: Unanswered Threads

ThaddeusMatthews is a fraud

reachingout2U — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:33:21 GMT

I'll admit it I am a blogger, that's my way of communicating with American and the surrounding community, therefore I go on other blog site to voice my opinion on different matters, 99% of the time when I blog on most sites it post weather my opinion is pro or con to the article or comments written, and a 100% of the time when I'm commenting on an article or replying to another bloggers it is decent and probably well written, however all the rules and fairness in the decency of blogging does not apply on thaddeusmatthews blog site, the thing is, if Mr Matthews disagrees with what is written on his comment site somehow your comment might not see the light of day on his site, he'll only choose the comments that are stream line with his views only, and discard any that are not with his views, I understand that is his blog site and he is the adminstator of that site, but the dishonesty that he present to the community is wrong if one cannot not refute his claims, my rant is to say that in all fairness if you are going to put something out and not let anyone refute your claims and only pick more of the commets that is inline with your racist views, than his blog site is only for propaganda use only, and is only used to disseminate his ideas only and is not there to services the community. He claims to be the voice for the black community, but how can he be? if he's not allowing other blacks like myself to voice my opinion if it is not inline with his views, to me like many other blacks that I know and talk with understands that Mr Matthews only represent himself and not the black community, therefore his claims like others that agree with him are just down right fraudulent, I am still hoping for that day when the black community will stand up to people like Mr Matthews with his racist views and his claim that all black are like him, because we are not! Thaddeus Matthews does not speak for all of Memphis african American citizens.

What happened to the News Media reporting the news

cikala — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 01:09:18 GMT

For some reason, the media is unable to report on newsworthy events. There are currently 4500 buses en route to the White House, this is not counting the caravans, or individuals flying in from all over the Country. They are representing concerned citizens wanting their voices heard and their concerns addressed. There were over 1000 Mid-Southerners to receive 3 of these buses last night. There was not one reporter there! Why? I always thought the News media was supposed to report the news, regardless of their personal views. I would think that the Tea Party Express bus leaving from California, stopping at various places across this Nation with hundreds and thousands of people in attendance would be newsworthy but apparently not.

Dog attacks you never hear about - & a message to the media.

julzp — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:25:16 GMT

Hello everyone, this blog is mainly for the people in the media, but I hope that everyone will view the blog that I attach a link to. I have been keeping a blog for a few months now of dog attacks that do not involve Pit Bulls. What I have learned is this; when a Pit Bull attack is reported, it will be splashed across the headlines in bold, capital letters - PIT BULL MAULS CHILD or something to that effect. Also, they usually will add a picture of a snarling, mean looking Pit Bull. When a different breed is involved in an attack, usually the breed is not mentioned and there will not be a picture available. This is just what I have noticed over the last few months while I have been keeping up with dog attacks.

Have a look at my blog, you will probably be surprised by how many dog attacks there have been in the recent months.

http://dogattacksyouneverhearabout.blogspot.com/

So, my message to the media is this... I wish that when you report a dog attack, you would be somewhat fair. The fact is that ALL breeds attack, and Pit Bulls are no more of a danger than a poorly raised Labrador. When a Pit Bull attacks, you can bet that everyone will hear about it, even if it is on the opposite side of the state. But when other breeds attack, nobody ever hears about it because they are not reported on the same scale as Pit Bull attacks.

Sincerely,

Julz - www.pawsitivepitbulls.com

digital transmission so poor some days

junebug — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:37:31 GMT

Days pass that I can get NO digital transmission (even though I bought a new expensive antenna). Is this my problem or are there days that the problem is from your end? Any chance ya'll can "bump up" the strength of the transmission? I rescan from time to time to see if that helps, but no....

NMAPA Invitation: National Payroll Week

NMAPA — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:35:03 GMT

North MS Chapter of the American Payroll Associations Presents:

Creative Ideas To Help Your Company Celebrate NPW

Thursday, August 20 @ 6:30 PM CST

Southaven Library, 8554 Northwest Drive, Southaven, MS 38671

How does your company celebrate NPW? Running out of ideas for your company's NPW celebration? Never heard of NPW? Well, we have just the thing for you.....

