September 28, 2010

Read Offline:

Please feel free to add your thoughts and continue the conversation using the comments section at the end of the archive. You may also want to learn more about #bhamchat.

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  1. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 6:45 p.m.

    We’ll be starting #bhamchat in about 15 minutes. Go ahead and introduce yourself if you’re planning to participate!

  2. DanielleBlevins
    Sept. 28, 2010, 6:47 p.m.

    @bhamchat Hello all. I’m a 2L at UA Law. #bhamchat

  3. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 6:48 p.m.

    FYI – we’re aware that some of you will be watching the live chat being held downtown by @BABJ_NABJ #bhamchat

  4. Brandon
    Sept. 28, 2010, 6:50 p.m.

    @bhamchat I’m a grad student and information professional that works downtown and lives in a sub-rural part of Metro Birmingham #bhamchat

  5. Chris Fuhrmeister
    Sept. 28, 2010, 6:51 p.m.

    What’s up? #bhamchat

  6. Stephen Vinson
    Sept. 28, 2010, 6:54 p.m.

    I’m own a computer repair business in Vestavia and live in Birmingham. I’m also a weight loss blogger #bhamchat

  7. troy ramsay
    Sept. 28, 2010, 6:55 p.m.

    Hello #bhamchat I’m a Junior at UAB

  8. Chris Fuhrmeister
    Sept. 28, 2010, 6:56 p.m.

    I work on the sports desk at The Birmingham News and live in Highland Park. I have a blog — hellobham.com #bhamchat

  9. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 6:59 p.m.

    @MoodyPaints no, we’ve never added it since it was so specific to the city #bhamchat

  10. Cynthia D. Miller
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7 p.m.

    Hello everyone at #bhamchat! Hope you all are doing well. #bhamchat

  11. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:01 p.m.

    Good evening everybody! Welcome to #bhamchat – a weekly conversation about Birmingham, AL #bham – http://bit.ly/cS4Y46

  12. ShredderFeeder
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:03 p.m.

    two words: redundant hashtags. LOL QT @thegeekwife: Hello everyone at #bhamchat! Hope you all are doing well. #bhamchat

  13. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:03 p.m.

    We’ll be trying to discuss issues related to the release of #blueprintbham this evening. #bhamchat

  14. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:04 p.m.

    Please introduce yourselves and tag your answers (e.g. Q1) so folks know where we are. We’ll get started in about two minutes! #bhamchat

  15. Narado
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:07 p.m.

    RT @cfuhrmeister: I work on the sports desk at The Birmingham News and live in Highland Park. I have a blog — hellobham.com #bhamchat

  16. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:07 p.m.

    Q1: How many of you have actually read or know what #blueprintbham is? #bhamchat

  17. Stephen Vinson
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:08 p.m.

    Q1: Embarrassingly, I have no idea what it is #blueprintbham #bhamchat

  18. Cynthia D. Miller
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:09 p.m.

    I am a Master’s student in Criminal Justice, currently unemployed, and I have a blog – thegeekwife.com #bhamchat

  19. DanielleBlevins
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:09 p.m.

    @bhamchat Q1: I Haven’t gotten all the way through it yet.However, from what I’ve heard from friends, it’s a better plan than 2020 #bhamchat

  20. Brandon
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:09 p.m.

    @bhamchat Q1 I’ve skimmed it and I am aware of its contents. #bhamchat

  21. troy ramsay
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:09 p.m.

    Q1: I have glanced over it and looked at the site; mostly going off media for my info #bhamchat

  22. Cynthia D. Miller
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:09 p.m.

    @bhamchat A1: I have read #blueprintbham #bhamchat

  23. Chris DePew
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:09 p.m.

    @bhamchat Q1 I have, but I’m a geek like that. Suspect most of us here are likewise. #bhamchat

  24. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:11 p.m.

    @whoatemyblog it’s a five-year strategic plan for the region – brief overview available here – http://bhamisopen.com/plan.php #bhamchat

  25. Chris Fuhrmeister
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:11 p.m.

    I haven’t read all the way through it. But I’m impressed with the details I’ve heard. #bhamchat

  26. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:11 p.m.

