign-owned. Large plants, with names of Asian and European carmakers emblazoned upon them, now dot the Southern landscape. By moving aggressively into Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas, foreign manufacturers — call them the 'Little Eight' — have transformed the economic geography of the nation's auto industry and the political debate surrounding its future. ...
"Today's Southern solons have watched their local economies blossom thanks to a younger, more-vibrant auto industry unencumbered by the Big Three's legacy costs and union work rules—a sort of anti-Detroit that has the flexibility and ability to turn profits by making the types of cars that Americans actually want to buy."
Monday, December 15, 2008
Troubled News
There's been a lot of talk about the troubles at large newspapers and magazines, but the NYTimes has a story today about the impending death of a little newspaper in Bristol, Connecticut.
The newspaper, which has been publishing since 1871, will either be sold by mid-January or will close:
"Yes, this is another story about a newspaper in jeopardy, one that may well prompt dismissive responses about Paleolithic business models and pointless mourning over throwaway sheets of paper and ink. In other words: Get over it, hack, your day is done."
It is, at least, a poetic pre-obituary, asking the reader to pause and "appreciate what a small, imperfect daily newspaper means to this small, imperfect city":
"Let us watch, too, as Greg Fradette ... feeds two quarters into a machine and returns with a copy of The Press. In this city where, he says, 'springs are big,' the newspaper matters because it contains the intense coverage of sports at the high school and City Hall level; the listings of births, deaths and potluck suppers. 'The information you take for granted,' Mr. Fradette says."
Obviously, stories like this interest me on a personal level. Here I am, working for a weekly newspaper, writing on the internet for that same organization. (Btw, Chris Davis recently wrote about John Malmo's take on the future of newspapers for memphisflyer.com.)
But I also once interned at a teeny-tiny afternoon daily (in a teeny-tiny town, appropriately) and it really was an integral part of the town. Sure, everyone got the larger daily from the neighboring "metropolis" for regional news, but you had to get the Reporter — good-naturedly called the Repeater — for the police blotter, the news from city hall, and just generally to know what your neighbors were up to.
(And who in a small town doesn't want to know what their neighbors are up to?)
At The Bristol Press, they wonder about the stories that will go untold should they close.
"For now, a heavy-hearted editor will continue to be who he is, and do what he does. And a small band of reporters, working for a small, imperfect newspaper, will record for posterity the challenges facing a wounded soldier; the fire that roared through an animal shelter and the number of cats (30) and dogs (9) saved; the death of an 88-year-old woman named Henrietta; and the birth of a girl named Ava Marie."
The newspaper, which has been publishing since 1871, will either be sold by mid-January or will close:
"Yes, this is another story about a newspaper in jeopardy, one that may well prompt dismissive responses about Paleolithic business models and pointless mourning over throwaway sheets of paper and ink. In other words: Get over it, hack, your day is done."
It is, at least, a poetic pre-obituary, asking the reader to pause and "appreciate what a small, imperfect daily newspaper means to this small, imperfect city":
"Let us watch, too, as Greg Fradette ... feeds two quarters into a machine and returns with a copy of The Press. In this city where, he says, 'springs are big,' the newspaper matters because it contains the intense coverage of sports at the high school and City Hall level; the listings of births, deaths and potluck suppers. 'The information you take for granted,' Mr. Fradette says."
Obviously, stories like this interest me on a personal level. Here I am, working for a weekly newspaper, writing on the internet for that same organization. (Btw, Chris Davis recently wrote about John Malmo's take on the future of newspapers for memphisflyer.com.)
But I also once interned at a teeny-tiny afternoon daily (in a teeny-tiny town, appropriately) and it really was an integral part of the town. Sure, everyone got the larger daily from the neighboring "metropolis" for regional news, but you had to get the Reporter — good-naturedly called the Repeater — for the police blotter, the news from city hall, and just generally to know what your neighbors were up to.
(And who in a small town doesn't want to know what their neighbors are up to?)
At The Bristol Press, they wonder about the stories that will go untold should they close.
"For now, a heavy-hearted editor will continue to be who he is, and do what he does. And a small band of reporters, working for a small, imperfect newspaper, will record for posterity the challenges facing a wounded soldier; the fire that roared through an animal shelter and the number of cats (30) and dogs (9) saved; the death of an 88-year-old woman named Henrietta; and the birth of a girl named Ava Marie."
HUD Help with Economic Crisis
President-elect Barack Obama says that the department of Housing and Urban Development will play a key role in his plan to create or save 2.5 million jobs.