NPW stands for National Payroll Week. Every year NPW is celebrated during the first week of September to honor the millions of working Americans and the payroll professionals who pay them. Together, through the payroll withholding system, they contribure, collect, report and deposit approximately $1.8 trillion, or 65.7%, of the annual revenue of the U.S. Treasury. For more information about NPW and to take a survey for a chance to win a paycheck, go to www.nationalpayrollweek.com.

The North Mississippi Chapter is a local chapter of the American Payroll Association. We will hold our August meeting on Thursday, August 20. This month's meeting is dedicated to helping you find creative and interesting wayst to celebrate NPW in your organization. We will have ideas for games and decorations, a pnael of volunteers for Payroll Q & A, a demostration of the "Money Matters" education tool, and representatives from area agencies, such as Memphis Redbirds, Malco Theatres, Incredible Pizza, to share ideas with you for corporate events. We will have door prize drawings for restaurant gift cards, movie theatre tickes, memorabilia and other great prizes.

The meeting is open to the public and free of charge. Everyone is invited to join in the fun and learn how your organization can honor its' workers and payroll professionals. Light refreshments will be available.

Kingsbury High School Stundents Do Not Have Schedules!

MrsSunkissed — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:24:12 GMT

My Step-daughter goes to school there and when she came home Monday she didn't have a schedule. I figured everything would be ok by today, Wednesday, at least. They are saying that they may have schedules for students on Friday until then the students sit in the same class all day doing nothing. I'm afraid something might go wrong with the students being so aggarvated, there is subject to be fights, arguements, etc... I want to let my step-daughter just stay home to avoid the worry of what could be going on at the school but, she has to go to school. I just hope that schedules are out by Friday. If they have nothing to do in school in all day there is no telling what they might do.

NPW - What is it and how can you celebrate?

NMAPA — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:28:00 GMT

How does your company celebrate NPW? Running out of ideas for your company's NPW celebration?? Never even heard of NPW??? Well, we have just the thing for you….

NPW stands for National Payroll Week. Every year NPW is celebrated during the first week of September to honor the millions of working Americans and the payroll professionals who pay them. Together, through the payroll withholding system, they contribute, collect, report and deposit approximately $1.8 trillion, or 65.7%, of the annual revenue of the U. S. Treasury. For more information about NPW and to take a survey for a chance to win a paycheck, go to www.nationalpayrollweek.com.

The North MS Chapter is a local chapter of the American Payroll Association. We meet on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm at the M. R. Davis Public Library in Southaven , MS. Our monthly meetings feature professional speakers on a variety of topics relevant to the payroll and human resource professions. Continuing education credits can be earned by attending our monthly meetings.

Our monthly meeting on August 20, 2009 is dedicated to helping you find creative and interesting ways to celebrate NPW in your organization. We will have ideas for games and decorations, a panel of volunteers for Payroll Q & A, a demonstration of the “Money Matters” education tool, and representatives from area agencies, such as the Memphis Grizzlies and Redbirds, to share ideas with you for corporate events. We will have door prize drawings for restaurant gift cards, movie theater tickets, memorabilia and other great prizes.

This meeting is open to the public and free of charge. Everyone is invited to join in the fun and learn how your organization can honor its’ workers and payroll professionals. Light refreshments will be available.

All RSVPs should be sent to nmapaofficers@apanmiss.com no later than Tuesday, 08/18/2009. Regrets are not necessary. Subject line should be listed as August Meeting. In order for FPCs and CPPs to receive a certificate for 1 RCH credit, please indicate your certification in the email message.

NORTH MISSISSIPPI CHAPTER
AMERICAN PAYROLL ASSOCIATION

*** Meeting Invitation ***
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2009

Time:    6:30 PM CST
Place:    Southaven Library, M. R. Davis Public Library, 8554 Northwest Drive, Southaven, MS, 38671
Meal*:    Light Refreshments

RCH Credits: 1

Subject: Creative Ideas To Help Your Company Celebrate NPW

Cost: $0

RSVP is needed to order and confirm refreshments.
RSVP as soon as possible via email nmapaofficers@apanmiss.com
Subject Line as August Meeting
*Meals are subject to change at the discretion of attending officers.