    @chris_depew that’s probably quite true! 🙂 #bhamchat

  27. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:13 p.m.

    I’ve read it working on posting an analysis in four parts on my blog. Hopefully the first part will be up tonite thisisalabama.net #bhamchat

  28. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:14 p.m.

    Q2 in 2 minutes! #bhamchat

  29. Cynthia D. Miller
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:15 p.m.

    @J_W_Little Tell us who you are, what you do etc….. #bhamchat

  30. Brandon
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:15 p.m.

    @bhamchat Can you describe it as a plan? My reading of the document indicates its more of a guideline for BBA to develop plans.#bhamchat

  31. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:16 p.m.

    sorry coming in late here. I live in downtown bham and write a blog thisisalabam.net #bhamchat

  32. Chris DePew
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:16 p.m.

    @bhamchat guess I should clarify. I’ve read the condensed version in the paper, not every single line. #bhamchat

  33. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:17 p.m.

    @ButtermilkMeeks that’s a good way to describe what it is; good broad overview of components here – http://bit.ly/cBtuTT #bhamchat

  34. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:18 p.m.

    @chris_depew that’s fine. We’ll be covering broad topics here with so many folks prepping analysis elsewhere in the coming days. #bhamchat

  35. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:21 p.m.

    We’re having some issues right now with Twitter – not really a surprise there (we’re using #newtwitter tonight) #bhamchat

  36. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:24 p.m.

    Q2 One area brought up in #blueprintbham is effective public & private leadership. Is #bham‘s next generation of leaders here? #bhamchat

  37. Cynthia D. Miller
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:26 p.m.

    @bhamchat If our candidates for governor are an example of our leaders then we are in serious trouble. #bhamchat

  38. Lift Moving
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:27 p.m.

    A1:- <Great question>. I have skimmed the major talking points.#bhamchat

  39. DanielleBlevins
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:27 p.m.

    @bhamchat Q2: I definitely think they are. However the old guard isn’t quite ready to loosen it’s grip on the city…on the state. #bhamchat

  40. troy ramsay
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:27 p.m.

    RT @thegeekwife: @bhamchat If our candidates for governor are an example of our leaders then we are in serious trouble. #bhamchat

  41. Chris DePew
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:27 p.m.

    RT @thegeekwife: @bhamchat If our candidates for governor are an example of our leaders then we are in serious trouble. #bhamchat

  42. Lift Moving
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:27 p.m.

    A2- clarification—> Here as in Birmingham or here as on Twitter? #bhamchat

  43. Brandon
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:28 p.m.

    Q2 I think we need outsiders & natives that have lived in more engaged communities to invigorate the area’s leadership. #bhamchat

  44. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:29 p.m.

    @liftmoving re Q2: Birmingham. The chat is always about metro #bham, not just those of us online 🙂 #bhamchat

  45. Cynthia D. Miller
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:29 p.m.

    I did not tweet that last tweet 3 times @twitter is having issues it seems. #bhamchat

  46. Chris Fuhrmeister
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:29 p.m.

    I’m seeing a grassroots leadership movement in Bham. Young entrepreneurs and organizers are making things happen in the city. #bhamchat

  47. Cynthia D. Miller
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:30 p.m.

    @ButtermilkMeeks I agree. #bhamchat

  48. Lift Moving
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:30 p.m.

    @bhamchat ha.. thanks–long day (I think I left my brain at the dmv) #bhamchat

  49. DanielleBlevins
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:30 p.m.

    @ButtermilkMeeks It’s ok to have natives in leadership, we just shouldn’t demonize outsiders who want n. See Patrick Cooper. #bhamchat

  50. Lift Moving
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:30 p.m.

    @cfuhrmeister I agree. I also believe it is a generational issue. #bhamchat

  51. Chris DePew
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:31 p.m.

    @cfuhrmeister but is that people becoming leaders or working around existing leaders? #bhamchat

  52. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:32 p.m.

    Public leaders take their cue’s from the public. The public has to stay involved to keep the plan on pace #bhamchat

  53. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:32 p.m.

