Comments by wtilmon

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Written on Start of Christmas shopping season encroaches on Thanksgiving night:

in response to mather:

From the article:

"'Target is doing all that they can to keep business going and now a bunch of people, employees included, want not to keep up,' said David Wiemar, owner of Wiemar's Jewelry at 7525 Highway 64. 'Well, I, for one, will volunteer to be at Target at midnight and work till 4 so that these employees can be fired so they can spend all the time with their families.

'We are all working hard to get this economy up and booming again.'"

If the big-box stores and the large chains were not pushing these earlier opening hours that will encroach on their employees' Thanksgiving holidays, then this would not be happening, and the stores would all still be on a level playing field. And now along comes this doofus who wants those who favor the status quo to be fired, despite the fact that Sears opened on Thanksgiving night last year and got a lot of negative feedback. Perhaps said doofus should be fired instead. Well, that can't happen, but those of us who want to disagree with his attitude and actions can avoid shopping at his jewelry store.


Couldn't agree more. Opening early does little to "get the economy up and booming." People are going to spend what they are going to spend. At best, it shifts spending to an earlier day, and from one retailer (those who aren't open) to another retailer (those who are). I guess Mr. Weimar's family will miss him this Thanksgiving, as I assume he'll have his store open. Gosh, maybe someone needs a Rolex or diamond earrings on Christmas Day. Better open then too.

Written on Judge in merger suit rules Memphis City Schools will 'cease to exist' in 2013:

It's starting to seem to me that the current SCS is going to form one big special school district and call it something else. Meanwhile, the current MCS will become known as SCS, and will remain comprised of schools and students within Memphis. And in the end, a lot of expensive planning, elections and transitions will result in two districts that look exactly the same. I admit I haven't studied this enough to know if that's possible, so I would appreciate anyone's tkae on that if you are more knowledgeable about this ruling and the original bill.

Written on Crissy Haslam in Memphis to push mentoring program for new mothers:

in response to dahrius1#340734:

I like this idea and find it good that conservatives would want to do something like this. We really need to come together as a community to address these issues rather than sayin it is someone else's problem. It is all of our problem.

However I do wonder why this kind of thing needs to be done out of a church???
I guess it's okay as long as there is no proselytizing. Public dollars + proselytizing = something very bad.

Have you ever noticed that many good programs stem from the church? Next time a disaster happens, such as a tornado, take a look at the relief efforts. After FEMA and the Red Cross, it's mostly churches and the volunteers within those churches who organize and bring aid. Try not to be so quick to fear them. They are not bad folk.

Written on Memphis City Schools officials eye earlier start for classes in future:

Does anyone else think it's odd that Cash & Hamer are floating this idea just for one school year (2012-13) since the consolidation takes effect the following year? Face it--That would be a lot of politics, fundraisers (tax increases), and sheer logistical planning to implement, when it could all be wiped out the following year. Doesn't it sound like Cash is practically assuming that he will be running the consolidated system as well, and that he'd then spread the new school year to the larger system?

Written on Shelby County mayor’s administration lays out budget cut options:

in response to itsinsanity:

Thats because you "live in the county"! Us "county residents don't "live in the city" like you "live in the county". Should you, for example, pay Olive Branch property tax if you dont own property there? I'm thinkin the answer is no. Now, I do pay Arlington city property taxes, because i what? Live in Arlington!! And i also pay County taxes just like you, because why? Arlington is in the county. Wow, why is that so hard for some of you Memphians to figure out? Oh yea, your Memphians.

Not sure why you are jumping all over Tigertate. He/she was just answering the previous question. The implication was that the city tax rate was being quoted. In reality, Shelby County has two tax rates, depending on whether you live in the city of Memphis or outside the city of Memphis. (I think the difference stems from a school bond deal a few years ago.) And since MOST county taxpayers reside in the city of Memphis, I guess the writer was quoting the county tax rate that most could relate to.