Special Mayoral race 2009

virtuosity — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:02:58 GMT

How can one candidate recieve votes if 11 people are running that are of the same race. Would we not have split votes? Why isn't it agreed upon to have a couple run that are strong and knowledgable of the needs of the citizens of Memphis. We may have someone for Mayor that has no real knowledge of finance or how the City is run because there are so many to compete against it makes a citizen such as myself not want to vote

TN Statewide Payroll Conference

NMAPA — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:00:38 GMT

THEME: Roll Out the Payroll Red Carpet

WHEN & WHERE: August 5-7, 2009 at Hollywood Casino & Hotel (Tunica Resort, MS)

HOST: North Mississippi Chapter of the APA

COSTS: Now through 7/15/2009 - $175 for NMAPA members, $200 for all other attendees

7/16 - 8/5/2009 - $195 for NMAPA members, $220 for all other attendees

11.5 RCHs - Workshops offer a wide variety of topics covering Payroll, Acctg, H/R, and Benefits

DRESS CODE: Business Casual

HOTEL: Reservations must be made directly with Hollywood (800) 871-0711. $59/Wed, $59/Thur, $129/Fri, and $159/Sat by July 22nd

ENTERTAINMENT & CONTEST: Costume Contest - Walk the red carpet as a celebrity, movie or television character, or film associate (director, camera crew, etc.). Music by Rockin' Robin's DJ Service.

http://apanmiss.com/conference.html

nmapaofficers@apanmiss.com

Memphis Photos/Videos wanted for Contest

ewhitney — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:06:00 GMT

For more information:

Amy Simpson, (901) 597-8309

amy.simpson@servicemaster.com

Heather Wilson, (901) 597-7710

heather.wilson@servicemaster.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MORE THAN $2,000 IN PRIZES AVAILABLE TO JUMP START YOUR SUMMER STAYCATION

New Web Site, Including Contests, Make the Case for Getting Back to Basics

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – If your budget is more “staycation” than vacation this summer, take heart: you can find a whole season of fun, right in your own backyard. The best part: you could even win a prize for it.

TruGreen, the nation’s largest lawn and landscaping company, today is launching a new Web site celebrating the great American backyard. The Web site, www.FunByTheYard.com, features everything you need to make your yard a relaxing, enjoyable place to spend your spring and summer. Along with recipes, games, and do-it-yourself lawn care tips, the Web site features contests where you can send videos and photos describing why you love your yard.

“Since many Americans will be staying home this spring and summer, we wanted to encourage homeowners to take full advantage of their outdoor living rooms,” said Steve Donly, president and chief operating officer, TruGreen. “For obvious reasons, we love our yards at TruGreen, and we want to pay tribute to the simple things, like spending time with friends and family at home. At this time of year, that all starts with a great yard.”

The contests on the Web site are designed to get entrants thinking about one simple idea: “Why I Love My Yard.” For the video contest, entrants simply create and submit a video, 90 seconds or less, and the top three entrants will be awarded prizes. For the photo contest, you can submit a photo and a short caption, and a winner will be chosen each week by a random drawing. The deadline for both contests is July 15, 2009, and winners will be announced in August. For complete contest rules, visit www.FunByTheYard.com.

“With the current economy, this is a great time to encourage Americans to take another look at the simple things in life,” said Donly. “Even setting aside the benefits to real estate value and the opportunities for neighborly one-upmanship, for millions of people a well-maintained lawn is integral to the concept of home. It’s part of backyard barbecues, wiffle ball games, digging to China, and just feeling the cool under your feet as you retrieve the newspaper. Your lawn is the highlight of your staycation, and it’s a great place to play, no matter what your age.”

About TruGreen

TruGreen is the nation’s largest lawn and landscape company, serving more than 2.5 million residential and commercial customers across the United States with lawn care, tree and shrub care, and landscaping services. As the current industry leader, TruGreen continues to pioneer the development of new technology for lawn care, and devotes substantial resources to evaluate new products and equipment continually. Today there are 268 TruGreen LawnCare branches in the United States and Canada, including 52 franchise locations. TruGreen is part of the ServiceMaster family of brands, one of the world’s largest and most versatile service networks.

