My Interview

Today, I interviewed Dr. Julia Heath. She is the Professor and Chair in the Department of Economics. I was not completely sure what to ask her, but I felt like what we did talk about was helpful. She didn't really tell me too much information I didn't know, but we did debate some things. I asked her some questions like whether or not a living wage would prevent a recession and whether or not a living wage would help increase the number of people that go to college. I also asked her if she thought a living wage would help with homelessness. We talked about some concerns I had with some of the research I did. She did help a lot at some of the things I had questions about. One question I had was that some research materials said the U.S. could not afford a living wage, but she had a really good comeback to this. She said when employees get paid more, they work harder, which causes more production. More production creates more money, which in turn goes to pay the employees. I really liked this because I knew there was no way the U.S. couldn't afford a living wage, but I could not come up with a good comeback to that statement. Another concern I had was that if a living wage is enforced, will that create less scholarships. My parents make good money, so it was very difficult for me to get scholarships. One of my friends had a single mom who made less than $30,000 a year. She got tons of scholarships. We talked about how this would greatly affect scholarships, but people will have more money so it might not make as big of a difference. In order for people to get scholarships, the requirements would have to change. I am still questioning how I feel about this whole living wage thing. For the most part, I think a living wage would be a great thing, but there are still bad things that make me question it. I think the interview was good as far as talking to someone who knows about the topic and asking them questions and debating everything. I enjoyed the interview. It was very laid back, but I felt like it helped a little bit.

Horrible Herenton

Herenton is getting on my nerves. Why in the world was he voted back into office? Can someone please tell me why? He is so stupid. I am reading on the same sight as the Millington article that he says he ran for re-election to protect Memphis from Chumney, Morris. Are you kidding me? He ran for re-election because he is a selfish jerk who wants all the glory for himself. I mean really what has Mayor Herenton done that makes him so great? I can't think of anything. Has anyone looked at Memphis lately? It's pathetic. Schools shootings every day, murders every day, stealing every day, rapes every day, etc. The list goes on and on. If he was such a "great" mayor, then why can't he find something to fix all of these problems. He's been in office long enough to have had some time to come up with something. I mean what has he been doing all these years? Also, I read he says he'll stay put in the mayor's office if he doesn't get city school's superintendent. Once again, are you freaking kidding me? What a jerk!! I mean it's like he thinks he owns Memphis, and he can just do whatever he wants. One day he wants to be mayor, then the next day he wants to be superintendent. Herenton, you suck at both jobs! Just give it a break already and retire. I am tired of seeing your face all over tv and listening to your stupid speeches that do nothing for Memphis. Listening to you is like listening to Bush. I would rather listen to fingernails on a chalkboard than listen to you and Bush talk. I hate people that think they own everybody. Just because Herenton is mayor means nothing to me. Anybody could do what he's doing. I mean who couldn't just walk around in a suit all day and read speeches that someone else wrote and act like you actually know what you're talking about. Sorry once again for the ranting. These comments really struck a nerve.

Millington Employees Expecting Pay Increase

I read today in the Commercial Appeal (I know you hate it Wendy) that the city of Millington is planning on comparing their employees wages with other cities. If Millington's wages are less than other cities, then there may be a pay raise. I think this is awesome. I am planning on getting another job pretty soon that is close to home. I am tired of J. Alexander's. I know I have not kept everyone updated with that job, but to make everything short, the people are evil (especially the workers) and I am not making a whole lot more money like I thought I would. I want to leave the restaurant business for good. It's nice to get some quick money, but I miss my steady money. I also have been forced to work on Sundays at my last two jobs, and I am tired of it. I miss going to church. I think Sunday should be everyone's day of rest, but Sunday is my day of chaos. I go to school everyday of the week at 8:00 in the morning, then I work on top of that. I also work all day long Saturday and Sunday. By the time Monday gets here, I am so tired I can't think straight. I never get my day of rest. I want just one day to get away from school and work. Anyway, back to the topic. This is very exciting to the 180 employees in Millington. Millington is still a small town, but it will not be small for long. Millington has undergone a lot of renovation just in the last year. We are movin' on up!! lol If Millington becomes a bigger city, then the employees should be paid more, so they might as well start increasing wages now. Also, this article also goes along with my living wage paper because I am arguing that we need a living wage. Employees are not paid enough to live, and the time has come to change that. For any of you who live in Millington or work in Millington, get ready because I hope this change is coming for our town.

Internet Is Stupid

Well I decided I would write about my hatred of the internet. This semester has been a tough one for me. Last semester, my whole family hated me, so I was stressed out all the time, but I had the internet. This semester, my family and I are ok, but my freakin' internet keeps messing up!!!! I'm getting so pissed! I'm tired of these stupid computers and internet. I hate them! Everyone has gone completely to emails and homework online, etc., etc. I am still catching up. I lost my internet for the second time this last week. Yesterday afternoon I was able to see the internet again on my own computer. Everytime this crap happens I have to find someone who has internet which usually means my parents house. I am over there for hours because I have to cram everything into one day. I completely missed the fact that we were suppose to read those articles because I didn't have the internet. (That's not counting the countless other things I've missed) All of my teachers assign work over the internet, and I don't always notice them until it's too late. I feel like I need to keep the internet on at all times. I'm so frustrated with internet and technology! I know it's a good thing, but good Lord it's frustrating. I'm sorry to keep putting all of you through these rant blogs, but sometimes you just have to let everything out. I seriously hate the internet. I mean it's a great thing, but I feel like I am always missing something that was on the internet. I usually check my emails once a day, but usually no one has sent me anything until after I do my daily check. Anyways, I apologize again for putting all of you through this. I just needed to share my hatred of the internet just for a moment. Thanks for listening! lol