Written on As river rises, floods loom as major menace around Memphis area:

in response to DocRambo:

March 14th, 1997= 40.76 ft. OK, I missed it by a couple inches.

I was working on Presidents Island at that time, and water reached some of the roadways. 45 feet, I am guessing, could get into a lot of the plants and warehouses there.

As a side effect, it also forces a lot of deer out of the wooded areas of the island. Kind of strange and sad to see deer roaming in the industrial area.

Written on Memphis City Schools students to make up 3 snow days in May:

in response to pookinpie:

No problems here. They missed 3 days of school, so three days they have to make up. Knowing that they were out for snow days this year and that they always make them up, I don't understand why anyone would plan a vacation for the last week of school. Doesn't sound like it matters to me.

And to your point, the school calendar indicates that the end of the school year can be impacted by inclement weather.

It is remarkable that we see some of the same posts every year about something so simple (and trivial.) When I was a kid in the county schools, even we (the students) understood the concept of make-up days. Our parents did, too.

Written on Shelby County Schools file federal suit :

in response to LuckyGuy:

Wow... Talk about suing everybody over 3 feet tall!

I'm wondering if he left me out intentionally, or if he just hasn't gotten to me yet. Hmm. The phone book might make a nice list of defendants.

Written on TDOT to close I-40 lanes in Memphis for repairs:

in response to ThePack33:

"Beginning 8 p.m. Friday and extending through 6 a.m. Monday"
no biggie

"from 8 p.m. Monday through 6 a.m. Wednesday"
yikes, glad I don't have to drive that way.

I guess that just couldn't wait until the following weekend. If it's that urgent, I don't suggest driving on it today.

Written on Some snow, ice may slicken morning travel in Mid-South:

in response to Evelyn:

Another night of Dave Brown and Tim Simpson shouting panic and doom. Best to watch ESPN or TCM.

I don't think you have to worry about Channel 5 unless something actually starts falling and sticking. They rarely think it's going to snow until and unless it's right on top of us. Over the years, I've frequently heard the "optimism" in their forecast. They may acknowledge that the chance exists, but then they tend to downplay it. Word is Dave hates snow and cold weather.

Written on City Council affirms Memphis school board vote to surrender charter:

in response to LeftWingCracker:

If, after the surrender, municipalities wish to take on the added expense of their own district on top of what they will be REQUIRED to pay to the County for the County's district, fine. Just understand that that action would not relieve you of your duties to the overall County district. You can run, but you can't hide, said Joe Louis, and he was correct.

One thing I have been wondering...isn't Memphis City Schools technically a Special School District? I believe it is. And since all Shelby County residents (regardless of where they live within the county)are required to fund all public schools within the county (both SCS and MCS), would that still apply if new SSDs are formed? Would a Memphis resident's taxes go toward SCS (the new consolidated system) as well as (hypothetically) Bartlett City Schools, Germantown City Schools and Arlington City Schools. Likewise, would a Germantown resident be funding all those same systems, as well?

Written on Countywide vote, year delay is compromise on table between Memphis, Shelby school boards:

The city agrees to delay the vote. The city agrees to a countywide referendum (which greatly decreases the chance of this passing). Did I miss what the county is giving up in the "compromise"?

Written on STORM UPDATE: Long snowfall expected to start between 6 and 7:

in response to tigerbballfan:

Ha. I didn't like that episode that much. I liked the two parter with Tom Hanks back when he was actually running from the law though. very few episodes did I just flat not like though. Most were great. Well actually I didn't watch many from the final few seasons. Right aroudn the first few with Nick were the last I saw. It did seem to get boring after that point.

The relationship between Alex and Nick provided some of the funniest dialogue and delivery ever in situation comedy. Nick: "How you's doin'?"
Alex: "We's doin' fine, Nick. At least, I's doin' fine."


in response to selmertigress:

remember the song that came out of this show?
"AT THIS MOMENT" by Billy Versa and the Beaters
"What did you think
I would do at this moment
When you're standing before me
With tears in your eyes.
One of the prettiest songs-I ever heard-I think I have that record, somewhere.


