Comments by iceokie

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Written on Displaced worker hits streets with sign, résumés:

Great idea! Surely someone will see that she is a motivated worker and an out-of-the-box thinker.

Written on In the rough: No minority boom in golf despite Tiger Woods' success:

How about and article on why there are so few whites in basketball? How about an article about why there are so few young middle class polo players. We should buy a string of ponies for every middle class kid that wants to play. There are lots of reasons that sports attract different segments of society and its usually not race based.

Written on Crash detours family: Parents turn caregivers for children injured in wreck:

Saints they are. Why things like that happen? Who knows?

Maybe their greatest testimony is how they've responded to the situation. A lot of people would have taken the easy way out and put the kids in a long-term care facility.

Blessings to you Mom and Dad Clifton

Written on Bill to tax online sales introduced in U.S. Senate; could generate $300M for Tennessee:

"Alexander said the collected revenue could result in the state lowering its sales tax rate."

He should submit material for Saturday Night Live, that quote's funnier than anything I've seen on SNL in years. If the local retailers think its unfair that they have to collect tax and online companies don't, how about dropping their tax instead of adding one to all internet sales?

Written on Former coach Shawn Abel regrets tirade:

My son just graduated from high school and participated in athletics, I assure you the worst language he heard was in the hallway not the locker room. He also had trouble with one of his coaches. I told him he had three choices (1) get better. the best players will always play, no matter what. (2) accept it and quit complaining (3) tell the coach to stuff it and quit. He opted to quit.

The coaches tried to talk him into staying. The proudest I was of him was when he told them why he was quitting and stuck with his decision. I didn't get involved, at 17 you should be man enough to deal with life. Its not always fair.

While cursing isn't needed to motivate a player, it happens. Get over it. As other posters have said this is why our kids are unprepared for the real world. Mom and dad aren't going to have much influence with the CEO of your company when you feel like your boss isn't giving you a fair shot.

Written on Collierville eyes annexation, seeks to extend border to include 570 homes:

in response to WillowClinton:

I am curious how many school-age children this will impact. Where possible, I think we will see increased annexation of areas either with existing pockets of school children or potential growth for families with children. If the towns in Shelby County are successful in getting their own schools, some of the county schools that are within municipality borders will lose the students that come from unincorporated areas that happen to be in those school districts.

Would be interested to know the data that would allow us to judge whether this is an attempt to boost the number of students (and per-pupil funds) in the Collierville borders. How many students are we talking about? Are there significant numbers of children in these zones that already attend school in Collierville borders? Or do children in these zones attend school in other (non-Collierville) county schools?

To the extent Collierville may be trying to stack the deck for increased attendance at a future Collierville School District, they do realize that each student will cost them more money on a per-pupil basis, right?

The children in this area currently are zoned for Shelby county schools that are in Collierville and Germantown.

Written on Memphis Mayor Wharton may take 5 percent pay cut:

in response to Imatiger63:

Maybe I'm missing something here, but is it really a pay cut if you take less vacation and holiday pay?

Try taking a week of vacation without pay and see if it affects your paycheck.

Written on Some on Memphis City Schools board say Cash merits bonus:

"This is hard work," Cash concluded.

It sure is . . . and you didn't do any of it. The faculty did.

If the schools are so strapped for cash they relied on layoffs and cuts who in good conscience could even take a bonus?


"based on their photo taken near the vehicle towed"

You should read the story and not skim it.

But yes, some are ripoff artists. On the other hand my seventeen year old wrecked his truck about 12 miles from our house on Christmas Eve and the dude charged me $60 to tow it home. Certainly a more than fair price, I tipped him $10. There are reputable towing companies.

Written on Despite mounting evidence, Schnucks repeatedly insisted it wasn't leaving Memphis:

I'm sure Schnucks spokesman Lori Willis has been told she still has a job . . .

"Don't worry. Those rumors about you being laid off are completely unfounded. We're transferring you to corporate."

What goes around comes around Lori.

Written on Memphis suburbs seek advice for creating municipal school districts:

>>>Seriously? Walnut Grove and Yates...and you're going to say WE don't want to be near black people???

. . . why don't you try venturing out of your little elitist East Memphis sheltered existence. Of course that would probably require moving out of your parents' house.<<<

Seriously funny . . .

