Burying the dead is getting more affordable

Let's see, I need bananas, milk, tube socks, potting soil, kitchen curtains, bullets and oh yeah, let me check the caskets while I'm here.

First it was Unclaimed Freight - now it's WalMart. Introducing the Lady de Guadalupe Steel Casket:

Made of Superior Grade 18-gauge steel, Lady de Guadalupe's exterior is hand-painted by experienced craftsman in an exquisite slate blue metallic color, complemented with individual appliqués of the Lady de Guadalupe. The interior bedding, so soft to the touch, is sewn and gathered by hand in a sky-blue chalet crepe adorned by an embroidered figure of the Lady de Guadalupe. High-polished hardware and carry bars for easy handling complete this religious-themed edition.

Bloated

Other bloggers have made suggestions on where they think the City of Peoria should make cuts. I've been thinking about it for a while and I think I have a suggestion as well. Before our new City Manager makes any further cuts in the Police Department, perhaps he should consider making cuts here:

City of Peoria Planning and Growth Management Department
1 - Administrator
1 - Assistant Administrator
5 - Senior Urban Planners
2 - Urban Planners
1 - Zoning Enforcement Officer
1 - Graphic Artist
2 - Administrative Assistants

What are they doing that benefits the tax payers of Peoria? Whatever it is, do they really need this many people to do it?

7 Urban Planners - Just how does an "Urban Planner" validate their job during this economy?

Happy Halloween!

You knock on a door in the East Bluff and say "trick or treat"; a beautiful, black woman with a halo answers the door and gives you a sanitary hand wipe (thank H1N1); be sure and introduce yourself, you are at my house.

Citizen Alert - north Peoria

Interesting that this guy manages to get really close to his victims. Let go of the stereotypes people, be street smart and stay safe.

***************

The Peoria Police Department is investigating a rash of armed and attempted armed robberies occurring in business parking lots throughout north Peoria.

In each instance, a subject has approached lone females as they enter their vehicle. The suspect usually displays a handgun and demands money and then flees the area on foot. On one occasion, the suspect forced a victim to drive to an ATM where he forced her to withdraw funds.

The date, time, and locations of these robberies or robbery attempts are as follows:
Oct 23, 1312 Hrs Walgreens – 2515 N Knoxville
Oct 25, 2159 Hrs Krogers – 3311 N Sterling
Oct 25, 1940 Hrs Walmart – 8915 N Allen Road
Oct 29, 1927 Hrs Dairy Queen – 8530 N Knoxville
Oct 29, 1932 Hrs Busey Bank – 6699 N Sheridan Road

Although there have been no injuries, on each occasion the suspect has either displayed or inferred a handgun and covers his face by means of a hooded sweatshirt or wearing a Halloween style mask, similar to a white hockey mask.

The suspect is believed to be a white male, age unknown, 5’9”, 150 pounds, brown or light shaggy hair.

Citizens are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious persons or activity to the Peoria Police Department.

The Peoria Police Department urges anyone possessing any knowledge of these incidents to contact the Peoria Police Department at 673-4521 or Crime Stoppers at 673-9000.

Source

Imagine what a school like this could do for Peoria

C.H.A.E.D Charter High School of Architecture+Engineering+Design

Sacramento - CHAED believes creativity is the soul for architects, engineers, and professional designers and most importantly a vehicle to solve problems, present innovative ideas, and give sound solutions. The school will enable students first hand what they need to know to become an architect, engineer, or professional designer, furthermore, it wants each student to have an appreciation for how creativity can process its way through the curriculum as the lifeline for design and analytical thinking. CHAED is a network of students, parents, educators, and professional leaders all learning, collaborating, and committed to an innovative program of study, while integrating the design process with the mastery of a strong liberal arts education. This unique kind of network will give importance and value to an education students can learn from and succeed.

Read more here.

$1.00 per day not to get pregant

Paying girls $7.00 per week to not get pregnant. On the surface it sounds good, but couldn't that be considered a form of euthanasia? Girls in the program attend 90-minute meetings every week at which they receive lessons in abstinence and the use of contraceptives. Should they be paying boys too? What do you think?

**************

A buck-a-day -- that's the incentive being offered to young girls to keep them from getting pregnant.

The group College-Bound Sisters was founded at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro by Hazel Brown, a maternity nurse who thought too many teens were having babies.

Brown said she hopes the program, which pays $1 each day to 12-to-18-year-old girls, will keep them from getting pregnant. In addition to remaining pregnancy-free, the girls must also attend weekly meetings.