So many good things came out of this show. It was Emmy award winning, and a ratings champ for 8 or 9 seasons. I can't figure out why they only released 5 seasons on DVD. Sure, you can get all of What's Happening on DVD. But not all of Family Ties.


in response to fishnlawyr:

Since someone mentioned Leave it to Beaver...and since everybody is doing nothing more than waiting for the snow...

If you had only one choice for what t.v. series to watch for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Family Ties


in response to educated_redneck:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Joe Larkins, a former reporter at WREG, started a blog a few years ago about local TV news. He started a stream about the "Dave Brown was punched" story. Dave himself offered this contribution to the story:
FACT - In March 1975, a mentally disturbed man came into WHBQ. He asked for me because I was the only name he knew at the station. He came into the old second floor newsroom. Ed Craig, Charlie B. Watson, the 10pm producer and I were the only ones around. We thought he might be armed and began insisting he leave the building. He struck me on the side of my head with his forearm. I was not hurt at all.

We got him out of the building with no harm. We notified police. Some thiry days later, he returned. After I identified him as the previous intruder, the police were called, he was arrested and at his court date it was immediately apparent to all that he was quite mentally disturbed. He was returned to a mental institution in Waukeegan IL where he had previously been treated for alcohol and drug abuse that was at least partially attributed to his serving in Vietnam.

FACT - It had NOTHING to do with me personally.

FACT - It had NOTHING to do with the weather.

FACT - It had nothing to do with Wrestling. On the three occasions we saw him, he never made any coherent statements that made sense.

FACT - He was NOT a farmer, concrete contractor, roofing contractor or irate husband/boyfriend. He was not an irate housewife or bride-to-be.

FACT - I have heard over 100 variations on the story. NONE of them are true.

FACT - At least 3000 people have told me they saw it happen on the air. It was not on the air. There was not even a camera on the floor where the incident occured. It was about an hour before the 10pm newscast.

In those days, television stations doors were unlocked and a receptionist was on duty until after the late newscast. I claim that this story sold more "buzz-to-enter" door locks to television stations than any other single event in the history of the medium.

As to Ed's version...I assure you he was telling the story to amuse. In fact, he and Charlie were instrumental in helping to remove the guy from the building.

Hi to the lovely Mrs. Larkins and to Byron Day and all others who commented!

P.S. The microwave tower climber was on Union Avenue. Razor wire now covers the fence surrounding that tower.

Dave Brown


in response to CosmicStargoat:

Oh me, this is incorrect too. If snow is falling hard enough, it can accumulate at 40°.

He's right. I've seen heavy accumulating snow (by Memphis standards) at 35 degrees. And it's great for snowball fights.

Stargoat, I appreciate your input on Memphis weather. I have lived here all my life, and my first ambition was to be a weatherman. Go figure--most 10-year-olds want to be firemen and policemen. I wanted to be Dave Brown. Or really Byron Day. Anyone remember him?

Anyway, I can tell from following your comments that you follow this stuff like I do. You might even be a retired weatherman. Johnny Dark, perhaps? Thanks for your posts. And I hope to make it out to your new neck of the woods someday.


in response to RedDevil4life:

You are right, Memphians do pay Shelby Co. taxes, and although there are more Memphians than those who live outside the city limits, 50% of the tax revenue comes from OUTSIDE of Memphis. Property values are higher outside the city limits, therefore more tax is collected. County only tax payers pay for MCS too, apx $3 out of every $4 goes to that system, and those residents don't have a say-so in what Memphis does. So is this "equal" or "equitable"?

I had heard at one time that 70% of county revenue comes from the city, if you count businesses, which also pay property tax. But you may have more current numbers so no argument there.

Still, it's only fair to play your statement both ways. City tax payers pay for SCS too, and they have no say, nor can they send their kids to those schools.