Written on Memphis suburbs seek advice for creating municipal school districts:

Diverse doesn't always mean black and white.

Houston High School in 2010 had 1187 white students, 365 african american students, 50 latino students, 138 asian students and 6 indian students

Germantown High School in 2010 had 755 white students, 796 african american students, 65 latino students, 101 asian students and 9 indian students

I'm sick of hearing that everyone in the "burbs" is a racist and doesn't want their kids to attend schools with african american students. The kids in G'town as well as Collierville do in fact attend diverse schools. They attend schools that reflect the community in a radius around the respective schools.

I'm sick of hearing what a bunch of racists the people in the county are. Our schools are not even close to being "all white." So . . . pipe down.

Written on Sheffield High athlete tackles a future detoured but not derailed by scars of hit-run:

in response to rcoleman72:

Awesome. Keep working out young fella. Embrace the pain. Laugh at pain's feeble attempts to stop you.

I was runover as well, almost 20 yrs ago while biking. Resist any negative thoughts towards the speeders, it can only hurt you.

Great advice coleman. Tae keep up the good work. Take what you've learned and share it.

Written on Deal could resolve funding dispute, open Memphis City Schools on time:

The Memphis City School Board knew that the public would never stand for school starting late. There would be a big swell of support for MCS and the council would be forced to negotiate. And now that the MCS Board has experienced the sweet taste of an extortion plan that "worked" they'll use it again and again.

Written on School board fires Arlington teacher charged with rape of 3 students:

in response to MRTIBBS:

But I thought that you couldn't fire teachers when you had unions.

Shelby County teachers are not union.

Written on Collierville OKs artificial turf purchase for sports fields:

in response to wicketr:

Where the hell are the public outdoor basketball courts in Collierville??? I don't understand the dozens of baseball fields and tennis courts.

Nikki McCrae park in Collierville has outdoor basketball courts, a small running track, and a multipurpose field.

Written on Toney Armstrong sworn in as director of the Memphis Police Department:

Best wishes Director Armstrong!

Written on Memphis Police director Godwin defends $377,000 benefit:

He came to work for 37 years, what's so bad about a guy that made the top position in his field having a great retirement payout.

That said, I wish I could carry over every sick day I never used. For that matter, I lose vacation days that I never use every year. City and county employees need to remember that they have a great retirement plan, paid for by the taxpayers.

Show some gratitude next time I'm in the county clerks office . . .

Written on Shelby County Commission reduces proposed size of unified school board to 25:

in response to bluetaxi:

And, all members should have a child attending school in the system.

So, if my children are grown and out of the home I would not be eligible to run for the school board?

Written on Showdown over schools: Proposed Germantown district faces steep hurdles:

jmmcsa writes:

"People should pay their own way if they want premium education."

That doesn't wash.

We pay for a number of services that we may or may not utilize. I've never set foot on a Germantown tennis court, I probably only drive on 15% of Germantown streets, I don't use the street lights at night in most subdivisions . . . but that does't mean I see no value in them.

All of the things we fund collectively make Germantown what it is. Education funding is always a hot-button, especially for those without kids. My last child is off to college next fall but I'd still pay more for community schools for two reasons.

1. Property value
2. Making sure kids get the best education possible is everyones responsibility. And I don't believe that a bloated SCS is going to be an effective system.

It's not about race, at least for me. My neighborhood is actually very integrated. Everyone always points to Germantown High and its diversity, check the make-up of Houston High and you'll see some diversity as well. When people pull the race card they neglect to address the fact that diversity isn't just black and white.

If you live in Germantown and pay your taxes you'd be welcome in those schools.

Written on GOP ousts Michael Steele, picks Wisconsin's Reince Priebus to head party:

in response to BogeyMan2013:

Priebus? Isn't that condition Viagra warns you to call your doctor about if you get its symptoms?

That would be "priaprism"

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

If you have no problem with a full body scan or the optional "package check" maybe they should be introduced at the local high schools. There's always a chance for a gun or knife in the classroom. I'd like to see the average Dad watch his sweet little 16 year-old daughter receive an "enhanced pat-down" from a glorified security guard. That would set some change in motion.