Under the program, $7 is deposited into an interest-bearing college fund that the girls can collect once they graduate high school. The program is funded by a four-year grant from the state.

Program director Laurie Smith said nearly 100 percent of the girls who finish the program have gone on to graduate college.

If a girl drops out or gets pregnant, her money is divided among the other girls still in the program.

Read entire article here.

Meaningful school leadership: Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat a role model for our children

Imagine how you would feel if you were a Manual High School student, parent and/or alumni and you stumbled across a local blog filled with days on end of negative comments about your high school; the intelligence (or lack thereof) of the students; and the capabilities of the administrators.

Frankly, after all that I have read, I don't know what to think about Manual High School and the program they are running under the microscope of the District 150 Watch Group. However, I am willing to trust in the capabilities of the Principal, Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat. I consider Dr. Kherat an excellent role model for all of our children and most certainly for the young black women in this community who desperately need role models.

In July of 2009, Dr. Sharon Kherat was in the Bradley University Alumni Association Magazine's Spotlight (read excerpt below). Although Dr. Kherat is much more than just her curriculum vitae, her accomplishments are impressive...

Desmoulin-Kherat received her BA degree from Bradley in 1986 with majors in history and secondary education. In 1989, she graduated with a master’s degree in education administration. She went on to earn a doctorate degree in education administration in 2006 from Illinois State University. She was one of a group of local educators who worked on their doctorate degrees together and Illinois State accommodated them by teaching many of their classes at Richwoods High School in Peoria. She completed her dissertation on “Meaningful School Leadership from the Perspective of African-American Parents.”

Upon graduating from Bradley, Dr. Kherat began her career as a middle school teacher and has since held a variety of positions in the Peoria area including Assistant Principal at Roosevelt Magnet school, Principal of Whittier Primary School and Adjunct Instructor at Bradley University. In 2008 she was appointed Principal of Manual Middle and High School. She was hired to facilitate a unique restructuring to “improve student academic achievement and enable the school to make adequate yearly progress as defined by the State’s accountability system.”

Although her professional life is marked with many accomplishments, she considers her first year at Manual as her biggest success. “Thus far, we have experienced improvement in the following areas: students’ enrollment, increased attendance, an increased course passing rate, lower suspension and expulsion rates, and an increased number of student graduates.”

As it celebrates its 100th anniversary, the new Manual has created four academies to drive student success, increase academic performance, and foster a sense of belonging among its students. Manual Middle and High School believes in high expectations for each student and offers a curriculum grounded in that principle. “We have adopted the three new “Rs” of education: Rigor, Relevance and Relationships.”

Dr. Kherat has found it very exciting and challenging to take a theoretical model and put it into practice. “We are flying the plane while building it. Everything is new - from the staff, new practices, to the curriculum to the academies. Yet the process has been embraced by the students and staff and progress is being made. As we raise the bar for Manual, we must continue to raise the level of support for our students and their families.”

Desmoulin-Kherat has won numerous awards and honors including Principal of the Year (2008); Blue Ribbon Award (Whittier Primary 2005); National Center for Urban School Transformation Award (2006); Professional Advocacy Award (Children’s Hospital of Illinois 2005); and Peoria’s 40 Leaders Under 40 (2001). She is still involved with Bradley, currently serving as a member of the College of Education and Health Sciences Educational Advisory Committee.
Source

Is it chicken or fish?

... looks like fish to me. What do you think?

The Republican National Committee came under fire after a user posted a controversial photo on its Facebook page. The RNC "fan" upload features a picture of President Obama eating fried chicken with the slogan: "Miscegenation Is a CRIME against American values... Repeal Loving v. Virginia."

Loving v. Virginia is a civil rights case that led the Supreme Court to rule that prohibiting interracial marriage violates the Constitution.

The "miscegenation" post was removed from the RNC's Facebook page (it was up for about a week) after provoking outrage, Newsweek points out that the slip-up is not an isolated incident.

Read more...

Will there be a gate keeper?

Not driving down a City street during certain times of day is one thing. However, will I still be able to walk down those City streets if they are "gated"? Will there be a gate keeper?

So the Peoria City Council is now pondering closing down a City street so that a couple of business owners can have a block party every night. I wonder, could a person just walk through and not stop to drink and party, or would one need to state their business before being "allowed" to step inside the gates.

If approved, will this special treatment extend to other types of businesses? How about the church that wants to close the street in front of it’s building every evening between certain hours and hold a revival.

