Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton was all set to raise our property taxes -- again. Now, I know that the new mayor isn't responsible for the city's undeniably high property tax rates. Nonetheless, we have already been taxed immensely here in Memphis.

The city council apparently agreed and passed a resolution to stop the city from raising property taxes -- for now, at least.

The problem is, the proposed increase was going to be used to help fund Memphis City Schools. It still remains to be seen where all of that funding will come from.

Do you agree with the city council's decision to stop a tax increase? Or do you feel the funding of our schools is worth the extra 31 cents? Weigh in by voting in the poll below.

This morning after my garbage was picked up, I found a flyer on my trash can announcing the holiday schedule for next week. If you are serviced by the City of Memphis Solid Waste Management or All Star Waste Systems, your trash and recycling pick up days may be different next week. Due to the observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, many customers will have a pick up earlier in the week than normal. Some customers will also be affected by a schedule change the following week due to New Year's Day.

The City of Memphis website has a handy garbage pickup schedule which will show you all the changes for this holiday season, as well as holidays in the coming year. You might even want to print it out so you don't miss a trash day--especially next week when you are likely to have extra trash from wrapping paper, boxes, etc.

Photo courtesy of SXC

Beale Street is world-famous as a destination for great music. Because there is so much music available, though, it can be a daunting task to weed through the mediocre to get to the best of it.

Fortunately, About.com's contributing writer, Harmony Stewart, is an expert on Memphis nightlife. Recently, she shared her insight on the best venues on Beale Street to catch top-notch musical acts.

There are obvious spots on her list such as B.B. King's but also a couple that might surprise you. Click here to read the entire article.

When I was a kid, we got out of school each year for about two weeks beginning in the middle of December. We called this two week period Christmas Break. Today, it is politically incorrect to have a Christmas Break, so instead, most school districts will be closed for Winter Break. Call it what you want, but let's be real -- this particular break from school was made for the observance of Christmas.

It's kind of like the notion of a "Holiday Tree." Are we trying to avoid offending those that celebrate a holiday other than Christmas? My guess is that folks who don't celebrate Christmas probably also don't decorate a Christmas tree. Perhaps we should start referring to the Hanukkah Menorah as a Holiday Menorah. After all, we sure don't want to offend the people who don't celebrate Hanukkah.

But enough of my soap box. Back to Winter Break. Memphis City students will begin their break on Friday the 18th. DeSoto County students will kick off their break on the 18th with a 60% day. Tipton County students will begin their break with an 11:30 dismissal on the 18th. Shelby County students will begin their break on Monday the 21st. For a complete list of dates, check out these school calendars.