Three educators who have led schools inside and outside the conventional public school system locally say consistency at the school level will be important in a school year that will see a lot of change.

2. Strategic Science - Saturday, June 15, 2013

On a recent Wednesday afternoon, Memphis high school students guided Frisbee-flinging robots around a large room at Medtronic Spine’s headquarters. The robots were built to compete in FIRST Robotics – For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology – an international high school robotics competition designed to inspire and expose young people to careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

3. New U of M Engineering Dean Targets Growth - Saturday, June 15, 2013

Dr. Richard Sweigard, who took the helm on June 1 as the new dean of the Herff College of Engineering at the University of Memphis, believes strongly in the importance and value of engineering education.

4. Inspiration, Not Imitation - Friday, June 14, 2013

The superintendent of the Albemarle County, Va., school system told a group of educators in Memphis this week she is concerned U.S. schools are too based on an outdated 20th century industrial model.

5. He Said, She Said, Part 2 - Thursday, June 13, 2013

Finishing what I started last week. More “humorous” quotes. Which I came up with for use in a “new” puzzle-game. And which the editors rejected. That I ultimately came up with 30 deemed acceptable now seems miraculous.

6. Old Boundaries Fade as Schools Merger Nears - Thursday, June 13, 2013

There is still some power left in the line that separates Memphis City Schools from Shelby County Schools with about two weeks left until the two public school systems formally become one.

That was evident Tuesday, June 11, as the countywide school board approved a slate of 35 policy decisions for the merged school system whose fiscal year begins July 1.

7. Commission OKs Sale for Penny Hardaway Courts - Saturday, June 08, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners approved Monday, June 3, the transfer of nearly 10 acres of land in Cordova on the west side of Herbert Road at Fischer Steel Road to Gameday Health Kids Foundation as the location of “Penny’s Fast Break Courts Sports Facility” – the children’s basketball site named for NBA and University of Memphis basketball star Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway.

8. Report Highlights Importance of Public Programs - Monday, June 10, 2013

A recent report on the welfare of children in Tennessee highlights the importance of public programs.

State health and child welfare experts on Friday released the latest Kids Count report, which this year examined challenges to raising children in Tennessee, and whether state programs are doing enough to help them.

9. Putting On for Their City - Monday, June 10, 2013

It started about a year ago, with two friends who wanted some upbeat, fun threads to wear to Memphis Grizzlies and University of Memphis basketball games.

From that, Leslie Skelton and Ian Lemmonds turned their basketball superfandom into a business – Hoop City Memphis.

10. Obama Pushes Plan for Fast Internet in US Schools - Friday, June 07, 2013

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (AP) – Touting the need to give every child the tools for success, President Barack Obama on Thursday toured a North Carolina school where every student has a laptop and called for 99 percent of American students to be connected to super-fast Internet within five years.

11. Pre-Kindergarten Expansion in Funding Limbo - Friday, June 07, 2013

The idea of a city sales tax hike to fund an expansion of pre-kindergarten classrooms in Memphis schools may have been buried this week.

It happened as the City Council fielded a proposal from Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. for a 15-cent property tax hike on top of the 25-cent increase in the tax rate as the recertified city property tax rate.

12. Commission OKs Land Sale for ‘Penny’ Hardaway Courts - Wednesday, June 05, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners approved Monday, June 3, the transfer of nearly 10 acres of land in Cordova on the west side of Herbert Road at Fischer Steel Road to Gameday Health Kids Foundation as the location of “Penny’s Fast Break Courts Sports Facility” – the children’s basketball site named for NBA and University of Memphis basketball star Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway.

13. Commission Approves Budget and 1st Reading of Tax Rate - Tuesday, June 04, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners approved an operating budget for Shelby County government Monday and approved on the first of three reading a $4.38 property tax rate to fund that budget.

The votes that signal the end of the county’s budget season came after a prolonged commission debate about the basic role of county government.

14. Achievement District Plans Include Two High Schools - Tuesday, June 04, 2013

The state-run Achievement School District has identified nine charter school operators that will run failing Memphis schools in the 2014-2015 school year including, for the first time, two high schools.

15. Round Of A Lifetime - Friday, May 31, 2013

WHAT THESE GUYS DO ISN’T PROFESSIONAL. IT’S IMPOSSIBLE. I told this story last year and, like describing an exceptional shot much less a whole round of golf, it’s worth telling again. After all, this was a round of a whole lifetime, and lifetimes last a whole lot longer because of it.