Maybe an auto dealership will want to shut the street down in front of their business, so people will have to walk and look at cars, instead of driving by.

There are several bars on North Adams Street that would probably love to close off the street for their patrons and have open air bands in; and you know the folks on Main Streeet and Farmington Road would love to close a street to better accomodate Bradley students. While we are at it, it would be nice to close the street between Carver Center and Cityscape Apartments every evening so they can have block parties.

I think I'll have my neighborhood association petition to close the streets in our neighborhood after kids get out of school (between 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.), so they won't have to worry about cars when they are outside playing.

This closing the street thing has a lot of possibilities.

Limbaugh faces lawsuit, if no apology

If controversial talk show Rush Limbaugh doesn’t apologize for his comments published in an op-ed column in last week’s Wall Street Journal, he may face a defamation lawsuit from the Rev. Al Sharpton.

In his column, Limbaugh, who has been in the news lately after being asked to invest in the purchase of the winless St. Louis Rams football team, charged that Sharpton played “a leading role in the 1991 Crown Heights riot (he called neighborhood Jews ‘diamond merchants’) and 1995 Freddie’s Fashion Mart riot.”

“Mr. Limbaugh’s blatant and defamatory statements regarding the Crown Heights riots falsely give the impression that Rev. Sharpton was present during the violence that occurred when in reality, he had been called in by the family after the violence,” was a sharply worded statement from Sharpton’s camp.

“In fact, a study was commissioned by Governor Mario Cuomo that stated unequivocally that activists, including Rev. Al Sharpton, didn’t get to Crown Heights until after the riot,” the statement continued. “Ironically, in 1991, not only did Rev. Sharpton not participate in the Crown Heights violence, this was the same year he was stabbed in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, and he later went to court to plea for leniency for his stabber and forgave him.

“In terms of Freddie’s Fashion Mart, Rev. Al Sharpton, along with local elected officials supported the protests. However, a lone gunman who disagreed with the nonviolent nature of the protests entered the store and killed seven people and himself. He was a known critic of Rev. Sharpton’s use of non-violent techniques. For Mr. Limbaugh to imply that Rev. Sharpton has anything to do with someone that killed people and himself is blatantly wrong.”

Limbaugh was incensed when his bid to buy the Rams, along with Dave Checketts, was rejected and he blamed “race hustlers,” including the Rev. Jesse Jackson in his allegations against Sharpton.

Sharpton and Jackson, Limbaugh asserted, were in cahoots with the NFL Players Association in blocking his bid. “He’s delusional,” Sharpton said of Limbaugh and his charges. “He’s trying to inflate himself—that he’s so important that the whole world has to be against him. He ought to ask his partners why they threw him under the bus.”

Meanwhile, Sharpton’s lawyers are preparing the lawsuit if Limbaugh refuses to apologize or to clarify his statements.

“He has the right to criticize Rev. Sharpton,” the statement said, “but he does not have the right to accuse him of criminal activity, and riots and murders are criminal.”

By HERB BOYD

Another free chicken offer at KFC

KFC has cooked up another free offer to promote its grilled chicken, only this time, it promises, without the unwanted side of rainchecks.

The freebie is set for Monday, when more than 5,000 KFCs will give every U.S. customer a free piece of grilled chicken.

This will be the third time in six months that the chain famous for fried chicken is offering a giveaway to promote its Kentucky Grilled Chicken that debuted nationally last spring.

KFC’s latest freebie will be minus Oprah Winfrey’s star power from a May giveaway and, KFC President Roger Eaton promises, without the snafus when a free grilled chicken coupon on Oprah’s Web site overwhelmed the chain, with some stores running out of the meals.

“Obviously, we had to deal with some tough stuff,” Eaton said.

Still, KFC sees that May promotion, problems and all, as a net success. “We were the talk of the town,” Eaton said.

This time, things will be orderly and efficient, he promised. “We gear the shifts up so we make sure we’ve got the staffing, we make sure we’ve got the chicken,” Eaton said.

Conrad Lyon, a restaurant equity analyst with Global Hunter Securities, said the giveaways reflect a hyper-competitive fast-food sector where price is the biggest draw.

“It comes down to getting those bodies in the door,” he said.

The newest offer is identical to KFC’s first grilled chicken giveaway – a one-day-only offer in April when KFC handed out more than 4 million pieces to launch the product. That chicken handout went smoothly, company officials said.

By Associated Press October 23, 2009 1:38 pm

I wanna wear my Daddy's shoes!