From USAToday:
"'To end this economic crisis, we must end the mortgage crisis, where it began,' Obama said during his weekly address Saturday. [Housing secrectary pick Shaun] Donovan 'knows that we can put the dream of owning a home within reach for more families so long as we're making loans in the right way.'"
The incoming administration has talked about using some of the $700 billion economic bailout fund to stem foreclosures. In addition, Obama said HUD will focus on keeping homes affordable in the first place.
It will be interesting to see what exactly that means, come January.
In Congressional hearings in June, Donovan, a New York City housing official, said that "cities like us across the country cannot preserve [affordable housing] on our own."
(Closer to home, HCD head Robert Lipscomb has told me several times that they knew foreclosures were a problem in Memphis before the larger mortgage crisis, but they couldn't do anything without backing from the federal government and that it wasn't a priority of the current administration.)
I will say, Obama was on Meet the Press two weeks ago and he drew a great analogy after Tom Brokaw asked him why homeowners who were paying their mortgages but seeing their neighbors "getting bailed out" wouldn't just walk away from their mortgages.
"We don't want what you just described, a moral hazard problem where you have incentive to act irresponsibly," Obama said. "But, you know, if my neighbor's house is on fire, even if they were smoking in the bedroom or leaving the stove on, right now my main incentive is to put out that fire so that it doesn't spread to my house."
From USAToday:
"'To end this economic crisis, we must end the mortgage crisis, where it began,' Obama said during his weekly address Saturday. [Housing secrectary pick Shaun] Donovan 'knows that we can put the dream of owning a home within reach for more families so long as we're making loans in the right way.'"
The incoming administration has talked about using some of the $700 billion economic bailout fund to stem foreclosures. In addition, Obama said HUD will focus on keeping homes affordable in the first place.
It will be interesting to see what exactly that means, come January.
In Congressional hearings in June, Donovan, a New York City housing official, said that "cities like us across the country cannot preserve [affordable housing] on our own."
(Closer to home, HCD head Robert Lipscomb has told me several times that they knew foreclosures were a problem in Memphis before the larger mortgage crisis, but they couldn't do anything without backing from the federal government and that it wasn't a priority of the current administration.)
I will say, Obama was on Meet the Press two weeks ago and he drew a great analogy after Tom Brokaw asked him why homeowners who were paying their mortgages but seeing their neighbors "getting bailed out" wouldn't just walk away from their mortgages.
"We don't want what you just described, a moral hazard problem where you have incentive to act irresponsibly," Obama said. "But, you know, if my neighbor's house is on fire, even if they were smoking in the bedroom or leaving the stove on, right now my main incentive is to put out that fire so that it doesn't spread to my house."
Friday, December 12, 2008
Digital Divide
In a recent study, the FCC found that up to 5 percent of Tennesseans are not ready for the digital TV transition February 17th.
In fact, about 5 percent of Americans nationwide aren't ready, so the FCC is sending representatives around the country to talk about the switch.
FCC lawyer Katherine Power will be at the Oak Court Mall tonight from 5 - 8 p.m. and at the Kmart on Austin Peay Highway tomorrow (Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., answering questions about the digital switch and demonstrating how to plug the digital converter box into an analog television.
"You should plug [the converter box] in now. Don't wait," Power says. "Digital television is on the air now."
The federal government has a coupon program to offset the cost of the digital converters. Each household can apply for two $40 coupons by visiting www.DTV2009.gov. Each analog television needs its own converter box.
"Television has been free all these year for people with analog sets. To have to incur a cost for these converter boxes, we felt a coupon program would help people make the transition," Power says.
The conversion will free up broadcasting space for health and public safety uses.
Not sure you need a converter box?
If you have cable, satellite, or a newer TV, chances are you don't need a converter box (the exceptions are if you live in rural area and have satellite service and pick up your local channels over the air AND if you want a back-up should your cable service go out). To test it, local stations will be doing a soft test Wednesday, Dec. 17th, sometime between 6 to 7 p.m. If the screen goes blank, you need a converter box.
In fact, about 5 percent of Americans nationwide aren't ready, so the FCC is sending representatives around the country to talk about the switch.
FCC lawyer Katherine Power will be at the Oak Court Mall tonight from 5 - 8 p.m. and at the Kmart on Austin Peay Highway tomorrow (Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., answering questions about the digital switch and demonstrating how to plug the digital converter box into an analog television.
"You should plug [the converter box] in now. Don't wait," Power says. "Digital television is on the air now."
The federal government has a coupon program to offset the cost of the digital converters. Each household can apply for two $40 coupons by visiting www.DTV2009.gov. Each analog television needs its own converter box.
"Television has been free all these year for people with analog sets. To have to incur a cost for these converter boxes, we felt a coupon program would help people make the transition," Power says.