16. Summer Travel Forecast: Better, but No Blowout - Monday, May 27, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – This summer, high rollers are flying to lavish hot spots for their vacations. The rest of us are driving to less luxurious places like nearby campgrounds.

The good news: At some U.S. campgrounds these days you get live bands, air guitar contests and chocolate pudding slip 'n slides.

17. House Backs Variable Rate Student Loans - Friday, May 24, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Dismissing a veto threat from President Barack Obama, lawmakers in the Republican-led House approved legislation that links student loan rates to the ups and downs of the financial markets.

18. Strategic Science - Thursday, May 23, 2013

On a recent Wednesday afternoon, Memphis high school students guided Frisbee-flinging robots around a large room at Medtronic Spine’s headquarters.

The robots were built to compete in FIRST Robotics – For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology – an international high school robotics competition designed to inspire and expose young people to careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

19. Department of Children’s Services Files Outline Abuse - Tuesday, May 14, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Records released by the state Department of Children's Services showing 42 cases where children died or nearly died after the agency had some type of involvement with them shows that half of the kids were under 1 year old. Some of the records didn't even include the child's age.

20. Tennessee First Lady, Muppet Against Obesity - Tuesday, May 14, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Tennessee First Lady Crissy Haslam is teaming up with Grover, the loveable Muppet from Sesame Street, and United HealthCare to teach kids the benefits of eating healthy and getting in shape while helping them learn to love reading.

21. Civic Leader Says City Has ‘Right Stuff’ - Monday, May 13, 2013

A little less than two years ago, Dr. Robert Ross was up for a standard performance review from the board of the foundation he leads.

22. Reality TV's New Stars: Small Businesses - Thursday, May 09, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – There's no business like small business.

Mix the high stakes of running a small business with a dash of family drama and throw in a camera crew and you get hit reality television shows such as "Pawn Stars," ''Welcome to Sweetie Pie's" and "Duck Dynasty."

23. Wise Investors Know to Avoid Distractions - Thursday, May 09, 2013

Ray’s Take Hopefully you have a financial plan to guide you to your goals, whether they are college for the kids, a vacation home or a secure retirement. However, one of the key indicators as to whether you will be able to achieve those goals is your ability to avoid distractions from your plan.

24. Celebrating Rails - Thursday, May 09, 2013

More railroad passengers boarded and stepped off Amtrak trains at Memphis Central Station in 2012 as travelers turned to trains amid higher gas prices and improved rail reliability.

Passengers who embarked and alighted in Memphis gained 11.2 percent to 73,116 travelers in the 2012 fiscal year ended Oct. 31, compared with 65,769 passengers a year earlier.

25. Tennessee Named Top Choice for Retirement - Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Retirees considering where to spend their golden years might want to consider Tennessee.

That’s according to Bankrate.com, the personal finance website, which this week ranked Tennessee at the top of its list of the 10 best states for retirement. The site’s analysts crunched numbers in several categories, including cost of living, taxes, health care, crime and climate.

26. Promoting Play - Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Work crews with ViktorHall Construction have been wrapping up some extensive site work needed to renovate the area of Overton Park that houses the Rainbow Lake Playground.

That work is nearly finished and will offer adventurous youngsters a new Overton Park-themed place where they can play.

27. Briglia Joins Archer-Malmo as Web/Broadcast Artist - Wednesday, May 01, 2013

Kristen Briglia has joined archer-malmo as web/broadcast turbo artist. In her new role, Briglia will produce web graphics, HTML and video-editing services for the growing digital and broadcast departments, and will also help on print projects as needed.

28. Lifeblood to Hold Event to Increase Blood Donations - Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Lifeblood, the area’s only nonprofit blood center, will hold an event to increase blood donations June 9 to June 15.

Summer is often the most difficult time for Lifeblood as donations drop and blood demand remains high.

29. Data Facts Leading by Example - Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Last week we highlighted Friends For Life Corp., which is an organization helping people affected by HIV/AIDS to live well. This week let us discuss an important trend in corporate philanthropy and spotlight a local company leading by example.

30. Basketball Boon - Saturday, April 27, 2013

Before the Grizzlies began their first-round playoff series with the Clippers in Los Angeles, Dennis Flanagan looked ahead to Game 3, which was to be played on Thursday night, April 25, in Memphis.

