The Steve Cohen event at The Warehouse was a great event. Good music (haven’t heard the Bluff City Backsliders in a couple of years), great beer (Naked Lion Copper Flask!), great people.
I do have one suggestion. When I walked in, I went to the counter by the door, where there was a guy handing out Cohen stickers, buttons, and literature. “Is this where I drop off my donation?” I asked.
“Nah, I guess you can just give it to the bartenders,” he said.
So I went over, got a beer, and handed them the $25 suggested donation. But I could have just as easily handed them a $1 bill and no one would have batted an eye. They missed a huge chance for fundraising there. I understand they can’t require donations, but someone should have been standing at the door saying, “Admission is free, but if YOU WANT TO DONATE (waving tip bucket in people’s faces), most people are giving $25. Also, if you want to leave your name, e-mail address, and phone number (waving clipboard in people’s faces), we’ll get back with you with opportunities to volunteer for Steve’s campaign.” I’m just saying, a lot of money went home in people’s wallets that could have gone home in Steve’s campaign war chest if the volunteers had been more assertive.
Why I will always write for myself and no one else: Last night I was going to do a Cohen party photo album, but I had to be careful not to take photos of members of the media or of quasi-government nonprofit agencies who have to appear neutral. I understand that’s how it has to be, but it’s why you’ll never see me writing for the CA or working for an official agency that promotes Memphis. I refuse to give up my voice.
And since I have my voice, I want to state my opinion: Nikki Tinker scares me. It’s not because I disagree with her on the issues – I don’t know that I do, because she hasn’t spoken about any of the issues. Rather, it’s that she just doesn’t seem to possess the intelligence necessary to succeed in the office for which she’s running. I worry that if she gets elected, she’ll be in over her head, and will become prey to people who want to use her office for their personal gain – lobbyists, special interests, people and corporations who don’t have the public’s best interest in mind. I had a similar fear about a presidential candidate 8 years ago, and unfortunately, he won and went on to prove me right.
So now it’s Sunday, and this week, I’m not skipping brunch. It’s Blue Monkey week 1 in the rotation and I’ll be there at 11. Afterward, it will be time to kick Pete’s ass at pool at the Saucer, and later in the day I may very well participate in one of these fine Sunday activities in Downtown Memphis (although, I won’t be riding the trolley, since it shuts down too early). Later in the day, I’ll probably go get my laptop and return to the Saucer for round 2, because I’m very close to rolling out my newest online shopping website. Look for an announcement later today. My friend Bicycle Bobby will love this one.
Also, check back tomorrow at 8 AM for a look at someone who is quite possibly the biggest ASSHOLE in all of Downtown Memphis. I’ve already typed the post, but have set it to post Monday at 8 AM because Monday tends to be the blog’s highest-traffic day of the week. No, it isn’t a post about His Honor our Mayor.
Speaking of whom… blogger Thaddeus Matthews also heard the rumors that King Willie was being indicted Thursday. Even though nothing came of it, Matthews said he heard from multiple sources in law enforcement that Herenton was taken away in handcuffs. Matthews’ sources also tell him it’s not a matter of if, but when, the mayor will be indicted, and that Willie’s cronies are worried that some of the mayor’s dirt may get on them.
Time for Sunday Fun Day. Check back later today for more…