A fight over the shoes Michael Jordan's son will wear at the University of Central Florida could cost the school financially.

Freshman guard Marcus Jordan is refusing to wear shoes made by adidas, the brand the university has a contract with for all its sports. He says he will only wear his father's Nike Air Jordan shoes because they hold special meaning to his family.

The problem is UCF is in the final year of its contract with adidas that requires coaches and athletes to use the company's apparel and equipment. UCF says its five-year deal with adidas ends June 30, 2010.

There have been media reports that UCF is negotiating a new deal that could be worth up to $3 million and last up to six years.

UCF said in a statement Thursday that adidas was aware of the situation during contract renewal discussions. The university says it was "led to believe that there would be a workable solution to a unique situation."

Source

School movie night

A 5-year-old St. Charles boy is safe at home after apparently sleepwalking to his elementary school in the middle of the night.

Kane County deputies were called to Anderson Elementary School, at around 1:30 a.m. Sunday. They found a 5-year-old boy unharmed but a bit dazed, according to Kane County Lt. Pat Gengler. He lived a few blocks away from the school and had apparently wandered away from home.

The boy told officers that he was there to watch a movie with his mother. Apparently, his mother had told him on Saturday about a movie night, Gengler said.

Even after police had found the boy, they had another problem: They couldn't identify him because he had trouble remembering his address.

Deputies took the boy to Delnor Hospital in Geneva. The School District sent an employee to the hospital and they were able to identify the boy and where he lived.

The boy was returned home to his surprised parents, who were still sleeping.

"This is just kind of one of those way-out-there things," Gengler said. "We're lucky and we're happy it turned out this way. If it was December of January, it could have been a sad ending."

According to KidsHealth.org, sleepwalking is more common in children than adults. It often involves more than just walking, although the sleepwalker rarely remembers what happened. About 15 percent of children will sleepwalk between 4-12 years of age, according to Medicine.net.
Source

1 out of 8 girls pregnant at Chicago high school

I came across this report about pregant teenagers last week, but I found it so astounding I just didn't want to touch it. However, I post it today after reading a post that the Peoria Anti-Pundit has about what schools need to do with pregnant girls (notice #5 on his Wish List). Can somebody please send Bristol down here to talk with these young ladies.

115 Pregnant Girls at Chicago High School

A total of 115 girls are pregnant at Chicago's Paul Robeson High School. The entire school only has about 800 girls, so that means that 1 out of every 8 girl is pregnant.

There is no specific reason why Robeson High is experiencing such a high rate of pregnancies amongst its students. Robeson principal Gerald Morrow cited the young girls' home environment as being a factor, "It can be a lot of things that are happening in the home or not happening in the home, if you will."

There is work being done to improve the quality of life in the surrounding neighborhood to Robeson High. Developers are working on turning a one-time crack house into a day-care center for student use.

Source

A question about jury duty in Peoria

My husband and I are long standing Peoria citizens, home owners who vote regularly, yet we have never served on a jury (he has never even been called). I was called twice, but immediately dismissed. Additionally, my family members (a rather large family - a good sampling) have never been called for jury duty.

Considering a criminal is supposed to have a jury of his peers, and they say most crimes are committed by black folks, how is it that such a large group of citizens (black folks) can attest to never being called for jury duty?

My question to people who read this blog (black or white). Have you ever served on jury duty in Peoria? How many times? What type of case? How many black people did you see? I'm curious.

No do-rags, heels, hoods or grillz on campus

Many in Atlanta, Georgia are in an uproar over Morehouse College's newly published dress code, calling it homophobic and racist. We all know that saggy butt pants need to go away; and if you watch the Real Housewives of Atlanta, you know that there are some brothers down in the ATL, who loves some heels and a purse. So, I don't doubt that Morehouse needs to put something like this in place.

If this was your standard state school imposing this dress code, could it be considered racist? Perhaps. Is the policy homophobic for banning the wearing of women's clothing? Possibly. However, Morehouse is an all male, historically black, private institution, of higher learning and if you can't get with the dress code - you shouldn't be there.

Personally, I think this dress code is right on point. Somebody needs to make it clear that you need to present yourself in a certain way to be accepted by society. Thank you Morehouse.

The Morehouse Dress Code
It is our expectation that students who select Morehouse do so because of the College’s outstanding legacy of producing leaders. On the campus and at College-sponsored events and activities, students at Morehouse College will be expected to dress neatly and appropriately at all times.