I opted for a pat-down just to see what it entailed. Don't kid yourself, its not the sweeping back-of-the-hand brush check you received a year ago. Its a full on grope delivered from a stranger.

As far as the scan goes, there's not enough background data to say whether its safe in the long-term or not. Especially for frequent travelers. Don't care what the "studies" say. How come the FDA ALWAYS sides on caution? Takes years of testing to release a simple medicine, but the radiation from the scanner is "okay," trust us!

Some crazy people will always avoid detection, these types my have a disturbed agenda but they're not stupid, there has be an answer somewhere between not checking at all and violating my personal rights without cause.

Written on The trill is gone as Blind Mississippi Morris has items stolen:

in response to AKB68:

Did thieves also steal the missing "h" from this story's headline?

its a play on words . . .

Written on Geoff Calkins: U of M's seat fees prove to be tough sell:

Charles Turner Harrison is more in touch with reality than the U of M athletic department.

Read Commercial Appeal article: Judge Rejects Release of Schizophrenic Killer.

Then substitute "R.C. Johnson" for all occurrences of "Harrison."

Written on Warrior's return: Family, friends of fallen Hernando Marine find comfort:

God bless you Josh. Thanks to you and your family

Written on NCAA rules Rebels quarterback Masoli ineligible; Ole Miss says it will appeal:

I don't even have a dog in this fight. But thats whats wrong with the NCAA, they act like playground bullies. Unless they know something we don't, he's eligible.

Written on Nonresident crackdown tough to enforce for Shelby County Schools:

"it's a cultural wasteland out in the county"

Your last name name must be Snowden or something similar.

Written on Workers put goodwill in action, return purse with $2,000 inside:

Good for both of these women! Honesty is a rare thing these days

Written on Memphis City Council panel recommends mandatory spay/neuter for cats, dogs:

you can't legislate responsibility, it never works. the people that let dogs (dangerous or otherwise) run lose and breed will continue to do so. fees and rule will make no difference to them.

Written on Private work may have taken time from Memphis official's public job:

in response to roda11:

The false work order for lumber and a new garage in 2003 is more than enough for an individual to be fired. Don't care what color his skin is, he stole from the city. Can not believe he is still employed.

no kidding . . . if I stole $1250 from my employer I would be fired. End of story.

Written on Coleman says fear was pull on trigger:

As I've read the accounts of the trial, in my opinion, he's guilty for two reasons.

He got in his car to get a gun, but he didn't take the option of getting himself and wife in and just leaving. However, I'd like to know if he got the gun from the drivers side or passenger side.

He put the gun in Schwerins's mouth, THEN backed up and shot him. No witness on either side has attested that when he removed the gun from Schwerin's face, Schwerin either advanced or retreated. There was therefor no reason to pull the trigger. If he was scared for his life, just keep the gun on Schwerin until he backs off gets in his car and leaves or til the cops show up.

They'd find it hard/impossible to get me to vote not guilty. And yes, I'm a gun owner, believe that carry laws are constitutional, and have in fact been employed by the NRA in my career.

Written on City school officials among top paid in Memphis, Shelby County:

I guess these salaries prove that you DON'T always get what you pay for. I'd guess the average teacher accomplishes more in actual results in a year than these overpaid buffoons.

Written on Wanted: Ad firm to tout Memphis City Schools Gates Foundation Grant:

"My fourth grader was taught that Abraham Lincoln was the fifth black president of the United States."

I'm no fan of MCS, but I just don't believe that anyone would teach that as fact. If that's written on a study sheet or assignment you need to take it to the principle. My daughter had an english teacher that was horrible and I documented the mistakes she was making when grading papers and took it to the principle. May not have accomplished anything but it was there for the record.

If we don't complain, then surely nothing will ever be done.

Written on Not all comply with sidewalk repair rules in Germantown:

I lived on a street that had sidewalks needing repair in G'Town but moved before all this went down. Since I would have been responsible for that sidewalk my first choice would have been to remove it. I must own it since I'm responsible for it, I should be able to remove it. Probably wouldn't win that in court but I would have drug it out just to mess with them.