I'd bet if city residents took sole responsibility for paying for city schools (and no longer had to pay county taxes for county schools), and if county residents took sole ownership of county school funding, it would work out to about a wash. So maybe that's what should happen. Just shift all the numbers around, and everyone will be quiet.


in response to lifespalette54:

You're dreaming really think that tripling the student population in the "new" combined SCSS won't, at the least, double the administrative staff.....dream on.

And the reason most mergers and acquisitions result in expenses going down is because of the layoffs that occur, not because bigger is better.

It would be larger than the current SCS admin size, for certain. But if it's larger than the current MCS/SCS admin size combined, something is wrong. If (hypothetically) ten people currently handle payroll at MCS and 4 people handle it at SCS, it should not take 14 people at a combined system. And both systems have a superintendent of everything.

And yes, you are speaking to my point about mergers. Layoffs occur, and expenses go down. That is exactly what I was saying. And there is opportunity for closing and combining schools, which sends down operational costs.

Don't get me wrong. I am not saying bigger is better (in terms of quality of education or anything like that). But bigger should be cheaper. If it's not, then somebody really goofed up.


in response to DaGreek:

As a homeowner in Fayette County I want to thank the Memphis City School Board for increasing my property value.

I'm not arguing that there won't be a flight to the surrounding counties. But I'd suggest current homeowners get ready. You may enjoy a little bump in property value, though builders are ready to help offset that by adding to supply. The big crippling effect could be the sudden strain on your infrastructure, including your own education system. How quickly can you build a few new schools in Fayette County? How will you pay for it? Are your roads and utility systems ready?


in response to TN1234:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

"Per student funding" is just an average, and there are lots of disposable fixed costs that go into that calculation. Trim away the duplicate roles and seek out better deals from vendors because now you are a bigger customer. The per-student funding could essentially go down with little impact on total services provided to the students. This is one way that companies usually start showing a profit almost right away when mergers and acquisitions take place. Revenue stays flat, but expenses go down.


in response to olli1965:

I will admit I have not followed this situation because I do not have children in either system. But I am not clear on how this will improve the quality of education for Memphis City School children. Now I am not saying that it will not but I have not read how it will positively effect them.

From my understanding the problems that exists with educating Memphis City students is not limited to what occurs between school hours.

I'll answer your question, though not exactly. The parents of SCS kids have been convinced for years that their school system is far and away better at educating kids, and they act as if it is 99% related to the inner-workings of the system. Well, here is their chance to extend their talents to the MCS. If the admin of SCS is so talented, shouldn't we all want them to run the MCS and make it every bit as good?

Now, we all know that's not likely to be the end result. And that's my point in answering your question. Things won't necessarily improve for the MCS. But we will all finally realize that the problems of MCS are not heavily related to the administrators or the curriculum or anything that upper management can control. And likewise,we will have to admit that the successes of the SCS are not due to any of those things either. (If they were, then an SCS takeover would show up in positive results.) The successes and failures are due so much more to the kids and the parents, and this is not going to change any of that.

However, I don't see how there could not be some savings. Both systems are admin top-heavy, so there is great opportunity for combining and eliminating duplicate job functions.


in response to Mitch_J:

Mr. Spence,

If someone shoplifted an item valued at $4.99 and was caught, do you think the store would not prosecute? Of course they would. They were caught in the process of doing something illegal. And so was Ms. Ware


I agree. It's not the $5. It's that she intended to circumvent legal requirements that the average citizen must adhere to. If I gave a clerk at the Social Security office five bucks to issue me a number and card in someone else's name, I'd expect to be prosecuted, along with the clerk.

Written on Shelby County school board resignation, hiring at issue:

in response to bookman58:

I don't know what Pickler has on other people, but he is not well liked by many, many teachers, and why in the world do we have a school board that continues to elect him as the chairman is beyond me. There is so much that the CA could do by way of investigation into the way Pickler does business. The man has way too much power. I hate it when a politician serves for no other apparent reason other than power. Is there another reason in the case of Pickler?