Students who choose not to abide by this policy will be denied admission into class and various functions and services of the College if their manner of attire is inappropriate. Examples of inappropriate attire and/or appearance include but are not limited to:

1. No caps, do-rags and/or hoods in classrooms, the cafeteria, or other indoor venues. This policy item does not apply to headgear considered as a part of religious or cultural dress.

2. Sun glasses or “shades” are not to be worn in class or at formal programs, unless medical documentation is provided to support use.

3. Decorative orthodontic appliances (e.g. “grillz”) be they permanent or removable, shall not be worn on the campus or at College-sponsored events.

4. Jeans at major programs such as, Opening Convocation, Commencement, Founder’s Day or other programs dictating professional, business casual attire, semi-formal or formal attire.

5. Clothing with derogatory, offense and/or lewd messages either in words or pictures.

6. Top and bottom coverings should be work at all times. No bare feet in public venues.

7. No sagging–the wearing of one’s pants or shorts low enough to reveal undergarments or secondary layers of clothing.

8. Pajamas, shall not be worn while in public or in common areas of the College.

9. No wearing of clothing associated with women’s garb (dresses, tops, tunics, purses, pumps, etc.) on the Morehouse campus or at College-sponsored events.

10. Additional dress regulations may be imposed upon students participating in certain extracurricular activities that are sponsored or organized by the College (e.g. athletic teams, the band, Glee Club, etc).

11. The college reserves the right to modify this policy as deemed appropriate.

*All administrative, faculty, students and support staff members are asked to assist in enforcing this policy and may report disregard or violations to the Office of Student Conduct.”

Church and the education gap dilemma

Locally when I think about churches being involved in education the First Baptist Church Adopt-A-School Reading Tutors Program with Hines School or the First United Methodist Church Buddy Program and Choir with Irving School immediately come to mind. Although some may be skeptical about church in education, I have seen the difference these two churches have made.

Churches could fill the gap in black education
By Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr.

One of the phenomenal developments that occurred after the emancipation of African slaves in America was the movement to secure education among the freed slaves. The widespread prohibition of formal learning during slavery resulted in the need for massive education for those who had become free. Not only did the freed slaves understand this need but even the United States government made a commitment to assist in the educational effort. A federal agency known as the Freedman's Bureau was established in 1865 and one of its main purposes was to help educate the former slaves, referred to as "freedmen." This agency actually established 1000 schools in the seven years it existed to teach freed slaves in formal settings.

But there were many areas where the government either could not or did not establish schools. In these areas, black churches made sure people had access to education. These church based schools were called "Sabbath Schools" and throughout the south many of the four million African-Americans who had been slaves were taught in these church based facilities. The role played by churches was immeasurable and indispensable.

Today our young people do not have that same passion for learning that we had in 1865. And while it is true that there are socio-economic conditions that create challenges for our young people to learn, it is difficult to imagine any conditions harsher than those that existed in 1865 in the south. Many of the schools our children attend are sub-standard; but none are as inadequate as the one-room buildings that the freed slaves used in 1865. Many of our children have teachers that are not interested in their learning; but few of our kids have teachers that have the limitations of teachers in 1865. Many of our children are discouraged by the prospects of finishing school and still being unable to find a job; but reasons for pessimism were far greater for black people in 1865. And many of our children are aware of the lingering presence of racism today; but the racism today is no match for the organized, omnipresent racism of 1865.

Perhaps our churches can take a page out of the churches that used their facilities as schools for freed slaves. And perhaps some of the enthusiasm generated in African-American churches can reignite some desire to develop the minds that God gave us

Many churches have after school programs for children in their neighborhoods but not enough. A handful of churches have started charter schools but not enough. Several churches are sponsoring religious schools but not nearly enough. Until we renew the enthusiasm that we once had for education and learning we will be a largely at risk community.

But Momma, what about the bullies?

In this era of school consolidations gone awry, it is imperative that parents teach their children to be bully smart. Most importantly...

Never be ashamed to run.

These techniques may be somewhat outdated, what with folks using guns and railroad ties and all - adjust accordingly.

It's just so convoluted...

Did you know that to say a black person has "good hair" is considered by some to be somewhat racist? Yeah, we are sensitive about our hair. We might have a perm, but still dream of going au natural. It's just soooo convoluted!

It starts as a child when you have to get your hair washed, combed and braided. Oh my goodness, the tangles mothers of children with tight, wavy roots have to deal with! Many of us can't wait until our girls are old enough to get perms. Some of us are not about to put chemicals on our child's head and will stay natural, not even doing a press and curl (see Al Sharpton).

