About Memphis

Are You Ready for Black Friday?

2009-11-23T22:38:41Z

I know some people (and I'm not naming any names) who take Black Friday very seriously. For some of these folks, Thanksgiving Day is simply the Thursday before Black Friday. For others, Thanksgiving is an actual nuisance because it interferes with the planning, plotting, and preparatory sleeping that needs to occur in advance of Black Friday. These are the people who begin lining up at Walmart at midnight, just to save a few dollars on that new Blu-Ray player or digital camera.

I don't mean to suggest that this is an effort in futility by any means. In fact, in one black Friday ad, I saw a T.V. comparable to the one my husband just bought--but it cost $200 less than he paid for ours (sorry, Honey). The truth of the matter is, there are some great deals to be had as long as you are willing to sacrifice a lot of time and a little sanity to get them.

With that in mind, I spoke with some of those die hard Black Friday shoppers who graciously offered their insight and experiences. From there, I assembled some tips and strategies to help you make the most of this nearly-official shopping holiday. From chasing down the ads to chasing down the deals, here are the best ways to plan for Black Friday.

Are You Ready for Black Friday? originally appeared on About.com Memphis on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 22:38:41.

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Thanksgiving Break for Mid-South Students

2009-11-21T14:28:18Z

Many people in the Mid-South will enjoy a day free of work next Thursday. If you are one of the really lucky ones, you might be off on Friday, too. But did you know that your child may be out of school for more days than you are next week?

Depending upon the county you live in, your child will probably be out of school for much or all of next week. Memphis City, Shelby County, and DeSoto County school students will take their Thanksgiving break from November 25-27, 2009. Tipton County and Fayette County school students will be out all week long, November 23-27, 2009. Perhaps that is a good excuse to take a few extra vacation days yourself!

Thanksgiving Break for Mid-South Students originally appeared on About.com Memphis on Saturday, November 21st, 2009 at 14:28:18.

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MCS Receives a Big Gift

2009-11-19T14:01:57Z

After a lengthy application process, Memphis City Schools is the lucky recipient of a $90 million gift from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The grant is to be used primarily to improve teacher performance. Over the course of seven years, teachers will be evaluated based on classroom performance as well as student's test scores. The most highly rated teachers will be moved to the most underperforming schools. Furthermore, teachers will receive a substantial increase in salary based on performance.

While there are certainly a number of problems plaguing the Memphis City Schools, we can only hope that this $90 million windfall can make a real difference in the education of our youth.

MCS Receives a Big Gift originally appeared on About.com Memphis on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 14:01:57.

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Outlook for Zippin Pippin Not Good

2009-11-17T10:51:03Z

The Zippin Pippin was the first roller coaster I ever rode. I can't remember how old I was at the time, but I was still young enough that my dad had to check my height to make sure I could ride. I think he and I rode it three times that day. I was hooked.

Over the years, I have since ridden my fair share of other roller coasters. For me, none of them ever compared to the Pippin -- it was my first roller coaster love.

I read with sadness today that in the midst of the Libertyland demolition, a portion of the Zippin Pippin had been removed to see if the coaster was salvageable. Apparently, the outlook is not good -- much of the wood on the ride has rotted and it seems unlikely that it can or will be saved.

Nothing lasts forever. Of that I am well award. Nevertheless, when the Zippin Pippin comes down, I will undoubtedly mourn for that little piece of my past.

Outlook for Zippin Pippin Not Good originally appeared on About.com Memphis on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 10:51:03.

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Zoo Lights Opens on Friday

2009-11-15T01:43:04Z

I know, I know, it's not even Thanksgiving yet. Nevertheless, Christmas is coming and some folks are ready to get into the holiday spirit. On Friday, the Memphis Zoo has just the thing to make that happen.

Zoo Lights will kick off on November 20, 2009 at 5:15 p.m. If you have never gone to Zoo Lights, it is the city's largest light display and features more than one million bulbs. When you arrive, you'll be greeted by a flurry of snow and the sound of Christmas carols. From there, you'll walk through a wonderland of lights. Unfortunately, most of the animals are sleeping at night, but the lights provide plenty of entertainment on their own.