Conceit. (Which in this case is probably synonymous with power.)

Written on Two Memphis City Schools principals indicted, accused of not reporting assault:

in response to pigphat:

Exactly! Notice that the incident was not reported immediately. This is why teachers and principals need to be members of MEA. Most teachers join for the insurance protection against lawsuits. Maybe MEA can't protect your job, but it can certainly protect you against lawsuits. I hope these administrators are protected.

The MEA is not the provider of insurance protection. It is offered to its members. True, it is wise to be insured. But you can get similar liability coverage through other sources, probably even your own insurance provider.

Written on Southwind High student struck by lightning outside school:

in response to gigger:

use this as motivation to take a CPR course.

think about how often you are around your loved ones... and what you could do to save them.

it only takes a day...

So true. And if you've taken the course, ask yourself if you could use a refresher. (Some guidelines have changed.) I know I could.

Written on 911 tapes play out chaos in West Memphis shootings:

in response to BogeyMan2013:

But especially, prayers for all the prayers--they can't possibly pray enough, can they? What's a prayer to do, pray tell?

My prayer is that prayers stop inflicting their all prayer, all the time, prayerfulness on the rest of us. Wanna pray? Do it where it belongs. God doesn't live on this forum, and he certainly doesn't answer prayers, or post, on it.

Sorry BogeyMan. Prayers "belong" wherever and whenever we wish. Did you know I can even sit in a government building and pray if I want to? Even school. It's about my choice as much as it's about yours. And BTW, this forum is not even a gov't institution anyway.

Written on 911 tapes play out chaos in West Memphis shootings:

in response to hacks:

I found the site and it's the biggest pile of cow manure I've ever seen. She uses the difference in clothing colors as an example that the dash cam was "taped later". Whatever. She's a nutcase. She has a spot on her site to collect money to prosecute/sue the "killers" of her "husband" and "son". Hasn't she figured out yet that since she wasn't "married" to Joe Kane that she has no claims here except being an irritant?

Or is this just a personal fundraiser. Let's face it. If she collects a few grand in small increments and never hires an attorney, most of her followers will never ask for their money back. Cha-ching.

Written on Letters: A failure of substance, not message :

"Communication professionals understand that no amount of promotional spending can overcome reality"

Mr. Brody, with all due respect, you personally once said that perception is greater than reality. And promotional spending is heavily geared toward the fostering and development of perception. To look at it another way, every year politicians are elected because their promotional spending overcame reality.

Written on /data/memphis-city-schools-salaries/ - Memphis City Schools salaries:

in response to 4EVRBLESS:

Attention!!! Attention!!!!


Your salary information should not be public information!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I knew at some point, something would push me over the edge to do just as you suggested. And even before I read your post, I already did. I hated it. I am a strong defender of good journalism and an old fashioned guy who still enjoys picking up the newspaper. But enough is enough. It's time to make a statement.


I am not debating whether this information should be public. The question for the CA is, what good has it done? It allows for nosy neighbors to snoop. To me, it's a lazy way out of true, quality, investigative journalism. Here is how it would have worked in the olden days--a smart reporter would have located the 20 highest paid positions in the school system, and profiled what they do. Maybe even compare it to similar positions in the private sector or in other school systems. From there, let the public decide if it's a waste or not, and voice their opinion accordingly. But simply posting a searchable database? Again, what has been achieved for the public good?

I don't doubt there are some overpaid people and positions in government. But other than a couple of random nuts in these postings, no sane person would make the argument that the teachers are overpaid.

Written on A note to our readers about Friday's newspaper delivery disruption:

Is this the first time in the paper's history that the power has gone out for 5 hours? They've always had a contingency plan, I thought.