Although, I can only tolerate Chris Rock in small doses, this movie Good Hair, just might be worth seeing. Be careful Chris, you're treading on thin ice here.

This arsonist is gainfully employed

The local wanna be pyrotechnics are having a ball here in P-town. Not a day goes by without some house being set on fire, sometimes two houses in one day. Recently four arsons have occurred within the same block on West McClure.

The latest fire on Butler Street is very interesting. I heard on the news, that the arsonist spread ten gallons of gas throughout the house. That really caught my attention, because who has the money to waste ten gallons of gas. Plus the individual left the gas cans behind (something most hope to purchase only once in their lifetime).

Okay, now how much does gas cost? The last time I pumped it was about $2.58 per gallon. So that means that the person who set the house on Butler Street ablaze spent about $25.80 on gas. Really?

TIP for the PPD: We are not looking for your average crack head with matches. The person you are looking for has some source of income.

What is your justification for living in Peoria?

Wow. I just returned from running some errands and saw some knucklehead trying to break into my neighbor's house.

He was wearing a white hoodie (too big); could have been about 15 years old; straight leg, light blue jeans (hanging on his arse); and he ran thatta way. The Police came and took the report (25 minutes later). The knucklehead is gone. Thank you Officer, what now? Okay, I'll just wait here and hope he doesn't come back.

I'm not sure how much longer my family can continue to hold it down in our little inner city alcove. Our neighborhood is in the process of being even more destabilized (thanks to the neighborhood store zoning); the school district is barely worthy of my child being in attendance; the crime throughout the City is rampant; and our taxes keep going up.

It's gotten to the point where there is not a day that goes by that I don't wonder, "Why am I living here?" "Why am I subjecting my family to this nonsense?" Peoria is becoming impossible for families (this family) to continue justifying living here.

The “Last Bush Loyalist” in Peoria tonight

He has been called the "Last Bush Loyalist" for his continued loyalty to George W. Bush by Slate.com and he will be in Peoria tonight, to support Congressman Aaron Schock as he announces his bid for a second term in office. A regular Faux News contributor, Frederic W. Barnes is the executive editor of the news publication The Weekly Standard, Mr. Barnes is without doubt, one of the “big boys” and he is ready to play with our own little Aaron Schock. Awww, right? Not so much…

Schock and “awww”.
People, you are no longer voting for the fresh faced boy whose cheeks you want to pinch. Aaron Shock is a calculating career politician, who Peoria has unleashed on America and the world, simply because he had the “awww” factor.

If Schock did not share Barnes’ philosophy, Barnes wouldn’t be throwing his money (or time) behind him. What exactly is Barnes’ philosophy? It would behoove the Peorians who continue to give Shock the votes to win to do some research.

In a Weekley Standard article Barnes pinned in January 2009, entitled “Ten things the president got right”, Barnes shares why he thinks George Bush was brillz...

No Child Left Behind(NCLB). Barnes notes that the teachers' unions, school boards and the education establishment were adamant about local control of schools--they all loathed the measure and still do. It requires two things they ardently oppose, mandatory testing and accountability. The complaint is that NCLB forces teachers to "teach to the test." The tests are on math and reading. "They are tests worth teaching to."

Enhanced interrogation of terrorists. Along with use of secret prisons and wireless eavesdropping, Barnes believes this saved American lives. Crucial intelligence was obtained from captured al Qaeda leaders, with the help of waterboarding. He further believes that whether this tactic creates a drowning sensation, is torture is a matter of debate.

The rebuilding of presidential authority. Barnes appreciates that Bush didn't hesitate to conduct wireless surveillance of terrorists without getting a federal judge's okay. He [Bush] decided on his own how to treat terrorists and where they should be imprisoned. Those were legitimate decisions for which the president, as commander in chief, should feel no need to apologize.

"Chief" Illiniwek is not coming back...

October 4, 2009
Only one day after the anti-"Chief" rally at Assembly Hall protesting the Students for Chief Illiniwek's "Next Dance," the News Gazette had a major story buried on A8 of the Sunday newspaper.

In the middle of the page is a headline "Regalia returned." There is a picture of former "Chief" portrayers and representatives of the Ogalala Lakota College. The caption reads: "Former Chief Illiniwek portrayers and representatives of the Ogalala Lakota College gather outside the Varsity Room at Memorial Stadium on Saturday before the Illinois-Penn State football game in preparation for a transfer of the University of Illinois' chief regalia to Ogalala Lakota College. A News-Gazette photographer was refused admittance to the ceremony by UI Associate Director of Athletics Dana Brenner, who told the photographer it was a 'private function.'"