The conversion will free up broadcasting space for health and public safety uses.
Not sure you need a converter box?
If you have cable, satellite, or a newer TV, chances are you don't need a converter box (the exceptions are if you live in rural area and have satellite service and pick up your local channels over the air AND if you want a back-up should your cable service go out). To test it, local stations will be doing a soft test Wednesday, Dec. 17th, sometime between 6 to 7 p.m. If the screen goes blank, you need a converter box.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Dark Days for Midwestern Towns
Forbes has created an interesting slideshow of America's fastest-dying towns.
(Don't worry, Memphis isn't on the list. Then again, the places ranked have a population between 20,000 and 65,000.)
Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau's three-year American Community Survey, Forbes tracked income growth, domestic in-migration, the change in poverty, and the percentage of the population with a bachelor's degree or higher.
Bensenville, Illinois, a town south of Chicago, tops Forbes' list. Other contenders include towns in Missouri, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, North Carolina, and Georgia.
Here's what Forbes said about Middletown, Ohio, which ranked 10th on the list:
"The town's median household income is $37,000, and its poverty level has jumped from 12% in 2000 to 22% in 2007. And it's not likely to get better anytime soon. With only 12.2% of residents possessing bachelor's degrees or better, the city isn't a prime candidate to attract highly skilled jobs that have lifted some other post-industrial cities."
Just for a comparison, I checked Memphis' 2005 - 2007 estimated stats with the American Community Survey. The urban area includes parts of Mississippi and Arkansas and has a median household income of $42,239.
About 16 percent of families in Memphis had an income in the past 12 months below the poverty level.
About 16 percent of the residents have bachelor's degrees, as well. Nine percent of residents have a graduate or professional degree.
(Don't worry, Memphis isn't on the list. Then again, the places ranked have a population between 20,000 and 65,000.)
Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau's three-year American Community Survey, Forbes tracked income growth, domestic in-migration, the change in poverty, and the percentage of the population with a bachelor's degree or higher.
Bensenville, Illinois, a town south of Chicago, tops Forbes' list. Other contenders include towns in Missouri, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, North Carolina, and Georgia.
Here's what Forbes said about Middletown, Ohio, which ranked 10th on the list:
"The town's median household income is $37,000, and its poverty level has jumped from 12% in 2000 to 22% in 2007. And it's not likely to get better anytime soon. With only 12.2% of residents possessing bachelor's degrees or better, the city isn't a prime candidate to attract highly skilled jobs that have lifted some other post-industrial cities."
Just for a comparison, I checked Memphis' 2005 - 2007 estimated stats with the American Community Survey. The urban area includes parts of Mississippi and Arkansas and has a median household income of $42,239.
About 16 percent of families in Memphis had an income in the past 12 months below the poverty level.
About 16 percent of the residents have bachelor's degrees, as well. Nine percent of residents have a graduate or professional degree.
How to Make a Living During the Recession?
YouTube.
The NYTimes had a story yesterday about YouTube partner Michael Buckley — among others — who are benefiting financially from the video sharing site. YouTube places advertising within and around its partners' videos. Though YouTube declines to say how much money its partners are making, Buckley told the paper he makes $100,000 annually.
"Mr. Buckley quit his day job in September after his online profits had greatly surpassed his salary as an administrative assistant for a music promotion company. His thrice-a-week online show 'is silly,' he said, but it has helped him escape his credit-card debt."
Buckley, a former host of a weekly show on a Connecticut public access channel, had minimal upfront costs: $2,000 for a camera, a $6 backdrop, and lights from Home Depot.
Of course, those looking for a get-rich-quick-scheme, the article notes that building an online audience can take time:
"In a time of media industry layoffs, the revenue source — and the prospect of a one-person media company — may be especially appealing to users. But video producers like Lisa Donovan, who posts sketch comedy onto YouTube and attracted attention in the fall for parodies of Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, do not make it sound easy. 'For new users, it’s a lot of work,' Ms. Donovan said. 'Everybody’s fighting to be seen online; you have to strategize and market yourself.'"
In related news, the Flyer's cover story this week is "13 Upsides to the Downturn ..." The story cites better public health, no more credit card debt, and a new crop of entrepreneurs as positive aspects of the recession. So, you know, it's not all bad.
The NYTimes had a story yesterday about YouTube partner Michael Buckley — among others — who are benefiting financially from the video sharing site. YouTube places advertising within and around its partners' videos. Though YouTube declines to say how much money its partners are making, Buckley told the paper he makes $100,000 annually.
"Mr. Buckley quit his day job in September after his online profits had greatly surpassed his salary as an administrative assistant for a music promotion company. His thrice-a-week online show 'is silly,' he said, but it has helped him escape his credit-card debt."