31. New Venture Empowers Mentoring Programs - Friday, April 26, 2013

Brittany Fitzpatrick recently left her job as communications coordinator for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis because she wants to devote herself full time to the venture she’s founded and to the problem she wants to help solve.

32. Reaction Mixed to School Closings Plan - Thursday, April 25, 2013

There is a joke going around among school administrators across the country in the wake of the decision by Chicago school leaders to close more than 50 schools there.

“What do you call a superintendent who closes schools?” countywide school board member Kevin Woods began in telling the joke at the Tuesday, April 23, board meeting. “You call him a past superintendent.”

33. Good Times for All - Wednesday, April 24, 2013

There will be kickball games, limbo dances, arts and crafts, and a talent show. There will be all of that and more at the sixth annual Camp Good Times residential summer camp May 30 through June 5 at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park in Millington.

34. Events - Saturday, April 20, 2013

Ballet Memphis will present “Wizard of Oz” Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21, at The Orpheum Theatre, 203 S. Main St. Visit balletmemphis.org for tickets.

35. Events - Friday, April 19, 2013

The Circuit Playhouse will present “Time Stands Still” Friday, April 19, through May 12 at Circuit, 51 S. Cooper St. Visit playhouseonthesquare.org for times and tickets.

36. EpiPen Bill Headed to Governor - Wednesday, April 17, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Legislation that would authorize at least two epinephrine auto-injectors be placed in all public and private schools in Tennessee is headed to the governor for his consideration.

37. Green Machine Brings Food to Neediest Areas - Wednesday, April 17, 2013

On a recent Wednesday afternoon, dozens of volunteers worked to paint an 80-foot mural on the side of a former Memphis Area Transit Authority bus.

Students from Hollis Price Leadership Academy High School and other volunteers from the Memphis Grizzlies, St. Patrick’s Church and the University of Memphis graduate program in City and Regional Planning painted a colorful wellness-inspired mural that combines Memphis’ musical roots with fruits, vegetables and a message of healthy living.

38. Taste of Jubilee to Benefit Underprivileged Students - Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Founded in 1947, St. John Catholic School at 2717 Lamar Ave. was once the largest Catholic school in Memphis.

39. In Need of Relief - Saturday, April 13, 2013

Perhaps it is only too appropriate that baseball is played without a clock. For securing the future of the Memphis Redbirds may require extra innings, not to mention extra effort.

The ballpark was on the leading edge of revitalizing Downtown when it opened in 2000 at Third and Union. This, of course, was “B.G.” in Memphis – Before the Grizzlies. Also, before FedExForum. The city was ready for something big and bold – something that showed Memphis could overachieve, not underachieve.

40. Critics Revive Past Promises to Knock Obama Budget - Friday, April 12, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Advocates for seniors say President Barack Obama is breaking his promise to protect Social Security, while conservatives say he is breaking his promise not to raise taxes on the middle class.

41. House Panel Advances Welfare Penalty for Parents - Thursday, April 11, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – A Tennessee House committee on Tuesday recommended passing a bill that would dock the welfare payments of parents of children who fail at a school despite Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's opposition to the measure.

42. Take Time to Budget Your Vacation - Thursday, April 11, 2013

Ray’s Take It’s that time when people start looking forward to summer vacations. Unfortunately, all too often, the aftermath of those vacations turns out to be more than just wonderful memories – a blown budget and burdensome debt.

43. White House Celebrates the Sounds of Memphis Soul - Wednesday, April 10, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – A White House celebration Tuesday night of Memphis soul music is an affirmation of the decades of hard work that went into making it a classic American music sound, said some of the artists tapped to perform.

44. Kelsey: State Confirms Six-Year Auto Inspection Timeframe - Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Republican state Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown says he is confident Shelby County vehicle owners outside Memphis won’t have to go through auto inspections for another six years.

45. New School Media Blends Film, Music Into ‘Funky’ - Monday, April 08, 2013

In 2007, Sean Faust and business partner Brad Ellis came together with Memphis music icon Doug Easley to create a company offering full-service audio and video recording and mixing services.