This return comes after past statements from Frank Fools Crow disapproving of how the University used the regalia it purchased from him, the Executive Committee of the Ogalala Tribal Council passing a resolution asking the regalia be returned and the subsequent retirement of the "Chief" by the University in 2007.

By Neil Parthun

The Champaign School District: Why we should be interested

The story behind Federal Judge, Joe Billy McDade apologizing for allowing cameras in the courtroom deserves more in depth coverage by the Journal Star. Why? Because the court case the Judge is hearing is relevant to Peoria Public Schools, as they are embarking upon an effort to redraw school boundary lines.

The Champaign School District has been struggling to address concerns such as too many black students in special education and discipline referrals; too few in gifted and honors classes; and black students being bused out of their neighborhoods. Responses have been denying the problems or siting new schools outside of black communities (though still technically north side). (e.g., the importance of the Woodruff Community Learning Center to District 150).

The questioning of why it is Jeanne Williamson that is over seeing the redrawing of boundry lines, is where the push back has started. However, it won’t be long before the real issue of the District busing children north and south surfaces.

In the best interest of the children and the vitality of this community, it will be incumbent upon local main stream media to cover the issue of District 150’s redrawing of boundary lines openly and in a fair and balanced manner.

I appreciate Judge McDade's efforts at keeping this process transparent (as it should be). Watch Champaign School's consent decree hearing, with Peoria’s own Judge Joe Billy McDade here. There are some interesting personal comments from Judge McDade beginning at around the 54:00 mark.

Related reading: "Housing Patterns Are Segregated": The Part of the Champaign School Crisis That Requires Action Beyond the School Board.

District 150 loser in growth cell report.

Housing Incentive Program requirement could force some Taft Homes residents to leave.

A new charter school - Peoria City Academy?

Did you hear the bad news? Illinois has the highest ratio of criminal gang members per capita. Scary, huh?

The Mayor, the Sheriff, the Police Chief and two congressmen held a press conference wherein they all agreed - gangs are a threat. The Mayor believes that the Derrion Albert incident was "just an extension of what we've been seeing in the Peoria area." What is that - are they trying to scare us out of town? With all the school consolidation issues they know gang violence is foremost in most Peorian’s mind.

The Mayor has met with Arne Duncan, the press conference is over and now it’s time to put together a cohesive plan to tackle gang violence in Peoria. Here’s a suggestion…

The City of Peoria should open up a Charter School for Children with discipline problems. We need both a charter middle school and a high school, if you would please, Mr. Mayor. The schools should be located Downtown (close to the Police Department and CityLink). Hey - how about that old Cohen’s building!?

Is it really the duty of the school district to know how to deal with something as massive and violent as the gang culture our leaders spoke of in the press conference?

Instead of District 150 Watch Group being enraged at the BOE for all of the discipline problems the teachers are dealing with, maybe they should take your fight for an alternative school down to City Hall? It's on the City and the Police Department to control violence, isn't it?

The concerns about violence when high schools are merged are valid. Is the District putting together a school violence program? I haven’t heard – have you? Are they even capable of putting together something like that? They haven’t given any indication, one way or the other.

Teachers and parents are frustrated by the lack of discipline. They have been pleading with the BOE to find a solution. Maybe they are pleading with the wrong people. If an alternative school for children with discipline problems is what you want, the answer could very well be at a City Council Meeting instead of a School Board Meeting.

Gun-toting soccer mom & husband found shot dead

A soccer mom who gained national attention when she openly carried a loaded gun to her 5-year-old daughter's game was shot dead Wednesday, October 8, along with her husband in what appeared to be a murder-suicide, police said.

Meleanie Hain and Scott Hain were pronounced dead Wednesday night at their home in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, a small city about 80 miles west of Philadelphia.

The couple's three children were home at the time but weren't hurt, police said. They were taken to stay with friends and relatives.

Meleanie Hain, 31, and Scott Hain, 33, had been having marital problems for about a week, neighbor Mark Long said. Scott Hain had left the couple's home on Tuesday, and Meleanie Hain didn't know where he was, but he returned Wednesday, Long said.

Autopsies on the Hains were to be conducted Thursday, coroner Dr. Jeffrey Yocum said.

Meleanie Hain made headlines after she attended a children's soccer game in a park on Sept. 11, 2008, with a handgun in plain view holstered on her hip, upsetting other parents.