Buckley, a former host of a weekly show on a Connecticut public access channel, had minimal upfront costs: $2,000 for a camera, a $6 backdrop, and lights from Home Depot.
Of course, those looking for a get-rich-quick-scheme, the article notes that building an online audience can take time:
"In a time of media industry layoffs, the revenue source — and the prospect of a one-person media company — may be especially appealing to users. But video producers like Lisa Donovan, who posts sketch comedy onto YouTube and attracted attention in the fall for parodies of Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, do not make it sound easy. 'For new users, it’s a lot of work,' Ms. Donovan said. 'Everybody’s fighting to be seen online; you have to strategize and market yourself.'"
In related news, the Flyer's cover story this week is "13 Upsides to the Downturn ..." The story cites better public health, no more credit card debt, and a new crop of entrepreneurs as positive aspects of the recession. So, you know, it's not all bad.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Just in Time for the Holidays
Those of you with kids might have already seen this, but it takes the holidays to get me thinking about toys. That said, look at this cute, little New Urbanist LEGO set.
One of LEGO's town-themed sets, the Green Grocer is three floors of mixed-used LEGO development.
The first floor is the grocery with shelves and cartons of food (and a stairway that leads to the apartment above) and it has a small frontage to the "street" outside. There's also a roof terrace, a blue and white striped awning, and a lampost and fire hydrant.
Two caveats: it's hard to find and a little expensive.
But, according to the reviews, it might be worth it. The town-themed sets also include Market Street (below) and Cafe Corner.
One of LEGO's town-themed sets, the Green Grocer is three floors of mixed-used LEGO development.
The first floor is the grocery with shelves and cartons of food (and a stairway that leads to the apartment above) and it has a small frontage to the "street" outside. There's also a roof terrace, a blue and white striped awning, and a lampost and fire hydrant.
Two caveats: it's hard to find and a little expensive.
But, according to the reviews, it might be worth it. The town-themed sets also include Market Street (below) and Cafe Corner.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Jackson, Miss., Mayor Faces 20 Years
Even a mandate can be revoked. That's perhaps the lesson — one of many — to be learned from Jackson, Mississippi, mayor Frank Melton.
Melton, elected mayor in 2005, was seen as a straight-talking, tough-on-crime candidate. The Flyer even ran a cover story that detailed Melton's penchant for donning police-issue bullet-resistant vests and joining police checkpoints. (He was once the head of the state's narcotics bureau.)
But a year later, Melton participated in a raid on a duplex that opened him up to a host of legal problems. A state jury found him innocent of burgulary and malicious mischief, but he is scheduled to appear in federal court January 5th.
USAToday has a longer story about Melton today:
"Justice Department prosecutors say Melton directed a band of men, some with criminal records, to attack the duplex with sledgehammers, tearing out its front wall.
During the Leadership Academy's luncheon with Newark, New Jersey, mayor Corey Booker, much was made of Booker's ride-alongs with police. For Booker, it seems like it was more of a way of getting buy-in from the police department for his crime initiatives.
However, I think there is danger in putting more emphasis on the ride-along than it deserves. It got a lot of lip service at the Leadership Academy's young politicos forum, as well, and while I think it's great for elected officials to see first-hand what police are dealing with on the streets, Melton is a good example of how it can all go very wrong.
In a related but unrelated note, I happened to be in Jackson over the weekend and had dinner at the Mayflower Cafe. I would suggest it if you're in the area, but you might want to go to the bathroom before you get there. Especially if it's cold.
Melton, elected mayor in 2005, was seen as a straight-talking, tough-on-crime candidate. The Flyer even ran a cover story that detailed Melton's penchant for donning police-issue bullet-resistant vests and joining police checkpoints. (He was once the head of the state's narcotics bureau.)
But a year later, Melton participated in a raid on a duplex that opened him up to a host of legal problems. A state jury found him innocent of burgulary and malicious mischief, but he is scheduled to appear in federal court January 5th.
USAToday has a longer story about Melton today:
"Justice Department prosecutors say Melton directed a band of men, some with criminal records, to attack the duplex with sledgehammers, tearing out its front wall.
Melton has never specifically said what he did that night. He has called the raid a 'procedural error' that, he said, is a matter for the civil courts.
Despite the mayor's insistence that the house was used to sell drugs, no drugs, cash or weapons were seized that night. The owner of the duplex has sued the city."