About ServiceMaster

ServiceMaster currently serves residential and commercial customers through a network of more than 5,500 company-owned locations and franchised licenses. The company’s brands include TruGreen, TruGreen LandCare, Terminix, American Home Shield, ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, Furniture Medic, and AmeriSpec. The core services of the company include lawn care and landscape maintenance, termite and pest control, home warranties, cleaning and disaster restoration, house cleaning, furniture repair and home inspection.

National Payroll Week: Survey (Chance to Win Paycheck and Trip to Las Vegas)

NMAPA — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 01:38:19 GMT

Each year beginning around May through National Payroll Week, the American Payroll Association offers everyone a chance to win a FREE paycheck and a trip to Las Vegas. What do you have to do to submit an entry? Answer the questions in APA's "Getting Paid In America" survey and provide a valid email address and phone number.

The entire Offical Rules are provided at the end of the survey. *Only one entry per person will be accepted; multiple entries from the same email address will be considered invalid.

Win a FREE Paycheck!

Voice your opinion on payroll-related issues!

Take the 2009 “Getting Paid In America” survey to be entered to win a free paycheck and a trip to Las Vegas.

www.americanpayroll.org

National Payroll Week is September 7 - 11, 2009

www.nationalpayrollweek.com

Budget cuts and violence

blmcgaughy — Wed, 20 May 2009 04:03:50 GMT

I think the violence in our city and what is going on with our politicians goes hand in hand. If we are not putting money into schools and education then how are we to eduacate and change the lives of our rising generation? Our children learn by example and in turn teach what they learn. And if they see those who have sworn a duty to protect and serve them not being held accountable for the decisions that are being made in their behalf then why should we expect them to know any different. The Mayor with all due respect should stop looking out for himself and remember why he made the decision to be in politics. He is a leader in the community and many will follow his example. And we should hold him accountable for his stewardship. And our city should not have to suffer and sacrifice our safety and the future of our children. This is not what America was built on and this is not the heart of Memphis. The Mayor needs to remember who he is and where he came from. Because people cared for him as a child he is where he is today. That same opportunity should be given to the citizens of Memphis. And as we educate our children and show a repect for the law and for the people of Memphis then I believe that things will change. We become what is expected of us. That is human nature.

BLACK AND GAY: HOMOSEXUALITY IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY (CONFERENCE)

outlookhost — Thu, 07 May 2009 02:34:17 GMT

I AM THE CREATOR AND HOST OF MEMPHIS' ONLY GAY,***,BISEXUAL,TRANGENDER (GLBT) WEB SHOW, "THE OUTLOOK." ON FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2009, I WILL BE HOSTING THE BLACK AND GAY CONFERENCE TO KICK OFF MEMPHIS/BLACK PRIDE WEEKEND. THE CONFERENCE'S PURPOSE IS TO GAIN INSIGHT ON THE TABOO TOPIC OF HOMOSEXUALITY IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY; WHY WE DON'T DON'T TALK ABOUT IT EXCEPT WHEN IT'S BEING CONDEMNED IN THE BLACK CHURCH, HIV/AIDS IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY, DOW LOW BROTHERS, ETC. THIS CONFERENCE IS BEING HELD AT THE MEMPHIS GAY AND *** COMMUNITY CENTER @ 892 S. COOPER AT 3PM ON THE ABOVE DATE. I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO HAVE THE MEDIA COVER THIS EVENT AS IS POSSIBLE IN AN EFFORT TO PROMOTE THIS EVENT TO MORE THAN JUST THE GLBT COMMUNITY. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. THANKS.
SINCERELY,
NATASHA BURNETT-HOLMES
CREATOR/HOST, "THE OUTLOOK"

West Memphis Arkansas

WestMemphis100 — Sun, 03 May 2009 15:23:20 GMT

Well, the city of West Memphis promotes Memphis too much and dosen't get anything in return. West Memphis has lots of websites trying to get people to live in our city and just to visit. Our motto, "The city across the river," is true enough. On our visitors website, West Memphis states that we are only ten minutes away from Downtown Memphis, which is just another way to get people in and out of Memphis. Why dosen't Memphis ever say any good things about West Memphis? It seems that Memphis is only interested in the bad things happening in our city. Like how DeAunte' Farrow got shot by that police, or how the painting of our overpass is peeling away. West Memphis on the other hand only states good things about Memphis. Like how we're "Memphis' little brother." Memphis should promote the city of West Memphis better than it does. Because West Memphis is growing everyday. Memphis just might need West memphis' help oneday. South Haven Mississippi was just like West Memphis but then land developers came and invested in South Haven, just like people are doing to West Memphis now. West memphis wouldn't mind helping Memphis, but we'll need another helping hand.