The county sheriff, Michael DeLeo, revoked her gun-carrying permit nine days later.

Hain successfully appealed the permit revocation, although the judge who restored the permit questioned her judgment and said she had "scared the devil" out of other people at the game.

The judge asked her to conceal her firearm when she went to soccer games, but Mrs Hain said that she would continue to carry it openly under the Second Amendment.

Tragic.

Read the entire article here or here.

The Ollie North of the 21st Century?

Folks are reporting on Congressman Aaron Schock’s visit to Honduras like it is good news. Frankly, I hope he is being closely monitored, for his own good and ours. We all know, a meeting with this Congressman would be any industrious freedom fighter’s dream come true.

Why is it that the thought of Schocky in Honduras talking about military coups conjures up images of Ollie North for me? Perhaps it is because I remember when Schocky announced his candidacy for Congress he talked about offering nuclear arms to Taiwan if China doesn’t go along with U.S. policy toward Iran. Oh sure, he retracted the statement, but not before international relations experts noted that his idea showed “incredible naivete”.

Excerpts from Schocky’s speech when he announced his candidacy for Congress:

Schock said he would propose spending the same amount to support “freedom fighters inside Iran” as Iran gives Hezbollah in Lebanon each year.

The money could be used to train underground leaders in how to organize and prevent detection, satellite phones, communications, radio broadcasts from nearby countries, “and eventually arms,” Schock said.

Source

See what I mean? A freedom fighters dream come true.

Also see: Charlie Wilson's War

A 5th grader argues that year round schools will hurt the economy

At last night's School Board meeting, District 150 Superintendent Ken Hinton recommended to the BOE they consider using Lincoln Middle School as a pilot program for year-round schooling (like the Valeska Hinton Center).

Year round education has many pros and cons. However, I believe that the immediate need to increase reading retention alone far out weigh any cons.

Lincoln has wonderful facilities and because of it's position in the Valley, year round schooling would benefit the surrounding neighborhoods greatly.

Oh sure, the ghetto quick shops (i.e., small businesses) are going to miss the kiddies coming in to spend money they got from Lord knows where, but the kids really should be in school.

I would hope that the Board approves Hinton's recommendation.

Who you callin Charlie Brown?!

A good DJ knows his crowd (even as it changes) and he knows the impact of the music he is playing on that crowd…

Luciano is doing some investigative reporting on the fight at Woodview Commons in East Peoria. He heard that the fight started when the DJ played a “rap song” called “Do the Charlie Brown” and questions how/if that could start a gang fight.

I’m not familiar with the song or the term, so I pulled up ye ole trusty Urban Dictionary. I suppose if you are some knucklehead fool with no home training a “song” with the words Charlie Brown could set you off.

Charlie Brown
- Someone who is gay, a gay person, homosexual
Stop being so Charlie Brown.

- A name given to a person that's cock blocking. Charlie Brown- initials are C.B. which is the same as a Cock Blocker.
I was trying to holla at this female but her friend was a complete Charlie Brown.

- Charlie Brown = Bad Cocaine. This could be either because it gives a bad experience, is contaminated, or just not very good. Often abbreviated to CB.
"Don't get the coke from him though, he Charlie Browned us last time" Dont use him as a dealer, he gave us awful cocaine last time.
"It was like totally Charlie Brown" it was really bad cocaine.
"I'm blatantly gonna pass him CB, he's totally oblivious" I'm gonna sell him bad cocaine because he has no idea what to expect.

- A male's penis after he loses an erection.
Kiesha doesn't want to have phone sex with Todd, therefore Todd has a Charlie Brown.

- Charlie Brown is known as a permanent case of bad luck by most of his peers. Chuck is a lovable loser who seems to fail at almost everything he does. Even though he cannot kick a foot ball properly, or throw a good pitch in baseball, he will still be loved by all of the world.
YOU BLOCK HEAD CHARLIE BROWN!!!!!

- Wishy-washy; indecisive.
Dude, stop being so Charlie Brown and just tell her that you like her!

- This as a Dirty Sanchez, just a different name, and more of a curve on the lip.

Obama Sending Cabinet Members To Chicago Over Derrion Albert's Fatal Beating

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is sending Attorney General Eric Holder and Education Secretary Arne Duncan to Chicago next week to discuss the recent beating death of a 16-year-old honors student.

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs says Holder and Duncan will meet Wednesday with school officials, students and residents and talk about school violence. Read more here...