Jackson City Council president Leslie Burl McLemore was quoted as saying that "no one in the state of Mississippi, no one in the city of Jackson, had the mandate Frank Melton had, from rich and poor and black and white. That doesn't happen. That's the work of movies, of fiction. But he squandered it."During the Leadership Academy's luncheon with Newark, New Jersey, mayor Corey Booker, much was made of Booker's ride-alongs with police. For Booker, it seems like it was more of a way of getting buy-in from the police department for his crime initiatives.
However, I think there is danger in putting more emphasis on the ride-along than it deserves. It got a lot of lip service at the Leadership Academy's young politicos forum, as well, and while I think it's great for elected officials to see first-hand what police are dealing with on the streets, Melton is a good example of how it can all go very wrong.
In a related but unrelated note, I happened to be in Jackson over the weekend and had dinner at the Mayflower Cafe. I would suggest it if you're in the area, but you might want to go to the bathroom before you get there. Especially if it's cold.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Friday morning odds and ends
— Thursday's Tunica Caberet auction netted the state almost $25,000. By comparison, September's Platinum Plus auction yielded $60,000 for the state. Both strip clubs were closed following nuisance claims and Environmental Court judgments.
— Two neighborhoods in Milwaukee are considering printing their own currency to promote shopping at local businesses (sort of like this, but not.) Downtown retailer Divine Mafa had a similar idea a few months ago in which he would give people $10 in Divine bucks for $8 American currency. A story in the Chicago Trib. says there are at least 2,000 local currencies all over the world, but I think it's almost always a hard sell.
— My internet is a slow, slow place, full of turtles, molasses, and spinning beachballs. Just thought I'd mention that as I waited for a page to load.
— In November, the most American jobs were lost since 1974, resulting in the highest unemployment rates in 15 years. 24,000 jobs were cut from auto dealerships, 82,000 from construction, and 36,600 from hotels.
— In addition to MIFA gift cards (similar to what the Church Health Center does), MIFA is currently taking gift donations for homebound seniors. The gifts will be given to 1,000 seniors during a special Christmas Day Meals delivery. Suggested gifts include: blankets, stationery, postage, winter caps, sweaters, gloves, crossword puzzles, playing cards, or dominos. For more info, call 529-4551 or email ascott@mifa.org.
— Two neighborhoods in Milwaukee are considering printing their own currency to promote shopping at local businesses (sort of like this, but not.) Downtown retailer Divine Mafa had a similar idea a few months ago in which he would give people $10 in Divine bucks for $8 American currency. A story in the Chicago Trib. says there are at least 2,000 local currencies all over the world, but I think it's almost always a hard sell.
— My internet is a slow, slow place, full of turtles, molasses, and spinning beachballs. Just thought I'd mention that as I waited for a page to load.
— In November, the most American jobs were lost since 1974, resulting in the highest unemployment rates in 15 years. 24,000 jobs were cut from auto dealerships, 82,000 from construction, and 36,600 from hotels.
— In addition to MIFA gift cards (similar to what the Church Health Center does), MIFA is currently taking gift donations for homebound seniors. The gifts will be given to 1,000 seniors during a special Christmas Day Meals delivery. Suggested gifts include: blankets, stationery, postage, winter caps, sweaters, gloves, crossword puzzles, playing cards, or dominos. For more info, call 529-4551 or email ascott@mifa.org.
Pezz Dispenser
So this totally isn't a music blog — and let's face it, with my taste, it never will be — but I did want to mention Pezz's record release party at the Hi-Tone tonight.
Here's what Flyer music editor Chris Herrington had to say about it this week:
"Pezz, a Memphis music fixture for nearly 20 years, retains original members Marvin Stockwell and Ceylon Mooney, currently joined by now-longtime fixture Christian Walker and relatively recent addition Anthony Siracusa. Pezz's half of the 11-song split disc [with While I Breathe, I Hope] is inspired by Mooney's recent political activism, including trips with peace delegations to Palestine and Iraq. Some proceeds from sales of the record will go to the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center. The band plans on recording a new full-length album next spring."
The bill includes Pezz, While I Breathe, I Hope, and the Antique Curtains, as well as Streetside Symphony. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is $5.
For more info, visit www.makeshiftmusic.com or www.myspace.com/pezz69.
Here's what Flyer music editor Chris Herrington had to say about it this week:
"Pezz, a Memphis music fixture for nearly 20 years, retains original members Marvin Stockwell and Ceylon Mooney, currently joined by now-longtime fixture Christian Walker and relatively recent addition Anthony Siracusa. Pezz's half of the 11-song split disc [with While I Breathe, I Hope] is inspired by Mooney's recent political activism, including trips with peace delegations to Palestine and Iraq. Some proceeds from sales of the record will go to the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center. The band plans on recording a new full-length album next spring."
