Paul Ryburn’s Journal

I’m hearing multiple reports that Downtown Memphis smells like vomit right now, particularly around the City Hall area.

Good news for those who have to drive on Memphis streets: The city is buying 10 snow plow blades to use on the streets starting next winter. Total cost will be about $100,000. The blades won’t be here in time for tomorrow’s predicted winter storm.

Some more good news, too: The MemphisWeather.net forecast extended outlook for March 10-16 shows temperatures above average, and precipitation well below average. In other words, not like the past three weeks! Normal temperatures for that time span are 62-64 highs and 42-44 lows. Maybe we’ll get some 70 degree temps.

Author Craig David Meek discussed Memphis’ most underrated BBQ spots with the First We Feast site.

This sounds yummy: Bake tater tots in peppers for a quick, delicious snack

The Grizzlies play Utah at FedExForum tonight, 7 PM.

You can volunteer with the Coast Guard for a Spring Emergency Response exercise Monday, April 22 4-7 PM.

The Church Health Center has a dental assistant position open.

The redevelopers of the Tennessee Brewery have been granted a variance to build 150 apartment units. The normal limit in the South Main area is 55.

Looking at the hourly forecast on WeatherBug to figure out my attire for this evening. Here is the Paul Ryburn Fashion Guide in case you didn’t know:

Temperature above 38 – Flip-flops
Wind chill above 48 – PBR hoodie and shorts
Wind chill above 60 – T-shirt and shorts
Shirt with collar – Only when absolutely necessary
Tie – Only for job interviews, Halloween, and Blind Bear speakeasy parties
Outfit a female tells me I am wearing – laugh and put on different outfit

The wind chills this evening, believe it or not, fall in the T-shirt and shorts category. Not sure if I believe it, so I may bring along one of my Pink Pig fleeces just in case. Out at the usual spots after work. I probably will play poker tonight at 8 at the Blind Bear.

Second post today. I got up early this morning and made a post with several photos. Scroll down when you’re done with this one if you haven’t read it yet.

Running group The Salty Dogs is having a run to Mud Island tonight at 7 PM. The runners depart every Monday from Bardog Tavern, and after the run is concluded there are specials for runners in the Underdog Room. It’s free to join them and they are some really nice people, so it’s a chance to make some new friends. Look for me there – I will be the guy sitting at the bar sipping a PBR watching the runners depart.

The always excellent Copeland Coaching site has a Memphis Grizzlies job posted, for the position of Controller.

The Grizzlies have a new social hub, an app for both iOS and Android which lets you keep up with the team.

Did you realize that Sunday is the start of Daylight Saving Time? The sun will set at 7:02 PM on Sunday.

In the South Main Association meeting on Tuesday, March 10, you will be able to hear update plans for the trolleys. The meeting will be in the Riverfront Bar & Grill at Beale Street Landing, 6 PM social, 6:30 meeting. Free parking in the Landing’s lot, appetizers courtesy of the bar & grill and the SMA, cash bar. Free for SMA members, $10 non-members.

@highgroundnews tweeted that for the next 10 days, you can donate 12 meals a day to Mid-South Food Bank for FREE by texting “Hunger” to 35350 thanks to General Mills.

@JohnMartin929 reports that the MRI is in for Tigers forward Austin Nichols. He has a high ankle sprain and deep bone bruise, an injury he suffered in the second half of Saturday’s game. He’s likely done for 2014-15.

Good article for beer lovers: 10 important advances made because of beer

ioby has $50K matching funds available for neighborhood projects in Memphis. You have until Friday to apply. Details here.

That’s it for now. After work I’ll lead off at Melissa Monday at Bardog, then decide which of Pint Nite at the Saucer or British Bingo at Blind Bear strikes my fancy. Time to eat some junk from the vending machine then get back to today’s work task of sorting out WordPress permalinks. Back tomorrow or maybe even tonight with more news.

Yesterday afternoon, Paul Morris who runs DMC posted this:

I love my job running DMC, but I’ve decided this is the year to move on. Later this year I’ll be joining the family business, Jack Morris Auto Glass. I look forward to finishing strong this year at DMC and then running and growing a small business.

I’ve known Paul ever since he was my neighbor across the hall in Number 10. I’m very happy to hear that he has new ventures about which he is excited, but damn, Downtown Memphis Commission is losing a good man. After Paul’s presidency and Jeff Sanford before him, whoever is chosen to run DMC next is going to have some mighty big shoes to fill. As Paul himself says, it’s tricky. Thank you Paul for your years of service. Downtown is a better place because of the work you have done. The Memphis Daily News has an article in which Paul explains why he’s stepping down.

Paul’s resignation was not the only one we learned of yesterday. Memphis Symphony Orchestra conductor Mei-Ann Chen plans to step down after the 2015-16 season. The orchestra performs the works of Mozart, Gershwin and Rachmaninoff tonight at the Cannon Center.