Call The Memphis Chat LINE at 901-347-1930. It is something you can do to make time go by. Live Chat... No voicemail.... Real people 100% FREE Listen how stupid these children and rapist adults sound on this chat line. We have to be aware to what our child

overcomer662 — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 05:08:55 GMT

Call The Memphis Chat LINE at 901-347-1930. It is something you can do to make time go by. Live Chat... No voicemail.... Real people 100% FREE Listen how stupid these children and rapist adults sound on this chat line. We have to be aware to what our children are doing. This will give you a sneak peak to the foolishness and stupidity of the young people in Memphis. Give it a call its free.

American Payroll Association - North Mississippi Chapter

NMAPA — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:59:12 GMT

*** Meeting Invitation ***

Date: Thursday, March 19, 2009

Time: 6:30 PM CST

Place: Southaven Library

M. R. Davis Public Library

8554 Northwest Drive

Southaven, MS 38671

Meal*: Pizza Hut Pasta and Breadsticks

APA RCH Credits: 1.0

Subject: Employment Tax Adjustment or

Claim For Refund (Form 94X)

Speaker: Mark Craven,

Internal Revenue Service

Mark Craven, Senior IRS Stakeholder Liaison for the state of Mississippi, will

present a one-hour presentation on “Employment Tax Adjustment or Claim For

Refund (Form 94X). This topic covers the new procedures for making corrections

to employment tax returns for 2009 and beyond. A handout packet with

Publication 4676 from the Office of Taxpayer Burden Reduction, amount other

pertinent IRS Publications and materials will be given to each in attendance.

Cost(s): $ 0 for 2009 N. MS chapter members

$15 for non-members

RSVP via email nmapaofficers@apanmiss.com

Subject Line as March Meeting

*Meals are subject to change at the discretion of attending officers.

VIDEO- Pit Bull Bark in the PARK

julzp — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:31:41 GMT

Video made in Tom Lee park this past weekend.

Around 50 Pit Bulls and 70 people ahowed up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy-bYsJetHw

To learn more about our group- www.pawsitivepitbulls.com

Memphis City Council Education Committee Meeting Audio Link May20,2008

Cherise23 — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 05:54:48 GMT

Memphis City Council Education Meeting May 20,2008 Audio

Education Committee 1211266800May 20, 2008 00h 17m Agenda Minutes Audio Open Audio Only in Windows Media Player

Exit Strategies:Confronting Faulty Grad Tests

Cherise23 — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 05:51:18 GMT

Exit Strategies: Confronting Faulty Grad Tests

By Latricia Wilson, WireTap
Posted on July 3, 2008, Printed on March 10, 2009
http://www.wiretapmag.org/education/43620/

My name is Latricia Wilson. I was born in Gary, Indiana but currently reside in Memphis, Tennessee. I am 25 years old and a student at Tennessee Technology Center. Just a few years ago I wasn't sure if I would be able to achieve any higher education or vocational training because my high school denied me a standard diploma despite the fact that I had completed all of my courses.

I was denied a proper diploma because I had failed to pass the math section of a new end of year test by a few points.

The Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program Achievement Tests (TCAP), now called the Gateway Exam (PDF), are part of the state's assessment program. The high-stakes exit exam I took is part of a growing trend around the country leaving thousands of students without diplomas.

Prior to graduating high school, my career goals were to be a hairstylist and television makeup artist. After being denied a standard high school diploma in 2002 for failing to pass the TCAP math section, I was denied entry into all beauty schools even though I was on the technical/vocational path in high school and had taken cosmetology classes during my high school career. I was also denied entry into other Memphis technical and community colleges and universities.