    @deongordon when it’s over, come on over and join this week’s #bhamchat conversation about #blueprintbham 🙂

  54. DanielleBlevins
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:32 p.m.

    @chris_depew @cfuhrmeister Q2: Now I think it’s people working around current leadership. We have so much talent here. #bhamchat

  55. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:34 p.m.

    Q2 follow-up – Do you feel that new leaders are being given a real opportunity to affect change in metro #bham? #bhamchat

  56. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:34 p.m.

    The private leadership will do whats best for their business. But I have been impressed w/ the private leaders on steering commtte #bhamchat

  57. Andre Natta
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:34 p.m.

    RT @bhamchat: Q2 follow-up – Do you feel that new leaders are being given a real opportunity to affect change in metro #bham? #bhamchat

  58. Chris Fuhrmeister
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:34 p.m.

    Current leadership has to be worked around. But if people keep fighting the good fight, eventually the leadership will change. #bhamchat

  59. Donnie Garvich
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:35 p.m.

    Q2 we’re dependent on old money to get anything done. Old money is happy with the status quo. Catch 22 – #bhamchat

  60. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:36 p.m.

    @cfuhrmeister Are you talking about the city council? you cant work around them. You just have to make clear that standing… #bhamchat

  61. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:37 p.m.

    @cfuhrmeister in the way of progress will cost them their jobs. #bhamchat

  62. Brandon
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:38 p.m.

    @bhamchat Q2(a) No – everything affecting the metro area goes through the state legislature & outside interests decide our fate. #bhamchat

  63. Cynthia D. Miller
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:38 p.m.

    Q2 People that aren’t fond ofd change have to understand if we don’t move forward the city will not grow & will become stagnant. #bhamchat

  64. Chris Fuhrmeister
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:38 p.m.

    @J_W_Little Working around isn’t best choice of words. Have to work for results in spite of some leadership decisions. #bhamchat

  65. Chris DePew
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:39 p.m.

    @J_W_Little Not just council but #jeffco commission and state govt. And soon an anti-bham gov. #bhamchat

  66. Chris Fuhrmeister
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:39 p.m.

    @J_W_Little Indeed. #bhamchat

  67. Brandon
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:39 p.m.

    @dgarvich I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiment. The status quo keeps the old money in money. #bhamchat

  68. Chris Fuhrmeister
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:40 p.m.

    And I’m referring to all leadership — public and private. #bhamchat

  69. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:41 p.m.

    Q3 will be up in 3 minutes #bhamchat

  70. Donnie Garvich
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:41 p.m.

    @ButtermilkMeeks maybe it’s time for new money. 😉 #bhamchat

  71. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:42 p.m.

    The private leadership is helping craft this plan. They realize unless they help this community grow that they will sink #bhamchat

  72. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:44 p.m.

    @chris_depew I agree that Montgomery is a huge hurdle for bham. But this area has 1/4 of the state population. We have the… #bhamchat

  73. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:44 p.m.

    @chris_depew .. barging power if we unite. #bhamchat

  74. Brandon
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:46 p.m.

    @J_W_Little 1/4 of the population – but perhaps the most fragmented group communities the state has ever known… #bhamchat

  75. Jeremy Flint
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:47 p.m.

    Checking in on #bhamchat tonight. Good discussion about #blueprintbham

  76. Brandon
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:47 p.m.

    @J_W_Little Hopefully – enough of us will unite. Unite Metro Birmingham! #bhamchat

  77. Brandon
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:47 p.m.

    @J_W_Little 1/4 of the population – but perhaps the most fragmented group of communities the state has ever known… #bhamchat

  78. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:48 p.m.

    @ButtermilkMeeks Very true. But we have to unite or well just be left with the status quo. #bhamchat

  79. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:49 p.m.

    Q3 Education is a major focus of #blueprintbham. How do we try to fix #bham‘s school systems? #bhamchat

  80. Cynthia D. Miller
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:51 p.m.

    @bhamchat Year round schooling isnt the answer. Teach smarter & better not longer, get rid of unqualified teachers. #bhamchat

  81. Brandon
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:52 p.m.

    @bhamchat Q3 That is a tough one – require school board members to have college degrees? #bhamchat

  82. troy ramsay
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:54 p.m.