If you would like a sneak preview, check out these photos from last year's Zoo Lights.

Zoo Lights Opens on Friday originally appeared on About.com Memphis on Sunday, November 15th, 2009 at 01:43:04.

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In Search of Fall Foliage

2009-11-12T11:52:02Z

Now that the weather has finally turned cool, crisp, and fall-like, the trees are beginning to explode in vibrant colors. Have you taken any pictures of the incredible reds, oranges, and yellows that autumn brings? Would you like to share those photos with About.com readers?

If so, please send me your photos in an email. Let me know how you want the photos credited and where the photos were taken. Thanks! I can't wait to see your pictures.

In Search of Fall Foliage originally appeared on About.com Memphis on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 11:52:02.

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No New Mayor for Shelby County...Yet

2009-11-10T11:52:13Z

For at least another week, Shelby County acting Mayor Joyce Avery will remain in office. After spending all day on Monday voting and re-voting for candidates for interim mayor, the Shelby County Commission could not reach a decision.

While numerous candidates were considered, the vote ultimately came down to two -- J.W. Gibson II and Joe Ford. According to The Commercial Appeal, each candidate received five votes from the Commission. Interestingly, each candidate also received votes from two Republican and three Democratic commissioners.

Since no decision could be reached, the commissioners have rescheduled the vote for November 17th.

So what do you think? Which of the two front runners would make the best interim mayor?

No New Mayor for Shelby County...Yet originally appeared on About.com Memphis on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 11:52:13.

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Volunteering in Memphis

2009-11-09T01:39:53Z

Many individuals and families have a beautiful tradition of volunteering their time in a soup kitchen or similar facility on Thanksgiving or Christmas. As wonderful as such sacrificial giving is, it is worth noting that some charitable organizations like the Memphis Union Mission typically fill up their holiday volunteer spots very quickly. The reason for this is that people tend to remember these causes at this time of year.

So who is serving up soup or passing out sandwiches on a random Tuesday in June? Where are the volunteers on a bitterly cold February morning?

Certainly, there are many dedicated people volunteering their time all year long. But if you are looking for an opportunity to volunteer your time and can't find a spot on Thanksgiving or Christmas, consider signing up for another day -- any day -- throughout the year.

Photo by Dina Wakulchik, licensed under Creative Commons

Volunteering in Memphis originally appeared on About.com Memphis on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 01:39:53.

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Safe Haven Reminder

2009-11-06T15:37:33Z

I saw a headline on the Commercial Appeal website today that read, "Girl, 16, charged with murder in infant's death." My immediate assumption was that it was a case of a young woman giving birth and then dumping the infant, leaving it to die.

I went on to read the story, though, and learned that it was not that kind of situation at all. Instead, a ten-month old was murdered by blunt force trauma to the head. It was the fourth infant homicide in Memphis this year.

Even though it wasn't a newborn abandonment, I thought I would still mention the fact that Tennessee has a Safe Haven law for those who might not know about it. Basically, you have 72 hours after the birth of a baby to surrender it in person at a hospital or clinic. The process is confidential and you can remain completely anonymous. Click here to read more about Tennessee's Safe Haven law.

Safe Haven Reminder originally appeared on About.com Memphis on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 15:37:33.

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Thanksgiving is Just Around the Corner

2009-11-05T12:41:36Z

I can't believe that November has already arrived. This, of course, means that Thanksgiving is nearly here, which will soon be followed by Christmas, and then New Years, and --

Okay, enough. One holiday at a time. So as I was saying, Thanksgiving will be here before we know it. If you have not already started making plans for your Turkey dinner, you probably won't want to wait much longer. On the other hand, you could make it easy on yourself and take the family out to one of the many restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving in Memphis.

Want to make them think you slaved over the hot stove? Several restaurants and stores in the Memphis area offer a complete Thanksgiving dinner to go and you won't have to admit that you didn't cook it yourself! With all of the holidays approaching so quickly, you might as well make something a little easier.

Photo by Donald Cook

Thanksgiving is Just Around the Corner originally appeared on About.com Memphis on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 12:41:36.

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