Dr. George Lord

On March 27, 2008, Dr. George Lord from Partners of Public Education came to talk to us about our education system. He said he does research and policy analysis. Also, he does research on school assessment. The 10th Amendment says the government can spell out some things states cannot do, but the rest of the rule and regulations are left to the states. That's a little crazy to me. However, there is a way around this rule because the government has involvment in agricultural school. Another interesting fact is that the budget on K-12 education is a trillion dollars. That is amazing and ridiculous at the same time. We spend a trillion dollars on education, but it still sucks. There is something really wrong with that picture. Dr. Lord had lots of interesting information that I did not know. Another piece of informaton was in 1958 Russians launched the satelite Sputnik (sorry for incorrect spelling). Due to this satellite, people thought America was far behind in technology and knowledge, so Dwight Eisenhower decided to put money into science, engineering, and mathematics. He wanted to create NASA. He also said in the 1960s most of the urban riots about civil rights, anti-war, etc. were all blamed on education. We have over 200 public schools in Tennessee. (Something else I did not know) Lots of really information was that there are 41 failing schools in Tennessee. 17 failed last year. 17 schools have not met the standards for six years. 45 schools met the goal but not the benchmark. 103 schools did not meet state benchmarks. 34 met the benchmarks and inproved. Supposedly, White Station is one of the best public schools, and it did not make adequate yearly progress because of an increase in special needs students. He said there is a 15% dropout rate and a 70% graduation rate. Dr. Lord has so many interesting facts. I just cannot believe some of them because they are so ridiculous to me. I don't know really anything about public schools because I went to a public school for 12 years. My boyfriend went to Millington, and he has told me a lot about what it's like, but I could not imagine. One time I was in Millington Youth Leadership, and we had to do a presentation at Millington High School, and I have never felt so out of place in my life. I was also only in the freshman building. There were so many people, and it was so loud. I also had to walk so far to get to everything. I had no idea where anything was. It was so scary and weird. I was one of those sheltered private school kids, but I do appreciate some aspects of a private school. I really enjoyed Dr. Lord's presentation. He was very interesting, and he made the subject very interesting.

Will The Controversy Ever End?

Once again something else is being accused of being racist. Vogue magazine has LeBron James and Gizele on the front cover. LeBron James is screaming, dribbling a basketball, and holding Gizele. Somehow the argument came up that this picture "conjures up the idea of a dangerous black man." I'm so tired of this racist crap. Honestly, I was afraid to write this blog because I am scared someone will call me racist. I want to say to the "dangerous black man" comment that when I see a black, white, Mexican, etc. man walking towards me in baggy clothes and covering his face, I get a little freaked out. I don't care what color the person is. I understand that people think all black men are dangerous, but the truth is every other race has dangerous men and women for that matter. I'm tired of listening to people complain about how everything is only targeted at black people. Now, I understand I am white, and I have not experienced what it's like to be any other race. I just want the controversy to end. I'm tired of black people being made to look like poor idiots in white movies and white people being made to look like freakin' idiots!! in black movies! And why are "all" Mexicans perves? Why does it have to be this way? I know everyone says that people still somewhat segregate, but times have changed. Slavery is no longer around, so I think it is time to get over our stubborn selfs and find some kind of peace. I don't want anyone to think that I am racist, but after I read this article, I just got so frustrated. Why does everything have to be about color? Who made it that way? I mean it's like there is a rule that whites and blacks can't mix. I'm tired of living this way. I'm sorry for this blog, but I felt the need to let out my feelings on this topic. It's such a touchy subject, and I really was hesitant when I decided to write this, but I decided to write it because I feel this issue should be talked about. How can we ever fix a problem without addressing the problems? Feel free to leave your comments. This blog was not meant to offend anyone. I just want the controversy to end.

Stress

I seem to always be so stressed out. I feel like I am constantly behind, and that I will never catch up. Sometimes I feel like everyone hates me, and then sometimes I don’t. I go back and forth between being stressed and unstressed, so I decided to write a blog on ways to control stress. I’m sure many of you have lots of stress. School is the devil and causes too much stress!! I hope some of you benefit from this.
First it is very important to relax and unwind. Some ways include deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and massage therapy. If you can’t find the time to do these things, try sitting for a few minutes, listening to soothing music, or read a book. Second, you should always make time for yourself. It is very important to care for yourself because if you can’t care for yourself, how can you expect to care for anyone else. Try to set aside at least 15 minutes each day to do something for yourself, like taking a bubble bath, going for a walk, or just calling a friend. Third, sleeping is a great way to help both your body and mind. Your stress could get worse if you don’t get enough sleep. With enough sleep, you can tackle your problems better and lower your risk for illness. Fourth, make sure you eat right. Try to fuel up with fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Eat whole-grains, such as wheat breads and wheat crackers. Don’t be fooled by the jolt you get from caffeine, energy drinks, or sugar. Your energy will wear off. Fifth, make sure to get moving. Getting physical activity not only helps relieve your tense muscles, but helps your mood too! Before and after you work out, your body makes endorphins which help relieve stress and improve your mood. Sixth, talking to your friends can help relieve stress. Friends are good listeners. Finding someone who will let you talk freely about your problems and feelings without judging you does a world of good. Seventh, make sure to compromise. Sometimes it is not always best to argue. Give in once in a while. Eighth, most importantly do not deal with stress in unhealthy ways such as drinking, using drugs, smoking, or overeating.
I hope some of you will use these to help manage your stress.