46. April 5-11: This Week in Memphis History - Saturday, April 06, 2013

1993: U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Sr. was acquitted of all federal bank fraud charges in the dramatic conclusion to his second trial on the charges in three years. The jury foreman read the not guilty verdicts on 18 counts and on the final count, Ford embraced his oldest son, Harold Ford Jr. Co-defendants Douglas Beaty and Karl Schledwitz were also acquitted of all charges by the jury in a case that began with the collapse of the Butcher bank empire in 1983.

47. Then and Now - Saturday, April 06, 2013

Jay Bailey pictured marching bands and floats when his mother told him he was going on a march.

“We thought of it as a parade,” said Bailey, who was 6 years old in March 1968. “We thought of it as something fun.”

48. Haslam School Voucher Bill Dead This Session - Friday, April 05, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – The Republican leader carrying Gov. Bill Haslam's proposal to create school vouchers in Tennessee said he's decided to let it die this session because he's tired of the "gamesmanship."

49. Single-Handed Success Story - Friday, April 05, 2013

SINGULAR PERFORMANCE. The White Station Class of 1966, the year ahead of mine, had two Academy Award winners – one you’ve heard of and one you haven’t.

That was some class. Physicist, gray matter repository and best-selling author Alan Lightman was in it. Federal judge and arbiter of public education’s future in Shelby County Hardy Mays was in it. John Vergos, former courageous city council maverick and scion to Rendezvous rib royalty, was in it. Academy Award-winning actress Kathy Bates was in it.

50. Disconnecting Could Mean a Richer Life - Thursday, April 04, 2013

Ray’s Take Every time you go out to lunch you see it: everyone’s smart phones are right there on the table, ready for texting, talking, checking emails, or some quick research. What happened to simply staying connected to the ones right there in front of you?

51. Tennessee Lawmakers Could Require EpiPens in Schools - Tuesday, April 02, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Kendra Tiedemann's 8-year-old son has been carrying an epinephrine injector with him since he was 3.

But the Franklin mother says not all children may have the so-called EpiPen, a device designed to quickly treat serious allergic reactions. That's why she and others support a bill advancing in the Legislature that would authorize at least two epinephrine auto-injectors to be placed in all public and private schools in Tennessee.

52. Marketing Power of Predictability - Monday, April 01, 2013

When I was a very young man many, many years ago, I remember being fascinated by the information on the bottom of the McDonald’s hamburgers signage. Of course, I didn’t know about the word signage back then. I just knew McDonald’s had really cool signs with golden arches and big red and white words. The words at the bottom of the sign intrigued me most.

53. Health Care Decisions - Saturday, March 30, 2013

In the past four years, the health care premiums Courtney Liebenrood Ellett has paid for her 12 employees have risen about 70 percent.

Liebenrood Ellett, the founder and principal at Obsidian Public Relations in Memphis, has paid 100 percent of her employees’ premiums since 2009.

54. ‘Teacher Town’ - Saturday, March 23, 2013

There was a time not too long ago when teacher residency programs in Memphis were exercises in isolation. The new teaching recruits in and out of those programs often talked of being overwhelmed in their new school and career environments. But in the larger maelstrom of changes to the face of local public education, the residency programs are growing across all the different types of public schools emerging in advance of the August merger of city and county schools.

55. The Duck, The Dog, The Farm - Friday, March 22, 2013

GOING TO LIVE IN THE COUNTRY. My column last week prompted a number of you to share your memories of the creatures that came home with you from the cages at Katz Drug Store. My friend Bill Haltom, attorney and storyteller, sent me this:

56. Jack Jones Shootout Returns to Memphis - Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Four of the five players in the 2013 recruiting class of the University of Memphis basketball team will be featured in the annual Jack Jones Basketball Shootout that begins Thursday, March 21, and continues through Saturday, March 23.

57. Whalum, Woods Differ on Schools Mediation - Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Two countywide school board members who ran against each other for the same seat on the school board last year agree that the 23-member board is doing the best it can to make decisions about the schools merger.

58. Poll Finds Attitude Shift Among Working Moms - Friday, March 15, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Working mothers increasingly want full-time jobs, and tough economic times might be a big reason, according to a national survey.

In the Pew Research Center study being released Thursday, researchers saw a big spike in the share of working mothers who said they'd prefer to work full time; 37 percent said that was their ideal, up from 21 percent in 2007.