The bill includes Pezz, While I Breathe, I Hope, and the Antique Curtains, as well as Streetside Symphony. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is $5.
For more info, visit www.makeshiftmusic.com or www.myspace.com/pezz69.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Held Back
Early in his tenure, MCS deputy superintendent of academic operations Irving Hamer identified one overarching problem plaguing the district.
Yes, the district suffers from high poverty rates, low graduation rates, myriad student migration, and sluggish test scores, and Hamer's problem — students overage for their grade level — is either a cause or an effect for all of those things.
In August, Hamer told the school board that by 12th grade, 22 percent of the district's students — more than a fifth — are overage.
About 9,000 are held back during elementary school, 7,000 get held back in middle school, and 10,000 are held back during high school.
In January, the district plans to begin MCS Prep Academy, a program for students 14 years old and older who are at least one year overage for their grade. In its initial stages, the academy will take 200 students from each region of the district.
Those 800 students — registration will begin December 11th, I hear, but I don't know exactly how the students will be chosen — will have an extended school day, go to school 11 months out of the year, have individualized learning plans, and receive accelerated credit accumulation.
The district hopes to enlarge the program for the 2009-2010 school year.
Yes, the district suffers from high poverty rates, low graduation rates, myriad student migration, and sluggish test scores, and Hamer's problem — students overage for their grade level — is either a cause or an effect for all of those things.
In August, Hamer told the school board that by 12th grade, 22 percent of the district's students — more than a fifth — are overage.
About 9,000 are held back during elementary school, 7,000 get held back in middle school, and 10,000 are held back during high school.
In January, the district plans to begin MCS Prep Academy, a program for students 14 years old and older who are at least one year overage for their grade. In its initial stages, the academy will take 200 students from each region of the district.
Those 800 students — registration will begin December 11th, I hear, but I don't know exactly how the students will be chosen — will have an extended school day, go to school 11 months out of the year, have individualized learning plans, and receive accelerated credit accumulation.
The district hopes to enlarge the program for the 2009-2010 school year.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
For Sale by State
Hot on the (hooker) heels of September's Platinum Plus auction, an auction of state-seized personal property from the Tunica Cabaret will happen tomorrow, December 4th, 10 a.m. at 5599 South 3rd St.
The doors open at 8 a.m. for the public to inspect the wares for sale.
I haven't seen any of the pictures for this auction, so I have no idea what might be sold. However, at the Platinum auction, they sold chairs (ugh), poles (yuck), and previously worn stripper costumes and shoes (ick). But you know, you might want some of those things. Who am I to say?
Just like the auction at the Mt. Moriah Performing Arts Center (or the Purple Church, if you prefer), the Tunica Cabaret building is owned by the federal government and will not be auctioned off tomorrow.
The doors open at 8 a.m. for the public to inspect the wares for sale.
I haven't seen any of the pictures for this auction, so I have no idea what might be sold. However, at the Platinum auction, they sold chairs (ugh), poles (yuck), and previously worn stripper costumes and shoes (ick). But you know, you might want some of those things. Who am I to say?
Just like the auction at the Mt. Moriah Performing Arts Center (or the Purple Church, if you prefer), the Tunica Cabaret building is owned by the federal government and will not be auctioned off tomorrow.
For Fans of the Dude
I couldn't let this go without a link: a story about "Caucasians," bowling, and a Lebowski Fest.
And there's video!
And there's video!
Greening Hawaii
Residents of Hawaii, with plenty of sun and wind but no oil, have begun a campaign to wean the islands from fossil fuels in 10 years.
Backed by Tetris licenser (for Nintendo, beating out Atari) and software entrepreneur Henk Rogers and his private Blue Planet foundation, the campaign is designed to supercharge a state effort to cut its reliance on foreign oil by 70 percent by 2030.
From a NYT editorial: "Jeffrey Mikulina, a longtime environmental activist in Hawaii, jokes that his home state, which is almost completely dependent on imported oil, is one supertanker away from being Amish. It also is one superheated ocean away from being underwater."
The NYT says that the plan includes revamping the obsolete electrical system of Hawaii's main utility to allow customers with solar panels to sell power back to the grid.
The push, should it be successful, seems like it could prove to other states that energy independence is a real possibility. This will be an interesting initiative to watch exactly for that reason. (Plus, I really like Tetris. Still.)
Backed by Tetris licenser (for Nintendo, beating out Atari) and software entrepreneur Henk Rogers and his private Blue Planet foundation, the campaign is designed to supercharge a state effort to cut its reliance on foreign oil by 70 percent by 2030.
From a NYT editorial: "Jeffrey Mikulina, a longtime environmental activist in Hawaii, jokes that his home state, which is almost completely dependent on imported oil, is one supertanker away from being Amish. It also is one superheated ocean away from being underwater."