    Q3: That is a great question. We need parents to take a serious role in their kids education and great teachers #bhamchat

  83. Chris DePew
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:54 p.m.

    @bhamchat Q3 True change won’t happen if parents don’t get involved, and nobody has magic answer for that. #bhamchat.

  84. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:54 p.m.

    Not an anti-labor person but the teachers union is public educations biggest problem. #bhamchat

  85. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:55 p.m.

    Late to the party. Sorry.
    #bhamchat

  86. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:55 p.m.

    Bad teachers are almost impossible to get rid of… Good teachers have no incentive to teach were they are needed most. #bhamchat

  87. Cynthia D. Miller
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:56 p.m.

    @Jon_Lewis Welcome! #bhamchat

  88. Chris DePew
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:56 p.m.

    @bhamchat I do think we should look at dissolving city system or letting state take over. #bhamchat

  89. troy ramsay
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:57 p.m.

    Q3: Also charter schools would help #bhamchat

  90. Chris Fuhrmeister
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:58 p.m.

    I’m not completely convinced on charter schools, but I think they would help. #bhamchat

  91. Chris DePew
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:58 p.m.

    @ramsaytroy look for @FakePaulHubbert to knock on your door after midnight. #bhamchat

  92. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:58 p.m.

    I’m not saying dissolve the union but renegotiate a contract that would allow teachers to be payed by performance and teach past 3 #bhamchat

  93. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:59 p.m.

    Q3b do we see (as brought up at @educationnation yesterday) @AEA_Alabama as a problem with the system? #bhamchat

  94. troy ramsay
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:59 p.m.

    Q3b Yes #bhamchat

  95. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 7:59 p.m.

    and yes charter schools would help but public schools need to bring in the innovations that CS have pioneered @ramsaytroy #bhamchat

  96. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:02 p.m.

    The AEA refusal to renegotiate the labor contracts to allow teachers to use the innovation that charter schools have proved work #bhamchat

  97. Chris Fuhrmeister
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:02 p.m.

    3b: Most definitely. #bhamchat

  98. Chris DePew
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:03 p.m.

    @bhamchat Q3b Yes, but my wife the teacher would loudly disagree. #bhamchat

  99. Chase Pearson
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:05 p.m.

    #Bhamchat Q3 – How about we use some tried and true techniques. We have an entire generation graduating w/ elementary reading levels.

  100. Chase Pearson
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:08 p.m.

    #bhamchat – I have worked with these kids & I see it every day. HS students with 4th – 6th grade vocabulary and 3rd grade comprehension!

  101. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:09 p.m.

    @themrmco That is sad. What’s the remedy for that? Better teachers? Parent involvement? Money? All of the above? #bhamchat

  102. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:10 p.m.

    RT @THEMRMCO: #Bhamchat Q3 – How about we use some tried and true techniques. We have an entire generation graduating w/ elementary read …

  103. Chase Pearson
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:10 p.m.

    #bhamchat – The only solution is radical. You can bandaid the situation with money. But the real cure is intervention! It would take 2 years

  104. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:11 p.m.

    Regardless of the system, students have to want to learn. Parents have to instill that in them. It cannot all be the system. #bhamchat

  105. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:12 p.m.

    @Jon_Lewis No doubt but when you have the problems on the scale bham has there is no way that many parents don’t care #bhamchat

  106. Chase Pearson
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:13 p.m.

    #bhamchat fortunately for us – She is in Birmingham running her Reading & Math Center for the last 45 years! Has helped millions!

  107. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:13 p.m.

    Q4 (last question) – Do we as a community look back too much? Does it keep us from moving forward? #blueprintbham #bhamchat

  108. Andre Natta
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:14 p.m.

    RT @bhamchat: Q4 (last question) – Do we as a community look back too much? Does it keep us from moving forward? #blueprintbham #bhamchat

  109. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:14 p.m.

