Yesterday I took a walk and noticed that the parking lot next to 88 Sports Bar (88 N. Main) had been fenced off. GOOD! That lot was a haven for bums to hang out. They’d go buy beer at Jack’s and sit in the parking lot and drink. One less place for them to go. Maybe they’ll move on. Twice in the past two weeks, I’ve thought about giving 88 Sports Bar a try (haven’t been in there yet), but decided against it both times when I saw 5 to 8 bums congregated outside the front door.
Worse news for Barack Obama… the RealClearPolitics “no toss up states” electoral map shows him trailing John McCain for the first time, 274 electoral votes to 264. Latest polls flipped Indiana red, giving McCain the edge, although several states are still within the margin of error. He better hurry up and announce his VP.
The reigning Miss America will serve as honorary duckmaster this Saturday at the Peabody. She’ll march the ducks from 4:45 to 5 PM. If you plan on going, I recommend getting there at least a half hour early to stake out a place to sit or stand with a good view.
The Center for Southern Folklore has a new website, and it’s a ten million percent improvement over the old site. Check it out. Information about upcoming shows at the Center, and about the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival at the end of this month. If you’re a fan of real Memphis and regional music, you’ll want to bookmark their site and check their calendar frequently.
Divine Rags is planning a 5K Unity Run on the streets of Downtown Memphis on Saturday, September 27. There is a $25 entry fee to cover the costs of police blocking off the streets, but listen to this – winner gets a $1,000 store credit. Nice! Go by the store (Main at Pontotoc) if you want to sign up.
Yesterday I got MPACT Memphis’ e-mail summarizing what’s going on in the next month, and their calendar is loaded with good events: A 5K run/walk in Soulsville (tonight); a field trip to the Brooks’ “after hours” party (September 4); lunch bunch gatherings at the Flying Fish (9/5) and Swanky’s Taco Shop (9/9); happy hour at LoLo’s Table (9/9); a forum on crime featuring Larry Godwin and other speakers (9/10); a field trip to get a look at the operations of Hands on Memphis (9/17); a dinner club at Sweet Bistro and Desserterie (9/18); and an “Mpact 101” orientation session at Calhoun’s (9/22). If you’re a young professional looking to get more involved in the community or find people like you to socialize with, check them out at mpactmemphis.org.
Speaking of Calhoun’s, I was in there last night for the first time in a couple of weeks. Had a good time playing the video crack machine (stupid money-eating trivia games) and watching the Olympics and drinking $1.50 PBR. Tonight I have a plate party at the Saucer and a bon voyage party at Raiford’s to attend in the early evening. Not sure what I’ll get into after that.
I feel a rant coming on about the bum situation around 88 Sports Bar. Maybe I’ll type it up at lunch, or tomorrow if other things occupy me today.