I struggled as an adult to make a living wage to support myself. I worked as a waitress for years, took on double shifts and was just barely able to pay my rent. I was getting further away from my career goals and sinking deeper into poverty and debt. Eventually, I was evicted from my apartment. I've truly experienced how difficult it is to be an independent adult without a valid high school diploma. But I decided to do something about it, and started a quest to regain my rightful degree.

This is my own experience with Tennessee's public education system and how I was able to change it.

Diploma Drama

I was one of many students denied a high school diploma for failure to pass the TCAP tests in 2002. I had a mild learning disability in math, which made passing those TCAP sections difficult. I was enrolled in math resource classes from the ninth grade, and instructed at a slightly lower grade level than my classmates. Despite this, I was repeatedly administered the TCAP on a higher grade level than the one at which I was taught. As a result, I was unable to pass the math section by the end of senior year.

I was allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony, but instead of a regular diploma I received a "special education diploma," awarded to students with physical, emotional or severe learning disabilities not able to meet standard diploma requirements. But, having passed 20 credits in regular classes just like other students, I was qualified. I was mislabeled for no reason other than having failed the TCAP math section.

I was told by more than one high school guidance counselor that I could still further my education to some degree. I later learned that technical, vocational, community colleges and universities in Tennessee wouldn't accept my special diploma, because these institutions don't consider it a valid graduation certificate.

I was shamed and silenced, just like thousands of students that fail these state tests every year.

Gateway's Gaps

23 states, including Florida, Texas and California, have adopted exit exams as a requirement for receiving high school diplomas. The Gateway Exam is Tennessee's graduation requirement test and consists of English II, Algebra I and Biology I exams.

These assessments might seem like an important way to gauge a school or student's performance, but in the end they're linked to an inherently flawed public education system that fails to consider factors that hinder student performance such as lack of access to adequate classroom resources, quality instruction or tutoring services.

Students with learning disabilities are disproportionately affected because Tennessee public schools don't offer reasonable test accommodations such as portfolio assessments, alternative test formats, or the use of adaptive equipment. Failing to provide these accommodations violates federal and state provisions set forth in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (reauthorized in 2002 as No Child Left Behind), the 1975 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

School closures also impact student preparedness for exit exams. In Memphis, for every school that closes, another facility must be made available, otherwise students are assigned to the next closest school. This can lead to class sizes of up to 40 students. Overcrowding hinders a teacher's effectiveness in covering core subjects such as English, science and math. Some teachers aren't even properly prepared to teach the basics.

In 2005, the Memphis City School Report Card data revealed that over one third of instructors were not "highly qualified" to teach core courses, leaving Memphis students with some 6,653 under-qualified teachers.

The Tennessee Department of Education also refuses to release test information that identifies what answers students missed, or indicate sections on which they may have performed poorly. Releasing this information would help instructors provide assistance for the Gateway Exam and ensure that students could be more successful when retaking the exam. Despite the fact that failure to pass an exit exam may seriously impact a student's future, proper assistance is not provided.

Making The Grade

How high school exit exams negatively affect students nationally.

In 2004, 64 percent of Arizona's students failed the math exit exam and 41 percent failed the English exam.
In 2007, failure to pass all four sections of state tests left 40,200 Texas students without diplomas.
13,000 students did not pass Florida's FCAT exam in 2003 and were denied diplomas.
In 2006, a California appeals court refused diplomas for 20,000 students who failed the state's CAHSEE exam.
In 2003, Massachusetts' MCAS exam left over 5,000 students without diplomas
The Poughkeepsie Journal reported that in 2003 about 3,000 New York seniors failed the state's math Regents exam.

Denied Opportunities

According to the Tennessee Department of Education Annual Statistical Reports, between 1995 and 2007 a total of 32,233 students statewide were denied standard high school diplomas and given "special education diplomas." A further 8,654 students were only issued Certificates of Attendance (COA).

The Tennessee Department of Education failed to notify students of the COA's limitations including ineligibility for student loans, scholarships, entrance to the military or Federal Pell Grant funding for post-secondary education, as well as exclusion from technical, community colleges and universities.