59. Review Your Will Regularly - Thursday, March 14, 2013

Ray’s Take Let’s assume you’ve done the right thing and have a will in place. That is a good start, but it’s not enough. You need to regularly review your will to make sure it stays in line with your intentions and the law. Congress continues to kick the can down the road on important income tax and transfer payments, but we now have pretty good guidance on estate tax laws both federally and in Tennessee.

60. Soul Celebration - Tuesday, March 12, 2013

John Fry, the venerable founder of the Memphis-based Ardent record label and accompanying studio facility, still remembers wandering into the Satellite Record Shop, the music store that once operated in front of Stax Records.

61. Masson Talks Plan for Merger Work - Monday, March 11, 2013

The special master in the schools merger federal court case says his first order of business is to look at the paperwork and other documents of the case and what has been done so far in the merger.

62. Gang Tackle - Saturday, March 09, 2013

Cecil Dotson was a gang member until the day he died violently five years ago this month.

He also worked every day for 16 years as the maintenance man at the apartment complex where he lived until he moved, just before his death, into a rental house on Lester Street in Binghampton.

63. Improv Time - Friday, March 08, 2013

The Orpheum Theatre Memphis’ expansion of its iconic South Main campus is being “re-energized” due to an unanticipated lack of donor dollars.

The Memphis Development Foundation, the organization that operates The Orpheum, in May closed on its $1.2 million purchase of the 0.87-acre parking lot immediately to the south of the 85-year-old theater at 203 S. Main St. from Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division.

64. Real Estate Law, Community Work Keep Purdom Busy - Thursday, March 07, 2013

Clay Purdom, director and shareholder with Martin, Tate, Morrow & Marston PC, says he comes from a “numbers family.”

His father and sister are both physicists, and his grandfather was one of the first certified public accountants when the formal licensing process first began.

65. Fink Joins Diamond Cos. as Senior Vice President - Wednesday, March 06, 2013

Justin Fink has joined Diamond Cos., an International truck dealership holding company, as senior vice president, truck sales. In the new role, Fink oversees new and used truck sales, and helps develop programs and processes to grow customer relationships, sales and profits.

66. Funding From Suburbs Suggested - Monday, March 04, 2013

Countywide school board members are not the only players in the schools merger feeling pressure, although they may be feeling more pressure than others.

Shelby County Commissioners whose districts include suburban towns and cities have also been hearing a lot from parents in the suburbs who not too long ago had made peace with the idea that they would be part of the consolidated school district for at least the first school year.

67. Obama, Top Lawmakers to Meet as Cuts Kick In - Thursday, February 28, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House conceded Wednesday that efforts to avoid automatic budget cuts are unlikely to succeed before they kick in and is initiating new talks with congressional leaders to confront seemingly intractable tax-and-spend issues.

68. Halting Medicaid Expansion, Cutting Taxes Drive Casada - Thursday, February 28, 2013

State Rep. Glen Casada, R-Franklin, the Republican caucus chairman of the state House, is part friend and part cajoler to the 70 representatives with whom he serves.

“I help members with their legislation,” he said. “And I help the caucus rally around a few positions.”

69. Apple to Hand Out iTunes Credits in Settlement - Wednesday, February 27, 2013

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) – Apple has agreed to give more than $100 million in iTunes store credits to settle a lawsuit alleging that the iPhone and iPad maker improperly charged kids for playing games on their mobile devices.

70. Kroc Center Opens to Big Crowds - Wednesday, February 27, 2013

To cap off Healthy Heart Month, the new 100,000-square-foot Kroc Center held its open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony last weekend.

The state-of-the-art Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center has welcomed more than 10,000 visitors in its first few days.

71. Barbic Says Coexistence at Humes Possible - Tuesday, February 26, 2013

The superintendent of the state-run Achievement School District believes there is room at Humes Middle School for an optional school and the ASD charter school now at Gordon Elementary School.

72. Mays Plans to Appoint Special Master - Monday, February 25, 2013

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee Judge Samuel “Hardy” Mays plans to move ahead with appointing a special master to oversee the merger of Shelby County’s two public school systems.

73. Breaking the Mold - Saturday, February 23, 2013

When Rosemarie Fair was named Broker of the Year in investment sales at last year’s Pinnacle Awards, she became the first woman ever to do so.

Before Fair founded One Source Commercial Inc. in 1993, she worked with Carlisle Corp. in the early 1980s on Beale Street Landing Downtown. She remembers often what her mentor Gene Carlisle taught her – “Somebody will take care of the big stuff, it’s the nickels and dimes that make the difference.”