    @Jon_Lewis You improve the system the parents will help Give the people no hope with a broken system & you have good parents leave #bhamchat

  110. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:14 p.m.

    Q4 – many here do, but many want to look back. I think that is inherent in many people. The younger generation is changing that. #bhamchat

  111. Chase Pearson
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:15 p.m.

    #bhamchat Q4 – We have looked back to much. That is the benefit of the group behind #Blueprintbham – It’s time to look forward!

  112. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:16 p.m.

    Q4 it’s natural to look back. Problem is people look back and get mad or feel shame. Need to look back and take pride. #bhamchat

  113. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:16 p.m.

    Q4 – people have to see action. When the RR Park becomes a reality, it opens people’s eyes to the future and opens doors. #bhamchat

  114. Cynthia D. Miller
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:17 p.m.

    Q4: There is a lot of history here, but I agree that the younger generation is wants to change that, make Bham biggerbetter #bhamchat

  115. Cynthia D. Miller
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:18 p.m.

    Q4: There is a lot of history here, but I agree that the younger generation wants to change that, make Bham bigger / better #bhamchat

  116. Chase Pearson
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:18 p.m.

    #Bhamchat – I am looking forward to getting involved in the #blueprintbham project – especially in education and media.

  117. Laronica Conway
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:19 p.m.

    @bhamchat As one who’s been here 7 yrs, I’d say yes. Bham not only looks back too much, there’s also too many fingers pointing. #bhamchat

  118. troy ramsay
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:19 p.m.

    Q4 We cant forget our past, but we have to move on for the better of the area #bhamchat

  119. Chase Pearson
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:19 p.m.

    #bhamchat – For too long we have looked back in shame. We have paid the price for that for decades. Finally… Let’s move forward!

  120. RSSBham
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:20 p.m.

    @Jon_Lewis Agreed! Basing teacher pay on students grades is wrong. Issue lies w/ parent & student mostly. #bhamchat

  121. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:20 p.m.

    I sense a shift in attitudes in Birmingham right now. I had a fifty year old attorney say the same thing to me tonight. #bhamchat

  122. Chris Fuhrmeister
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:21 p.m.

    Looking back is necessary if we want to move forward. Need to fondly remember good times and learn from the bad times. #bhamchat

  123. Chase Pearson
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:22 p.m.

    #bhamchat – I disagree with laying all the blame on Parents and Students… It’s teachers too. Not all but most! The results I see prove it!

  124. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:22 p.m.

    @cfuhrmeister we can learn from the past without dwelling on it. #bhamchat

  125. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:23 p.m.

    We’ll slip one more question in and let the transcript track until 8:45 p.m. tonight… #bhamchat

  126. devo50
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:23 p.m.

    @Jon_Lewis Is #bhamchat still going on?

  127. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:23 p.m.

    Q5 Where do you want to see metro Birmingham be by 2015? #bham #blueprintbham #bhamchat

  128. RSSBham
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:23 p.m.

    @J_W_Little With proper support, teachers have plenty of incentive. Just ask one to find out. Stop blaming and start supporting! #bhamchat

  129. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:24 p.m.

    @devo50 Yes, welcome aboard. #bhamchat

  130. Cynthia D. Miller
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:24 p.m.

    @RSSBham But do you not agree that student grades are a direct reflection on the quality of teaching?? #bhamchat

  131. Andre Natta
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:24 p.m.

    RT @bhamchat: Q5 Where do you want to see metro Birmingham be by 2015? #bham #blueprintbham #bhamchat

  132. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:24 p.m.

    Q5 What exactly are you asking? #bhamchat

  133. bhamterminal
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:24 p.m.

    RT @bhamchat: Q5 Where do you want to see metro Birmingham be by 2015? #bham #blueprintbham #bhamchat

  134. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:25 p.m.

    @devo50 we’re going to run a little over tonight – until 8:45 p.m. CT #bhamchat

  135. Cynthia D. Miller
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:25 p.m.

    @bhamchat Q5: With the benefits of Atlanta, including rail system & all sports venues. Not realistic but one can dream. #bhamchat

  136. troy ramsay
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:26 p.m.