The individual and societal costs of denying a diploma based on a state test score without providing students other alternatives are painfully high. Data from FairTest, the American Community Survey, U.S. Census Bureau and Education Research Center show that students without diplomas earn much less in the workforce. They are less likely to maintain stable families as a result of unemployment or under-employment, and may turn to criminal activities in order to earn an income. Young people face these challenges every day and the stigma of having failed to complete their education silences them. In my case, it took a lawsuit to regain my voice.

I Had to Do Something!

While contemplating my future and feeling frustrated with the system, I decided to appeal the deficiencies of special diplomas and high-stakes exit examination before the Memphis school board, the state legislature and make my case heard on all the Memphis news stations (video).

I first addressed the Memphis City School Board at several meetings. Then I began contacting several local and state representatives by e-mail and phone to tell them how graduation requirements had affected my life. I came in contact with Rep. Barbara Cooper (D-Tenn.) who at that time was pushing for legislation to change the state graduation policies. I explained my diploma's limitations and how it was barring me from even entering a beauty school and Rep. Cooper asked me to testify before the House and Higher Education Committee at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville.

I also explained the issue in a one-on-one meeting in Washington, D.C. with Congressman Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.). A local D.C. blog called The Pesky Fly covered the meeting and wrote:

What impressed me about [her] current Congressman is that he didn't blow her off, and when she began to articulate her issue, he immediately offered to put her in touch with the Chairman of the Education sub-committee, Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.). Rep. Cohen gave Ms. Wilson a two-hour meeting on a Friday morning (when many of his colleagues, including some members of the Congressional Black Caucus, were busy blowing town for parts unknown, if not back to their districts). Expect Latricia to become a "shining star" on the Hill when she gives that testimony before Rep. Miller's subcommittee.

Meanwhile, I approached news reporters while they were covering stories on the streets of Memphis and distributed brief summaries of my personal experience and copies of my diploma. Media outlets were instrumental in forcing the state to acknowledge the issue of how its exit exams affected students like myself.

As a result, a federal class action lawsuit was filed July 26, 2007 against the Tennessee Department of Education on behalf of all former students that were denied high school diplomas for failure to pass the Gateway Exam. I was one of the plaintiffs represented by a young man named Corey Robertson. Walter Bailey Law Firm Attorney Javier Bailey filed my case.

Better Days Ahead

Within the lawsuit, my attorney asked the judge to dismantle the Gateway Exam as a graduation requirement. We also asked that students denied diplomas be re-certified. Unfortunately, the lawsuit was dismissed due my case's expired statute of limitations. We lost the battle but in the end we won the war because we were successful in being the first to legally challenge the state on this issue. Tennessee's unfair testing policy had been exposed.

The Tennessee State Board of Education did not want to risk being challenged on graduation testing again and on January 25, 2008, just a few months after my suit was dismissed, the Board moved to eliminate the Gateway Exam as a diploma requirement. In the 2009-2010 school year no student in the state of Tennessee will be required to pass any test to qualify for a high school diploma.

While I failed the TCAP math section in 2002 because of systemic failures in the public school system here in Tennessee, I do not consider myself a failure. In fact, I took the Gateway Exam on May 1, 2007 in hopes of passing to obtain a standard diploma. I'm determined that I will not be deemed unemployable and incapable of pursuing my career goals merely because of a high school test score.

Latricia Wilson is a student at Tennessee Technology Center.

Memphian, Zaniesha D., FINALIST for AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL!

zanieshad — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:24:39 GMT

Hello,

     My name is Zaniesha Davis. This past weekend I traveled with some friends to St. Louis to try out for America's Next Top Model! They only allowed about 170 applicants in the door. From that pool, they only chose 11 finalist from the St. Louis audition and I was one of them! The next step is to get people to vote all week long on cw11tv.com. People can vote all day, everyday up until noon on Friday, March 13th. If I have the most votes, I win a trip to go to the live auditions in front of Tyra and her crew.
      I really need all the publicity I can get because I know I can win and make Memphis proud. I am well-spoken and articulate, driven and motivated. I just need help spreading the word.
      My contact information is 901-488-5656. This is something positive that I know Memphis is ready to hear. Please please, I am begging you all to help me.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Zaniesha Davis