Written on Costly encounter: Pit bull attack leaves recovery, expenses in its wake:

in response to bostonprj:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

One reason hospital bills are so high is that they often don't get paid--at least not in full. If she has insurance, the insurance company may wind up paying half after deductibles and negotiated fees and adjustments. The rest is either written off or up to the patient. (And in many cases, those are one in the same.) Telethons certainly help keep the doors open, but they can't be counted on for everything. The financials speak for themselves--Methodist Le Bonheur is a not-for-profit organization, and its books reflect that. Don't trash talk any hospital that simply wants to keep its doors open, with modern equipment, clean facilities and qualified staff. I, for one, am glad they are here. I am going to guess Hailey and her mom feel the same--the second paragraph seems to affirm that.

Written on Memphis weighing solid waste fee increase:

This charge appears on the MLGW bill. I wonder how much latitude cities have with such practices? To me, this is a service that should be covered by city taxes (especially since it's mandatory, as far as I can tell). By making it a line-item charge on your utility bill, they are able to charge it and increase it without calling it a tax increase. Same with the rodent control. Personally, if I am going to pay it anyway, I'd rather they build it into my property taxes, increasing the tax rate accordingly if they must. At least then I could deduct it on my federal tax.

Written on Shelby County school board says no makeup days for snow — yet:

in response to Reddition:

The decision to make up days back when you were in school was made by folks whose perspective might have been a bit idealistic and naive. I can solemnly assure you 5 days will make very little difference in the education of the students in Shelby County Schools. In fact, attempting to make them up might make matters worse!

Idealistic and naive in today's world, perhaps. And that's part of my point. But back then, it was very realistic, in the sense that we went to school on the make-up days. Why? Because we were told to.


There is one thing I remain curious about, and it really is just curiosity. During all these snow/make up day articles this winter, an overriding theme is that they have to make up the day because the state compensates the system based on days in session. And they don't want low attendance because that is part of the formula used to determine compensation, hence when the make up day takes place should be carefully considered.

So now I am beginning to think that whole argument was nothing more than an urban myth, or at least a rule with lots of loopholes. Because if it's true, then it seems that the school system might be forfeiting funds from the state.

Or does this "extra time" argument really work for the state? Because if it does, then where do you draw the line? Could they theoretically go an extra hour per day and shut down a month early? I do recall a year or so ago, when they used the same rationale for not making up one snow day, a state official said something to the effect of "we require 180 days. Going longer doesn't count."

I also recall when I was in a Shelby County school, the rule was we made up snow days. And it took the administration about 5 minutes to decide when those days would take place. They didn't worry about upsetting people. My how times have changed. (And isn't the statement that students don't show up on end of year make up days an interesting commentary on parental enforcement?)

Written on Citing cold, Memphis City Schools closed today:

in response to eagleridge2009:

parents of co. school system were notified automatically via cell phone @ approx 5:30 am that schools would be closed.

I spoke with a city school teacher and he got his info from the TV and was clueless that co. even had such a system............amazing.

no wonder co. doesnt want to merge with city.

Why does this matter? I was a county school student years ago, when such a phone system didn't exist. We never wondered if schools were open or closed. With no internet and no automated phone call, we still never accidentally went to school on a day it was closed, or stayed home on a day it was open. Technology can be neat, but sometimes it's just an unnecessary toy with a cost attached.

Written on Area atheists still celebrate Christmas:

in response to Bluesfan1959:

"Christmas, I consider a violation of the First Amendment," said Aldred, who says closing down government entities for a religious holiday is a violation of the separation of church and state.

Well Mr. Aldred, it would actually be a violation of the constitutional rites of those you made work on Christmas. While there is a separation of church and state, the constitutional guarantee is that the state will not create a state-sanctioned-religion. The constitution also guarantees that the state will not interfere in a citizens rite to celebrate their religion. So, if a government agency were to force those that worked there to not recognize their holiest of days, it would be in violation of the constitutional rites of every Christian in the agency that remained open. So, if they let all of the workers that professed to be Christian off to celebrate Christmas, there wouldn't be enough employees left to to operate the agency. If you are advocating violating the constitutional rites of someone because they are a Cristian, you sir are no better than those at whom you snub your nose. You see, the constitution not only guarantees the separation of church and state, it also guarantees my rite to practice my faith, which means they have to give me the day off. Dang those forefathers new what they were doing....