    Q5: I want to see people stop comparing us to other places that are better off. i want bham on the same level as those cities #bhamchat

  137. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:26 p.m.

    @RSSBham I don’t think the issue is black and white. There is a lot of grey. #bhamchat All I’m saying is when you have a school system…

  138. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:26 p.m.

    RT @thegeekwife: @bhamchat Q5: With the benefits of Atlanta, including rail system & all sports venues. one can dream. #bhamchat

  139. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:27 p.m.

    @RSSBham #bhamchat ..that is graduated only half the kids that start and most of them are reading on a 5th grade level there is a problem

  140. Laronica Conway
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:27 p.m.

    Q5 I guess I’d like to see an influx of new blood, new people & new ideas move to bham. No one’s moving here. why is that? #bhamchat

  141. Chase Pearson
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:27 p.m.

    #bhamchat The issue is black and white. Our kids can’t read. Reading is the foundation of all education.

  142. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:27 p.m.

    @RSSBham #bhamchat and its not all bad teachers or all bad parents but its enough of both to have horrible effects. And as a member of the..

  143. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:28 p.m.

    An educated workforce w diversified industry. More amenities like RR Park (baseball park – dome). More importantly – mass transit. #bhamchat

  144. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:28 p.m.

    @RSSBham #bhamchat public we can only demand better results from the system and when we see innovations in charter schools that have

  145. Cynthia D. Miller
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:28 p.m.

    @THEMRMCO My question is HOW they got to HS that way? Whose fault is that? Who kept passing them? I don’t get it! #bhamchat

  146. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:29 p.m.

    RT @louisianagirl91: Q5 I guess Id like to see an influx of new blood, new people & ideas move to bham. Why does No one move here? #bhamchat

  147. Chase Pearson
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:29 p.m.

    #bhamchat Q5 – It’s not new blood that is required. Let’s utilize the people we have. Showcase our great people! More will join us soon!

  148. Jim Little
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:29 p.m.

    @RSSBham #bhamchat that have really good results we should demand them for all the children and not just those who are lucky or rich enough

  149. devo50
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:30 p.m.

    @bhamchat I agree w/@Jon_Lewis that Bham needs to catch up w/ big cities. #bhamchat

  150. Cynthia D. Miller
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:30 p.m.

    @Jon_Lewis It doesn’t help when you have a candidate for governor saying Bham is not a mass transit city. #bhamchat

  151. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:31 p.m.

    @thegeekwife That was unbelievable. How could Bentley say that? Incredibly ignorant or pandoring to his constituents? #bhamchat

  152. Andre Natta
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:31 p.m.

    @louisianagirl91 we move here, we just don’t normally jump right in; but there are a lot of non-natives in #bham right now – #bhamchat

  153. GA Trial Lawyers
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:31 p.m.

    RT @Jon_Lewis: RT @bhamchat Q5: With benefits of Atl incl rail system/sports venues. #bhamchat IMHO Bham should aspire to be Charlotte

  154. Chase Pearson
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:31 p.m.

    #bhamchat How they got to high school. Social Promotion? If our graduation and standardized exams were not written on 7th grade level …

  155. troy ramsay
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:32 p.m.

    When Davis lost to Sparks bham took a hit #bhamchat

  156. Cynthia D. Miller
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:32 p.m.

    @Jon_Lewis Don’t get me started on either of them, they are both not good for this city, period. #bhamchat

  157. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:33 p.m.

    @thegeekwife Agree but at least Sparks is more progressive. We only have two choices. #bhamchat

  158. RSSBham
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:33 p.m.

    @J_W_Little I agree the system is flawed. Just hate seeing teachers get all the blame. 😉 140 chars not enough to explain #bhamchat

  159. ageorgialawyer/MarkZ
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:34 p.m.