The NYT says that the plan includes revamping the obsolete electrical system of Hawaii's main utility to allow customers with solar panels to sell power back to the grid.
The push, should it be successful, seems like it could prove to other states that energy independence is a real possibility. This will be an interesting initiative to watch exactly for that reason. (Plus, I really like Tetris. Still.)
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Lee-gal Bills
The City Council's MLGW committee voted down a resolution approving the release of more than $426K in legal bills for former MLGW head Joseph Lee this morning.
The full council already voted against the measure in October, but then the minutes of that meeting were pulled after chairman Myron Lowery suggested a compromise of a lesser amount.
"[MLGW] President [Jerry] Collins has been working with Mr. Lee and his attorneys to work out a different or the same compromise and they have been unsuccessful," councilperson Barbara Swearengen Ware told the MLGW committee she chairs.
"We have the option to approve this or deny it. If it is denied, then we could possibly spend a lot more in attorney fees, because it will go to court."
Council members Wanda Halbert and Janis Fullilove wondered why the council was second-guessing the MLGW board, which already approved the full amount. The council has to approve any MLGW expenditures above $25,000.
"We are stepping all the way outside our responsibility," said councilperson Wanda Halbert. "Why are we talking about this? Are we trying to overrule their body? is that what we're trying to accomplish?"
Ware responded: "I think so, because the compromise offered a lesser amount. ... This body thought it had the authority to supersede what was recommended by the MLGW board."
Committee members Jim Strickland, Shea Flinn, Bill Boyd, and Bill Morrison voted against paying Lee's legal fees. Ware voted to do so.
"It's not like we haven't paid more [before]," Ware said. "It's just this case that has become the issue."
The measure will now be taken up in full council.
The full council already voted against the measure in October, but then the minutes of that meeting were pulled after chairman Myron Lowery suggested a compromise of a lesser amount.
"[MLGW] President [Jerry] Collins has been working with Mr. Lee and his attorneys to work out a different or the same compromise and they have been unsuccessful," councilperson Barbara Swearengen Ware told the MLGW committee she chairs.
"We have the option to approve this or deny it. If it is denied, then we could possibly spend a lot more in attorney fees, because it will go to court."
Council members Wanda Halbert and Janis Fullilove wondered why the council was second-guessing the MLGW board, which already approved the full amount. The council has to approve any MLGW expenditures above $25,000.
"We are stepping all the way outside our responsibility," said councilperson Wanda Halbert. "Why are we talking about this? Are we trying to overrule their body? is that what we're trying to accomplish?"
Ware responded: "I think so, because the compromise offered a lesser amount. ... This body thought it had the authority to supersede what was recommended by the MLGW board."
Committee members Jim Strickland, Shea Flinn, Bill Boyd, and Bill Morrison voted against paying Lee's legal fees. Ware voted to do so.
"It's not like we haven't paid more [before]," Ware said. "It's just this case that has become the issue."
The measure will now be taken up in full council.
Odds and Ends
— I don't know whether to be shocked or ashamed: USAToday's Report: Mass Media Harms Kids
I think it's mostly TV, but we all get painted with the same brush. The studies, done over 28 years, said that heavy media exposure increases the risk of obesity, smoking, drug and alcohol use, attention problems and poor grades, and that 93 percent of studies found that children with greater media exposure had sex earlier.
On the other hand ... at least they're well-informed.
— On a somewhat related note, if you're interested in plan B, Oxford, Mississippi, or Walgreens pharmacies, here's a first-person account about that.
— The Wall Street Journal reports that the U.S. has been in a recession since last December. I think the only person surprised by that information is John McCain.
— And this morning, the City Council's public safety and homeland security committee discussed the possibility of having Shelby County deputies patrol in Memphis with county sheriff Mark Luttrell and MPD head Larry Godwin.
Godwin said he was concerned "about the drain on the sheriff's department" and that they would have to figure out how the county officers would file reports.
"It would require those officers working for MPD, answering our dispatchers," he said. But more on that later ...
I think it's mostly TV, but we all get painted with the same brush. The studies, done over 28 years, said that heavy media exposure increases the risk of obesity, smoking, drug and alcohol use, attention problems and poor grades, and that 93 percent of studies found that children with greater media exposure had sex earlier.
On the other hand ... at least they're well-informed.
— On a somewhat related note, if you're interested in plan B, Oxford, Mississippi, or Walgreens pharmacies, here's a first-person account about that.
— The Wall Street Journal reports that the U.S. has been in a recession since last December. I think the only person surprised by that information is John McCain.