Outstanding reply. BTW, I guess we'll find Mr. Aldred at Walgreen's or Exxon on Christmas morning, spending all he can. What an odd way to demonstrate his beliefs, or lack thereof--loading up on cans of Fix-A-Flat and 3 Musketeers.

Written on Wharton confident of win; mayoral rivals call for change:

To all who vote today--even if there are glitches, don't be critical of the poll workers. I've done it myself for more than 20 years, and it's mostly a thankless job. I'm not working the polls today due to conflicts, but I immensely appreciate those who are. They get up before 5 a.m., arrive at their location by 6 a.m., and don't call it a day until after 8 p.m. They don't do this professionally, so there is no reason to expect them to be experts at the paperwork, the machines and the process. These are just kind citizens doing what they can to help us all cast our vote.

Younger people should consider getting involved, rather than criticizing. We need the process to keep working now, and 30 years from now. So when you vote today, say "thank you." Then before the next election, find out how you can help.

Written on Councilman Joe Brown seeks to oust Bill Boyd:

What a dilemma. On the one hand, this kind of constant internal litigation costs precious taxpayer money. But on the other, keeping people like Joe Brown occupied with unproductive activities might also keep him from more destructive and expensive behavior. Maybe he could also work on sponsoring a resolution to declare French's the official mustard of Memphis.

Written on Cordova driver in fatal DeSoto County crash 'all over the road,' police say:

"Depraved heart a legal term for an action that reflects a “callous disregard” for human life and results in a fatality."
While I certainly don't disagree that the driver's alleged behavior does meet that definition, it seems like the charge could also be applied to a driver whose child is not wearing a seatbelt.

I heard something similar happened in the Mid South yesterday. An 8-week-old was was not restrained and was injured in a car wreck. A disturbing trend.

Written on Longtime food server wants customers to show a little tenderness during January:

My brother is a waiter, and told me about a recent incident that still has me scratching my head. He had a large party (about 15) that he waited on solo. This restaurant has a printed policy that such a large party automatically incurs a 15% gratuity. When the check was presented, the head of the party called the manager over. She had no complaints about service or food, but simply said they didn't want to pay the gratuity. She insisted it be removed, and that she would tip as she wished. (That turned out to be a $3 tip instead of the original $45). My brother called it borderline criminal, as it was printed in the menu, they ate the food and had no complaints, and it was removing money from his pocket. I learned later that even when they state such a policy, they can't enforce it. Evidently, this customer was aware of that, too. There is a special place somewhere else for customers like that.

Written on Tigers' run in NCAA tourney puts city in spotlight for all the right reasons:

jonathan 012:

Vandy: 72
UT: 69

Arkansas: 92
UT: 91

Louisville: 79
UT: 60

I guess the implication is that since UT beat Memphis, then UT should/could be in the Final 4. So, Louisville, Vandy and the Hogs should be as well. Funny how it didn't work out that way.

Written on City to shut down five libraries:

Q: Who exactly keeps voting for this fool?
A: Fools.

Written on City to shut down five libraries:

molliemole and others--The King wants and expects an outcry. Read the rationale--to offset a property tax increase. This is Herenton 101, and he wrote the playbook. If you want to pass a huge tax increase, then first propose some drastic measures that will have the public practically begging for a tax increase instead. Two or three years ago, it was the parks. Most of the workers were laid off for the summer, and the grass was never mowed, and conditions deteriorated. Then when the public quieted down about taxes, an increase was passed and the mowers cranked up again. Of course, if he wants to base his decisions entirely on savings (without considering the benefit provided or the effect of his actions), then there are other ways to save money. Quit picking up garbage. Close the schools. Let the police and firefighters go. Gosh, turn off the traffic lights. Maybe we could sell the trees on city property to a lumber company. Has he really tapped into all the available measures?

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