    RT @Jon_Lewis: Q5 Id like to see influx of new blood Why does No 1 move here?(bc it’s not progressive enough.I lived there 3yrs #bhamchat

  160. Cynthia D. Miller
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:34 p.m.

    @Jon_Lewis Understood, but I stand by my statement, if Bentley wins I am moving from Alabama. #bhamchat

  161. Laronica Conway
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:34 p.m.

    @THEMRMCO not sure I agree, new folks come IN w/ideas & are willing 2 try them. those already here don’t like ‘change’, afraid? #bhamchat

  162. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:35 p.m.

    OK folks, back on topic – your vision for #bham in 2015 #bhamchat

  163. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:35 p.m.

    @RSSBham @J_W_Little You cannot just blame teachers. It is a combination of Students, parents, teachers, government and system. #bhamchat

  164. Chase Pearson
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:35 p.m.

    #bhamchat The non-natives… Well you are here now. I for one am grateful for anyone willing to work to better our area and people!

  165. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:35 p.m.

    @thegeekwife LOL (kind of) #bhamchat

  166. Cynthia D. Miller
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:35 p.m.

    @louisianagirl91 It goes back to whae we said earlier, lots & lots of old money and lots of history, they don’t like change. #bhamchat

  167. RSSBham
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:36 p.m.

    Would love to discuss further but work beckons. Another time? #bhamchat

  168. Chase Pearson
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:36 p.m.

    #bhamchat Politics In Alabama? Ohhh boy! The most distasteful thing about it is… Good people won’t go anywhere near it. Oh But I will!

  169. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:36 p.m.

    RT @thegeekwife: @louisianagirl91 what we said earlier, lots & lots of old money and lots of history, they dont like change. #bhamchat

  170. Cynthia D. Miller
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:36 p.m.

    @louisianagirl91 It goes back to what we said earlier, lots & lots of old money and lots of history, they don’t like change. #bhamchat

  171. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:36 p.m.

    @RSSBham Have a great night! #bhamchat

  172. Laronica Conway
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:37 p.m.

    there is NO reason why Bham can’t be the crossroads of the south. Thousands drive THRU, but what would make them come back? #bhamchat

  173. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:38 p.m.

    @louisianagirl91 People do come back. They love it here. I have heard so many people say, “I never knew Birmingham was so nice” #bhamchat

  174. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:38 p.m.

    OK – do folks have a (read: ONE) link to an event or website to share w/everyone? (metro #bham related of course) #bhamchat

  175. Chase Pearson
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:39 p.m.

    #bhamchat #blueprintbham – So ok.. It’s time to do more than promote the nightlife in Birmingham. How about a online radio show each week?

  176. devo50
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:41 p.m.

    @THEMRMCO Politics in AL is no diff than any where else. More people need to get out there to vote. #bhamchat we need to promote voting

  177. Chase Pearson
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:42 p.m.

    #bhamchat / #bham Birmingham Websites… Check out Magic City Online @ http://bit.ly/bGSkRt –

  178. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:42 p.m.

    Birmingham Wing Fest on October 9 – http://www.bhamwingfest.com/ #bhamchat

  179. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:43 p.m.

    Well, we’re about to stop the formal portion of #bhamchat; we’ll be putting up archives tomorrow morning for the last two weeks.

  180. Chase Pearson
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:43 p.m.

    #bhamchat / #bham lord knows I need to add more to it. Let me know what you want.

  181. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:43 p.m.

    For more info, contact @bhamwingfest #bhamchat

  182. bhamchat
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:43 p.m.

    Thanks to everyone for stopping by this evening! If you have ideas for future chats, please reply to us w/out the #bhamchat hashtag…

  183. Donnie Garvich
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:43 p.m.

    @Jon_Lewis oooh…. Didn’t know about this. Thanks! #bhamchat

  184. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:44 p.m.

    Have a great night everyone!! #bhamchat

  185. Donnie Garvich
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:44 p.m.

    @bhamchat thanks for hosting again! #bhamchat

  186. Chase Pearson
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:44 p.m.

    #bhamchat #bham I will devote some studio time for radio and video promotions for Birmingham. Find me on Facebook @ http://bit.ly/bgX2uT

  187. Jon_Lewis
    Sept. 28, 2010, 8:44 p.m.

    Thanks @bhamchat and @acnatta #bhamchat
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