— And this morning, the City Council's public safety and homeland security committee discussed the possibility of having Shelby County deputies patrol in Memphis with county sheriff Mark Luttrell and MPD head Larry Godwin.
Godwin said he was concerned "about the drain on the sheriff's department" and that they would have to figure out how the county officers would file reports.
"It would require those officers working for MPD, answering our dispatchers," he said. But more on that later ...
Monday, December 1, 2008
Look Out, Herenton
In the wake of the arrest of Birmingham mayor Larry Langford, Gawker offered these words of wisdom:
"We're not saying the Bush Justice Department has been politicized, but the Bush Justice Department has been politicized. Also Langford is obviously corrupt as hell but so is Norm Coleman and no one will put him in jail, no matter how many impassioned, profanity-laced comments we leave on StarTribune.com.
Look: Black Democratic mayors across the country should just stop being corrupt for a while, until the new administration takes over and Justice transitions to caring about reading terrorists their rights or whatever."
Their headline: "With Just 50 Days to Go, Bush Still Collecting Black Democrat Indictments".
For more, click here.
"We're not saying the Bush Justice Department has been politicized, but the Bush Justice Department has been politicized. Also Langford is obviously corrupt as hell but so is Norm Coleman and no one will put him in jail, no matter how many impassioned, profanity-laced comments we leave on StarTribune.com.
Look: Black Democratic mayors across the country should just stop being corrupt for a while, until the new administration takes over and Justice transitions to caring about reading terrorists their rights or whatever."
Their headline: "With Just 50 Days to Go, Bush Still Collecting Black Democrat Indictments".
For more, click here.
Money Talks
Related to today's previous post, Memphis' budget will be the focus of tonight's Neighbor Talk on Comcast channel 18 WYPL.
Hosted by council chair Myron Lowery, the live, call-in program will feature city CAO Keith McGee and city finance director Roland McElrath. Callers can dial 415-2756 to ask Lowery, McGee, and McElrath questions.
From a release about the show:
"The City of Memphis is not immune to the economic challenges being faced across the country. Lowery’s guests will discuss the city’s bottom line and highlight the strategies and plans they recently proposed to the Council to address the shortfalls in revenues and other critical areas of concern that have commanded the attention of the administration and the legislative body. Information presented will be of particular interest to current city employees."
Put like that, I think if I were a city of Memphis employee, I would definitely try to tune in.
Budget hearing for the upcoming fiscal year (which starts in July) typically begin in February. Final budget approval generally occurs in June.
Hosted by council chair Myron Lowery, the live, call-in program will feature city CAO Keith McGee and city finance director Roland McElrath. Callers can dial 415-2756 to ask Lowery, McGee, and McElrath questions.
From a release about the show:
"The City of Memphis is not immune to the economic challenges being faced across the country. Lowery’s guests will discuss the city’s bottom line and highlight the strategies and plans they recently proposed to the Council to address the shortfalls in revenues and other critical areas of concern that have commanded the attention of the administration and the legislative body. Information presented will be of particular interest to current city employees."
Put like that, I think if I were a city of Memphis employee, I would definitely try to tune in.
Budget hearing for the upcoming fiscal year (which starts in July) typically begin in February. Final budget approval generally occurs in June.
City Shrink, part two
Something to watch for:
"Battered by record foreclosures and falling tax revenue, cities are laying off workers, raising fees and closing libraries and recreation centers," says today's USAToday.
A fall survey found that 79 percent of cities expect their finances to worsen in 2009 and that city finance officers expect revenue to decrease 4.3 percent this year.
At least we're not alone.
So what are other cities doing?
Philly is closing 11 of its 54 libraries, and 200 of its 23,000 employees will be laid off come the new year.
In Atlanta, they're cutting 4,600 employees' salaries, including the mayor's, by 10 percent.
In Seattle, they're trying to increase parking fee revenue and decrease spending on social programs.
What will we do? I guess we'll see. But popular targets from last year include libraries and community centers.
"Battered by record foreclosures and falling tax revenue, cities are laying off workers, raising fees and closing libraries and recreation centers," says today's USAToday.
A fall survey found that 79 percent of cities expect their finances to worsen in 2009 and that city finance officers expect revenue to decrease 4.3 percent this year.
At least we're not alone.
So what are other cities doing?
Philly is closing 11 of its 54 libraries, and 200 of its 23,000 employees will be laid off come the new year.
In Atlanta, they're cutting 4,600 employees' salaries, including the mayor's, by 10 percent.
In Seattle, they're trying to increase parking fee revenue and decrease spending on social programs.
What will we do? I guess we'll see. But popular targets from last year include libraries and community centers.
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