Written on Memphis developer Rusty Hyneman, partner are ordered to pay bank $2M:

I'd bet the bank never sees a dime of that judgement

Written on Memphis doctors see food, medical care scarce for vulnerable young in Haiti:

If it was only as easy as just sending food, meds and shelter I'm sure all the companies you've listed would in fact do so. If you've ever been to a third world environment you'd know that distribution is incredibly difficult WITHOUT a disaster.

Look at what happened with Katrina. Remember what a mess that was and realize what capabilities and infrastructure we still had to draw on. I don't think many people can imagine how badly screwed up everything is down there. Up until about ten days ago it was almost impossible to even get doctors and nurses down there. Now imagine trying to get tons of supplies distributed.

They do need help and my only point is that organizations, individuals and governments are down there, food and supplies are being sent, but with a poor port and one runway at the airport it's hard. If you haven't been somewhere like that it's a little hard to comprehend why help hasn't arrived already.

Written on Germantown argues future of digital signs:

Kuehn fears the city's streets could turn into a "carnival fairway" of signs.

I live in G'Town . . . seriously, a carnival fairway? From gas price signs? Find something that matters to worry about.

Written on Malco Paradiso theater tightens security; vows better crowd control:

All of this is why I wait til it comes out on video and watch at home. The only unruly teens I have to deal with are mine. And they know when the old man says "knock it off,' to knock it off.

Written on Redbirds tag kids out:

in response to jrflaum#245422:

My dear dbarnes,
Boy, am I glad I'm not one of your children? Did you never keep your promises to them? Are they all in therapy now?
I'm for financial responsibility -- we have too little of it. But as I understand it the umpires,buses, etc. were all under contract or paid for.
We are talking about a relatively small sum of money,maybe, a percentage of executive salaries...

You don't read for facts very well then. It clearly says that the buses hadn't been paid for until tuesday because accounting wasn't writing checks and it says they already owed money to the bus company.

As far as keeping my promises . . . not always. Sometimes things change and people are disappointed. That's life. I'm sure you never break a promise : )

I'd be happy to compare how my kids turned out with you. My kids are self sufficient, pay taxes, active in community service programs and we still do things as a family every week.

How bout your kids?

As far as the original statement goes. I said it was a bummer for the kids. Times are hard for most companies. You're all correct, if baseball stars, or benched basketball players, or Calipari would pay for it that would be great.

But to hate on the Birds for making a responsible financial choice. Read between the lines, they are broke. They missed their bond payment (mortgage) for first time ever. If they want to be around in the next few years they have to make tough choices.

Written on Redbirds tag kids out:

I hate it for the kids as well, but . . . it's not ten years ago, it's not 12 months ago. Things have drastically changed financially, if your business was failing you might have made the same choice. The fact it's kids is the unfortunate part. I've had to tell my kids there are things they couldn't do because we couldn't afford it, how is this different?

If they already owed the bus company money and didn't have the money to pay that bill, I'm glad to see that they opted to do the responsible thing and not compound what they already owed and couldn't cover.

It called financial responsibility, lots of people in this town have none.

Written on High school teams try to beat the heat, follow new state regulations:

Or start school later in the year . . . there is no reason to start so early (except to get the funds rolling into the school system earlier.) Start after Labor Day like we all used to.

Written on Dream season ends: Kingsbury soccer gives its all in overtime loss to Cleveland:

Great job men, you played a great season. You all are a first class act to stay and root on White Station as well. Thanks to everyone that helped them get to the play-offs.

Written on Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton talks government consolidation:

I was disappointed with AC's office putting the rubber stamp of approval on a ridiculous property tax increase in this economy, if we are consolidated I will move out of state, it's the last straw. Not that it will matter to anyone but me!

I don't mind taxes, I just don't want my money wasted by an absurd city/county government.

Written on Double-digit increases shown for suburban reappraisals:

I called the ASSessors office about three weeks ago and asked what the time period was for the appraisal was. The answer I received was that the value should reflect what my house (in Germantown) was worth on Jan 1, 2009.

I can tell you for a fact and back that up with comparable sales figures that my house is not worth 10% more. It's just like every property, it's worth less.

I'll be on the phone the minute I get mine in the mail requesting a re-appraisal. A real estate tax is based on what realistic selling prices reflect . . . not what Shelby county needs to balance their mismanaged budget.

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