74. Time in D.C. Helped Shape Kelsey’s Political Philosophy - Thursday, February 21, 2013

State Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Memphis, came to politics young, specifically as a second-year law student.

Today, at age 35, he sits in a unique position, sponsoring not one but two amendments to the Tennessee Constitution that appear likely to pass the legislature.

75. Humes Middle School Future Plans Debated - Thursday, February 21, 2013

The Achievement School District wants to move its Gordon Science & Arts Academy out of Gordon Elementary School next school year and into Humes Middle School.

76. Changeover - Saturday, February 16, 2013

It was almost 40 years ago, but Nancy Smith remembers the one year the men’s pro tennis tournament was held at the Mid-South Coliseum; her father had box seats. But even more memorable is that not long after the tournament moved to The Racquet Club of Memphis, a young and unknown Czech player came to town and, in that far simpler time, stayed at her parents’ house.

77. School Board Asks For $145 Million Extra - Wednesday, February 13, 2013

The countywide school board is asking the Shelby County Commission for $145 million in extra funding for the first fiscal year of the schools merger.

The “ask” is a preliminary number that goes to a county commission budget retreat scheduled for Feb. 23. It is extra funding beyond the $361 million county government currently provides both school systems.

78. Ardent Film Department Wins Mid-South Emmy - Saturday, February 09, 2013

Jonathan Pekar, director of Ardent Studios film department, won the 27th Mid-South Emmy award for Best Commercial Spot for creating the animated Memphis Music Foundation commercial.

The project also showcases the talents of painter Lamar Sorrento and singer/songwriter Keia Johnson.

79. What Tangled Webs of Ego - Thursday, February 07, 2013

In December, the star athlete was in New York for the festivities surrounding the presentation of a major sports award. The media were all over him, and he, thus, was on his best behavior – perhaps. He was, I take it, on that circuit that athletes apparently are put on by silent agents, wherein they get their pictures taken while bringing cheer to people with bleak futures – such as sportswriters.

80. APNewsBreak: Effort Building to Change US Pot Laws - Tuesday, February 05, 2013

SEATTLE (AP) – An effort is building in Congress to change U.S. marijuana laws, including moves to legalize the industrial production of hemp and establish a federal pot tax.

While passage this year could be a longshot, lawmakers from both parties have been quietly working on several bills, the first of which Democratic Reps. Earl Blumenauer of Oregon and Jared Polis of Colorado plan to introduce Tuesday, Blumenauer told The Associated Press.

81. Ardent Film Department Wins Mid-South Emmy Award - Tuesday, February 05, 2013

Jonathan Pekar, director of Ardent Studios film department, won the 27th Mid-South Emmy award for Best Commercial Spot for creating the animated Memphis Music Foundation commercial.

The project also showcases the talents of painter Lamar Sorrento and singer/songwriter Keia Johnson.

82. Seminar to Tackle Reappraisal, Consolidation - Tuesday, February 05, 2013

Real estate industry professionals will soon have the opportunity to learn more about two ongoing issues that will affect every homeowner and taxpayer – the 2013 Shelby County reappraisal and the school consolidation.

83. Healthy Schools: Goodbye Candy and Greasy Snacks - Monday, February 04, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Goodbye candy bars and sugary cookies. Hello baked chips and diet sodas.

The government for the first time is proposing broad new standards to make sure all foods sold in schools are more healthful, a change that would ban the sale of almost all candy, high-calorie sports drinks and greasy foods on campus.

84. Creative Space - Thursday, January 31, 2013

By the time Crosstown Arts occupies space in the 1.5 million-square-foot Sears Crosstown building, it will have completed a solid test run of promoting arts-based community and economic development in Midtown.

85. District Attorneys Outline Wish List - Thursday, January 31, 2013

The Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference’s legislative agenda for the new session of the Tennessee General Assembly includes a focus on children, sentencing guidelines and the fight against drugs.

86. Arkansas Governor Announces $1.1 Billion Steel Mill Plan - Wednesday, January 30, 2013

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – Gov. Mike Beebe on Tuesday unveiled Arkansas' largest ever economic development project, saying investors were poised to build a $1.1 billion steel mill along the Mississippi River if legislators approve startup funding.