Last month I told you about my “DAWG” John D’s subscription to Loot Crate, from which he gets a gift box full of random goodies for geeks once a month. Well, there’s a pet version that is similar to that service, called PetPack, and there’s a Groupon deal going on for it right now. You provide basic information about your dog, cat or other pet, and once a month the pet will receive a care package full of all-natural treats, toys, and grooming products. $19 for a one-month subscription, $49 for a three-month with the deal.

A man died during the Grizzlies game last night. No foul play was involved.

If you’re thinking about going to the March 14 Santana concert at the Orpheum, you’re going to have to hit the black market. The theater announced yesterday that tickets are sold out.

The Mid-South Food Bank pinned its 12 most needed items yesterday: Peanut butter, cereal, tuna, beans, rice, mac & cheese, chili, canned stews, canned soup, canned lunch meat, full meals in a box or can, and pop top food items. If you don’t feel like going grocery shopping, a cash donation will work too, and the donation’s purchasing power will multiply thanks to the food bank’s partnerships.

If you wish you could attend the Calvary Lenten Series but can’t because you work too far from Downtown, the series’ preaching archive is online. Unfortunately it isn’t possible to download the waffles too.

The Memphis Tigers host Tulsa in their final home game of the season tonight at FedExForum at 7.

As my friend Marc would ask, “PAUL, WHAT DAY IS THIS?????” It’s Saturday and that means it’s a day for DRANKS. Well, every day is a day for dranks, but Saturday especially. Panda time at Bardog at 11, then over to the Bear 1-1:30ish (give or take) to see my favorite pair of librarian glasses. Undecided where I will watch the Arkansas-Kentucky game at 3. It’s time to CALL THOSE HOGS!!!

The first 5000 fans in FedExForum tomorrow for the Grizzlies game vs. the L.A. Clippers were to get Grizzlies flip-flops, in observation of all the “flopping” the Clippers do in their games. However, this time the manufacturer flopped. The flip-flops will not be ready for tomorrow’s game, so vouchers will be handed out. Flip-flops will be able to be picked up Tuesday, April 14. Details here.

The Silly Goose has made their omelet bar a permanent addition to Sunday Fun Day. For $8 you can get an omelet any way you like with waffle and sausage. The Goose also has a make-your-own Bloody Mary bar on Sunday for $3 and $3 mimosas as well.

Breaking news: The FCC has approved new net neutrality rules. “The Internet is simply too important to allow broadband providers to be making the rules,” said the committee chairman. More info here.

From the CA: 5 things to know about the proposed rules that will regulate Uber and Lyft.

The 63rd annual Mid-South Farm and Gin Show kicks off tomorrow at the Cook Convention Center.

A friend of mine in the airline business tipped me off that Allegiant’s fares are not as cheap as they look. Allegiant, which will offer direct flights from Memphis to Orlando, Las Vegas, and Fort Lauderdale, charges extra for things as simple as a Coke or carrying on a piece of luggage.

Holly has updated her guide to cheap drinking in Memphis. This is a must-bookmark.

Aldo’s Pizza Pies is hiring for all positions for its Midtown location. Stop by 752 S. Cooper today, tomorrow, or Monday between 1 and 4 PM with a resume.

Getting a haircut after work, so will be late getting out. Due to the late shift in hitting all my spots, I will likely sit out Bardog poker this week.

Four chefs will face off at a competition called Booya Base at Cafe Keough on Sunday, March 8. Chef Demitrie Phillips will own the home court advantage as he competes against three others to see who can make the best version of bouillabaisse, a fish-and-seafood dish.

From BrainVacation: Basic rules for driving in Memphis. These are all very true. Thanks to @StevePacheco for tweeting.

Want to plan a group outing to the Cotton Museum? There’s a Groupon for discount admission. $11 for two people, $20 for four, or $35 for ten.

Krispy Kreme is giving away donuts today. Each customer will get one free original glazed donut in celebration of the chain’s 1000th store. Free donuts? Wonder if the Nuh-Uh Girl will show up.

A new low-cost airline is coming to Memphis with direct flights to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Las Vegas.

The guy playing Pumbaa in “The Lion King” at the Orpheum was the Peabody’s honorary Duckmaster today.

The Memphis in May Beale Street Music Fest lineup will drop at 10 tomorrow morning.

Want to take a shelter dog for a walk? There may soon be an app for that.

The Grizzlies’ next beer-tasting night is Friday against the Clippers. A special ticket gets you beer to taste and a Grizzlies pint glass. Details here.

A site named Scoutology recently published a list of the top 10 cocktail bars in Tennessee. The Blind Bear made the list.

Note for wrestling fans: ESPN will air the long-anticipated piece on the Von Erich family Friday at 5 during the Sports Center show.

That’ll wrap it up for now. I’ll be out at the usual spots after work.