Memphian, Zaniesha D., is finalist for America's Next Top Model!!

zanieshad — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:21:05 GMT

Hello,

     My name is Zaniesha Davis. This past weekend I traveled with some friends to St. Louis to try out for America's Next Top Model! They only allowed about 170 applicants in the door. From that pool, they only chose 11 finalist from the St. Louis audition and I was one of them! The next step is to get people to vote all week long on cw11tv.com. People can vote all day, everyday up until noon on Friday, March 13th. When I have the most votes, I win a trip to go to the live auditions in front of Tyra and her crew.
      I really need all the publicity I can get because I know I can win and make Memphis proud. I am well-spoken and articulate, driven and motivated. I just need help spreading the word.
      This is something positive that I know Memphis is ready to hear. Please please, I am begging you all to help me.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Zaniesha Davis

Dreamers Talent Search @ Morgan Freeman's Ground Zero

MarieJz — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:35:34 GMT

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SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1For Immediate Release

01, February 2009

Contact: Anner J. Echols, 901-650-4955

Dreamers Talent Search

March 15, 2009, Mid South’s 2^nd Annual Dreamers Talent Search will be held in Memphis, Tennessee at Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club, 158 Lt. George W. Lee, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. AJE Productions is working hard to make Memphis, TN a star attraction for all talented singers, musicians and dancers of tomorrow a chance of a lifetime in displaying their great talent.

Chosen winners have potential to receive many great prizes including a cash prize as well as all the contestants who are chosen for the showcase will get an opportunity of a lifetime to perform in front of the industry's top professionals who will be attending. We will be casting for singers, instrumentalist, clean rappers and dancers. In order to get the opportunity to participate in our showcase you MUST be between the ages of 8 and 35 and audition live for our judges at one of our open auditions. The professionals from the entertainment industry will be attending, and will only have the need and time to see the best of the best.

We have been in the entertainment industry for over 20+ years, of experience. The Audition round (round 1) is set up similar to American Idol. Round 2 (the final showcase) will be held at an auditorium and professional judges will be there, only the best will be forwarded to round 2.

This event is sponsored by Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club and LC-Memphis Productions.

Thank you for your interest and please let me know if you have any questions.

For additional information about our Dreamers Talent Search, please visit us at www.ajedreamland.com or email us at ajedreamland@bellsouth.net.

Higher Heights christan church cancelled

higher heights — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 03:30:57 GMT

Higher Heights christian church 3606 austin peay Hwy,st 202 memphis tn,38128 are cancelled due to weather, all sunday services.

Converter Boxes

lisafranchette — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:10:32 GMT

Channel 30, is my favorite station. After today, I don't know. I think it was poor judgement on the stations part to continue with the transfer the station doing at this time. If the Federal Goverment changed the date to June 12th, why channel 30 could not wait? I have not received my coupons yet, and it has been a month. I was going to purchase a converter box Sunday. Radio Shack was out. I spoke to friends and family members. They are experiencing the same problem. This to me is another way for you to have to spend money. This process has become a big mess. Channel 30 and 24 has not help, in this matter. How are you going to cut out the way most people view your program, when the station knows there is a problem with the process of getting a converter box. I really don't think this is right. Channel 30 and 24 could have waited just like the other local stations. I wonder how much intrest do the cable company have in this proccess.

vendors

marvin — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 03:40:46 GMT

This is a great town. However, I have never met a more narrow minded abusive group of people in all my life. I work as a sales rep and have done so all over the country. I have never encountered the problems with people i have in other areas of the country that I have in Memphis. Business owners are rude, hostile, narrow minded and expect me as a consumer to purchase from them. I too am a human being and am working to make a living. We as a city wonder why people are leaving and taking their money elsewhere. When business owners cannot treat people with basic human respect and mistreat vendors as a nuissance and not as a business partner and potentially as a customer. When I am in a business working I treat my customers with respect and dignity. However, when a business owner abuses me they can bank on it that I won't use them in the future and as any other consumer I will tell everyone how I was treated. A word to business owners. You may want to think twice about abusing that pesky vendor that comes into your businesses. not only are we trying to eek out a living we are also customers. I have never met a more hostile and abusive group of people until i moved to the midsouth.