87. Take Stand With Positives - Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Last week we discussed DeNeuville Learning Center, which is an organization that is working to assist women of all backgrounds and cultures in learning the skills needed to make positive choices for themselves and their families. This week let us highlight the importance of infusing positive energy into our community and being intentional to share hope-filled and uplifting stories, like those of our everyday heroes, who are leading by example to strengthen the Mid-South.

88. Schools Must Provide Sports for Disabled, US Says - Monday, January 28, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Students with disabilities must be given a fair shot to play on a traditional sports team or have their own leagues, the Education Department says.

Disabled students who want to play for their school could join traditional teams if officials can make "reasonable modifications" to accommodate them. If those adjustments would fundamentally alter a sport or give the student an advantage, the department is directing the school to create parallel athletic programs that have comparable standing to traditional programs.

89. Due Process - Saturday, January 26, 2013

One at a time. That is the most noticeable change so far at Memphis-Shelby County Juvenile Court as a result of a landmark settlement in November with the U.S. Justice Department. The children before the court come before the court magistrates one at a time. No more groups of juvenile defendants waiting for their case to come up as other cases are being heard.

90. You Can Still Save for Retirement - Thursday, January 24, 2013

Ray’s Take It may feel as if those gray hairs are multiplying faster than your 401(k). Or maybe your career or other life experience has thrown you curve balls that ate through your savings. Either way, it’s not too late to save for a more comfortable future!

91. Kelsey Discusses School Vouchers Bill - Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The bill to come in the Tennessee Legislature that permits school vouchers will be built around the more than $9,000 in state funding per school child, in the case of Memphis, and the ability of parents to use it to move their child to a private school.

92. Racing Time - Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Next month, a siren song in the form of a 420-plus horsepower engine roar will beckon all manner of car enthusiasts, speed demons and adrenaline junkies to Memphis International Raceway in Millington.

93. Haslam Addresses School Vouchers Issues - Monday, January 21, 2013

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam says the third year of significant education reform legislation in the Tennessee General Assembly will include vouchers but added that “ultimately our efforts in Tennessee are going to be around the vast majority of kids that are in public schools.”

94. Sheriffs, State Lawmakers Push Back on Gun Control - Friday, January 18, 2013

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) – From Oregon to Mississippi, President Barack Obama's proposed ban on new assault weapons and large-capacity magazines struck a nerve among rural lawmen and lawmakers, many of whom vowed to ignore any restrictions – and even try to stop federal officials from enforcing gun policy in their jurisdictions.

95. Sharpening Students’ Academic Abilities Crux of Sylvan Model - Monday, January 14, 2013

For some kids, school is never truly out for the holidays.

Trends in education standards provide the currents that keep tutoring businesses sailing.

“There have been many (educational) trends in the tenure that I’ve been with this company,” said Andrea Goughnour, director of the Sylvan Learning Center, 1605 N. Germantown Parkway in Cordova.

96. Historic Opportunity - Monday, January 14, 2013

The best look at the competition conventional public schools in Memphis face begins at Humes Middle School, which recently got some attention for the birthday anniversary of a student who went there in the 1950s.

97. Malco Theatres ‘Wraps’ Up Fundraiser - Saturday, January 12, 2013

This year, more than 86,500 bows were sold during Malco Theatres’ five-week holiday campaign “Wrapped with Love.”

The annual campaign benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The program is in its 14th year, and this year it saw an increase of more than 6,000 bows sold compared to 2011.

98. Making Sense of the Merger - Saturday, January 12, 2013

There are several certainties for public education in Shelby County when the new school year begins in August.

Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools will be consolidated into a single countywide system and there will be more competition than most Memphians can remember in their lifetimes for that single consolidated school system.

99. Fitzpatrick Lends Hand to Nonprofits, Startups - Friday, January 11, 2013

When Brittany Fitzpatrick first came to Memphis a few years ago for graduate studies at the University of Memphis, journalism professor Dr. David Arant welcomed her to the city with three words.

100. A Murphy’s Law Birthday - Thursday, January 10, 2013

“Turn right in four-tenths of a mile,” Susan said. “I’m looking forward to some light, warmth, TV and Internet access.”

It was Dec. 26, 2012, my 61st birthday. Mother Nature had doused us with a wet, yucky snowfall the night before. The familiar pop of transformers had punctuated the cold winter evening as we watched blue bursts of energy in the distance.